Defining Reference Information for Restoring Ecologically Rare Tallgrass Oak Savannas in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Asbjornsen, H.1; Brudvig, L. A.2; Mabry, C. M.3; Evans, C. W.4; Karnitz, H. M.5
Source: Journal of Forestry, Volume 103, Number 7, October/November 2005 , pp. 345-350(6)
Abstract:
Reference information is commonly used in ecological restorations to guide management decisions and assess progress toward achieving goals. However, for extremely rare or degraded ecosystems, obtaining reliable reference information may be a daunting task. This article explores the limitations and potentials for identifying reference information for ecologically rare tallgrass oak savanna ecosystems, using a case study from central Iowa. Preliminary results suggest that restoration goals related to certain ecosystem parameters, such as vegetation structure, may be achieved relatively quickly, whereas other parameters, such as species composition, require longer timescales. The importance of developing additional reference information through experimental and adaptive management approaches is emphasized.Keywords: historic range of variation; tallgrass oak savanna; reference information; restoration; environmental management; forest; forest management; forest resources; forestry; forestry research; forestry science; natural resources; natural resource management
Document Type: Regular article
Affiliations: 1: Assistant Professor of Ecosystem Ecology and Restoration Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Iowa State University Ames IA 50001, Email: hasbjorn@iastate.edu 2: Graduate Student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Iowa State University Ames IA 50001, Email: brudvig1@iastate.edu 3: Adjunct Assistant Professor Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management Iowa State University Ames IA 50001, Email: mabry@iastate.edu 4: Invasive Species and Natural Resource Specialist University of Georgia, Email: cevans@uga.edu 5: Lecturer in Environmental Science Des Moines Community College, Email: hmkarnitz@dmacc.edu
