RestoreNet: Collaboration to improve success of seed-based restoration on the Colorado Plateau

Land degradation in arid and semiarid ecosystems is often difficult to reverse because low rainfall and high temperatures impede reestablishment of vegetation. Seed-based restoration success and recovery rates are also impeded by harsh climatic conditions and remain extremely low. Additionally, little information is available to land managers about the performance of contrasting seed-based restoration techniques and seed mixes to help increase restoration success. Researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Colorado State University, University of Arizona, New Mexico State University, Northern Arizona University, and University of California-Riverside are working with land managers from local ranches, federal, state, and tribal land management agencies to implement a network of restoration field trials collectively called “RestoreNet”. RestoreNet tests the effectiveness of different combinations of restoration treatments and seeded plant species in a small scale, low risk environment. Researchers co-produce this knowledge with land managers to inform practices that are likely to be successful following large-scale disturbance across the southwestern U.S. and Colorado Plateau.