Restoring Caribbean dry forest

Abstract

This paper describes a systems approach to the ecological restoration of Caribbean dry forests, in which factors that limit natural regenerative processes are identified, and ecological strategies are developed in order to remove those limitations. The approach is illustrated using information gathered from restoration research in progress on the island of St. John, U. S. Virgin Islands. Information about driving variables, together with data on biotic and abiotic site conditions, define the context and starting point for active management.