Post on 24-Dec-2015
Comprehensive Wildlife Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan (CWCP) Conservation Plan (CWCP)
and Citizen-based Monitoringand Citizen-based Monitoring
Signe HoltzWisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan
• Required to remain eligible for federal funding through State Wildlife Grants
• Set priorities and provide guidance for future conservation work
• “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” (SGCN)
Species of Greatest Conservation Need
• Birds, fish, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates
• Includes threatened and endangered species
• Low or declining populations
A. Sheldon
D. Malueg
Protection of SGCN and their Habitats
• Species
• Habitats
• Ecological landscapes
B. Smith
Ultimate Question:
Are we keeping species off the list?
MonitoringSpecies and Natural Communities
• DNR’s role
• Citizen’s role
WDNR
R. Read
Breeding Bird Survey (BBS)
• 39 years
• International monitoring program
• Provides baseline data on abundance and distribution of species
Wisconsin Frog and Toad Survey (DNR)
• 25 years
• Surveys run entirely by volunteers
• Surveys all frog species and almost every county in Wisconsin
Additional Surveys/Programs
Bobcat Hunter/Trapper SurveyBowhunter Wildlife SurveyChristmas Bird CountFur Trapper SurveyIncidental Wolf ObservationsNature MappingRuffed Grouse Drumming SurveyWinter Track CountWI Statewide Small Mammal Inventory
CBM Partnership Program
• $100,000 in 2006
• Initiate or expand monitoring programs
• Aquatic and terrestrial plants• Animals and their habitats
• CWCP and Water Monitoring Strategy
E. Padley
Project Limitations in Citizen Monitoring
• Hazardous activities/unnecessary risks
• Financial constraints• Complex training• Equipment availability• Rare species• Regulatory work
CWCP and Citizen Monitoring
• Numerous opportunities for conservation groups
• Citizen-based Monitoring Partnership Program
• Regional ecologists– Application ideas– Contract questions