[APWG] ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION HowTo Re: [RWG] WEB: Shrub-Steppe &Grassland Restoration Manual for Columbia River Basin

[Ty Harrison]

Wayne et al.:  I've just reviewed the 100+ page restoration/revegetation 
manual developed for the Columbia River Basin of eastern Washington 
(http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01330/ ).
    It was refreshing to see how wildlife specialist here in the arid west 
are trying to revegetate abused lands dominated by weeds, crested, tall and 
intermediate wheatgrasses with ecological suites of native species. 
Although this manual relies on the typical "agronomic" approach, I think the 
techniques are sound and appropriate and based on many years of experience. 
I wish other regions of the arid west would have developed similar manuals 
targeting wildlife and ecosystem function based on experience with what 
works and appropriate for the areas.
    Wayne's questions are certainly relevant.  What do I have?  What was the 
historical condition? What does the site have going for it or against it? 
What is a site capable of becoming?  What do I have to work with? What do I 
want the site to look like?"
   The section on the history and selection of a specfic or general 
"reference ecosystem" (p. 31-33) was espectially noteworthy.  I'm wondering 
how difficult it might be in some areas to even find representative 
pre-settlement plant communities without a great deal of ecological insight 
and training.  Ty Harrison