Each year, less than one acre of tidal wetlands has been lost to permitted development (not shown here), while on average more than 35 acres of degraded wetlands have been restored. Restoration slowed dramatically in 2007, however, as the relatively simple projects have been completed leaving the more complex ones to tackle.

Restoration includes work performed by the state as well as by coastal landowners required by the DEP to restore wetlands as conditions of their permits. Restoration acreage is counted only where tidal flow has been restored permanently, and does not include minor enhancements or simple vegetation management. Tidal wetlands are estimated to cover 17,500 acres of Connecticut, though no precise inventory has been completed. Connecticut's goal is to produce net increases in tidal wetlands acreage and function. In 2002, more than 100 acres were restored, mostly associated with the Connecticut and Quinnipiac Rivers. In 2005, about 40 acres were brought back to life (in Stratford and Old Saybrook); in 2007, just one acre. Restoration has been outpacing development: with the exception of 1995, less than one acre of tidal wetlands has been lost each year to permitted development.