Ecological Restoration by Susan M. Galatowitsch (review)

Finally, with the publication of Ecological Restoration by Susan M. Galatowitsch, students and other users will have a more circumspect and comprehensive understanding of what really is required of successful ecological restoration projects. Those trained in the sciences, or research of restoration science, may not appreciate the details of the public process, approvals, and budgeting, not to mention the “durability” of organizations involved with restoration and their ability to follow through on actions required over long project life-spans. This book splays open the realities of ecological restoration projects and gives process equal standing as science.

Starting with the diagnostic process to understand the condition of the land and water resources, Ecological Restoration progresses through a reasonably logical inquiry into what elements of the ecosystem-physical systems (landforms and hydrology, soils, and water quality) or biological systems (plants, invertebrates, vertebrates) may best be the needed focus of restoration. This discussion is grounded in the essential drivers for restoration (cultural, economic, regulatory, etc.) that are linked to ecological restoration purposes (e.g., science based restoration, ecosystem service restoration, etc.). This text also addressed the stressors that have contributed to the ecological changes (e.g., habitat conversion, pollution, invasive species, climate change, etc.) and their effects (e.g., population declines, spread of invasive species, ecosystem decline, etc.).

After using the diagnostics to assess the current conditions of the land and water natural resources, goals for restoration are developed, plans are prepared, social and institutional interaction, support and approvals are invoked and developed. These are often produced through partnerships with the right organizations and individuals. Then projects are implemented, monitored and managed with appropriate record keeping. Communications between parties involved in restoration is recognized as important, as is organizational capacity for taking on, and following through, on restoration activities. Galatowitsch’s book covers all of these topics.

In addition, nineteen case studies from around the world add clarity and depth to the process and acts of restoration. For example, whether restoration involves the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Alaska’s North Slope, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, or restoration for endangered plants or animals, these varied case studies provide the reader with examples of how to apply to processes and theories discussed in the book. Readers will find the diversity of examples useful to understand the broad breadth of what is possible within the field of ecological restoration.

The last chapters are focused on restoration of plant, invertebrate and vertebrate species, and communities. Strategies for encouraging the natural re-colonization of plants precede the how and why of introducing seeds and plants. Additionally, they address what is required to prepare soils and sites for this successful introduction and establishment. Vegetation composition, heterogeneity and structure in Chapter 9 serves as the basis for discussions on invertebrate species restoration and also for addressing fragmentation and lost connectivity in Chapter 10 where vertebrate restoration is the focus. Strategies for restoration as well as management and control of invasive species are addressed in these chapters.

A full glossary, representative technical citations, and a complete index make this book a useful text book for basic and introductory ecological restoration courses. For restoration practitioners and professionals, the book provides useful materials for thinking about restorations in unfamiliar regions or different types of restorations. The process provided for how to approach restoration is a useful overview.

This text book complements documented requirements and normal flow associated with many types of restoration assignments we practitioners actually experience which we have attempted to streamline in our books Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land (Apfelbaum and Haney, 2010, Island Press) and, The Restoring Ecological Health to Your Land Workbook (Apfelbaum and Haney, 2011, Island Press). I would recommend Ecological Restoration for an introductory ecosystem restoration course as well as for advanced coursework and practical field courses, along with other complementary books.