The Big Picture

It is APF’s goal to manage its deeded and leased holdings for the benefit of wildlife and wildlife habitat. To meet these goals, WWF and APF, in partnership, are developing and implementing numerous monitoring and evaluation programs, in order to establish baseline conditions, track indicators of ecosystem function, and inform management decision-making.

Progress to Date

Our current grassland monitoring project evaluates the effects of bison grazing and informs restoration and management for the benefit of wildlife habitats. The effect of bison grazing on grassland composition and structure is potentially profound for a variety of bird populations that rely on various habitats for nesting. To quantify this, a comprehensive bird-monitoring program is being developed and implemented. We have begun a monitoring program of the riparian corridors on APF's property. In conjunction with experimental restoration trials, this program will greatly enhance APF's ability to restore degraded riparian areas and protect remnant healthy areas.

Next Steps

In the coming field season, APF and WWF will implement these monitoring and evaluation programs. Ongoing monitoring programs will provide opportunities for students and project supporters to become involved in a hands-on manner with the work and science of restoration. Additionally, APF and WWF will inventory and monitor a range of indicators of ecosystem function from amphibian populations to predator-prey interactions.