Evaluating the untapped potential of forest landscape restoration to streams

Scientists and forest restoration practitioners generally expect positive outcomes for freshwater ecosystems from forest restoration, but these expectations may not be met if streams are not considered during the planning phase of projects or adequately monitored. In general, decisions on how to improve water quality and protect stream health through forest landscape restoration have been based mostly on socio‐economic rationales rather than on scientific knowledge about how forest restoration affects key processes that support stream ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling, sediment transport, habitat provision, and temperature regulation. As freshwater ecologists and hydrologists, we see the expansion of forest restoration in the tropics as an opportunity to rehabilitate streams impacted by the unprecedented intensification of agriculture in the region. In this paper, we provide insights into how forest restoration can be better planned to improve the water quality and ecological health of stream ecosystems.