A Framework for developing monitoring plans for coastal wetland restoration and living shoreline projects in New Jersey

Abstract

Monitoring of coastal restoration projects is needed in order to assess project performance (both in the general effectiveness of the restoration technique and in regard to meeting project-specific ecological and/ or socioeconomic goals) and to inform adaptive management. This document provides guidance on how to select monitoring metrics and develop a monitoring plan for coastal wetland restoration and living shoreline projects in New Jersey. Because it is important for all projects to have some level of monitoring, this framework is intended to cover a variety of coastal wetland restoration and living shoreline techniques and be adaptable to the needs of users from a range of backgrounds - from those with little experience and small budgets, to experts with larger budgets who may plan to publish their findings and advance the understanding of living shoreline and wetland restoration activities.