Data Management Needs for Regional Project Tracking to Support Implementation and Effectiveness Monitoring

About this Document

Regionally, we see an increasing need to validate the effectiveness of restoration projects. However, to design efficient effectiveness monitoring programs, it is essential first to obtain specific information on the what, where and when of the restoration that has occurred or is planned for the near term. This proposal describes project-level information that is needed for both implementation and effectiveness monitoring, including justification, design and performance requirements.

Currently, there is a wide diversity of restoration project tracking systems in the region - largely designed to track contracts and work elements rather than meet the needs of effectiveness monitoring. This proposal describes the steps needed to advance beyond the status quo and provide the additional information requirements of research, monitoring and evaluation. It has grown and been refined by experiences with the Pacific Coast Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), the Pacific Northwest Habitat Restoration Project Tracking Database (PNSHPTD), and the National River Restoration Science Synthesis (NRRSS) and refines and adds to these efforts.