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Natural Resources Restoration: <br /> For the purposes of this plan, ecological restoration is defined as a science-based process of <br /> assisting in the recovery and management of the overall ecological integrity of the natural <br /> resources on the Cedar Creek Conservation Area. Ecological integrity includes, but is not <br /> limited to, biological diversity, ecological processes, historical context and sustainable cultural <br /> practices. Some of the key ecological concepts that will be considered are succession, <br /> disturbance, and historical range of variability. <br /> The over-arching goal of ecological restoration on this conservation area encompasses the re- <br /> establishment of functional ecological systems that contain sufficient biodiversity to continue <br /> their maturation by natural processes while supporting productive game and fish populations. <br /> As a result, there are evolving needs and opportunities for ecological restoration on the Cedar <br /> Creek Conservation Area. <br /> Considering that the natural resource systems are dynamic and continually changing over time <br /> and space, an adaptive management approach and framework fits well with the practice of <br /> ecological restoration on the Cedar Creek Conservation Area. In the context of ecological <br /> restoration for this conservation area, the following adaptive management principles will guide <br /> the ecological restoration initiatives in the forests, prairies and wetlands: <br /> Assessment/ Inventory— Define the scope of quality and/or degradation to the site, synthesize <br /> the existing knowledge about it, and explore the potential outcomes of alternative restoration <br /> actions. This will include a comprehensive inventory of plants and animals (see Exhibit D for <br /> existing resources). <br /> Design — Design a restoration plan and monitoring program that will provide reliable feedback <br /> and information about the effectiveness of restoration methods. <br /> Implementation — Effective restoration is a multi-step process, requiring installation and many <br /> years of maintenance and monitoring. <br /> Monitoring — Biological indicators are monitored to determine how effective the restoration <br /> methods are in meeting the restoration objectives. <br /> Evaluation —The actual outcomes are compared to the anticipated outcomes. In addition, the <br /> reasons for the underlying differences are interpreted. <br /> Adjustment— Practices, objectives, and models used during the restoration process may lead to <br /> reassessment of the problem, new questions, and new options to try in a continual cycle of <br /> improvement for the restoration. <br /> 51 Page <br />