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Science in Action: Aesthetic Considerations for Stream Restoration
Citation:
Hu, S. AND Ann Keeley. Science in Action: Aesthetic Considerations for Stream Restoration. U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC, EPA/600/F-14/300, 2014.
Impact/Purpose:
Technical Fact Sheet EPA/600/F-14/300.
Description:
Aesthetics are an integral component of the social and economic benefits of stream restoration and should be considered in restoration projects for sustainable management. According to Bernhardt et al. (2005), aesthetics is one of the frequently listed goals for stream restoration in the US. Besides environmental benefits (water quality control, flood control, creation of habitat, and biodiversity increase), high quality restoration designs could create attractive aquatic environments and promote economic benefits such as urban regeneration, business growth, and increased land and property values. This document introduces the aesthetic considerations for stream restoration. Specifically, the document categorizes landscape aesthetics and visual landscape indicators that are associated with stream systems into three groups. Visual indicators with positive, negative, and mixed aesthetic effects are described and case studies illustrate the aesthetic considerations of several restoration projects.