Biodiversity continues to decline in the degraded, modern day ponderosa pine forest. Ecologically based restoration offers a comprehensive approach to conserving and restoring species. Ecological restoration treatments developed by the Ecological Restoration Institute exemplify the adaptive management process by incorporating new scientific research, practical experience and monitoring in the design of each prescription. The Ecological Restoration Institute is committed to constantly adapting and refining treatments to reflect new knowledge. In addition, the ERI is committed to conducting new research to analyze the effects of restoration at larger scales.
Treated forests have the potential to reduce the intensity of and slow crown-fires.
The treatments restore the forest to a structure that will in many cases stop fire from moving through tree crowns and allow it to drop to the ground. Once landscape level restoration has been implemented forest communities will enjoy the dual benefit of protection from crown fire as well as the re-establishment of diverse forest. Forest thinning and burning leads to disturbance and stumps in the forest. However, research in esthetic perception by Dr. Terry Daniel has shown that once herbaceous production increases and covers low-cut stumps, aesthetic values actually increase after prescribed burning. The real issue is what forest should be left for future generations.