Ecological restoration is an intentional activity that initiates or accelerates the recovery of an ecosystem with respect to its structural and functional integrity and sustainability. Frequently, the ecosystem that requires restoration has been degraded, damaged, transformed or entirely destroyed as the direct or indirect result of human activities, and may involve physical, chemical and  biotic challenges. 
    The CERC is expanding USGS expertise for environmental restoration. The focus of this effort is to implement ecological measures of recovery, improve methods for monitoring the success of restoration activities, and for establishing values for recovered ecological services.