There are no "typical" wetland restoration projects. Each project has its own unique circumstances, issues, and needs. However, the basic steps listed below are common to most projects - each step usually building upon the successful outcome of the previous. Not all projects will involve all steps, nor will the steps always occur in this order.

1. Establish concrete interest of one or more people or groups in a potential restoration site;
2. Identify landowner(s) and obtain approval and support to explore restoration options;
3. Conduct a preliminary site assessment to scope out sources of degradation, physical restoration options, information / data needs, and any major potential obstacles (e.g., presence of endangered species or flood-prone low-lying structures);
4. Identify a project sponsor (all projects must have a local project sponsor that agrees to oversee and assume responsibility for the restoration project);
5. Develop a restoration strategy that identifies the project "players" (key people and groups to be involved) — and outlines the project goals, all major project phases (e.g., feasibility study, funding, survey-engineering-design, permitting, construction, and post-construction monitoring), and how each phase will be completed;
6. Obtain technical services / project funding and complete feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and cost estimates as needed to confirm restoration potential and determine expected results;
7. Identify sources and apply for funding needed to design, permit and construct the project;
8. Conduct technical field work, solidify restoration goals, identify measurable performance criteria, and complete permitting, construction, and monitoring plans;
9. Prepare and submit all required permit applications and obtain permits;
10. Put project out to bid and retain qualified contractors;
11. Obtain baseline monitoring data;
12. Perform physical restoration work and supervise construction progress;
13. Monitor post-construction conditions to ensure successful project outcome and achievement of restoration goals;
14. When necessary, undertake contingency measures (e.g., supplemental plantings and invasive species control) to address post-construction variations from desired results.