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Abstract

This paper explores the assessment of ecological reclamation trajectories in landscapes disturbed by industrial activities. Two approaches to evaluating reclamation success are examined: (1) developing a detailed framework examining vegetation measures when reference locations are not available, and (2) developing thresholds for reclamation success using data from undisturbed reference locations. The first approach uses a benchmark-based reclamation trajectory framework to identify ecological trajectories for sites where comparable reference conditions are not available. The framework uses a suite of vegetation indicators to assess the likelihood of meeting reclamation targets. Key indicators include characteristic vegetation species, regulated weeds, and community diversity. Data collected through ongoing monitoring programs such as post-placement sampling, reclamation monitoring, and infill planting assessments are crucial for applying these frameworks and for enabling adaptive management strategies to ensure successful long-term ecological restoration. The second approach uses data collected from nearby-reference sites to identify thresholds for reclamation success. Using this approach, disturbed sites can be identified as on a trajectory to adjacent undisturbed areas within defined timeframes, establishing thresholds for success based on metrics such as species richness, diversity, evenness, and tree establishment. The development of such thresholds allows for an objective assessment of whether a recovering site is on a trajectory toward successful reclamation. By considering the insights gained from both approaches, a more holistic understanding of ecological reclamation in industrial landscapes can be achieved. Our work underscores the importance of reference communities and intentional monitoring in guiding and evaluating these reclamation trajectories.