Considerations for Monitoring and Evaluating Forest Restoration

Abstract

The methods and approaches selected in a restoration project depend on the degree of ecosystem degradation and on future land use plans. Programs of monitoring and evaluation must therefore compare restoration progress and effectiveness relative to untreated conditions and to target conditions, particularly with respect to the attributes and functions essential to land use objectives. It is usually not feasible to directly monitor all important forest attributes and functions, so a few indicators must be selected. It is argued that natural recovery (or passive restoration) should always be considered a management option, and that the most appropriate evaluation of restoration techniques is by comparison with untreated areas that have been left for the same period of time as treated areas. Unambiguous evaluation therefore requires all restoration projects to be considered as formal experiments with proper controls, replicates, and the randomized application of treatment options. Adaptation to anticipated levels of climate change can be incorporated by emulating forest compositions and structures currently prevailing elsewhere under analogues of future climates and associated disturbance regimes. A structured program of monitoring and evaluation within a framework of adaptive management will engender management flexibility and resilience in an uncertain future.