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RESTORATION PROCESS <br /> Restoration is a process. It takes time to restore ecosystems to their former <br /> functionality and diversity. Sometimes this can only be approximated. It took many <br /> decades to degrade the ecosystem and biological communities on site,so it will not <br /> be restored overnight. Many steps are typically involved in a successful restoration; <br /> even deciding when a restoration is complete/successful can be very difficult. <br /> Restoration should be viewed as a process not a state of being.The ultimate goal is <br /> to achieve and maintain a diverse natural community at the site,though this will not <br /> always proceed in a linear fashion. Using the concept of adaptive management will <br /> be key to continual progress at the site.Adaptive management is a strategy <br /> commonly used by land managers,and integrates thought and action into the <br /> restoration process. It can be described as a strategy that uses evaluation, reflection, <br /> communication, and also incorporates learning into planning and management. It is <br /> set up like a feedback loop and looks like this: Assess Problem-4 Design -4 <br /> Implement-4 Monitor-4 Evaluate-4 Adjust-4 Assess Problem-4 and so forth. <br /> Thus, moving forward with restoration, each round of adaptive management refines <br /> and hones the process to better fit the conditions of the site.This strategy should be <br /> emphasized at the Bailey Point Nature Preserve. <br /> Given the size and layout of the property,the restoration plan for the site will be <br /> relatively simple. However,to restore and maintain any site takes dedicated time <br /> and effort.The amount and type of"edge" (rivers, adjacent lands,etc) allows for a <br /> continual supply of seeds/propagules to Bailey Point,many non-native and invasive. <br /> While preventing propagules from arriving by way of the river is impossible, <br /> engaging neighbors in the importance of restoration on their lands will not only help <br /> the restoration on the property be more successful - as it will reduce the potential <br /> seed source of exotic invasive plants-but will also increase the size of natural <br /> communities being protected and managed in the area. <br /> The restoration of the biological communities at the Bailey Point Nature Preserve <br /> will be broken into phases. Each phase will address the restoration of a given target <br /> plant community. Restoration tasks will also be prioritized,with the most important <br /> resources or vital areas taking precedence. However,restoration will ultimately be <br /> conducted based on available funds and resources and may not occur sequentially <br /> or as prioritized. <br /> On this site,removal of woody invasive plants throughout the property is the <br /> highest priority.Without this crucial first step,prairie and savanna restoration will <br /> be consistently plagued by re-invasion. Prioritizing invasive removal first will lead <br /> to better results in subsequent restoration tasks.The second priority is restoring <br /> and improving prairie and savanna in the current grassland areas of the property. <br /> Savanna is a rare and vulnerable plant community,and increasing its presence on <br /> the landscape is an important goal.The third priority will be increasing pollinator <br /> and wildlife habitat throughout the property. <br /> Friends of the Mississippi River Bailey Point Nature Preserve NRMP <br /> 51 <br />