This concept is neither new nor novel and is being used in a handful of U.S. States already. To cite one example, the National Forest Foundation's (NFF) effort to restore and protect the Colorado River basin in Soda Creek is one of these projects.* These “low-tech, process-based restoration” methods or “LTPBR” are not being widely used in North Carolina to date. 

​​

Benefits of Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) for Landowners with Conservation Easements

 

What is Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration?

​

Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration (LTPBR) is an ecological restoration approach that uses simple, natural materials—such as woody debris, native vegetation, rock structures, and beaver dam analogs (BDAs)—to help streams, wetlands, and floodplains recover their natural functions. Rather than reshaping a landscape with heavy engineering, LTPBR works by slowing water, spreading water across the floodplain, increasing infiltration, and allowing natural ecological processes to rebuild healthy systems. This approach has been adopted by agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Forest Service.
Sources: NRCS LTPBR practice standards and National Forest Foundation explanations.

​

OSRP was formed to initiate efforts to increase the use of LTPBR methods for stream restoration and to expand wetlands in North Carolina's “Open Spaces.” The term “Open Spaces” refers to the lands under management of national and state parks, forests, game lands, and trails, as well as conservation and land trust parcels in private ownership. With approximately 5 million acres in North Carolina meeting this definition of Open Spaces, we are looking at an area larger than the state of New Jersey. 

 

OSRP's initial projects utilize beaver dam analogs (BDAs) to achieve project goals. BDAs consist of a series of posts and tree limbs in the stream channel that mimic beaver dams. If vegetation is not suitable to support ongoing stream restoration, some live-stake tree plantings may be required. 

​

What are the benefits to landowners?

​

1. Improved Water Storage and Drought Resilience

LTPBR helps floodplains function like natural sponges by slowing runoff, increasing groundwater recharge, and retaining soil moisture longer.

Benefits to landowners may include:

• Healthier forests and riparian vegetation

• Greater drought resilience

• Longer periods of green vegetation

• Improved conditions for grazing lands and natural areas where appropriate

 

2. Reduced Stream Erosion and Increased Land Stability

By slowing water and encouraging sediment deposition, LTPBR helps streams rebuild natural floodplain connections and reduce erosion.

Benefits to landowners include:

• Less soil loss

• More stable streambanks

• Reduced sediment movement

• Protection of adjacent lands

 

3. Enhanced Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity

LTPBR creates more diverse habitats, including wetlands, pools, and healthy riparian corridors that support a wider variety of species.

Benefits may include:

• Increased habitat for birds, amphibians, pollinators, mammals, and aquatic species

• Greater native plant diversity

• More resilient ecosystems

 

4. Increased Resilience to Floods and Extreme Weather

By reconnecting streams to their floodplains, LTPBR helps slow, store, and gradually release water during storm events.

Benefits to landowners include:

• Reduced erosive flows

• Improved floodplain function

• Greater resilience to heavy rainfall and changing climate conditions

 

5. Lower Cost and Minimal Disturbance

LTPBR uses natural materials and simpler construction methods, often reducing the need for extensive earthmoving and engineered structures.

Benefits to landowners include:

• Lower restoration costs

• Less disturbance to existing habitat

• A self-sustaining system that can continue to improve over time