Assessing the hydrologic and physical conditions of a drainage basin

An assessment of a drainage basin and its stream corridor will provide the data and information needed to understand current biophysical conditions and trends. Developing an understanding of the drivers of change is the next essential step for restoration success (Osterkamp and Toy, 1997; Corenbilt et al., 2007; Briggs and Osterkamp, 2003), Shields et al. 2003; Osterkamp et al., 2011). Establishing such a robust scientific foundation will allow stream practitioners to develop realistic restoration objectives and the tactics that will be effective to achieve them. Accomplishing this requires collecting data at watershed and reach scales and by drawing on scientific data from areas where conditions may be similar to, or applicable to, your site. Although decisions should be backed by conclusive data, to make progress we need to rely on the best available information, even if scientific uncertainty remains. Additional information will become available, so it is necessary to plan a project in a manner that incorporates available knowledge and permits goals, objectives, and tactics to be adjusted accordingly.