1. A strategic, long-term framework for coordinating the efforts of the I&M networks, Watershed Condition Assessments, park planning (Foundation Statement, GMP, RSS), park-funded studies, and research and monitoring related to natural resource condition by NRPC divisions and other agencies. Connect the Dots

2. Contributors/Supporters Connect the Dots Framework: NPS Planning Program Kerri Cahill, Patrick Malone Kerri Cahill, Patrick Malone Resource Stewardship Strategy Gary Mason Gary Mason Watershed Condition Assessments Jeff Albright, Bill Jackson Jeff Albright, Bill Jackson WRD Planning Program Don Weeks, Dave Vana-Miller Don Weeks, Dave Vana-Miller Inventory and Monitoring Program Bruce Bingham, Shawn Carter, Steve Fancy Bruce Bingham, Shawn Carter, Steve Fancy IMAC - I&M Advisory Council IMAC - I&M Advisory Council

3. Connect the Dots Framework Improves coordination and integration between NPS science and planning programs  Better Management More effectively implements “condition-based” management and performance reporting. Communicates key scientific data and information relative to each park’s fundamental and other important resources/values; identifies data gaps and research needs. Coordinates the efforts of multiple programs, agencies, & funding sources over a time frame of years to decades.

4. Adaptive Learning & Decision Making Connect the Dots Framework w/ Connection to Performance Management and Reporting

5. Management Decision-making informed by scientific information A Logical Sequence as part of Park Operations and the Planning Process: Inventories Monitoring Watershed Condition Assessments Resource Stewardship Strategies

6. Foundation GMP Program Mgmt Plans Strategic Plan Implementation Plans Annual Performance Plan and Report WHYWHATHOW NPS PLANNING FRAMEWORK LONG TERMSHORT TERM Resource Stewardship Strategy

7. Policy makers, Non-Scientists Scientists, Field-level Practitioners Science Environment Public Environment Effective communication Sound Science Use Assessment by experts to translate scientific findings for policy and decision- making Synthesis reports, Assessment reports, Models, GIS products Processed Data Inventory reports, maps, Trend analyses, Tech. Reports Databases, GIS Products, Metadata, Catalogs, NPS Data Store Resource Briefs Condition Summary Tables We need to develop and deliver products for parks at all levels of the pyramid; make sure we provide park managers and planners with information, not just data.

8. Rock Creek Park – Natural Resource Condition Assessment

9. Example of a Natural Resource Summary Table (adapted from DRAFT Resource Stewardship Strategy for Denali NP&Pres)

10. Supporting Table that would be provided by the park’s I&M Network (Provides details for indicators being measured by vital signs program, and gives source of current condition estimate. I&M networks will provide Reference Condition estimates for consideration when requested by the park, based on historical data, regulatory standards, or science-based expert opinion).

11. Assessment of stream habitat status

12. Status of stream habitats in ROCR 0.0 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.0 1.0 0.58 Stream habitat status

13. Assessment of upland forest habitat status

14. Status of upland forest in ROCR 0.0 0.3 0.0 1.0 0.33 Upland forest status

15. A strategic, long-term framework for coordinating the efforts of the I&M networks, Watershed Condition Assessments, park planning (Foundation Statement, GMP, RSS), park-funded studies, and research and monitoring related to natural resource condition by NRPC divisions and other agencies. Connect the Dots