Goals and Strategy

The Habitat program's goal is to see clean, flowing rivers support rich habitat for a diversity of fish, birds and wildlife both in the waterand on the land.

We use the following strategies to reach that goal:

• Strengthen Clean Water Act implementation to include but go beyond chemical concerns and better integrate physical and biological integrity.
• Increase use of protective legal designations for healthy river systems.
• Help establish river buffer ordinances and other river habitat protections.
• Strengthen wetland permit programs to minimize and compensate for site-specific losses and
  cumulative impacts.
• Partner with urban communities with degraded rivers to create and implement restoration plans.
• Empower organizations to better collect, use and communicate scientific data.
• Advocate for increased funding for physical and biological restoration of rivers, lakes and wetlands.
• Improve planning of new development and encourage retrofits in existing communities to allow land to naturally absorb rainwater.

Our strategies are all pursued in partnership with local, state and regional river and watershed groups. River Network's roles include policy analysis, coordination of pilot projects, case study documentation, convening, and more.