Process-Based Restoration
Process-Based Restoration (PBR) restores natural processes - such as water flow, sediment movement, and vegetation dynamics - that support healthy rivers, floodplains, and rangelands. When implemented across many sites, these projects work together to create watershed-scale benefits that improve resilience to drought, flooding, and climate change.
In Arizona, scaling PBR requires investment in capacity and collaboration, including coordinated planning among landowners, Tribes, agencies, conservation organizations, and scientists - often across watershed boundaries. The Arizona Cross-Watershed Network supports this work by connecting practitioners statewide, sharing knowledge, and advancing PBR approaches tailored to Arizona’s semi-arid landscapes.
Communicating the Benefits of Process-Based Restoration in Arizona
How do practitioners communicate the value of process-based restoration (PBR) in Arizona’s semi-arid landscapes? Is there scientific consensus around the benefits of PBR in Arizona?
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This AZ XWN resource, co-developed with 12 network participants, is designed to help decision-makers, landowners, funders, and practitioners understand what PBR is, why it matters, and how it benefits desert ecosystems and communities. The document offers:
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Plain-language explanations of process-based restoration and each phase of a PBR project
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Peer-reviewed evidence of PBR benefits in Arizona’s semi-arid systems
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Ready-to-use language for grant applications and funding proposals
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Messaging to help build broader understanding and support for PBR initiatives
Developed collaboratively with AZ XWN partners across the state - including The Nature Conservancy, Sky Island Alliance, Cuenca Los Ojos, National Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Verde River, Altar Valley Conservation Alliance, Borderlands Restoration Network, Taproot Collaborative, Arizona Wildlife Federation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and Southwest Decision Resources - this resource reflects a shared commitment to scaling this critical work in Arizona.
Funder-Practitioner Feedback Sessions
AZ XWN convenes funders, practitioners, and partners to discuss funding and related topics. In November 2025, thirty participants participated in the initial pilot session, which focused on Process-Based Restoration. Read the meeting report here.
Contact info@azcrosswatershed.net if you would like to participate in a future session.
Outcomes of November 2025 Funder/Practitioner Feedback Session:
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Shared and documented immediate opportunities for practitioners from funders and partners
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Identified critical gaps in PBR funding: monitoring/maintenance, design/permitting, and planning/collaborative capacity
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Expressed interested in consolidation of PBR success metrics and watershed indicators across the state, with acknowledgement for the need for flexibility
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Developed shared strategic messaging and collaborative outreach strategies
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Discussed the importance of restoration workforce development and assistance with compliance and permitting.
Process-Based Restoration Resources
Outreach Material: Communicating the Benefits of PBR in Arizona
AZ XWN | Partners
How do practitioners communicate the value of PBR in Arizona's semi-arid landscapes? This resource is designed to help decision-makers, landowners, funders, and practitioners understand what PBR is, why it matters, and how it benefits desert ecosystems and communities.
Report: Restoring Western Headwater Streams with LTPBR Methods: A Review of the Science and Case Study Results, Challenges, and Opportunities
American Rivers
This American Rivers report reviews the scientific evidence and case studies on low-tech, process-based restoration (LTPBR) of Western headwater streams, examining how simple, nature-inspired techniques like beaver dam analogs and woody structures can restore natural processes and improve ecosystem services. The report also discusses challenges, opportunities, and best practices for implementing LTPBR to reconnect streams to their floodplains and enhance water security, habitat, and climate resilience.
Science Explainer: Assessing the Hydrologic Effects of Erosion Control Structures on the Babocomari Ranch
USGS | Partners
This USGS paper examines whether low-technology rainwater harvesting structures can enhance infiltration and aquifer recharge in ephemeral tributaries of the San Pedro River in southeastern Arizona.
Report: The Workforce for LTPBR Riverscape Restoration
American Rivers | Biophilia Foundation
This report explores the current workforce supporting low-tech, process-based riverscape restoration, drawing on insights from practitioners, focus groups, and interviews to identify training needs, workforce structure, and seasonal employment challenges. Co-authored by American Rivers and the Biophilia Foundation, it offers recommendations for expanding mentorship, field training, and interagency collaboration to strengthen and sustain this growing restoration workforce across the Western U.S.
Resource Hub: Low-Tech Process-Based Restoration
Utah State University
This Utah State University–hosted resource hub provides free tools, manuals, and self-paced learning on restoring degraded riverscapes using low-tech, process-based methods that harness natural processes and simple structures to improve ecosystem function. It also offers professional training and courses for practitioners, students, and land managers to build practical skills in planning, designing, and implementing LTPBR practices.
How to get involved
The AZ XWN is coordinated by Tahnee Robertson, Anna Murveit, and Ruby Kernkamp (Southwest Decision Resources). Please contact us with any questions or to get involved.
