The conceptual framework for nature-based solutions (NbS) is well developed, however realizing the potential of NbS at scale and in widespread professional practice in infrastructure systems depends on overcoming operational challenges rooted in the historical policies and engineering practices of the action agencies capable of implementation. In this article, we explore levee setbacks as a NbS for improving the sustainability of leveed river corridors within the context of the United States (US) and its primary action agency of flood risk management, the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). By identifying the social and environmental consequences of historical levee management and linking these consequences with historical policies and engineering practices, we highlight knowledge gaps, challenges and opportunities for progress with NbS. We also briefly discuss USACE’s decision-making processes for infrastructure investments and the valuation of ecosystem services as it pertains to operationalizing setbacks in practice. We then develop a case study of a recent setback on the Missouri River to showcase how USACE overcame implementation challenges. Lessons from past levee corridor management in the US, and USACE’s current corrective actions, may help foster understanding of how to overcome operational challenges in the implementation of setbacks in other social and political contexts.

基于自然的解决方案 (NbS) 的概念框架已经很完善，但是，在基础设施系统中大规模和广泛的专业实践中实现 NbS 的潜力，取决于能否克服植根于历史政策和行动机构工程实践中的运营挑战。执行。在本文中，我们在美国 (US) 及其洪水风险管理主要行动机构陆军工程兵团 (USACE) 的背景下，探讨了堤坝退缩作为 NbS 的作用，以提高堤坝河流廊道的可持续性。通过确定历史堤坝管理的社会和环境后果，并将这些后果与历史政策和工程实践联系起来，我们强调了 NbS 方面的知识差距、挑战和进步机会。我们还简要讨论了美国陆军工程兵团 (USACE) 的基础设施投资决策流程和生态系统服务评估，因为它涉及到实践中的操作挫折。然后，我们对密苏里河最近发生的挫折进行案例研究，以展示美国陆军工程兵团如何克服实施挑战。美国过去堤坝走廊管理的经验教训以及美国陆军工程兵团当前的纠正行动可能有助于促进人们了解如何克服在其他社会和政治背景下实施挫折时的操作挑战。