Lecture 14: Ecological Restoration

Question 1

Ecological Restoration

Answer 1

the practice of restoring the species and ecosystems that occupied a site at some point in the past but were degraded, damaged, or destroyed.

• Wetland Replication
• Mine Site Reclamation
• Range Management
• Tree Planting

Question 2

Ecological Succession

Answer 2

the gradual process of change in species composition, community structure, soil chemistry, and microclimate characteristics that occurs following natural or anthropogenic disturbance.

Question 3

Reference Sites

Answer 3

natural “control” sites that provide a framework for setting restoration goals and measuring success.

• intact sites nearby
• seen in old photos

Question 4

Ecological Restoration Categories

Answer 4

• No Action
• Rehabilitation
• Partial Restoration
• Complete Restoration

Question 5

No Action

Answer 5

too expensive, or ecosystem will likely recover on its own

Question 6

Rehabilitation

Answer 6

replacing a degraded ecosystem with another productive site.

-replacing a degraded forest with productive pasture

Question 7

Partial Restoration

Answer 7

replacing some ecosystem functions and original, dominant species
-tree planting in degraded forest

Question 8

Complete Restoration

Answer 8

restoring the original species composition and structure

Question 9

Case Study: Guanacaste Tropical Dry Forest, Costa Rica

Answer 9

• dry forest cleared for cattle
• highly invasive african grass Jaragua was planted as forage
• recovery: native tree planting, fire control

Question 10

Case Study: Maiden Island Mangrove and Reef, Antigua

Answer 10

• reef and mangroves destroyed from construction and fishing

- recovery: reef balls, mangrove planting

Question 11

Case Study: Duffy’s Marsh Restoration Marquette County

Answer 11

• wetland previously drained for agriculture
• largest wetland restoration in WI
• dredging
• soil restoration: adding layers of dead plant material