Streams and wetlands are critical for water supply, wildlife habitat, recreation, our scenic landscapes, and quality of life. Streams and wetlands are dynamic, complex systems and impacts by dams, roads, mining, agriculture, timber harvest, and urbanization have disrupted these systems. Erosion along streams is a serious issue -it threatens productive farmland, roads, and homes. Eroded material also fills stream beds and chokes fish habitat.

Stream restoration is the re-creation of the natural functions and features. Restoration includes a broad range of measures including removing or minimizing disturbances, installing structures and planting vegetation to protect streambanks and provide habitat, and reshaping unstable stream reaches into “naturally designed” channels and associated floodplains. CVI also restores wetlands, often associated with stream corridors, which provide critical habitat for animals while filtering pollutants and capture rain and snowmelt. Restoration of wetlands often involves removing structures designed to drain wetlands and reintroducing native plants.

These actions work together to prevent the loss of property from erosion and improve the habitat for his, birds, and other animals that live in or near wreaths and wetlands.

CVI helped pioneer natural restoration techniques in the region, and our staff have unparalleled expertise in planning, designing, constructing, and evaluating the success of restoration projects.  We are pleased to assist local communities, clients, and agency partners to develop both grant-funded and fee-based projects.