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Site Selection - Project Template

Part of: Plan Section (Vision → Plan → Reality)
Type: Template/Playbook for Small Plot Restoration
Status: Template - Customize for Your Project

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📋 Overview​

Finding the right land is foundational to restoration success. This guide provides step-by-step processes for identifying, evaluating, and acquiring suitable sites for holistic environmental restoration.

This is a template. When you start your actual project, customize this with your specific geographic region, climate, and local context.

🎯 Non-Negotiables (Science Consensus)​

These are the constraints based on scientific consensus that cannot be compromised:

  1. Site Assessment Required: Before acquiring or committing to a site, a comprehensive assessment must be conducted. This includes soil health, water availability, biodiversity baseline, and contamination screening.

  2. Legal Compliance: All land use must comply with local, regional, and national regulations. Permits and approvals must be obtained before beginning restoration activities.

  3. Native Species Priority: Site selection should prioritize areas where native species can thrive, or where restoration to native ecosystems is feasible.

  4. Contamination Assessment: Sites with contamination that cannot be safely managed must be avoided or contamination must be addressed before restoration begins.

  5. Water Availability: Adequate water (rainfall, groundwater, or managed systems) must be available or feasible to provide for restoration success.

🔀 Options & Pathways​

Pathway A: Purchase Land​

When to use: When you have sufficient funding, want full control, and plan long-term ownership

Approach:

  • Direct purchase from private owners
  • Government land sales
  • Auction purchases
  • Land trusts or conservation organizations

Pros:

  • Full control and long-term security
  • Can implement comprehensive restoration
  • Build equity and assets
  • No ongoing rental costs

Cons:

  • High upfront cost
  • Requires significant capital
  • Legal and due diligence complexity
  • Property taxes and maintenance

Pathway B: Long-Term Lease or Agreement​

When to use: Limited budget, want to test approach, or landowner wants to retain ownership

Approach:

  • Long-term lease (10+ years)
  • Conservation easements
  • Management agreements
  • Partnership with landowner

Pros:

  • Lower upfront cost
  • Can test approach before purchase
  • Landowner may provide support
  • Flexible arrangements possible

Cons:

  • Less security than ownership
  • May have restrictions
  • Ongoing rental costs
  • Dependent on landowner relationship

Pathway C: Partnership or Donation​

When to use: Landowner wants to support restoration, has conservation goals, or wants tax benefits

Approach:

  • Land donation
  • Partnership agreements
  • Conservation easements
  • Managed restoration agreements

Pros:

  • May be low or no cost
  • Shared resources and expertise
  • Community engagement
  • Win-win arrangements

Cons:

  • Requires finding right partner
  • May have shared decision-making
  • Relationship management needed
  • Less control than ownership

Pathway D: Public Land Agreements​

When to use: Working with government agencies, public lands, or protected areas

Approach:

  • Management agreements with parks/public lands
  • Restoration contracts
  • Volunteer partnerships
  • Research collaborations

Pros:

  • Access to larger areas
  • Government support possible
  • Public benefit clear
  • May have existing infrastructure

Cons:

  • Bureaucratic processes
  • May have restrictions
  • Less control
  • Dependent on government priorities

📋 Complete 8-Step Process​

Step 1: Identify Potential Locations​

Research and map promising regions

  • Climate and environmental criteria
  • Biodiversity priorities
  • Strategic geographic focus
  • Initial desktop screening

Step 2: Evaluate Land Condition​

Comprehensive on-site assessment of degradation and opportunity

  • Soil health analysis
  • Vegetation assessment
  • Water availability
  • Contamination screening

Step 3: Estimate Restoration Potential​

Calculate feasibility, timeline, and likelihood of success

  • Restoration difficulty rating
  • Cost-benefit analysis
  • Timeline estimates
  • Success probability

Step 4: Consider Accessibility​

Evaluate practical logistics and infrastructure needs

  • Road and transport access
  • Utilities availability
  • Staff and visitor accommodation
  • Emergency access

Step 5: Research Local Regulations​

Understand legal requirements and constraints

  • Land use regulations
  • Environmental permits
  • Protected area designations
  • Local ordinances

Step 6: Contact Landowners​

Initiate negotiations and partnerships

  • Outreach strategies
  • Purchase vs partnership options
  • Legal due diligence
  • Contract negotiations

Step 7: Visit Sites​

In-person inspection and verification

  • Field reconnaissance
  • Ground-truthing desktop research
  • Community and stakeholder meetings
  • Final assessment

Step 8: Make a Shortlist​

Compare options and select best site(s)

  • Multi-criteria analysis
  • Risk assessment
  • Financial feasibility
  • Final decision

🔗 Integration with Other Phases​

Biodiversity: Site characteristics determine species potential → Biodiversity Conservation

Soil Health: Site condition informs restoration approach → Soil Restoration

Water Management: Site determines water needs and strategies → Water Management

Reforestation: Site characteristics determine tree species and methods → Reforestation

Community Engagement: Site location shapes community approach → Community Engagement

💡 Customization Notes​

When using this template for your project:

  1. Geographic Context: Adapt criteria to your specific region, climate, and ecosystem type

  2. Scale: Adjust process for your project size - small plots vs large landscapes have different considerations

  3. Legal Context: Research your country/region's specific land use laws, permits, and regulations

  4. Budget: Choose acquisition pathway based on your financial resources and constraints

  5. Timeline: Adapt the process timeline based on your project schedule and urgency

  6. Local Knowledge: Engage local experts, community members, and authorities who know the area

Remember: This is a template. Your actual project will have specific geographic, legal, financial, and social contexts that make it unique.

📚 Task Files​

  1. Identify Potential Locations
  2. Evaluate Land Condition
  3. Estimate Restoration Potential
  4. Consider Accessibility
  5. Research Local Regulations
  6. Contact Landowners
  7. Visit Sites
  8. Make a Shortlist

Remember: The right site is the foundation of restoration success. Take time to find the best match for your goals and resources.

This is a template. Customize it for your project.