An assessment of forest restoration in southern Ontario: Methods used and their impact on success

Southern Ontario has a history that includes significant deforestation and subsequent efforts directed at the restoration of forests. While there has been reflection on various programs designed to support forest restoration, there has been little evaluation of the success of the individual restorations. This research investigates the adherence to recommended forest restoration practices in Southern Ontario and the impacts of such practices on the success of individual restorations. A survey of 76 forest restorations in the 6E and 7E Ecosite Regions reveals a wide degree of variability in the performance of recommended practices. Practices associated with biophysical considerations and implementation strategies are more widely performed than practices associated with planning and management. Practitioners tend to use biophysical considerations as a mark of success, citing both biophysical considerations and implementation strategies as key factors. Analysis shows that in successful restorations planning and management practices are more widely employed than in unsuccessful restorations. Findings suggest that forest restoration is seen as more of a tree planting activity than a holistic, long-term restoration.