| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Ecosystem restoration has been defined as the process of assisting with the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged or destroyed by re-establishing its structural characteristics, species composition, and ecological processes. While this definition is useful in that it indicates that only certain ecosystems are targeted and that interventions should address structural characteristics and ecological processes, stakeholders in the Vanderhoof District want to reframe restoration to more explicitly account for anticipated climatic conditions and to better recognize human objectives. The Vanderhoof Ecosystem Restoration (ER) Program is about managing the structure and function of vulnerable ecosystems to achieve a desired future condition that will sustain ecological services and human socio-economic needs. The geographic scope of this strategic plan is the Vanderhoof Forest District although target ecosystems, recommended treatments, the framework for assessing priorities, and the proposed management structure may also be appropriate for the Ft. St. James District. It is expected that the plan will provide stakeholders with the information they need to develop an effective restoration program but it is not meant to replace detailed operational planning. The strategic plan summarizes important contextual information, identifies principles and methods that should be considered in developing operational plans, and includes some example treatment areas and an outline for a five year operational plan. The plan is organized in three parts: _ Context _ Strategic Priorities and Practices, and _ Program Management. It deals with higher level planning and programming, environmental conditions and land use patterns in the District, climate considerations, guiding ecological principles, what has already been achieved in the program, strategic priorities and practices looking to the future, and a recommended framework for program management. |
