Monitoring at the Regional/Watershed Scale
The regional monitoring team helps local and regional entities develop and implement regional monitoring programs employing elements of the WRAMP framework. Each monitoring program is governed by committees composed of scientists and resource managers. Program goals generally include gathering and sharing scientific monitoring data and information that address specific resource management and monitoring questions. They further the collective understanding of habitat and water quality conditions and inform restoration project performance tracking and other kinds of regulatory decision making at watershed and other regional scales.
SFEI supports the development of several regional monitoring programs in the San Francisco Bay Area, North Coast, and other regions. Support includes outreach and convening meetings to develop program governance structures (including Steering and Technical Advisory Committees, and a development support team). Under the guidance of the governing entities, SFEI facilitates meetings to develop governing documents and establish key driving ecological questions that will help identify the monitoring focus, monitoring needs, and the eventual development and implementation of monitoring plans.
SFEI serves as the implementing entity or provides administrative, science, or technical support for one or more components of regional monitoring program implementation. The implementing entity administers the program, which includes duties such as: facilitating regular committee meetings, convening technical workgroups, maintaining a program’s website, coordinating and implementing the logistical monitoring and assessments elements of the program. Other responsibilities may include coordinating or leading the program’s data management processes, data analysis, reporting, and outreach.
