©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.
Are Functional Guilds More Realistic Management Units than Individual Species for Restoration?
Abstract:Functional guilds condense species lists by grouping species according to similarities in characteristics we believe to be important in a particular context. These groupings can allow us to (1) ensure community and ecosystem structural and functional attributes, (2) increase competitiveness of the community to deter the establishment of undesirable species, (3) simplify and test models of community assembly including resistance to invasion, succession, and species coexistence, and (4) facilitate cross-site comparisons. As useful as functional guilds can be, we must not overlook the potentially important roles of individual species. In restoration, including multiple species that represent each functional type within a target community may provide a buffer against environmental change. Functional guilds provide realistic conceptual units to ensure that restored plant communities include species that confer the ecological functions of most importance the majority of the time.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Are Pinushalepensis Plantations Useful as a Restoration Tool in Semi-Arid Mediterranean Areas?
Abstract:In the semiarid areas of the Mediterranean basin, restoration activities during the XXth century have mainly relied on extensive plantations of Pinushalepensis, which now cover thousands of hectares. Here we review studies that have evaluated the effects of these plantations on soils, vegetation, faunal communities, and forest fires. Most studies performed so far have shown an overall negative effect of P. halepensis plantations on spontaneous vegetation. Our review contributes to the debate on the suitability of mono-specific extensive P. halepensis plantations, and suggests that afforestation programmes should be revised.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Improving siting and construction criteria for oyster reef restoration
Abstract:While the application of these concepts has continued in the field with the aim of increasing viable oyster habitat while decreasing the costs of restoration, research has also continued examining options and techniques for increasing oyster reef success. Much of this research has focused upon understanding the natural function of oyster reefs as they historically existed in hope of applying this knowledge
to restoration efforts. This paper outlines some of the things which have been learned through these endeavors and ways which these lessons can be applied to continuing restoration efforts to increase restoration success.
Publication Date: 2004
Techniques for Restoring Native Plant Communities in Upland and Wetland Prairies in the Midwest and West Coast Regions of North America
Abstract:After reviewing the scientific literature on prairie restoration in the Midwest and the West Coast regions of the United States, I suggest various restoration techniques for addressing the five objectives, including: cultivation, herbicides, flaming/infrared burning, solarization, carbon addition/nutrient immobilization, mycorrhizal inoculation and implementing various seeding methods and seed mixes. One of the essential lessons learned by restoration ecologists and practitioners trying to restore native prairie, is that there is not one technique or combination of techniques that work for all restoration sites. Restoration techniques will need to be site specific and may depend on many things including past disturbance events, assemblage of plants, including non-natives and natives, and site conditions such as soils, topography, hydrology, and climate.
Resource Type:White PaperPublication Date: 2004
Conceptual Models and Adaptive Management in Ecological Restoration: The CALFED Bay- Delta Environmental Restoration Program
Abstract:The CALFED Environmental Restoration Program is an element of a comprehensive effort to address water supply, water quality, flood risk, and ecosystem integrity in California’s central valley and San Francisco Bay estuary. The program is based on two key features—a whole ecosystem approach and an adaptive management strategy. To be successful, the program must have a foundation of scientifically defensible models of the system to be managed that incorporate both ecological and sociological opportunities and constraints. This paper describes conceptual models at multiple spatial and temporal scales that support the restoration efforts, and describes the adaptive management that will accompany on-the-ground actions.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Ecological Restoration in Parks and Protected Areas: Using Protected Areas for Testing Methods of Restoring Forest Communities
Abstract:Severe disturbances usually denude an ecological community of its structure (based on its species composition) and function. Restoration requires that the community be re-assembled, but the question is what key aspects need attention and in what order or priority? Parks and protected areas offer some challenges but the opportunities offered by the existence of good, protected ‘reference states’ for comparison to degraded areas and restored areas are attractive to researchers. To begin to test methods of ecological restoration of forest communities, I compared four sites within a medium sized municipality (Region of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada). Two sites were relatively undisturbed forest communities in protected areas; the other sites were disturbed by construction of housing developments.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Economic Incentives for SFM and Landscape Restoration
Abstract:Forests are lost because conservation and sustainable management is less profitable then deforestation, at least in the short-term. Payments for environmental services – such as watershed management, carbon storage, and biodiversity conservation – can alter this equation and make standing forests more profitable. Various mechanisms to generate payments for such services are emerging, from public payment systems to user rights and new trading schemes. Several cases of practical experience with payments for environmental services now exist and provide insights as to how such markets might function.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Effects of an Intense Prescribed Forest Fire: Is It Ecological Restoration?
Abstract:Relatively intense burning has been suggested as a possible alternative to the restoration of pre-European settlement forest conditions and fire regime in mixed conifer forests, in contrast to thinning of trees and light prescribed burning. In 1993 a management-ignited fire in a dense, never-harvested forest in Grand Canyon National Park escaped prescription and burned with greater intensity and severity than anticipated. The intentional use of severe burning would be challenging to managers because of the increased risk of escaped fires, but the ecological outcome of this particular wildfire was not inconsistent with ecological restoration goals for this ecosystem type.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Forest Restoration: UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre Annual Report
Abstract:Forest ecosystems can play a key role in climate mitigation. They regulate climate in several different ways. The high rates of evapotranspiration of tropical forests decrease surface air temperature and surface roughness of the trees attracts precipitation. However, the main focus on forest in climate mitigation policy is due to their carbon sequestration and storage potential (see Table), both of which have been damaged by deforestation and degradation. Forest ecosystem restoration can therefore contribute extensively to climate change mitigation. While the role of forest restoration within REDD+ is still emerging, it can already be funded through the voluntary carbon market. Some case studies on forest restoration are made available.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Handbook for Monitoring Wetland Condition
Abstract:New Zealand is obliged to monitor the health and condition of wetlands as a signatory to two international conventions (Convention on Biological Diversity and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands). To assist with these requirements, this handbook describes a set of science-based indicators that have been developed to monitor the condition of New Zealand estuarine and palustrine wetlands. It has been designed for managers, landowners, community groups and anyone else with a need to monitor the condition of wetlands
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Integrating Forest Protection, Management and Restoration at a Landscape Scale
Abstract:Protected areas, good forest management and forest landscape restoration address different aspects of forest conservation and development, but they interact in the field. The paper describes steps needed to integrate the three into a coherent approach at landscape level. The proposed approach also addresses some of the key questions that emerge during a transition from site-based to ecoregional conservation, which need to be answered on a case-by-case basis, such as: “is it better for biodiversity to have a few large strictly protected areas surrounded by generally incompatible land-uses or smaller protected areas embedded in a sea of supportive land uses?”
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Mangrove Forest Restoration in Andhra Pradesh, India
Abstract:This publication reflects the process and results of restoration activities carried out over seven years by the project Coastal Wetlands: Mangrove Conservation and Management, implemented in Godavari and Krishna wetlands by MSSRF with its field centre at Kakinada. Hence it will be necessary to make modifications as per the site conditions, mangrove ecosystem, tidal amplitude and topography of the area chosen for restoration. This publication is meant for foresters, field technicians, researchers and others interested in restoration of degraded mangroves.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Manual on Mangrove Nursery Raising Techniques
Abstract:The techniques for mangrove nursery design, establishment and operation, and the use of nursery stock for mangrove restoration, which are described in this manual will help in raising mangrove nurseries and in the restoration of degraded mangroves, involving local communities.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
National Review of Innovative and Successful Coastal Habitat Restoration
Abstract:Examples of innovative and successful components of these efforts are summarized in this review. The information on projects and programs was collected through expert interviews and through a nationwide review of scientific literature, restoration plans, and Internet sources. The examples provided cover many coastal habitat types from the four coasts of the United States. The review provides information on restoration research and the innovative and successful components of funding, partnerships, planning, restoration methods and techniques, monitoring, adaptive management, information dissemination, and community involvement. The lessons learned from the experiences of the many sources noted in this review are summarized at the end of the paper.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
National Strategy and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management
Abstract:A strategic Forest Service response to invasive species is a large and significant undertaking. We have come far in addressing the invasive species problem in the United States, but we want to improve our effectiveness. This new strategy identifies those next steps we need to take as an agency, often by working with partners. This document is not designed to serve as a comprehensive, all-encompassing strategy. Instead it is intended to identify a strategic direction for Forest Service programs spanning Research and Development, International Programs, State and Private Forestry, and the National Forest System. To help us reach our goal, we have identified the most significant strategic actions leading us in that direction.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Payments for Environmental Services: A Survey and Assessment of Current Schemes
Abstract:One finding of this report is that PES schemes may not constitute a cost-optimal instrument in all circumstances. Indeed, their success depends in great part from pre-existing conditions. PES systems work best when services are visible and beneficiaries are well organized, and when land user communities are well structured, have clear and secure property rights, strong legal frameworks, and are relatively wealthy or have access to resources.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Production versus Rainforest Biodiversity: Trade-offs or Synergies in Farm Forestry Systems?
Abstract:These are the proceedings of a workshop discussing production and biodiversity trade-offs in farm forestry systems on former rainforest areas of tropical and sub-tropical Australia. The workshop was held in Cairns, Queensland in November 2003 as part of the 10th Annual Conference of the Rainforest CRC. The multiple goals of farm forestry make the trade-offs between productivity and biodiversity a difficult balancing act and the primary purpose of this workshop was to allow speakers to share their experience and/or research findings in tropical and sub-tropical rainforest regions of Australia.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons Learned from Selected Case Studies
Abstract:The GFIS Africa Synthesis initiative on “Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands in Sub-Saharan Africa” was therefore initiated in an effort to bring together African scientists working on tropical forests, woodlands and allied natural resources through networking to review and appraise existing information (both published and grey) and chart the way forward on sustainable management of the resources as a further contribution to the GFIS Africa project. Specifically, the synthesis has an emphasis on case studies in Sub-Saharan Africa in order to demonstrate what has already been done in the area of rehabilitation of degraded lands and to identify what are the gaps with respect to policy, management and research.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Restoring the Balance: Biodiversity Self–Help Kit
Abstract:This resource kit aims to help you 1) Identify the existing biodiversity values of your land and protect what you’ve already got, 2) Find out about pest control, planting trees, habitat protection (both physical and legal) and access to outside funding, 3) Find and record essential information that is often requested when seeking funds, and 4) Set up an action plan. From this you will have the information to start making informed decisions about protecting and enhancing what lives around you. You can also use the kit as a personal diary about the comings and goings of native animals in the changing landscape around you, a personal story about your own environment.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Simplified Modalities and Procedures for Small-scale Afforestation and Reforestation Project Activities under the Clean Development Mechanism
Abstract:This technical paper was prepared based on submissions by Parties and on the work by the clean development mechanism (CDM) Executive Board. It presents options on the following issues: further clarifications on definitions of eligible small-scale afforestation and reforestation project activities, including on the calculation of project size; possible categories of projects for which methodologies can be simplified; draft simplified modalities and procedures for small- scale afforestation and reforestation project activities; a simplified project design document; the structure of an indicative simplified baseline and monitoring methodologies for selected types of small-scale afforestation and reforestation project activities under the CDM; and criteria for determining the occurrence of debundling of projects.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Sustainable Management of Marginal Drylands
Abstract:These proceedings provide up-to-date information on the ongoing sustainable management projects in the selected SUMAMAD Project sites. It also highlights the work continually being carried out in the marginal drylands in promoting the use of wise practices in the conservation of natural resources, and the importance of supporting local populations in their efforts toward the sustainable use of their natural resources. In fact, capacity-building is a major component of the project.
Resource Type:Technical DocumentPublication Date: 2004
Forest Restoration and Fire: Principles in the Context of Place
Abstract:There is broad consensus that active management through thinning and fire is urgently needed in many forests of the western United States. This consensus stems from physically based models of fire behavior and substantial empirical evidence. But the types of thinning and fire and where they are applied are the subjects of much debate. We propose that low thinning is the most appropriate type of thinning practice. Treating surface fuels, reducing ladder fuels, and opening overstory canopies generally produce fire-safe forest conditions, but large, fire- resistant trees are also important components of fire-safe forests. The context of place is critical in assigning priority for the limited resources that will be available for restoration treatments. Historical low-severity fire regimes, because of their current high hazards and dominance by fire-resistant species, are the highest priority for treatment. Mixed-severity fire regimes are of intermediate priority, and high-severity fire regimes are of lowest priority. Classification systems based on potential vegetation will help identify these fire regimes at a local scale.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Forty Years of Tropical Forest Recovery from Agriculture: Structure and Floristics of Secondary and Old-Growth Riparian Forests in the Dominican Republic
Abstract:Interest in tropical secondary forests has grown as large areas of agriculture have been abandoned in recent decades; yet, there are few long-term studies of post-agriculture vegetation recovery in the tropics. In this study, we compared the vegetation structure and floristic composition of old-growth and 40-year-old secondary riparian forests in the Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic. This study revealed the potential for the rapid recovery of woody plant diversity and structure in fertile secondary forests adjacent to mature forest seed sources and the more delayed recovery of nonwoody plant diversity and abundance.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Going with the flow: Facilitating seagrass rehabilitation
Abstract:The increasing loss of seagrass habitat and its slow regeneration time are issues that have concerned people for a long time and has provided the impetus for marine researchers to direct their attention and efforts toward developing methodologies for seagrass restoration and rehabilitation, or in some cases, meadow creation. This paper explores those techniques.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Increasing Native Diversity of Cheatgrass-Dominated Rangeland through Assisted Succession
Abstract:Increasing attention, resources and efforts are being focused on the conversion of weedy dominated rangelands back to perennial plant communities that resemble pre-disturbance communities in form, function and composition. Native grasses and shrubs emerged in greater numbers on treatments established on the crested wheatgrass matrix than on those established on the cheatgrass matrix. Perhaps in general, but especially in years with normal or below average precipitation, the assisted succession approach proved successful for restoration of native sagebrush-grassland steppe from cheatgrass range.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Integracio_n de la Restauracio_n Forestal de Zonas Quemadas en la Planificacio_n Forestal
Abstract:La Fundacio_n CEAM ha desarrollado un programa de investigacio_n forestal orientado hacia la mejora de la gestio_n en condiciones mediterra_neas, con dos li_neas ba_sicas de investigacio_n: incendios forestales y restauracio_n forestal. Uno de los objetivos previstos en el programa es facilitar una ra_pida transferencia de resultados para la mejora de la gestio_n del monte mediterra_neo. En el arti_culo se expone una breve descripcio_n del programa de investigacio_n y, como ejemplo de aplicacio_n de dicho programa, la metodologi_a desarrollada para la evaluacio_n de la fragilidad de la vegetacio_n frente a los incendios forestales.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Long-Term Ecosystem Effects of Sand-Binding Vegetation in the Tengger Desert, Northern China
Abstract:The planting of sand-binding vegetation in the Shapotou region at the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert began in 1956. Over the past 46 years, it has not only insured the smooth operation of the Baotou–Lanzhou railway in the sand dune section but has also played an important role in the restoration of the local environment; therefore, it is viewed as a successful model for desertification control and ecological restoration along the transport line in the arid desert region of China.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Methods of Facilitating Reforestation of Tropical Degraded Land with the Native Timber Tree, Terminalia amazonia
Abstract:The T. amazonia trees grew best in plots with treatments of interplanted Inga edulis and mixed (Inga edulis and Gliricidia sepium) trees. Fertilizer addition did not improve tree growth after the second year since plantation establishment. The difference in soil erosion was correlated with tree growth. The authors assert that that leguminous trees can act as nurse trees for the timber species T. amazonia, whereas fertilization alone may be an ineffective means of promoting tree growth.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
Natural Regeneration of Subtropical Montane Forest after Clearing Fern Thickets in the Dominican Republic
Abstract:Forest restoration in these grasslands and fernlands can be accelerated by increasing seed arrival by attracting seed dispersers with trees or artificial perches, and by clearing herbaceous vegetation and reducing competition. To determine an efficient strategy for restoring subtropical montane forest, we evaluate the success of natural regeneration 3 y after removing the dominant fern, Dicranopteris pectinata (Willd.) Underw. (Gleicheniaceae).
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004
New Options for Land Rehabilitation and Landscape Ecology in Southeast Asia by “Rainforestation Farming”
Abstract:One innovative approach to combine the necessities of rural development, safe natural resource management and biodiversity restoration was developed under the acronym ‘‘Rainforestation Farming’’ on the island of Leyte in the Philippines. More than 100 different local forests and fruit tree species were tested and planted in a near-to-nature planting scheme concerning species composition in a former degraded area covered by Imperata cylindrica.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2004