Is SAV currently

recovering in the
Estuary?
Yes, SAV is
recovering on its
own (threshold -
rate, coverage,
abundance)
Don't need to
restore
No, recovery is
not happening
at all
Yes, but recovery
is happening too
slowly (threshold)
Can you identify
factors impeding
recovery? Consider
both current state and
trends.
Yes - Consider
intervention or wait until
conditions improve, then
continue with site
assessment
No - Monitor, wait
until conditions
improve, and try to
better understand
impediments.
Yes, in some areas,
but not in others
Identify priority areas
and continue with
site assessment
Are the logistical
requirements satisfied
for this site? (funding,
expertise, project team,
integration HREP)
No
Look for resources
etc. first. Continue
with site
assessment if
successful.
Yes
Are there external
factors that would limit
recovery here? (e.g.,
marina, bulkhead, boat
traffic, wakes, poor
water quality)
Yes
Wait until these
factors are resolved,
actively try to resolve
them, or look
elsewhere
No
Has SAV been
documented here
in the past?
No
Are environmental
conditions suitable
now? (water quality,
clarity, and depth;
sediment type and
quantity - thresholds)
Yes
Are the trends
in conditions
positive?
No
Don't restore.
Continue to monitor
conditions and
consider restoration
if trends improve.
Yes
Consider
restoration -
continue with
site assessment.
No
Are the trends in
conditions
positive?
Yes
Continue to monitor
conditions. Consider
restoration if
conditions become
suitable.
No
Don't restore
unless
conditions
improve.
Yes
Are environmental
conditions suitable?
(water quality, clarity,
and depth; sediment
type and quantity -
thresholds)
No
Are the trends
in conditions
positive?
Yes
Continue to
monitor. Consider
restoration if
conditions become
suitable.
No
Don't
restore.
Yes
Are the trends in
conditions positive?
No
Don't restore.
Continue to monitor
and consider
restoration if trends
improve.
Yes
Are there invasive
species at this site that
would interfere with
success?
Yes
Consider feasibility of
management before
restoration, or the
possibility of using
restoration to compete
with the invasives.
Consider
other sites
without
pressure
from
invasives.
No
Is restoration
technically
feasible here?
Yes
Restore
No
Don't restore
- look for
sites that are
feasible
Big-picture: To restore or not to restore
SAV in the Hudson River Estuary?
Preliminary decision: Do we know that
SAV is important in the Estuary and that
we want it back?
Site Assessment