An ecosystem services filter for rangeland restoration

Abstract

Rangeland restoration ecology and practice have profited from an emphasis on research and development that emphasises technical tools for monitoring and altering ecological processes. However, this approach has not been particularly effective in conveying the potential value of restoration projects to both an interested public and funding institutions. Rangelands, by their nature, are extensive in both land area and ecological process, and the ecosystem services derived from them reflects that diversity of resources. Without explicit links to specific ecological process outputs (i.e. commodity production, pollution reduction), it is difficult to capture and convey the values that may be achieved through rangeland restoration efforts. In this paper, we review the intersection of the practice of rangeland restoration ecology and ecosystem service provision as a basis for better evaluating and communicating potential projects. We also suggest that rangeland restoration projects pay more attention to explicitly defining the spatial and temporal extent of projects as a way to enhance communication with land owners, policy-makers and the concerned public.