Authors:
Lancaster, J., B. Adams, P. Desserud, M. Neville
Publication Date:
2017
Abstract/Summary:
Alberta’s Grassland Natural Region is significantly modified by land use practices. Much of the native grassland in the Northern Fescue Natural Sub-region (NF) has been lost to cultivation and fragmented by industrial activity and roads. Soils and climate of the NF promote the spread of invasive non-native plants when soils are disturbed. This document identifies strategies designed retain and restore NF grassland plant communities following industrial disturbance.
The manual describes tools available for planning native grassland retention and restoration, including pre-disturbance planning and recovery strategies, such as minimal disturbance, buffers, natural recovery and native seed mix design. Implementing a strategy is explained including site preparation, soil amendments and procuring native seed, then maintaining the pathway using invasive plant and grazing management, and long-term monitoring. Appendices include a summary of regional reclamation studies and suitable seed mixes to develop target plant communities for ecological range sites common in the NF.
- C1: Identify appropriate measures for conducting ecosystem restoration
- C3: Develop ecosystem restoration plans with clear/measurable objectives and goals
- C5: Implement the measures
- D1: Assess the efficacy and effects of implementing the ecosystem restoration plan
- D2: Adjust plans, expectations, procedures, and monitoring through adaptive management
Resource Type:
Technical Document
Source:
Foothills Restoration Forum