True land restoration requires the reestablishment of native plant communities.  These native plant communities should consist of species that naturally occur at the site of interest and whose origin is from the region (local ecotypes).  Current literature indicates that the use of local ecotypes can significantly improve restoration project success by preserving genetic diversity and ensuring that the plants used in revegetation projects are adapted for local conditions.

Treatment on the Plateau

 

The goal of the UP Native Plant Program is to provide federal and state agencies with seeds of local ecotypes of native species, give them the technology to grow the species, develop a demand for the seed, and provide training for their reestablishment back onto the landscape.

A view of a landscape post treatment