Vital Signs
Vital Signs Monitoring, is the organization of approximately 270 park units into 32 monitoring networks to conduct long-term monitoring for key indicators of change, or “vital signs.” Vital signs are measurable, early warning signals that indicate changes that could impair the long-term health of natural systems. Early detection of potential problems allows park managers to take steps to restore ecological health of park resources before serious damage can happen.
The (NCCN) Vital Signs Monitoring Plan was developed over several years following specific guidance from the National Park Service (NPS), Washington Office (WASO). Networks are required to document their monitoring planning in three distinct report phases (Phases I, II, and III) and to follow a standardized reporting outline.
The Phase I Report is the informational foundation for the Plan and includes the first two chapters of the Plan, an Executive Summary, and initial work on Appendices. Chapter 1 (Introduction and Background) describes the NPS Vital Signs Monitoring Program, including strategy and goals, and outlines the NCCN organization. It also describes NCCN parks and the pacific northwest region detailing important resources, issues and threats, and existing monitoring and research programs. Chapter 2 (Conceptual Ecological Models) presents conceptual ecological models for NCCN parks and the pacific northwest region as well as other models that focus on specific resources or processes to inform Vital Signs selection.
The Phase II Report adds Chapter 3 (Vital Signs) describing the collaborative Vital Signs (VS) selection process including developing “candidate” Vital Signs and objectives in two VS Objectives workshops, evaluating and prioritizing the VSs, and finally, determining among the Science Panel, Technical Committee, Board of Directors, and NCCN staff, the short list of VSs to include in the Phase III Report and full NCCN VS monitoring plan. Note – as NCCN implements VS monitoring and analyzes VS data and new information and issues emerge, including relative cost of monitoring different VSs, the VS will likely change over the long term.
The Phase III Report and the full NCCN VS Monitoring Plan includes the overall monitoring design, protocols for each Vital Sign, and implementation plans. It addresses compliance needs, data management, and NCCN staffing. The complete Monitoring Plan (the Phase I, II, and III Reports) was approved by the NCCN Board of Directors, IMR and WASO.
More information on network vital signs protocols is available via the vital signs menu to the left.