Social analysis of a watershed restoration project in central Idaho

The purpose of this study is to explore meanings of success in watershed restoration projects. Though restoration has both inherent ecological and social components, the social elements often remain unexamined. Using the Mores Creek Watershed Floodplain Restoration Project in Central Idaho as a case study, this study first reviews existing literature pertaining to watershed restoration, landscape ecology, and ecosystem services, and then uses stakeholder interviews to analyze restoration goals, perceptions of success and failure, and perceived benefits and burdens of the restored watershed. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations for maximizing success in watershed restoration projects.