New England Cottontail Regional Initiative
2016 Performance Report
Approved 2/24/17
Executive Summary
Overview
The purpose of this report is to provide a brief annual
update to the New England cottontail Executive
Committee (Excom) for work completed during fiscal
year 2016. The Technical Committee (Techcom) is
tracking detailed measures of performance for 83
strategic objectives in the Conservation Strategy on an
annual basis. The status of all objectives was reviewed
by the Techcom in January, 2017. To complete the
annual adaptive management cycle, the committee
evaluated performance for each objective, identified
uncertainties underlying performance, prescribed
implementation directions (charges) for 2017, and
developed recommended adaptations to the Strategy.
The full evaluation results are listed in detail in the
Work Group summaries and accompanying tables in
this report.
Overall Objective Status
Complete
5
On schedule
70
Improving
3
Delayed
0
Needs Improvement
3
Inactive
2
Total
83
This report is organized in 7 sections, each
representing a work group or the state lands
management teams. Each section highlights the key
achievements, uncertainties, implementation directions, and strategy adaptations developed by the
work groups which were reviewed and approved by the Techcom. Habitat data were provided by the
state land management teams and by NRCS. The reported figures were compiled and estimated in the
context of changing status and varied partner approaches to project tracking; therefore, they should be
interpreted only as estimates.
2016 Highlights
•
•
In 2016, the FWS Director approved implementation of the Great Thicket NWR, which
authorizes the acquisition in fee &/or easement up to 15,000 acres of shrubland habitat in 10
Refuge Acquisition Focus Areas in the 6 NEC States. Much of this land may benefit NEC.
The 2030 FWS overall goal for habitat restoration is 27,000 acres. In total, roughly 10,365.2
acres of habitat management and restoration have been planned or implemented. While the
1
•
•
status of projects is constantly changing, we estimate over 40% of the acres reported have been
fully implemented. In addition, we estimate over 10,000 acres of naturally self-sustaining
habitat.
Two large breeding pens (7 acres and 9 acres) have been constructed at the Great Bay National
Wildlife Refuge. Initiation of breeding will occur in 2017.
The BMP document for habitat management was updated by the Habitat Working Group,
subsequently reviewed and approved by the Techcom.
Key Outstanding Uncertainties:
(These are not recommended as Strategy adaptations unless listed in the Recommended Strategy
Adaptations section below. More uncertainties are described in the following sections)
 Maintaining focus on NEC priority activities/objectives over time.
 Continued funding to keep management and research efforts moving forward.
 Long term success with the captive breeding and restoration program.
 Resolving management uncertainties is an ongoing need, and is the subject of multiple research
efforts; specifically, site-level population and vegetation responses need to be confirmed.
 To date, the developing regional occupancy monitoring protocol has not adequately
demonstrated power to detect long-term regional trends.
 The approach to confirm a range-wide response is still being tested, statistical consultation is
underway to validate the occupancy monitoring protocol.
 Captive survival of offspring and survival of released individuals remains low, actions to increase
the rate of survival will be discussed and implemented.
 The extent to which habitat will be protected through implementation of Great Thicket is
unknown.
Priority Implementation Directions:
(Partial list, the full list is provided under the various Work Group reports)
 Make significant changes to Objective 309 to incorporate an annual review of species status.
 Deactivate the Land Protection Working Group, consider one of their objectives (801: Expand
NWR partnerships & land protection efforts) complete, and move the other objectives to the
State Lands Management Teams for tracking and implementation.
 Assign Objective 512: Administrative technical support to manage contracting & vendors, to
SLMT’s.
 Request State Land Management Teams conduct an annual review of the Focus Area Status
Screening Templates (FASST forms) to document any changes in population estimates, habitat
estimates, or ranking of each focus area in their state.
 Continue to seek funding.
 Continue to work closely with the Executive and Technical Committees and the various Work
Groups to maintain focus.
 Release rabbits into the large pens at Great Bay to increase breeding program output.
2



Target key focus areas identified through status assessment for increased efforts to recruit landowners
and inform the public about NEC conservation.
Seek assistance from the NEC Technical Committee’s Outreach Work Group and individual
States to make NEC BMPs available to the public via Internet outlets and through education and
outreach materials and efforts.
Allow State Land Management Teams to develop and implement state specific charges for their
objectives.
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:
(Partial list, the full list is provided at the end of each Work Group Report)
• Amend the table on page 120 of the Conservation Strategy to change the timeframe of the
Excom meeting to Feb./Mar.
• Amend generally Objectives 202, 204 and 602 to resolve confusion and duplicity.
• Amend Objective 309 to create an on-going species assessment under the guidance of the
Research and Monitoring Work Group since the annual FWS status reviews are no longer
required (details in the Land Management Teams section).
• Amend Objective 403 to change the target level for captive breeding production from
8/female/year to 6/female/year.
• Consider Objective 511 (revision of the BMP’s) complete, reassign Objective 512 to the SLMT’s
and deactivate the Habitat Working Group.
3
NEC Habitat Accomplishments - 2016
Habitat Goals From Strategy (Acres)
Achieved Acres*
Connecticut
2011 - 2015 2011 - 2020 2011 - 2030 2011 - 2015
2016
Total
Private - Farm Bill
825
1,795
3,725
1,133.9
291.0
1,424.9
Private - Other
575
3,175
3,175
534.8
0.0
534.8
Muncipal
100
100
100
133.0
0.0
133.0
State
1,200
5,000
6,000
781.6
91.6
873.2
Federal
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
2,700
10,070
13,000
2,583.3
382.6
2,965.9
Maine
2011 - 2015 2011 - 2020 2011 - 2030 2011 - 2015
2016
Total
Private - Farm Bill
449
1,347
1,795
289.1
51.0
340.1
Private - Other
388
1,163
1,550
140
19.0
159.0
Muncipal
155
465
620
67
0.0
67.0
State
88
263
350
150
0.0
150.0
Federal
142
426
567
160
0.0
160.0
Total
1,222
3,664
4,882
806
70.0
876.1
Massachusetts 2011 - 2015 2011 - 2020 2011 - 2030 2011 - 2015
2016
Total
Private - Farm Bill
625
1,250
1,250
264.3
99.1
363.4
Private - Other
100
100
100
84.0
82.0
166.0
Muncipal
325
575
575
315.0
110.0
425.0
State
625
1,250
12,550
1,433.0
180.0
1,613.0
Federal
50
100
100
85.1
22.8
107.9
Total
1,725
3,275
14,575
2,181.4
493.9
2,675.3
New Hampshire 2011 - 2015 2011 - 2020 2011 - 2030 2011 - 2015
2016
Total
Private - Farm Bill
384
634
884
720.8
55.7
776.5
Private - Other
49
411
774
0.0
0.0
0.0
Muncipal
100
100
100
108.0
0.0
108.0
State
215
215
215
222.0
0.0
222.0
Federal
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
748
1,360
1,973
1,050.8
55.7
1,106.5
New York
2011 - 2015 2011 - 2020 2011 - 2030 2011 - 2015
2016
Total
Private - Farm Bill
1,200
1,200
1,200
6.1
0.0
6.1
Private - Other
150
150
150
25.0
15.0
40.0
Muncipal
0
0
0
0.0
94.0
94.0
State
150
150
150
16.0
0.0
16.0
Federal
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Total
1,500
1,500
1,500
47.1
109.0
156.1
Rhode Island
2011 - 2015 2011 - 2020 2011 - 2030 2011 - 2015
2016
Total
Private - Farm Bill
750
3,500
3,500
116.0
83.6
199.6
Private - Other
125
125
250
0.0
0.0
0.0
Muncipal
50
50
50
0.0
0.0
0.0
State
200
2,200
4,000
125.0
47.0
172.0
Federal
0
0
0
0.0
31.0
31.0
Total
1,125
5,875
7,800
241.0
161.6
402.6
Rangewide
2011 - 2015 2011 - 2020 2011 - 2030 2011 - 2015
2016
Total
Private - Farm Bill
4,233
9,726
12,354
2,530.2
580.4
3,110.6
Private - Other
1,387
5,124
5,999
783.8
116.0
899.8
Muncipal
730
1,290
1,445
623.0
204.0
827.0
State
2,478
9,078
23,265
2,727.6
318.6
3,046.2
Federal
192
526
667
245.1
53.8
298.9
Total
9,020
25,744
43,730
6,909.7
1,272.8
8,182.5
*Achieved Private - Farm Bill acres are Certified Acres
Note: There are 2,182.7 Private - Farm Bill acres under contract but not complete 2012 - 2016.
4
Administrative Work Group
Accomplishments Summary:





The Executive Committee met on two
occasions for the annual meeting on Feb., 29,
2016 to discuss annual business and again on
Dec. 1 to discuss use of regional PR grant
funds as a partner contribution to the regional
RCPP grant program.
The Technical Committee annual meeting was
held Jan. 9 – 11, 2016 in Fishkill, NY to discuss
the annual adaptive management process.
The annual performance cycle was
Overall Objective Status
successfully facilitated with the completion of
Complete
this document with all the recommendations
On schedule
contained within.
Improving
The annual review of the Conservation
Delayed
Strategy adaptations was successfully
Needs Improvement
coordinated, and all previously approved
Inactive
adaptations were incorporated into an updated Strategy.
All of the work groups were successfully coordinated, mostly through teleconference calls.
___________________________________________________________________
Outstanding Uncertainties:



Maintaining focus on NEC priority activities for the wide range of work group objectives over
time.
Continued funding to keep management and research efforts moving forward.
Long term success with the captive breeding and restoration program.
___________________________________________________________________
Priority Implementation Directions:



Make significant changes to Objective 309 to incorporate an annual review of species status.
Continue to seek funding.
Continue to work closely with the Executive and Technical Committees and the various Work
Groups to maintain focus.
___________________________________________________________________
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:
•
Amend the table on page 120 of the Conservation Strategy to change the timeframe of the
Excom meeting to Feb./Mar.
5
2
10
0
0
0
0
Information and Adaptive Management Work Group
Accomplishments Summary:



Created an Access database for collecting
occurrence data and habitat covariate
information used to identify NEC occupied
sites and to facilitate population modeling.
Streamlined accomplishment reporting to
facilitate information collection.
Created performance reporting templates to
standardize input and to provide consistency
moving forward.
________________________________
Outstanding Uncertainties:



Overall Objective Status
Complete
On schedule
Improving
Delayed
Needs Improvement
Inactive
Total
Assess the need to develop and manage a
platform to track planning data.
The group needs to determine a clear
mechanism for storing monitoring and
population data.
The annual process of reviewing objectives needs to be improved.
___________________________________________________________________
Priority Implementation Directions:


The group decided to not make further modifications to the Tracker database to store
occupancy and abundance monitoring data.
State Land Management Teams were charged with developing their own mechanism for
tracking habitat projects at the state level.
___________________________________________________________________
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:

No changes are recommended to the objectives overseen by the Information and Adaptive
Management Work Group.
6
1
9
0
0
1
0
11
Research and Monitoring work group
Accomplishment Summary:





The USGS monitoring protocol first tested in
2015 has benefitted from major revisions, and
is now being piloted. It is unclear whether
statistical power is adequate to justify
implementation. Results from 2016 are being
evaluated and the monitoring protocol may
require further modifications.
Vegetation data have been collected on
managed sites for up to 7 years and are
available to inform management.
Studies on NEC and Eastern cottontail
responses to land management are nearing
completion, but more research is needed.
Studies on NEC and Eastern cottontail
responses to trapping and removal are
nearing completion, but more research is
needed.
Studies of disease, parasites, and habitat
ecology are underway.
Overall Objective Status
Complete
On schedule
Improving
Delayed
Needs Improvement
Inactive
Total
__________________________________
_________________________________
Outstanding Uncertainties:






To date, the developing regional occupancy monitoring protocol has not adequately
demonstrated power to detect long-term regional trends. Specifically, power analysis has
neither considered Eastern cottontail influence on sampling variance nor adequately addressed
year to year variance in population processes.
Studies measuring vegetation and population responses appear encouraging, but additional time
(growth) is needed to affirm prescribed management is working.
Disease has been detected in captive populations, but no mechanism is available to detect
disease in the wild.
Occupancy monitoring may not be sufficient to link habitat management to population
responses.
University research is not sufficiently focused on the most urgent issues, which include
evaluation of management efficacy and rangewide responses.
Needed studies assessing the status of uncertainties have not yet reported findings and applied
them to management. In order to execute adaptive management, these uncertainties need to
7
1
13
1
0
0
1
16
be resolved and applied to management.
Priority Implementation Directions:





Finalize regional occupancy monitoring protocol by November 2017 with statistician
consultation to affirm power.
Develop a status assessment protocol based on regional occupancy monitoring protocol and
address capacity to implement.
Implement a mechanism or create capacity to evaluate vegetation data to inform
management. Many approaches are in use, and a consolidated assessment is needed to
assess management. Study is being initiated by Litvaitis in 2017
Convene the Research and Monitoring Work Group more frequently to evaluate and prioritize
science needs.
Convene a workshop to evaluate science applications to management uncertainties.
___________________________________________________________________
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:
During the Annual NEC Technical Committee meeting and subsequently on the monthly telecom,
attendees discussed the current language used in objectives 202, 204 and 602. The Techcom
recommends those objectives be revised to clarify the intent of the objectives or modify them to cover
new areas of interest.
Objective 202: Develop & Implement Regional Occupancy Monitoring Protocol
Desired Outcome: Finalize detection sampling protocol to develop regional survey design,
including estimate of minimum detectable trends, number of surveys & sites.
Performance Measure: Regional survey design updated annually as needed with an acceptable
balance of statistical power and available resources.
Target Level: Update annually.
Objective 204: Presence/Absence Distribution Surveys
Desired Outcome: Test current understanding of the present distribution of NEC by evaluating
samples from locations inside or outside established Focus Areas.
Performance Measure: Evaluate sites in areas that are considered under surveyed, but have
potential for supporting unknown populations of NEC.
Target Level: Investigate 2 or more sites per state per year.
Objective 602: Determine NEC Abundance
Desired Outcome: Develop a protocol to measure NEC abundance at local scales (i.e., state or
patch level).
Performance Measure: The number of \investigations implemented by partners to understand
factors related to NEC abundance.
Target Level: Implemented in two (2) or more States by 2020.
8
Population Management Work Group
Accomplishments Summary:






22 new rabbits were captured to augment the
captive population for a total of 31 rabbits in
2016. Rabbits in the breeding program
represented 8 focus areas.
Zoo rabbits produced 133 young with 45
(33.8%) surviving to weaning.
Two large pens were constructed at Great Bay
National Wildlife Refuge. Rabbits will be
released into the pen in 2017 to initiate
breeding.
Three adult females were placed at Ninigret
Overall Objective Status
and Great Bay pens following breeding at the
Complete
zoo. Five young rabbits were produced.
On schedule
20 rabbits were trapped and translocated
Improving
from the Patience Island colony in spring 2016.
Delayed
Additional rabbits will be trapped and moved
Needs Improvement
in 2017.
Inactive
Reproduction confirmed at 2 sites out of 5
Total
release sites. Surveys will be conducted this winter at Great Swamp WMA following a year of
releases; the other two locations did not have a surviving pair to reproduce.
___________________________________________________________________
Outstanding Uncertainties:


Survival of released individuals declined greatly this year. Previous data will be reviewed and
actions to increase the rate of survival to breeding will be discussed.
Captive survival of offspring continues to remain low, but it is hypothesizes that cooler spring
temperatures in the lab may be the cause. Protocols will be monitored next spring in an attempt
to increase survival.

The survival of nestling & juvenile NEC of wild-born animals is unknown
___________________________________________________________________
Priority Implementation Directions:




Continue to release individuals from Patience Island and increase number annually if the
population will support higher removals.
Release rabbits into the large pens at Great Bay to increase breeding program output.
Discuss standardized monitoring protocol for predators at release sites.
Collect data on individuals brought into the breeding program to monitor for tularemia in the
wild.
9
0
9
1
0
1
1
12
___________________________________________________________________
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:



Objective 403 - reduce the target level for zoo-based husbandry from 8 rabbits/female/year to 6
rabbits/female/year
Objective 411 – add “applicable in” to the target level
Objective 412 – add “applicable in” to the target level
10
Outreach and Education Work Group
Accomplishments Summary:






The OWG met in person once, and had six
phone meetings in 2016. These meetings
allow members to share information, projects
and issues that need attention.
OWG is working on a revision of the
Communication Strategy and it is about 70%
complete.
33,062 users were reported by Google
Analytics from Oct. 1, 2015 until September
30, 2016. Approximately 75% (or about
Overall Objective Status
24,800) of those users were associated with
Complete
pages referencing New England cottontail. The
On schedule
most popular web pages in reporting
Improving
framework 2015/16 were the home page,
Delayed
natural history pages, habitat, conservation
Needs Improvement
and the newer FAQ page. Users for NEC sites
Inactive
were identified by selecting the 25 top web
Total
pages visited in the combined analytical report
for the 3 websites www.newenglandcottontail.org, www.timberdoodle.org and
www.youngforest.org, determining which percentage of those “unique page views” were
associated with which project and applied that percentage to the total number of users.
Worked with colleagues on the New England Cottontail Outreach Work Group, including editing
revised NEC Communications Strategy.
Kept content fresh on newenglandcottontail.org. Added webpage on the Wildlife and Sports
Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program, an important funder to state wildlife agencies working to
create habitat for NEC and other young forest wildlife; uploaded 26 news articles pertinent to
NEC restoration; uploaded numerous Resources (posters, signage, brochures, scientific papers,
etc.); updated state summaries based on recent research findings and habitat creation efforts;
added several new Partners whose conservation work helps NEC; and updated web pages to
reflect improvements on habitat demonstration areas where NEC live or may soon reside.
Wrote and uploaded articles to newenglandcottontail.org on four new demonstration areas:
Epply and Lathrop Audubon Wildlife Refuges, RI
(http://newenglandcottontail.org/demo/eppley-and-lathrop-audubon-wildlife-refuges-rhodeisland); Narrow River Land Trust, RI (http://newenglandcottontail.org/demo/narrow-river-landtrust-rhode-island); Farmington River WMA, MA
(http://newenglandcottontail.org/demo/farmington-river-wildlife-management-areaberkshires-massachusetts); and Monterey Preservation Land Trust
11
0
4
0
0
0
0
4



(http://newenglandcottontail.org/demo/monterey-preservation-land-trust-berkshiresmassachusetts).
The OWG subcommittee met to discuss and provide perspectives to FWS on communicating the
Great Thicket proposal in late 2015. The proposal generated local coverage in each affected
states and regional coverage by Associated Press, Seacoast media and AMC Magazine. Over 30
unique stories appeared. The October 2016 approval of the nation's newest refuge prompted
coverage by E&E news, Associated Press, Northeast public radio stations, Politico Pro, Christian
Science Monitor, and local media in nearly every affected state.
WSFR and OWG supported the new YF Forest materials, including a revised brochure, an indepth guide to Young Forest management and a bookmark.
Members of the Work Group helped to update the BMP document.
___________________________________________________________________
Outstanding Uncertainties:



We don’t know if our messaging will be effective through time;
concerned with capacity issues on the ground, for maintaining operations in a sustainable way.
It is unknown if the decision to remove the species from the Candidate Species list will impact continued
landowner participation, it is likely it will have positives and negatives from different landowners
perspectives.
___________________________________________________________________
Priority Implementation Directions:



Target key focus areas identified through status assessment for increased efforts to recruit landowners
and inform the public about NEC conservation.
Ensure partners know that management for NEC needs to continue into the future, as when habitat
matures or becomes unavailable, new suitable habitats need to be created and available.
Work with the Habitat Work Group to design and distribute the updated BMP document.
___________________________________________________________________
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:

No changes are recommended to the objectives overseen by the Outreach Work Group.
12
Land Protection Work Group
Accomplishment Summary:


Great Thicket Land Protection Plan was
authorized by USFWS Director in Oct., 2016.
The Great Thicket NWR was subsequently
established Dec. 14, 2016 by the donation of
the Nellie Hill Preserve by The Nature
Conservancy.
__________________________________
Outstanding Uncertainties:

Although authorized, the extent to which
habitat will be protected through
implementation of Great Thicket is unknown.
___________________________________
Priority Implementation Directions:

Support implementation of acquisition
projects for the Great Thicket NWR.
___________________________________
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:
Overall Objective Status
Complete
On schedule
Improving
Delayed
Needs Improvement
Inactive
Total
Background
An essential task assigned to the Land Protection Working Group was the development and
implementation of tools to rank and prioritize land for protection efforts while serving to guide planning
efforts associated with the development of the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge. Other tasks
related to the land protection objectives described in the Conservation Strategy include tracking fee title
and easement acquisitions contributing to persistent populations of the New England cottontail.
Recommendation
Final authorization of the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge has been secured and, with it, there is
little utility at this time in maintaining a regional coordination team to guide implementation of the land
protection objectives. Consequently, the NEC Technical Committee recommends the following:
1. Deactivate the Land Protection Working Group;
2. Assign tracking of land protection efforts to the State Land Management Teams (LMTs); and
3. Ensure efforts associated with the Great Thicket NWR are communicated by the USFWS Realty
Specialist to the State LMTs as appropriate.
Strategy Adaptations:
 Objective 802: Remove Excom from target level, assign to SLMT’s
 Objective 803: Change target level to TBD by SLMT, assign to SLMT’s
 Objective 804: Change target level to TBD by SLMT, assign to SLMT’s
 Objective 805: Assign to SLMT’s
13
1
3
1
0
0
0
5
Habitat Work Group
Accomplishments Summary:


The Work Group completed Objective 511 to
update the NEC Best Management Practices
(BMPs).
A final draft of the BMPs has been prepared.
The draft BMPs was reviewed by the Techcom
and is proposed to the NEC Executive
Committee for adoption.
___________________________________
Outstanding Uncertainties:



Overall Objective Status
Complete
On schedule
Improving
Delayed
Needs Improvement
Inactive
Total
Whether on-the-ground habitat management
ultimately results in suitable NEC habitat.
Identification of roles/responsibilities for
monitoring and reporting creation of suitable
habitat, and ultimately whether habitat
availability enhances NEC populations.
Role or need of invasive non-native plant species in achieving NEC habitat goals.
___________________________________________________________________
Priority Implementation Directions:


With assistance from the Outreach Work Group and individual States, make NEC BMPs available
to the public via Internet outlets and through education and outreach materials and efforts (this
may include a limited run of hard copy documents).
States continue to develop/maintain NEC Habitat Management Demonstration Areas.
___________________________________________________________________
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:


Objective 511: Change target level to “meet annually to review new information and
recommend adaptations as appropriate”
Objective 512: Assign to SLMT’s
14
0
2
0
0
0
0
2
State Land Management Teams
Accomplishments Summary:
Connecticut
 Two formal CT LMT meetings. Attending: CT
NRCS, CT DEEP, UCONN and WMI Contractors
(~20 staff per meeting). Key staff attended
three additional meetings: DEEP/WMI staff to
discuss monitoring; NRCS State Tech
Committee; NRCS 2017 Farm Bill rollout.
 Recruitment effort was reduced temporarily
due to staffing changes.
 Two new demonstration sites were created on
state land: Wyantenock State Forest and
Spignesi WMA, bringing total to 11 sites on



state lands and at least 6 on conservation
Overall Objective Status
lands (Litchfield Hills Audubon, Great
Complete
Mountain Forest, White Memorial
On schedule
Foundation, Avalonia Land Conservancy,
Improving
Groton Sportsmen’s Club and Groton Open
Delayed
Space).
Needs Improvement
11 Habitat Management Plans (171 acres)
Inactive
written (7 for NRCS, 1 municipal, 1 private
Total
non-NRCS, 1 State WMA).
CT LMT worked closely with FWS NWR staff to refine Refuge Acquisition Focus Area boundaries
in CT.
More than 1,000 CT citizens were reached through direct and indirect outreach efforts:
o Professional Development workshop for TSP foresters and NRCS staff: 40 attendees
o NEC e-newsletter: > 400 recipients
o Article in CT Ornithological Bulletin: > 400 recipients
o Four presentations to general public (libraries, conservation groups): 68 attendees
o Field workshop/weekend seminar for land owners/managers (Coverts program): 16
attendees
o Workshop for land trusts at CT Land Conservation Conference: 35 attendees
o CT Botanical Society walk on 3-year old NEC regeneration cut: 5 attendees
o NEC Display viewed by > 200 people at two events
Maine
 The NEC Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) was finalized and is
officially available as a conservation tool.
15
0
20
0
0
1
0
21






Plans, applications, or assessments were contracted, developed, or performed at 9 new sites in
the NEC focus areas.
Planning and public presentations are complete in preparation for NEC habitat management at
MDIFW’s Scarborough Marsh WMA.
Continued maintenance and enhancement of NEC habitat on federal lands including multiple
volunteer shrub planting events.
Past outreach methods were reviewed, a letter was drafted, and addresses compiled in
preparation for a targeted landowner recruitment effort.
Direct outreach to ~150 individuals via public presentations, walks and workshops at
demonstrations sites, targeted calls, personal site visits, and office visits
The full Land Management Team held three meetings to assess effectiveness of recent
management efforts and troubleshoot management problem sites. LMT sub-groups convened
often as management and reporting tasks required to address parcel selection for outreach,
parcel prioritizing for NEC translocation, determining management sites to survey, developing
and implementing habitat/vegetation monitoring, and planning public outreach relating to
upcoming management.
Massachusetts
 The MA Land Management Team met 2 times via phone.
 Four habitat projects were funded through NRCS in 2016.
 Management at one municipal project site was completed with USFWS Partners Program
funding.
 Management at one private site within the Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge was implemented
with USFWS resources.
 In MA 41 landowners were contacted for land management recruitment purposes in FY16.
“Contacted” includes landowners that staff reached out to directly and landowners who
contacted MassWildlife, NRCS, or other NEC partners.
 Staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Eastern Massachusetts Refuge Complex worked
with one rod and gun club to plan and implement management on their property.
 At 9 privately owned properties in MA existing habitat conditions were assessed for
management and habitat management proposals for each were provided to NRCS by
MassWildlife. Four of these were funded, one application is being processed for FY17, two
others are considering management at a future time, and two chose not to conduct
management.
 During this reporting period, 5 NRCS funding applications were drafted and 4 were funded. The
one project that was not funded had access issues that are being addressed so that the project
can be funded in FY17.
 Parcel information and the status of properties that were assessed are tracked by MassWildlife.
 Parcel ranking and reserve design principals continue to be utilized in selecting private
landowners and other parcels for management. Parcels are also evaluated as new information
such as NEC occurrence data become available.
16
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MassWildlife has considered demonstrations sites to be any of those for which project stories
appear on the NEC website. One additional story about the Monterey Preservation Land Trust
project site in the Southern Berkshire focal area was added to the website this year.
Private lands management implemented at sites funded by NRCS in Massachusetts totaled 83.8
acres in FY16.
Working Lands for Wildlife funded projects totaled $1,824.40 per acre for 4 projects on 68.9
acres in MA. For fiscal year 2016, MA NRCS allocated $42,000 for the New England Cottontail
funding pool. Due to the number of applications and the reimbursement rate for planned
management, $83,701.80 of additional funds were requested and received. In addition, $449.00
was awarded under the NRCS Conservation Activity Plan funding pool for a Prescribed Burn Plan.
Habitat management was conducted on 82 acres of Boy Scouts of America property in the
Plymouth focal area. MassWildlife holds a conservation restriction on this parcel of pitch pine
oak woodland habitat. Competitive State Wildlife Grant funding is being used for this project
and coordination is being handled by MassWildlife staff.
In the Mashpee and Hyannis/Yarmouth focal areas 110 acres of management occurred on
municipal lands. This project is being coordinated by USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife staff
and funded through that program.
State land management included canopy thinning in preparation for prescribed burning and
clearcutting on a total of 180 acres funded with Competitive State Wildlife grants.
Federal lands management included 23 acres of prescribed burning.
Prescribed fire is planned or implemented on 110.2 acres in MA with NRCS funds (includes acres
from above). A prescribed burn plan totaling over 400 acres has been prepared for abutting
state and municipal land in the Mashpee Pine Barrens. Additionally, a 478 acre prescribed burn
plan was prepared in 2013 for abutting parcels that includes 272 acres of federal land, 35 acres
of state land, and 171 acres of town land.
The MA recruitment coordinator participated in a woodland walk planned by other conservation
groups within the Southern Berkshire New England Cottontail focal area to reach landowners;
this was attended by approximately 12 individuals.
A workshop for 70 timber harvesters was also conducted on a state lands management site to
encourage them to promote habitat management and inform them about techniques.
New Hampshire
 The NH SLMT met four times in addition to the annual meeting that was held with all NH
Stakeholders.
 A targeted mailing was sent by UNH Cooperative Extension to property owners in the Lee and
Durham area, and a follow up workshop was held in the community. Eight landowners
responded to the mailing, two projects were planned.
 Staff from UNHCE, NHFG and NRCS conducted 33 sites visits to new and previously managed
parcels. Twelve habitat projects were planned during the reporting period, but no acres were
implemented.
17
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A total of 960 acres have been managed since 2009, an additional 76 acres are in progress.
Completed habitat projects are ~48% BMP; while the total acres are 58% BMP.
A new position was created as NRCS to assist with implementation of the Working Lands for
Wildlife Program and other actions to improve the use of Farm Bill for enhancing wildlife
conservation.
New York
 48 landowners were successfully reached regarding either permission for long-term pellet
survey access or interest in habitat management. A National Wild Turkey Federation Chapter
Newsletter article regarding NEC and habitat management was mailed to 3,400 members
 15 acres on Private lands not with NRCS funding
 94 acres on Municipal lands
 Landowner thank you post cards were mailed to landowners that provided access for pellet
surveys over the past 2-3 year.
 NYSDEC Young Forest Project Biologist is now regularly participating in Outreach Work Group
calls
Rhode Island
 Planning and development of management plans for the Nicholas Farm WMA project,
approximately 300 acres of NEC habitat in Coventry, RI (southwest focus area)
 Completed 20 acres of preparatory thinning and mastication at Nicholas Farm WMA project.
Prescribed burning to be carried out in spring 2017.
 Completed 27 acre wildlife clear cut at the Wickaboxet management area in West Greenwich, RI
for NEC and other wildlife.
 Completed 31 acre of preparatory thinning and mastication at the Ninigret refuge in
Charlestown, RI (Lewis Track). Prescribed burn to be carried out in 2017.
 Outreach efforts to recruit landowners by NRCS staff targeted 25 events reaching approximately
500 landowners.
 RIDEM, NRCS and URI coordinated an annual two day Coverts training program event designed
to educate landowners and encourage habitat management for NEC and other wildlife on their
lands.
___________________________________________________________________
Outstanding Uncertainties:
Connecticut
 Reconsider the utility of using original GIS “best parcel” model in light of new NEC
documentations and on-the-ground assessments.
 The NRCS reimbursement for land clearing was $1,138 in 2016. This generally falls far short of
cost in CT and is becoming more of an issue with moving projects forward.
 Is there NEC public burnout? Low turnout at some general presentations.
18
Maine
 Whether current habitat goals can be achieved on schedule with current capacity and resources.
 What starting conditions lead to the best habitat development following timber harvest.
 How long it will take for suitable regrowth to develop at each management site, and whether
NEC will find and colonize the sites.
 How long it will take to fill the vacant position of New England Cottontail Restoration
Coordinator. The person in this position had been leading Maine’s Lands Management Team;
thus, meeting frequency and land management activities may be impacted until this vacancy is
filled.
 Some sites that had NEC and that were managed to improve NEC habitat, no longer have NEC.
We do not know why rabbits no longer occur at these sites.
 Whether the range of Maine’s NEC populations are continuing to contract following the mild
winter of 2015.
Massachusetts
 Successfully conducting 4 in person land management team meetings continues to be a
challenge due to a variety of factors. As needed, projects have been discussed via phone which
can meet objectives of the land management team but is not necessarily considered the best
option.
 Continued funding at the level required to meet long and short term habitat management goals
is uncertain.
 NEC as a priority and funding for NRCS projects beyond the 2014 Farm Bill is uncertain.
 While these sites include a diversity of habitats beneficial to NEC, available to the public, and
showcasing BMP techniques, they lack signage and do not necessarily communicate
conservation messages to the public that simply visit the property and are unaware of the
details provided on the website.
 A source of funding for project signage is uncertain.
New Hampshire
 What is the expected timeline for projects to meet habitat quality suitable for release of New
England cottontails?
 How will implementation of the Great Thicket improve the footprint of our landscape reserve
design?
New York
 Actual reaching landowners in this part of NYS is always difficult. For example, of 92 landowners
targeted by phone and/or letter in 3 of our Focus Areas, only 34 were actually reached to be
spoken to in person (30 of which granted access permission, 4 denied permission).
 Given past success by NRCS, it is uncertain how much success the new NWTF staff person will
have in lining up habitat projects.
19
Rhode Island
 Impacts of release of NEC into habitats occupied by EC but maintained at Ninigret refuge and
preparation for the potential of EC removal to support those efforts.
 Will rabbits find and occupy new habitats created in remote parts of the focus areas.
 Impacts of dispersal corridors and habitat on the survival of meta-populations of NEC created at
isolated sites.
 Predator control at restoration habitats augmented with NEC.
 Rabbit hunting at restoration sites augmented with NEC.
___________________________________________________________________
Priority Implementation Directions:
Connecticut
 Incorporate recent NEC occurrence data and on-the -ground assessments into parcel
prioritization. Establish new list of priority landowners to contact.
 Hire RCPP forester. Engage RCPP forester in outreach and plan-writing.
 Document cost of doing habitat work in CT, so NRCS can request a rate increase. Seek
alternative funding sources as necessary.
Maine
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Hire new NEC Restoration Coordinator to fill current vacancy
Begin targeted landowner recruitment in priority areas via outreach mailing
Enroll first landowner to CCAA
Evaluate habitat goals, progress, and feasibility and adjust our strategy accordingly
Begin translocating rabbits to augment existing populations and improve genetic diversity.
Massachusetts
 Consider conference calls for land management team meetings in addition to or instead of in
person meetings and/or track individual phone calls between land managers that took place for
the purposes of coordinating land management efforts so they can be included in reporting.
 Communicate any funding shortages to funding sources and request additional funds when
sufficient funding is not available.
 Track projects or portions of projects that are not planned/completed due to funding shortages,
landowner eligibility, or management activities that are not offered by funding sources.
 Project site signage needs to be developed and posted at demonstration sites so that visitors are
informed about NEC conservation.
New Hampshire
 Continue to recruit new landowners in Focus Areas.
 Monitor habitat quality at implemented project sites. Retreat any projects that do not appear
to be meeting habitat goals to improve quality.
20
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Continue to meet 4-5 times annually to review new projects and to discuss funding for
implementation.
New York
 Integrate soon to be hired NWTF Biologist into Outreach Working Group
Rhode Island
 A dedicated landowner recruitment coordinator is needed for Rhode Island.
 Improve visibility of outreach efforts for RI to move and convince municipal and private land
trusts to actually manage habitats. Message needs to be stronger than that of detractors (and
there are detractors).
 Continue meetings of the LMT with an eye towards developing improved planning, cataloging
and reporting of accomplishments benefitting the NEC.
___________________________________________________________________
Recommended Strategy Adaptations:
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Objective 301 as follows:
o Change Target Level to add "one of which is focused on land protection",
o Change Perf. Measure to "Regular meetings include field and office information
exchange"
Objective 304: Remove "and increase interest" from Desired Outcome (editorial)
Objective 305: Remove "Discover new populations, relocate historic populations" from Desired
Outcome
Rewrite Objective 309 as follows:
Objective : Evaluate information in each Focus Area Status Screening Template (FASST)
Desired outcome: Review each focus area's corresponding FASST document to ensure the
information contained therein represents the best scientific information available regarding the
status of NEC, the species' habitat, threats to local populations, and conservation efforts
planned and implemented on the species behalf.
Performance Measure: Each LMT will annually review and, if necessary, revise FASST
documents to reflect current information. This is particularly important when the information
results in changes to the focus areas FASST ranking. For each FASST the responsible LMT will
convey to the Technical Committee Coordinators either: (a) the information is current; or (b)
prepare a revised FASST form documenting relevant changes.
Target Level: 1 for each focus area
Objective 506: Amend Objective title from "..Not Eligible for.." to "..Not Funded By.."
21
Appendix 1.
Status of Active Charges, Recommended Changes to Charges,
and History of All Charges for the NEC Technical Committee
I.
Summary of Active Charges (Current Status)
Technical Committee General
1. Identify funding opportunities to advance New England Cottontail conservation actions, with a
priority placed on Farm Bill allocations. Ongoing
2. Propose subsequent Technical Committee charges. Ongoing
3. Charge to follow schedule listed on page 120 of strategies document and submit progress
reports to NEC ExCom. Ongoing
4. Charge – Outreach priorities by approving outreach document. Ongoing
5. Charge – Captive breeding document, implementation. Ongoing
6. Document progress on implementation of the New England Cottontail Conservation Strategy.
Ongoing with Annual Performance Report
7. Document the current status of threats and trends in species abundance and distribution.
Ongoing with FASST documents
8. Develop annual performance report. Ongoing
9. Review the regional SWAP synthesis for NEC and summarize the process used to implement NEC
conservation. Incomplete
Administrative Work Group
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 001
through 012. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
2. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 001
through 012. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
3. Objective 002: Convene Technical Committee - Review all strategies and objectives in
consideration of the need for future Strategy revisions. Ongoing
4. Objective 007: Coordinate Research and Monitoring Work Group - Prioritize research and
evaluate/summarize findings to resolve uncertainties. Evaluate need for studies to measure
both vegetative and population responses at the site level. On schedule
5. Objective 008: Coordinate NEC Land Management Team in each state - Adopt and use reporting
standards--use FWS project attribute table including non-Farm Bill private lands projects.
Recommendation: replace charge with: “Adopt a mechanism for archiving land management
information, and report annually using the standardized report form.”
6. Objective 011: Coordinate Land Protection Work Group - Verify habitat suitability on protected
lands. Delete charge and deactivate work group
7. Objective 012: Coordinate Habitat Work Group - Develop performance measurement approach
for habitat work group. Delete charge, work group to focus on BMP revision and future BMP
reviews
22
Information and Adaptive Management Work Group
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 101
through 111. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
2. Coordinate data reporting to assure it is available for performance and status reporting.
Ongoing
3. Provide assistance to work groups and land management teams to provide data to estimate the
target levels in the conservation strategy. Ongoing
4. Objective 101: Assess data management needs - Prioritize improved data management in 2016.
On Schedule, Recommendation: remove “in 2016” from charge
5. Objective 103: Maintain/manage spatial data - Develop shared GIS portal. On Schedule
6. Objective 104: Maintain/manage planning data - Adopt and implement a streamlined
performance tracking and reporting format. On Schedule
7. Objective 105:Maintain/manage NEC status data - Improve data management based on 2016
monitoring results, modify WMI Tracker to accept and store monitoring data. On Schedule,
Recommendation: use “annual monitoring results” & remove Tracker modification from charge
8. Objective 106: Maintain/manage management performance data - Resolve data sharing issues,
reinforce the use of the FWS land management data template. On Schedule, Recommendation:
remove reference to FWS template from charge
9. Objective 107: Acquire required data and permissions - Secure data sharing agreement with
FWS and non-disclosure agreements with NY, RI and ME. - Adopt FWS data entry template,
upload public land data to WMI Tracker. Ongoing
Research and Monitoring Work Group
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 201
through 208 and 601 through 608. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
2. Develop a stratification scheme for NEC monitoring in Focal Areas. Ongoing through occupancy
monitoring
3. Review, evaluate and make recommendations on necessary changes to the research and
monitoring objectives and priorities. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
4. Objective 201: Quantify extent of habitat - Evaluate approach to quantify extent of habitat.
Evaluate need to modify objective. Improving, pending completion of Lidar study.
Recommendation: replace existing charge with “Evaluate approach to quantify extent of habitat.
Evaluate need to modify objective.”
5. Objective 202: Develop Regional Detection Protocol - Finalize protocol by November, 2016.
Resolve issue of statistical power, which is highly uncertain due to mixed species samples and
year to year population variation obscuring trend. Resolution of management response
uncertainty is an urgent priority. Improving. Recommendation: replace existing charge with:
“Finalize protocol annually by November. Resolve issue of statistical power, which is highly
uncertain due to mixed species samples and year to year population variation obscuring trend.
Resolution of management response uncertainty is an urgent priority.”
6. Objective 205: Measure vegetation response to management - Identify capacity needed to
summarize and analyze vegetation data, then conduct analysis to compare management
approaches. On Schedule
23
7. Objective 206: Quality control/rapid assessment to confirm response - Review Warren study,
consider adopting habitat assessment methodology as a means to revisit managed sites, and
evaluate next prescriptions. Consider interval (annual?) and proportion of sites revisited if the
approach is appropriate. On Schedule
8. Objective 208: Monitor genetic health of small populations - Develop performance measures,
trigger, an approach for population genetic health monitoring. Incomplete
Population Management Work Group
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 401
through 412. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
2. Evaluate alternative breeding/holding facilities. Ongoing
3. Evaluate threshold for removal of young from Patience Island and evaluate expected
#young/acre (Objective 404). Ongoing/Complete
4. Review captive breeding manual and update. Ongoing
5. Evaluate further expansion of other island colonies (including other Narragansett Bay islands in
RI and Nomans Island NWR in Mass) (Objective 404). Ongoing
6. Prioritize research objectives. Ongoing
7. Objective 401: Extract NEC for captive propagation - Adopt structured process to allocate
rabbits/sources among states/focus areas to maintain optimal captive population. Complete
breeding manual update, included allocation and disposition process, and prepare strategy
revisions for 2017. On Schedule
8. Objective 403: Zoo-based husbandry - 1. Develop a recommendation to modify target level; 2.
Add more zoos if necessary; 3. Work towards increased survival of young; 4. Develop new
performance measure for survival of young. 1. Complete, 2. Ongoing, 3. Ongoing, 4. Incomplete
9. Objective 404: Construct and manage hardening pens – Increase capacity by building more pens
as needed. On Schedule. Recommend replace charge with: “Review need to build more pens,
review target level of rabbits/pen as output.”
10. Objective 407: Release NEC to augment population(s) - Increase capacity and expedite release
from Patience Island. On Schedule. Recommend new charge: “Increase the number of rabbits
released from the island annually.”
11. Objective 408: Manage EC - Develop management actions/strategies to address EC based on
results, including FASST revisions. Consider relation to available habitat and habitat goals.
Resolution of management uncertainty is an urgent priority. On Schedule. Recommend new
charge: “Implement recommendations for managing EC on the landscape.”
Habitat Management/BMP’s
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 511 &
512. Ongoing
Land Protection
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 801805. Ongoing
24
Outreach Work Group
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 701703, 705. Ongoing
2. Better match up Outreach Strategy and Conservation Strategy, specifically regarding
modifications to reporting metrics. Look at and make suggestions for next year. Ongoing
3. Evaluate efficacy of outreach products. Ongoing
4. Grow landowner stewardship program by providing outreach products. Ongoing
5. Recruit new members. Ongoing
6. Work with the LPP working group on the roll-out of the plan. Ongoing
7. Work with partners (including state I&E offices, FWS and NRCS) to prepare an NEC success story
piece for each partner. Incomplete
8. Work with the SWAP regional synthesis project to coordinate a success story message being
included in that process. Incomplete
9. Objective 701: Develop outreach strategy - 1. Update strategy; 2. Develop performance
measures based on updated strategy. On Schedule
10. Objective 705: Target Outreach to Key Audiences - Develop a recommendation to revise
Performance measure. On Schedule
State Land Management Teams
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 301
through 309 and 501 through 510, 513, 704. Ongoing
2. Coordinate with Information Management Working Group to update and share data for
performance reporting. Ongoing
3. Objective 301: Convene NEC Land Management Teams for each state (LMTs) - Increase meeting
frequency. Ongoing
4. Objective 303: Support recruitment coordinator - Evaluate capacity: address low recruitment in
some states. Ongoing, RCPP has addressed many capacity issues
5. Objective 304: Contact landowners via mail/phone/ workshops - Interact with outreach
workgroup to standardize landowner contact measures. Ongoing
6. Objective 306: Draft application/preliminary plan/cost estimates - Evaluate recruitment
performance measures (all 300 objectives). Ongoing
II.
Recommended Changes or New Charges
General Changes
1. Amend the table on page 120 of the CS to reflect Excom meetings in Feb/Mar timeframe.
Administrative Work Group
1. Objective 002: Convene Technical Committee - Review all strategies and objectives in
consideration of the need for future Strategy revisions. Ongoing, remove charge
2. Objective 008: Coordinate NEC Land Management Team in each state - Adopt and use reporting
standards--use FWS project attribute table including non-Farm Bill private lands projects.
25
Replace charge with: “Adopt a mechanism for archiving land management info., and report
annually using the standardized report form.”
3. Objective 011: Coordinate Land Protection Work Group - Verify habitat suitability on protected
lands. Delete charge and deactivate work group
4. Objective 012: Coordinate Habitat Work Group - Develop performance measurement approach
for habitat work group. Delete charge, work group to focus on BMP revision and future BMP
reviews
Information and Adaptive Management Work Group
1. Objective 101: Assess data management needs - Prioritize improved data management in 2016.
On Schedule, remove “in 2016”
2. Objective 105:Maintain/manage NEC status data - Improve data management based on 2016
monitoring results, modify WMI Tracker to accept and store monitoring data. On Schedule, use
“annual monitoring results” & remove Tracker modification
3. Objective 106: Maintain/manage management performance data - Resolve data sharing issues,
reinforce the use of the FWS land management data template. On Schedule, remove reference
to FWS template
Research and Monitoring Work Group
1. Objective 201: Quantify extent of habitat - Evaluate approach to quantify extent of habitat.
Evaluate need to modify objective. Improving, pending completion of Lidar study. Replace
existing charge with “Evaluate approach to quantify extent of habitat. Evaluate need to modify
objective.”
2. Objective 202: Develop Regional Detection Protocol - Finalize protocol by November, 2016.
Resolve issue of statistical power, which is highly uncertain due to mixed species samples and
year to year population variation obscuring trend. Resolution of management response
uncertainty is an urgent priority. Improving. Replace existing charge with: “Finalize protocol
annually by November. Resolve issue of statistical power, which is highly uncertain due to mixed
species samples and year to year population variation obscuring trend. Resolution of
management response uncertainty is an urgent priority.”
3. Objective 203: Measure Habitat Occupancy Rates - Develop annual "status" reporting based on
monitoring protocol, determine if there is additional capacity needed in 2016-2017. Complete.
New Charge: Determine where data will be stored, and who will conduct the annual analysis and
reporting.
4. Objective 607: Test management assumptions – New charge: Evaluate need for additional
population level studies of response to management
Population Management Work Group
1. Objective 404: Construct and manage hardening pens – Increase capacity by building more pens
as needed. On Schedule. Replace charge with: “Review need to build more pens, review target
level of rabbits/pen as output.”
2. Objective 405: Evaluate enclosure-based husbandry - Develop large scale outdoor breeding pen
in NH to determine if increase production is feasible. Complete. New Charge: “Initiate breeding
in large outdoor pens.”
26
3. Objective 406: Manage island colony - Increase capacity and expedite release from Patience
Island. Complete. New Charge: “Increase the number of rabbits released from the island
annually, evaluate new islands for colonies.”
4. Objective 407: Release NEC to augment population(s) - Increase capacity and expedite release
from Patience Island. On Schedule. New Charge: “Increase the number of rabbits released from
the island annually.”
Outreach Work Group
1. Objective 703: Develop communication products to explain and further NEC conservation – New
Charge: “Post the approved/updated BMP document to the website.”
III.
History of All Charges to NEC Techcom Or Working Groups
2011, February 9
The Technical Committee was issued eight initial charges:
1. Identify funding opportunities to advance New England Cottontail conservation actions, with a
priority placed on Farm Bill allocations. Ongoing
2. Draft quantifiable objectives as measures of New England cottontail conservation success.
Complete
3. Prepare a multifaceted New England cottontail conservation implementation strategy, including
a listing of all recommended practices and how they would be employed to achieve long term
New England cottontail conservation. Complete – BMP document
4. Document habitat modeling protocols sufficient to undergo peer review. Complete
5. Ensure coordination between WMI and TRACS databases. Unnecessary
6. Conduct an assessment of approved WHIP conservation practices that would be allowed as a
component of the NRCS New England Cottontail Initiative, if funded. Obsolete
7. Compile a listing of all habitat and population management practices that are applicable to long
term New England cottontail conservation. Complete – BMP document
8. Propose subsequent Technical Committee charges. Ongoing
2011, October 18
1. Draft a regional land protection ranking criteria for New England Cottontail. Complete
2. Prepare a coarse-scale estimate of costs to achieve 2015 and 2020 habitat objectives including
contracted services and agency personal services. Complete – 2012 Conservation Strategy
2012, November 11
1. Charge to follow schedule listed on page 120 of strategies document and submit progress
reports to NEC ExCom. Ongoing
2. Charge – Outreach priorities by approving outreach document. Ongoing
3. Charge – Captive breeding document, implementation. Ongoing
27
2014, June 3
1. Document progress on implementation of the New England Cottontail Conservation Strategy.
Ongoing with Annual Performance Report
2. Document the current status of threats and trends in species abundance and distribution.
Ongoing with FASST documents
3. Document contributions and administrative records supporting the conclusion that the
Conservation Strategy will be implemented until the goals are met. Complete, October 2014
Mtg. and the FWS listing decision in Sept., 2015
2015, February 25
Administrative
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 001
through 012. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
Information & Adaptive Management
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 101
through 111. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
2. Integrate habitat management, monitoring and outreach data into tracker – hopefully this year.
Habitat & Outreach has been integrated, monitoring data will be stored elsewhere => Complete
3. Coordinate data reporting to assure it is available for performance and status reporting.
Ongoing
4. Provide assistance to work groups and land management teams to provide data to estimate the
target levels in the conservation strategy. Ongoing
Research and Monitoring
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 201
through 208 and 601 through 608. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
2. Develop a stratification scheme for NEC monitoring in Focal Areas. Ongoing through occupancy
monitoring
3. Review, evaluate and make recommendations on necessary changes to the research and
monitoring objectives and priorities. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
Population Management/Captive Breeding
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 401
through 412. Ongoing through annual Performance Reports
2. Explore breeding in pens (pilot) (Objective 403.2). Complete
3. Pilot expansion to new (Queens) zoo (Objective 402). Complete
4. Evaluate alternative breeding/holding facilities. Ongoing
5. Evaluate threshold for removal of young from Patience Island and evaluate expected
#young/acre (Objective 404). Ongoing/Complete
6. Review captive breeding manual and update. Ongoing
7. Evaluate further expansion of other island colonies (including other Narragansett Bay islands in
RI and Nomans Island NWR in Mass) (Objective 404). Ongoing
28
8. Prioritize research objectives. Ongoing
Outreach
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 701703, 705. Ongoing
2. Better match up Outreach Strategy and Conservation Strategy, specifically regarding
modifications to reporting metrics. Look at and make suggestions for next year. Ongoing
3. Evaluate efficacy of outreach products. Ongoing
4. Grow landowner stewardship program by providing outreach products. Ongoing
5. Recruit new members. Ongoing
6. Work with the LPP working group on the roll-out of the plan. Ongoing
7. Work with partners (including state I&E offices, FWS and NRCS) to prepare an NEC success story
piece for each partner. Incomplete
8. Work with the SWAP regional synthesis project to coordinate a success story message being
included in that process. Incomplete
Habitat Management/BMP’s
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 511 &
512. Ongoing
2. Work with NRCS and FWS to clarify and emphasize the flexibility that exists in the existing BMP
document. Complete
3. Review and update as appropriate the BMP’s. Complete
Land Protection
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 801805. Ongoing
2. Work with the FWS and state land management teams to develop the Land Protection Plan and
associated EA for possible refuge expansion. Complete
Land Management Teams
1. Compile data and summarize performance measures for conservation strategy objectives 301
through 309 and 501 through 510, 513, 704. Ongoing
2. Coordinate with Information Management Working Group to update and share data for
performance reporting. Ongoing
3. Work with the FWS and the Land Protection Work Group to finalize the LPP and associated EA.
Complete
Technical committee charges
1. Develop annual performance report. Ongoing
2. Review the regional SWAP synthesis for NEC and summarize the process used to implement NEC
conservation. Incomplete
29
2016, February 29
Administrative Work Group
1. Objective 002: Convene Technical Committee - Review all strategies and objectives in
consideration of the need for future Strategy revisions. Ongoing, remove charge
2. Objective 003: TechCom annual review of species status - Develop an approach to status
assessment since FWS no longer needs to report status (see 203). Complete
3. Objective 004: TechCom annual review of performance - Recommend reporting in short
narrative with workbook format appendices. Complete
4. Objective 005: TechCom annual review of Conservation Strategy adaptations - Evaluate annual
meeting timing that does not conflict with occupancy monitoring. Complete, no changes
recommended
5. Objective 006: TechCom coordinate Information & Adaptive Management Work Group - Modify
Tracker Database to accept monitoring data, develop templates for delivery of performance
data. Complete, monitoring data stored in an Access database, templates developed and used in
2016.
6. Objective 007: Coordinate Research and Monitoring Work Group - Prioritize research and
evaluate/summarize findings to resolve uncertainties. Evaluate need for studies to measure
both vegetative and population responses at the site level. On schedule
7. Objective 008: Coordinate NEC Land Management Team in each state - Adopt and use reporting
standards--use FWS project attribute table including non-Farm Bill private lands projects.
Replace charge with: “Adopt a mechanism for archiving land management info., and report
annually using the standardized report form.”
8. Objective 011: Coordinate Land Protection Work Group - Verify habitat suitability on protected
lands. Delete charge and deactivate work group
9. Objective 012: Coordinate Habitat Work Group - Develop performance measurement approach
for habitat work group. Delete charge, work group to focus on BMP revision and future BMP
reviews
Information and Adaptive Management
1. Objective 101: Assess data management needs - Prioritize improved data management in 2016.
On Schedule, remove “in 2016” from charge
2. Objective 103: Maintain/manage spatial data - Develop shared GIS portal. On Schedule
3. Objective 104: Maintain/manage planning data - Adopt and implement a streamlined
performance tracking and reporting format. On Schedule
4. Objective 105:Maintain/manage NEC status data - Improve data management based on 2016
monitoring results, modify WMI Tracker to accept and store monitoring data. On Schedule, use
“annual monitoring results” & remove Tracker modification from charge
5. Objective 106: Maintain/manage management performance data - Resolve data sharing issues,
reinforce the use of the FWS land management data template. On Schedule, remove reference
to FWS template from charge
6. Objective 107: Acquire required data and permissions - Secure data sharing agreement with
FWS and non-disclosure agreements with NY, RI and ME. - Adopt FWS data entry template,
upload public land data to WMI Tracker. Ongoing
30
Research and Monitoring
1. Objective 201: Quantify extent of habitat - Evaluate approach to quantify extent of habitat.
Evaluate need to modify objective. Improving, pending completion of Lidar study. Replace
existing charge with “Evaluate approach to quantify extent of habitat. Evaluate need to modify
objective.”
2. Objective 202: Develop Regional Detection Protocol - Finalize protocol by November, 2016.
Resolve issue of statistical power, which is highly uncertain due to mixed species samples and
year to year population variation obscuring trend. Resolution of management response
uncertainty is an urgent priority. Improving. Replace existing charge with: “Finalize protocol
annually by November. Resolve issue of statistical power, which is highly uncertain due to mixed
species samples and year to year population variation obscuring trend. Resolution of
management response uncertainty is an urgent priority.”
3. Objective 203: Measure Habitat Occupancy Rates - Develop annual "status" reporting based on
monitoring protocol, determine if there is additional capacity needed in 2016-2017. Complete.
New Charge: Determine where data will be stored, and who will conduct the annual analysis and
reporting.
4. Objective 205: Measure vegetation response to management - Identify capacity needed to
summarize and analyze vegetation data, then conduct analysis to compare management
approaches. On Schedule
5. Objective 206: Quality control/rapid assessment to confirm response - Review Warren study,
consider adopting habitat assessment methodology as a means to revisit managed sites, and
evaluate next prescriptions. Consider interval (annual?) and proportion of sites revisited if the
approach is appropriate. On Schedule
6. Objective 207: Monitor disease - Evaluate expansion of disease monitoring to wild populations.
Complete
7. Objective 208: Monitor genetic health of small populations - Develop performance measures,
trigger, an approach for population genetic health monitoring. Incomplete
8. Objective 601: Determine NEC demography - RMWG and CBWG coordinate to develop RFP to
address captive breeding uncertainties. Coordination complete, research is premature at this
time
9. Objective 603: Study NEC/EC interaction - Evaluate need for objective to study snowshoe hare
interaction. Evaluate two-species models in the context of CT-DEP studies. Complete
10. Objective 607: Test management assumptions – New charge: Evaluate need for additional
population level studies of response to management
Population Management
1. Objective 401: Extract NEC for captive propagation - Adopt structured process to allocate
rabbits/sources among states/focus areas to maintain optimal captive population. Complete
breeding manual update, included allocation and disposition process, and prepare strategy
revisions for 2017. On Schedule
2. Objective 403: Zoo-based husbandry - 1. Develop a recommendation to modify target level; 2.
Add more zoos if necessary; 3. Work towards increased survival of young; 4. Develop new
performance measure for survival of young. 1. Complete, 2. Ongoing, 3. Ongoing, 4. Incomplete
31
3. Objective 404: Construct and manage hardening pens – Increase capacity by building more pens
as needed. On Schedule. Replace charge with: “Review need to build more pens, review target
level of rabbits/pen as output.”
4. Objective 405: Evaluate enclosure-based husbandry - Develop large scale outdoor breeding pen
in NH to determine if increase production is feasible. Complete. New Charge: “Initiate breeding
in large outdoor pens.”
5. Objective 406: Manage island colony - Increase capacity and expedite release from Patience
Island. Complete. New Charge: “Increase the number of rabbits released from the island
annually, evaluate new islands for colonies.”
6. Objective 407: Release NEC to augment population(s) - Increase capacity and expedite release
from Patience Island. On Schedule. New Charge: “Increase the number of rabbits released from
the island annually.”
7. Objective 408: Manage EC - Develop management actions/strategies to address EC based on
results, including FASST revisions. Consider relation to available habitat and habitat goals.
Resolution of management uncertainty is an urgent priority. On Schedule. New Charge:
“Implement recommendations for managing EC on the landscape.”
8. Objective 411: Manage hunting - Develop recommendations for limiting hunting at augmented
sites. Complete.
9. Objective 412: Reduce Predation – New Charge: “Review strategies for reducing predation.”
Outreach
1. Objective 701: Develop outreach strategy - 1. Update strategy; 2. Develop performance
measures based on updated strategy. On Schedule
2. Objective 703: Develop communication products to explain and further NEC conservation – New
Charge: “Post the approved/updated BMP document to the website.”
3. Objective 705: Target Outreach to Key Audiences - Develop a recommendation to revise
Performance measure. On Schedule
Land Protection
1. Objective 803. Develop projects - Develop a recommendation to modify Performance Measure
and Target Level. Complete
2. Objective 804. Raise funds - Develop a recommendation to modify Performance Measure and
Target Level. Complete
Habitat
1. Objective 511: Refine Best Management Practices for Making NEC Habitat - Habitat work group
complete and distribute BMP Update. Include best available science as it is disseminated.
Complete
State Land Management Teams
2. Objective 301: Convene NEC Land Management Teams for each state (LMTs) - Increase meeting
frequency. Ongoing
3. Objective 303: Support recruitment coordinator - Evaluate capacity: address low recruitment in
some states. Ongoing, RCPP has addressed many capacity issues
32
4. Objective 304: Contact landowners via mail/phone/ workshops - Interact with outreach
workgroup to standardize landowner contact measures. Ongoing
5. Objective 305: Conduct site assessments - Evaluate Best Parcel measure (extends to many
objectives). Complete, no changes recommended at this time
6. Objective 306: Draft application/preliminary plan/cost estimates - Evaluate recruitment
performance measures (all 300 objectives). Ongoing
7. Objective 308: Manage parcel information/landowner status - Evaluate need to update parcel
analysis. Complete, no changes recommended at this time
8. Objective 502: Draft site-specific management plans - Recommend a new Performance Measure
and Target Level. Complete, no changes recommended at this time
9. Objective 505: Create Habitat on Private Land through Farm Bill Funding - Evaluate acreage
goals in all objectives and recommend necessary change. Complete, no changes recommended
at this time due to the interrelated nature of habitat goals throughout the CS, and the fact that
the FWS recovery goals are clear
10. Objective 507: Create Habitat on Municipal Land - Evaluate goals and recommend necessary
change. Complete, no changes recommended at this time
11. Objective 508: Create Habitat on State Land - Evaluate goals and recommend necessary change.
Complete, no changes recommended at this time
12. Objective 509: Create Habitat on Federal Land - Evaluate goals and recommend necessary
change. Complete, no changes recommended at this time
13. Objective 510: Implement prescribed fire (acres) - Evaluate goals and recommend necessary
change. Complete, no changes recommended at this time
14. Objective 511: Refine Best Management Practices for Making NEC Habitat - Habitat work group
complete and distribute BMP Update. Include best available science as it is disseminated.
Resolution of management uncertainty is an urgent priority. Complete
15. Objective 513: Implement restoration (acres) on Tribal Land - Evaluate goals and recommend
necessary change. Complete, no changes recommended at this time
33
Appendix 2. Summary Table of Proposed Strategy Adaptations and Overall Objective Status
Work Group - Administrative
Objective
001: Convene Executive Committee
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
Overall
Objective Status
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
Target Level
Conservation Strategy implemented
contingent on funding availability
Conduct at least 1 face-to-face meeting
annually to review performance and
recommended Conservation Strategy
adaptations
Listing is not necessary
On Schedule
Coordinate TechCom and workgroups to
provide oversight for plan implementation
and adaptive management
Review biological status of NEC and assess
progress toward Population and Habitat
Goals
Review performance indicators and research
results to assess efficacy of implemented
actions
1 annual meeting and monthly calls
6 out of 8 in
attendance
On Schedule
Complete review at January Annual meeting
1 request to ExCom for
approval
Complete
Complete review at January Annual meeting
1 request to ExCom for
approval
On Schedule
Utilize substantive new information to adapt
conservation strategies and refine landscape
design (focus areas) to ensure recovery
Complete review at January Annual meeting
1 request to ExCom for
approval
On Schedule
Work group ensures consistent delivery of
information management objectives, and
organizes information to support adaptive
management (see also "Adaptive
Management " column)
achieve performance as defined under strategy
100
1 annual report
Work group ensures consistent delivery and
coordination of monitoring and research
objectives
achieve performance as defined under strategy
200 and 600
1 annual report
NECLMTs in each state ensure consistent
delivery of recruitment and habitat
management objectives
achieve performance as defined under strategy
300 and 500
1 annual report
009: Coordinate Population
Management Work Group
Work group ensures consistent delivery and
coordination of population management
objectives
achieve performance as defined under strategy
400
1 annual report
010: Coordinate Outreach Work
Group
Work group ensures consistent delivery and
coordination of outreach objectives
achieve performance as defined under strategy
700
1 annual report
011: Coordinate Land Protection Work Work group ensures consistent delivery and
Group
coordination of land protection objectives
achieve performance as defined under strategy
800
1 annual report
achieve performance as defined under
objectives 511 & 512
1 annual report
002: Convene Technical Committee
003: TechCom annual review of
species status
004: TechCom annual review of
performance
005: TechCom annual review of
Conservation Strategy adaptations
006: TechCom coordinate Information
& Adaptive Management Work Group
007: Coordinate Research and
Monitoring Work Group
008: Coordinate NEC Land
Management Team in each state
012: Coordinate Habitat Work Group
Work group ensures consistent delivery and
coordination of habitat management
objectives
34
Change Performance
Measure to "…under
Objectives 101-111"
Change Performance
Measure to "…under
Objectives 201-208 &
601-608"
Change Performance
Measure to "…under
Objectives 309, 501510,513, 704"
Change Performance
Measure to "…under
Objectives 401-412"
Change Performance
Measure to "…under
Objectives 701-703 &
705"
Change Performance
Measure to "…under
Objective 801"
On Schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
Complete
On schedule
Summary Table of Proposed Strategy Adaptations and Overall Objective Status
Work Group - Information and Adaptive Management
Objective
101: Assess data management needs
102: Develop/integrate data
management tools
103: Maintain/manage spatial data
104: Maintain/manage planning data
105:Maintain/manage NEC status
data
106: Maintain/manage management
performance data
107: Acquire required data and
permissions
108 Provide technical assistance to
managers
109 Provide technical assistance
with data backlog
110: Generate status/ performance
reports
111: Respond to requests for data
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
Target Level
Strategy drafted to manage data in an
Strategy specifies reporting templates for work
1 document
adaptive management framework
groups
Integrative platform for 103-106; including
Approval of 1 annual
data interface, query, report template &
performance and status reports satisfy TechCom
status and
schedules for 202, 203, 305, 306, 407, 502,
and ExCom
performance report
505-510
A populated platform to manage & access
Data transferred to platform & updated
1 annual update
changing spatial data, such as focus areas
A populated platform to manage & access
changing planning data, such as goals,
Data transferred to platform & updated
1 annual update
objectives, & maps
A populated platform to manage & access
1 annual update on
Data transferred to platform & updated for 200
species population data
target levels
A populated platform for performance data,
such as habitat treatments and outreach
events
Annual report – Data
Data transferred to platform & updated for 300, provided by Techcom
400, 500, 700, 800
by Oct. 15, draft report
delivered by Dec. 1
Agreements in place to share restricted data Signed agreement between NRCS, USFWS, and
1 agreement
at appropriate levels
WMI
Technical assistance to TechCom on
information management to support adaptive
# of trainings provided to managers
1 workshop, 4 webinars
management
perf. data from 2009;
Data backlog is eliminated
data backlog is addressed
NEC from 2003
100% of target levels
measured annually; all
Proportion of target levels measured and
Prepare annual status and performance
A1 and C! ranked focus
proportion of FASSTs updated; report complete
report by January 1
areas updated
by January 1
annually; report
complete by January 1
Managers competent to upload and query # of requests resolved by technical support staff
All requests fulfilled
integrated database
or automated system
35
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
Overall
Objective Status
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
Needs
improvement
On schedule
Complete
On schedule
on schedule
36
Work Group - Research and Monitoring
Objective
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
Target Level
Develop a standardized definition of habitat
and monitoring methods to establish a
baseline habitat level and evaluate habitat
extent every 10 years.
Percentage of NEC range mapped.
10% of range mapped
after baseline is
established
202 Develop Regional Detection
Protocol
Finalized UNH detection sampling protocol
will be used to develop regional survey
design, including estimate of minimum
detectable trends, number of surveys & sites.
Regional survey design complete with an
acceptable balance of statistical power and
available resources.
na
203 Measure Habitat Occupancy
Rates
Apply regional survey design on managed
land as prescribed at varying intensity to
measure trends in occupancy (lowest),
density, and abundance (highest).
Create baseline densities for potential and
actively managed sites; re-measure
presence/absence annually; density and/or
abundance every 5 years
Prescribed surveys
implemented for 10
years, occupancy of
managed sites ↑,
occupancy natural
habitats stable or ↑
201. Quantify extent of habitat
204. Presence/ Absence distribution
surveys
Conduct presence absence surveys
Presence and absence data should be < 10 years
throughout the historic range using minimum
old and all potential habitat should be surveyed.
detection intensity; target focus areas first.
Implement stem density protocol & refine
sampling intensity to test efficacy of
treatments
206 Quality control/rapid assessment Quality control/rapid assessment to confirm
to confirm response
response.
205 Measure vegetation response to
management
207. Monitor disease
208: Monitor genetic health of small
populations.
601: Determine NEC demography
602: Determine NEC distribution/
abundance
603: Study NEC/EC interaction
604: Investigate habitat ecology
605: Investigate survival rates in
burned and unburned habitat
606: Study NEC taxonomy/genetics
607: Test management assumptions
608: Monitor Public Opinions of
Management Actions
Detect epidemics
Genetic characteristics of small populations
are understood
Measure NEC vital rates in captivity
All suitable habitat
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
Overall
Objective Status
On schedule
Re-write ojective
Improving
On schedule
Re-write ojective
On schedule
Change in woody stem density over 3-year
intervals
>50,000 stem–cover
units per hectare
On schedule
Ratio of project success to projects checked
0.9
On schedule
Cooperators are aware of carcass collection or Opportunistic mortality
disease monitoring efforts.
surveillance
Cooperators collect
Small populations are identified and sampling
and analyze genetic
protocols developed
samples as needed.
litter size, growth rate, age at weaning, and
3 litters for 20
mortality are documented
females/year
NEC occupancy/detection/population
na
estimation protocols
Measure response of NEC/EC to management
Reduce uncertainty that NEC ↑
in co-occupied habitats
Measurement of NEC/EC habitat use,
Reduce uncertainty that native vs. non-native
nutrition, and parasite loads in native vs. nonvegetation benefit NEC
native vegetation
Obtain survival rates via telemetry in burned
Statistically valid survival rates
and unburned habitat
Refine taxonomy/species markers
na
Measure response of NEC to removal of
Reduce uncertainty that NEC ↑ & that trapping
eastern cottontails via via trapping
is selective
Measure public/hunter opinion about removal
of predators & EC via hunting/trapping
na
na
On schedule
On schedule
Re-write ojective
Complete
TBD
On schedule
TBD
On schedule
As needed
On schedule
na
On schedule
TBD
On schedule
na
Inactive
Summary Table of Proposed Strategy Adaptations and Overall Objective Status
37
On schedule
Work Group - Population Management
Objective
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
Target Level
Trap individuals for breeding while preserving number of rabbits available for captive breeding
30/year
genetic diversity
from representative genetic strains
Increase number of focus areas approved as
402 Evaluate sources of NEC for
sources as needed via interagency
Number of source focus areas
6 focus areas
captive breeding
agreement for geographic mixing
document basic biological/physiological
characteristics of NEC, preserve genetic
403: Zoo-based husbandry
rate of survival to weaning
8/female/year
integrity, conservative approach to
production, individuals for release
Construct and manage hardening pens to
404: Construct and manage hardening
acclimate captive-bred offspring and promote
pens constructed
6 pens @ 40/pen/year
pens
breeding before release
Enclosures are used to supplement or replace
405: Evaluate enclosure-based
zoo-based husbandry to provide NEC for Number of rabbits reared and released from pen
Up to 500/year
husbandry
release
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
401: Extract NEC for captive
propagation
406: Manage island colony
407: Release NEC to augment
population(s)
408: Manage EC
409: Manage predators
410: Manage disease
411: Manage hunting
412: Reduce predation
Overall
Objective Status
On schedule
On schedule
Lower target level to
6/year
Improving
On schedule
On schedule
To establish breeding colony requiring
minimal handling
Number of rabbits released from Island
1 rabbit/acre of
productive habitat/year
On schedule
Establish self sustaining populations of NEC,
rescue populations/ patches/ individuals
from extirpation, maintain genetic diversity
Survival rate and wild reproduction
500 individuals
released annually
Needs
improvement
percent EC
<10%
On schedule
Relocate EC via trapping to increase
available habitat for NEC
Increase annual survival in suburban and
source patches, increase success of release
Disease detected in captive populations or in
the wild (see 207) will trigger response to
minimize impacts.
To preserve hunting as a traditional
sustained activity, prevent eradication of
NEC, modify season and bag limit to “take”
and preserve sustainability of population NEC
Change in density of NEC
Increase
Inactive
documentation of spike in disease
No outbreaks
On schedule
Hunting continues in region
4 states
Change target level to
"applicable in"
On schedule
Predation is reduced through the use of
innovative and effective strategies
The need for alternative methods to reduce
predation are identified and acted on
6 states
Change target level to
"applicable in"
Inactive
38
Summary Table of Proposed Strategy Adaptations
and Overall Objective Status
Work Group - Outreach
Objective
701: Develop outreach strategy
702: Develop/maintain website
703: Develop Communications
Products to Explain and Further NEC
Conservation
705: Target Outreach to Key
Audiences
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
A completed outreach strategy which
identifies critical target audiences &
Completed Plan
prioritizes outreach tactics and tools.
Website featuring info on NEC biology,
ongoing projects/programs, contacts and how
Projects highlighted
to get involved.
Media/messages available for use in NEC
Targeted media provided to OWG and they are
outreach, targeted to audiences defined in
trained on delivery
strategy
Dedicated outreach specialist who can
promote implementation of restoration,
increase in habitat management acreage
including prescribed fire--by agencies, Tribes,
objectives for 507, 508, 509, 510, 513
towns and NGOs, and Inter-state
Target Level
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
Overall
Objective Status
1
On schedule
5 per year
On schedule
1 trained specialist in
each state
On schedule
10,000 acres
On schedule
Work Group - Land Protection
Objective
801. Expand NWR partnerships &
land protection efforts
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
Target Level
Completion and implementation of a Land
Protection Plan (LPP).
Plan approved
N/A
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
Deactive LPWG and
assign 802, 803, 804
and 805 to SLMT's
Organizations agree to prioritize land
1 land trust per focus
Remove Excom from
protection to benefit NEC and adopt Ranking
organizations adopting ranking criteria
area; ExCom,
target level
Criteria
Transactions to protect NEC habitat are
Alignment of parcels negotiated with NEC
change target level to
803. Develop projects
negotiated by buyer/seller on highest priority
TBD by LPP
priorities
TBD by SLMT
NEC parcels in focus areas in need
Negotiated transactions are funded and
Alignment of funded transactions with NEC
change target level to
804. Raise funds
completed on highest priority NEC parcels in
TBD by LPP
priorities
TBD by SLMT
need
Regional criteria ensure that funds are not
805. Development of Land Protection allocated to focus areas with a secure land Screening factors filter focus areas of need and fully developed ranking
Ranking Criteria
base for NEC or to low priority parcels in
select high-ranking or connecting parcels
criteria
focus areas in need
802. Develop local and regional land
protection partnerships
Summary Table of Proposed Strategy Adaptations and Overall Objective Status
39
Overall
Objective Status
Complete
On schedule
Improving
On schedule
On schedule
Work Group - Habitat
Objective
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
Target Level
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
Overall
Objective Status
Change the target level
to meet annually to
review new information
and recommend
adaptations as
appropriate
On schedule
Assign to SLMT's
On schedule
511: Refine Best Management
Practices for Making NEC Habitat
Completed document that can modified for
individual states.
Comprehensive document
Minimize adverse
impacts, maximize
habitat suitability
512: Administrative technical support
to manage contracting & vendors
Complete projects cost-efficiently assuring
efficacy, delivery, and compliance
Projects completed
na
40
State Land Management Teams - All States: Strategy Adaptations and Objective Status Only
Objective
301: Convene NEC Land Management
Teams for each state (NECLMTs)
302: Create/apply incentives
303: Support recruitment coordinator
304: Contact landowners via
mail/phone/ workshops
305: Conduct site assessments
306: Draft application/preliminary
plan/cost estimates
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
Operational state partnership to recruit landowners, review,
develop, and coordinate land management projects
Monthly meeting includes field and office
information sharing and reduces confusions
Increase enrollment incentives (walking trails, views, economic,
hunting opportunities, berry picking)
Build capacity to recruit landowners and apply decision tools to
ensure recruitment results in effective reserve design
Reach out to priority landowners and garner interest in managing
habitat. and increase interest.
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
Add "one of which is
focused on land
protection" to Target
Level and change Perf.
Needs
4 per year/state
Measure to "Regular
improvement
meetings include field
and office information
exchange"
undefined
On schedule
positions filled
10
On schedule
na
Remove "and increase
interest" from Desired
Outcome (editorial)
Remove "Discover
20 per state, new populations,
Number of sites assessed and proportion of
including relocate historic
sites revisited for post management assessment
revisits
populations" from
desired outcome
Discover new populations, relocate historic populations, assess
existing habitat conditions for management.
Develop preliminary plans that are feasible, eligible, and acceptable
Ease of implementation and lack of modification
for permitting and vendor contracting
Use decision support tools and NEC data to identify key parcels, and
track efforts to recruit them
On schedule
On schedule
n/a
On schedule
Alignment of funded projects with NEC
priorities
75% in Best
Parcels
On schedule
Develop GIS layer of priority parcels
One map per
focus area
On schedule
309: Develop/evaluate business plan Plan is drafted for each focus area & conservation funds are targeted Each NECLMT develops a plan with: a map, table
incorporating parcel ranking &reserve to ensure effective spatial configuration of projects, optimize site
of parcels, and summary of patch metrics for
design principles
conditions, and minimize cost (see also 307, 308, & 805)
active focus areas
41
Overall
Objective Status
Acres enrolled/cost of incentives
Na
307: Draft/review land management All ranking criteria ensure that funds are not allocated to low priority
ranking and eligibility criteria
parcels in focus areas or satisfy exception to focus area boundaries
308: Manage parcel
information/landowner status
Target Level
25
Rewrite Objective,
Desired Outcome &
Performance Level
On schedule
State Land Management Teams - All States: Strategy Adaptations and Objective Status Only (Continued)
Objective
501: Create Demonstration Sites
502: Draft site-specific management
plans
Desired Outcome
Performance Measure
Show diversity of habitats; beneficial to NEC; available to public;
showcase BMP techniques; etc.
Comprehensive planning documents that meet agency compliance,
permitting, logisitc, and contracting constraints
Completed projects, signage, and marketing.
projects implemented
Target Level
Proposed Strategy
Adaptation - 2017
at least two per
state
943 habitat
patches
Overall
Objective Status
On schedule
On schedule
503: Coordinate with National
Wildlife Refuge partnerships
Implementation on NWR lands and adjacent properties
Completed projects
Support for
Focal area goals
& objectives
On schedule
504: Coordinate with Estuarine
Research Reserves
Implementation on Research Reserves and adjacent properties
Completed projects
Support for
Focal area goals
& objectives
On schedule
505: Create Habitat on Private Land
through Farm Bill Funding
Sufficient suitable habitat to meet species state and rangewide goals.
Best Parcel (BP) acres treated by 2020 in focus
areas
75% BP & total
10470 acres
On schedule
506: Create Habitat on Private Lands
Not Eligible for Farm Bill Funding
Sufficient suitable habitat to meet species state and rangewide goals.
507: Create Habitat on Municipal Land Sufficient suitable habitat to meet species state and rangewide goals.
508: Create Habitat on State Land
Sufficient suitable habitat to meet species state and rangewide goals.
509: Create Habitat on Federal Land
Sufficient suitable habitat to meet species state and rangewide goals.
510: Implement prescribed fire
(acres)
513: Implement restoration (acres)
on Tribal Land
704: Direct Outreach Efforts to NEC
Focus Areas
Sufficient suitable habitat to meet species state and rangewide goals.
Sufficient suitable habitat to meet species state and rangewide goals.
Landowners recruited to manage for NEC public support within
project areas
Amend Obj. from
75% BP & total
"..Not Eligible for.." to
5125 acres
"..Not Funded By.."
75% BP & total
BP acres treated by 2020 in focus areas
1290 acres
75% BP & total
BP acres treated by 2020 in focus areas
8080 acres
75% BP & total
BP acres treated by 2020 in focus areas
525 acres
75% BP & total
BP acres treated by 2020 in focus areas
10475 acres
75% BP & total
BP acres treated by 2020 in focus areas
25 acres
Number of private landowners receiving media
10,000
or attending workshop
landowners
42
BP acres treated by 2020 in focus areas
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule
On schedule