Conceptualizing ecological restoration: a concise and adaptable framework for researchers and practitioners

Restoration ecology is challenged by taking the knowledge gained from individual projects and generalizing to broader hypotheses and theories. A simple conceptual framework that is easily adapted to many diverse situations has the ability to improve communication among restoration researchers and practitioners, to increase our ability to generalize among our often very diverse projects, and encourage a comprehensive view of the many factors that influence the outcome of an ecological restoration. We propose the restoration triangle as three sets of factors all scientists and practitioners should consider: the attributes and characteristics of the desired focal restoration species, the biotic characteristics of the restoration site, and the environmental conditions of the restoration site. This framework will help scientists and practitioners establish a common language and organizing principles to help move our discipline forward.