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

Recommended data collection and evaluation of project performance to facilitate adaptive management and improve future project designs

This document presents a methodological framework for evaluating the performance of coastal wetland restoration and living shoreline projects, as part of aims to respond to coastal hazards in New Jersey through nature-based solutions.

The framework walks through the process of developing a monitoring plan for living shoreline and wetland restoration or enhancement projects. During this process, users select metrics that are relevant to their projects’ goals and restoration type. The document then provides a list of common methods for collecting data on each metric. Finally, recommended components of a monitoring plan are suggested with a monitoring plan template that can be filled out for specific projects. Tables that facilitate the selection of metrics and methods, metric definitions and lists of resources are located in the appendices. 

In addition to assisting in the development of monitoring plans for individual projects, this framework encourages the use of standardized metrics, common data collection methods, and sharing of data and lessons learned from projects. This will help to enhance local understanding of the ability of specific restoration techniques in meeting their goals and hopefully pave the way for increased implementation of appropriate natural and natural-based solutions. By assessing coastal restoration projects with a common set of metrics and sharing lessons learned, we can expect three major advantages: 1) improved technique selection and project design that better meets sitespecific ecological and socioeconomic goals, 2) a better informed and interactive permitting process, and 3) increased funding and support for natural and nature-based solutions based upon the greater understanding of the ecological and socioeconomic benefits.