RESTORATION OF LOWLAND STREAMS - AN INTRODUCTION

1. This paper introduces the Lowland Streams Restoration Workshop that was held in Lund, Sweden in August 1991. 2. Attenders at the Workshop participated in working groups which discussed and reported on the st ate of knowledge of stream restoration and identified critical areas o f information need. Currently, most restoration efforts are emission-o rientated (i.e. waste-water management), while the imitation of the ge omorphology or of the riparian vegetation of a quasi-natural or natura l reference channel receives less attention. 3. Successful stream rest oration requires a multidisciplinary approach within a holistic system framework. Monitoring the outcome of past, existing and future steam- restoration projects is required for information on the feasibility of alternative techniques and approaches. 4. It was recommended that sys tems in pristine condition serve as a point of reference and not as a goal for most stream restoration projects. Restoration goals must be c arefully defined so that everyone at every level understands the aim o f the project. At the very least, all restoration programmes should co nsider geomorphic, hydrological, biological, aesthetic, and water qual ity aspects of the system. 5. Restoration programmes should aim to cre ate a system with a stable channel, or a channel in dynamic equilibriu m that supports a self-sustaining and functionally diverse community a ssemblage; it should not concentrate on one species or group, except a t the local level. Preserving the terrestrial-aquatic interface by set ting aside riparian land corridors is critical to all stages of restor ation. Additional information on the temporal and regional variability in important system processes and functions is needed.