©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.
Invasive species as ecological threat: Is restoration an alternative to fear-based resource management?
Abstract:What I have been finding is that while ecological restoration and the science and management of invasive species share many of the same goals and concerns, there is a fundamental difference in how the two fields are conveyed to the public. This difference relates to the use of fear as a mechanism for gaining public support and motivating behavioral change.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Lake restoration in terms of ecological resilience: A numerical study of biomanipulations under bistable conditions
Abstract:Our simulations of lake biomanipulations under the bistable conditions reveal that a reduction in the abundance of zooplanktivorous fish cannot switch the system from a turbid to a clear state. Rather, a direct reduction of phytoplankton and detritus was found to be most effective to make this switch in the present model. These results imply that multiple manipulations may be effective for practical restorations of lakes. We discuss the present results of biomanipulations in terms of ecological resilience in multivariable systems or natural systems.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Managing and Rehabilitating Ecosystem Processes in Regional Urban Streams in Australia
Abstract:Urbanization is acknowledged as one of the most severe threats to stream health, spawning recent research efforts into methods to ameliorate these negative impacts. Attention has focused on streams in densely-populated cities but less populous regional urban centres can be equally prone to some of the same threats yet might not meet the conventional definitions of urban. Understanding the interactions of hydrology, drainage pattern, leaf input and biological attributes of a stream is crucial for managers trying to restore stream ecosystem services without incurring public concern about the appearance of regional urban streams.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Managing Ecosystem Services: What Do We Need to Know About their Ecology?
Abstract:Previous work maps the supply and demand for services, assesses threats to them, and estimates economic values, but does not measure the underlying role of biodiversity in providing services. In contrast, experimental studies of biodiversity–function examine communities whose structures often differ markedly from those providing services in real landscapes. A bridge is needed between these two approaches. To develop this research agenda, I discuss critical questions and key approaches in four areas: (1) identifying the important ecosystem service providers; (2) determining the various aspects of community structure that influence function in real landscapes, especially compensatory community responses that stabilize function, or non-random extinction sequences that rapidly erode it; (3) assessing key environmental factors influencing provision of services, and (4) measuring the spatio-temporal scale over which providers and services operate. I show how this research agenda can assist in developing environmental policy and natural resource management plans.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Managing River Flows to Restore Floodplain Forests
Abstract:We discuss impacts downstream from dams and recent case studies where collaborative efforts with dam operators have led to the recovery of more natural flow regimes. These restoration programs, in Nevada, USA, and Alberta, Canada, focused on the recovery of flow patterns during high flow years, because these are critical for riparian vegetation and sufficient water is available for both economic commitments and environmental needs. The restoration flows were developed using the “Recruitment Box Model”, which recommends high spring flows and then gradual flow decline for seedling survival. These flow regimes enabled extensive recruitment of cottonwoods and willows along previously impoverished reaches, and resulted in improvements to river and floodplain environments. Such restoration successes demonstrate how instream flow management can act as a broadly applicable tool for the restoration of floodplain forests.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Marine Ecosystem Restoration: Costs and Benefits for Coral Reefs
Abstract:Active global ecosystem restoration strategies are urgently needed to prevent crippling economic losses to marine biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and coastal resources. Conventional reef restoration methods fail when water quality deteriorates or temperatures increase. Biorock electrolytic technology uniquely maintains healthy coral and fish populations under high temperatures and reduced water quality that are normally fatal. Low voltage direct electrical current provides calcareous substrate for corals (or oysters) to settle on and gives coral energy to grow it’s skeleton, leaving the coral with more metabolic energy for growth, reproduction, and resisting environmental stress. Reefs can be restored in locations where they can no longer grow due to global warming and pollution, helping rebuild fisheries and protecting coastlines from erosion from sea level rise and increasing storm strength.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Modeling the Suitability of Wetland Restoration Potential at the Watershed Scale
Abstract:The model offers a useful tool to focus and set goals for wetland restoration efforts in a spatially explicit way. A two-phase approach was used: the first is to develop criteria, or environmental indicators, to identify the total population of sites suitable for wetland restoration. Locations are identified where restoration has a high likelihood of success and will be sustainable over the long term. Criteria used include hydric soils, land use, topography, stream order, and a saturation index based on slope and flow accumulation in each grid cell in the model. The second phase “filters” the total population of available sites in order to prioritize them according to their potential to contribute to water resource integrity once restored.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Modeling the Suitability of Wetland Restoration Potential at the Watershed Scale
Abstract:Despite the fact that landscape level processes dominate wetland ecosystem development and sustainability, restoration decisions (including those for compensatory mitigation) are typically made on a project-by-project basis. Watershed planning designed to strategically restore wetlands has the potential to provide dramatic benefits by restoring ecosystem-level processes (functions) that maintain water resource integrity. We developed a GIS-based model to predict the suitability for wetland restoration for all locations in the Cuyahoga River watershed (2107 km2), in northeastern Ohio (U.S.A.). The model offers a useful tool to focus and set goals for wetland restoration efforts in a spatially explicit way.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
On sustainability, estuaries, and ecosystem restoration: The art of the practical
Abstract:Resources for long-term monitoring and research to assess performance
and ecosystem condition are paramount. Unprecedented population growth promises additional stressors on estuarine environments worldwide, making maintenance of present conditions difficult. The art of good, practical ecosystem restoration as a management tool at multiple
geographic scales promises to play a crucial role in sustainability goals.
Publication Date: 2005
Optimizing Synergies on Forest Landscape Restoration between the Rio Conventions and the UN Forum on Forests to Deliver Good Value for Implementers
Abstract:Identifying potential interlinkages and options is important, but what is needed beyond that is: ‘implementation activities, including where pooled efforts would be cost-effective’. This article will take the forest synergies discussion one step further by identifying a basis for encouraging effective synergistic implementation of actions in support of the Rio conventions – as well as the UN Forum on Forests (UNFF) programme of work – in the area of forest landscape restoration.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Paying for Environmental Services: An Analysis of Participation in Costa Rica’s PSA Program
Abstract:Costa Rica has long been a leader among developing countries in the design of and experimentation with innovative environmental programs. Since 1997, Costa Rica’s ‘Pagos de Servicios Ambientales’ (Payments for Environmental Services) Program has provided payments to more than 4,400 farmers and forest owners for reforestation, forest conservation, and sustainable forest management activities. Econometric analysis of a survey of farmers and forest owners, including both PSA participants and nonparticipants, shows that farm size, human capital and household economic factors, and information variables significantly influence participation in PSA program alternatives. Large farmers and forest owners are disproportionately represented among program participants.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Planning for restoration: A decision analysis approach to prioritization
Abstract:Decision analysis can provide a framework to systematically deconstruct a complex problem and provide greater objectivity to restoration decisions. We utilized decision analysis techniques to identify restoration objectives and to quantify expert opinions to prioritize restoration activities at 112 prairie openings in the Edge of Appalachia Preserve in southern Ohio, U.S.A.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Plant Functional Group Diversity as a Mechanism for Invasion Resistance
Abstract:We investigated the invasion resistance of several plant functional groups against the nonindigenous forb Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa). The study consisted of a factorial combination of seven functional group removals (groups singularly or in combination) and two C. maculosa treatments (addition vs. no addition) applied in a randomized complete block design replicated four times at each of two sites. Our study suggests that establishing and maintaining a diversity of plant functional groups within the plant community enhances resistance to invasion. Indigenous plants of functionally similar groups as an invader may be particularly important in invasion resistance.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
La Restauration des Paysages Forestiers en Afrique
Abstract:L’atelier avait comme objectifs spe_cifiques de 1) Partager les informations sur les outils disponibles pour soutenir la restauration du paysage forestier (RPF), y compris les Directives de l’OIBT pour la restauration, la gestion et la re_habilitation des fore_ts tropicales de_grade_es et secondaires, et l’apprentissage en ligne a_ travers la plate-forme « Partenariat Global sur la Restauration des Paysages Forestiers (PGRPF); 2) Identifier les besoins d’apprentissage et contribuer aux conseils a_ donner au re_seau d’apprentissage du PGRPF; 3) Elaborer une strate_gie pour la mise en place d’un “core group” en Afrique en ge_ne_ral et dans les pays des Grands Lacs en particulier, des e_le_ments sur le plan d’action et d’une feuille de route, et 4) Proposer les principes et directives de la RPF pour l’Afrique.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2005
Plant succession and approaches to community restoration
Abstract:Practices and equipment from traditional rangeland revegetation are being adapted to estab- lish diverse, native communities. The challenge is to meet the establishment requirements of different species and to create weed- resistant plant communities.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2005
Prescription for Great Lakes ecosystem protection and restoration
Abstract:The major cause of ecosystem breakdown is the severe damage that has been done to the Great Lakes’ self-regulating mechanisms. In the past, healthy nearshore communities and tributaries helped reduce the impact of many stresses on or entering the lakes. Over time, the combined effects of a whole suite of stresses from a variety of human-induced sources have
overwhelmed the ecosystem’s self-regulating mechanisms. This diagnosis suggests that it is appropriate and necessary to address multiple sources of stress in order to reverse the trend toward widespread ecosystem breakdown. The following is a list of Great Lakes management objectives based on this diagnosis.
Publication Date: 2005
Restoration of Degraded Forest Ecosystems in Southeast Asia
Abstract:The project Restoration of Degraded Forest Ecosystems in the Southeast Asian Tropical Region was a flagship ASEAN project supported by the Republic of Korea (ROK). AKECOP accumulated significant knowledge and sufficient experience through its cordial and firm partnership among key ASEAN and ROK forest research organizations during Phase 1 (1 July 2000 to 30 June 2005), Phase 2 (1 July 2005 to 30 June 2008) and will continue to do so in Phase 3 (1 July 2008 to 30 June 2011). Its research findings have led to an effective and efficient restoration of degraded tropical forests in ASEAN member countries.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2005
Biodiversity Offsets – A Briefing Paper for the Mining Industry
Abstract:In this document, ICMM puts forward a working definition for biodiversity offsets, considers the business case for offsets, highlights issues relating to the design of biodiversity offsets, outlines the parties that have a stake in the decision on offsets, considers the management needs related to offsets, and offers a proposition from ICMM relating to offsets.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Broadening Participation in Biological Monitoring: Guidelines for Scientists and Managers
Abstract:This set of guidelines is written for managers and scientists in the United States who are contemplating a participatory approach to monitoring biological resources, especially biodiversity. It is designed as a how to manual with discussions of relevant topics, checklists of important considerations to address, resources for further information, and worksheets for developing, implementing, and evaluating a monitoring plan. The subject matter is divided into 3 stages of a monitoring project encompassing a total of 22 topical modules.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Community-based Dune Management for the Mitigation of Coastal Hazards and Climate Change Effects: A Guide for Local Authorities
Abstract:The primary purpose of this report is to bring together lessons from existing and successful dune care/restoration programmes in New Zealand to provide guidelines for councils wanting to initiate dune restoration programmes – both to mitigate coastal hazards, including climate chnage effects such as projected sea level rise, and to restore the beneficial natural and human use values associated with coastal dunes. A second aim is to encourage councils to adopt community-based partnerships for successful dune restoration programmes and to provide best-practice models for easy adoption. The case studies later in the report provide examples of existing community level projects partnered and supported by councils.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Habitat Rehabilitation for Inland Fisheries: Global Review of Effectiveness and Guidance for Rehabilitation of Freshwater Ecosystems
Abstract:This review provides a synthesis of information on the effectiveness of habitat rehabilitation for inland fisheries as well as recommendations for implementing, monitoring and evaluating habitat rehabilitation activities. The document is intended to assist managers, practitioners and scientists involved in the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. It draws on the more than 50 years of practical experience of the authors in the field of fisheries and riparian ecology, aquaculture and habitat restoration.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Manual of Urban Rivers Rehabilitation Techniques
Abstract:This manual consist of selected technical measures for urban stream rehabilitation measures, which can be become a component of urban river enhancement projects, dealing with river channels, banks as well riparian areas. Techniques presented can be integrated into urban settings to prevent or reduce problems affecting water resources. Techniques presented here improve the hydro-morphological condition of rivers and the runoff that drains into them. Urban runoff control, also called “sustainable urban drainage” is being seen as a component of urban river basin enhancement. Techniques are divided into groups related to certain aspects, such as control of the amount and quality of runoff, or channel rehabilitation. Fact sheets contain construction guidelines, maintenance aspects, advantages, disadvantages, an illustration sketch, photos and references and suggested reading. For each technique individually covered are description, application, advantages and disadvantages, maintenance. They are designed to provide an overview for professionals, decision makers, non- governmental organizations and the general public.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Restoring Forest Landscapes: An Introduction to the Art and Science of Forest Landscape Restoration
Abstract:It explains the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) concept and describes its main elements in chapters on adaptive management, landscape mosaics, landscape dynamics, stakeholder approaches, the identification of site-level options, hands-on site-level forest restoration and rehabilitation strategies, scenario modeling, and monitoring and evaluation. The result is by far the most comprehensive and easy-to-understand treatment of FLR yet written. It complements other work being carried out within the Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
SER Guidelines for Developing and Managing Ecological Restoration Projects
Abstract:This document describes the procedures for conducting ecological restoration in accord with the norms of the discipline that were established in the SER Primer. Each procedure is stated in terms of a guideline that leads restoration practitioners and project managers stepwise through the process of ecological restoration. Adherence to these 51 guidelines will reduce errors of omission and commission that compromise project quality and effectiveness. The guidelines are applicable to the restoration of any ecosystem—terrestrial or aquatic—that is attempted anywhere in the world and under any auspices, including public works projects, environmental stewardship programs, mitigation projects, private land initiatives, etc. Users of the Guidelines are advised to become familiar with the SER Primer in advance and refer to it for definitions of terms and discussions of concepts.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Wetland Restoration Manual
Abstract:The Wildlife Trusts’ definitive work on wetland restoration, creation and management, this 16- chapter, 660-page, ring-bound manual contains all the information you will need as a conservation professional to work effectively on wetland projects. The manual contains guidance on: the background to wetland issues; water-level control; physical works; the main UK wetland habitat types, their protection and restoration; post-industrial land opportunities for wetlands; invasive species; survey and monitoring; and canals.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2005
Ecosystem Restoration: A Framework for Restoring and Maintaining the National Forests and Grasslands
Abstract:This Framework offers recommendations to improve the agency’s ability to restore ecosystems. These recommendations address 1) adopting a national policy regarding ecosystem restoration, including defining ecosystem restoration as “the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed;” 2) increasing the productivity of the agency’s restoration efforts through improved integration of various programs spanning all Deputy areas; 3) effectively applying national, forest, and project planning to engage Forest Service resources, partners, and stakeholders in identifying and implementing restoration needs and priorities; and 4) using budget and performance incentives to increase accomplishment of ecosystem restoration objectives.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2005
Forest landscape restoration in Central and Northern Europe
Abstract:The purpose of these workshop proceedings are to demonstrate how the international forest policy dialogue can be translated into practical actions on the ground. Special focuses of the workshop were on the restoration of degraded forest areas and functions, and on participatory methods in forest landscape level planning.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2005
Helping Forests Take Cover
Abstract:It is evident that decision making on the future of land use bears strongly on rehabilitation work. Unfortunately, most of the knowledge on how to plant, where to plant, and what are the consequences of not taking any action is still in the hands of the technical experts. Whereas the decisions on land use are usually made at a different level – by policy makers, land use planners and economists who usually do not have the benefit of technical expertise. The real need therefore is to make this technically complex science accessible to the decision makers. This publication presents, in language bereft of technical jargon, the basic issues behind rehabilitation. It explains the definitions in simple terms, exemplifies the work with interesting case studies, and points out the environmental and market forces that go into rehabilitation of landscapes. The work is further enhanced with clear illustrations, making the publication both enjoyable and insightful. I must congratulate the editors and the large number of experts for putting this work together.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2005
Forest Restoration in Landscapes: Beyond Planting Trees
Abstract:This book represents the collective body of knowledge and experience of WWF and its many partners–which is collected here for the first time and which will be invaluable to all of those working in the field. This guide will serve as a first stop for practitioners and researchers in any organization or region and as a key reference on the subject. Along with concise, practical information for a variety of specific systems and issues, it gives many suggestions for further research.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2005
How to Plant a Forest: The Principles and Practice of Restoring Tropical Forest
Abstract:This document shows how the framework species method of forest restoration has been successfully adapted to re-establish natural forest ecosystems in northern Thailand. It presents background information that enables readers to understand the natural mechanisms of forest regeneration, as well as practical techniques to harness and accelerate them. Richly illustrated with easy-to-follow diagrams, this book provides scientifically tested advice on how to select appropriate tree species, how to grow them in nurseries, and how to plant and take care of them in deforested areas.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2005