Selecting plant species for ecological restoration: A perspective for land managers

Abstract

We recommend in this paper that land managers adopt a policy of mandatory use of native plant species for revegetation and restoration of severe disturbances on wildlands throughout the Interior West. A review of the relative advantages and disadvantages of using introduced and native species suggests that selection criteria based on ecological adaptability and suitability are more consistent with the objectives of ecosystem management than are criteria based on cost, availability, familiarity, or other nonecological considerations. We suggest that land managers initiate a policy requiring the collection and accumulation of native seral species throughout their respective regions and districts to be used in restoration activities. Further, we suggest that such a policy will foster closer ties between public land managers and public research scientists, and will enhance the implementation of science-based land management.

Parent Publication

• Revegetation with native species: Proceedings, 1997 Society for Ecological Restoration annual meeting; 1997 November 12-15; Fort Lauderdale, FL

Citation

Brown, Ray W.; Amacher, Michael C. 1999. Selecting plant species for ecological restoration: A perspective for land managers. In: Holzworth, Larry K.; Brown, Ray W., comps. Revegetation with native species: Proceedings, 1997 Society for Ecological Restoration annual meeting; 1997 November 12-15; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Proc. RMRS-P-8. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 1-16.