Quantifying effective restoration: reassessing the productive capacity of a constructed stream 14 years after construction

Using natural streams as references against which ecosystem structure and function could be compared, we examined the short-term (1-3 years) and long-term (14 years) effectiveness of a 3.4 km constructed stream in the Northwest Territories, Canada. The constructed stream variously showed little to marked improvements 14 years after construction (2011), relative to 1998-2000 and to reference streams, depending on the stream attribute. Many attributes related to stocks of organic matter remained well below reference levels in the constructed stream after 14 years. Leaf matter processing rates increased in the constructed stream to the point of convergence with reference streams in 2011, but the latter still had superior leaf retention abilities. By Year 14, benthic invertebrate composition in the constructed stream showed some convergence with reference streams, although densities generally lagged, especially in riffles. In 2011, growth of young-of-the-year Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) from the constructed stream was substantially greater relative to 1998-2001, but remained well below contemporary reference levels. Our mixed results raise questions about the definition and time scale of successful restoration.