Project Timing

Timing is often critical when it comes to a project's success. For example, planting projects must be done in the appropriate season for plant growth, in-stream projects require summer low flows, and moving soil requires dry weather. In the interior parts of the province, projects involving heavy machinery may be scheduled for the winter when the ground is frozen, which will minimize ground disturbance. If your funding doesn't come through when expected it may be better to wait rather than to do your work out of season, when your chances of success decrease. In some cases, poor project timing can cause more harm than good.


Dave Polster
Planting in the right season will maximize your chances of success.

Tools and Materials

Getting the right kinds of tools and materials at the right price will be an important part of your efforts. Most restoration projects require tools of some sort, from simple shovels to heavy machinery. Your funding agency will probably be comfortable with a combination of purchasing cheaper tools and renting the rest. Spend some time at your tool rental shop to learn what kinds of tools are available, and which approach is cheaper or more efficient. Restoration supplies may also include items like fertilizer, brush mats, or rebar. You should consider the long-term safety, maintenance requirements, and biodegradability of your materials. When it comes to using heavy machinery, the equipment operator may give you a discounted rate as a contribution to your project, so be sure to ask around. You may consider asking your local retailer for a discount in return for recognition of their support.

The key players in your project may be able to help you out with cost, quality, and availability of materials. Many innovative arrangements can be made; for example the local forest company or land developer can provide you with stumps and rotten logs, or the local nursery can give you their excess seedlings (see 'Common Restoration Considerations - Planting Prescriptions' for a discussion of sourcing plant materials). When it comes to using materials like large woody debris, gravel, rocks, and soil, local availability is usually the most important factor, and your key players may be able to help. Before your project starts you will need to identify the right kinds of materials, how these materials can be brought to your site, and how they will be moved around once at your site, so that you can avoid costly delays or oversights, and minimize disturbance.

Dave Polster
Natural soil is the best growth medium for natural ecosystems. Salvage and subsequent use of this resource can be very important for effective restoration.