Abstract
Biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem stabilization are primary considerations when selecting species for restoration of disturbed wildland communities. Selections based solely on ambiguous labels regarding point of origin (for example, native, introduced) often ignore realities of change caused by migration (both natural and human-facilitated) and long-term climatic shifts. Subsequently, natives are often, but not always, well adapted to the altered environments and uses of today’s wildland communities. The utilization of broad-based releases and multi-germplasm blends increase genetic diversity and offer improved opportunity for success on variable environments. Evaluations of past plantings can provide valuable insight on the suitability of various species, both introduced and native, for wildland stabilization. An adaptive strategy enlightened by unbiased hindsight, while at the same time possessing a clear forward vision, will be increasingly important for managing wildlands in a changing world.
- © 2001 by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System
