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Suitable Stream Morphology
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A low gradient stream with a low width:depth ratio (<12) and medium to high sinuosity (>1.2), except in meadows believed to have no natural channel (e.g. [25])
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Best evidence: Survey data on pre- and post-project stream channel morphology
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Other evidence: Photo points, high resolution aerial photography, qualitative descriptions
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Stable Streambanks
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Streambanks with the capacity to withstand repeated high water/flooding events without significant loss of bank material (except in meadows believed to have no natural channel (e.g. [25])
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Best evidence: Survey data on post-project stream channel morphology following repeated hydrologic events
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Other evidence: Photo points taken after several seasons, qualitative descriptions of the effects of hydrologic events
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High Water Table
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High water tables are present within the meadow for long enough periods to result in reduced soil conditions near the soil surface (i.e. water table <30cm from soil surface for a period of at least 14 consecutive days during the growing season) and that allows for the support of native wetland plant species
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Best evidence: Data from water table wells and stream hydrographs; redox potential measurements taken within the top 30 cm of the soil column.
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Other evidence: Visual observations of water levels, evidence of flooding, and soil redoximorphic characteristics; evidence of a transition to hydrophytic vegetation
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Organic Matter Assimilation
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Characterized by a high percentage of organic matter in diagnostic soil horizons and/or a high rate of organic matter accumulation (the latter may be especially important in newer restoration sites)
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Best evidence: Measurements of soil organic matter content, with comparison to suitable reference sites
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Other evidence: Descriptions of soil horizons, soil color assessments using Munsell soil color charts
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Perennial Native Vegetation
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Perennial native vegetation covers ≥75% of the streambanks and ≥ 50% of the floodplain and is comprised predominantly of native, perennial species, especially wetland graminoid species with extensive and highly fibrous root systems (e.g., Carex spp.)
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Best evidence: Quantitative data on species composition, cover and biomass using accepted vegetation measurement techniques and appropriate sample sizes
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Other evidence: Quantitative data from small samples; photo points; qualitative descriptions
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Presence of Native Fauna
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The presence and relative abundance of both aquatic and terrestrial organisms is similar to comparable reference sites
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Best evidence: Quantitative data on target species using accepted techniques and sampling intensities
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Other evidence: Visual evidence of species presence and abundance
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