The restoration of degraded ecosystems is a new frontier in ecology. It is essential not only to try to cnserve what resources and biodiversity we have, but also sometimes to return degraded areas to their original state so that the ecosystem can function properly on its own. What was this original state? How far back should one look? How should the myriad interconnections between soil, water, air, plant and animal life function? Once an area is restored, how much management is required? What constitutes "success"? This book is divided into two sections: Conceptual Foundations, and Implementation of Techniques. It will first address the basic ecological concepts related to restoration, and then discuss the applications. It will include a checklist of crucial ideas which should be considered in developing a restoration plan.