Habitat restoration projects often rely on construction and engineering services from the home state, province or town, so economic impacts stay "close to home"
Fisheries Recovery
Barrier removals on coastal streams are key to the recovery of rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) and other species that require access to freshwater and marine environments Photo credit: Claire Enterline
Wildlife Benefits
Game species like these American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) benefit from projects restoring coastal marshes and tidal flow
Economics and Safety
The undersized culvert on the road crossing over Thomas Bay periodically flooded, endangering the public’s well-being and requiring road repairs
Economics and Safety
Thomas Bay Marsh, during installation of a “Stream-Smart” road crossing
Economics and Safety
Thomas Bay Marsh, after installation of a “Stream-Smart” crossing that’s more resilient to both higher flows and tides
Indirect Wildlife Benefits
Restored tidal flow increases the amount of prey available for species of management concern like seabirds
Connectivity is Key
Projects that restore access to critical habitats like those for spawning alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) can rejuvenate populations extirpated centuries ago
Restoration in Action
Montsweag Brook, before removal of an aging and unwanted dam
Restoration in Action
Montsweag Brook, during dam removal
Restoration in Action
Montsweag Brook during the first growing season following dam removal
Restoring Natural Communities
Species like eelgrass (Zostera marina) are the focus of restoration efforts because they provide habitat for entire communities of dependent species
Science-Based Approaches
Monitoring to learn how systems respond to restoration action is a important feature of our projects
Returning the Tides
Removal of tidal restrictions restores marsh conditions that help entire communities of species like the Great Egret (Ardea alba) thrive
Restoration in Action
The Little River before removal of an unwanted dam that blocked over 20 miles of stream habitat
Restoration in Action
The Little River during dam removal
Restoration in Action
The Little River under free flowing conditions
Species Recovery
Waterbirds like Brant (Branta bernicla) are one of many species that can benefit from eelgrass restoration
Restored Economics and Traditions
Restored habitats benefit species supporting both commercial and recreational fisheries, like this winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)
Restoration in Action
Muscongus Brook, before two perched and undersized culverts were replaced to revive a local alewife run
Restoration in Action
Muscongus Brook, during construction of a bridge meant to restore stream processes and fish passage
Restoration in Action
Muscongus Brook, with a new road crossing that will allow the recovery of historical alewife and sea-run brook trout populations