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