1. General information Location and description of the intervention City or FUA Phoenix (FUA) Region Northern America Short description of the intervention The Lower Salt River Restoration Project (LSRRP) is a riparian restoration initiative located along the Lower Salt River within the Mesa Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest. This collaborative project seeks to restore a section of the Lower Salt River Recreation Area that was severely impacted by the 2017 Cactus Fire. The Cactus Fire was a significant wildfire that caused extensive damage to vegetation and habitat in the area, highlighting the need for targeted restoration efforts to rebuild the ecosystem and mitigate future fire risks. The LSRRP’s primary activities focus on removing invasive tamarisk trees, which are highly flammable and contribute to the intensity of wildfires, and planting native seedlings to reestablish local flora. By removing tamarisk trees, the project aims to create a landscape that is more resistant to fire, reducing the wildfire risk for the region. Additionally, the project supports the abundance and diversity of native plant species by removing invasive plants and planting thousands of native riparian tree species. The restoration efforts also aim to enhance the riparian habitat by expanding two critical vegetation communities—the mesquite bosque and the cottonwood-willow gallery forest. These communities support rich biodiversity and offer essential habitats for local wildlife. Beyond ecological restoration, the project emphasizes community involvement and awareness. It provides opportunities for the local community to participate in the project through environmental education events for K-12 students and ongoing volunteer involvement in monitoring and maintaining restored areas. Overall, the Lower Salt River Restoration Project is a proactive effort to protect and revitalize the Lower Salt River Recreation Area, enhancing its ecological resilience and engaging the community in long-term conservation. (2-4, 6, 8, 11) Website of the intervention https://lsrrp.com/ Principal problems Climate-Related Hazards River flooding Heat stress & Extreme temperatures Forest fires and wildfires Environmental Degradation Biodiversity loss Invasive alien species Health, Well-being and Social cohesion Poor community engagement Implementation area characterization Climate Arid (Desert, Steppe) Ecosystem Rivers/streams Address 33.552578, -111.638379 United States Location The NBS area is spread over a linear space, the GIS coordinates serve as points along a line (e.g. along a river) Area boundary (map-based) Total area 1558040.00m² NBS area 1558040.00m² Area description Periurban (both urban and rural environments are present) Type of area before implementation of the NBS Public Greenspace Area Timeline of intervention Start date of the intervention (planning process) 2018 Start date of intervention (implementation process) 2018 End date of the intervention ongoing Present stage of the intervention Ongoing 2. Objectives of the intervention Objectives of the intervention Goals of the intervention The Lower Salt River Restoration Project defined several goals, including: To reduce wildfire risk by removing invasive tamarisk trees and planting native seedlings, creating a more fire-resistant landscape. To improve riparian habitat by restoring natural vegetation, enhancing wildlife habitat for birds and other species, and stabilizing the riverbank to reduce flooding risks. To increase biodiversity by restoring natural habitats, thereby supporting a wider diversity of plant and animal species in the area. To increase awareness and engage the local community through educational outreach programs, involving residents through partnership opportunities, environmental education events for K-12 students, and ongoing community participation in monitoring and maintaining restoration efforts. (1-6, 11) Key Priorities Climate action (adaptation and/or mitigation) Biodiversity (conservation and/or restoration) Sustainability challenge(s) addressed Climate action for adaptation, resilience and mitigation (SDG 13) Climate change adaptation Green space, habitats and biodiversity (SDG 15) Green space creation and/or management Habitat and biodiversity restoration Water management (SDG 6) Flood protection Cultural heritage and cultural diversity Preservation of natural heritage Inclusive and effective governance (SDG 16) Effective management Disaster-risk reduction Social justice, cohesion and equity (SDG 10) Environmental education Sense of community and community engagement Climate change adaptation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets? Restore rivers and other fresh water bodies to reduce flood or drought risk Improved forest management to reduce severity and spread of wildfires and super-fires What types of restoration goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention? Species-focused Ecosystem-focused What activities are implemented to realize the restoration goals and targets? Rehabilitate and restore damaged or destroyed ecosystems Restore species (native, endangered, or unspecified) Restore native species Clear and control invasive alien species Implementation activities and NBS focus Implementation activities A key part of the project was removing invasive species. Crews used tools like chainsaws and brush cutters to physically clear invasive plants, such as tamarisk, and applied herbicides to stop them from growing back and spreading. Once invasive species were removed, the focus shifted to restoring native vegetation. Thousands of native riparian trees, including cottonwood, willow, velvet mesquite, and screwbean mesquite, were planted to help re-establish the area's natural ecosystem. This step is vital for creating a more resilient and balanced environment. Habitat restoration was another major priority, particularly the revival of the mesquite bosque and cottonwood-willow gallery forest. These habitats are essential for local wildlife, providing food, shelter, and nesting areas. The project also emphasized community engagement. Programs like Green Drone AZ and Audubon Southwest’s River Pathways Program, launched in 2020, have created educational and volunteer opportunities. These initiatives encourage local involvement in monitoring and maintaining the restored habitats, ensuring long-term success. (3-5, 11) Type of NBS project Management and improved protection of rivers and other blue areas River rehabilitation/ restoration Restoration of riparian vegetation Ecological restoration of ecosystems Soil remediation and revegetation Restoration and protection of ecosystems (including water ecosystems) Protection of natural ecosystems Habitat restoration Creating nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, or biodiversity hotspots to conserve unique ecosystems Knowledge creation and awareness raising Educational and awareness raising programs Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity Clearing out invasive alien species and allow natural regeneration maintaining the functionality the ecosystem 3. NBS domains, ES and scale NBS domain and interventions Ecological domain(s) where the NBS intervention(s) is/are implemented Blue infrastructure Rivers/streams/canals/estuaries Amenities offered by the NBS Unknown Design elements for well-being None of the above Services Expected ecosystem services delivered Regulating services Flood regulation Other Habitat and supporting services Habitats for species Maintenance of genetic diversity Cultural services Intellectual interactions (scientific and / or educational) Please specify "other regulating service" Wildfire regulation (1) Scale Spatial scale Meso-scale: Regional, metropolitan and urban level Beneficiaries Demographics in implementation area The Lower Salt River Restoration Project is located within the Tonto National Forest. The population in the surrounding area is close to 1,000 and the majority is between the ages of 25-44 years (17). 30 percent of the residents identify as Hispanic while 70 percent identify as White, Non-Hispanic (17). 75 percent of the households are registered as family households with a Median Household Income of $35,000 to 49,999 (17). Socio-economic profile of the area Middle-income Communities vulnerable to environmental hazards or climate change impacts Yes Specification of climate or environmentally vulnerable communities Urban heat islands Non-government actors Non-governmental organisation (NGO) / Civil society / Churches Researchers, university Primary Beneficiaries Citizens or community groups Specify primary beneficiaries Citizens or community groups: In addition to the ecological benefits, the LSRRP aims to educate and involve the local community through partnership opportunities, environmental education events for K-12 students, and sustained community involvement in monitoring and maintaining restoration activities. The success and rapid progress of the project is the result of collaboration among federal and state agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, local corporations, and community members." (3) Marginalized groups Vulnerable populations in disaster-prone areas Measures for inclusion of marginalised groups Vulnerable populations in disaster-prone areas: "In addition to this ecological harm, the Cactus Fire posed a significant public safety threat to the local community. The LSRRP aims to mitigate the risk of wildfire by reducing fuel loads and limiting the presence and connectivity of invasive plant populations." (3) Other beneficiaries Local wildlife (e.g., birds, pollinators) Native plant vegetation Natural habitats (e.g. wetland, forests, coastal areas) Ecosystem services (e.g. improved air quality, water purification) 4. Governance and financing Governance Governance arrangements Co-governance with government and non-government actors Please specify the roles of the specific government and non-government actor groups involved in the initiative Among the government actors, the Tonto National Forest played a key role as a federal agency by providing land access, issuing permits, and overseeing regulatory compliance. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management contributed its expertise in wildfire management and invasive species control, and provided funding and resources. From the non-governmental sector, the National Forest Foundation served as a collaborative partner, supporting the project’s objectives and contributing to its execution Ecoculture, part of the Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes at Northern Arizona University, led the project, managed day-to-day operations, conducted ecological assessments, and directed restoration activities. Beyond ecological restoration, the project has a strong educational component, aiming to engage the local community through partnerships, environmental education events for K-12 students and opportunities for long-term involvement in monitoring and maintenance. (1,14-15) Key actors - initiating organization National government Regional government Key actors - Other stakeholders involved (besides initiating actors) Non-government organisation/civil society Citizens or community group Researchers/university Stages of citizen and community engagement On-the-ground implementation Monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes Level of citizen and community engagement Moderate Community empowerment or capacity-building initiatives Implementation of educational programs, workshops or trainings Formation of community-led groups responsible for the the implementation, maintenace or monitoring of the project Participatory methods/forms of stakeholder involvement (all stakeholders) Dissemination of information and education Joint implementation (e.g. tree planting) Co-management/Joint management Citizen monitoring and review Uncommon actors ("Missing actors") Public Services Disaster risk reduction (DRR) authorities Schools Land owners Other Please specify other landowner The Federal government owns the Tonto National Forest (1, 15) Policy drivers NBS intervention implemented in response to a Regional Directive/Strategy Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a national regulations/strategy/plan Unknown NBS intervention implemented in response to a local regulation/strategy/plan Unknown Mandatory or voluntary intervention Voluntary (spontaneous) Enablers & Barriers Type of enablers NGOs/Community groups driving the implementation Governace and decison-making instruments Economic and fiscal instruments (e.g. subsidies or grants, charges or fees, payments for ecosystem services (PES)) Educational and knowledge sharing instruments (e.g. science/ living labs, awareness raising campaigns, specific educational programs, green hubs) Arrangements for governance cooperation Unknown Barriers Unknown. Financing Total cost Unknown Please specify total cost (EUR) The total cost of the project is not disclosed publicly. What is/was the Cost/Budget (EUR) of the NBS or green infrastructure elements? Unknown. Source(s) of funding Public national budget Funds provided by non-governmental organization (NGO) Type of fund(s) used Earmarked public budget Direct funding (grants, subsidies, or self-financed projects by private entities) Non-financial contribution Yes Who provided the non-financial contribution? Citizens (e.g. volunteering) Type of non-financial contribution Provision of labour Provision of expertise Co-finance for NBS Yes Co-governance arrangement Unknown Entrepreneurship opportunities Unknown Business models Business models Risk reduction model Urban offsetting model (biodiversity or water) Which of the involved actors was motivated by this model? Private non-for-profit actor (e.g. NGO, foundation) 5. Evaluation and learning Impacts, benefits Environmental impacts Climate change Strengthened capacity to address climate hazards/natural disasters Achieved strengthened capacity to address climate hazards/natural disasters Water management and blue areas Increased protection against flooding Achieved increased protection against flooding Enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems Achieved enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems Green space and habitat Increased green space area Achieved increased green space area Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Achieved increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems Increased number of species present Achieved increased number of species present Increased presence and recovery of wild species Expected increased presence and recovery of wild species Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species Achieved improved prevention or control of invasive alien species Increased spread of native/heirloom/open-pollinated seed Achieved increased spread of native/heirloom/open-pollinated seed Description of environmental benefits 1. Enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems: "The LSRRP aims to improve riparian habitat by sustaining and expanding two essential vegetation communities, the mesquite bosque and the cottonwood-willow gallery forest." (4) 2. Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "The project aims to protect one of the few remaining low elevation desert riparian vegetation communities in the state." (4) 3. Increased number of species present: "Following invasive plant treatment, project managers and crews plant thousands of native riparian tree species each year. In addition to this planting, managers can rely on the natural recruitment of native species by removing constant competition from invasive plants. Together, these methods are increasing the abundance and diversity of native vegetation on the Lower Salt River." (4) 4. Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species: "Each field season begins in the fall with mechanical and/or chemical treatment of invasive plant species." (4) 5. Increased protection against flooding: "Reestablishment of native vegetation will also decrease erosion downstream by allowing water to spread across the floodplain during flood events rather than being channelized by dense vegetation." (13) 6. Strengthened capacity to address climate hazards/natural disasters: "The LSRRP aims to mitigate the risk of wildfire by reducing fuel loads and limiting the presence and connectivity of invasive plant populations." (3) 7. Increased spread of native/heirloom/open-pollinated seed: "Newly open ground was covered in spring seed from native cottonwood and willows." (4) 8. Increased green space area: "The LSRRP aims to improve riparian habitat by sustaining and expanding two essential vegetation communities, the mesquite bosque and the cottonwood-willow gallery forest." (4) Environmental impact indicators Total number of vascular plant species protected or introduced Over 500 native plants introduced (7, 8, 13) Area of river/lake or riparian area restored (in ha) 121.40 (4) Economic impacts Increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions) Achieved increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions) Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation) Achieved generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation) Description of economic benefits 1. Generation of other type of work opportunities (e.g. voluntary, work for rehabilitation): "In addition to the ecological benefits, the LSRRP aims to educate and involve the local community through partnership opportunities, environmental education events for K-12 students, and sustained community involvement in monitoring and maintaining restoration activities." (3) 2. Increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions): "The initiative provided 360 hours of paid contract work to military veterans, who benefited from employment in addition to spending time in nature with other veterans" (16). Social and cultural impacts Social justice and cohesion Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces Expected increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces Cultural heritage and sense of place Improvement in people’s connection to nature Expected improvement in people’s connection to nature Education Increased support for education and scientific research Achieved increased support for education and scientific research Increased knowledge of locals about local nature Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature Safety Improved community safety to climate-related hazards Expected improved community safety to climate-related hazards Social and cultural impact indicators Number of community events, gatherings, or volunteer activities organized in green spaces 2 (8, 9) Number of environmental education programs, workshops, outreach activities (eg. in schools, community centers, public spaces) 2 (11) Description of social and cultural benefits 1. Increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "Ecoculture and the Tonto National Forest have partnered with Audubon Southwest to provide engagement opportunities for their River Pathways program. The program takes urban teens out of their classroom, gets them into the field, and transforms them into the next generation of conservation leaders." (11) 2. Increased support for education and scientific research: "Through a partnership with the National Forest Foundation and the Boeing Company, Ecoculture launched the Green Drone AZ educational outreach program in 2020. This STEM based, natural resource focused program has evolved from in person instruction at four schools, to virtual implementation in over 50 schools across the state. The curriculum taught is based on Arizona State Education Standards and covers topics ranging from conservation and riparian ecosystems to how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drone technology can be implemented into natural resource management." (11) 3. Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces: "In addition to the ecological benefits, the LSRRP aims to educate and involve the local community through partnership opportunities, environmental education events for K-12 students, and sustained community involvement in monitoring and maintaining restoration activities." (3) 4. Improvement in people’s connection to nature: " Volunteers, community members, and local high school students will immediately benefit by creating connections to their watershed through learning and direct action in restoration stewardship." (13) 5. Improved community safety to climate-related hazards: "These types of fires threaten native biotic communities that did not evolve with regularly occurring wildfire. In addition to this ecological harm, the Cactus Fire posed a significant public safety threat to the local community. The LSRRP aims to mitigate the risk of wildfire by reducing fuel loads and limiting the presence and connectivity of invasive plant populations." (3) Evidence for use of assessment Presence of an assessment, evaluation and/or monitoring process Yes Actors involved in the assessment, monitoring or evaluation of NBS impacts National government Non-government organisation/civil society Researchers/university Presence of indicators used in reporting Yes Type of indicators Input indicators Presence of monitoring/evaluation reports No evidence in public records Availability of a web-based monitoring tool Yes Link to a web-based monitoring tool https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6df8f41bea7243a1942e81266388d08c/ Name of any specific impact assessment tools Unknown Use of GIS in mapping impacts Yes Link to GIS monitoring data https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6df8f41bea7243a1942e81266388d08c/ Cost-benefit analysis Unknown Transparency Unknown Justice Community satisfaction Unknown Description of locals satisfaction with the project Unknown. Trade-offs & Negative impacts Unknown Emphasis of existing social inequalities or injustices No information reported related to negative social justice-related impacts of the NBS project Measures to prevent gentrification or displacement No initiatives or policies were implemented High-quality & Transformative NBS Multiple impacts delivery (climate, biodiversity, just community) Yes Goal setting and impacts delivery Yes, from the planning phase the project aimed to address issues in these three key priority areas and it also delivered benefits across these three areas. Reaching original project goals Most of the project goals were achieved Please specify the achievements of the project goals Climate action and biodiversity: 1. Enhanced protection and restoration of freshwater ecosystems: "The LSRRP aims to improve riparian habitat by sustaining and expanding two essential vegetation communities, the mesquite bosque and the cottonwood-willow gallery forest." (4) 2. Increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: "The project aims to protect one of the few remaining low elevation desert riparian vegetation communities in the state." (4) 3. Increased number of species present: "Following invasive plant treatment, project managers and crews plant thousands of native riparian tree species each year. In addition to this planting, managers can rely on the natural recruitment of native species by removing constant competition from invasive plants. Together, these methods are increasing the abundance and diversity of native vegetation on the Lower Salt River." (4) 4. Improved prevention or control of invasive alien species: "Each field season begins in the fall with mechanical and/or chemical treatment of invasive plant species." (4) 5. Increased protection against flooding: "Reestablishment of native vegetation will also decrease erosion downstream by allowing water to spread across the floodplain during flood events rather than being channelized by dense vegetation." (13) 6. Strengthened capacity to address climate hazards/natural disasters: "The LSRRP aims to mitigate the risk of wildfire by reducing fuel loads and limiting the presence and connectivity of invasive plant populations." (3) 7. Increased spread of native/heirloom/open-pollinated seed: "Newly open ground was covered in spring seed from native cottonwood and willows." (4) 8. Increased green space area: "The LSRRP aims to improve riparian habitat by sustaining and expanding two essential vegetation communities, the mesquite bosque and the cottonwood-willow gallery forest." (4) Social justice and community: 1. Increased knowledge of locals about local nature: "Ecoculture and the Tonto National Forest have partnered with Audubon Southwest to provide engagement opportunities for their River Pathways program. The program takes urban teens out of their classroom, gets them into the field, and transforms them into the next generation of conservation leaders." (11) 2. Increased support for education and scientific research: "Through a partnership with the National Forest Foundation and the Boeing Company, Ecoculture launched the Green Drone AZ educational outreach program in 2020. This STEM based, natural resource focused program has evolved from in person instruction at four schools, to virtual implementation in over 50 schools across the state. The curriculum taught is based on Arizona State Education Standards and covers topics ranging from conservation and riparian ecosystems to how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drone technology can be implemented into natural resource management." (11) 3. Increased involvement of locals in the management of green spaces: "In addition to the ecological benefits, the LSRRP aims to educate and involve the local community through partnership opportunities, environmental education events for K-12 students, and sustained community involvement in monitoring and maintaining restoration activities." (3) 4. Improvement in people’s connection to nature: " Volunteers, community members, and local high school students will immediately benefit by creating connections to their watershed through learning and direct action in restoration stewardship." (13) 5. Improved community safety to climate-related hazards: "These types of fires threaten native biotic communities that did not evolve with regularly occurring wildfire. In addition to this ecological harm, the Cactus Fire posed a significant public safety threat to the local community. The LSRRP aims to mitigate the risk of wildfire by reducing fuel loads and limiting the presence and connectivity of invasive plant populations." (3) Long-term perspective Yes Cost-effective solutions Unknown Equitable impacts A. All stakeholders benefit fairly from the project Transformative capacity Ecological change (e.g. ecosystem functions and their distribution) Magnitude of change Reformist: by focusing on addressing underlying drivers of change but failing to address the problem structurally or systemically Application of lessons learned The NBS has been shared or used as a good practice to trigger transformative change Perception of Environmental Change Unknown 6. Sources References 1. Ecoculture (n.d.). Background. [Source link] [Archive]; 2. Ecoculture (n.d.). Lower Salt River Restoration Project. [Source link] [Archive]; 3. Ecoculture (n.d.). Management Objectives. [Source link] [Archive]; 4. EcoCulture (n.d.). Our Progress. [Source link] [Archive]; 5. Karakozis, C., and Deng, Z. (2022). Tour the Lower Salt River Restoration Project. [Source link] [Archive]; 6. North Coast Resource Partnership (n.d.). Salt River Ecosystem Restoration Project. [Source link] [Archive]; 7. Arizona Forward (n.d.). Lower Salt River Riparian Restoration Project. [Source link] [Archive]; 8. Davidson, R. (n.d.). A Restoration Project for Everyone: How an Entire Community is Re-Connecting to its Watershed. [Source link] [Archive]; 9. Natural Resources (n.d.). Lower Salt River Graffiti & Trash Removal Restoration. [Source link] [Archive]; 10. Arizona Highways (n.d.). Restoration Project Targets Lower Salt River Near Phoenix. [Source link] [Archive]; 11. Ecoculture (n.d.). Educational Outreach. [Source link] [Archive]; 12. Rozul, D. (2021). ASU research plays key role in lower Salt River restoration. [Source link] [Archive]; 13. Davidson, R. (n.d.). Cities Get Salty on the Salt River – How Partnerships Catalyze Action to Protect Water and Wildlife. [Source link] [Archive]; 14. Ecoculture (n.d.). Meet the Team. [Source link] [Archive]; 15. Ecoculture (n.d.). Partners . [Source link] [Archive]; 16. Savel, C. (2021). Supporting Military Veterans and Local Ecosystems Through Natural Restorations' Lower Salt River Restoration Project. [Source link] [Archive]; 17. MAG - Arizona Demographics (2022). MAG - Arizona Demographics . [Source link] [Archive]; Comments and notes Public Images Image Overlooking the Lower Salt River Restoration Site. National Forest Foundation Image NAU Project Leader Chris Updike showing the volunteers how to plant a tree. National Forest Foundation Image The Lower Salt River Restoration Project https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/lower-salt-river-restoration-project Image The Lower Salt River Restoration Project https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/lower-salt-river-restoration-project Image The Lower Salt River Restoration Project https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/lower-salt-river-restoration-project Image The Lower Salt River Restoration Project https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/lower-salt-river-restoration-project
Image NAU Project Leader Chris Updike showing the volunteers how to plant a tree. National Forest Foundation
Image The Lower Salt River Restoration Project https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/lower-salt-river-restoration-project
Image The Lower Salt River Restoration Project https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/lower-salt-river-restoration-project
Image The Lower Salt River Restoration Project https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/lower-salt-river-restoration-project
Image The Lower Salt River Restoration Project https://www.nationalforests.org/blog/lower-salt-river-restoration-project
