In this first project phase, the team designed new restoration tools in the context of specific, future transactional commitments. Team members identified four potential projects in Wisconsin, Ohio and Indiana, screened the projects for their ability to generate resource improvements, developed restoration plans for each site, and created methods to identify and measure resource improvements. The team then designed a new ongoing monitoring and assurance program incorporating “water improvement trusts” to secure second-phase stream and wetland restoration projects by marketing measured improvements.