RCN PHASE 2; PROJECT 2 POLLINATORS; JOB 3 ADAPTIVE HABITAT MANAGEMENT & BMPS

Establishment of a regional network of experimental adaptive management sites where coordinated management and monitoring will lead to management improvements over time (e.g. ensuring adequate representation of forbs, bare soil and other key pollinator habitat features; improving habitat for other RSGCN; lowering management costs and treatment frequency to the greatest extent practical); (2) improved coordination and sharing of early successional habitat management expertise among states; (3) standardized, regional vegetation and pollinator monitoring protocols that will enable more effective pooling of data and provide a framework for informed, science-based management decisions; (4) improved understanding of the abundance and distribution of select, vulnerable pollinator taxa (e.g. bees and butterflies), and how these species respond to habitat management over time; (5) improved on the ground management of at least 500 acres of habitat at regionally significant sites included in the new regional adaptive management network;  (6) strengthened partnership between NEFWDTC and NEHTC. Although this project will produce many tangible benefits during the five year implementation period, the goal is to establish a framework for the longer-term monitoring and experimental adaptive management that is needed to improve management for these complex, fire-influenced systems.