ADAPTIVE MONITORING

Monitoring is a key element of any long-term program. Regular updates on the progress relative to regional goals allow priorities or approaches to be reconfigured within the action plan. These changes may call for redirecting on-the-ground programs.

Monitoring Tasks

Monitor conservation progress - Results of existing bird monitoring programs are used to track population trends. Changes in partnership-controlled lands should be monitored to determine trends in managed lands. Ongoing, regional, land-cover programs should be used to track regional habitat trends.

Update status assessment - Bird monitoring programs are used as an ultimate gauge of progress toward conservation goals. Regular reassessment of partnership lands allows for an update on progress toward regional habitat goals.

Update goals/action plan - The form of the action plan flows from a set of conservation goals, an assessment of position relative to conservation goals, and the current work climate that determines conservation opportunities. By design, the action plan is intended to be a flexible, dynamic document that is capable of redirecting management programs when appropriate. The plan should be updated regularly with the availability of new information.