IWMM Update July 2011Update on status of programFeedback on Pilot SeasonProtocol changesProtocol validationDatabase changesCoordination through FallUpdate on modeling

Update on status of program

Moving from “Pilot Phase” to “Setup Phase”Tasks for Setup Phase (next 2-3 years):

Validate ProtocolsRefine ProtocolsDevelop online databaseDevelop fully integrated modelDevelop decision tools

Feedback on Pilot Season

FWS Region/state # units

# whole area counts

# veg surveys

# point count

locations

# point count

surveysRegion 3 - Midwest 122 857 153 52 371Region 4 - Southeast 84 571 108 47 240Region 5 - Northeast 114 1064 154 20 78Total 320 2492 415 119 689

Survey data – end Sept 2010 to end Feb 2011 (spring 2011 still being rolled together)

Do metrics make biological sense?

Water depth category

guildSwans &

geeseDabbling

duckDiving

duckWading

birds shorebirdsDry -0.11 -0.12 -0.15 0.00 0.00Saturated/mudflat -0.05 -0.06 -0.09 0.13 0.330-4" 0.15 0.06 -0.11 0.15 0.134-12" 0.11 0.28 -0.03 -0.03 -0.0812-48" -0.01 -0.08 0.20 -0.07 -0.15>48" -0.04 -0.07 0.10 -0.09 -0.11

•Didn’t change between surveys at 75% of sites•Jump from low to high unlikely?•Do we need to record more than once?

Change in Stem Density between 1st & 2nd veg surveys (n=123 units)

2nd survey

Low Medium High Total

1st survey

Low 17 0 1 18Medium 7 30 2 39High 3 16 47 66Total 27 46 50 123

Are changes in metrics logical?

Seed Head Index

Low Medium High Low Medium High

% cover % height % preferred food 30SAV 0 <1" 20 % near tall edge 2Open water 20 1"-6" 10 Stem density HighAnnual 35 6"-1' 25 Seed Head Index MediumPerennials 45 1'-2' 5 Interspersion MediumBare 0 2'-10' 15

10'-30' 20>30' 5

VA003CE_SADA1_11152010_3

Protocol Update

• No point counts• Bi-weekly counts OK• Flush counts OK (but not required)• Clarifications, e.g.– Ice cover, clarification with water depth– Stem Density, within vegetated areas– Young birds, guidance on when to include– Flooding regime

Survey Schedule

Black bars = main survey periods (weekly or biweekly bird counts)Hatch bars = secondary bird survey, counts could continue if migratory water birds are present, survey frequency can be reduced (biweekly or monthly)1 = First spring vegetation survey (start of spring waterfowl migration)2 = Second spring vegetation survey (just before peak of spring shorebird migration)3 = First fall vegetation survey (peak of fall shorebird migration)4 = Second vegetation survey (peak of seed production, before start of main waterfowl migration)

Protocol validation

• Hopefully going to team with EPA• Compare our ocular estimates with more

comprehensive NWCA• Employ roving field techs• Might ask for assistance from participants– Note this will be entirely voluntary– Would involve just one IWMM Veg survey at a site

surveyed by EPA

Database changes

• Online database development likely in2012• Will continue using Access database• Need for participants to query their own data• Some minor changes• New “front end” will be sent to all partners in

August – a quick and easy update• You’ll retain all existing data

Coordination through Fall

Use Ning website for Q&AContact Andy Wilson through Ning (PM)Otherwise, primary regional contacts:

Brian Loges, Upper Miss (3)John Stanton, Lower Miss & South Atlantic (4)Bill Thompson, North Atlantic (5)