Defining reference information for restoring ecologically rare tallgrass oak savannas in the Midwestern United States

Reference information is commonly used in ecological restorations to guide management decisions and assess progress toward achieving goals. However, for extremely rare or degraded ecosystems, obtaining reliable reference information may be a daunting task. This article explores the limitations and potentials for identifying reference information for ecologically rare tallgrass oak savanna ecosystems, using a case study from central Iowa. Preliminary results suggest that restoration goals related to certain ecosystem parameters, such as vegetation structure, may be achieved relatively quickly, whereas other parameters, such as species composition, require longer timescales. The importance of developing additional reference information through experimental and adaptive management approaches is emphasized.