Framework for Ecological Restoration - Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration - page 6

Project Implementation
The implementation phase encompasses the full range of projects, including those lacking com-
plexity to extremely complex projects requiring several additional elements typically found in
major engineered construction projects. It will be up to you to decide which steps to include in the
project plans and specifications to ensure the project is described in the way most likely to attain
the anticipated results (chapter 9).
Depending on the project's size and complexity, you may require only some simple line draw-
ings and tables to keep the project under control. You will have to decide on the level of detail
required for your project. Management-based activities require a dramatically different set of pa-
rameters and instructions than do construction and installation activities. Written instructions are
the basis for informing people on what, how, and when to conduct a specific activity; the “where”
typically requires mapping or some other form of designation that has been established on-site,
such as permanent markers.
On any one project there can be a wide range of construction and installation activities with
an equally diverse means of execution. These conditions require not only mapping, diagrams,
and plans but also specifications to ensure that the desired product can be executed with a min-
imum of damage to the remainder of the site. Clear instruction is crucial. However, even with
numerous reviewers, misinterpretation is possible. An on-site, or at least on-call, person capable
of answering questions or directing the work should be associated with the project. This person
is a critical element in ensuring the results you desire. On-site inspection also ensures that prod-
ucts and the condition of materials are acceptable. Poor material or unacceptable plants and
seed will seriously affect the performance of the project. Routinely, a maintenance period from
ninety days to two years follows the construction and installation of plant material. The time
period for plant establishment is concerned with survivorship of plants, irrigation (if required),
and weeding to prevent competition during this vulnerable stage. Typically, the end of the plant
establishment period is the completion of a project, which can now be closed out and passed
along to the stewards or owners of the property for long-term management as part of a steward-
ship program.
Project Aftercare
In addition to routine maintenance activities and depending on the regulatory or sponsor direc-
tions, stewardship programs may be needed for projects beyond the time period it takes to meet
the stakeholders' success criteria. In some instances, this may be because the plants have not
reached self-sufficiency in the short time following installation. An ecosystem comprises many dif-
ferent elements, with some requiring many years, even decades, to fully develop. Some ecological
restoration projects may be subjected to stressors that require attentive care until the ecosystem
becomes strong enough to resist stressors.
The purpose of aftercare is to continue the restoration efforts begun during the project imple-
mentation phase and to help attain the desired trajectory of maturation. The type of ecosystem