©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.
La Restauracio_n Ecolo_gica: Conceptos y Aplicaciones
Abstract:La presente revisio_n del tema tiene como objetivo describir la importancia de los procesos de restauracio_n ecolo_gica en respuesta al deterioro de los mismos, asi_ como describir los distintos mecanismos que pueden conducir a la restauracio_n de un a_rea, sus principios, sus problemas y los resultados obtenidos en algunas experiencias concretas. Todo ello en el marco de la biologi_a de la conservacio_n como disciplina que provee principios y herramientas para preserver la diversidad biolo_gica a trave_s de la comprensio_n de la naturaleza de las especies y su sitio en el ecosistema.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2002
Management and Techniques for Riparian Restorations: Roads Field Guide, Volume I
Abstract:Restoration techniques can be used to protect riparian areas during new road construction, or to restore riparian areas impacted by existing roads. Some techniques are valid to only one or two ecoregions, but others are applicable nationwide. Techniques may be used singly, or in concert with other techniques, depending on the road problem and the riparian objectives. This field guide presents information in a practical, user friendly format to help resource managers and professionals.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2002
Management and Techniques for Riparian Restorations: Roads Field Guide, Volume II
Abstract:Restoration techniques can be used to protect riparian areas during new road construction, or to restore riparian areas impacted by existing roads. Some techniques are valid to only one or two ecoregions, but others are applicable nationwide. Techniques may be used singly, or in concert with other techniques, depending on the road problem and the riparian objectives. This field guide presents information in a practical, user friendly format to help resource managers and professionals.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2002
An introduction to restoration genetics
Abstract:All living organisms carry a genetic blueprint. This is so regardless of whether they are plants, animals, or fungi, whether they are short- or long-lived, and whether they reproduce
sexually or clonally. Therefore, to the extent that restoration deals with living organisms,
genetics are part of the picture. Although the basic principles underlying restoration genetics
may be familiar, to date surprisingly little attention has been devoted to genetic considerations in restoration practice. The purpose of this Restoration Science and Policy Paper is to outline some considerations that restoration designers and managers should be aware of, and to identify more detailed resources that may be useful in practice.
Publication Date: 2002
Flood Pulsing in Wetlands: Restoring the Natural Hydrological Balance
Abstract:Flood Pulsing in Wetlands reflects the current movement to incorporate flood pulsing into wetland restoration efforts. Emphasizing how integral flood pulsing is to successful wetland restoration, the book’s contributors provide descriptions of restoration projects across North America in which flood pulsing has been primarily used to restore beneficial hydrodynamic conditions to floodplain areas, and improve or save vegetation, wildlife, and terrain.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2002
Restoration, Ecosystem
Abstract:In this article, we first review how restoration ecology is being applied in different types of ecosystems. For each ecosystem, we consider how global change is expected to affect species and communities and how restoration ecology might address problems that emerge. We focus on climate change, rather than other aspects of global change, because changes in climate are expected to affect virtually all ecosystems, and because prevention measures that might reduce impacts of changing climate have not been widely adopted.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2002
A Regional Approach to Kelp Restoration and Monitoring
Abstract:The California Coastkeeper Alliance (CCKA), in a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries’ Community-Based Restoration Program, has launched a regional-scale project to restore giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) to depleted reefs in Southern California, which previously supported mature kelp forests. The Southern California Regional Kelp Restoration Project (SCRKRP) plans to establish three Restoration Areas (RAs) in each of the five coastal counties from San Diego to Santa Barbara from 2001–2004 to support long-term kelp persistence. Each RA consists of three 500m2 restoration sites and one 500m2 control site. Site selection criteria require identification of naturally occurring, low-relief rock reefs, which historically supported giant kelp. Prospective sites are surveyed by SCUBA divers to evaluate the suitability of physical and biological factors to support kelp restoration. Reference sites (500m2) are also being established in naturally existing kelp forests in each county. Volunteer SCUBA divers are trained by and work alongside Coastkeeper biologists to replant, monitor and maintain kelp forests. SCRKRP restoration techniques combine outplanting laboratory-reared juvenile kelp sporophytes, seeding with M. pyrifera spores, relocating grazing sea urchins and opportunistic transplanting of drift kelp. Juvenile sporophytes are cultivated in the CCKA Regional Kelp Mariculture Laboratory at the Southern California Marine Institute. Regional monitoring of in situ temperature fluctuations and species diversity and abundance combined with aerial kelp canopy surveys will facilitate evaluation of Bight-wide kelp resources and the progress and success of the project. Preliminary results from the first outplanting of laboratory-cultivated sporophytes in summer 2002 are promising. Surviving juvenile sporophytes have grown from 2–4cm at the time of outplanting to 30–45cm, three months post-outplanting, with excellent holdfast and pneumatocyst development and blade differentiation.
Resource Type:Conference ProceedingsPublication Date: 2002
National Workshops on ITTO Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests
Abstract:This Report summarizes the main methodology and outcomes from the three Latin American workshops on the ITTO Guidelines in Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of degraded and secondary tropical forests. Workshops were developed in Mexico, Guyana and Guatemala in 3 consecutive weeks.
Resource Type:Conference ProceedingsPublication Date: 2002
A special section on dam removal and river restoration
Abstract:Ultimately, the benefits of this collection of articles may
be twofold. First, we hope that it succeeds in calling attention
to the potential utility of dam removal in restoring
rivers and in focusing research on specific scientific, engi- neering, and socioeconomic questions that can enhance
the effectiveness of this innovative restoration method. Sec- ond, it may highlight the need for greater dialogue and
closer interaction among a diverse array of experts and
stakeholders.
Publication Date: 2002
A Monitoring Protocol to Assess Tidal Restoration of Salt Marshes on Local and Regional Scales
Abstract:We developed a hierarchical approach to evaluate the performance of tidal restorations at local and regional scales throughout the Gulf of Maine. The cornerstone of the approach is a standard protocol for monitoring restored and reference salt marshes throughout the region. The monitoring protocol was developed by consensus among nearly 50 restoration scientists and practitioners. The protocol is based on a suite of core structural measures that can be applied to any tidal restoration project. The protocol also includes additional functional measures for application to specific projects. Consistent use of the standard protocol to monitor local projects will enable pooling information for regional assessments. Ultimately, it will be possible to establish a range of reference conditions characterizing natural tidal wetlands in the region and to compare performance curves between populations of restored and reference marshes for assessing regional restoration effectiveness.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
A New Imperative for Improving Management of Large Marine Ecosystems
Abstract:This paper describes GEF supported processes being used to assist them in adopting a science- driven, ecosystem-based approach to the management of human activities affecting coastal and marine ecosystems and linked freshwater basins. At risk are renewable goods and services valued at $10.6 trillion per year. A total of10 LME projects involving 72 countries have been approved by the GEF Council, and another 7 LMEs involving 54 countries have GEF international waters projects under preparation. A five-module assessment and management methodology is being tested that moves the countries toward adopting practical joint governance institutions through place-based management. This LME approach engages stakeholders, fosters the participation of the science community, and leads to the development ofadaptive management institutions. Comprehensive initiatives in four LMEs are described.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
A Review of Stream Restoration Techniques and a Hierarchical Strategy for Prioritizing Restoration in Pacific Northwest Watersheds
Abstract:The hierarchical strategy we present is based on three elements: (1) principles of watershed processes, (2) protecting existing high-quality habitats, and (3) current knowledge of the effectiveness of specific techniques. Initially, efforts should focus on protecting areas with intact processes and high-quality habitat. Following a watershed assessment, we recommend that restoration focus on reconnecting isolated high-quality fish habitats, such as instream or off-channel habitats made inaccessible by culverts or other artificial obstructions. Once the connectivity of habitats within a basin has been restored, efforts should focus on restoring hydrologic, geologic (sediment delivery and routing), and riparian processes through road decommissioning and maintenance, exclusion of livestock, and restoration of riparian areas. Instream habitat enhancement (e.g., additions of wood, boulders, or nutrients) should be employed after restoring natural processes or where short-term improvements in habitat are needed (e.g., habitat for endangered species). Finally, existing research and monitoring is inadequate for all the techniques we reviewed, and additional, comprehensive physical and biological evaluations of most watershed restoration methods are needed.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
Alternative Irrigation Systems for Arid Land Restoration
Abstract:Establishing plants in deserts can be challenging even with supplemental irrigation. The low relative humidity, extreme temperatures, lack of consistent rainfall, tremendous rate of evaporation, and high wind speeds common in desert environments all play important and interrelated roles in water loss from desert soil and plants. These factors make it critical that restorationists use the most appropriate and cost-effective means to deliver water to the root zone of newly planted plants in order to maximize survival and growth. In this paper, I discuss the pros and cons of standard and alternative means of watering plants.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
ITTO Guidelines for the Restoration, Management and Rehabilitation of Degraded and Secondary Tropical Forests
Abstract:These guidelines provide a powerful introduction to the issues confronting the policy-makers, forest practitioners, extension workers and others who want to restore and manage degraded or secondary forests. They stress that the policy, legal and social conditions in and outside the forest must be analyzed and addressed before restoration, management and rehabilitation activities are decided on. They point out that many people have a stake in the forest and any restoration, management or rehabilitation efforts must be made with their full participation. Land tenure issues must be resolved, and transparent mechanisms for sorting out conflicts over property and access rights must be established. Silvicultural techniques that can be understood and implemented by owners of small areas of forest need to be developed.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2002
National Strategy to restore coastal and estuarine habitat
Abstract:The purpose of this National Strategy is to provide a framework for restoring function to coastal and estuarine habitat. It supports the goal of restoring one million acres of estuarine habitat by 2010 as set forth in the Estuary Restoration Act, and it can be applied to improve the effectiveness of restoration efforts conducted under any program.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2002
Restoration Science Strategy: A Framework
Abstract:This strategy describes the current and potential role of the US National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) in restoration science and provides a framework for how the reserve system can contribute more fully to the successful restoration of estuaries through science and education.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2002
The ecology of dam removal: A summary of benefits and impacts
Abstract:This paper summarizes Bednarek’s findings and comments on Bednarek’s call for additional research to further the scientific community’s knowledge of the ecological impacts of dam removal. The paper is organized into five sections: (1) reestablishment of a natural flow regime; (2) transformation from reservoir to river system; (3) change in river temperatures and oxygen
levels; (4) sediment release and transport; and (5) migration of fish and other organisms.
Publication Date: 2002
Thinning, Fire and Forest Restoration: A Science-based Approach for National Forests in the Interior Northwest
Abstract:In focusing on issues relating to forest alteration and restoration in the interior Northwest, this paper is a modest attempt to find what Ruggiero and others describe as the “middle ground between demanding certainty and embracing opinion.” I will attempt to explore the scientific basis for what we appear to know, how we might proceed, and what we need to learn. This is neither an exhaustive review of the literature, nor an attempt to address all issues related to forest restoration. Rather, it is an attempt to review the most pertinent scientific literature, merge these findings with policy requirements, and provide recommendations on how best to proceed. Qualitative judgment will inevitably be involved, and what follows should be viewed as general principles, considerations, or rules-of-thumb.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2002
The economics of wetland ecosystem restoration and mitigation: Combining economic and ecological indicators to prioritize salt marsh restoration actions
Abstract:This paper summarizes an ecological-economic model designed to assist managers in prioritizing salt marsh restoration actions. The model integrates information concerning both the production (supply) and value (demand) of wetland habitat functions.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
The State of the Art of Aquatic and Semi-aquatic Ecological Restoration Projects in the Netherlands
Abstract:Only very recently, some 25 years ago, the tide has been turned and ecological rehabilitation and restoration of disturbed ecosystems are in full swing now, enhanced by the European Union policy to set aside agricultural land in the Netherlands in favour of the development of ‘nature’. The state of the art of aquatic and semi-aquatic ecological restoration projects in the Netherlands is given. Starting from the conceptual basis of restoration ecology, the successes and failures of hundreds of restoration projects are given. Numerous successful projects are mentioned. In general, ecological restoration endeavours are greatly benefiting from progressive experience in the course of the years. Failures mainly occur by insufficient application of physical, chemical or ecological principles.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
Use of Shrubs as Nurse Plants: A New Technique for Reforestation in Mediterranean Mountains
Abstract:Common techniques currently used for afforestation in the Mediterranean basin consider the pre-existing vegetation (mainly shrubs) as a source of competition for trees, and consequently it is generally eliminated before planting. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that woody plants can facilitate the establishment of understory seedlings in environments that, like the Mediterranean area, are characterized by a pronounced dry season. In this study, we experimentally analyze the usefulness of shrubs as nurse plants for afforestation of two native conifers, Pinus sylvestris L. (Scots pine) and Pinus nigra Arnold (black pine). The results show that the use of shrubs as nurse plants is a technique that offers both economic and ecological advantages, in terms of savings in labor and plant material and reduced and even negligible impact on the pre-existing vegetation.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
Using Mechanistic Modeling within Forest Ecosystem Restoration
Abstract:The purpose of this study is to enhance the ecophysiological representation of single tree species within an existing mechanistic model, a pre-condition for assessing forest ecosystem restoration scenarios. We changed ecophysiological constants using published literature related to Norway spruce and common beech for a wide range of central European forests and evaluated model predictions using observations on stand transpiration, seasonal water balance, leaf area index, photoassimilation, tree volume, tree ring size, and soil and litter carbon and nitrogen content. A model validation, using an independent data set on tree volume, soil carbon and nitrogen content from a total 44 spruce and beech stands across the northern part of the Austrian Alps, exhibited no bias between model predictions and field observations.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
An Introduction to Using Native Plants in Restoration Projects
Abstract:Native plants are valued for their economic, ecological, genetic, and aesthetic benefits in addition to the growing societal belief in their intrinsic value as living species. Native plant species provide the keystone elements for ecosystem restoration. Native plants help to increase the local population of native plant species, providing numerous benefits. There are specific associations of mycorrhizae with plants, invertebrates with woody debris, pollinators with flowers, and birds with structural habitat that can only be rebuilt by planting native plants.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2002
Bringing Back the Forests: Policies and Practices for Degraded Lands and Forests
Abstract:Now, rehabilitation procedures seek to go beyond that of commercial timber production—trials are underway to increase biodiversity and ecological services as additional products. Fortunately, such efforts can also be linked to social development. The vast majority of forest restoration schemes can also provide additional income to rural communities, besides increasing their resources. Attempts are also underway to find more innovative ways to support such developments.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2002
Forest Landscape Restoration: Building Assets for People and Nature – Experience from East Africa
Abstract:The following case studies document some of the innovative ways in which forest restoration has been implemented in the region. They also demonstrate the importance of actively involving those stakeholders most dependent on forests in decision-making. These stakeholders need to be given secure use rights and responsibilities and benefits need to be shared equitably. Perhaps the most emphatic lesson from East Africa is that one does not have to wait for more research, analysis or the allocation of more resources from central government. Communities and executive agencies can take action now, and build Forest Landscape Restoration from the ground up to restore forest goods and services, making an important and vital contribution to securing livelihoods and reducing poverty.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
Forest Rehabilitation: One Approach to Water Conservation in Central Tigray
Abstract:Until now, one of the most effective ways to allow the regeneration of vegetation and consequently the prevention of more soil erosion was found to be the exclusion of grazing livestock from selected areas. Vegetation cover and litter in these exclosures promote rainwater infiltration and thus contribute to the raising of the water table in the long term. Although intermediate results show the benefits (and the limits) of eucalypt plantations in the closed areas, they might become a threat to the biodiversity and the water balance of the region. A joint research project between the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium) and Mekelle University (Ethiopia) aims at the development of natural regeneration strategies and sustainable management practices in these closed areas.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
Korapuki Island as a Case Study for Restoration of Insular Ecosystems in New Zealand
Abstract:Success with eradicating invasive species from islands around New Zealand raises the prospect of reversing the loss of species by restoring biotic communities on modified islands. I seek to identify methods that can be used to clarify restoration targets on Korapuki Island, which was modified by introduced mammals until 1987. Ecological restoration of island ecosystems has been likened to reconstituting the ambiguous because of conceptual and practical difficulties. Goals for restoration of island systems are often dependent on value judgements. Biological outcomes or targets can be clarified by the use of unmodified neighbouring islands as benchmarks. However, successional pathways on the restored island may not converge with the benchmarks because of environmental differences between sites.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
Living Stands and Dead Wood in the Bia_owiez_a Forest: Suggestions for Restoration Management
Abstract:The Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF) is the only forest area in temperate Europe where forest communities have developed a natural stand structure and a natural distribution of coarse woody debris ((CWD)=standing dead trees (SDT)+down woody material (DWM)). Stand and dead wood characteristics are influenced by ancient and recent historical factors and current processes, such as fires, competitive exclusion, storms, insect outbreaks, and forest management. The aim of the present study was to relate CWD to stand characteristics in mesic deciduous forest (Tilio–Carpinetum (TC)) and riparian forest (Circaeo–Alnetum (CA)). In conclusion, special measures aimed at the restoration of ecological capacity of forest communities, including legacy retention and management for decadence, have been recommended. There is an urgent need for complementary studies to supply information necessary for s_ccessf_l adaptive management of the The Bialowieza Primeval Forest.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
Maintenance and Rehabilitation of the Mixed Conifer-Broadleaf Forests in Hokkaido, Northern Japan
Abstract:We reviewed several studies on the mixed forests concerned with physiological ecology and ecosystem management in relation to the process analysis of natural regeneration. Based on these results, we proposed methods for rehabilitation practices for the disturbed and degraded mixed forests where we cannot expect natural regeneration. In order to rehabilitate those mixed conifer broadleaf forests, a bulldozer with fitted rakes was used to eliminate culm and rhizome of dwarf bamboo (such as Sasa senanensis or S. klirensis). In order to make plantations, we would also use wildings of gap phase species regenerated after scarification. However, it is still unclear how many seedlings and what species would be best suited for rehabilitation. A new practical system for restoring disturbed and degraded mixed forests should be established.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002
Measuring the Success of Wildlife Community Restoration
Abstract:t is difficult to measure the success of wildlife community restoration when the restoration goal concerns a relatively broad geographic area, rather than a particular piece of land, since many restored sites need to be compared to many reference sites simultaneously. A review of the methods used to measure success in previous restoration efforts indicated the potential value of multimetric methods to make the comparison. We designed a new method that retains some of the advantages of multimetric methods but also removes some of the associated problems. The new method was applied to data from 30 restored sites (phosphate-mined land) and 30 reference sites in central Florida (USA), and it showed the difference in wildlife composition between restored and reference sites to be large, relative to the maximum possible difference.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2002