The rivers and streams of the northern Blue Mountains are home to thousands of species. Restoring these vital waterways to their natural channels and floodplains improves habitat for fish and wildlife as well as their human neighbors.

By recreating natural features and processes, river restoration projects encourage rivers once constrained by development to reconnect with historic courses that can be seen in aerial photos from the early and mid-twentieth century. Some projects show benefits quickly with more fish utilizing restored pools, added woody debris and spawning gravels, while other benefits will take time.