Framework for Ecological Restoration - Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration - page 8

Restoration Strategies

Ultimately, ecological restoration relies on the autogenic (self-sustaining) capabilities of the eco-
system. The spectrum of ecological restoration activities can logically be divided into two major
strategies: (1) management and (2) construction and installation (fig. 1-2). Management-based ac-
tions are intended to reinitiate processes that would have occurred without the stressors on-site.
This return initiates a host of autogenic responses. Construction begins with obtaining the neces-
sary elements for doing the work and documenting what has been done. Following installation,
a period of maintenance and monitoring ensures the persistence of the developing ecosystem.
Construction involves the active fashioning
of items put together by arranging or con-
necting an array of parts. Examples of con-
struction and installation strategies include
planting plants, installing rock features,
and changing the grade or elevation of the
ground. The specific strategy or strategies
you choose will depend on the number of
degrading stress factors affecting the project
site, the time horizon of your project, your
budget, and your project goals and objec-
tives. Most projects require the restoration
team to use a combination of both construc-
tion and management strategies to meet the
project goals and objectives.

Management Strategies

Management strategies generally involve
changes in present and past management
practices and the use of a variety of manage-
ment techniques. Management strategies
typically include long-term restoration activ-
ities that don't necessarily result in immedi-
ately visible changes to the landscape. Land
management varies with the local culture
and resources involved. In the United States,
fire suppression has been carried out to ex-
tremes, changing the structure and composi-
tion of vegetation communities dramatically.
An interesting contrast to the suppression of
fire in the United States is the routine fire

FIGURE 1-2. Restoration projects are the result of
varying contributions of two strategies: manage-
ment and construction.