Inventory and Monitoring Challenges for Ecological Restoration Jessica A. Bolwahn Mississippi Valley Conservancy.

Inventory and Monitoring Inventory and Monitoring Challenges for Ecological Challenges for Ecological

RestorationRestoration

Jessica A. BolwahnJessica A. BolwahnMississippi Valley ConservancyMississippi Valley Conservancy

The Problems Limited staff numbers and available time,

monitoring is usually not a priority

Organizational focus on acquisition

Ideal monitoring protocol can be complex

Often, restoration projects are remote, topography can be rugged

The Problems

Time factor to cultivate skilled volunteer base

Data, data and more data…

Basic belief/faith that by taking action good things will result

Importance of I & M

Measure progress – achieving goals?

Good to know “starting materials” – aid in decision making, guide management as project progresses

Non-fire refugia

Detecting new invaders, reinvasion

Grassland bird management

New Amsterdam Grasslands

Holland Sand Prairie

318 acres cool season grasses

61 acre prairie remnant

Bird Monitoring Transects

Unit 1 fall 03

Unit 2 fall 05

Unit 3 fall 06

Bell’s vireo management areas

Two thoughts…Two thoughts…

Talk about our monitoring program

Discuss the restoration monitoring “black hole” and challenges

Final questionFinal question

How can we facilitate more monitoring of restoration activities?

Questions?Questions?