©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.
Restoring habitat corridors in fragmented landscapes using optimization and percolation models
Abstract:It is important that restoration and
protection efforts be undertaken in the most efficient and effective way possible because conservation budgets are often severely limited.
We address the question of where restoration should take place to efficiently reconnect habitat with a landscape-spanning corridor.
Building upon findings in percolation theory, we develop a shortest-path optimization methodology for assessing the minimum amount of
restoration needed to establish such corridors.
Publication Date: 2005
Restoring riparian ecosystems: The challenge of accommodating variability and designing restoration trajectories
Abstract:This paper suggests that there needs to be an increased institutional
capacity to accept some levels of both variability and unpredictability in the ecological outcomes of river
restoration projects.
Publication Date: 2005
Restoring Watersheds Project by Project: Trends in Chesapeake Bay Tributary Restoration
Abstract:Restoration of aquatic ecosystems is a high priority regionally and globally, yet only recently have such efforts adopted holistic approaches that include the restoration of streams and rivers flowing to coastal areas. As the largest estuary in the US, the Chesapeake Bay has been the focus of one of the most high-profile restoration programs ever undertaken in North America. While the primary emphasis has been on tidal waters, freshwater tributary clean-up strategies have recently been developed. We have compiled the first comprehensive database of over 4700 existing river and stream restoration projects in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (CBW) to examine where dollars are being spent, what issues motivate restoration, and what approaches are used.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Rhinanthus: A Tool for Restoring Diverse Grassland?
Abstract:The restoration of species-rich grasslands is often hindered by high residual soil fertility as a result of, e.g., intensive farming. The establishment of a diverse range of target species on such sites requires the reduction of soil fertility or of the vigour of competitive plants. Current methods to achieve these aims are often unsuccessful or complicated and expensive. It has been suggested that Rhinanthus species could be used to decrease the growth of competitive plants and enhance species diversity. We give suggestions for further research, including: the range of species-poor grasslands into which Rhinanthus can be introduced successfully and which Rhinanthus species should be used; the mechanisms by which Rhinanthus enhances diversity in restored grasslands; whether the ecotype or subspecies of Rhinanthus used affects restoration success; how management methods affect population growth and spread of Rhinanthus; and whether other parasitic plants could be used in habitat restoration.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Seedling Survival and Growth of Native Tree species in Pastures: Implications for Dry Tropical Forest Rehabilitation in Central Panama
Abstract:Our study tested the effects of herbicide application and cattle removal on the survival and growth of three native tree species planted in pastures within a deforested, dry tropical region of Panama. We investigated whether enrichment planting may be a potential, complementing reforestation tool with natural regeneration. Three economically valuable tree species were chosen for the study; Cedrela odorata L., Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb, and Copaifera aromatica Dwyer. Planted seedlings were monitored for survival, root collar diameter and height growth in the presence or absence of two factors; (1) initial herbicide application and (2) cattle.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Soil Seed Banks of Two Montane Riparian Areas: Implications for Restoration
Abstract:Understanding the role of seed banks can be important for designing restoration projects. Using the seedling emergence method, we investigated the soil seed banks of two montane, deciduous riparian forest ecosystems of southeastern Arizona. We contrasted the seed banks and extant vegetation of Ramsey Canyon, which is the site of riparian restoration activities, with that of Garden Canyon, which has been less affected by human land uses.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2005
Public Awareness Generation for the Reforestation in Amazon Tropical Lowland Region
Abstract:Based on the great success the senior author had in Japan and other places in SE Asia, the two authors started similar activities in the Brasilian Amazon lowland cities. In order to demonstrate to the concerned citizens and to the youth, experiments were undertaken in which one could demonstrate how the population in general could assist the reforestation of the largely threatened tropical forest. Two kinds of experiments were carried out to demonstrate the reforestation with native trees from the Amazon lowland tropical forest.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Recovery of faunal communities during tropical forest regeneration
Abstract:As mature tropical forests are cleared, secondary forests may play an important role in the conservation of animal species, depending on how fast animal communities recover during forest regeneration. I reviewed published studies on the recovery of animal species richness and composition during tropical forest regeneration.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Rehabilitating Salt-Desert Ecosystems following Wildfire and Wind Erosion
Abstract:Over time, the cost to continually contend with wildfire, restoration efforts, reduced livestock/wildlife grazing, added regulations, etc. adds up to substantial expenditures of the citizen’s tax dollars. The process of changing the vegetative landscape to a more sustainable and stable system may or may not have higher initial costs than fire fighting and suppression. However, when planned and conducted successfully, stabilization of these damaged areas will provide economical and social benefits for generations to come.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Restoration of Seasonal Semi-Deciduous Forests in Brazil: Influence of Age and Restoration Design on Forest Structure
Abstract:With the high rates of deforestation in tropical regions, the restoration of degraded lands has become an important way for maintaining the diversity of plant communities and for creating wildlife habitats. Evaluating the success of restored areas is essential for improving restoration designs and for successfully restoring such complex ecosystems. In this study, the development of restoration forests with respect to age (5, 9 and 10 years old) and the restoration models used (proportion of pioneer trees) was assessed along the margins of Companhia Energetica do Estado de Sao Paulo (CESP) reservoirs, located in the region of Pontal do Pananapanema, in Sao Paulo state, southeastern Brazil.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Restoration of seasonal semideciduous forests in Brazil: Influence of age and restoration design on forest structure
Abstract:With the high rates of deforestation in tropical regions, the restoration of degraded lands has become an important way for maintaining the diversity of plant communities and for creating wildlife habitats. Evaluating the success of restored areas is essential for improving restoration designs and for successfully restoring such complex ecosystems. In this study, the development of restoration forests with respect to age (5, 9 and 10 years old) and the restoration models used (proportion of pioneer trees) was assessed along the margins of Companhia Energe´tica do Estado de Sa˜o Paulo (CESP) reservoirs, located in the region of Pontal do Pananapanema, in Sa˜o Paulo state, southeastern Brazil.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Restoration on abandoned tropical pasturelands – Do we know enough?
Abstract:Our review shows that there is immediate need for further research and development on restoration techniques by examining the ecological and economic effectiveness of: direct seeding, stem cuttings using native pioneer or climax species and simple manipulation such as displacing branches of pioneer species with mature seeds on abandoned and degraded pasturelands and artificial perching to accelerate natural regeneration. These techniques are essential to successfully heal the wound humans have inflicted on the most spectacular and species-rich ecosystems on earth.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Restoring Complex Vegetation in Urban Settings: The Case of Tidal Freshwater Marshes
Abstract:To illustrate some of the mechanisms affecting vegetation development in restored tidal freshwater marshes in urban areas, I present a case study on one of these wetlands, Kingman Marsh, that also includes research at another restored wetland and two natural reference sites. Studies by my research groups indicate that the restored wetlands undergo essentially a planting-modified process of primary succession. Recent literature and the case study indicate that the environmental conditions of urban settings impose constraints in restored wetlands that result in plant communities more like those of urban natural wetlands than those of wetlands in less urbanized watersheds. This suggests that rather than design wetland restoration projects with the goal of creating “pristine” wetland vegetation, restorationists must identify, accept, and if possible capitalize on the ecological constraints of the urban environment in setting achievable and desirable restoration goals.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Sand Dune Restoration in North Brittany, France: A 10-Year Monitoring Study
Abstract:Dunes, which account for 13% of the Ille et Vilaine north Brittany coast, France, were degraded by high tourist pressure, and they were restored from 1988 onward. Ten years after commencing work an assessment of the restoration was made on three dunes: Les Chevrets, L’Anse Du Guesclin, and Le Verger. Annual monitoring of the vegetation and dune morphology provided an opportunity to study the restoration process. The variation in species richness and floristic composition from one zone to another can be explained by abiotic factors such as salinity and the accretion of sand. The restoration was satisfactory in terms of the geomorphology. Marram grass is a good tool for restoring the topography, but it will take a very long time to restore the conservation value of the dune.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Secondary Succession of Semi-arid Mediterranean Old-fields in South-eastern Spain: Insights for Conservation and Restoration of Degraded Lands
Abstract:A 60-year chronosequence study of semi-arid old-fields indicates that abandonment age, litter depth, organic carbon soil content, carbonate content and soil moisture are related to vegetation ordination. The species turnover could be high in the recent abandoned fields. Species richness varies, holding a non-linear relation with time as a result of the coexistence of different functional groups. Land use history determines the ordination of communities and previous cropping influences the pathway of succession. Plant functional group and dispersal type richness and cover show significant differences between old-field age groups. The facilitation pathway of crop trees on bird-dispersed shrub species could promote the development of vegetation under these stressful conditions.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Semiarid Old-Field Restoration: Is Neighbor Control Needed?
Abstract:Restoration practice suggests that neighbor control is essential in semiarid grasslands, but ecological theory predicts that neighbor effects are relatively small in young fields. We investigated the effectiveness of neighbor control (mowing and herbicide) for establishing native grasses in a recently abandoned field in southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada. We also examined its interactions with common restoration techniques, such as mulching (straw and sawdust) and contrasting sowing methods (drilling, and broadcasting cleaned seeds, cleaning remainders, and native hay). Our results suggest that restorations of semiarid old fields should focus less on neighbor control and more on strategies for exploiting suitable years for germination, either by monitoring soil moisture or through repeated seeding.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Avances en el Estudio de la Gestión del Monte Mediterráneo
Abstract:Este libro recopila estudios y revisiones de temas candentes en el ámbito de la gestión de montes mediterráneos y su restauración. Se estructura en tres grandes líneas temáticas: 1) el análisis del impacto de los incendios forestales en los ecosistemas, con una revisión de los efectos en los suelos y un estudio profundo de qué plantas se regeneran eficientemente después del fuego y a través de qué mecanismos; 2) la restauración forestal de montes quemados y afectados por procesos de desertificación; 3) gestión forestal sostenible y revalorización de los montes.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2004
Caring For Natural Rangelands
Abstract:This book provides practical guidelines for the management of natural rangelands with worldwide application. It will be essential for those who deal with problems like the control of soil erosion, sensitive road maintenance and invasive alien plant control. Farmers, landscape managers, nature and game reserve managers and students of natural resource management will find instruction and solutions within these pages. The approach is one of understanding the natural ecology system and working ethically within it. The well-tested methods recommended are simple but effective, and if suitably adapted to local conditions will provide remedies for the rehabilitation and maintenance of natural rangelands.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2004
People and Reefs: Successes and Challenges in the Management of Coral Reef Marine Protected Areas
Abstract:This report includes seven case studies from the Wider Caribbean Region. The first one focuses on the capacity building opportunity provided by the UNEP-CEP training of trainers programme, while the second study looks at the community-based coastal resource management and marine biodiversity conservation experience in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. The third project analyses rules and zoning issues in the management plan of Chinchorro Banc Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. The opportunities and challenges of using admission fees as a funding source at a small scale, tourism dependant MPA, Bonaire, are presented in the fourth study. The fifth example of reserve management, describes how – from MPA implementation to today – relationships have been strengthened to ensure effective management in the Soufriere Marine Management Area (SMMA). The sixth case study details the role of the honorary game wardens and fisheries inspectors of the Portland Bight Protected Area, Jamaica, in the context of community policing and the country’s “culture of system-beating”. The seventh study depicts the process of conflict resolution between inter-sectoral stakeholders in the Buccoo Reef Marine Park coastal zone, Tobago, using Pigeon Point as an example.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2004
Recuperacio_n de Espacios Degradados
Abstract:El libro es de utilidad para quienes este_n relacionados con las diversas formas de la gestio_n ambiental; en particular se pueden beneficiar de e_l las empresas cuyas actividades generen espacios degradados: constructoras, mineras, industriales, turi_sticas, agri_colas, etc., los profesionales interesados en afrontar y proyectar el tratamiento y las empresas de consultori_a e ingenieri_a que incluyan la recuperacio_n en su campo de actividad, etc., asimismo es u_til como libro de apoyo y de consulta para numerosas carreras universitarias o cursos de postgrado.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2004
Restoration of Boreal and Temperate Forests
Abstract:This reference presents the best practices for fostering increased sustainability, enhancing biodiversity, and repairing ecosystem functions in one comprehensive volume. It summarizes the breadth of restoration protocols at both the local and regional scale and documents and compares over 20 case studies of forest restoration projects in a geographically diverse range of temperate and boreal zones. The authors take into account the impact of human activities from a historical and cultural context and consider regional socioeconomic needs in developing a sustainable forest management plan. The book provides insight into how logistical questions are currently being answered for temperate and boreal forests. By addressing both ecological and sociopolitical needs, this book presents practical solutions for the restoration, rehabilitation, reclamation, and management of forest ecosystems.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2004
Restoration of tropical dry forests in Hawaii: Can scientific research, habitat restoration and educational outreach happily coexist within a small private preserve?
Abstract:Tropical dry forests were once the most common of all tropical forest types, but today they are among the most endangered and degraded of all ecosystems in the world. Aggressive alien species have already invaded most of what remains of Hawaii’s once diverse and extensive dry forests, and the continuing spread of fire-promoting exotic grasses may ultimately convert these ecosystems into permanent, low-diversity grasslands. This paper focuses on the practical and philosophical issues involved with conducting research within a globally endangered ecosystem in close collaboration with a diverse coalition of agencies, stakeholders, and concerned citizens.
Resource Type:Conference ProceedingsPublication Date: 2004
What do we mean when we talk about ecological restoration? An inquiry into values
Abstract:I concentrate on how we decide the final state that is the goal of our restoration efforts and what it means when we describe restorations using terms like natural and artificial. I will argue that by using terms like natural and artificial we are setting up a false dichotomy that separates us from the act of restoration and from a very important part of restoration – restoring the human relationship to the rest of the biota. Ideally, restoration is an activity that can be engaged by almost all people working at small to large scales. We should do all we can to bridge that gulf and make restoration as appealig as possible to help potential restorationists.
Resource Type:Conference ProceedingsPublication Date: 2004
History, ecology, and restoration of a degraded urban wetland
Abstract:This issue of Urban Habitats presents seven studies of the Meadowlands and one study of the neighboring Passaic River. These studies range from an examination of the heavy metal molecules contaminating Meadowland marsh sediments to a characterization of the entire Meadowlands region using remote sensing technology.
Resource Type:Journal Special IssuePublication Date: 2004
A Practical Technique for Non-destructive Monitoring of Soil Surface Invertebrates for Ecological Restoration Programmes
Abstract:This study investigates the suitability of using wooden discs as facsimiles for natural fallen logs to non-destructively monitor invertebrates. Wooden discs cut from tree trunks were placed on the ground at five sites and monitored. A diverse range of species was found under the discs including large numbers of some species. Wooden discs are a useful tool for the ecological management of terrestrial invertebrate fauna in restoration programmes for monitoring and considerable potential exists for discs to provide habitat for restoration of terrestrial invertebrate taxa.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Alternative states and positive feedbacks in restoration ecology
Abstract:Increasingly, research is documenting that degraded systems are often in a persistent, resilient, alternative state (see Glossary), requiring a unique recovery pathway (Figure 1, 3 and 7). Here, we review this important conceptual development and how it is being linked to theoretical models of alternative ecosystem states. We concentrate on the restoration of herbaceous plant communities because they are the focus of much recent experimental work, although we emphasize general mechanisms that are applicable to other systems and trophic levels
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
An Approach to Tree Thinning to Structure Southern African Savannas for Long-term Restoration from Bush Encroachment
Abstract:This paper is an attempt to summarize existing knowledge on the importance of woody plants in savanna and explore measures, based on ecosystem dynamics, which can be utilized to restore encroached areas more successfully. It is hypothesized that a more stable environment can be created by maintaining or restoring savanna structure (large trees). In a structured savanna, large trees are able to suppress the establishment of new seedlings, while maintaining the other benefits of woody plants like soil enrichment and the provision of food to browsing herbivore species. Effective restoration of encroached areas should not be considered a once- off event, but rather a long-term commitment.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Applicability of landscape and island biogeography theory to restoration of riparian understorey plants
Abstract:Ecosystem recovery is influenced by processes at different spatial scales, yet land managers lack specific predictions on the relative importance of such processes that might guide management decisions. We tested whether ideas from landscape ecology (local vs. landscape scales) and island biogeography theory (patch size and isolation) predict restoration success for understorey plant communities in a highly fragmented riparian landscape, in an effort to provide guidance on how to allocate scarce restoration resources.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Applicability of Landscape and Island Biogeography Theory to Restoration of Riparian Understorey Plants
Abstract:We tested whether ideas from landscape ecology (local vs. landscape scales) and island biogeography theory (patch size and isolation) predict restoration success for understorey plant communities in a highly fragmented riparian landscape, in an effort to provide guidance on how to allocate scarce restoration resources. Local factors explained more of the variance in understorey plant communities, but much of the variance remained unexplained. Our results provide weak support for the predictions of island biogeography theory and the importance of landscape-scale variables. These theories did not have strong predictive power in this applied restoration context at this temporal scale. Given limited resources, efforts to restore understorey plant communities in this highly fragmented system should focus on local-scale restoration methodologies, such as increasing cover of native overstorey species and reducing cover of exotic plants.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Applying Plant Facilitation to Forest Restoration: A Meta-Analysis of the Use of Shrubs as Nurse Plants
Abstract:Between 1997 and 2001, we carried out experimental reforestations in the Sierra Nevada Protected Area (southeast Spain) with the aim of comparing the survival and growth of seedlings planted in open areas (the current reforestation technique) with seedlings planted under the canopy of preexisting shrub species. Over 18 000 seedlings of 11 woody species were planted under 16 different nurse shrubs throughout a broad geographical area. We sought to explore variation in the sign and magnitude of interactions along spatial gradients defined by altitude and aspect. In the present work, we report the results of a meta-analysis conducted with seedling survival and growth data for the first summer following planting, the most critical period for reforestation success in Mediterranean areas.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004