MWRPP Report 25.7: Instream revegetation: current knowledge and initial guidance for streams across Greater Melbourne.

Revegetation is an important management tool in the restoration of stream ecosystems that have been degraded by anthropogenic activities. However, instream plants are often not considered in stream revegetation projects, and when they are included, success is often low. In particular, aquatic plants (those requiring water most or all of time) are a particular challenge to revegetate and are rarely attempted by Melbourne Water. This report syntheses current knowledge and considerations for instream planting in streams across Greater Melbourne (also known as the Port Phillip and Westernport (PPWP) region based on the outcomes of past instream revegetation attempts by Melbourne Water and the wider literature. We expect to further develop and refine this knowledge and advice as our instream revegetation trials, monitoring and research in the PPWP catchment progresses. Specifically, this report: 1. Consolidates lessons from previous Melbourne Water attempts at instream revegetation.2. Investigates three case study instream revegetation projects: two via direct field surveys of plant survival, overall richness and cover, and one via a (third-party) report of plant survival.3. Provides some early guidance on site selection, plant selection, planting techniques and planting locations for instream revegetation based on knowledge garnered from 1 and 2 (above), findings from years 1 and 2 of our instream vegetation research project through the Melbourne Waterway Research-Practice Partnership, and the literature