ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a portrait of profit motivation as a positive influence in ecological restoration within managed and semi-natural ecosystems, based on practitioners' experience in North America. Exploration of, and innovation at the conservation-economy nexus is needed for large-scale, market-driven solutions to maintain soils, water, wildlife, ecosystems and the services they provide. Bioenergy and conservation biomass are opportunities for achieving ecological restoration while enabling economic development. The chapter illustrates how economic gain is an essential ingredient in accomplishing the work of large-scale ecological restoration. Case studies are provided as illustrative examples and a brief discussion of commonalities and distinctions among them is provided to highlight influences and constraints on profit motivations in ecological restoration. The ecological restoration goals and objectives among the case studies differ according to scope, focus and stimulus. Collaborative approaches to ecological restoration have gained popularity during budget constraints and shifting political priorities. Private partners were required to complete the restoration goal and objectives.
