Peatland Restoration Guide

Planning Restoration Projects

François Quinty, Marie-Claire LeBlanc and Line Rochefort

 Published jointly by

With the financial assistance of

Photo credits
Marie-Claire LeBlanc: Cover image, Fig. 3;
John Prevost: Back cover.

This document should be cited as follows

Quinty, F., M.-C. LeBlanc and L. Rochefort. 2020. Peatland Restoration Guide – Planning Restoration
Projects. PERG, CSPMA and APTHQ. Québec, Québec.

2 Planning Restoration Projects

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 4
Moss Layer Transfer Technique 4
International Standards for Ecological Restoration 5
Planning Process 6
Defining the Restoration Project 7
Characterizing the Sector 7
A. Characteristics of the Ecosystem before Disturbance 8
B. Characteristics of the Sector to Restore 8
i. Hydrological conditions 8
ii.
Topography 10
iii.
Peat characteristics 12
iv.
Chemical aspects 14
v.
Existing vegetation 14
C. Characteristics of the Surrounding Environment 15
D. Source of Plant Material 16
Choosing the Reclamation Option 16
Planning the Work 17
Preparing the Restoration Plan 17
Planning for Monitoring 19
Resources, Time and Costs 20
Summary 21
Appendices 22
Appendix A – Example of a map presenting the characterization
of a peatland sector before restoration 22
Appendix B – Example of a restoration plan 23

Planning Restoration Projects 3

 INTRODUCTION
This booklet in the Peatland Restoration Guide series has been prepared to make available
the new approaches to planning restoration projects developed since the 2003 publication of
the Peatland Restoration Guide, Second Edition.1 It is intended mainly for the horticultural peat
industry, but may also be useful for those interested in restoring peatlands that have been
drained and where the surface is largely bare peat. It is an update of the 2003 guide section
covering the planning of restoration projects (pp. 13 to 24 of the English version).

This booklet begins with a brief review of the Moss Layer Transfer Technique and then gives
details on the steps involved in planning restoration projects. The time and resources
required for each step are also described.

MOSS LAYER TRANSFER TECHNIQUE

The Moss Layer Transfer Technique (MLTT) developed by the Peatland Ecology Research
Group (PERG, Université Laval) for the restoration of peatlands (bogs, poor fens and mode-
rate-rich fens) is based on active reintroduction of peatland plant species combined with
rewetting through hydrological management. This technique has been used in over one
hundred restoration projects in Canada as well as in many other countries. It makes it
possible to bring back to the restored site over 80% of the species present in the plant
material collected from a donor site, and it limits non-peatland plant species to only 3 to 6%.
In addition, long-term monitoring of the vegetation (more than 10 years) shows a progres-
sive decrease in these atypical species as the moss carpet develops. A study by PERG in
collaboration with researchers at McGill University demonstrated beyond all doubt that a
peatland was once again able to capture and sequester carbon 15 years after restoration.2

The success of the Moss Layer Transfer Technique is largely related to how well the restora-
tion work is done, as well as the meteorological and hydrological conditions prevailing while
the work is carried out. The MLTT involves the following steps:
∙ Planning;
∙ Preparing the sector to be restored;
∙ Collecting plant material from a donor site;
∙ Spreading the plant material;
∙ Spreading mulch;
∙ Fertilizing;
∙ Rewetting by blocking the drainage system; and
∙ Monitoring the restored sectors.

1
Quinty, F. and L. Rochefort. 2003. Peatland Restoration Guide, 2nd edition. Canadian Sphagnum Peat
Moss Association and New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources and Energy. Québec, Québec.
2
Nugent, K., I.B. Strachan, M. Strack, N.T. Roulet and L. Rochefort. 2018. Multi-year net ecosystem
carbon balance of a restored peatland reveals a return to carbon sink. Global Change Biology 24(12):
5751-5768.

4 Planning Restoration Projects

 This booklet focuses primarily on planning the restoration of Sphagnum-dominated
peatlands. The distinction between reclamation, ecological restoration and rehabilitation3
is further described in the following box.

RECLAMATION, ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION AND REHABILITATION

Reclamation is a general term that includes all work aimed at reclaiming a site after it
has been altered. Ecological restoration and rehabilitation are both considered types
of reclamation.

According to the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER), ecological restoration is the
process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been damaged, degraded or
destroyed. The goal of restoration is the return of the biological components and character­
istics of a given reference ecosystem, a peatland in this case. Considering that peatlands
are ecosystems that evolve over time, their restoration can aim at establishing conditions
that differ from those present when the peatland was disturbed. For example, a Sphagnum-
dominated peatland used for peat extraction could be restored as a poor fen dominated by
sedges, knowing that the site will evolve over time toward the return of Sphagnum mosses
that were present before peat extraction began.

In contrast, the goal of rehabilitation is to restore a disturbed or contaminated site to an

acceptable and safe condition that includes minimal natural characteristics, regardless of
the original ecosystem, such as planting trees in post-extracted peatlands or establishing
vegetation cover on mining waste sites.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ECOLOGICAL

RESTORATION
The restoration approach described in this guide is the result of many years of collaboration
between Canada’s horticultural peat industry and the scientific community, particularly the
Peatland Ecological Research Group. It has been developed in response to the need to find
ways of decreasing the environmental impact of human activities and is based on nume-
rous trials and research projects aimed at developing and refining peatland restoration
methods. This approach is also consistent with the International Principles and Standards
for the Practice of Ecological Restoration4 established by the Society for Ecological Restora-
tion (SER). The SER is an international nonprofit organization that promotes the science
and best practices of ecological restoration to benefit humans, biodiversity, ecosystems
and the climate. The Society develops tools, publishes reference documents, disseminates
information and establishes standards in order to define and share excellence in the field of
ecological restoration.

3
Underlined words refer the reader to the boxes.
4
Gann, G.D., T. McDonald, B. Walder, J. Aronson, C.R. Nelson, J. Jonson, J.G. Hallett, C. Eisenberg, M.R.
Guariguata, J. Liu, F. Hua, C. Echeverría, E. Gonzales, N. Shaw, K. Decleer and K.W. Dixon. 2019. Interna-
tional Principles and Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration. 2nd edition. Restoration
Ecology 27(S1): S1–S46. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rec.13035

Planning Restoration Projects 5

 The International Principles and Standards apply to all types of ecological restoration.
The approach described in this guide follows and is inspired by the eight fundamental
principles of ecological restoration set out by the SER:
1. Ecological restoration engages stakeholders.
2. Ecological restoration draws on many types of knowledge.
3. Ecological restoration practice is informed by native reference ecosystems, while
considering environmental change.
4. Ecological restoration supports ecosystem recovery processes.
5. Ecosystem recovery is assessed against clear goals and objectives, using measurable
indicators.
6. Ecological restoration seeks the highest level of ecosystem recovery possible.
7. Ecological restoration gains cumulative value when applied at large scales.
8. Ecological restoration is part of a continuum of restorative activities.
More specifically, the International Principles and Standards provide guidelines for planning,
implementing, monitoring and maintaining ecological restoration projects that are appli-
cable and pertinent in the peatland context.

PLANNING PROCESS
The planning process should begin before extraction operations cease in a peatland sector,5
in order to reduce the period during which the sector is drained and devoid of vegetation.
Postponing the restoration results in additional procedures and cost increases, and reduces
the chances of success. Over time, the environmental conditions and the characteristics of
the remaining peat deteriorate, which can lead to decreased water-holding capacity due to
oxidation and decomposition, surface disruption due to frost heaving, formation of a surface
crust and so on. Longer delays before beginning restoration work also increase the risk of
undesirable plant species colonizing the sector.

In the context of fighting climate change, rapid restoration after peat extraction also helps
avoid releasing of large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG). Such emissions are greatly
increased when the peatland surface is dry and devoid of vegetation. According to a study
on GHGs, immediate restoration offsets the impact of extraction activities 155 years faster
than if a site’s restoration is delayed 20 years. If a sector cannot be restored quickly, it is
better to block the drainage ditches to raise the water level until the work can be done.

As a rule, it is easier to properly manage the blockage of drainage ditches when adjacent
sectors are restored simultaneously. It is therefore worthwhile to coordinate sector
closures and the ensuing restoration work to encompass larger areas.

5
The term "site" refers to a peat extraction site, i.e. a peat bog. The term "sector" describes a homoge-
neous area affected by the same drainage network, and is the scale at which restoration must be
planned. A sector includes a number of peat fields, which are separated by secondary drainage ditches.
However, for ease of reading, the terms "site" and "sector" are both used in this document to designate
areas undergoing restoration.

6 Planning Restoration Projects

 For all these reasons, it is recommended that, from the outset, a site development plan
includes each sector’s anticipated production end date to facilitate the eventual restoration
of the entire site. Therefore, restoration planning should begin well before a sector is
closed. All restoration and rehabilitation projects should begin with the preparation of a
detailed plan in order to make sure that suitable options for a given sector are identified
and to estimate the time and resources needed to implement them. There are two main
steps in planning a restoration project:
1. Defining the project; and
2. Planning the work.

In the project definition step, the options most likely to be successful are selected according
to the characteristics of each sector. The goal and objectives the project is intended to
accomplish are also clearly defined. The goal of peatland restoration is to re-establish the
ecosystem and its functions, including peat accumulation and biodiversity. The project
should also include specific objectives leading to specific actions with measurable results, so
that the success of the project can be monitored and evaluated.

The purpose of the planning step is to precisely describe the procedures to be used to
reach the objectives, including the methods, resources and schedule, as well as an estima-
tion of the costs.

DEFINING THE RESTORATION PROJECT

Defining a restoration project involves analyzing the factors that influence the required
restoration work, particularly with respect to site preparation. This analysis might also lead
to choosing to restore the site to a state other than a Sphagnum-dominated peatland; for
example, establishing a fen or other type of wetland. When the conditions are not conducive
to these alternatives, other reclamation options such as planting trees can be considered.
To ensure that the best option is chosen, the factors specific to each sector should be
analyzed in depth at the beginning of the planning process.

Characterizing the Sector

Despite the similarity of the peat extraction methods used across the industry, site condi-
tions can differ significantly from one peatland to the next once extraction activities cease.
The thickness of the peat deposit, the type of peat, the nature of the underlying mineral
substrate and the topography all contribute to these differences. A precise characterization
of the sectors to be restored is therefore needed to ensure the most suitable restoration
options and methods are selected.

Planning Restoration Projects 7

 The purpose of the characterization is to collect information on the conditions of the sector
to be restored:
A. Characteristics of the ecosystem before disturbance
B. Characteristics of the sector to restore
i. Hydrological conditions
ii. Topography
iii. Peat characteristics
iv. Chemical aspects
v. Existing vegetation
C. Characteristics of the surrounding environment
D. Source of plant material

A. Characteristics of the Ecosystem before Disturbance

In its natural state, each peatland will have its own set of characteristics and conditions
(e.g., open or forested terrain, presence or absence of bog pools, specific plant communi-
ties). It may also have been affected by other activities that modified those conditions even
before peat extraction began. Identifying the elements previously present in the sector can
help guide the selection of elements to be re-established or to be considered during resto-
ration work (e.g., bog pools). Knowledge of the original conditions also helps interpret the
results of the restoration project during monitoring. For example, we can expect trees to
establish if the peatland was forested in its original state.

Information about the pre-disturbance conditions of the peatland can be gathered from
various sources:
• Geological reports, ecological descriptions, maps, environmental impact studies, vegeta-
tion surveys;
• Old and more recent photographs, both aerial and taken at ground level;
• Testimonials from peatland workers and people from the area;
• Paleoecological evidence and dendrochronology; and
• Similar nearby natural peatlands or natural sectors within the same peatland used for
peat extraction.

The pre-disturbance characteristics of the ecosystem influence:

• The type of elements that can be included in the restoration plan; and
• The interpretation of the monitoring results.

B. Characteristics of the Sector to Restore

i. Hydrological conditions
The potential for rewetting is an essential consideration for the restoration of peatlands
because of the key role water plays for all wetlands. However, the capacity of natural
peatlands to store water and regulate water table level fluctuations is diminished when they
are drained. The hydrological conditions of the sector post-extraction should be examined

8 Planning Restoration Projects

 to evaluate the potential for rewetting and to prepare water management strategies that
will ensure a sufficient water supply for Sphagnum mosses and other plants to establish.

Potential water losses should be identified as well as any constraints to blocking ditches
and raising the water table. Such constraints could include the size of the sector to be
restored, adjacent sectors that are still in production, drainage ditches bordering the
sector to be restored that must remain open or the partial loss of the impermeable layer
at the bottom of the ditches.

SIZE OF THE SECTOR TO BE RESTORED

As restoration operations require the use of machinery, these projects are usually carried
out on an area at least 1 hectare (ha) in size. It is easier to raise the water table and create
hydrological conditions appropriate for the establishment of peatland plants on one large
sector than on several smaller peat fields adjacent to areas still in use for peat extraction.
Keep in mind that drainage ditches affect the water level approximately 15 m on each side:
the water table in restored sectors near active ditches will thus be lower, which will have
repercussions on the establishment of plants.

Restoration should be done in sectors where the ditches can be blocked, which is generally
the case when large areas are closed. In addition, when restoration work is carried out on
larger areas, this facilitates the movement of machinery, increasing the efficiency of all
operations. It also generally decreases the costs, due to economies of scale and time.
Clearly, if the sectors are too small or located too close to sectors still in production, it may
be preferable to postpone their restoration.

For smaller areas, as may be the case in protected areas or locations where vegetation has
been removed for the construction of oil drilling structures, it may be possible to use
smaller machinery, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or amphibious ATVs (e.g., Argo®), and
equipment adapted to them. Nonetheless, experience suggests that restoration on large
areas yields better results, especially regarding hydrological conditions.

While preparing the restoration plan, natural areas adjacent to the restoration sector
should be taken into consideration because they are the main source of water supply for
the restoration sector, other than precipitation, helping to maintain favourable hydrological
conditions. On the other hand, water coming from environments other than peatlands could
negatively affect the vegetation if the water chemistry is not appropriate.

The hydrological conditions determine the following:

• The potential for rewetting and restoring hydrological conditions suitable for peatland
plants; and
• The strategy for preparing the sector for rewetting.

Planning Restoration Projects 9

 Action items:
• Identify potential water sources and determine their chemical characteristics
(see also point iv. on chemical aspects);
• Identify possible water losses;
• Determine the constraints to raising the water table;
• Examine the surrounding drainage network.

ii. Topography
Topography directly affects water distribution and movement, two factors that in turn
directly impact the conditions for plant establishment. It is important to distribute water as
evenly as possible over the restoration site and avoid creating spots that remain flooded or
dry for long periods. Water runoff on the peat surface can wash away or redistribute the
reintroduced plant material and the protective layer of straw, as well as erode the peat layer
on the surface or around water-retention earthworks. In sloped sectors, peat dikes should
be built to distribute the water as evenly as possible and to control its movements. In certain
cases, the higher elevation or peat mounds at the ends of former peat fields may prevent
adequate rewetting; in such situations, another restoration option must be chosen. Similarly,
sharp elevation differences between the sector being restored and the adjacent natural
environment can make restoration ineffective in that transition zone. These areas should be
carefully characterized in order to plan the most appropriate reclamation operations.

On a smaller scale, the topography within each peat field to be restored must be taken into
consideration. Most fields have a convex profile to ensure rapid water drainage during peat
extraction. Their surface needs to be flattened so that water can be more evenly distributed
on the entire surface. In addition, all topographical features (mounds, outcrops, road edges,
wet depressions) should be noted in order to properly plan the reprofiling operations.
Profile modification of each peat field should be included in the restoration plan.

A field survey should be conducted to create a topographical map that will help plan
the preparation of the sector. Topographical measurements should be taken at numerous
points on each peat field, wherever an elevation change is suspected, as well as along
transect lines across the sectors to be restored—up to the surrounding natural environments
when possible. This can be done relatively easily using surveyors’ instruments or through
the services of a surveyor. Recording LiDAR elevation data on a map makes it easy to
visualize the preparation needed to reprofile the terrain so that only gradual slopes remain
(Figure 1). Drones and lidar data are now available free of charge in certain regions, making
it possible to prepare a digital elevation model that provides high-resolution imaging of the
topography. These data open up the possibility of determining the area affected by blocking
a certain drainage ditch or to identify the number and location of dikes to be built. Although
a simple visual assessment of the slopes can also help determine the places where dikes
are needed, this method is not recommended.

10 Planning Restoration Projects

 restoration site

A A’
A

Elevation
Berm
B

B’

A’ B B’

Elevation
Survey (punctual)
Survey (transect)
Drainage ditch
Peatland in operation Distance

Restoration sector Observed topography, prerestoration

Natural peatland Targeted topography, postrestoration

Figure 1. Example of location of topographic surveys (left) and profiles along two transects (right; A and
B) of a sector to be restored.

Topography determines the following:

• The procedures needed to prepare the sector;
• The location of dikes;
• The area affected by blocking ditches;
• The local potential for rewetting; and
• The possibility of creating pools in naturally wetter areas.

Action items:
• Conduct a topographic survey or create a digital elevation model of the sector;
• Identify peat fields that are convex;
• Identify areas where the topography should be reprofiled.

Planning Restoration Projects 11

 iii. Peat characteristics
Good restoration plans should include information about the characteristics of the residual
peat, such as its thickness, dominant plant composition (Sphagnum mosses, sedges, etc.)
and the degree of decomposition on the von Post scale. This information is essential to
choosing the most appropriate option for reclamation. When the remaining peat layer is
thin, the roots of plants can easily reach the underlying mineral substrate. In addition, the
surface water may be enriched with nutrients, favouring the establishment of undesirable
species and possibly hampering the growth of peatland species. The presence of mineral
material (e.g., clay, sand, gravel) on the remaining peat surface—as may result from cleaning
drainage ditches—should also be taken into consideration when planning the work. In
addition, the water-retention capacity of highly decomposed peat is poor, creating variable
moisture conditions that are not conducive to establishing Sphagnum mosses.

It is difficult to determine the minimal peat thickness necessary to support the restoration
of Sphagnum-dominated peatlands. Following the precautionary principle, a peat layer at
least 50 cm thick should be left in place, although favourable ombrotrophic (bog) conditions
can sometimes be present in areas with thinner layers of peat. Thin sedge peat layers are
often found at the end of peat fields located at the peatland margin. In these cases, recla-
mation should be chosen over restoration. In all cases, it is preferable to rely on peat
chemistry and botanical composition instead of its thickness solely.

The characteristics of the surface peat should also be examined before undertaking prepa-
ration of the sector. There is often a loose layer of peat remaining from the last harrowing
of the peat fields. This loose peat layer is unstable and very susceptible to erosion and frost
heaving. Peat fields that have been out of production for some time may develop a fine
“biological crust” composed of a mixture of cyanobacteria, lichens, algae, mosses and
liverworts. Loose peat or a biological crust can prevent the plant material fragments from
accessing the moisture of the underlying peat deposit that would otherwise reach the
surface through capillary action. It is thus essential to refresh the surface of the peat
before spreading the plant fragments. This topic is addressed in the booklet on Site
Preparation and Rewetting, part of the Peatland Restoration Guide series.

The following are determined from the peat characteristics:

• The choice between restoration as a Sphagnum-dominated peatland or as a fen, or other
reclamation options; and
• The site preparation procedures.

Action items:
• Measure the thickness of the remaining peat;
• Determine the type of peat (i.e., Sphagnum peat, sedge peat, etc.);
• Determine the degree of decomposition using the von Post scale;
• Identify the type of mineral substrate (e.g., clay, sand, gravel) underlying the peat deposit
and any areas where mineral material is present on the surface;
• Make note of any loose peat, frost heaving or biological crust on the surface of the peat
fields.

12 Planning Restoration Projects

 FROST HEAVING
Frost heaving occurs when the temperature fluctuates around the freezing point (freeze-
thaw cycles) and when the ground is very wet (Figures 2 and 3). When frost penetrates the
surface of the peat, the water in the soil is drawn toward the surface where it freezes,
forming ice needles and crystals. The peat and any plant fragments on the surface are lifted
by the ice. When the ice thaws, generally in the hours following an overnight frost, the peat
particles and plant fragments settle onto the surface. When this cycle is repeated, it
loosens the peat, mixes the plant fragments with the peat and impedes root development.
It can even break up Sphagnum carpets and uproot newly established seedlings. Frost
heaving creates a distinctive microtopography which is very prone to erosion and often
stays devoid of vegetation.

Original surface Frost-heaved surface Post-thaw surface

Plant fragments Loosened peat Ice crystals

Figure 2. Disturbance of the peat surface and plant fragments caused by frost heaving.

Figure 3. Typical microtopography that forms at the peat surface following frost heaving (on the left).

Planning Restoration Projects 13

 iv. Chemical aspects
A chemical analysis of water and remnant peat should be conducted to make sure the
conditions are appropriate for the establishment of plants typical of Sphagnum-dominated
peatlands. For most sites, pH and electrical conductivity tests are sufficient to determine
what type of peatland (ombrotrophic or minerotrophic) the remnant peat conditions are
more similar to. As a general rule, the maximum recommended thresholds for the restoration
of Sphagnum-dominated peatlands are 5.5 to 5.8 for pH and 100 to 140 µS/cm for
electrical conductivity. Measurement of the concentration of minerals such as calcium
(Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) in the residual peat can provide complementary
data that may be helpful in decision-making. To restore a Sphagnum-dominated peatland,
the concentration of these cations should not exceed 5 to 9 mg/L for Ca, 4 to 8 mg/L for Mg,
and 0.5 to 2 mg/L for K. Note that coastal peatlands will have higher electrical conductivity
if the concentration of sodium (Na) from sea salts is high. When the testing results show
higher mineral content, it is appropriate to consider restoring the site as a minerotrophic
peatland (fen). When the environment is considered rich in nutrients (i.e., nitrogen and
phosphorus), restoration as a marsh, swamp or tree plantation may be viable options.
Relatively high levels of Ca are detrimental for Sphagnum mosses, and higher levels of
nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, can favour the establishment of undesi-
rable species.

The chemical aspects determine the following:

• Which reclamation option to consider, whether to restore the site as a peatland (either
Sphagnum-dominated peatland or fen) or rehabilitate it as another type of wetland; and
• The probability of invasion by undesirable species.

Action items:
• Measure the pH and electrical conductivity of the water and the peat;
• Analyze the calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium levels, as well as the nutrient
levels (nitrogen and phosphorus).

v. Existing vegetation
After peat extraction activities are discontinued on a site, it may be colonized by diverse
plant communities if no interventions are made for several years. Vegetation generally
begins growing near ditches, where the conditions are wetter and sometimes more
nutrient rich. Vegetation must be removed when the sector is prepared, with two exceptions:
1) In very wet areas where it would be very difficult to bring in machinery in any case; and
2) In areas where graminoid species are densely established, which may be an indicator of
minerotrophic conditions that would dictate restoration as a fen.

In all cases, the plant species present should be identified, because they are a useful
source of information about the site’s chemical and hydrological characteristics.

Experience from restoration projects has shown that invasive species such as the common
reed (Phragmites australis) or birch (Betula spp.) can rapidly colonize sectors that are to be
restored. These very competitive species can limit access to resources by other peatland
plants, compromising their establishment and growth. The presence of these species in or
near the sector to be restored must be taken into consideration when planning the restora-
tion project and when deciding whether to restore or rehabilitate the site.

14 Planning Restoration Projects

 The restoration procedures can then be adapted depending on the propagation methods of
the invasive species. For example, restoration work can be carried out outside the seed
dispersal period of these species, or effort can be made to avoid the introduction of
diaspores (rhizomes, roots, etc.) into adjacent areas where these species are not established.

The existing vegetation determines the following:

• The choice between restoration as a Sphagnum-dominated peatland or as a fen, or
rehabilitation; and
• The site preparation procedures.

Action items:
• Identify the dominant species (peatland, non-peatland or invasive species) and species
that serve as indicators of mineral enrichment;
• Determine the extent of plant cover (dense, dispersed, etc.);
• Identify the species growing within or near the restoration site that could become
invasive.

C. Characteristics of the Surrounding Environment

Many peatlands used for peat extraction are located within large wetland complexes. A
careful study of the hydrogeomorphological situation of the peatland can reveal indicators
of the evolution of the sector to be restored. For example, in Manitoba, many Sphagnum-
dominated peatlands are in fact ombrotrophic islands inserted into vast fens. It would
therefore not be surprising for a restored sector to be influenced by the nutrient-rich water
from the surrounding landscape.

The surrounding environment and human activities also impact the potential for rewetting.
For example, it is difficult to restore peatlands surrounded by agricultural fields, because
agricultural drainage can lower the water table over an entire region.

Action items:
• Identify the nature of the adjacent land (natural peatland, agriculture, forestry operations,
urban development, industrial park, etc.);
• Determine the regional direction of water drainage for the larger area in which the ecosys-
tem is found.

Planning Restoration Projects 15

 D. Source of Plant Material
Because the Moss Layer Transfer Technique is based on an active introduction of typical
peatland vegetation, a large enough source of good-quality plant material is critical to the
success of any restoration project. During the planning stage, it is important to make sure
that sufficient plant material is available and that it is composed of the species targeted for
the restoration of Sphagnum-dominated peatlands (see the booklet Plant Material Collec-
ting and Donor Site Management, part of the Peatland Restoration Guide series).

The source of plant material determines the following:

• The choice between restoration and rehabilitation; and
• The plant collection procedures.

Action items:
• Assess the abundance of Sphagnum mosses present on the donor site and the species
composition of the plant cover.
• Determine the size of the donor site pending on the size of the sector to be restored.
• Evaluate access to the donor site.

Choosing the Reclamation Option

Based on the information collected during the characterization of the sector and
on the prevailing conditions, the most appropriate reclamation option can be selected:
restoration as a Sphagnum-dominated peatland, a fen or other type of rehabilitation.

The restoration of a Sphagnum-dominated peatland using the Moss Layer Transfer

Technique requires two essential conditions:
• The possibility to create hydrological conditions ensuring enough water is available to the
plant material spread on the surface. The potential for rewetting should therefore be
determined for the sector to be restored.
• The appropriate chemical conditions for Sphagnum-dominated peatlands must be pre-
sent, because Sphagnum species are intolerant of high-pH conditions and environments
rich in calcium, nitrogen or phosphorus. The type of peat, its degree of decomposition,
the presence of invasive species, and the chemical analyses of the water and peat can all
be used as indicators of good or poor conditions for restoration. Conditions can vary
within a given peat field, so the entire sector to be restored should be surveyed.

These two factors should be considered jointly, and their influence on the chances of a
successful restoration must be assessed. Another reclamation option should be chosen
if there is little probability of the restoration succeeding.

16 Planning Restoration Projects

 PLANNING THE WORK
Once the conditions of the sector have been analyzed to select the type of restoration
to perform (i.e., the project goal), the next step is to prepare the restoration plan. In this
critical step, each of the operations is set out and described in some detail. Planning the
operations is a very important factor in the success of the restoration for many reasons:
1. Planning allows the restoration work to be integrated into the normal flow of peat
extraction operations. For example, with coordination, plant material can be collected
from the areas being opened for extraction and then be used for restoration.
2. Planning ensures that the most appropriate operations are carried out in the right
place, at the right time and in the right way. The Moss Layer Transfer Technique is based
on introducing plants whose successful establishment depends on a series of factors
associated with each restoration operation. The fact that living plant material requires
special precautions and care should be kept in mind at all times.
3. Planning ensures that the required equipment, materials and staff are available when
they are needed. Unforeseen delays between the restoration steps can significantly
impact the success of the project. For example, if too much time passes between
spreading the plant material and spreading the straw mulch, the survival of the mosses
can decrease because they are very susceptible to desiccation. Early snowfalls can also
impede restoration work.
4. Planning allows data to be collected on the work progress and helps refine peatland
restoration methods. All the information about the work should be documented, includ­
ing characterization of peat fields before peat extraction, the donor site vegetation,
the time needed to carry out each task and details on the progress of the operations.
Analysis of this information, combined with the data collected on plant establishment
and on the hydrological regime of the restored sectors, will help identify the factors
responsible for the success or failure of the restoration. Having all this data from diverse
restoration projects leads to developing and improving peatland restoration methods.
5. Planning reduces restoration costs. If all the above recommendations are put into
practice, the planning process will definitely reduce the cost of the restoration through
efficient management of time, staff and materials.

PREPARING THE RESTORATION PLAN

The preparation of a restoration plan provides an invaluable tool for managing the restora-
tion project, helping to ensure that the operations are carried out smoothly and providing
an estimate of the costs.

Planning Restoration Projects 17

 RESTORATION PLANS
There are two types of restoration plans:

Conceptual plan: A conceptual restoration plan can be prepared to comply with regulatory
requirements or in the early stages of a project. It is commonly required to obtain authori-
zations before carrying out activities that will affect a peatland. It is called a conceptual
plan because, in general, it is not based on the observed conditions of the sector, but rather
on the expected conditions when extraction operations end. It includes the following: a
general description of the sector; the goals and objectives based on the options approved
by legislation (peatland restoration, forest habitat, creation of pools, etc.) and their chances
of success; a summary of the methods that will be used; and a map indicating the sectors
of the peatland where the restoration work will be carried out. It also includes a monitoring
program. The conceptual plan is not covered by this restoration guide because each insti-
tution has its own requirements and guidelines.

Operational plan: An operational plan is what is meant by a “restoration plan” in the context
of this guide. It is the road map used by the point person for the restoration project. It is
based on the conditions observed in the sector to be restored once extraction operations
are ended.

A restoration plan should include the following:

• A map of the sector to be restored indicating:
- the restoration area and its dimensions;
- the donor site and its dimensions (on another map if necessary);
- the access roads and traffic areas;
- the storage areas for plant material;
- the drainage network and places to be blocked or modified;
- the topographical data, including areas where the topography must be modified;
- the planned location of dikes; and
- the planned location of pools or other elements to be put in place.
• A detailed description of each of the operations including:
- the type of work;
- the timeframe for completion;
- the required machinery and equipment;
- the required input materials; and
- the required staff.

While some restoration steps consist of relatively simple tasks (i.e., spreading the plant material
and straw), the work associated with preparing the sector must be well planned out in advance
to ensure it is properly carried out and goals are achieved. For example, the placement of the
surface peat collected when levelling peat fields; the width and height of the dikes; and the
location, size and depth of pools should all be determined in advance.

18 Planning Restoration Projects

 The timeframe for completion of each operation is one of the most important elements of the
plan, because the purpose of planning is to anticipate future activities. The activities can be
listed in chronological order with deadlines, even if these are approximate dates. Some
operations can be carried out at any time of the year, while others require specific weather
conditions. The schedule helps ensure that the required staff is available at the right time and
place.

It is important that the appropriate machinery and equipment be available and in good working
condition. Machinery and equipment not normally used for peat extraction, such as spreaders
for plant material, straw and fertilizer, may have to be leased. An equipment rental service
should be selected in advance, and the availability of machinery in good working order and
appropriate to peatland conditions should be verified. The ground pressure of the machinery
(the weight vs. the number and type of tires) is particularly important, and it may be necessary
to modify the machinery to avoid getting bogged down (e.g., by doubling the wheels). That is
also true for machinery that peat producers may already own but that is normally at a different
production site, such as a levelling auger or a rototiller that must be brought in to the
restoration site.

The restoration supply material is generally limited to straw and fertilizer (see the booklet on
Spreading Plant Material, Straw and Fertilizer, part of the Peatland Restoration Guide series).
Straw must be located and purchased in advance, at the right time of the year (i.e., before the
harvest), and brought into the restoration site. If straw is not procured ahead of time, it will have
to be purchased from a reseller at a higher cost and possibly from farther away. Fertilizer should
also be ordered in advance to avoid back orders and delays.

Planning helps ensure the availability of the required staff for each operation. This is very
important, as restoration work often takes place outside the normal period for extraction
operations (sometimes in winter), when some seasonal workers may not be available.

PLANNING FOR MONITORING

Restoration monitoring is not limited to collecting data on plant establishment. It begins at
the planning stage by recording the characteristics of the sector to be restored and the
donor site, as well as all the details on how the restoration work will be carried out. This
information can help in planning the needed monitoring tasks and in identifying the factors
that contribute to the eventual success of the restoration or any sector-specific problems.

Monitoring should include regular visits to the restored sector, especially during the spring
thaw and intermittently during the first year following completion of the restoration work,
so that any problem can be detected and corrected quickly. Special attention should be
paid to structures blocking the drainage ditches and to dikes, which could fail during the
first spring freshet or possibly lead to flooding of a sector.

All the previously mentioned elements and observations can be compiled into a single
document that will serve as the logbook for the restoration work. Any change made to the
established restoration plan can also be noted in this document, in order to keep a record of
the operations for future reference and later follow-up.

Planning Restoration Projects 19

 RESOURCES, TIME AND COSTS
According to a 2011 estimate based on data from the Canadian horticultural peat industry
and consultants, restoration planning requires on average one hour per hectare, and an
additional hour per hectare for technical support. These numbers should be interpreted
with care, because many factors have a bearing on the time needed for this stage.

Planning includes collecting and analyzing data before the start of the project as well as
preparing the operational plan (tasks, resources, staff, schedule, etc.). It also includes the
administrative management of the restoration project. Technical support covers those
tasks that need to be completed by specialized staff, such as chemical analyses, mapping
and topographical surveys. Some tasks may be considered fixed costs because they require
a similar amount of effort regardless of the size of the sector to be restored. Purchasing
inputs, coordinating the availability of equipment and machinery, and administrative
management are among these. On the other hand, data collection and analysis can require
a considerable amount of time. For this step, the manager’s experience and the project’s
complexity have a major impact on the number of hours devoted to the restoration project.
In addition, some or all the technical support may have to be provided by outside consul-
tants, increasing the costs.

20 Planning Restoration Projects

 SUMMARY
• Coordinate the activities for opening and closing sectors within a peatland in order to
restore areas as large as possible and as soon as possible after peat extraction ceases.
• Precisely determine the conditions of the sector to be restored, because they will dictate
how best to proceed. These elements should be evaluated:
- Hydrological conditions: potential sources and losses of water.
- Topography: elevation data within and around the sector.
- Peat characteristics: thickness of the residual deposit, type of underlying material.
- Chemical aspects: especially pH and electrical conductivity.
- Existing vegetation: plant cover, invasive plants.
• Use the Moss Layer Transfer Technique to evaluate the two critical factors for restoration:
the potential for rewetting and the chemical aspects appropriate for Sphagnum-dominated
peatlands.
• Prepare a restoration plan including a map of the sector to be restored indicating the
earthworks and structures to put in place (e.g., donor site, dikes, ditch blockage, etc.), as
well as a list of all the operations to be carried out.
• Establish a detailed schedule for the project to ensure that each step of the work goes
smoothly and that all the necessary equipment, materials and staff are available when
needed.

Planning Restoration Projects 21

22
Appendix A – Example of a map presenting the characterization of a peatland sector before restoration (restoration project in
Saint-Fabien-sur-Mer, Québec)

68°52'20" 68°52'10" 68°52' 68°51'50" 68°51'40"

113.2

113.2 ¯
113.7 112.4
112.3
RESTORATION PROJECT REPORT
113.8 112.7
112.9
114.0 112.4 SAINT-FABIEN-SUR-MER PEATLAND
112.3

112.2
114.3
Figure 3
112.6 150 112.3

114.4 112.2
Peatland characterization
114.4 112.5
112.1
114.6 114.6 100
112.5 112.1
125
114.7 114.5 111.9
114.2 113.4 112.7 112.4
114.7 114.5 110 ABANDONED SITE
112.1
114.2 114.0 114.4 125 112.1
114.4 112.8 125 112.1 112.4 Elevation (m)
115.5 114.1
114.2 125
114.0 113.0 4,6/103
114.2 112.0 pH / Electrical conductivity (µS/cm)
114.1 100
3,8 / 15 3,8 / 126 113.8 112.8 125 111.9
113.9 Peat depth (cm)
114.2 113.9 112.7
113.7
113.7 112.2
113.2
112.0
114.0 113.5
113.8 112.1 112.1
80
114.0 160
150 113.2 4,4 / 75 111.9 112.2 VEGETATION
110 113.6
113.9 113.5
113.2 113.3
112.0
113.5

48°18'30"
113.6 112.1 111.9
113.7 113.0 Vegetated surface
113.1
112.9 113.5 125
113.7 111.9 112.2
48°18'30"

111.9 111.8
114.6 113.1 112.9 112.8 112.9 111.9
112.7
112.6
80 111.9
113.5 112.8
111.9 111.9
113.0 112.3
112.5 200 112.7 4,5 / 126 111.9
130
112.8
111.9
113.2 111.4
113.6
112.6 112.8 112.6 4,6 / 103
114.6 113.0
112.7
112.6
111.9
113.4 112.4 4,0 / 40
112.8 112.6
113.5 180 150
113.9

Rou
111.9

t
125 112.0
112.3 112.3
112.5

ed
112.8 112.3 112.4 111.5

113.3
4,5 / 91 111.9

e la
114.0 112.2
111.6
100
112.0 111.3
112.6

Mer
111.8

111.6

112.8 111.8
112.2
113.7
5,0 / 119
112.0 150112.0111.1
111.7
112.0
112.2 200 112.2 112.3
100
112.2 112.1 111.4
100
114.1 111.8
112.1
150
112.8
111.4
113.0 113.4
112.0 100 111.9

112.1

112.0
111.6112.6 113.0
112.2 112.4
112.7 111.9
112.6
120 111.6

114.1 112.7
100 111.7
111.6

Planning Restoration Projects

100

48°18'20"
113.5
90 111.6
48°18'20"

112.0

113.1

112.2

113.1 30 111.9

112.2 112.3
112.9
111.6
112.3 0 30 60 90 120 m
60
111.5 111.7
112.3 MTM zone 6, NAD83
190 112.9 30 cm contour interval
111.8 1 : 3 000

111.7
112.2
113.0
Sources :
111.8 Orthophoto, Google Earth, 2012

Projet : 607029-A30
112.7 Fichier : Figure3_130228.mxd

Mars 2013

68°52'20" 68°52'10" 68°52' 68°51'50" 68°51'40"


Appendix B – Example of a restoration plan (restoration project in Saint-Fabien-sur-Mer, Québec)

68°52'20" 68°52'10" 68°52' 68°51'50" 68°51'40"

¯ RESTORATION PROJECT REPORT

SAINT-FABIEN-SUR-MER PEATLAND

Figure 5
Final restoration plan

RESTORATION OPTIONS

Fen restoration
Marsh creation
Bog restoration (Moss Layer Transfer Technique)
Dike

48°18'30"
Pond
48°18'30"

Tree plantation
Berry plantation

Rou
edt
e la
Mer

Planning Restoration Projects

48°18'20"
48°18'20"

0 30 60 90 120 m

Projection MTM, fuseau 6, NAD83

1 : 3 000

Sources :
Orthophoto, Août 2013, Google Earth, 2012

Projet : 607029-A30
Fichier : Figure5_130228.mxd

Mars 2013

68°52'20" 68°52'10" 68°52' 68°51'50" 68°51'40"

23
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With the financial assistance of