©Danilo Lima, Agripalm Ambiental
The RRC database contains a wide variety of resources and publications related to ecological restoration, and we are actively working to expand this collection. It is our aim to serve as the principal clearinghouse for information and tools to support the work of researchers, practitioners, land managers, educators, students, and anyone else interested in restoration. Use the filter tool below to search the database by title, author, resource type, keyword, or any combination of these factors.
Although SER does review all entries in the database for relevance and quality, these resources have not been rigorously reviewed or extensively vetted in every case, and SER therefore makes no claim as to their accuracy or accordance with generally accepted principles in the field. The database is provided as a resource for visitors to the SER website, and it is ultimately left to the individual user to make their own determinations about the quality and veracity of a given publication or resource.
If there is a resource we missed, please let us know! We are interested in current books, articles, technical documents, videos, and other resources that are directly relevant to ecological restoration science, practice or policy, as well as resources treating the social, cultural and economic dimensions of restoration.
Cold Desert Fire and Invasive Species Management: Resources, Strategies, Tactics, and Response
Abstract:The cold desert of western North America faces multiple challenges with regard to fi re and invasive species management. Speakers at the Wildfire and Invasive Plants in American Deserts conference identified several critical management and research issues in cold deserts
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Contingency of Grassland Restoration on Year, Site, Competition from Introduced Grasses
Abstract:Semiarid ecosystems such as grasslands are characterized by high temporal variability in abiotic factors, which has led to suggestions that management actions may be more effective in some years than others. Here we examine this hypothesis in the context of grassland restoration, which faces two major obstacles: the contingency of native grass establishment on unpredictable precipitation, and competition from introduced species. We established replicated restoration experiments over three years at two sites in the northern Great Plains in order to examine the extent to which the success of several restoration strategies varied between sites and among years. We worked in 50-yr-old stands of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), an introduced perennial grass that has been planted on >10×106 ha in western North America.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Cultural Foundations for Ecological Restoration on the White Mountain Apache Reservation
Abstract:Myths, metaphors, and social norms that facilitate collective action and understanding of restoration dynamics serve as foundations for ecological restoration. The experience of the White Mountain Apache Tribe demonstrates how such cultural foundations can permeate and motivate ecological restoration efforts. Through interviews with tribal cultural advisors and restoration practitioners, we examined how various traditions inform their understanding of restoration processes.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Design for Stream Restoration
Abstract:Stream restoration, or more properly rehabilitation, is the return of a degraded stream ecosystem to a close approximation of its remaining natural potential. Many types of practices – dam removal, levee breaching, modified flow control, vegetative methods for streambank erosion control, etc.- are useful, but this paper focuses on channel reconstruction. A tension exists between restoring natural fluvial processes and ensuring stability of the completed project. Sedimentation analyses are a key aspect of design since many projects fail due to erosion or sedimentation. Existing design approaches range from relatively simple ones based on stream classification and regional hydraulic geometry relations to more complex two- and three-dimensional numerical models. Herein an intermediate approach featuring application of hydraulic engineering tools for assessment of watershed geomorphology, channel-forming discharge analysis, and hydraulic analysis in the form of one-dimensional flow and sediment transport computations is described.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Design for Stream Restoration
Abstract:Stream restoration, or more properly rehabilitation, is the return of a degraded stream ecosystem to a close approximation of its remaining natural potential. Many types of practices ~dam removal, levee breaching, modified flow control, vegetative methods for streambank erosion control, etc. are useful, but this paper focuses on channel reconstruction. A tension exists between restoring natural fluvial processes and ensuring stability of the completed project. Sedimentation analyses are a key aspect of design since many projects fail due to erosion or sedimentation. Existing design approaches range from relatively simple ones based on stream classification and regional hydraulic geometry relations to more complex two- and three-dimensional numerical models. Herein an intermediate approach featuring application of hydraulic engineering tools for assessment of watershed geomorphology, channel-forming discharge analysis, and hydraulic analysis in the form of one-dimensional flow and sediment transport computations is described.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Disentangling Biodiversity Effects on Ecosystem Functioning: Deriving Solutions to a Seemingly Insurmountable Problem
Abstract:We review how functional traits, functional groups, and the relationship between functional and taxonomic diversity have been used in current BEF research. Several points emerged from our review. First, it is critical to distinguish between response and effect functional traits when quantifying or manipulating FD. Second, although it is widely done, using trophic position as a functional group designator does not fit the effect-response trait division needed in BEF research. Third, determining a general relationship between taxonomic and FD is neither necessary nor desirable in BEF research. Fourth, fundamental principles in community and biogeographical ecology that have been largely ignored in BEF research could serve to dramatically improve the scope and predictive capabilities of BEF research. We suggest that distinguishing between functional response traits and functional effect traits both in combinatorial manipulations of biodiversity and in descriptive studies of BEF could markedly improve the power of such studies. We construct a possible framework for predictive, broad- scale BEF research that requires integrating functional, community, biogeographical, and ecosystem ecology with taxonomy.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Ecological Engineering: A Field Whose Time Has Come
Abstract:Ecological engineering is defined as “the design of sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both.” It involves the restoration of ecosystems that have been substantially disturbed by human activities such as environmental pollution or land disturbance; and the development of new sustainable ecosystems that have both human and ecological value.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Ecological Restoration of Mine Degraded Soils, with Emphasis on Metal Contaminated Soils
Abstract:This paper reviews the ecological aspects of mined soil restoration, with special emphasis on maintaining a long-term sustainable vegetation on toxic metal mine sites. The metal mined soils are man-made habitats which are very unstable and will become sources of air and water pollution. Establishment of a vegetation cover is essential to stabilize the bare area and to minimize the pollution problem. In addition to remediate the adverse physical and chemical properties of the sites, the choice of appropriate vegetation will be important. Phytostabilization and phytoextraction are two common phytoremediation techniques in treating metal-contaminated soils, for stabilizing toxic mine spoils, and the removal of toxic metals from the spoils respectively. Soil amendments should be added to aid stabilizing mine spoils, and to enhance metal uptake accordingly.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Ecology and Restoration Techniques for Sargassum Beds in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan
Abstract:New techniques for Sargassum bed restoration are summarized based on three coastal engineering techniques. (1) Construction of shallow and gentle sloping bottom substrata have been shown to be effective for the reestablishment of management-free seagrass and Sargassum beds on developed coasts. (2) Seeding or transplanting using artificial substratum for extension of nursery and fishing grounds around natural Sargassum beds. (3) Periodic transplanting of Sargassum plants using artificially produced seedlings is effective to produce niches to allow faunal re-colonization in severely polluted and sparsely vegetated area. However, prior to implementation, the suitability and limitations of these three techniques requires to be ascertained for effective Sargassum bed restoration.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Economic Incentives for Restoring Natural Capital in Southern African Rangelands
Abstract:Technical and economic factors hinder effective ecological restoration, especially in developing countries. Three examples show how social policy, economic threats and opportunities, and national and international development policy are driving the restoration of degraded landscapes in southern Africa. First, new opportunities in nature tourism, together with the declining profitability of traditional ranching, have led to diversification into game farming, tourism, and hunting, all initiatives that rely on properly functioning ecosystems. Second, new environmental legislation is forcing industries, particularly mining, to restore land upon termination of their activities. Third, through South Africa’s “Working for Water” program, an elegant solution to problems of excessive water use, local residents are developing skills in clearing alien plants and restoring rangelands.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Economic Incentives for Restoring Natural Capital in Southern African Rangelands
Abstract:Technical and economic factors hinder effective ecological restoration, especially in developing countries. Three examples show how social policy, economic threats and opportunities, and national and international development policy are driving the restoration of degraded landscapes in southern Africa. First, new opportunities in nature tourism, together with the declining profitability of traditional ranching, have led to diversification into game farming, tourism, and hunting, all initiatives that rely on properly functioning ecosystems. Second, new environmental legislation is forcing industries, particularly mining, to restore land upon termination of their activities. Third, through South Africa’s “Working for Water” program, an elegant solution to problems of excessive water use, local residents are developing skills in clearing alien plants and restoring rangelands.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Ecosystem Services of the Tropical Seascape: Interactions, Substitutions and Restoration
Abstract:The tropical coastal “seascape” often includes a patchwork of mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs that produces a variety of natural resources and ecosystem services. By looking into a limited number of attempts at substitution and restoration of ecosystem services (e.g. artificial reefs, aquaculture in mangroves, artificial seawalls), we address the questions: (1) To what degree can technologies substitute for ecosystem services in the seascape? (2) How can ecosystem restoration reestablish not only the functions of direct value to humans, but also the ability of the systems to cope with future disturbance? Substitutions often imply the replacement of a function provided free by a solar powered, self-repairing resilient ecosystem, with a fossil-fuel-powered, expensive, artificial substitute that needs maintenance. Further, restoration usually does not focus on large-scale processes such as the physical, biological and biogeochemical interactions between mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs. Nonetheless, restoration might be the only viable management alternative when the system is essentially locked into an undesired community state (stability domain) after a phase-shift. We conclude that ecosystem services cannot be readily replaced, restored or sustained without extensive knowledge of the dynamics, multifunctionality and interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
Effects of Prescribed Fire and Season of Burn on Recruitment of the Invasive Exotic Plant, Potentilla recta, in a Semiarid Grassland
Abstract:Prescribed fire is often used to restore grassland systems to presettlement conditions; however, fire also has the potential to facilitate the invasion of exotic plants. Managers of wildlands and nature reserves must decide whether and how to apply prescribed burning to the best advantage in the face of this dilemma. Herbicide is also used to control exotic plants, but interactions between fire and herbicides have not been well studied. Results suggest that prescribed fire will enhance germination of P. recta, but this will not always lead to increased population growth. Prescribed fire may reduce the long-term efficacy of herbicide applied to control P. recta and will be most beneficial at Dancing Prairie when conducted in the spring rather than the fall. Results of prescribed fire on exotic plant invasions in semiarid environments will be difficult to predict because they are strongly dependent on stochastic climatic events.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2003
The Sunflower Forest: Ecological Restoration and the New Communion with Nature
Abstract:Ecological restoration, the attempt to guide damaged ecosystems back to a previous, usually healthier or more natural, condition, is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the most promising approaches to conservation. In this book, William R. Jordan III, who coined the term “restoration ecology,” and who is widely respected as an intellectual leader in the field, outlines a vision for a restoration-based environmentalism that has emerged from his work over twenty-five years.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2003
A Guide to Prairie and Wetland Restoration in Eastern Nebraska
Abstract:Restoration of the following plant community types is covered in this document: tallgrass prairie, mixed-grass prairie, sand prairie, freshwater wet meadow and marsh, Rainwater Basin wet meadow and marsh, and saline wet meadow and marsh. The methods we use are generally affordable and not complicated. To quickly summarize, we handpick and machine harvest seed, do little seed cleaning and broadcast plant with a fertilizer spreader. We do not mow annual weeds during the initial years after planting and manage established restorations with prescribed fire and grazing.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
An Introduction and User’s Guide to Wetland Restoration, Creation, and Enhancement
Abstract:Given the broad scope of the subject matter, this document is designed to achieve two goals: Introduce non-technical readers to the basics of wetland projects including planning, implementing, and monitoring, and direct interested persons to documents and resources specific to a particular region or wetland type. The document is organized around these two goals. The text gives information on wetlands, background on the practice of restoration, and information on the process involved in undertaking a wetland project. The appendices provide documents, web sites, agencies, and other resources for finding additional information and advice on restoration, creation, and enhancement projects.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
Extractive Industries in Arid and Semi-Arid Zones: Environmental Planning and Management
Abstract:This publication aims to contribute to planning and management approaches that minimise land degradation and desertification in arid and semi-arid zones as a result of extractive industries operations. It is primarily intended to help those government departments responsible for the licensing, planning and monitoring of extractive industries activities to take account of environment and development issues in their decision-making. In addition, the document offers environmental planning and management fundamentals for extractive industries, local non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
Manual de Reforestacio_n para Ame_rica Tropical
Abstract:El manual esta_ dirigido a te_cnicos o a cualquier organizacio_n civil que este_ interesada en llevar a cabo acciones de reforestacio_n, por lo que su estructura y disen_o llevan de la mano al usuario, adema_s de tener una redaccio_n sencilla en donde se explican con claridad los conceptos te_cnicos y biolo_gicos ma_s necesarios. Presenta una serie de criterios generales ba_sicos, necesarios en la puesta en pra_ctica de cualquier programa de reforestacio_n que utilice especies nativas, independientemente del tipo de vegetacio_n o ecosistema de que se trate; es decir, se aboca a delinear la forma de manejo para cada especie de acuerdo a sus caracteri_sticas biolo_gicas particulares.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
Mining and Biodiversity: Towards Best Practice
Abstract:D. The purpose of this initiative is to provide a platform for communities, corporations, NGOs and governments to engage in a dialogue to seek the best balance between the protection of important ecosystems and the social and economic importance of mining. IUCN and ICMM are committed to discussing a full range of issues with the objective of enhancing the contribution of the mining industry to biodiversity conservation. This document provides a summary and discussion of the results of teh IUCN-ICMM workshop on Mining, Protected Areas, and Biodiversity Conservation. The workshop focused on seeking participants’ views and inputs on various activities of the IUCN ICMM Dialogue as well as other parallel projects now underway by other organisations. It also advanced the development of best practice guidance and reporting criteria in the area of biodiversity assessment and management. Accordingly, the workshop was divided into two parts: Strategic Overview and Best Practice Guidance and Recommendations.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
Peatland Restoration Guide
Abstract:This guide was developed as a practical tool for peat producers. It presents, in an accessible way, the approach that is proposed for restoring milled peatlands. It is based on the research that has been done in Canada in the last 10 years by the PERG, on the application of the method in restoring over 160 hectares of the Sainte-Marguerite bog in Que_bec by Planirest Environment Inc. and on the experience of practitioners from Canadian peat producers who shared their knowledge at annual workshops. The approach especially addresses the Northeastern American context, which is characterized by acidic and nutrient-poor residual substrates to restore and treeless open natural peat bogs. The approach was applied successfully in a number of peatlands and was adapted to site-specific conditions.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
Rehabilitation and Restoration of Degraded Forests
Abstract:The authors present approaches to restoring and rehabilitating the vast areas of degraded, fragmented and modified forests which cover much of the world. They argue that by applying best practice at the site level it is possible to enhance socio-economic and ecological gains at the landscape level. This approach is consistent with the ecosystem approach called for in the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
Systematic Approach to Coastal Ecosystem Restoration
Abstract:The goal of this paper is to present a framework that has proven to be effective and efficient in coastal restoration projects, providing a common approach for people working together for coastal restoration and helping to bridge the gap between scientists and the interested public. It is hoped that this framework will be useful to the partnerships that have proven to be important to many restoration projects, often involving local volunteers as well as personnel from governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with varying backgrounds in restoration ecology. It is intended as a review and guide for environmental planners, regulatory personnel, engineers, consultants, college students, and others involved in coastal restoration projects or planning. It may also be of interest to researchers in the field of restoration ecology and conservation biology.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries: Issues, Terminology, Principles, Institutional Foundations, Implementation and Outlook
Abstract:One major difficulty in defining Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries lies precisely in turning the available concepts and principles into operational objectives from which an EAF management plan would more easily be developed. The paper discusses these together with the types of action needed to achieve them. Experience in EAF implementation is still limited but some issues are already apparent, e.g. in added complexity, insufficient capacity, slow implementation, need for a pragmatic approach, etc. It is argued, in conclusion, that the future of EAF and fisheries depends on the way in which the two fundamental concepts of fisheries management and ecosystem management, and their respective stakeholders, will join efforts or collide.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2003
Forest landscape restoration in the Mediterranean
Abstract:This CD provides all the technical input related to the 2003 Expert Workshop on FOrest Landscape Restoration in the Mediterranean Region, including information on forest landscape restoration, case studies, technical papers, presentations as well as other interesting technical and policy-related documents.
Resource Type:Web-based ResourcePublication Date: 2003
Basic Policy for Nature Restoration
Abstract:Today, the realization of a society in harmony with nature and conservation of the global environment have become important challenges. To this end, we must see the value of the natural environment in a new light, and take actions to protect existing species of indigenous animals and plants and conserve the ecosystem that have been nurtured in the area throughout its long history. At the same time, we must carry out nature restoration to actively recover the local natural environments that have been damaged in the past.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2003
Draft Code of Conduct for the Sustainable Management of Mangrove Ecosystems
Abstract:Formulation of the Code of Conduct is based on existing knowledge, experience and concepts. The Code identifies key linkages and co-ordination needs among government departments, NGOs, nearby communities and entrepreneurs who have an interest in the conservation of mangrove ecosystems and sustainable use of mangrove resources. It recommends key legislation and enforcement mechanisms (e.g., governmental and/or community-based) required for the effective conservation, protection and sustainable use of mangroves.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2003
Guiding Principles for Forest Ecosystem Restoration and Community Protection
Abstract:The Arizona Forest Health Advisory Council has developed these Guiding Principles to provide an overall framework for planning and implementing forest ecosystem restoration and community protection projects statewide. The Guiding Principles urge us to think big. Arizona’s forests and the ecological processes that sustain them span landscapes. Assessing needs, identifying priorities, and charting progress toward community protection and forest ecosystem restoration goals must occur within an appropriately large landscape context. The Council’s ultimate hope is that the Guiding Principles will help guide our movement toward sustainable and reciprocal relationships between human communities and forest ecosystems – relationships that sustain the biological, cultural, and economic values that contribute to a healthy democratic society, both now and into the future.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2003
Community-Based Eelgrass Restoration Manual
Abstract:The Community-Based Eelgrass Restoration Manual brings the reader through all necessary stages to complete an eelgrass restoration project that involves volunteer participation. In this manual, we briefly introduce eelgrass, discuss its ecology, plant characteristics, and value to the coastal ecosystem. We explain how to select transplant site; site selection is critical to long- term transplant success. We discuss necessary permits and equipment needed to complete a restoration project. We explain the methodology used to harvest the eelgrass from an appropriate donor site and to transplant the eelgrass shoots using the TERFS (Transplanting Eelgrass Remotely with Frame Systems) method. We discuss the logistics of organizing an eelgrass transplanting project using volunteers from the community. Finally, we explain how to monitor the eelgrass transplants and determine the success of the project.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2002
Ecological Restoration Guidelines for British Columbia
Abstract:This document gives guidance on developing and implementing restoration projects. These guidelines are designed to inform and guide groups undertaking restoration programs, regardless of funding source or type of project. Because every restoration site is different, the emphasis is on identifying important components common to all restoration projects, and on providing suggestions for finding resources and developing project-specific plans. By using these guidelines, your group will be able to set appropriate and measurable restoration goals, and develop a restoration plan that will define short- and long-term activities. Developing these restoration goals and plans will not only make for a sound project, but will also assist in obtaining restoration funding.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2002
Guidance for the Restoration of Montane Scrub
Abstract:The practical element of habitat restoration is often the most satisfying aspect of a project. However, bringing together the relevant scientific, fiscal and social strands that lie behind any well-planned project is undoubtedly both challenging and time consuming. For a vulnerable and fragmented species group such as montane scrub, it is imperative to develop a strategic approach that targets limited resources, both spatially and temporally, with regard to appropriate conservation management. This series of five booklets provides practical guidance on restoration issues.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2002