Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Geographic analysis
- Studying a site's geo-
graphic present and past, including its topogra-
phy, surface- and ground-water hydrology, soils,
species composition, and other landscape fea-
tures through i eld surveys, maps, inventories
and past histories is an important part of the
restoration planning process and provides a
wetland manager an understanding of constrain-
ing elements (U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency 2000). Information compiled on how
land is used at present, including both owner-
ship and usufruct rights, and what resources
are extracted from the site provides useful
future resource management directions. Simi-
larly information on water rights and water allo-
cation should be inventoried to ensure their
adequacy in meeting future needs.
A selected wetland site is understood within
its larger geographic context. Regional land-
scape trends may be monitored not only to
understand past changes but also to anticipate
what future stressors might affect a wetland site
(Society for Ecological Restoration International
(SERI) 2004). Moreover, how restoration may
augment the ecological services and nutrient
and energy l ows across the watershed should
be considered (SERI 2004).
Understanding degradation
- Inventorying
conditions that have led to wetland degradation
is a necessary part of the initial planning process.
Older aerial photographs, topographic maps,
planning documents, interviews with inform-
ants, or site histories provide information on
development activities such as drainage ditches,
roads, impoundment features, and impervious
surfaces that may have been constructed within
a wetland site or in the vicinity (U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency 2000).
Selecting a reference ecosystem
- As per
the recommendation of numerous studies, a ref-
erence ecosystem or multiple ecosystems should
be identii ed and used as models through the
restoration process and later for evaluation and
comparison purposes (IWWR 2003; Ramsar
2003; Society for Ecological Restoration Interna-
tional (SERI) 2004).
Planned enhancements
- Restoration
plans address how wetland functions and
processes are enhanced or restored. Focus
areas may address wetland hydrodynamics, soil
conditions, vegetation and faunal habitat, and
outline actions to be implemented to remove
undesirable structures, vegetation or invasive
species (Natural Resources Conservation Service
2010c).
Stakeholder input
- Planning includes
the input and support from stakeholders
directly or indirectly affected by a restoration
or enhancement project. The long-term success
of restoration projects depends on the steward-
ship commitments of stakeholders and the
immediate community. Providing incentives to
local communities would help the long-term
stewardship of resources (Ramsar 2003; Society
for Ecological Restoration International and
IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management
(SERI IUCN) 2004; Ramsar Convention Secre-
tariat 2007a). Likewise, the inclusion of tradi-
tional knowledge in resource management
and sustainable extraction practices may be an
important component of a successful restora-
tion project (Ramsar 2003). Publicizing a
planned restoration project and soliciting
input from the community serve a dual purpose
of environmental education and ensuring
that local concerns are addressed before
implementation.
Implementation steps
- A step-by-step plan
must be devised outlining what specii c tech-
niques would be used in the restoration pro-
cesses. It should include budgets and timelines
for completion. Future operation and mainte-
nance plans must be outlined for restoration
projects that incorporate structural features
requiring such operation and maintenance.
For instance, water-level controls or water-
distribution canals would need constant main-
tenance. Additionally, future maintenance plans
must outline mechanical treatment or regular
prescribed burns for vegetation health, man-
agement of invasive species, or other tech-
niques that may be required to maintain the
ecological health of a restored or enhanced
system (Natural Resources Conservation Service
2010).
Explanations must be given of how adaptive
management strategies would be incorporated
into the execution of a project. An outlined
