For years, cities and towns have been turning back to their rivers, transforming industrial and derelict land into new parks, residences, and commercial space. The trend appears to be continuing and perhaps even accelerating, with major planning and construction efforts underway in cities around the country. After years of abuse through hard use and neglect, rivers are now being seen as valuable economic and community assets. Ecological Riverfront Design puts forth a new vision for the nation's urban riverfronts. It provides a set of planning and design principles that will allow communities to reclaim urban river edges in the most ecologically sound and economically viable manner possible. The report will guide planners, mayors, public works and environmental officials, river advocates, and the general public in their search for effective, ecological riverfront design. It covers key topics related to ecological health and human interaction with rivers and provides a set of essential strategies to help communities achieve more with their riverfront revitalization efforts.