Salt marsh restoration goals should reflect perceptions and values of residents, especially in areas having high population density. Households along the length of the West River in New Haven and West Haven, Connecticut were surveyed to determine how residents perceived and valued the river. Findings indicated that residents' perceptions were visually oriented. Pollution was the greatest concern of respondents &endash especially visual pollutants such as trash. The area near the river was perceived as somewhat dangerous due to crime. Highest value was placed on the river for aesthetics, quality of habitat for wildlife, and ability to relax and see wildlife. Residents valued passive activities such as walking, relaxing, and enjoying views. They tended to place lower values on active uses like fishing and boating.

Anglers were also surveyed to develop a user profile for fishing &endash the dominant use within West River Memorial Park. Most anglers were African American or Hispanic and often fished in family groups. They traveled to the river by car, and indicated little preference for species, or for saltwater or freshwater fish.

Cleaning up garbage and reducing common reed (Phragmites australis) by restoring the salt marsh would serve local values, would enhance public perception of the river, and might increase park use. Pollution remediation benefits of a salt marsh system would probably not be recognized by residents without an accompanying education program, because improvements in water quality would not be visual. Salt marsh restoration in the park would benefit anglers by improving fish habitat. Periodic sampling of perceptions and behavior could be used to evaluate restoration success from the perspective of local residents.