Vegetation Project - Dr. Amy Symstad

ADD: a demarcation showing what has been already done/pilot projects vs. future/planned efforts.

Goals and Objectives

The goal of this project is to develop the vegetation monitoring component of the Network's Vital Signs monitoring plan by March 30, 2006. The following objectives constitute the primary project tasks and deliverables.

• Provide a review, synthesis, and assessment of park vegetation, park goals and objectives in regards to those resources, and authorities and policies affecting those resources and park management thereof.
• Provide a review, synthesis, and assessment of vegetation monitoring efforts being conducted by NPS and non-NPS entities in and around Network parks.
• Provide a detailed review, synthesis, and assessment of past, present, and potential future stressors affecting park vegetation.
• Solicit input from park staff, other interested agencies and organizations, subject-matter experts, and experts knowledgeable in the theories, principles, and methods of monitoring vegetation resources.
• Conduct a decision-making process that ranks potential floral indicators and identifies those specific indicators that should be monitored.
• Develop monitoring protocols for selected floral indicators that is scientifically defensible and can be implemented within the logistical, fiscal, and administrative constraints of the I&M Program and Network parks.
• Identify normal limits of variation of selected indicators and thresholds which trigger management actions.
• Identify potential management actions in response to indicators reaching trigger points.
• Work closely with the Network Data Manager to develop GIS databases, tabular databases, statistical analyses, and infrastructure needed to implement a monitoring program.
• Present all of this information in a coherent and complete document that can readily be integrated into a comprehensive monitoring plan following recommended NPS guidelines.

Statement of Work

Preliminary Report
Preliminary Vegetation Report
Appendix A (vegetation types)
Appendix B (heritage ranks)
Appendix C (scientific names)
Appendix D (park priorities)
Appendix E (rare plants)
Appendix F (contacts)