[Contents] 

Evaluation Process and Practicing Adaptive Management

From the outset of implementing an ecosystem approach, the Service recognized the need to evolve and adapt through the learning process. During the first year, we conducted periodic evaluations and made modifications to our approach based on the outcome of the evaluations. We will continue with periodic evaluations at different levels as we continue to refine our approach. Annual evaluations will become standard in the future. At the national level, we will continuously assess whether our ecosystem approach is:

• increasing our effectiveness in conserving fish and wildlife;
• increasing and improving cross-program coordination and collaboration within the Service; and
• increasing the frequency and quality of our partnerships.

At the Regional and Field Office level, we will examine the goals, objectives, and priorities set by the ecosystem teams to see if they are being met or need to be modified. Ideas, methods, and actions that were successful as well as those lessons learned will be shared among our teams. From this testing and sharing, effective methods will be adopted nationwide so pitfalls can be avoided. Practicing adaptive management on a national level relative to our overall ecosystem approach, as well as within each of our ecosystem units, will be critical to our success.

Continue on to the Conclusion