Guidelines for the administration of ecological restoration projects

Executives in organizations that sponsor ecological restoration projects may be unaware of all their responsibilities and the complications that may arise that can hamper project success. Project directors appointed by these organizations as their agents may be equally uninformed. They must rely on project managers who provide missing ecological restoration expertise. A collaborative relationship with the project manager is critical for completing a project satisfactorily. Twelve guidelines are offered to assist project directors in comprehending their responsibilities and appreciating the wisdom of the restoration process that project managers provide. Directors need to know project managers' duties. In turn, project managers must ensure that directors' responsibilities are fulfilled. The guidelines were prepared for sponsors and directors who are unlikely to read the broader literature of ecological restoration in which these guidelines are embedded. Sponsors and directors who are aware of these guidelines will be less inclined to take shortcuts that could undermine project quality. In addition, the guidelines will help governmental personnel improve criteria used for regulating ecological restoration projects.