Visual preferences for sixteen computer altered photo-simulations were tested in a survey of members of the general public, and design professionals to determine preferences for stream restoration bank treatments. Preferences were also tested for terms used to describe streambank treatments. Emphasis was on large woody debris used in stream restoration. Preferences were analyzed for correlation with age, education, familiarity with streamside landscapes, gender, technical knowledge of stream restoration techniques, and play environment as a child. In general, results of this study indicate that cultural and personal experience influence visual preferences toward restored streamside landscapes. Results also indicate that preferences of design professionals differ significantly from those of the general public. Large woody debris was readily accepted by the public and "brushy" scenes were highly preferred. Familiarity appears to increase preferences for natural scenes in this study. Terms used to describe stream restoration elements have an impact on public acceptance of those elements. For example "logs and roots embedded in a bank" was significantly preferred over "rootwads" or "large woody debris."