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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. New Amsterdam Grasslands Holland Sand Prairie 318 acres cool season grasses 61 acre prairie remnant

7. Bird Monitoring Transects

8. Unit 1 fall 03 Unit 2 fall 05 Unit 3 fall 06

10. Bell’s vireo management areas

11. Two thoughts…  Talk about our monitoring program  Discuss the restoration monitoring “black hole” and challenges

12. Final question  How can we facilitate more monitoring of restoration activities?

13. Questions?