流恢复是对扰动之前已存在的流系统的一般结构，功能和自我维持行为的重新建立。恢复包括广泛的措施，包括消除引起河流不稳定的流域干扰，安装结构和种植植被以保护河岸并提供栖息地，以及对不稳定河流进行整形或替换，使其进入设计合理的功能河流。相关的洪泛区。增强措施还包括改善水质，并在不需要定期人工干预（例如疏or或建造防洪结构）的水流系统中实现自我维持的功能性水流状态。
Stream Restoration is the re-establishment of the general structure, function and self-sustaining behavior of the stream system that existed prior to disturbance. Restoration includes a broad range of measures, including the removal of the watershed disturbances that are causing stream instability, installation of structures and planting of vegetation to protect streambanks and provide habitat, and the reshaping or replacement of unstable stream reaches into appropriately designed functional streams and associated floodplains. Enhancements may also include improved water quality and achieving a self-sustaining, functional flow regime in the stream system that does not require periodic human intervention, such as dredging or construction of flood control structures.