Carolyn Enquist, Science & Applications Coordinator USA-National Phenology NetworkNMFWA 11 March 2014
Toward strategic climate-informed monitoring
Climate-Smart Conservation Cycle
1. Helps guide adjustments in strategies and actions
Evaluation of efficacy
2. Helps provide context for understanding climate-related impacts and vulnerabilities in the context of adaptive management
Helps reduce uncertainty
Stein et al. “ClimateSmart Conservation Quick Guide” (full document in prep.)
“Unpacking” Monitoring
Towards developing a Climate-informed Monitoring Plan as a key adaptation action to optimize investment in efforts
“Unpacking” Monitoring
Photo by Christy Wolf
Evaluate and optimize existing efforts relative to climate-informed management goals & objectives; identify gaps & opportunities
“Unpacking” Monitoring
Photo by Christy Wolf
The C-I monitoring cycle
7. Tracking change and strategy
effectiveness
7a. Review monitoring efforts
relative to management
7b. Align with relevant regional
impacts (Hypotheses of
change)
7c. Adjust or change monitoring
target
7d. Optimize strategy
What to monitor?
Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs)—Pereira et al. 2013, Science
EBV CLASS EBV EXAMPLES
(1) Genetic composition Allelic diversity, phenotypes
(2) Species populations Abundance & distribution
(3) Species traits Phenology
(4) Composition Taxonomic diversity, functional types
(5) Ecosystem structure Habitat structure
(6) Ecosystem function Ecosystem processes
An example
7. Tracking change and strategy effectiveness
7a. Fire Suppression & Use as Tool
7b. Increased fire frequency, intensity, &
season length (ecosystem process
EBV)
7c. Monitor length of growing season (GDD) &
phenology of fuels
7d. Optimize pre-season fuel treatment windows
& post-fire soils & vegetation treatments
Regional Climate: warmer, drier,
increased frequency of extreme weather
events
Optimize Wildland Response Team Preparedness
An example
7. Tracking change and strategy
effectiveness
7a. Riparian habitat restoration
7b. Altered hydrological processes, Timing of green up (ecosystem process & phenology
EBVs)
7c. Monitor timing of peak flow, timing of
leaf-out along riparian corridor
7d. Optimize water allocation throughout season & shading via
plantings & built structures
Regional Climate: warmer, drier,
increased frequency of extreme weather
events
Optimize habitat for SW Willow
Flycatcher
“Adapt, improvise, and overcome.”
─ T.C. Cummings, Mind of a SEAL