Methods used in freshwater wetland restoration include blocking drainage ditches, breaking tile drains, creating depressional areas, and recreating natural drainageways and stream meanders. Sometimes native vegetation is planted to speed up the restoration process. In other cases, stream restoration can involve innovative bioengineering techniques to re-create the shape and structure of the stream. Habitat restoration for specific fish and wildlife species, such as endangered species, can take many forms depending on the habitat needs of the wildlife. At many sites, several methods of restoration are done together.
Native vegetation is always a priority for restoration.
Most wetland restorations are designed to require very little or no maintenance. Keeping livestock off dikes and maintaining water control structures are usually all that is required. This minor maintenance is generally the responsibility of the landowner. Major maintenance requirements, such as repairing dikes or replacing water control structures, are reviewed on a case by case basis. Structural repairs that are required within the first year or two after construction, and are the result of improper design or construction techniques, will be repaired by the Service.