cpm user manual v4a_0303

8/13/2019 CPM User Manual v4a_0303

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onservation Project ManagementWorkbook User ManualUser Manual, Ver. 4.a, March 2004

Conservation Measures Group

Developing Strategies GroupTechnology and Information Systems


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Table of Contents

Table of Contents1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Additional Documentation............... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... .......... ......... 51.2 Getting Started...................................................................................................................... 6

Adjusting the Zoom Settings............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ .......... 6Example information and how to clear it....... ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ........ 7Workbook Protection........ ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............. ... 7Workbook Security (Macro protection)............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ .... 7

1.3 What's New ........................................................................................................................... 81.4 Using the Custom Drop-Down Menus........................................................................... 9Using the Custom Toolbar ...........................................................................................................12

2 Home Worksheet ........................................................................................................................ 132.1 Instructions and Workbook Setup..................................................................................13

Instructions and Toolbar:................................................................................................................................13Workbook Setup & Reset Menus and Screens:.......................................................................................13

2.2 Entering Data into the Home Worksheet......................................................................142.3 Navigational Links in the Home Worksheet.................................................................163 Viability Assessment Worksheet .............................................................................................. 17

3.1 Building the Assessment of Target Viability Table......................................................183.2 Using menu options to create and delete rows in the Viability table .......... .......... 18

To create rows for each Target and Viability Category combination:..... ............ ............ ............. ........ 18To copy data from one row to a new row:............ ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ .......... 19To create blank rows within the table:.. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ ..19To delete rows from the table: ............ ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ......19

3.3 Entering Data into the Assessment of Target Viability table....................................203.4 Documenting Viability Decisions with Comments......................................................203.5 Table Formats............. .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... .......... 203.6 Using the Viability Wizard.................................................................................................21

4 Stress,Source Worksheet .......................................................................................................... 234.1 Entering Data into the Stresses Table ...........................................................................244.2 Stress Ranks........................................................................................................................ 25

Severity................................................................................................................................................................25 Scope...................................................................................................................................................................25

4.3 Entering Data into the Threats (Sources of Stress) Table........................................264.4 Threat (Sources of Stress) Ranks .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ......... 26

Contribution .......................................................................................................................................................26Irreversibility.......................................................................................................................................................27

5 Summary Worksheet .................................................................................................................. 285.1 Summary of Threats...........................................................................................................28

Strategic Action Index.....................................................................................................................................295.2 Overall Viability Summary Table ......................................................................................315.3 Detailed Viability Summary Table....................................................................................32

6 Strategies Worksheet ................................................................................................................. 336.1 Entering Data into the Strategies worksheet...............................................................34

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Table Of Contents

Strategy Identification Wizard........................................................................................................................34Strategy Ranking Wizard ........... ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ....36

Action Steps Wizard ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. .......... 386.2 Table Formats............. .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... .......... 396.3 Strategic Action Ranks......................................................................................................406.4 Benefits .................................................................................................................................40

Contribution .......................................................................................................................................................40Threat Abatement.................. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. .......... 40Viability Enhancement....................... ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. .......... 41Duration of Outcome.......................................................................................................................................41Leverage.............................................................................................................................................................41

6.5 Feasibility .............................................................................................................................. 42Lead Individual / Institution............................................................................................................................42Ease of Implementation...................................................................................................................................42

Ability to Motivate.................... ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ........ 426.6 Costs......................................................................................................................................43

7 Monitoring Worksheet ............................................................................................................... 447.1 Building the Monitoring Tables.......................................................................................457.2 Using menu options to create and delete rows in the Monitoring table..............45

To create rows within the Monitoring worksheet: ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ........ 45To delete rows within the Monitoring table:.. ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ....46To copy data from one row to a new row:............ ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ .......... 46

7.3 Entering Data into the Monitoring table ....................................................................... 467.4 Documenting Monitoring Programs with Comments................................................467.5 Table Formats............. .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... .......... 477.6 Using the Monitoring Wizard ..........................................................................................47

8 Resources Worksheet ................................................................................................................ 498.1 Staff Leadership..................................................................................................................498.2 Multidisciplinary Team.......................................................................................................508.3 Institutional Leadership..................................................................................................... 508.4 Funding .................................................................................................................................518.5 Social/Legal Framework for Conservation ...................................................................518.6 Community and Constituency Support .........................................................................52

9 Targets Worksheet...................................................................................................................... 539.1 Entering Data into the Targets Table:............................................................................539.2 Conservation Targets: Explanation of Concepts and Terms....................................54

Focal Targets .....................................................................................................................................................54Ecoregional targets ..........................................................................................................................................54Nested Conservation Targets........................................................................................................................54

10 Menus worksheet ....................................................................................................................... 5510.1 Sources menu: ....................................................................................................................5510.2 Ecoregions menus:.............................................................................................................5510.3 Key Ecological Attributes menu:.....................................................................................5510.4 Target Names for the Third worksheet:............. .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... ...... 55

11 Appendix A: Importing Data from Previous Workbooks..................................................... 5611.1 How to Load Previous Workbooks ................................................................................56

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Table Of Contents

11.2 What Gets Loaded.............................................................................................................5711.3 Troubleshooting........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ........... .......... ......... 59

12 Appendix B: Assessing Target Viability .................................................................................. 6012.1 Assessing Viability: Explanation of Concepts and Terms .......... .......... ........... .......... 6012.2 Key Ecological Attributes..................................................................................................6012.3 Viability Categories for Key Attributes................ .......... ........... ........... .......... ........... ...... 61Landscape Context ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ 61

Condition ............................................................................................................................................................61Size.......................................................................................................................................................................62

12.4 List of Key Ecological Attributes and their Categories..............................................62Biotic Composition & Structure.....................................................................................................................62Biotic Interactions.............................................................................................................................................62Environmental Processes, Constraints & Regimes...................................................................................62Landscape & Ecological System Structure.................................................................................................63

12.5 Indicators..............................................................................................................................6312.6 Indicator Ratings................................................................................................................. 6412.7 Current and Desired Status Ratings ..............................................................................6612.8 Measures of Success Recommendations....................................................................6713 Appendix C: Developing Strategies ........................................................................................ 6913.1 Strategic Process: Explanation of Concepts and Terms .......... ........... .......... ........... . 6913.2 Objectives............................................................................................................................. 6913.3 Strategies Strategic Actions & Action Steps............................................................7013.4 Examples of Objectives, Strategic Actions, and Action Steps.................................71

14 Appendix D: Scoring Worksheet ............................................................................................. 7214.1 Viability Ranks in the Assessment of Target Viability Summary Table.............. ..... 7314.2 Stress Ranking ....................................................................................................................7414.3 Threat (Source-Stress Combination) Ranking........... ........... .......... ........... ........... ...... 74

Source Ranking.................................................................................................................................................74Threat Ranking.... ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ....75

14.4 Threat-to-System Ranking - Threat Summary at the Target Level............. ........... . 7514.5 Overall Threat Ranking - Threat Summary ACROSS ALL TARGETS.....................7614.6 Threat Status FOR THE ENTIRE CONSERVATION PROJECT .......... ........... ........... . 7614.7 Rules for the Threat Status for a project.......................................................................77

"2 Prime" Rule...................................................................................................................................................77Majority Rank Override Rule..........................................................................................................................78

14.8 Strategic Action Ranking..................................................................................................7814.9 Calculation Methodology for Threat Abatement Benefit Scoring...........................7814.10Calculation Methodology for Viability Enhancement Benefit Scoring ........... ........ 8014.11Overall Strategy Rank........................................................................................................80To Calculate the Benefit Rank:... ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ ..80

To Calculate the Feasibility Rank ............ ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ ..81To Determine the Overall Rank.... ............. ............ ............. ............. ............ ............. ............ ............. ............ 81

14.12Project Resource Measures.............................................................................................81

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Table of Figures

Table of FiguresFigure 1 : CPM Worksheet Menu.......................................................................................................9Figure 2 : Table Menu ............................................................................................................................9Figure 3 : Home Worksheet................................................................................................................ 14

Figure 4 : Comments Form................................................................................................................. 14Figure 5 : Select an Ecoregion Form..................................................................................................15Figure 6 : Create Rows for each Target and Category in Viability Table............................. 18Figure 7 : Copy Selected Row in Viability table ........................................................................... 19Figure 8 : Viability Wizard Step 1 ..................................................................................................... 21Figure 9 : Viability Wizard Step 3.....................................................................................................22Figure 10 : Stress,Source (X) Worksheet........................................................................................23Figure 11 : Select Target Menu...........................................................................................................24Figure 12 : Select Key Attribute Menu ............................................................................................24Figure 13 : Custom Toolbar arrows...................................................................................................26

Figure 14 : Source Selection Menu....................................................................................................26Figure 15 : Summary of Threats Table .............................................................................................28Figure 16 : Strategic Action Index ....................................................................................................29Figure 17 : Strategic actions listed as part of the Strategic Action Index ..............................30Figure 18 : Stress Matrix Table ..........................................................................................................30Figure 19 : Overall Viability Summary Table .................................................................................31Figure 20 : Detailed Viability Summary Table ............................................................................. 32Figure 21 : Objectives and Strategic Actions table in Strategies worksheet ..........................33Figure 22 : Strategy Identification Wizard Step 2 ........................................................................35Figure 23 : Strategy Identification Wizard Step 3 .........................................................................35

Figure 24 : Strategy Ranking Wizard Step 3 .................................................................................. 37Figure 25 : Table Formats Selection................................................................................................. 39Figure 26 : Monitoring Table in the Monitoring Worksheet ..................................................44Figure 27 : Monitoring Table Format Options ............................................................................47Figure 28 : Resources Worksheet......................................................................................................49Figure 29 : Targets Worksheet............................................................................................................53Figure 30 : Scoring Worksheet...........................................................................................................72Figure 31 : Viability Grades in the Viability Summary Tables.................................................. 73Figure 32 : Stress Ranking Table .......................................................................................................74Figure 33 : Source and Threat Ranking Tables..............................................................................75

Figure 34 : Threat-to-System Ranking Table................................................................................ 75Figure 35 : Threat Status of the Project Table...............................................................................77Figure 36 : Overall Strategy Rank Tables........................................................................................ 81Figure 37 : Project Resource Measures Table................................................................................82Figure 38 : Example of the distinction between Key Attribute ratings..................................65

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Introduction

1 IntroductionThis User Guide provides technical instructions for using the Excel-basedConservation Project Management Workbook (version 4a continually updated athttp://www.conserveonline.org/2003/07/s/ConPrjMgmt_v4) to make it easier for

you to apply the Enhanced 5S Project Management Process for developing andevaluating the effectiveness of conservation strategies and completing project-based measures of conservation success.

Within the workbook, you may access instructions for each worksheet by selecting

the Instructionsicon ( ) in the toolbar at the right of the worksheet screen area.Topics relevant to that worksheet will appear.

The Excel Workbook Tool is a work-in-progress. If you find a 'bug,' or a flaw in itsoperation, and you are using the latest version available from the website,http://www.conserveonline.org/2003/07/s/ConPrjMgmt_v4, please let us know

and we will fix it. The contact address for issues related to the operation of thisworkbook can be found at the above web-site.

1.1 Additional Documentation

A description of the Enhanced 5-S Project Management Process, as well asinstructions for completing the various steps, can be found in several TNCdocuments.

The Enhanced 5-S Project Management Process: An Overview of ProposedStandards for Developing Strategies, Taking Action, and Measuring Effectiveness

and Status at Any Scale provides a succinct overview of the new Enhanced 5-SProcess, including a summary of the recent enhancements made to the 5-Smethodology. It is available for download at:

http://www.conserveonline.org/2003/09/s/Enhanced_5-S_Project_Mngmt_Process_07-28-03

The main source of detailed instructions can be found in "THE FIVE-SFRAMEWORK FOR SITE CONSERVATION: A Practitioners Handbook for SiteConservation Planning and Measuring Conservation Success," 3rd edition,released July 2003. The handbook is available for download at:

http://www.conserveonline.org/2000/11/b/5-SVOL1(main handbook) http://www.conserveonline.org/2000/11/b/5-SVOL2(appendices)

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Introduction : Getting Started

Since first being published in 2000, some or all of the material contained inChapter VII (Strategies) and sections B, C and D of Chapter IV (Systems) of theFive-S Handbook has become outdated. New stand-alone guidelines thatsupplement or replace these portions of the handbook are now available.

New guidance on assessing conservation target viability can be found at:

http://www.conserveonline.org/2003/10/v/TV_Guide__Version_July_03

http://www.conserveonline.org/2003/10/v/Parrish_et_al_2003_Bioscience_in_press

New guidance on designing and selecting conservation strategies can be found at:

http://www.conserveonline.org/2003/06/b/Strategy_Guidelines_ver6_03

1.2 Getting Started

Prior to opening the Workbook, close as many of the software applications

currently running on your computer as you can. This is particularly important if youhave an older computer (e.g., < 200 MHz central processing unit) with a limitedamount of memory (e.g., < 128MB RAM). This Workbook is close to 4MB in sizeand optimal performance will be achieved if most available system resources aremade available for Excel.

This program does not have auto-save functions, so be sure to SAVEyour work FREQUENTLY to avoid losing entered information.

When opening the workbook, the Home Worksheetwill appear, with a welcomemessage that provides some initial orientation to the workbook. You can scrollthrough this introduction by clicking on the Next >> button and then click Cancelwhen you want to close it.

Adjusting the Zoom Settings

The tables help boxes, and navigational tools appear differently on differentcomputer screens. You may need to rescale the image size on your monitor using a

different "Zoom" setting to maximize the ease of use for your own computer. Theworkbook has a utility to adjust the zoom setting to make it easier to use. If TheNature Conservancy logo on the Home Worksheet is not located in the upper rightportion of the screen, try a different zoom setting by clicking on the Adjust ScreenSizebutton near the top left corner of the screen. Use the spinner button to selectthe desired screen size; then click Exitto close this form.



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Introduction : Getting Started

Example information and how to clear it.

The workbook contains information from a Nature Conservancy project to serve asan example. To delete this information from the workbook:

1. Select the Workbook Setupbutton on the Home worksheet.2. Select the Clear Workbook Inputbutton.

Workbook Protection

The workbook is in the 'protected' format to prevent unwanted changes to theworkbook that might prevent its proper operation. You should be able to perform allworkbook operations without unprotecting the workbook or individual worksheets.

DO NOT UNPROTECT THE WORKBOOK.

DO NOT DELETE WORKSHEETS that you do not use. DO NOT DELETE COLUMNS, and delete rows ONLY by clicking on the

appropriate Delete Selected Rowsmenu option from the drop-down Tablesmenu.

DO NOT try to use the workbook in a 'shared' environment. Meaning, do notopen a workbook that is stored on anyone's computer but yours. Theworkbook must be stored on your computer in order to work correctly.

Workbook Security (Macro protection)

The security level of your computer must allow the operation of macros. For Excel97 users simply chose to enable macros when first opening the workbook. If youare running Excel 2002 and you receive a message Macros are disabled becausethe security level is high, follow these instructions to enable the operation ofmacros:

For Excel 2002: Select Tools, and Options from the menu, then select the Securitytab. Click the 'Macro Security' button at the lower right-hand corner. Select the'Medium'security level option found within the Security Level tab. Click OK.

When saving the file, make sure that the Save as type:entry (at thebottom of the Save As dialog box) reads 'Microsoft ExcelWorkbook.' Do not save the file under any option that includes Excel5.0.



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Introduction : What's New

1.3 What's New

There are substantial changes to this version (version 4) from the previous version(version 3). Here are the most important changes:

TOOLBAR AND CUSTOM MENUS: Most of the worksheets make use ofcustom menu options added to the Excel menu bar at the top of the screen.

MENUS: There are three custom menus - Tables, Wizards and Toolbar - andeach has multiple menu commands under it. The Toolbar menu also appearsas a toolbar that is 'docked' on the right side of the screen. Please familiarizeyourself with these menus; they are the key to successful operation of thisworkbook.

TOOLBAR: select the 'Toolbar' button on the Home screen to learn thefunctions of each of the buttons in the Toolbar. Then TRY THEM OUT! --select on any and all of these buttons to find out exactly what capabilities existfor each worksheet.

USE OF WIZARD FORMS: Data entry into many of the worksheets isfacilitated by the use of Wizards, which present the user with customizeddata entry forms that speed up data entry through the use of pull-downmenus, check boxes, and other features.

ONE WORKSHEET FOR EIGHT TARGETS: The methodology and format of theStresses and Sources portion of this workbook is substantially unchanged;however, only one worksheet is used to view and enter Stress and Sourcedata into the eight targets. The user switches from one target to anotherwithout changing worksheets; user data from each target is automaticallysaved.

STRESSES are now defined as altered KEY ECOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES sothe list of pull-down stress options now matches the list of Key EcologicalAttributes. You can still enter your own stresses if you prefer.

NEW STRATEGIES METHODOLOGY: The Strategies portion of the workbookentails defining Objectives, Strategic Actions, and Action Steps, and Indicatorsthat are tracked to measure progress towards achieving objectives.

COMMENTS: The ability to access, write and print comments is muchenhanced. The Toolbar contains a 'Comments' button that brings up acomment 'pad' for documenting key parts of the workbook. Cells containingstored comments are shaded light blue. All comments may be loaded into

Microsoft Word.

GREATER INTEGRATION: The workbook links the major elements of theconservation plan -- key attributes indicators, threats and objectives -- acrossworksheets. Wizards may be accessed from any worksheet. A search facility -- the binoculars button -- allows the user to quickly find references of the fourmajor elements anywhere in the workbook.



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Introduction : Using the Custom Drop-Down Menus

1.4 Using the Custom Drop-Down Menus

At the top of the screen there are three custom pull-down menus Tables,Wizards, and Toolbar (Figure 1).

Figure 1 : CPM Worksheet MenuThe Wizard menu allows you to select one of the five available data entry wizards

(this performs the same functionas the Wizard icon, described for the customtoolbar). The Toolbar pull-down menu allows you to select among all of the itemsalso listed on the custom Toolbar described above. The Tables pull-down menu isshown in Figure 2 and it provides a variety of workbook functions that aredescribed below.

Figure 2 : Table MenuRefresh Data - Refresh data for all tables in the workbook (also on customtoolbar).

Select Table Format - Provides resorting and reformatting options for Viability,Strategies, Monitoring and Targets worksheets (also on custom toolbar)

Select Zoom Allows you to choose from six different zoom options to rescalethe image size on your monitor to maximize the ease of use for your particular

computer.

Create/Copy Rows Brings up the following submenu with five options

Stress/Source: Copy Data to another Target Allows you to copy either asingle stress or source row and ranking information OR all stress and sourcedata for a particular target to another target. Position the cursor where youwant to paste information TO then select this menu option to choose whichtarget you want to copy information FROM.



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Viability: Copy Selected Row This will copy the contents of a row in theviability table where the cursor is residing into a new row immediately belowthe selected row. This utility is helpful if a single indicator supports multipleKey Attributes. To avoid identical records, all f ields except the Key Attributefield are copied to the next row.

Viability: Create Rows for each Target and Category This will create a set oftemplate rows for each target and viability category (landscape context,condition and size). Thus, if you run this menu option with a workbook thathas a total of three focal targets entered, you will end up with nine templaterows in your viability table. If this menu option is executed when there isalready some data entered in the viability table, the program will check to seewhich target and viability category combinations are not represented and onlyadd these additional rows.

Monitoring: Copy Selected Row This will copy the contents of a row in themonitoring table where the cursor is residing into a new row immediatelybelow the selected row. The indicator name of the new row will be the same

as the indicator name of the original row except that a number will be addedto the end of the name ('1' for the first copy, '2' for the second copy, etc.)This utility is helpful if the monitoring approach for a particular indicator issimilar to the approach used for another indicator. You can make and edit thecopy and avoid repetitive data entry.

Monitoring: Create Rows for all Viability Indicators This will create a set oftemplate rows in the monitoring table that correspond to each row in theAssessment of Target Viability worksheet. If this menu option is executedwhen there are already rows for some Viability indicators entered in themonitoring table, the program will check to see which Target Viabilityindicators are not represented and only add these additional rows.

Insert Rows This will insert a blank row into either the Viability or the NestedTargets tables. In the Viability table, the blank row is inserted immediately abovethe row where the cursor is residing. In the Nested Targets table, the blank row isadded to the bottom of the table.

Delete Selected Rows. This will delete selected row or rows in the Viability,Strategy, Monitoring and Nested Targets tables. Multiple rows can be selectedand deleted in the Viability or Nested Targets table. Only single rows can bedeleted with this utility from the Monitoring or Strategy tables (although deleting asingle Strategic Action will also delete any Action Steps linked to the StrategicAction).

Write a Note This opens up a memo box to capture any kind of text entry.Unlike the comments field, which provide documentation for individual decisions inthe workbook, the NOTE function is a single memo-pad to capture "Parking Lot"issues for the entire workbook (i.e., there is only one NOTE field). Select Save Noteto save and exit the Note box. Click Delete Noteto delete all text from the Note.Select the Cancelbutton to exit from the Note box WITHOUT saving any changesmade to the text.



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Change color There are many cells within tables that are color coded to conveyranking information. If you find the coloring distracting or want to print a tablewithout the colors, you can use this menu option to Change Color > Clearcolorfrom all cells within the current worksheet. The cells will remain without color untilyou execute the Change Color > Restoreoption to restore color to all cells withinthe current worksheet. The Refresh Datautility does NOT restore color to tableswithin the workbook.

Change Comment Shading There are many cells within worksheet tables thathave a corresponding text comment field to capture additional explanation or therationale behind a particular rating value. When text has been entered into acomment field, the corresponding table cell becomes shaded with light blueshading. This conveys at-a-glance which cells in a table have underlyingcomments. If you want to clear the light blue shading from all cells within aworksheet (for example, if you want a printed copy of the table without shading),run the Change Comment Shading > Clearoption. To display all comment shading,run the Change Comment Shading > Restoreoption. The Refresh Datautility doesNOT restore comment shading to tables within the workbook.

Change Row Height This menu provides two options for setting the height ofrows within a worksheet table. The Change Row Height > Uniformsets the samefixed row height for all cells in the worksheet table, independent of any text withincells of the table. The Change Row Height > AutoFitwill adjust the height of eachrow in a table so that all text is displayed in all cells of each row.

Create Sizing Toolbar Selecting this menu option will bring up a small SizeToolbar that allows you to make a single column narrower or wider or to make asingle row taller or shorter. The Size Toolbar can be moved anywhere on screen by

left-clicking on the Size Toolbar and dragging it to a new location. The Size Toolbarwill remain on the screen until you close it allowing you to move the cursor amongdifferent columns and rows to make custom adjustments to a table.

Clear User Input There are two menu selections associated with this menuoption. Clear User Input > Clear this Tablewill remove all user input, includinguser comments, from a single table only (except within the Stress, Sourceworksheet where data will be cleared for both the Stresses table and the Sourcesof Stress table for a single target). The Clear User Input > Clear All User Inputwill remove all user input from the entire Workbook. Executing either of the menuselections will first present you with a warning message to confirm that you doindeed want to remove all user input. Because of linkages between the data in theViability table and the Monitoring table, you cannot clear user input from theViability table if there is corresponding data within the Monitoring table. Attemptingto clear the Viability table under these circumstances will present you with amessage indicating that There is at least one Monitoring entry linked to the rowsthat have selected to delete. Clear the linked entries in the Monitoring worksheetbefore clearing this worksheet.



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Introduction : Using the Custom Toolbar

Using the Custom Toolbar

A customized Toolbar menu appears on the right hand edge of the worksheet area.This toolbar contains 19 buttons that provide convenient navigation to differentareas of the workbook or perform frequently needed functions. A brief descriptionof each of these buttons is provided below.

Takes you directly to the Home worksheet

Takes you directly to the Viability worksheet

Takes you directly to the Stress, Source worksheet

Takes you directly to the Summary worksheet

Takes you directly to the Strategies worksheet

Takes you directly to the Monitoring worksheet

Refreshes Data for all tables in the workbook

Provides resorting/reformatting options for some tables

Provides context specific help Information

Opens a Comment box to allow user input to provide a text summaryLaunches a Search utility for finding key attributes, threats, objectives, andindicators

Opens a Wizards menu to select among five available wizards

Opens a Print Preview utility

Opens an Import-to-Word utility

Opens a Directory tool that provides a one-click jump to a particular table orworksheet

Pages up within a worksheet

Pages Down within a worksheet



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Home Worksheet : Instructions and Workbook Setup

2 Home WorksheetUse the Home worksheet to enter basic project description information includingthe name of the project, the ecoregional affiliation, and the focal conservationtargets. This worksheet also contains buttons to launch the workbook's instructions

and setup features, and to provide navigational links to the other worksheets withinthe workbook.

2.1 Instructions and Workbook Setup

Instructions and Toolbar:

Instructions:Click the Instructions button to call up the instructions for the Conservation ProjectManagement Workbook. You may also access Instructions from each worksheet by

selecting the Instructionsicon ( ) in the toolbar at the right of the the screen.Topics relevant to that worksheet will appear.

Toolbar:Click the 'Toolbar' button to learn the functions of the buttons on the toolbar that isdocked along the right side of the screen.

Workbook Setup & Reset Menus and Screens:

Workbook Setup:Click this button to go to the following functions: Clear Workbook Input Load Previous Workbooks (see Appendix A for more about this topic) Changing Languages (choices are English, Spanish, Portuguese)

Reset Menus and Screens:When you open this workbook, Excel should automatically create the menus andtoolbars and reset each worksheet to a top-of-the-page view. The 'Reset Menusand Screens' button also performs this task. (Note: Menus and toolbars willdisappear if you have two workbooks open and close one of them. Click either the'Reset Menus and Screens' or the 'Refresh Data' button on the toolbar to restorethe menus and toolbars.)



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Home Worksheet : Entering Data into the Home Worksheet

2.2 Entering Data into the Home Worksheet

In the Home worksheet (Figure 3) you:

Figure 3 : Home Worksheet

1. Enter the project or site that is the subject of this workbook by typingthe name into the cell to the right of Project.

2. Select the Project Description button to bring up a Commentform(Figure 4). Here, briefly describe the conservation project and therationale for focal target selection (Comment 1 of 3), list the overall

project goals (2 of 3) and list the planning team participants (3 of 3).

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Home Worksheet : Entering Data into the Home Worksheet

3. Select the Select Ecoregion(s)button to enter the one or moreecoregions with which this project is associated. The button will bringup a list of the U.S. and International ecoregions (Figure 5).

4. Highlight the relevant ecoregions from the list and select OK.

Figure 5 : Select an Ecoregion Form

5. In cells C7-C14, enter up to eight focal conservation targets (one percell) for the project. Try to keep the names of the targets short (fewer

than thirty-five characters) to improve the readability of tablesthroughout the workbook. (Use the Nested Targets worksheet toprovide additional detail about the eight targets and to list the othertargets that are nested within these focal conservation targets.)

Most of the larger buttons on the Home Worksheet are navigationbuttons that take you to other worksheets or to additional functions ofthis workbook. Select the small red ?buttons for brief explanations ofwhat each button does.



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Home Worksheet : Navigational Links in the Home Worksheet

2.3 Navigational Links in the Home Worksheet

The following buttons take you to worksheets:

Assess Target Viability:Goes to the Viability worksheet (see section 3)

Identify Stresses and Sources:Goes to the Stress,Source(#) worksheet (see section 4)

Develop Objectives, Strategic Actions and Action Steps:Goes to the Strategies worksheet (see section 6)

Describe Monitoring Plan:Goes to the Monitoring worksheet (see section 7)

Other Worksheets:Goes to the following:

Summary Tables in the Summary worksheet Summary of Threats Stress Matrix Overall and Detailed Viability Summaries

Project Resources worksheet Nested Targets worksheet Menu Lists worksheet Scoring worksheet



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Viability Assessment Worksheet : Navigational Links in the Home Worksheet

3 Viability Assessment WorksheetThe Viability worksheet contains one table the Assessment of Target Viabilitytable. Each row in the table represents a particular key ecological attribute, itsindicator and its indicator ratings for a specified conservation target. There are

twelve columns within the worksheet that represent information about the particularkey ecological attribute, including:

Conservation Target the focal target that the key ecological attributedescribes.

Category the broad category of Size, Condition or Landscape Context towhich the key ecological attribute can be assigned.

Key Ecological Attribute the name of the key attribute.

Indicator measurable entity used to assess the key attribute.

Indicator ratings Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor rating descriptions.

Current Rating the current indicator rating for the key ecological attribute.

Desired Rating the desired indicator rating for the key ecological attribute.

Date of Current Rating the date associated with the Current Ratingassessment.

Date of Desired Rating date by which desired rating is expected to be met.



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Viability Assessment Worksheet : Building the Assessment of Target Viability Table

This section begins with instructions for building the table and is followed by adetailed explanation of the concepts and terms used in the table. If you areunfamiliar with the concepts and terms, go first to Appendix B (Assessing TargetViability).

3.1 Building the Assessment of Target Viability TableWith no data, the Assessment of Target Viability table has no rows but the headerrow. Rows are added to the table as data is added. Rows of data may be createdin two ways:

1. Select menu options (see Section 3.2) that create rows, then type Viability-relateddata directly into table.

2. Use the Viability Wizard (see Section 3.6).

3.2

Using menu options to create and delete rows in the Viability table

To create rows for each Target and Viability Category combination:

From the Tablesmenu, select Create/Copy Rows...and then the menu itemViability: Create Rows for Each Target Category (Figure 6). This will create rowsfor each target and viability category (landscape context, condition and size).

Figure 6 : Create Rows for each Target and Category in Viability TableIf this menu option is executed when there is already some dataentered in the viability table, the program will check to see whichtarget and viability category combinations are not represented andonly add these additional rows.



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Viability Assessment Worksheet : Using menu options to create and delete rows in the Viability table

To copy data from one row to a new row:

From the Tablesmenu, select Create/Copy Rows...and then the menu itemViability: Copy Selected Row (Figure 7). This will copy all data except the keyattribute to a new row immediately below the selected row.

Figure 7 : Copy Selected Row in Viability tableThis utility is helpful if a single indicator supports multiple KeyAttributes. (The key attribute is not copied as a reminder that all fourbasic data elements - target, category, key attribute and indicator -should not be identical to another row.)

To create blank rows within the table:

From the Tablesmenu, select Insert Rows. The blank row is inserted immediatelyabove the row where the cursor is residing.

To delete rows from the table:

From the Tablesmenu, select Delete Selected Rows. The selected row(s) in thetable will be deleted if no rows in the Monitoring table refer to the selectedrow(s).

Records in the Monitoring worksheet are tied to records in theViability worksheet. When you try to delete records in the Viability

worksheet, the workbook will first check to see whether the recordsare referenced in the Monitoring worksheet. If so, you will be giveninstructions to safeguard your data.If some of your indicator and key attribute ratings do not show up theSummary tables, it is probably because the ratings and/or categorieshave alternative spellings or capitalizations, extra characters or extraspaces. To ensure accuracy, select the row, bring up the Viabilitywizard and review your entries using the form.



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Viability Assessment Worksheet : Entering Data into the Assessment of Target Viability table

3.3 Entering Data into the Assessment of Target Viability table

Use the drop-down menus for many of the most important columns target,category, current rating and desired rating. For these columns, first select theappropriate cell. A drop-down menu will appear: highlight and select theappropriate item from the drop-down menu.

For other columns, type data directly into the appropriate cells of the table.

3.4 Documenting Viability Decisions with Comments

The viability table stores comments for documenting the following four decisions:

1. The rationale behind key attribute selections.

2. The rationale behind indicator selections and the basis for defining indicatorratings.

3. The basis for the current rating determination.

4. The basis for the desired rating determination.

To enter documentation, select the relevant row in the table; then select theComments toolbar button. A Comment form will appear that allows you to scrollforward and backward through each of the four documentation fields. Enter yourdocumentation and save.

You may also enter documentation in Steps 3 and 4 of the Viability Wizard (seesection 3.6).

If text is entered for any of the four documentation fields, the corresponding cell inthe table will be shaded. If there is no text, the shading will disappear.

To clear the shading from the cells (for example, while printing) select ChangeComment Shading and Clear from the Tables menu at the top of the screen.

3.5 Table Formats

The Assessment of Target Viability table can be sorted in three ways: alphabeticallyby target, then by category and key attribute, alphabetically by key attribute, and

alphabetically by indicator. Once the Viability data are entered, choose the SelectTable Formatoption in the Tablesmenu or select the Table Formattoolbar buttonto choose between the three sort options. You may also choose whether youwant the Indicator Rating columns to be narrow or wide.

The Tablesmenu also offers options to update or remove color and commentshading, and to change row heights in the Viability worksheet.



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Viability Assessment Worksheet : Using the Viability Wizard

3.6 Using the Viability Wizard

Open the viability wizard by clicking on the wizardicon on the custom tool baralong the right side of the screen, select the Viabilityradio button (if it is notalready highlighted), and select OK.1. On the first screen of the Viability wizard (Figure 8), select a focal

conservation target from the Select Target for this Attribute list.2. Select a key ecologicalattribute (either from the Attributes from List:menu

or type in a new one in the New (or unlisted) Attribute: Optional steps for new key attributes you can add the new

attribute to the standard menu list of attributes by selecting the AddNew Attribute to Above Listbutton; you can assign the newattribute to one of the Attribute Classes by entering the attributeclass in the bottom box of this form.

3. Assign the key attribute to the size, condition or landscape contextcategory (the association between listed key attributes and viability

categories can be viewed by selecting the red-text help button labeled KeyAttributes Categoriesand scrolling through the help text located there).Select the Next >>button when you are ready to move on.

Figure 8 : Viability Wizard Step 1



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Viability Assessment Worksheet : Using the Viability Wizard

4. In Step Two of the Viability Wizard, enter any text describing the rationalebehind selecting this key ecological attribute. Select the Next>> buttonwhen ready to move on.

5. In Step Three of the Viability Wizard (Figure 9), first enter an indicatordescription into the Indicatorfield.

6. Enter Indicator Ratingdescriptions for Poor, Fair, Good, Very Goodindicator status.

7. Enter the basis for the indicator selection and how the indicator ratingdescriptions were derived.

8. Select the Next >> button when ready to move on.

Figure 9 : Viability Wizard Step 3

9. In Step Four, enter the current and desired indicator rating and use thedate spinners to assign current and desired rating dates and explain thebasis for making these rating assignments. Select the Next>> buttonwhen ready to move on.

10.In Step Five, enter any additional comments regarding this key attribute andindicator combination. Select Save and Exitwhen finished.



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Stress,Source Worksheet : Using the Viability Wizard

4 Stress Source WorksheetUse the Stress,Source worksheet (Figure 10) to record the stresses and thethreats (sources of stress) for each of the targets.

Figure 10 : Stress,Source X) WorksheetStresses represent altered or impaired key ecological attributes that reduce theviability of the focal conservation targets. Threats (sources of stress) represent theproximate cause of the stress (e.g., river channelization, over-harvesting, firesuppression). Many sources of stress are driven by social, economic, or politicalunderlying causes that often are the focus of our conservation strategies.

Use this worksheet to record stresses and the direct threats, i.e., the proximatecause of the stress. Underlying causes should be captured in the threat commentfields to aid in the selection of conservation strategies.



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Stress,Source Worksheet : Entering Data into the Stresses Table

4.1 Entering Data into the Stresses Table

To select/change targets:

1. Select the target name in row 3. A drop-down menu will appear (Figure

11). If names do not appear click on the Refresh Data button.

Figure 11 : Select Target Menu

2. Select a target from the list.A stress to a focal conservation target is manifest as an altered or impaired keyattributes (defined in the Viability Assessment). Therefore, enter the degraded keyattribute as a stress.

To enter stresses:

1. Select one of the eight cells below the Stresses - Altered Key EcologicalAttributesin column B. If activated, one or two pop-up forms may appear --either a New Key Attribute entry form or a Key Attribute drop-down list.(Click on the cell that says Entry assistance ON/OFF, cell B7, to selectwhether you wish these forms to appear.):

New Key Attribute entry form: If the selected cell contains a stressthat is not listed as a key attribute in the Viability worksheet, the NewKey Attribute form will appear asking if you want a new recordadded to the Viability table that contains the selected stress.

Key Attribute drop-down list: The drop-down list contains keyattribute selections (Figure 12).

Figure 12 : Select Key Attribute Menu

2. Select the button next to the drop-down list to switch between a list of allkey attributes or a list of this target's attributes only (as defined in theViability assessment). Select a key attribute from the list. Once entered, youcan edit the stress to add the words altered or impaired to indicate thedegraded nature of the key attribute.

If the drop-down boxes do not appear, first check that cell B7 saysEntry assistance ON. If yes, select Tables, then Refresh Datafrom themenu at the top of the screen or the Refresh Data icon on theToolbar.

3. Stresses can also be typed directly into the stress table. When stresses areentered in this manner, and when they do not match any key ecological



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Stress,Source Worksheet : Stress Ranks

attributes in the viability table, the New Key Attribute menu appears (ifactivated), providing you the option of adding these new stresses as newkey ecological attributes in the viability table.

4. Rank severity and scope for each stress: Very High, High, Medium or Low.(Stress ranking detail is described in section 4.2). Overall stress rank is

calculated automatically; users can directly enter an alternative stress rankin the User Overridecolumn to the right.5. Select the Commentsbutton in the toolbar to activate a comment box to

document your input.

4.2 Stress Ranks

Severity

Severity of Damage -- the level of damage to the conservation target that canreasonably be expected within 10 years under current circumstances (i.e., given

the continuation of the existing situation).

Very High: The stress is likely to destroy or eliminate the conservation targetover some portion of the target's occurrence at the site.

High: The stress is likely to seriously degrade the conservation target oversome portion of the target's occurrence at the site.

Medium: The stress is likely to moderately degrade the conservation targetover some portion of the target's occurrence at the site.

Low: The stress is likely to only slightly impair the conservation target oversome portion of the target's occurrence at the site.

Scope

Scope of Damage -- the geographic scope of impact on the conservation target atthe site that can reasonably be expected within 10 years under currentcircumstances (i.e., given the continuation of the existing situation).

Very High: The stress is likely to be very widespread or pervasive in its scope,and affect the conservation target throughout the target's occurrences at thesite.

High: The stress is likely to be widespread in its scope, and affect theconservation target at many of its locations at the site.

Medium: The stress is likely to be localized in its scope, and affect theconservation target at some of the target's locations at the site.

Low: The stress is likely to be very localized in its scope, and affect theconservation target at a limited portion of the target's location at the site.



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Stress,Source Worksheet : Entering Data into the Threats (Sources of Stress) Table

4.3 Entering Data into the Threats (Sources of Stress) Table

To move to Threats table, click on the downward pointed triangle on the customtoolbar (Figure 13). To return to the Stress table, click on the upward pointedtriangle.

Figure 13 : Custom Toolbar arrowsTo enter Threats (or Sources of Stress):

1. Select one of the twelve cells in column B of the 'Threats - Sources ofStress' table. A drop-down list box will appear (Figure 14).

Figure 14 : Source Selection Menu2. Select a source from the list, and then click the Enterbutton. You may also

type in a new source directly into the cell in column B.

3. Click the Delete Selected Sourcebutton on the drop-down list box todelete a source from the Sources of Stress table or from the drop-down list.

4. Rank Contributionand Irreversibilityfor each source: Very High, High,Medium or Low. (Source ranking detail is described in section 4.4) Userscan enter an alternative source rank in the Overriderow..

5. The Sourcerank and the Combinedrank (a combination of the Source rankand the Stress rank) are calculated automatically.

6. Select the Commentsbutton in the toolbar to activate a comment box todocument your input.

4.4 Threat (Sources of Stress) Ranks

Contribution

Contribution -- expected contribution of the source, acting alone, to the fullexpression of a stress (as determined in the stress assessment) under current

circumstances (i.e., given the continuation of the existing management/conservation situation).

Very High: The source is a very large contributor of the particular stress.

High: The source is a large contributor of the particular stress.

Medium: The source is a moderate contributor of the particular stress.

Low: The source is a low contributor of the particular stress.



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Stress,Source Worksheet : Threat (Sources of Stress) Ranks

Irreversibility

Irreversibility -- reversibility of the stress caused by the Source of Stress.

Very High: The source produces a stress that is not reversible (e.g., wetlandsconverted to a shopping center).

High: The source produces a stress that is reversible, but not practicallyaffordable (e.g., wetland converted to agriculture).

Medium: The source produces a stress that is reversible with a reasonablecommitment of resources (e.g., ditching and draining of wetland).

Low: The source produces a stress that is easily reversible at relatively low cost(e.g., off-road vehicles trespassing in wetland).



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Summary Worksheet : Summary of Threats

5 Summary WorksheetThere are four tables in the Summary worksheet:

Summary of Threats and Strategic Action Index: Summarizes and ranks thetop threats (sources of stress), and indexes the strategic actions that havebeen identified to abate each threat.

Stress Matrix: Displays the stresses associated with each target.

Overall Viability Summary: Summarizes the indicator ratings from theAssessment of Target Viability table in the Viability worksheet.

Detailed Viability Summary: Provides a more detailed summary of the attributeand indicator ratings.

5.1 Summary of Threats

The Summary of Threats table (Figure 15) summarizes the output from the far-rightcolumn of the Sources of Stress tables from the Stresses and Sources worksheetfor each target. What we call the Threat to System Rank.

Figure 15 : Summary of Threats Table



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The Overall Threat Rank for the project is calculated from the ranks in the OverallThreat Rank column, NOT from the individual target ranks that appear along thebottom of the table. See Appendix D (Scoring Worksheet) for details.

If you double-click a cell in the Summary of Threats table that contains a rank, a listof the strategic actions that address that threat for that target will appear.

Select the Commentsbutton in the toolbar to activate a comment box to enterobservations, interpretations, or any other comments regarding the Summary ofThreats table.

The Summary of Threats table may be viewed and printed either without or withthe Strategic Action Index.

Strategic Action Index

The Strategic Actions Index may be appended to the Summary of Threats table.

The index identifies by index number which Strategic Actions address each Threat(See the Strategies worksheet section for an explanation of Strategic Actions).Select the Page Downbutton on the custom toolbar to go to the Strategic ActionIndex list (Figure 16). Select the Page Upbutton on the toolbar to return to theview of threats to all targets.

Figure 16 : Strategic Action Index

The first column of black numbers in the table shows the total number of strategicactions that contribute to abating the threat that is identified in a given row. Thenext ten columns indicate the specific strategic actions (green numbers)contributing to the abatement of a particular threat. To the right of this table ofstrategic action numbers, the strategic actions are listed in alphabetical order. Thenumber just to the left of each strategic action is the number used in the strategicaction table to identify that strategic action. The numbered list of strategic actions



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(Figure 17) is repeated directly below the table shown in Figure 15 where the textis not truncated as shown in Figure 16.

Figure 17 : Strategic actions listed as part of the Strategic Action Index

Stress MatrixThe Stress Matrix table (Figure 18) provides a view of the Stresses or altered KeyEcological Attributes and their ranks across the targets.

Figure 18 : Stress Matrix Table

Stress ranks must be changed at the Stress/Source worksheet, nothere.

Select the Commentsbutton in the toolbar to activate a comment box to enterobservations, interpretations, or any other comments regarding the Stress Matrixtable.



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Summary Worksheet : Overall Viability Summary Table

5.2 Overall Viability Summary Table

The Overall Viability Summary table (Figure 19) summarizes the ranks derived forLandscape Context, Condition and Size for each focal conservation target. Foreach target, a "Calculated Rank" for each category is calculated from the keyattribute ranks in the Detailed Viability Summary.

Figure 19 : Overall Viability Summary TableThe Landscape Context, Condition and Size ranks can be assigned differentweights. To change the weight of a rank, select a cell under one of the threeWeight columns, and choose one of the weight options from the drop-down list(the default weight is 1).

To open a comment box for documenting your weights, select the Commentsbutton in the Toolbar.

To go to a specific target and category in either the Assessment of Target Viabilityworksheet or the Monitoring worksheet, place the cursor on the row for thedesired target and category in the table and select the Searchbutton (thebinoculars) in the Toolbar, then select the Viabilityor Monitoringbutton.



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Summary Worksheet : Detailed Viability Summary Table

5.3 Detailed Viability Summary Table

The Detailed Viability table (Figure 20) summarizes how individual key ecologicalattributes and indicators contribute to the ranks for Landscape Context, Conditionand Size for each target. Indicator ranks are from the Assessment of TargetViability worksheet; key attribute ranks are calculated from the indicator ranks.

Figure 20 : Detailed Viability Summary TableTo go to a specific target and category in either the Assessment of Target Viabilityworksheet or the Monitoring worksheet, place the cursor on the row for thedesired target and category in the table and select the Search button (thebinoculars) in theToolbar, then select theViabilityorMonitoring button.



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Strategies Worksheet

6 Strategies WorksheetThe Strategies worksheet can create various tables that describe the project'sconservation strategies. Only one table is created and visible in the Strategiesworksheet at a time. Figure 21 is an example of one of the ten tables that are

available in the Strategies worksheet.

Figure 21 : Objectives and Strategic Actions table in Strategies worksheet

A conservation strategy is a broad course of action intended to achieve a specificobjective (i.e. outcome) that abates a threat or enhances the viability of aconservation target. There are three fundamental components to conservationstrategies: Objectives, Strategic Actions and Action Steps. In addition, MonitoringIndicators should be specified that allow for measuring the effectiveness ofconservation strategies (i.e., progress towards meeting objectives).

This section includes instructions for building the various tables in the Strategiesworksheet. If you are unfamiliar with the process, concepts and terms related todeveloping conservation strategies, go first to Appendix C (Developing Strategies).



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Strategies Worksheet : Entering Data into the Strategies worksheet

6.1 Entering Data into the Strategies worksheet

With no data entered, the table includes only the header row. Rows are added tothe table as data is added. All strategy-related data must be entered into theStrategies worksheet using the Strategy Identification, Strategy Ranking, andAction Steps Wizards, which are described below. In addition, monitoringindicator data is accessible in some of the tables in the Strategies worksheet.Monitoring indicator data is entered via the Strategy Identification Wizard, theMonitoring Wizard, or directly into the Monitoring table, which is described in theMonitoring worksheet section.

The data can not be entered directly into the Strategies worksheet. Awizard must be used.

To open a wizard:

1. Select the appropriate wizard either from the Wizardsmenu option or withthe Wizard toolbar button.

2. Enter the data on each step of the wizard.

3. Select the Next >>button to move to the next step.4. Select the Save and Exitbutton to save your data and close the wizard.

Strategy Identification Wizard

Use this wizard to set objectives, identify strategic actions and link them to specificobjectives, and identify the monitoring indicators that will measure progresstowards achieving the objectives.

1. Open the Strategy Identification wizard by selecting the wizardicon on thecustom tool bar along the right side of the screen; select the StrategyIdentificationradio button and OK.

2. In Step 1 of the wizard, enter a new objective in the top box then select theAdd New Objective to Listbutton. Select the Next >>button when you areready to move on.

3. In Step 2 (Figure 22) of the wizard, enter a new strategic action and selectthe Add New Action to Listbutton. Select the Next >>button when youare ready to move on.



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Figure 22 : Strategy Identification Wizard Step 2

4. Use Step 3 (Figure 23) of the wizard to link threat-abatement or viabilityindicators to this objective. Select indicators from the list of indicatorsalready entered into the monitoring table, from a list of Indicators found inthe Viability table but not yet in the monitoring table, or add a new indicatordata in the Add new indicatorsbox then click the Add new indicators to listbutton. Select the Next >>button when you are ready to move on.

Figure 23 : Strategy Identification Wizard Step 3



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5. In Step 4 of the wizard, add any comments you want to add to thisobjective. Select the Save and Exitbutton.

6. Select any of the desired table formats that include Objectives whenpresented with the table format options.

7. Select OKto exit the wizard.

Strategy Ranking Wizard

Use this wizard to modify strategic actions, as warranted, and to estimate benefits,feasibility, and costs of the strategic actions that support objectives.

This wizard provides the opportunity to compare benefits, feasibility,and cost information for alternative strategies to help a planning teamdetermine which strategic actions should be implemented. If youalready know which strategic actions will be implemented and don't

want to compare among alternatives, you can SKIP this wizard andinstead, enter strategic actions in the Strategy Identification Wizardthen go straight to the Action Steps wizard to create the work plan foraction.

1. Open the Strategy Ranking wizard by selecting the wizardicon on thecustom tool bar along the right side of the screen, select the StrategyRankingradio button and select OK.

2. In Step 1 of the wizard, select one of your strategic actions. Or, to add anew action to this objective, enter a new strategic action in the Add newStrategic Actionsbox then click the Add New Action to Listbutton. Selectthe Next >>button when you are ready to move on.

3. In Step 2 of the wizard, link the strategic action to one of your listedobjectives in the upper portion of the form and assign a Contribution rankin the bottom portion of the form. Select the Contributionbutton to see adescription of the Contribution ranks. Select the Next >>button when youare ready to move on.

4. In Step 3 (Figure 24) of the wizard, indicate which threats to which targetsare likely to be reduced by one or more threat ranks (e.g., a High threatreduced to a Medium threat) if the strategic action is successfullyimplemented. The default settings assume a strategic action will abate a

threat across all of the targets but the user can de-select the check-boxesif the bottom portion of the form if a particular threat-target combination isnot likely to be abated by this strategic action. Select the Threat Abatementbutton to see a description of the Threat Abatement ranks. Select the Next>>button when you are ready to move on.



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Figure 24 : Strategy Ranking Wizard Step 3

5. In Step 4 of the wizard, identify any key ecological attributes indicatorratings that are likely to be improved by at least one category (e.g., Fair -> Good) if this strategic action is successfully implemented. Select theViability Enhancementbutton to see a description of Viability Enhancement.Select the Next >>button when you are ready to move on.

6. In Step 5 of the wizard, you can set five additional ranking criteria via radiobuttons. Select the Duration and Leverage button to see a description ofduration. In the Instructions window, select Nextto see a description ofLeverage. Select the Feasibilitybutton to see a description of the LeadIndividual/Institution ranking. In the Instructions window, select Nextto seea description of Ease of Implementationrankings and Nextagain to seeAbility to Motivaterankings. Select the Next >>button when you are readyto move on.

7. In Step 6 of the wizard, you can categorize the overall cost into one of 4broad categories (right portion of the form) or calculates costs using thecost-calculator features in the left portion of the form. Select the Costbutton to see a detailed explanation of the costs categories. Select the Next>>button when you are ready to move on.

The colors of the rankings for Cost are the reverse of the colors for theother rankings. A Low cost is good; a Very High cost is expensive.



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8. In Step 7 of the wizard, you enter additional comments, have theopportunity to explicitly not select a strategic action for implementation, andidentify an individual responsible for seeing the strategic actionimplemented.

9. Select the Save and Exitbutton.10.Select either the Ranking Summaryor Ranking Detailoptions when

presented with the table format options.

11.Select OKto exit the wizard.Action Steps Wizard

Use this wizard to define the specific action steps for each strategic action, and todescribe the cost, timing and responsibility for each step. This wizard creates thework plan with time-lines for action.

Costs for a strategic action may be defined for each step of a strategic

action in the Action Steps wizard OR at the strategic action level in theStrategy Ranking wizard; costs do not need to be entered at bothlevels.

1. Open the Action Steps wizard by selecting the wizardicon on the customtool bar along the right side of the screen, selecting the Action Stepsradiobutton and selecting OK. Or you may select the Action Steps wizard fromthe Wizards option of the main menu.

2. In Step 1 of the wizard, select a particular Strategic Action (if one you wantis not already highlighted). Select the Next >>button when you are readyto move on.

3. In Step 2 of the wizard, enter one or more Action Stepsand use the datespinners to select the start and end date for this action. Up to 10 ActionStep can be entered. Select the Next >>button when you are ready tomove on.

4. In Step 3 of the wizard, select an Action Stepfrom the list at the top, andthen enter more detail to the methodsneeded to accomplish this actionstep or additional commentsand enter the nameof the person responsiblefor implementing the action step. Select the Next >>button when you areready to move on.

5. In Step 4 of the wizard, estimate costsfor each Action Step.

6. Select the Save and Exitbutton and select the Objectives, Actions andStepsradio button when presented with the table format options.7. Select OKto exit the wizard.



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Strategies Worksheet : Table Formats

To view your Strategic Action and Action Steps with an implementation time-line,select the Table formaticon on the custom toolbar, select Timelineand select OK.

6.2 Table Formats

There are ten different table formats supported in the Strategies worksheet. Oncethe objectives, strategic actions and/or action steps are entered, choose the SelectTable Formatoption in the Tablesmenu or select the Table Formattoolbar buttonto choose from the various table formats (Figure 25).

Figure 25 : Table Formats Selection



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Strategies Worksheet : Strategic Action Ranks

6.3 Strategic Action Ranks

Potential strategic actions may be ranked on nine criteria related to Benefits(contribution, threat abatement, viability enhancement, duration, leverage),Feasibility (lead individual/institution, ease of implementation, ability to motivate),and Cost. Descriptions of each of these ranking criteria are included in this section.

6.4 Benefits

The following benefit factors are ranked in Steps 2, 3, and 4 of theStrategy Ranking wizard.

Contribution

The degree to which the proposed strategic action, if successfully implemented,will contribute to the achievement of the objective(s). Select one of the following

ranks in Step 2 of the Strategy Ranking wizard).

Very High: The strategic action, in itself, achieves one or more objectives.

High: The strategic action makes a substantial contribution towards achievingone or more objectives, but is not by itself sufficient.

Medium: The strategic action makes an important contribution towardsachieving one or more objectives.

Low: The strategic action makes a relatively small contribution towardsachieving one or more objectives.

Threat Abatement

You can specify threat abatement benefits in Step 3 of the Strategy Rankingwizard.

First, select the threat(s) from the list. Select threats that can reasonably beexpected to reduce a threat rank by one or more ranks for one or more of thetargets within the next ten years if the particular strategic action is successfullyimplemented.

Then, select targets linked to selected threats. The threats selected from the list

will appear in the middle of the page. Select a threat to see the list of targetsaffected by that threat. The default assumption is that a strategic action associatedwith a selected threat will abate that threat (i.e., reduce the threat rank by one ormore ranks) for ALL targets affected by the threat (identified by the checkedcheck-boxes next to each target). If the strategic action will NOT reduce the futurethreat rank by one or more ranks for a target, remove the check from the box nextto the target.



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Strategies Worksheet : Benefits

Viability Enhancement

You can specify viability enhancement benefits in Step 4 of the Strategy Rankingwizard.

Estimate any improvement of key ecological attributes to the targets that might

reasonably be expected to occur over ten years if the strategic action issuccessfully implemented. If the strategic action will improve the key ecologicalattribute by one or more grade levels for a target, select the row that contains thetarget, category and attribute.

If two or more selections have the same target, category, and attribute as eachother (varying only in their indicators), only one will be recorded in calculating thebenefit. In this case of two or more identical target/category/key attributecombinations; the user should highlight the attribute within the lowest current keyattribute/indicator rank.

Duration of Outcome

The degree, to which the proposed strategy, if successfully implemented, is likelyto secure a long-lasting outcome. Select one of the following ranks in Step 5 ofthe Strategy Ranking wizard.

Very High: The strategy, if successfully implemented, is likely to achieve anenduring, long-lasting outcome (e.g. acquisition of fee interest in land; anongoing management practice; a very secure public policy).

High: The strategy, if successfully implemented, is likely to achieve an outcomewith a relatively long (e.g. 10 year) duration (e.g. partial interest in land; solidbut potentially vulnerable public policy change).

Medium: The strategy, if successfully implemented, is likely to achieve anoutcome of moderate duration (e.g. 3 year management agreement).

Low: The strategy is likely to achieve an outcome with a very short duration(e.g. handshake agreement; 1 year management plan; stopgap policy).

Leverage

Estimate any leverage towards other high-impact strategies (Default = Low) .Select one of the following ranks in Step 5 of the Strategy Ranking Wizard.

Very High: Immediate, visible, tangible results and high leverage towardsanother high impact strategy.

High: Immediate, visible, tangible results or high leverage towards another highimpact strategy.

Medium: Moderate leverage.

Low: No apparent leverage.



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Strategies Worksheet : Feasibility

6.5 Feasibility

The following feasibility factors are ranked in Step 5 of the StrategyRanking wizard.

Lead Individual / InstitutionVery High: A lead individual ("champion') with sufficient time, proven talent,

substantial relevant experience and institutional support is reasonably availableand committed to lead implementation of the strategy.

High: An individual with sufficient time, promising talent, some relevantexperience and institutional support is reasonably available and committed tolead implementation of the strategy.

Medium: An individual with promising talent and sufficient time is reasonablyavailable, but lacks relevant experience or institutional support.

Low: No lead individual currently available.

Ease of Implementation

Very High: Implementing the strategy is very straightforward; this type ofstrategy has been done often before.

High: Implementing the strategy is relatively straightforward, but not certain;this type of strategy has been done before.

Medium: Implementing the strategy involves a fair number of complexities,hurdles and/or uncertainties; this type of strategy has rarely been done before.

Low: Implementing the strategy involves many complexities, hurdles and/oruncertainties; this type of strategy has never been done before.

Ability to Motivate

To what degree are the key constituencies (e.g. landowners, public officials,interest groups) whose inv

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