Natural Processes: RRNW 2016

A short introduction to ecological restoration through natural processes, site filters, steep-slope examples, rough surfaces, pocket planting, and pioneer species.

4:54 · 26 slides · Historical presentation · No recorded narration

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Natural Processes for the Restoration of Drastically Disturbed Sites (2016) · Site Assessment & Restoration Planning

About this presentation

Source: River Restoration Northwest natural-processes workshop, 2016. Slides by David Polster; individual image and diagram credits remain in the presentation. This video includes the complete supplied deck. It is an archive slideshow, not a recording of the spoken conference session.

Dates, costs and examples reflect the original presentation. Treatment suitability depends on current site conditions and requirements.

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  1. Ecological Restoration is the process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed.

  2. Natural processes have been restoring ecosystems and building resilience for millennia.

  3. What do we mean by ‘natural processes’?

  4. At one point not long ago most of the northern hemisphere was covered by ice…

  5. …and now we have a diversity of ecosystems…

  6. …with all sorts of fancy interactions and connections.
    Natural processes made this happen.

  7. So how can we use these natural processes to restore ecosystems?
    What are the “filters” that are preventing recovery, and how can we “assist” that recovery?

  8. Biotic Filters
    Abiotic Filters

  9. Common abiotic filters:
    Steep slopes
    Adverse texture
    Nutrient status (+/-)
    Adverse chemical properties
    Soil temperature extremes
    Compaction
    Adverse micro-climatic conditions
    Excessive erosion

  10. Spotted Knapweed
    Centaurea maculosa
    Common biotic filters:
    Herbivory
    Competition
    Propagule availability
    Phytotoxic exudates
    Facilitation
    Species interactions

  11. So let’s look at how natural processes address these filters…
    …so we will have some ideas when we cause a disturbance.

  12. What about steep slopes and adverse textures?

  13. Frank Slide
    Over time natural processes “restore” these sites…

  14. Studying how this happens provides a foundation for the design of restoration programs for our largest disturbances

  15. See any similarities???

  16. By looking at natural solutions to revegetation we can develop effective restoration systems

  17. Fine textures at the top, free draining in the middle, larger rock at the bottom

  18. By pushing the fine textured materials over the face we can eliminate the limitations of the coarse substrate and steep slopes.

  19. By making the surface rough and loose we can control erosion (more about this later).

  20. Vegetation establishment on coarse talus – the genesis of pocket planting.

  21. New rock…

  22. What are the processes and species on this lava flow?

  23. Early pioneers

  24. Nitrogen fixing species

  25. Stabilizing species…

  26. You never need to be stuck for ideas...
    By following natural processes...

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