Investigating ephemeral stream channel restoration: from prioritization to implementation

Bringhurst, Adam (2023) Investigating ephemeral stream channel restoration: from prioritization to implementation. Doctoral thesis, Northern Arizona University.

Text Bringhurst_2023_investigating_ephemeral_stream_channel_restoration_fro.pdf - Published Version Download (2MB)

Abstract

Ephemeral stream channels (ESC) flow following precipitation events. ESC are dry most of the year. Recently, efforts to restore ESC have begun to increase. Recognized as a fundamental part of stream restoration planning is appropriate site selection. For restoration, there are methods to prioritize perennial streams, wetlands, riparian vegetation, springs, and watersheds. However, there are no methods to prioritize ESC. This research applied a mixed-method approach to answer the following: 1) What criteria are used to prioritize stream sites? 2) How can those criteria be applied to ESC? 3) How can ESC criteria be modeled spatially to identify priority restoration sites? I conducted interviews with stream restoration experts and analyzed the qualitative results using thematic methods. I developed a list of criteria used by river restoration experts in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests around the Western United States. I presented the criteria used to select sites to stakeholders, assembled as the comprehensive implementation working group (CIWG), working to support the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) in the forests of northern Arizona. The CIWG is responsible for prioritizing ESC for restoration. Through interviews with the CIWG, I developed a site selection method incorporating regional values. This site selection model is a weighted scoring calculation based on a hierarchical approach to identifying and measuring criteria at ESC. I then applied the site selection method to a spatial analysis to rank 163 candidate ESC for restoration. The results of my work showed that the criteria used to measure stream restoration sites depend on the regional values of experts and stakeholders. I found that in the semi-arid forests of northern Arizona, where ESC are prevalent and perennial streams are rare, the priority was to select sites that increase consumptive water supply in reservoirs, downstream perennial streams, and groundwater. Furthermore, I discovered that spatial analysis measurements of ESC criteria required the development of novel methods. Applying this method requires the participation and support of regional experts and stakeholders to determine important values. This research is critical to developing methods to improve the planning process of ephemeral stream restoration worldwide.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Publisher’s Statement:	© Copyright is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the Cline Library, Northern Arizona University. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
Keywords:	Ephemeral Streams; Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA); Planning for Restoration; Prioritization; Restoration; Site Selection Methods
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SB Plant culture
NAU Depositing Author Academic Status:	Student
Department/Unit:	Graduate College > Theses and Dissertations College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences > School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability
Date Deposited:	24 Oct 2025 00:06
Last Modified:	24 Oct 2025 00:06
URI:	https://openknowledge.nau.edu/id/eprint/6278

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