Exam 2: Topic 2: Ecosystem Restoration

What is ecological restoration?

Assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed back to its natural state.

What do ecological restoration projects aim to bring ecosystems back to?

A steady state (not all the same)

What is the criteria needed to successfully restore an ecosystem?

1. A set of rules tailored to the specific ecosystem (because no two ecosystems are alike).

2. The best scientific knowledge attainable about the ecosystem.

3. Consideration of the interactions between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere in the ecosystem.

Who sets restoration goals?

The authorities with the funding.

What are the broad goals common to all ecological restoration processes?

1. Conservation of existing resources

2. Undoing anthropogenic (human-made) changes to an ecosystem’s functioning

3. Reducing/remediating pollution introduced

4. Restoring habitat & increasing biodiversity

5. Decreasing the amount of erosion or soil loss

What is adaptive management?

Being capable of responding to changing conditions. As plans progress, they may need to be adjusted based on what works and what doesn’t.

What are the functions of wetlands?

1. Water filtration

2. Groundwater recharge

3. Flood protection

4. Shoreline stabilization

5. Fish & wildlife habitat

6. Home to unique species

7. Nutrient cycling

8. Biological productivity

9. Bacterial decomposition

Wetlands Protection Act of 1977

Allows for draining of wetlands if an equal or greater amount of artificial wetlands are created. Prohibits destruction of wetlands.

What is one of the most destructive things that can be done to a landscape?

Strip-mining

What are the guidelines for determining if a restoration process is successful?

1. The ecosystem is functioning the way its supposed to

2. The ecosystem is self sustaining (steady state)

3. The restored ecosystem is integrated with surrounding ecosystems

4. Potential threats to the ecosystem’s stability have been eliminated or minimized

5. The ecosystem can withstand the normal variability of a dynamic system

6. The well being of the living things in the ecosystem has been improved

What are the most common ecosystem restoration projects?

Rivers and streams

What is the biggest wetland restoration project in the world?

The Florida Everglades Project