This manual does not describe a single, step-by-step program that you can apply to any site, for two reasons. The first is that every situation is unique and requires that we customize all implementation to each site’s specific conditions. The second is that the information will soon be out of date. Techniques and approaches are rapidly changing and being refined as more and more people undertake restoration efforts.
Part III seeks to strike a balance between the uniqueness of every site and the need for some basic approaches and methods. The object of the following chapters is not to give a rigid formula for restoration but rather to prepare each team of restorers to ask the right questions. Although new approaches and products are interesting to learn about and will prove useful to your efforts, what is more important is the knowledge that you and the rest of the team gain about the landscape and the effects your actions have. At every step of the way, seek as much professional, scientific, and amateur help as possible. And as this book recommends repeatedly, implement your plan in the context of monitoring, using field trials to evaluate and refine the specific solutions for each site and documenting your actions.
Remember, you can’t do just one thing when it comes to restoration. While your goal may be narrow, such as to control one particular species, many reactions follow any action. Take a small thoughtful action and then test and monitor your hypothesis in the field before implementing it at a larger scale. We may not be able to predict the future, but trying to do so, and then observing and assessing the actual results, is important.
This manual does not recommend brand names or manufacturers for materials that are generally in the market. Suppliers are indicated for those products that are less widely available, but because local markets are always changing, you will need to stay aware of what is available. Modified versions of these products as well as new products turn up frequently and need to be assessed. At the same time, you should urge local suppliers and contractors to consider products and techniques that are not yet in use in your region.