As ecological restoration becomes central to climate resilience and global conservation efforts, the need for effective, well-managed projects has never been greater. Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration offers a clear, field-tested framework to help practitioners—from professionals to volunteers—navigate complex restoration work with greater confidence and success. Drawing from decades of experience, John Rieger, John Stanley, and Ray Traynor lay out a practical, four-phase process: planning, design, implementation, and aftercare. Their approach integrates insights from landscape ecology, hydrology, soil science, and wildlife biology, translating them into actionable steps that can be adapted to diverse ecosystems and project goals. Designed to prevent common missteps and improve outcomes, the book includes checklists, tables, and illustrations to guide readers through each phase of a project—from identifying restoration targets and setting timelines to long-term monitoring and adaptive management. Case examples reflect real-world challenges, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and scientific grounding. This guide equips land stewards, conservation professionals, and community leaders with the tools to carry out restoration projects that are both ecologically sound and socially meaningful. It brings structure to a process that often feels overwhelming—and helps ensure that restoration efforts result in lasting, measurable change on the ground. "Adding to an already rich series on ecological restoration texts, Island Press delivers this book chock-filled with over 100 years of accumulated knowledge and on-the-ground experiences by three luminaries in the field of ecological restoration. With a focus on project management Rieger, Stanley, and Traynor effectively bring the philosophical, ecological, and social aspects of ecological restoration to a practical reality. Students, practitioners, and, yes, even philosophers stand to benefit from reading this book." -- Nik Lopoukhine ― Past Chair of Society for Ecological Restoration "I have seen many well-meaning restoration projects fail due to poor planning, but that need never happen again. The authors lend over a century of combined experience in ecological restoration design at a variety of scales to describe the detailed analysis and planning process necessary for successful project design, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation." -- Steve Windhager ― Executive Director, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden "This sorely needed book presents a comprehensive view of restoration project management from a biological perspective. It will be especially useful to those now entering the field of ecological restoration as practitioners. I wish I had this book when I began my career as a practicing restorationist." -- Tom Griggs ― Senior Restoration Ecologist, River Partners "Whether you are a restoration practitioner, student or researcher, this is a necessary handbook of guidelines for all aspects of restoration and management. Nonspecialists and ecologists alike can readily take in the complexities of planning, risk management, and goal setting for regenerating ecosystems. Case studies and flow diagrams are presented to bring the world of planning to life." -- Edith B. Allen ― Professor, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside "This is an excellent text for anyone interested in ecological restoration." ― Restoration Ecology John Rieger is a practicing restoration ecologist, and cofounder and first president of the Society for Ecological Restoration. John Stanley is a practicing restoration ecologist consultant and cofounder of the Society for Ecological Restoration. Ray Traynor is a member of the executive team of the San Diego Association of Governments and registered landscape architect in the state of California. Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration By John Rieger, John Stanley, Ray Traynor ISLAND PRESS Copyright © 2014 John Rieger, John Stanley, and Ray Traynor All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-61091-362-1 Contents ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION, FOREWORD, PREFACE, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, INTRODUCTION, PART I. Project Planning, Chapter 1. Framework for Ecological Restoration, Chapter 2. Restoration Project Management, Chapter 3. Defining Your Project, PART II. Project Design, Chapter 4. Site Analysis, Chapter 5. Design Approach, Chapter 6. Design, Chapter 7. Water and Soil, Chapter 8. Plant Material, PART III. Project Implementation, Chapter 9. Restoration Project Documents, Chapter 10. Construction and Installation, PART IV. Project Aftercare, Chapter 11. Maintenance and Stewardship, Chapter 12. Weed Management and Invasive Species Control, Chapter 13. Monitoring and Evaluation, PART V. Synthesis of the Process, Chapter 14. Bring It All Together, Chapter 15. Synopsis, APPENDIXES, Appendix 1. Gantt Chart Primer,