Browsing by Author "Sollereder, Bethany"

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    The evolution of Society for Ecological Restoration's principles and standards - counter-response to Gann et al
    (Wiley, 2018-05-21) Higgs, Eric; Harris, Jim A.; Murphy, Stephen D.; Bowers, Keith; Hobbs, Richard; Jenkins, Willis; Kidwell, Jeremy; Lopoukhine, Nikita; Sollereder, Bethany; Suding, Katie; Thompson, Allen; Whisenant, Steven
    In response to our recent article (Higgs et al. 2018) in these pages, George Gann and his coauthors defended the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International Standards, clarified several points, and introduced some new perspectives. We offer this counter‐response to address some of these perspectives. More than anything, our aims are in sharpening the field of restoration in a time of rapid scaling‐up of interest and effort, and support further constructive dialogue going forward. Our perspective remains that there is an important distinction needed between “Standards” and “Principles” that is largely unheeded by Gann et al. (2018). We encourage SER to consider in future iterations of its senior policy document to lean on principles first, and then to issue advice on standards that meet the needs of diverse conditions and social, economic, and political realities.
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    On principles and standards in ecological restoration
    (2018-03-24) Higgs, Eric; Hobbs, Richard; Jenkins, Willis; Kidwell, Jeremy; Lopoukhine, Nikita; Sollereder, Bethany; Suding, Katherine; Thompson, Allen; Whisenant, Steven; Harris, Jim A.; Murphy, Stephen D.; Bowers, Keith
    The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) has long debated how to define best practices. We argue that a principles-first approach offers more flexibility for restoration practitioners than a standards-based approach, is consistent with the developmental stage of restoration, and functions more effectively at a global level. However, the solution is not as simple as arguing that one approach to professional practice is sufficient. Principles and standards can and do operate effectively together, but only if they are coordinated in a transparent and systematic way. Effective professional guidance results when standards anchored by principles function in a way that is contextual and evolving. Without that clear relation to principles, the tendency to promote performance standards may lead to a narrowing of restoration practice and reduction in the potential to resolve very difficult and diverse ecological and environmental challenges. We offer recommendations on how the evolving project of restoration policy by SER and other agencies and organizations can remain open and flexible.