Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Plan (CWCP) and Citizen-based Monitoring Signe Holtz Wisconsin 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?

Monitoring Species 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 Survey Bowhunter Wildlife Survey Christmas Bird Count Fur Trapper Survey Incidental Wolf Observations Nature Mapping Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey Winter Track Count WI 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