Thinking outside the channel: Challenges and opportunities for protection and restoration of stream morphology in urbanizing catchments

Abstract

Urbanization of catchments profoundly changes the morphology of streams by increasing stormwater runoff, altering sediment regimes, and limiting space for channel change. Management response commonly involves addressing the symptoms of urbanization by reconfiguration and partial hard-lining of the channel. Mounting evidence suggests, however, that stream restoration goals may be better achieved by addressing the causes of channel degradation at a catchment scale, increasing opportunities to work with geomorphic processes. The challenges of this approach in urban catchments have not been comprehensively explored. In this perspective essay we describe how stream restoration in urban catchments..