Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Perform all planning for the procurement of plant materials in advance of introducing
plants, seeds, and so forth to your project site.
9.
Decisions regarding the plant materials involve species selection, propagule type, and quantities.
Each decision will affect your project budget and will require careful analysis of plant/propagule
availability, labor requirements, timing, and the need for other support materials. In many cases,
a long lead time (a year or more) is required for collecting or propagating native plant materials.
Even longer times may be needed for locally collected propagules that will be contract grown
at a native plant nursery. Prior to planting, consider all of the support systems and stressors that
typically are occurring in the landscape.
10.
Monitor every step in the implementation process, and serve as a coach for everyone
performing the management, construction, and installation activities.
The probability of completing a successful restoration project increases greatly when someone
who has been involved with the planning and design of the restoration project is also in a position
to oversee the project's implementation. There is no substitute for “eyes on the ground.” When
implementing management strategies or construction and installation strategies, site inspection by
a qualified ecological restoration practitioner is essential for accomplishing a successful project.
As site inspector, your role typically will be more like a teacher than a policeman. Your guidance
during plant installation will help to ensure that plant materials are handled and installed properly
to prevent losses while the project matures.
11.
Document all work performed, and keep accurate detailed records.
The plans and specifications for any project are subject to change. Maintaining a record of these
changes contributes to the as-built plans. Record any changes in the management treatment regimes
or protocols. As you proceed with project aftercare, you can keep detailed records of all maintenance
and stewardship activities. Of course, you will also keep all monitoring data, analyses, and evaluation
reports. This documentation will serve several functions, including as an aid in understanding what
worked and what did not during each step of the project, as a reference for similar future projects,
and as a valuable resource for researchers conducting future evaluations of project success.
12.
Reserve adequate time and resources for maintaining your site improvements, including
plantings, and become the long-term steward of your project site.
Very seldom can one walk away from a project site at the end of the implementation phase. Typi-
cally, a period of aftercare is required. One may need to repeat management treatments to obtain
the desired effect. Maintenance (short-term care) is generally required for site “improvements,”
such as repairing damage whether from flood, wind, or vandalism. Your site may need to be mowed
or weeded, or it may require repairs to various support items, such as plant protection devices,
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