The new Restoration Planning Framework aims to better organize and define the objectives and activities of DFO's restoration work, and to establish an annual planning process. It provides guidance on prioritizing projects that address limiting factors for at-risk salmon populations and support fisheries. The framework also outlines project screening criteria, decision-making authorities, and an annual planning template to help plan work, engage partners, and track performance. While building on DFO's past expertise in restoration, the framework is meant to help navigate increased project workload and funding in recent years.

1. SEP Planning Framework for
Restoration Projects
SEHAB February 2016

2. Outline
• Background
• Purpose
• Process
• Overview of Framework
• Discussion/Questions
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3. Background
• There is a long history of restoration work and a huge amount of
expertise in Pacific region.
• There have been massive injections of funding into restoration work
in recent years, and a corresponding increase in projects and
requests for DFO support.
• There is a huge legacy of infrastructure from past works that requires
monitoring and maintenance.
• There has been no defined path for DFO engagement in restoration
works.
• Some restoration projects have been delayed due to concerns about
liability – infrastructure, permitting, land tenure, funding, etc.
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4. Background
“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”
• Fundamental shift in DFO role and resources over time, from the
direct construction role to a support/expertise role.
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5. Purpose of the Planning Framework
• Program managers felt a need to:
– Define the work of the restoration program and link it to overall
SEP objectives;
– Establish principles and criteria for evaluating and supporting
restoration projects;
– Provide an Annual Planning Process for restoration projects;
– Define decision making authorities;
– Allow for flexibility based on local circumstances.
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6. Process
• A number of internal guidance documents were drafted starting in
2012, but were largely focused on reducing infrastructure liabilities.
• A major revision was conducted in the fall of 2014, was circulated to
all DFO Restoration and Community Involvement staff for comment.
A further revised version was discussed at all staff mtgs, and then
distributed to SEHAB, PSF and others through meetings and
presentations.
• A final version was approved and distributed in December 2015.
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7. Framework Overview
• Objectives – defines restoration objectives and how they contribute
to the overall SEP objectives
• Guiding Principles – considerations for all new restoration projects,
or the rehabilitation or decommissioning of existing projects.
• Key Activities – watershed planning; construction of new habitat
restoration projects; Inspections, monitoring(physical and biological),
maintenance; Technical support.
• Planning Process – 2 meetings per year, 1 annual plan per area,
rolled up into a regional plan.
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8. Framework Overview cont’
• Project Screening criteria – biological factors, feasibility, Risk and
Liability, Funding, Partnerships, Stewarship and Education,
Licensing and tenure, Data management
• Decision making process – local based decision authorities with
support from Regional Chair as
• Annual Plan template
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9. Summary
• The new Restoration Planning Framework is not a
departure from anything DFO has done in the past
– it is there to organize and define our objectives
and activities, and to help us plan our work, serve
our clients, and report on our performance.
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10. 10
Questions?

11. Appendix I
• SEP Objectives:
– Vulnerable salmon populations are supported
– Enhanced salmon provide harvest opportunities
– First Nations, local communities, and external parties participate
in cooperative fisheries and watershed stewardship activities.
• RRU Objectives: RRU and activities and projects must address a
harvest, conservation, rebuilding, or stewardship and Education
need.
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12. Appendix II
Guiding Principles
1. An annual planning process will be used in each area to prioritize and guide the restoration activities undertaken by
each Resource Restoration Unit and Community Involvement Program.
2. Priority will be given to restoration projects that address a DFO priority or known factors limiting salmon production for
a population or stock supporting a fishery or at high risk of extirpation or extinction. Priority will also be given to
restoration project types or methods that have been technically proven or those that have been considered under or as
part of WSP (Wild Salmon Policy) or other watershed planning processes.
3. Maintenance and biological monitoring plans for restoration projects should be developed during project development.
4. The RRU will favour restoration projects that build or strengthen partnerships with First Nations, community groups,
land owners, industry and other levels of government.
5. In the course of restoration project development, the RRU will seek input from Community Advisors, SEP
Enhancement, StAD (Stock Assessment Division), Science, Fisheries Management, Fisheries Protection Program and
Real Property Safety and Security, where appropriate.
6. The RRU will examine risks and benefits before constructing new restoration projects, or rehabilitating or
decommissioning of existing ones. In order to minimize risks and maximize benefits the RRU will work with a team
familiar with the site and issues, who use their professional judgment to ensure future operation, maintenance and
potential future conditions are considered for all restoration projects.
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