Chapter 5: Developing a Restoration Plan That Works¹

William G. Hubbard²

Welcome to Chapter 5 of the publication Restoring the Urban Forest Ecosystem. This publication consists of 10 chapters available only in PDF format. The chapters explain basic ecological principles for the urban forest's water, soil, plant and animal communities. They discuss problems common in the urban forest such as aquatic eutrophication, soil aeration, invasive plants and loss of biodiversity. Solutions, strategies, examples, and additional resources are presented to help make urban forest restoration projects successful.

Abstract

A plan can be defined as a predetermined course of action. Regardless of the type of plan, they all have a number of similar components. First a vision - a future desired condition or state - must be defined. Goals and objectives are then used to achieve the vision. Measurable goals and objectives form a basis for project evaluation. Guiding principles are incorporated into the goals and objectives to ensure that achievement of the vision is attained in a high quality and defendable manner. It is important to identify and involve stakeholders in the planning process from the beginning and to have a framework and a process to identify and resolve issues. Gathering and analyzing information about the restoration site is critical. An action plan with a timeline outlines activities and responsibilities. A plan for monitoring should be developed before the project is started. Monitoring evaluates how well the project objectives have been met. Determining project costs, benefits and funding sources is essential to the restoration project's success. As the plan progresses, care should be taken to outline its relationship to other plans. A well-thought-out, well-developed plan will help the community achieve its vision.

To view the complete chapter, click here.

---

Footnotes

1. This document is part of Circular 1266, and Fact Sheet FOR 94, part of a series. School of Forestry Resources and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published August 2001.

2. William G. Hubbard, Southern Regional Extension Forester, Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia, Forest Resources Bldg. 4-402, Athens, GA 30602-4356.

---

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry Arrington, Dean.