Framework for Ecological Restoration

The size range and complexity of ecological restoration are broad. The uniqueness of each project site makes it challenging to follow a recipe-book approach. We have found that following a four-phase framework provides a structured approach to an ecological restoration project that will greatly help you advance your project with a minimum of wasted time and resources.

Four-Phase Framework

The four sequential phases of project development are (1) planning, (2) design, (3) implementation, and (4) aftercare. This framework applies to restoration projects regardless of size, ecosystem, or location. The framework approach emphasizes that the restoration practitioner begins with the end target in mind. It is structured to provide a more disciplined approach to the planning and design process, whereby objectives drive the action steps of the entire development process. Each step of project development can be divided into a series of "aspects" of the project. Starting with project management techniques and advancing through to aftercare, the focus is always on results. The process of project development may involve a few to several steps, depending on the complexity of the project. Each step should be carefully evaluated and, when appropriate, should incorporate lessons learned from previous experience. Attention at this point in plan development will help to avoid repeating failures, and will increase focus on achieving results, before moving on to the next step.

We encourage using the lists, tables, and figures as a starting point for organizing thoughts, data, plans, and actions as the project progresses through the four phases of its development. Use the flowcharts, tables, and checklists to begin the process of developing a sound and thorough ecological restoration plan. The flowcharts will help you understand the relationships among the many steps in conducting an ecological restoration project. The checklists and tables will help determine the specific information required at each step in the planning process so that requirements and other project commitments can be properly identified in advance to permit the smooth implementation of the project. The Plan Review Checklist (appendix 8) in the implementation phase is the result of numerous projects over many years as well as input from several individuals.

Project Planning

The foundations of a project are established in the planning phase, which will greatly facilitate project development through completion. The process of coordinating with the stakeholders and obtaining a consensus among project sponsors is critical to the project development process. Building this foundation is crucial for the successful operation of the project. Whether it is practiced consciously or unconsciously, project management is the foundation of all successfully implemented projects.

We encourage developing a well-crafted mission, goals, and objectives for your project (chapter 3). Enumerating and clarifying the project goals has several advantages. They can be recorded and remembered for use in future projects. They can be communicated to team members, sponsors, stakeholders, key decision makers, and regulatory agencies and argued in these settings as appropriate.

Goals and objectives will form the basis of many decisions, starting with design strategies, design approach, plant materials, and installation schedule. The process of developing goals and objectives will require thoughtful evaluation and coordination among the stakeholders. Consensus among project sponsors is critical in the project development process. All permitting or other regulatory agencies should actively participate in this important initial step of the process. Agency-permitted projects often add additional constraints to a project with specific conditions that need to be considered as early as possible because they will directly affect the process of identifying and quantifying the evaluation criteria used to judge the performance of the restoration effort. In addition, the conditions may add features not previously considered and could impact the budget and materials required.

Initially, goals and objectives can be identified in a small group, with participants who are more knowledgeable about the project site or the circumstances. This is the time to explore the maximum opportunities, to test the "what-ifs." Brainstorming ideas will set the initial foundation for the considered discussion that will follow. To help the initial brainstorming, it is important to conduct an initial site analysis. Results of a site analysis provide the basis for action steps. Some actions will be short term, and the results will be immediately noticeable. However, a thorough approach to restoration also focuses on the actions that have long-term implications. Once the approach has been initially laid out for the stakeholders and project sponsors, it will now be possible to conduct a more thorough site analysis and a SWOT-C analysis (a process of evaluating various factors identified during site analysis; see chapter 4), which will allow the final goals and objectives to be developed. Once agreed upon, the goals and objectives are then finalized and will establish the project requirements from which project plans and actions can be created. This systematic framework approach encourages the restoration practitioner to examine all of the factors that are at work on the project site that can influence the outcome of the restoration effort. The site analysis process introduced in chapter 4 requires a thorough, analytical approach to understanding the forces at work on the project site.

Not all plans...