The 2013 class learned that the USACE Ecosystem Restoration Program was established as an “environmental protection and improvement” objective in Section 209 of the Flood Control Act of 1970.  It was in the Water Resources Development Act of 1990, however, that ecosystem restoration was established as a primary USACE mission. Since that time, the ecosystem restoration program has grown significantly. The class studied the purpose of the program, which is to restore ecosystem structure, function and dynamic process to a less degraded, more natural condition. Three planning tools were emphasized throughout the week: developing conceptual models, determining resource significance and determining reference conditions. These tools are helpful for focusing study activities and decision making.