I. Development of Species Lists
Type I: Species Lists.
Compile and maintain lists of unit plants, mollusks, arthropods, fishes, marine mammals and terrestrial vertebrates with confirmed presence on the unit. List data sources and discuss strategies to expand the lists.
II. Consideration of Species for Inventory and Monitoring
A. List species or species groups referenced in enabling legislation or establishing documents, relevant legal statutes, Service initiatives, unit objectives, management plans and related management activities.
B. List all wide-area Service or cooperative surveys encompassing the Service unit and providing data on any species cited in II.A. (e.g., Christmas Bird Counts, MBMO surveys, state surveys).
C. Using Exhibit 1, consider the surveys the unit should pursue to inventory or monitor species or groups listed in II.A. above. Sort these proposed surveys by "Type" and address each category as indicated below:
1. Type II: Qualitative Surveys.
List those species and inventory or monitoring activities proposed for which observational data are useful, even though not amenable to statistical analysis. Briefly justify these surveys.
2. Type III: Quantitative Surveys.
List those species and inventory or monitoring activities that merit statistical validation. Briefly justify these surveys.
3. Type IV: Special Cooperative Surveys.
List the cooperative surveys (e.g., Breeding Bird Surveys, Christmas Bird Counts, State surveys) in which the unit participates. Briefly justify unit involvement.
D. Combine all proposals from C1, C2, and C3 and rank them by order of importance. Create a ranked listing, including for each the species and parameters involved, costs, staff time, and other relevant information. Identify a subset of surveys you can implement through the reporting stage with existing personnel and funding. This subset comprises your proposed inventory and monitoring effort.
E. For each Type II, III, and IV activity in the final subset, complete an Survey Procedure Form (Exhibit 4).
F. Incorporate remaining surveys into RONS as "unmet needs."
III. Calendar
Develop a 12-month calendar of approximate initiation and termination dates for chosen surveys, incorporating items such as costs, staff time, and special needs (e.g., aircraft). Indicate as an addendum surveys to be performed at intervals greater than 1 year, and thus not amenable to a 12-month calendar.
IV. Summary of Annual Inventory/Monitoring Effort
Submit the calendar and related Survey Procedure Forms (Exhibit 4) to the Regional Review Panel. Through dialogue with managers and field biologists, the panel may suggest reconsidering proposals and/or rankings. The ARD will approve the final ranked list and cost estimate for each Service unit. If resources become limiting, this list will determine which surveys are implemented. Surveys removed during this review process should be incorporated into RONS as "unmet needs."
V. Additional Information
Provide lists of volunteers, private, State and Federal cooperators, and other useful information.
VI. Review and Approvals
Prepared by:
Date:
Resource Manager
Reviewed by:
Date:
Biological Review Panel Chair
Approved by:
Date:
Assistant Regional Director