Restoration and Rehabilitation of Species-Rich Grassland Ecosystems in France: a Review

Authors:
Muller, S., T. Dutoit, D. Alard and F. Gre_villiot

Publication Date:
1998

Abstract/Summary:
Some variations are presented of a general model of restoration and rehabilitation: (1) rejuvenation of fallow land by grazing with rustic animal breeds in wetlands or chalk grasslands in south and northwestern France, (2) restoration by recovery of extensive agricultural management in intensive agricultural areas such as the Rho_ne or Meuse Valleys, and (3) rehabilitation by appropriate ecological engineering carried out in grasslands degraded by intensification, ski-track, or civil engineering installations. Despite some positive results, these undertakings have not always had the expected effects and therefore should not provide alibis for the destruction of natural grasslands. In general, the success of such undertakings depends on the maintenance in the surrounding areas of protected seed source reservoirs and on the persistence of a diversified landscape pattern permitting connectivity between these seed sources and the restoration or rehabilitation sites.

Resource Type:
Peer-reviewed Article

Source:
Restoration Ecology

Link:
http://www.imep-cnrs.com/Dutoit/articles/articles%20internationaux/1998/Muller%20et%20al.,%201998%20Restor%20Ecol.%206,%2094-101.pdf