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Step 2: Evaluate Land Condition - 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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Purpose​

Conduct thorough on-site assessment of land degradation and restoration opportunity.

This is a template. Customize assessment methods, evaluation criteria, and documentation approaches based on your specific site, ecosystem type, and restoration goals.

🎯 Non-Negotiables (Science Consensus)​

These must be followed - they are based on scientific consensus:

  1. On-Site Assessment Required: Before selecting a site, an on-site assessment must be conducted. Desktop research alone is insufficient.

  2. Soil Assessment Required: Soil health must be assessed as part of land evaluation. Soil condition is fundamental to restoration success.

  3. Contamination Screening: If site history suggests potential contamination, appropriate screening must be conducted. Contaminated sites require special handling.

  4. Documentation: All assessment data must be documented (photos, measurements, observations). This is essential for comparison and decision-making.

  5. Expert Input: Land evaluation should include input from relevant experts (soil scientist, ecologist, hydrologist) when possible.

🔀 Options & Pathways​

Pathway A: Comprehensive Professional Assessment​

When to use: Larger projects, complex sites, when thoroughness is critical, grant requirements

Approach:

  • Professional assessment team (ecologist, soil scientist, hydrologist)
  • Comprehensive field and lab analysis
  • Detailed documentation and mapping
  • Professional reports and recommendations

Pros:

  • Most thorough and accurate
  • Professional validation
  • Credible for grants
  • Comprehensive data

Cons:

  • Higher cost (€1,000-5,000+)
  • Requires professional expertise
  • May take longer

Pathway B: Expert-Guided Assessment​

When to use: Standard projects, moderate budget, want expert input at lower cost

Approach:

  • Expert consultation on methodology
  • Team conducts assessment with expert guidance
  • Expert review of results
  • Mix of professional and field methods

Pros:

  • Lower cost (€300-1,500)
  • Professional guidance
  • Hands-on learning
  • Good balance

Cons:

  • Less comprehensive
  • Requires coordination
  • May need expert review

Pathway C: Community Science Assessment​

When to use: Limited budget, strong community interest, educational focus, straightforward sites

Approach:

  • Community members conduct assessment
  • Use field guides and simple tools
  • Expert review of results
  • Educational value

Pros:

  • Lowest cost (€100-500)
  • Community engagement
  • Educational value
  • Accessible

Cons:

  • Less accurate
  • May miss issues
  • Requires training
  • May need validation

Pathway D: Hybrid Approach​

When to use: Most projects - balance of professional and community methods

Approach:

  • Professional assessment for critical aspects
  • Community involvement in field work
  • Expert consultation as needed
  • Mix of professional and field methods

Pros:

  • Good balance
  • Cost-effective
  • Flexible
  • Engages community

Cons:

  • Requires coordination
  • May need ongoing consultation

📋 Implementation Steps​

Step 1: Plan Site Visits​

  • Schedule visits to identified regions
  • Arrange expert participation (ecologist, soil scientist)
  • Prepare assessment checklists
  • Coordinate with local contacts

Step 2: Soil Assessment​

Field testing:

  • Visual inspection (color, texture, structure)
  • Simple infiltration test
  • Collect samples for lab analysis
  • Document compaction and erosion

Lab analysis:

  • pH, NPK levels
  • Organic matter content
  • Microbial activity
  • Contamination screening

→ Details: Assess Soil Health

Step 3: Vegetation Survey​

  • Document existing plant species
  • Identify invasives vs natives
  • Assess coverage and health
  • Note remnant habitat patches
  • Photo documentation

Step 4: Water Availability​

  • Identify natural water sources
  • Assess seasonal patterns
  • Test water quality if present
  • Evaluate groundwater depth
  • Check rainfall data

→ Related: Assess Water Needs

Step 5: Topography & Microclimate​

  • Note slopes and aspects
  • Identify erosion risk areas
  • Document sun exposure patterns
  • Wind exposure assessment
  • Frost pocket identification

Step 6: Hazards & Constraints​

  • Contamination signs
  • Unstable slopes
  • Flooding risk
  • Access limitations
  • Adjacent land uses (incompatible activities)

Step 7: Biodiversity Baseline​

  • Wildlife signs and observations
  • Bird surveys
  • Insect diversity
  • Remnant species of value
  • Connectivity to natural areas

→ Details: Assess Biodiversity

Step 8: Documentation​

  • Completed assessment forms
  • Soil test results
  • Photo library (georeferenced)
  • Species lists
  • Site maps with notes

💡 Customization Notes​

When using this template for your project:

  1. Ecosystem Type: Adapt assessment methods to your specific ecosystem (forest, grassland, wetland, etc.)

  2. Site Size: Adjust assessment intensity based on site size and complexity

  3. Budget: Choose assessment pathway based on available resources

  4. Expertise: Identify local experts and resources available in your area

  5. Timeline: Plan adequate time for thorough assessment

  6. Local Knowledge: Engage local community members who know the area

Remember: This is a template. Your actual project will have specific site conditions, ecosystem types, and assessment needs that make it unique.

Next Steps​

Once land condition is evaluated: → Step 3: Estimate Restoration Potential

Remember: A thorough land evaluation is essential for making informed site selection decisions.

This is a template. Customize it for your project.