National Park Service 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Natural Resource Program Center 

Strategy for Enhanced Monitoring of Natural Resource 

Condition in North Atlantic Coastal Parks to Address the 

Effects of Rapid Climate Change 

Natural Resource Report NPS/NCBN/NRR—2010/272 
ON THE COVER 

Coastline and salt marsh at Sandy Hook Unit, Gateway National Recreation Area. 

Photograph by: Robin Baranowski 
Strategy for Enhanced Monitoring of Natural 

Resource Condition in North Atlantic Coastal Parks to 

Address the Effects of Rapid Climate Change 

Natural Resource Report NPS/NCBN/NRR—2010/272 

Sara Stevens 

Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network Program Manager 

National Park Service 

University of Rhode Island 

Coastal Institute in Kingston, #105 

1 Greenhouse Road 

Kingston, RI 02881 Author 1 

Brian Mitchell 

Inventory and Monitoring Program Manager 

Northeast Temperate Network 

National Park Service 

54 Elm Street 

Woodstock, VT 05091 

Marcia Brown 

Foundations of Success 

4109 Maryland Avenue 

Bethesda MD 20816 

Patrick Campbell 

NPS National Capital Region 

Center for Urban Ecology 

4598 MacArthur Blvd NW 

Washington, DC 20007 

December 2010 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

National Park Service 

Natural Resource Program Center

Fort Collins, Colorado 
ii 

The National Park Service, Natural Resource Program Center publishes a range of reports that 

address natural resource topics of interest and applicability to a broad audience in the National 

Park Service and others in natural resource management, including scientists, conservation and 

environmental constituencies, and the public. 

The Natural Resource Report Series is used to disseminate high-priority, current natural resource 

management information with managerial application. The series targets a general, diverse 

audience, and may contain NPS policy considerations or address sensitive issues of management 

applicability. 

All manuscripts in the series receive the appropriate level of peer review to ensure that the 

information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended 

audience, and designed and published in a professional manner. 

This report received formal peer review by subject-matter experts who were not directly 

involved in the collection, analysis, or reporting of the data, and whose background and expertise 

put them on par technically and scientifically with the authors of the information. 

Views, statements, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and data in this report do not 

necessarily reflect views and policies of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the 

Interior. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or 

recommendation for use by the U.S. Government. 

Please cite this publication as: 

Stevens, S., B. Mitchell, M. Brown, P. Campbell. 2010. Strategy for enhanced monitoring of 

natural resource condition in North Atlantic coastal parks to address the effects of rapid climate 

change. Natural Resource Report NPS/NCBN/NRR—2010/272. National Park Service, Fort 

Collins, Colorado.

NPS 950/106194, December 2010 
iii 

Contents 

Page 

Figures............................................................................................................................................. v

Tables ............................................................................................................................................ vii

Appendices ..................................................................................................................................... ix

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... xi

Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................ xiii

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1

Approach ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Partnering ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Past and Present Collaborative Activities ................................................................................ 9

Future Collaborative Activities .............................................................................................. 11

Workplan and Budget ................................................................................................................... 13

Priority Vital Sign Indicators ................................................................................................. 13

Budgets .................................................................................................................................. 15

Budget Justifications .............................................................................................................. 16

Project Management ..................................................................................................................... 19

References ..................................................................................................................................... 21

v

Figures 

Page 

Figure 1. Conceptual model of predicted effects of climate change on tidal marsh 

ecosystems. ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Figure 2. Conceptual model of predicted effects of climate change on tidal marsh 

ecosystems including symbols for currently monitored and potential indicators for 

monitoring. ...................................................................................................................................... 7
 
vii

Tables 

Page 

Table 1. Base budget for monitoring indicators of climate change effects on NPS 

coastal resources. .......................................................................................................................... 15

Table 2. Recommended budget for monitoring indicators of climate change 

effects on NPS coastal resources. This budget adds marsh bird monitoring to the 

base budget.................................................................................................................................... 15

Table 3. Enhanced budget for monitoring indicators of climate change effects on 

NPS coastal resources. This budget adds enhanced data management, consistent 

implementation of several protocols, and additional science communication time 

to the recommended budget. ......................................................................................................... 16

ix

Appendices 

Page 

Appendix 1. Ecosystems types found in each North Atlantic coastal National 

Park ............................................................................................................................................... 23

Appendix 2. List of peer reviewers of conceptual models and indicator tables .......................... 25

Appendix 3. Beaches, dunes and bluffs conceptual model and table of predicted 

effects of climate change as well as currently monitored and potential indicators 

for monitoring ............................................................................................................................... 27

Appendix 4. Estuarine conceptual model and table of predicted effects of climate 

change as well as currently monitored and potential indicators for monitoring ........................... 35

Appendix 5. Nearshore ocean conceptual model and table of predicted effects of 

climate change as well as currently monitored and potential indicators for 

monitoring ..................................................................................................................................... 45

Appendix 6. Rocky intertidal habitat conceptual model and table of predicted 

effects of climate change as well as currently monitored and potential indicators 

for monitoring ............................................................................................................................... 49

Appendix 7. Tidal marsh conceptual model and table of predicted effects of 

climate change as well as currently monitored and potential indicators for 

monitoring ..................................................................................................................................... 59

Appendix 8. Freshwater and coastal uplands conceptual model and table of 

predicted effects of climate change as well as currently monitored and potential 

indicators for monitoring .............................................................................................................. 71

xi 

Executive Summary 

In response to the growing knowledge and awareness of the effects of climate change on federal 

lands, the National Park Service (NPS) has developed a national Climate Change Response 

Strategy (NPS 2010). The science goals described in the national strategy include developing and 

applying climate science, collaborating with scientific agencies and institutions, and identifying 

and conducting scientific studies and resource monitoring activities. The NPS Inventory and 

Monitoring Program (I&M) will play a major role in meeting these goals by providing sound 

scientific information and data to parks on the effects of climate change on park natural 

resources, as well as contribute towards a multi-agency collaboration (e.g. Landscape 

Conservation Cooperatives and Climate Science Centers) to better understand these effects at 

both regional and national scales. 

In (FY) 2010 several groups of I&M Networks were provided funding to review their existing 

monitoring programs in light of climate change and propose appropriate enhancements. One of 

these groups was the North Atlantic Coast, which includes three networks; the Northeast Coastal 

and Barrier Network (NCBN), the Northeast Temperate Network (NETN), and the National 

Capital Region Network (NCRN). These networks were directed to use the new funding to 

extend existing partnerships and expand collaboration with other federal agencies collecting 

similar monitoring data and information on natural resources. The NETN, NCBN and NCRN, 

with the input of federal partners and scientists from academic institutions, have developed this 

document to describe their process for identifying critical monitoring needs to meet these 

objectives while also enhancing each park’s understanding of the effects of climate change on 

specific coastal ecosystems. This includes existing monitoring needing enhancement, as well as 

new monitoring to better understand the effects that rapid climate change has on parks. This 

document describes the vital sign prioritization and selection process and the final vital signs 

chosen for monitoring. It includes options for enhanced monitoring based on anticipated project 

budgets (for all three networks combined) ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 annually. 

The highest priorities were determined to be: 

 Expand existing interagency collaborative effort to monitor salt marsh capital along the 

Atlantic coast in 10 national parks in conjunction with 12 coastal United States Fish and 

Wildlife Service (USFWS) sites, as well as National Estuarine Research Reserve sites 

(NOAA, NERR) along the North Atlantic. This effort will include standardized protocols, 

databases and data collection. 

 Expand analysis, synthesis and reporting of datasets produced by other agencies and 

organizations such as climate, tide, sea level, and remotely-sensed data to park managers 

and others to enhance our understanding of the effects of climate change. 

 Expand the existing interagency effort to monitor breeding marsh birds in North Atlantic 

parks within Bird Conservation Area 30 (BCR 30) through the Northeast Coordinated 

Bird Monitoring Partnership. 

These projects will continue collaborative efforts among the I&M Networks, USFWS, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Geological Survey 

(USGS), state wildlife agencies, universities, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). 

xiii 

Acknowledgments 

NCBN and NETN Program Managers, Sara Stevens and Brian Mitchell and, NCR Regional 

I&M Program Coordinator, Pat Campbell would like to thank several people for their assistance 

and review of this plan. First both Marcia Brown and Nick Salafsky from Foundations of 

Success for their outstanding assistance, guidance and facilitation in developing and drafting this 

workplan. Especially to Marcia who wrote the first draft of this document and worked tirelessly 

with us on developing the conceptual models and tables. Our core working group who 

participated in and traveled to two workshops, Adam Kozlowski, Dr. Megan Tyrrell, Erica 

Patenaude, Dr. John Paul Schmit, Marc Albert, Dr. Mary Foley, Dr. Charles Roman, Dr. Susan 

Adamowicz, Shelley Hall, and Trisha Towanda. We would also like to thank our conceptual 

ecosystem model reviewers who provided excellent feedback and suggestions, Suzanne Paton, 

Dr. Hilary Neckles, Dr. Stephen Smith, Dr. Ken Reposa, Dr. Cathy Wigand, Brian Sturgis, Dr. 

Bradley Peterson, Dr. Sofia Fox, Dr. Scott Nixon, Dr. Rebecca Beavers, Dr. Jodi EshlemenCoastal Engineer, Courtney Schupp, Dr. Cheryl Hapke, Dr. Norb Psuty, Tanya Silviera, Dr. 

Henry J. Bokuniewicz, Dr. Jeff Cross, Dr. Candace Oviatt, Dr. Jeremy Long, Dr. Peter Petraitis, 

Dr. Tom Trott, and Dr. Geoffrey Trussell. Finally, we thank John Karish for his guidance and 

review of our final work plan and Robin Baranowski for assisting us with formatting. 

1 

Introduction 

In response to the growing knowledge and awareness of the effects of rapid climate change on 

federal lands, the National Park Service (NPS) has developed a national Climate Change 

Response Strategy (NPS 2010). This strategy provides guidance and direction to the Service and 

its employees to properly respond to and address the effects of climate change on park lands. The 

strategy describes goals and objectives under four main components: science, adaptation, 

mitigation, and communication. The NPS vision, as described in the national Climate Change 

Response Strategy is to adapt to climate change and effectively preserve and restore park 

resources and opportunities for visitor enjoyment. This will be achieved through collaboration 

among NPS employees, partners, and the public to promote climate change science and apply 

best management practices and sustainable behaviors toward reducing climate change and its 

impacts. The specific science goals of the national strategy include: (1) developing and applying 

climate science, (2) collaborating with and among scientific agencies and institutions to advance 

climate science at the local to national level, and (3) identifying and conducting scientific studies 

and resource monitoring activities necessary to support NPS mitigation, adaptation, and 

communication. In keeping with the main objective of the National Park Service’s Inventory and 

Monitoring Program (NPS I&M), the NPS Climate Change Response Strategy states that only 

the best available scientific data and knowledge will be used to inform decision making about 

climate change. 

Early in 2009 the Interior Secretary issued a Secretarial Order (Secretarial Order 3289) that 

initiated the creation of eight Regional Climate Change Response Centers and a number of 

Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) to begin coordinating a collaborative effort 

among all Department of the Interior (DOI) agencies. At the same time, along with other DOI 

agencies, the NPS I&M Program received a base funding increase to enhance monitoring climate 

change effects on park natural resources. The NPS I&M program will play a major role in 

meeting the scientific and partnership goals of the national response strategy by providing sound 

scientific information and data to parks on the effects of climate change on park natural 

resources while also contributing to multi-agency collaboration geared towards understanding 

the effects at both the regional and national scale. 

In fiscal year (FY) 2010, a number of biogeographical areas were identified by the NPS as being 

highly vulnerable to climate change: high elevation, high latitude, coastal and marine, and arid 

lands. I&M Networks that overlapped one of these biogeographical areas were provided funding 

for the development of a long-term funding proposal to enhance their existing monitoring efforts, 

develop new interagency partnerships, and strengthen existing interagency monitoring 

coordination. The North Atlantic Coast Networks: the National Capital Region Network 

(NCRN), the Northeast Coastal and Barrier Network (NCBN), and the Northeast Temperate 

Network (NETN), were jointly provided funding to develop and enhanced monitoring plan. In 

(FY) 2010, the three North Atlantic Coast Networks, with the input of federal partners and 

scientists from academic institutions began reviewing their existing monitoring plans and 

partnerships in order to meet the goals of the Climate Change Response Strategy and Secretarial 

Order 3289. This document describes the strategy developed by the networks to monitor climate 

change impacts and its effects on NPS coastal resources in the North Atlantic, as well as the vital 

sign prioritization and selection process and the final vital signs chosen for new and enhanced 
 2 

monitoring. It includes options for monitoring based on anticipated project budgets (for all three 

networks combined) ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 annually. 

The objectives of this strategy document are to: 

1. Describe the predicted impacts of climate change on specific ecosystems (e.g., tidal 

marshes or estuaries) in graphic form, using conceptual models; 

2. Show in graphic form how current and potential monitoring indicators link to these 

conceptual models and contribute to understanding some of the predicted impacts of 

climate change; 

3. Describe the criteria used for prioritizing potential indicators or vital signs; 

4. Define the three networks’ priorities for additional monitoring of climate change impacts 

on coastal resources, including what indicators the networks propose to measure, and 

what additional indicators should be kept in mind for future consideration; and 

5. Identify how the networks will collaboratively work within the Department of the Interior 

Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCC) and Climate Science Center (CSC) 

frameworks and partner with United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), United 

States Geological Survey (USGS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA), and other federal agencies, states, and academic institutions to make efficient 

and effective use of staff and funds and to standardize data collection, analysis, and 

reporting procedures. 

The scope of this monitoring strategy includes coastal U.S. national parks in the North Atlantic. 

The coastal parks from each of the three I&M Networks include: 

 NCBN: Cape Cod National Seashore, Fire Island National Seashore, Gateway National 

Recreation Area, Assateague Island National Seashore, Colonial National Historical Park, 

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, and George Washington Birthplace National 

Monument 

 NETN: Acadia National Park, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area, Saugus 

Iron Works National Historic Site, and Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites 

 NCRN: George Washington Memorial Parkway and National Capital Parks-East 

Additional Coastal parks currently not members of the I&M Networks, but that will indirectly 

benefit from this monitoring effort and data compilation include: 

 Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, New Bedford Whaling Museum 

National Historical Park, and Salem Maritime National Historic Site 

These parks include at least one of the following ecosystems: uplands and freshwater 

ecosystems, rocky intertidal ecosystems, tidal marshes, estuaries, beaches, dunes and bluffs, and 

nearshore ocean ecosystems. Appendix 1 provides a table describing the ecosystems that 

represent significant resources in each of the national parks as well as those ecosystems that are 

present, but not significant. 
3 

Approach 

This Coastal Climate Change Monitoring Strategy was developed by a Core Team and a broader 

Working Group. Core Team members included: 

1. Brian Mitchell (NETN Program Manager) 

2. Sara Stevens (NCBN Program Manager) 

3. Patrick Campbell (NCRN Program Manager) 

4. Erika Patenaude (NCBN Salt Marsh Monitoring Biologist) 

5. John Paul Schmit (NCRN Quantitative Ecologist) 

The Working Group included all of the Core Team members, plus: 

1. Adam Kozlowski (NETN Data Manager) 

2. Megan Tyrrell (Cape Code National Seashore Prototype Monitoring Program Manager) 

3. Charles Roman (North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Coordinator) 

4. Marc Albert (BOHA and SAIR Natural Resource Manager) 

5. Sue Adamowicz (Northeast Region USFWS Coastal Biologist) 

6. Trisha Towanda (National Science Foundation IGERT Grad Student Intern, URI) 

7. Shelley Hall (Cape Cod National Seashore Chief of Resource Management) 

8. Mary Foley (NPS Northeast Region Chief Scientist) 

Foundations of Success (Nick Salafsky and Marcia Brown) facilitated the development of the 

strategy. A list of the people that peer reviewed and provided input into portions of the strategy is 

included in Appendix 2. These included scientists from the State University of New York, 

University of Rhode Island, USGS, and USFWS. 

Development of the strategy included several steps. First, the Core Team and then the Working 

Group met in March 2010 to begin the development of conceptual models to describe in graphic 

form the predicted impacts of climate change on each park ecosystem. The Working Group 

developed an initial overall conceptual model during this first workshop. Following this, the 

Core Team then developed six individual conceptual models for specific ecosystems 

(Appendices 3-8), including (1) uplands and freshwater, (2) rocky intertidal, (3) tidal marshes, 

(4) estuaries, (5) beaches, dunes and bluffs, and (6) nearshore ocean ecosystems. 

As an example, Figure 1 includes the conceptual model developed for tidal marsh ecosystems. 

Arrows represent what the Working Group and peer reviewers believe to be the most important 

causal relationships (e.g., their theory of predicted change). Agents of change cause stressors that 

then cause ecological responses. For example, global climate change leads to regional climate 
4 

change; altered water and air temperature regime leads to changes in storm intensity, frequency 

and timing; and an accelerated rate of sea level rise leads to several response factors, including 

altered habitat, altered water quality, altered soil chemistry, altered salinity pattern, altered 

hydrology, and altered wave, wind and spray patterns. 

Second, after developing the individual ecosystem conceptual models, the Core Team identified 

an initial list of indicators that would contribute to understanding the predicted impacts of 

climate change on each ecosystem. Some of these indicators are currently being monitored by 

the networks and others are not. The Core Team developed tables in which, for each indicator, 

they defined the relevant monitoring framework category and Vital Signs, associated factors in 

the conceptual models, the current status of monitoring efforts, the level of priority of this 

indicator for monitoring impacts of climate change, and the estimated annual cost for new 

monitoring work. All of this information was used to help prioritize indicators and determine the 

best allocation of additional funds for monitoring the effects of climate change on coastal 

resources. These tables are included in Appendices 3-8. 

Third, the Core Team sent the draft conceptual models and indicator tables out for peer-review 

and revised them based on inputs received from outside experts (including federal and academic 

scientists) and feedback received during the second meeting of the Working Group in July 2010. 

Appendix 2 provides the list of reviewers. 

Fourth, during a workshop, the Working Group conducted a “knock-off prioritization” exercise 

that focused on prioritizing among the indicators considered very high and high priority for 

monitoring the effects of climate change. This prioritization exercise took into account whether 

the indicator would provide information for one or more ecosystems, whether it would rely on 

new primary (new field work including enhancing existing monitoring) or secondary (existing 

data collected by other agencies) data, and the startup and ongoing costs of the monitoring. The 

Working Group developed an initial list of very high priority indicators and established a cut-off 

line once the cumulative, ongoing cost of the indicators reached $200,000, the lowest level of 

funding likely available. The group had a lengthy discussion to settle on the final prioritization. 

During the discussion, if anyone wanted to move an indicator up above the cut-off line they had 

to move one or more other indicators down, so that the total cost would not exceed $200,000. 

Once the prioritization exercise was complete, the Core Team revised each of the six conceptual 

models by adding symbols showing currently monitored indicators and those proposed for 

monitoring that would provide information about specific factors. Figure 2 includes the tidal 

marsh model with the indicator symbols, and shows that currently-collected indicator data 

provide information about altered runoff, altered sediment processes, altered community 

composition, species survival and reproduction, altered habitat and altered water quality. 

The indicator codes are also included in the tables, where one can find not only the indicator 

name, but also monitoring methods and other information. Appendices 3-8 include the six 

conceptual ecosystem models and their associated tables. 
5 

Finally, based on all of the previous inputs, the Core Team developed budgets for $200K, 

$245K, and $400K that define personnel and other expenses needed to set up and enhance 

monitoring activities and gather existing data for the proposed very high and high priority 

indicators, including data analysis and communication of results. The Core Team feels that the 

$245K budget will significantly enhance the value of this program over the $200K budget by 

allowing the networks to partner closely with the USFWS on a major new marsh bird monitoring 

effort in the Northeast. The $400K budget would further enhance collaboration among the three 

networks by expanding existing data collection of salt marsh plants, nekton, phenology and 

water quality consistently across all three. 
6 

Figure 1. Conceptual model of predicted effects of climate change on tidal marsh ecosystems.
7 

Figure 2. Conceptual model of predicted effects of climate change on tidal marsh ecosystems including symbols for curren

potential indicators for monitoring. 

9 

Partnering 

Numerous activities of the three networks, many of them stemming from partnerships that 

preceded the DOI Climate Change Adaptation funding, have laid the groundwork for substantial 

collaboration between the networks and other agencies. These partners for coastal climate 

change monitoring include individual USFWS refuges and the USFWS I&M program, the North 

Atlantic LCC, the USGS, and NOAA. The following is a list of activities conducted in 2009-

2010 pertaining specifically to climate change monitoring. 

Past and Present Collaborative Activities 

 The NETN, NCBN, and NCRN overlap with the North Atlantic and Appalachian 

Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCC). The networks, particularly NCRN, have 

been active partners in the start-up of both LCCs and will continue to develop this 

partnership. To date activities have focused mostly on developing governance, 

identifying partnerships, and building relationships. The networks anticipate that in (FY) 

2011 the LCC partners will initiate cooperative activities to inform integrated resource 

management. Both the NPS Northeast Region and National Capital Region are in the 

process of hiring Climate Change Coordinators whose role will be to link NPS activities, 

including the I&M coastal monitoring effort, with other partner activities. The networks 

anticipate that this may lead to cooperative monitoring efforts and sharing of data and 

lessons learned throughout the lands managed by DOI agencies, states, and other 

partners. 

 Beginning in early 2009, the USFWS Maine Coastal Islands NWR joined with NETN to 

integrate their approaches to rocky intertidal monitoring. Refuge biologists participated in 

developing and testing the protocol, and will be implementing the NETN protocol at two 

offshore islands near Acadia NP. The sites will provide a useful contrast to the coastal 

sites at Acadia NP, and NETN will be assisting the USFWS by providing training and 

data management. Full monitoring will begin in 2011. 

 In December 2009, NCBN collaborated with the North Atlantic CESU and the University 

of Rhode Island to hold a workshop with the goal to identify natural resource research, 

modeling, and monitoring needs that will assist in refining the understanding of potential 

responses of natural resources and processes to climate change. The two-day workshop 

was successfully held with participants from academic and federal agency partners of the 

North Atlantic Coast CESU and the NCBN. Breakout group topics included coastal birds, 

coastal physical processes, watershed hydrology, plant ecology, landscape ecology and 

migrations, salt marshes, invasive species, and others. Suggested research and monitoring 

were prioritized during the workshop. A workshop report has yet to be completed. 

 In January 2009, NCBN partnered with the National Science Foundation (NSF) 

Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (IGERT) student intern 

program and the University of Rhode Island Coastal Institute to provide University of 

Rhode Island PhD candidates internships to work on specific National Park Service 

issues pertaining to climate change. In 2010, the first intern began developing an 

interactive climate change monitoring website for the North Atlantic coastal parks. The 

goal of this year’s internship was to have the student work with the I&M program 
10 

networks and individual parks to develop a website using the conceptual models 

developed by the three networks as part of this year’s climate change monitoring 

planning process. During her internship, the student also participated in a workshop in the 

NPS Northeast Regional office with regional interpretation staff and others to generate an 

ocean stewardship toolkit for park interpreters. During the workshop she assisted with the 

development of an Ocean Stewardship Issue-Template. This template will provide park 

interpreters and staff with information regarding many coastal challenges associated with 

climate change, from pollution to ocean acidification and sea level rise. The template is 

designed to provide an overview of each issue, the science behind it, how the parks are 

responding and what visitors can do to help. 

 Staff from the NCBN, NETN, and NCRN traveled to Silver Spring, Maryland to 

participate in a joint NPS/NOAA/USFWS/USGS meeting held in the offices of NOAA's 

Estuarine Reserve Division on February 4-5, 2010. The purpose of this meeting was to 

talk about ways to standardize salt marsh monitoring along the Atlantic coast by 

participating agencies. It is in the interest of all the agencies that a unified monitoring 

effort be developed in support of the National Network of Sentinel Sites being developed 

by NOAA and the existing NPS I&M program. Areas of discussion included salt marsh 

elevation monitoring, salt marsh vegetation monitoring, fixed-station water quality 

monitoring, tide stations/water level monitoring, salt marsh soil monitoring, benchmark 

survey methodology and database management. The meeting was a huge success and 

definitely a great jump start to future partnering between NPS I&M Parks and NOAA 

National Estuarine Reserves. 

 During 2010, NETN and Acadia staff held a series of discussions with the USFWS 

Maine Coastal Islands NWR to determine areas where greater collaboration would be 

possible. In addition to continuing their collaborative rocky intertidal monitoring effort, 

the participants decided to work towards shared monitoring of coastal breeding birds, as 

well as bird and bat migration. The USFWS has agreed to add some of Acadia's bird 

nesting islands to their regular monitoring rotation. The network, park, and refuge have 

also partnered with the University of Maine and others to support migration monitoring 

in fall 2010, with six total banding and acoustic monitoring stations in the park and 

refuge. 

 In March 2010, staff from NCBN traveled to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in 

NH to meet with the USFWS Regional Refuge Biologist Janith Taylor and northeast 

coastal refuge biologists and managers to present the NPS Inventory and Monitoring 

program. The NCBN presented the Network’s coastal monitoring and data management 

program and discussed potential collaboration between the NPS I&M program and the 

newly developing USFWS I&M program, recently initiated in FY10. Action items 

include working towards sharing data management systems for our common monitoring 

programs, as well as sharing staff and positions to accomplish common program goals. 

Both NPS and USFWS staff agreed to continue discussions and, as new USFWS I&M 

staff are hired, NPS staff will be meeting with them individually to share “lessons 

learned” and to continue collaboration efforts. 
11 

 As a result of the March 2010 NCBN/USFWS meeting, the USFWS has requested that 

NCBN provide training to coastal USFWS managers using the NCBN Shoreline Change 

monitoring protocol. A training workshop with USFWS is planned for the fall of 2010. 

NCBN staff will organize and hold a joint workshop and training program for national 

park and refuge managers. The workshop will be planned by NCBN program manager 

and data manager along with NCBN cooperators from Rutgers University. Discussions 

on sharing staff to conduct shoreline monitoring and data management will take place 

between NPS and USFWS managers. 

Future Collaborative Activities 

 The networks will continue to work with the interagency partnership aimed at enhancing 

and standardizing salt marsh monitoring along the Atlantic coast. Salt marsh capital 

monitoring is a major component of this effort, and the networks will ensure that NPS 

methods are consistent with the interagency approach, from data collection through data 

management, analysis, and reporting. 

 The NPS/NSF/URI partnership will continue with a new IGERT student starting in 

January 2011 to begin working to evaluate and standardize salt marsh monitoring 

protocols currently being used by NOAA’s National Estuarine Research Reserves, 

USFWS, and four NPS Networks. 

 The USFWS has funded a major project to begin monitoring marsh birds in the North 

Atlantic through a partnership with the University of Maine, University of Delaware, and 

others. The networks are already working with the specific principal investigators on a 

variety of projects, and have also funded a researcher at the University of Rhode Island to 

evaluate salt marsh bird monitoring methods for the networks. The networks will work 

closely with the USFWS and the university researchers to ensure that the final NPS 

protocol is compatible with the USFWS approach. 

 A significant part of the networks’ anticipated coastal climate change monitoring is the 

acquisition, analysis, and reporting of a variety of existing data sets. Other networks 

within the NPS and other agencies are currently engaging in similar projects, and the 

networks will work with organizations involved in related work to ensure that these 

projects are accomplished efficiently and to the maximum benefit of the partners. 

 As the North Atlantic LCC and Northeast Climate Science Center develop, the networks 

will be available to share data and work towards more consistent and collaborative 

monitoring approaches. 

13 

Workplan and Budget 

Priority Vital Sign Indicators 

The Working Group prioritized two groups of Vital Sign indicators: one related to the collection 

and analysis of new data (including enhancing existing monitoring) and the second related to the 

analysis of secondary data sets (existing long-term data collected by other agencies and 

organizations). The highest primary data priorities included the following indicators focusing on 

tidal marshes: 

 Tidal marsh surface elevation (sediment relative to elevation, accretion, erosion, and 

shallow subsidence) 

 Tidal marsh tidal range 

 Tidal marsh inundation 

 Tidal marsh bird species composition and relative abundance 

These priorities focus on assessing the impact of sea level rise on tidal marsh capital as well as 

the status of salt marsh breeding birds, and both are areas of ongoing interagency collaboration. 

The highest priorities for the analysis of secondary data included the following: 

 Weather and climate data for all ecosystems 

 Marine hydrography data (ocean current, wave characteristics, tide range, water quality 

parameters) for all relevant ecosystems 

 Tidal elevation data (water surface elevation, tidal range, water quality parameters) for all 

relevant ecosystems 

 Habitat change of all ecosystems based on remote sensing (e.g., satellite imagery, 

LiDAR) 

If the funding level is sufficient, the group’s next priorities are to enhance several existing 

network protocols (including phenology and water quality) to make them consistent across the 

three networks, and to provide additional support for the analysis of secondary data sets 

including: 

 Ice cover (landscape phenology) data from NASA 

 Shoreline structures (type, location, and age) on beaches, dunes and bluffs 

 Breeding bird phenology in upland and freshwater ecosystems 

 Water quality and chemistry in nearshore ocean ecosystems 

The Core Team used these Vital Signs priorities to develop budgets at three levels (a base budget 

of $200K (Table 1), a recommended budget of $245K (Table 2), and an enhanced budget for 

$400K (Table 3)). The base budget includes a full-time GS-9/11 biologist working on monitoring 

marsh capital, primarily based on sediment elevation tables (SETs), plus equipment, travel, and 

protocol development expenses for marsh capital monitoring. It also includes a half-time GS-9 

Climate Change Data Manager position (the other 50% time will be funded by NETN and 

perform duties as the network’s Assistant Data Manager). This person would be responsible for 

obtaining and analyzing existing weather, marine hydrography, and other high priority secondary 

data sets described above. The recommended $245K budget adds a half-time GS-7 biological 
14 

science technician and travel for salt marsh bird monitoring (the other half of the technician’s 

time would be funded by NCBN and perform other network monitoring duties). Both the base 

and recommended budgets allocate some funds to cover operational costs and the time that 

existing staff will spend on supervision and science communication. 

The highest priorities for enhanced monitoring are as follows for the proposed budget of $245K: 

 Expand existing interagency collaborative effort to monitor salt marsh capital along the 

Atlantic coast in 10 national parks in conjunction with 12 coastal United States Fish and 

Wildlife Service (USFWS) sites, as well as National Estuarine Research Reserve sites 

(NOAA, NERR) along the North Atlantic. This effort will include standardized protocols, 

databases and data collection. 

 Expand analysis, synthesis and reporting of datasets produced by other agencies and 

organizations such as climate, tide, sea level, and remotely-sensed data to park managers 

and others to enhance our understanding of the effects of climate change. ($200K) 

 Expand the existing interagency effort to monitor breeding marsh birds in North Atlantic 

parks within Bird Conservation Area 30 (BCR 30) through the Northeast Coordinated 

Bird Monitoring Partnership. ($245K) 

These projects will all continue collaborative efforts among the I&M Networks, USFWS, 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States Geological 

Survey (USGS), state wildlife agencies, universities and non-governmental organizations

 (NGOs). If funding is only available for the base budget, activities related to marsh bird 

monitoring will be reduced. 

If there is sufficient funding up to $400,000, the three I&M Networks propose making the 

Climate Change Data Manager position a full-time GS-9/11 position and increasing the budgets 

for equipment, projects, and science communication. This will allow more secondary data 

analyses to be incorporated into the monitoring program, with a shorter interval between reports. 

This level of funding would also allow the networks to consistently monitor marsh vegetation 

and nekton, phenology, and freshwater quality across the three networks. Increasing the 

consistency of monitoring would greatly facilitate regional analyses, and would provide a 

foundation for extending monitoring to other agencies. Funding at this level will also allow more 

effort to be directed to finalizing protocols, collaborating among agencies, and producing 

products to communicate findings to parks and other agencies. 
15 

Budgets 

Table 1. Base budget for monitoring indicators of climate change effects on NPS coastal resources. 

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Data Manager (50% GS‐9)1 $33,800 $35,900 $38,200   $40,500   $41,800

Biologist ‐ SETs (GS‐9/11) $89,700 $95,900 $102,400   $109,300   $113,150

Travel ‐ SETs $15,000 $15,400 $15,800   $16,100   $16,600

Vehicle ‐ SETs $6,000 $6,150 $6,300   $6,450   $6,650

Equipment $13,000 $9,050 $9,700   $5,000   $5,000

Projects2 $30,000 $25,000 $15,000   $10,000   $4,050

Supervision / Operations $10,000 $10,000 $10,000   $10,000   $10,000

Science Communication3 $2,500 $2,600 $2,600   $2,650   $2,750

TOTAL   $200,000 $200,000 $200,000   $200,000   $200,000

1

Flexibility to withstand a potential 5% cut in 2012: $10,000 will be reduced from project funds in 2012, 2013, and 

2014; in 2015, the project and science communication funds would be zeroed and supervisory funds reduced by 

$3,200 to balance the budget.

2

 the other 50% of the Data Manager’s time will be funded by spent as the NETN’s Assistant Data Manager 3 Projects: Protocol development for analysis of existing data sets (e.g., consultation with experts) as well as SET 

review and upgrades for NCBN and NCRN 

4

 Science Communication: 1 pay period per year of NETN science communication specialist time 

Table 2. Recommended budget for monitoring indicators of climate change effects on NPS coastal 

resources. This budget adds marsh bird monitoring to the base budget. 

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Data Manager (50% GS‐9)1 $33,800 $35,900 $38,200   $40,500   $41,800

Biologist ‐ SETs (GS‐9/11) $89,700 $95,900 $102,400   $109,300   $113,150

Bio Tech ‐ Birds (50% GS‐7)1 $30,300 $32,400 $34,600   $36,900   $38,200

Travel ‐ SETs $15,000 $15,400 $15,800   $16,100   $16,600

Vehicle ‐ SETs $6,000 $6,150 $6,300   $6,450   $6,650

Travel ‐ Birds $8,000 $8,200 $8,400   $8,600   $8,900

Equipment $15,000 $12,000 $9,700   $4,500   $5,000

Projects2 $34,700 $26,450 $17,000   $10,000   $2,000

Supervision / Operations $10,000 $10,000 $10,000   $10,000   $10,000

Science Communication3 $2,500 $2,600 $2,600   $2,650   $2,750

TOTAL   $245,000 $245,000 $245,000   $245,000   $245,000

1

 the other 50% of the Data Manager’s time will be funded by and spent as the NETN’s Assistant Data Manager, and 

the other 50% of the Bio Tech’s time will be funded by and spent as a NCBN Bio Tech 2

 Projects: Protocol development for analysis of existing data sets (e.g., consultation with experts) as well as SET 

review and upgrades for NCBN and NCRN 

3

 Science Communication: 1 pay period per year of NETN science communication specialist time 
16 

Table 3. Enhanced budget for monitoring indicators of climate change effects on NPS coastal resources. 

This budget adds enhanced data management, consistent implementation of several protocols, and 

additional science communication time to the recommended budget. 

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Data Manager (GS‐9/11) $81,600 $86,850 $92,300   $98,100   $101,000

Biologist ‐ SETs (GS‐9/11) $89,700 $95,900 $102,400   $109,300   $113,100

Bio Tech ‐ Birds (50% GS‐7)1 $30,300 $32,400 $34,600   $36,900   $38,200

Travel ‐ SETs $15,000 $15,400 $15,800   $16,100   $16,600

Vehicle ‐ SETs $6,000 $6,150 $6,300   $6,450   $6,650

Travel ‐ Birds $8,000 $8,200 $8,400   $8,600   $8,900

Equipment $27,600 $18,300 $16,200   $9,000   $6,800

Projects2 $41,800 $34,550 $19,500   $11,200   $2,250

Supervision / Operations $10,000 $10,000 $10,000   $10,000   $10,000

Science Communication3 $5,000 $5,125 $5,250   $2,650   $2,750

Marsh Veg and Nekton $25,000 $25,625 $26,250   $27,000   $27,600

Phenology $35,000 $35,875 $36,750   $37,700   $38,500

Freshwater Quality $25,000 $25,625 $26,250   $27,000   $27,650

TOTAL   $400,000 $400,000 $400,000   $400,000   $400,000

1

 the other 50% of the Bio Tech’s time will be funded by and spent as a NCBN Bio Tech 2

 Projects: Protocol development for analysis of existing data sets (e.g., consultation with experts) as well as SET 

review and upgrades for NCBN and NCRN 

3

 Science Communication: 2 pay periods per year of NETN science communication specialist time through 2013, then 

1 pay period 

Budget Justifications 

Funding at the $200K level will allow the three networks to continue collaborating with other 

agencies (including NOAA, USFWS and USGS) and other networks (Southeast Coast Network) 

on an Atlantic Coast monitoring program for salt marsh capital. Multiple agencies are using the 

same methods and working to collaborate on data management and analysis, and the Core Team 

feels that supporting a significant salt marsh capital monitoring program is essential. The other 

activities funded at the $200K level will support analysis and reporting of existing data sets from 

on-going non-NPS monitoring efforts. Since the data are being collected by other agencies, these 

monitoring products are a cost-effective way to provide important climate-change related 

information to park managers. Flexibility to withstand a potential 5% cut in 2012 includes a 

$10,000 reduction in project funds in 2012, 2013, and 2014. In 2015, the project and science 

communication funds would be zeroed and supervisory funds reduced by $3,200 to balance the 

budget. 

Funding at the recommended $245K level would allow the networks to add an important 

additional indicator – salt marsh breeding birds – to the monitoring program. Salt marsh birds are 

a charismatic group that are expected to be highly sensitive to climate change and can be 

monitored with established methods. This group is important to park managers and visitors, and 

an area of considerable potential interagency collaboration. Funding at this proposed level will 

allow the networks to continue working with the USFWS and others to implement consistent salt 

marsh bird monitoring across the North Atlantic. 
17 

If enhanced funding is available up to the $400K range, the networks would use the funds to 

further support the analysis and reporting of existing data sets and ensure that key monitoring 

projects are implemented consistently across the networks. These additional projects – including 

methods for reporting existing data sets and well-established monitoring efforts for marsh 

vegetation, marsh nekton, phenology, and water quality – will be a tremendous benefit to 

network parks, regional NPS analyses, and other federal agencies. 

Regardless of the final funding level, all of the projects proposed in the different budgets will 

benefit park management and planning (e.g., climate change vulnerability assessments) by 

providing early warnings of the effects of climate change and information that could inform 

scenario planning and adaptation and mitigation efforts. These data will also support the 

development and testing of regional climate change models based on down-scaled climate data. 

All of the projects, and particularly the projects funded in the recommended $245K budget, have 

strong interagency support and will be based on interagency data. 
18 
19 

Project Management 

The North Atlantic Coastal Climate Change Monitoring Program will be jointly managed by the 

National Capital Region’s Regional I&M Program Manager, the Northeast Coastal and Barrier 

Network (NCBN) Program Manager, and the Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) Program 

Manager. These three individuals will meet as needed to discuss work planning, budget, and 

implementation of monitoring activities, and decisions will be made by consensus. As 

appropriate they will interact with staff from the North Atlantic LCC, Northeast CSC, USFWS 

I&M, and other federal agencies and academic partners. All monitoring funds will be managed 

from a single account within NCBN. Unless directed otherwise by the national Inventory and 

Monitoring Division Chief, the annual work plan and annual report for these funds will be 

drafted by the three program managers and incorporated into the annual reports for NCBN. The 

annual reports for climate change funds will require the approval of the Northeast Region I&M 

Program Manager and the Inventory and Monitoring Division Chief, following the timeline used 

for individual network reports. 

New personnel hired using climate change funds will be stationed with the Northeast Temperate 

Network in Woodstock, Vermont (the Climate Change Data Manager) and the Northeast Coastal 

and Barrier Network in Kingston, Rhode Island (all other new staff). The data manager will be 

supervised by the NETN Data Manager, unless sufficient funds are provided to pay for a full 

time GS-11 data manager, in which case the NETN Program Manager will be the supervisor. All 

other staff hired with climate change funds will be supervised by the NCBN Program Manager 

or by a higher-grade NCBN biologist or ecologist. 

The Climate Change Data Manager will be responsible for working with the SET biologist to 

implement data management procedures and systems as a top priority. This individual will also 

work to develop procedures and systems for acquiring and reporting a variety of existing data 

sets, including climate, tide, NASA TOPS model data, and more. The data manager will work 

with the program managers and other government or academic scientists as needed to determine 

appropriate reporting metrics and formats. Based on the funding level, NETN will advertise the 

Data Manager position in October or November 2010. 

The SET Biologist will be responsible for evaluating existing NPS SET sites in the North 

Atlantic and proposing a timeline for making any changes needed to ensure that the program can 

monitor the effects of climate change on salt marsh capital. The biologist will also monitor 

existing NPS SET sites, repair the sites as needed, enter and manage data collected during 

monitoring, and write annual and trend reports that present the monitoring data. He or she will 

also coordinate with other agencies to ensure that NPS methods are consistent with their 

approach. Time permitting, the SET Biologist will participate in other monitoring activities, 

including participating in salt marsh bird monitoring or surveying rocky intertidal plots. NCBN 

and NETN are currently working together to recruit potential candidates for this position. 

The NETN Science Communication Specialist will be responsible for developing interpretive 

materials that promote North Atlantic Coastal Climate Change Monitoring. The program 

managers will work with the Science Communication Specialist to identify publications and 

other communication tools (such as web sites and presentations) that the specialist will produce. 
20 

The Science Communication Specialist is already working for NETN, and will devote at least 

one pay period to climate change communication in FY 2011. 
21 

References 

Mitchell, B.R., W. G. Shriver, F. Dieffenbach, T. Moore, D. Faber-Langendoen, G. Tierney, P. 

Lombard, and J. Gibbs. September 2006. Northeast Temperate Network Vital Signs 

Monitoring Plan. Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR--2006/059. National Park Service, 

Northeast Temperate Network, Woodstock, Vermont. 

National Park Service. 2005. Long-term Monitoring Plan for Natural Resources in the National 

Capital Region Network. Inventory and Monitoring Program, Center for Urban Ecology. 

Washington DC. 

National Park Service. 2010. National Park Service Climate Change Response strategy. National 

Park Service Climate Change Response Program, Fort Collins, Colorado. 

Secretarial Order 3289. 2009. Addressing the impacts of climate change on America’s water, 

land and other natural and cultural resources. 14 September 2009. 

Stevens, S., B. Milstead, M. Albert, G. Entsminger. September 2005. Northeast Coastal and 

Barrier Network Vital Signs Monitoring Plan. Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR--

2005/025. National Park Service. Boston, Massachusetts. 

Appendix 1. Ecosystems types found in each North Atlantic coastal Nat

US National Park Uplands Freshwater Ecosystems Rocky Intertidal Ecosystems Tidal Marshes Estuaries Be

Dun

B

Cape Cod National Seashore X X X X Fire Island National Seashore X X X X Gateway National Recreation Area X X X X Assateague Island National Seashore X X X X Colonial National Historical Park X X X X Sagamore Hill National Historic Site X X X X George Washington Birthplace National Monument X X X X Acadia National Park X X X X X Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area X – X X Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site X X X X Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites X X X George Washington Memorial Parkway X X X National Capital Parks - East X X X – Other parks that will indirectly benefit from this monitoringFort McHenry National Monument New Bedford Whaling Museum National Historical Park Salem Maritime National Historic Site X: Present, and a significant park resource –: Present, but not a significant park resource

25 

Appendix 2. List of peer reviewers of conceptual models and 

indicator tables 

1. Suzanne Paton-USFWS 

2. Dr. Hilary Neckles-USGS Patuxent 

3. Dr. Stephen Smith-Cape Cod National Seashore Plant Ecologist 

4. Dr. Ken Reposa-Narragansett Bay NERRS Coordinator 

5. Dr. Cathy Wigand-EPA Salt Marsh Ecologist 

6. Brian Sturgis-Assateague Island NS Hydrologist 

7. Dr. Bradley Peterson-SUNY Stony Brook Seagrass Ecologist 

8. Dr. Sofia Fox-Cape Cod National Seashore Aquatic Ecologist 

9. Dr. Scott Nixon-University of Rhode Island, Professor of Oceanography 

10. Dr. Rebecca Beavers-Coastal Geologist, NPS Geologic Resources Division 

11. Dr. Jodi Eshlemen-Coastal Engineer, NPS Geologic Resources Division 

12. Courtney Schupp-Assateague Island NS Coastal Geologist 

13. Dr. Cheryl Hapke-USGS Coastal Geologist, Woodshole, MA 

14. Dr. Norb Psuty-Rutgers University, Coastal Geomorphologist 

15. Tanya Silviera, Rutgers University, Coastal Geomorphologist 

16. Dr. Henry J. Bokuniewicz, SUNY Stony Brook, Coastal Geologist/Hydrologist 

17. Dr. Jeff Cross, Ocean and Marine Resources, NPS Fort Collins 

18. Dr. Candace Oviatt, University of Rhode Island Professor of Oceanography 

19. Jeremy Long, San Diego State University 

20. Peter Petraitis, University of Pennsylvania 

21. Tom Trott, Suffolk University 

22. Geoffrey Trussell, Northeastern University 

27

Appendix 3. Beaches, dunes and bluffs conceptual model and table of prediclimate change as well as currently monitored and potential indicators for m
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

28

Table B1. Currently monitored indicators for beaches, dunes and bluffs ecosystems

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 Metrics 

(Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCos

B1 Coastal/ 

Oceanographic Features and Processes NCBN: Shoreline Position 

Altered geomorphology Altered habitat 

NCBN – 1, since 2004 

Ocean shoreline position 

GPS survey biannually, spring and fall 

VH N/A 

B2 Coastal/ 

Oceanographic Features and Processes NCBN: Coastal Topography 

Altered geomorphology Altered habitat 

NCBN – 3 Beach and dune 

topography, including dune height and width, berm height and width, cliff height, overwash fan locations, foreshore slope, cross-shore area change, along-shore area change, sediment budget, and edge of vegetation 

GPS RTK survey and digital modeling biannually, spring and fall. Supplemental LiDAR. 

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

29

Table B2. High and medium priority potential indicators for beaches, dunes and bluffs ecosystem monitor

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A1 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered water and air temperature regime Changes in snow and ice cover; note that this factor is not in the beach model Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

NETN – 3, NETN has begun developing procedures and a database. Available data is generally 1950 and later. 

Precipitation (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability, “flashiness”) Snow depth (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability) Relative humidity (annual average, seasonal / monthly average and variability) Wind speed (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability, storm event max and average) Air temperature (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability) 

Acquire and analyze daily weather summaries from weather stations in or near each park. 

VH $$$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

30 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A2 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered hydrology Altered habitat Altered hydrologic cycle Changes in snow and ice cover; note that this factor is not in the beach model 

No monitoring initiated 

Snow cover Surface soil moisture Evapotranspiration 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 

A3 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Altered ocean circulation Altered wave, wind and spray patterns Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Ocean current, wave characteristics, tide range, and water quality parameters 

Acquire and analyze data from existing networks, e.g. buoys, CODAR-Seasondes, and AUV sensors.

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

31 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A4 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Accelerated rate of sea level rise Altered hydrology Altered tidal hydrology Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Water surface elevation, tide range, water quality parameters Wave force 

Acquire and analyze data from existing NOAA tide gages. Consider installing “whiffleball” wave impact gages at field sites 

VH $$ 

A5 Land Cover and 

Use NCBN: Landscape Change NCRN: Land Cover / Land Use NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover, Land Use 

Altered habitat No monitoring 

initiated 

Change in vegetation types Change in extent of vegetation 

Vegetation mapping and classification or use of NLCD data sets, every 10 years. 

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

32 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A6 Vascular Plants 

NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology Changes in photosynthesis timing and duration; note that this factor is not in the beach model 

No monitoring initiated 

Landscape phenology Vegetation indices 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 

B3 Land Cover and 

Use NCBN: Anthropogenic Modifications and Landscape Change NCRN: Land Cover / Land Use NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover, Land Use 

Altered geomorphology Altered habitat Altered runoff 

No monitoring initiated 

Human manipulation of the shoreline, including type, number and location of shoreline structures, beach nourishment events, dates of installation and years of impact 

GIS mapping based on existing data sources. Update every 5 to 10 years. 

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

33 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A7 Amphibians and 

Birds NCBN: Anurans, Marsh Birds NCRN: Amphibians, Landbirds NETN: Phenology, Breeding Birds, Amphibians and Reptiles 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

No monitoring initiated 

Breeding bird phenology Amphibian phenology 

Automated recorders at index locations, with automated recognition of index species. NETN and USGS are currently developing methods. 

VH $$$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

34 

Table B3. Other potential indicators for beaches, dunes and bluffs ecosystem monitoring 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A8 Groundwater 

NCRN: Groundwater Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered geomorphology Altered habitat Altered hydrology 

No monitoring initiated 

Depth to fresh water from surface, including variability and seasonality Salinity of groundwater 

Wells with continuously recording (~ hourly) pressure transducers in a variety of habitats; particularly surrounding wetland, estuarine, and marine habitats. 

H $$$

NS3 Marine Features 

and Processes NCBN: Marine Hydrography and Offshore Topography 

Altered geomorphology Altered habitat Altered sediment supply Altered sediment budget 

No monitoring initiated 

Nearshore Topography / Bathymetry; bottom configuration, vectors of displacement, volume of surficial sand supply 

Boat Based Survey, AUV, Interferometric side-scan or multibeam, pressure sensors, single-beam fathometer. Baseline Inventory needed and should include shallow nearshore waters. 

VH $$$
35 

Appendix 4. Estuarine conceptual model and table of predicted effects of cliwell as currently monitored and potential indicators for monitoring 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

36 

Table E1. Currently monitored estuarine indicators 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

E1 Subtidal Aquatic 

Beds NCBN: Seagrass Condition and Seagrass Distribution 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered habitat Altered water quality 

NCBN – 1, since 2007 

Seagrass / Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) bed size, SAV bed structure (cover class), SAV bed location, SAV density, SAV biomass, SAV canopy height, SAV percent cover, SAV seagrass depth limit, epiphyte Cover, grazing, wasting index, water temperature, salinity, light attenuation, sediment parameters 

Biennial transect/SCUBA surveys at FIIS, CACO and ASIS 

VH N/A 

E2 Subtidal Aquatic 

Beds NCBN: Seagrass Condition and Seagrass Distribution 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered habitat 

NCBN – 2, since 2007 

Seagrass / Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) % cover, maximum leaf length of 3 terminal grass shoots at each station, canopy height of the sample, water depth at each station 

Biennial boat surveys at FIIS, CACO and ASIS. 

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

37 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

E3 Subtidal Aquatic 

Beds NCBN: Seagrass Distribution 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered habitat 

NCBN – 3 Seagrass / Submerged 

Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) bed size, bay-wide distribution and absolute acreage 

Boat surveys every 5 years at FIIS, CACO and ASIS. 

VH N/A 

E4 Water Chemistry 

and Nutrient Dynamics NCBN: Estuarine Water Chemistry, Quality, and Clarity NCRN: Water Chemistry NETN: Water Chemistry and Estuarine Nutrient Enrichment 

Altered primary productivity Altered runoff Altered water quality 

NCBN – 1, start date varies NETN – 3 

Water ChemistryDissolved oxygen, Water temperature, Salinity Water QualityChlorophyll a Water Clarity-PAR, Turbidity 

Synoptic spatial sampling via boat surveys and continuous sampling at index sites using YSI sonde and lab analysis. Sample biennially during a 1 month summer index period. 

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

38 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

E5 Coastal/ 

Oceanographic Features and Processes NCBN: Estuarine Sediment Chemistry 

Altered sediment chemistry Altered sediment processes 

NCBN – 1, start date varies 

Surficial sediment % organic carbon Surficial sediment C:N ratio 

Grab samples collected and analyzed every 5 years 

H N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

39 

Table E2. High and medium priority indicators for additional estuarine monitoring 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

Setup Cost3 

A1 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered water and air temperature regime Changes in snow and ice cover; note that this factor is not in the estuarine model Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

NETN – 3, NETN has begun developing procedures and a database. Available data is generally 1950 and later. 

Precipitation (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability, “flashiness”) Snow depth (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability) Relative humidity (annual average, seasonal / monthly average and variability) Wind speed (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability, storm event max and average) Air temperature (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability) 

Acquire and analyze daily weather summaries from weather stations in or near each park. 

VH $$$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

40 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

Setup Cost3 

A2 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered hydrology Altered habitat Altered hydrologic cycle Changes in snow and ice cover; note that this factor is not in the estuarine model 

No monitoring initiated 

Snow cover Surface soil moisture Evapotranspiration 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 

A3 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Altered ocean circulation Altered wave, wind and spray patterns Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Ocean current, wave characteristics, tide range, and water quality parameters 

Acquire and analyze data from existing networks, e.g. buoys, CODAR-Seasondes, and AUV sensors.

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

41 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

Setup Cost3 

A4 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Accelerated rate of sea level rise Altered tidal hydrology Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Water surface elevation, tide range, water quality parameters Wave force 

Acquire and analyze data from existing NOAA tide gages. Consider installing “whiffleball” wave impact gages at field sites 

VH $$ 

A5 Land Cover and 

Use NCBN: Landscape Change NCRN: Land Cover / Land Use NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover, Land Use 

Altered habitat No monitoring 

initiated 

Change in vegetation types Change in extent of vegetation 

Vegetation mapping and classification or use of NLCD data sets, every 10 years. 

H $$ 

A6 Vascular Plants 

NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology Changes in photosynthesis timing and duration 

No monitoring initiated 

Landscape phenology Vegetation indices 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

42 

Table E3. Other potential indicators for estuarine monitoring 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A8 Groundwater 

NCRN: Groundwater Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered geomorphology; note that this factor is not in the estuarine model Altered habitat Altered hydrology 

NETN – 3 Depth to fresh water 

from surface, including variability and seasonality Salinity of groundwater 

Wells with continuously recording (~ hourly) pressure transducers in a variety of habitats; particularly surrounding wetland, estuarine, and marine habitats. 

H $$$

E6 Landsape 

Dynamics and Water Chemistry NCBN: Landscape Change and Estuarine Nitrogen Loading NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover 

Altered habitat Altered water quality 

No monitoring initiated; NCBN piloted in 2003 

% Natural Vegetation-Nitrogen Inputs, % Impervious Surface-Nitrogen Inputs, %AgricultureNitrogen Inputs, % Turf-Nitrogen Inputs, %WastewaterNitrogen Inputs, Total Nitrogen Inputs to Estuary 

GIS analysis, ten year interval, based on landscape metrics (roads, septic, census data, etc...), using Valiella (1997) model. 

H $$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

43 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

NS2 Shallow Sea Altered 

community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Benthic habitat mapping, benthic community composition 

Acoustic Survey, CEMCS Classification scheme, grab samples. Initial inventory to determine status. Repeat schedule not determined. 

VH $$$

E7 Water Chemistry 

NCRN and NETN: Water Chemistry 

Altered water quality Ocean acidification 

No monitoring initiated 

Estuarine total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), alkalinity, and partial pressure CO2

Grab samples analyzed in a lab. H $$$

E8 Toxics Altered 

community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Presence and extent of harmful algal blooms 

Acquire and report existing data. M $$ 

E9 Invertebrates and 

Plants NCBN and NETN: Exotic Plants, Exotic Animals NCRN: Invasive / Exotic Plants 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Invasive species – Early Detection 

Boat-based surveys for key invasive plants and animals 

M $$$ 

45 

Appendix 5. Nearshore ocean conceptual model and table of predicted effecchange as well as currently monitored and potential indicators for monitorin
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

46 

Table NS1. High and medium priority indicators for additional monitoring of nearshore ocean ecosystems 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A1 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered water and air temperature regime Changes in snow and ice cover; note that this is not a factor in the nearshore model Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

NETN – 3, NETN has begun developing procedures and a database. Available data is generally 1950 and later. 

Precipitation (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability, “flashiness”) Snow depth (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability) Relative humidity (annual average, seasonal / monthly average and variability) Wind speed (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability, storm event max and average) Air temperature (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability) 

Acquire and analyze daily weather summaries from weather stations in or near each park. 

VH $$$
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

47 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A3 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Altered regional ocean circulation Altered wave, wind and spray patterns Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Ocean current, wave characteristics, tide range, and water quality parameters 

Acquire and analyze data from existing networks, e.g. buoys, CODAR-Seasondes, and AUV sensors.

H $$ 

A4 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Accelerated rate of sea level rise Altered hydrology Altered tidal hydrology Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Water surface elevation, tide range, water quality parameters 

Acquire and analyze data from existing NOAA tide gages. Consider installing “whiffleball” wave impact gages at field sites 

VH $$ 

NS1 Water Chemistry 

NCRN and NETN: Water Chemistry 

Altered water quality 

No monitoring initiated 

Dissolved oxygen, Water temperature, Salinity, pH, Chlorophyll a 

Various methods implemented by multiple agencies; harvest existing data sources. 

VH $$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

48 

Table NS2. Other potential indicators for nearshore ocean monitoring 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

Setup Cost3 

NS2 Shallow Sea Altered 

community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Benthic habitat mapping, benthic community composition 

Acoustic Survey, CEMCS Classification scheme, grab samples. Initial inventory to determine status. Repeat schedule not determined. 

VH $$$$ 

NS3 Marine 

Features and Processes NCBN: Marine Hydrography and Offshore Topography 

Altered geomorphic processes Altered habitat Altered sediment processes 

No monitoring initiated 

Nearshore Topography / Bathymetry; bottom configuration, vectors of displacement, volume of surficial sand supply 

Boat Based Survey, AUV, Interferometric side-scan or multibeam, pressure sensors, single-beam fathometer. Baseline Inventory needed and should include shallow nearshore waters. 

VH $$$$

NS4 Marine 

Features and Processes NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Altered geomorphic processes Altered sediment processes 

No monitoring initiated 

Marine sediment characteristics—composition and physical characteristics 

Grab Samples and lab analysis H $$$ 

NS5 Marine 

Features and Processes NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Altered runoff Altered submarine groundwater discharge 

No monitoring initiated 

Groundwater discharge into marine waters 

Infrared photography taken from low flying aircraft 

M $$$$
49 

Appendix 6. Rocky intertidal habitat conceptual model and table of predicted change as well as currently monitored and potential indicators for monitorin
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

50 

Table RI1. Currently monitored indicators for rocky intertidal ecosystems 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

RI1 Weather and 

Climate and Marine Hydrology NCBN: Weather and Marine Hydrography NCRN: Weather and Water Chemistry NETN: Climate and Water Chemistry 

Altered habitat Altered water and air temperature regime 

NETN – 2, since 2008 

Air temperature during low tide Water temperature during high tide 

“Tidbit” temperature sensors deployed in lower intertidal, three per index monitoring site, recording hourly. There are 3 index sites (BOHA) and 4 index sites (ACAD), downloaded once per year. 

M or H (depending on correlation with buoy data) 

N/A 

RI2 Rocky Shores 

NETN: Rocky Intertidal Community 

Accelerated rate of sea level rise Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered habitat 

NETN – 2, since 2008 

Annual barnacle recruitment, presence and abundance of sea stars and urchins, presence and abundance of motile invertebrates (snails), cover of key species (mussels, barnacles, Fucus, Ascophyllum), shift in zonation 

Plot or transect sampling, 3 to 5 per metric, at 3 index sites (BOHA) and 4 index sites (ACAD), sampled once per year.

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

51 

Table RI2. High and medium priority potential indicators for rocky intertidal ecosystems monitoring 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCos

A1 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered water and air temperature regime Changes in snow and ice cover Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

NETN – 3, NETN has begun developing procedures and a database. Available data is generally 1950 and later. 

Precipitation (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability, “flashiness”) Snow depth (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability) Relative humidity (annual average, seasonal / monthly average and variability) Wind speed (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability, storm event max and average) Air temperature (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability) 

Acquire and analyze daily weather summaries from weather stations in or near each park. 

VH $$$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

52 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCos

A2 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered hydrology Altered habitat Altered hydrologic cycle Changes in snow and ice cover 

No monitoring initiated 

Snow cover Surface soil moisture Evapotranspiration 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 

A3 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Altered regional ocean circulation Altered wave, wind and spray patterns Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Ocean current, wave characteristics, tide range, and water quality parameters 

Acquire and analyze data from existing networks, e.g. buoys, CODAR-Seasondes, and AUV sensors.

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

53 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCos

A4 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Accelerated rate of sea level rise Altered hydrology Altered tidal hydrology Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Water surface elevation, tide range, water quality parameters 

Acquire and analyze data from existing NOAA tide gages. Consider installing “whiffleball” wave impact gages at field sites 

VH $$ 

A5 Land Cover and 

Use NCBN: Landscape Change NCRN: Land Cover / Land Use NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover, Land Use 

Altered habitat No monitoring 

initiated 

Change in vegetation types Change in extent of vegetation 

Vegetation mapping and classification or use of NLCD data sets, every 10 years. 

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

54 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCos

A6 Vascular Plants 

NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology Changes in photosynthesis timing and duration 

No monitoring initiated 

Landscape phenology Vegetation indices 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

55 

Table RI3. Other potential indicators for rocky intertidal ecosystems monitoring 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A8 Groundwater 

NCRN: Groundwater Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered geoMorphology Altered habitat Altered hydrology 

NETN – 3 Depth to fresh water 

from surface, including variability and seasonality Salinity of groundwater 

Wells with continuously recording (~ hourly) pressure transducers in a variety of habitats; particularly surrounding wetland, estuarine, and marine habitats. 

H $$$$

RI3 Rocky Shores 

NETN: Rocky Intertidal Community 

Accelerated rate of sea level rise Altered habitat 

No monitoring initiated 

Shift in zonation Enhanced point-intercept 

transects, using additional bolts and high accuracy surveying to establish elevation. Sampled at 3 transects at each of 3 index sites (BOHA) and 4 index sites (ACAD), visited annually; surveyed every 10 years 

H $$ 

RI4 Rocky Shores 

and Other NCBN: Exotic Animals NETN: Exotic Animals and Rocky Intertidal Community 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Invasive and other species index Understory species cover and diversity 

Timed search for invasive and other species not well sampled by the NETN protocol (e.g., crabs, sea cucumbers). Understory sampled using photoquadrats with cover species shifted, or grid sampling. 3 index sites (BOHA) and 4 index sites (ACAD), sampled once per year.

M $$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

56 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

RI5 Marine 

Hydrology NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Altered wave, wind and spray patterns 

No monitoring initiated 

Wave force Consider installing “whiffleball” wave impact gages at field 

sites. 

H $$ 

RI6 Rocky Shores 

NETN: Rocky Intertidal Community 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Annual mussel recruitment 

Recruitment to artificial substrates 

L $$$ 

RI7 Rocky Shores 

NETN: Rocky Intertidal Community 

Corrosion of shells and coralline algae Ocean acidification 

No monitoring initiated 

Shell thickness Measurement of shell thickness 

of one or more mollusk species 

L $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

57 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

RI8 Water Chemistry 

NCRN and NETN: Water Chemistry 

Ocean acidification 

No monitoring initiated 

Ocean acidity Erosion of plaster blocks over 

fixed time periods 

L $$$ 

59 

Appendix 7. Tidal marsh conceptual model and table of predicted effects of well as currently monitored and potential indicators for monitoring 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

60 

Table TM1. Currently monitored indicators for tidal marshes 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

TM1 Intertidal 

Marshes NCBN: Salt Marsh Vegetation Community Structure NETN: Salt Marsh Vegetation 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

NCBN – 1, since 2008 NETN – 2, since 2009 

Tidal marsh vegetation percent cover, vegetation species composition, height of vegetation species of concern, and presence of key invasive plant species

NCBN samples 6-9 8 ha sites biennially per park, with 50 1-m2

plots per site. Cover is estimated using cover classes. NETN samples index sites at ACAD, BOHA, and SAIR using NCBN methods, sites sampled every 3 years. 

VH N/A 

TM2 Fishes and 

Invertebrates NCBN: Salt Marsh Nekton Community Structure NCRN: Fishes NETN: Fishes 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

NCBN – 1, since 2008 

Tidal marsh nekton species abundance, nekton size structure, and invasive animals. Ancillary data includes pool/creek water temperature, DO, salinity, water depth. 

Biennial sampling, with 2 samples per summer during sampling years. 15-21 1-m2

throw traps (pools and creeks) or 8-10 ditch nets (mosquito ditches), with ancillary data collected at each sampling location using YSI handheld meter. 

VH N/A 

TM3 Coastal/ 

Oceanographic Features and Processes NCBN: Salt Marsh Sediment Elevation NETN: Shoreline Geomorphology 

Altered habitat Altered sediment processes 

NCBN – 1, start date varies by park 

Tidal marsh sediment relative elevation, accretion, erosion, and shallow subsidence 

Surface Elevation Tables (SETs), sampled biannually in the spring and fall. 

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

61 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

TM4 Coastal/ 

Oceanographic Features and Processes 

Altered habitat NCBN – 2, since 

2008 

Tidal marsh pool, creek, and ditch size category and distribution 

GPS and GIS data collected biennially as part of Nekton monitoring 

VH N/A 

E4 Water Chemistry 

and Nutrient Dynamics NCBN: Estuarine Water Chemistry, Quality, and Clarity NCRN: Water Chemistry NETN: Water Chemistry and Estuarine Nutrient Enrichment 

Altered runoff Altered water quality 

NCBN – 1, start date varies NETN – 3 

Water ChemistryDissolved oxygen, Water temperature, Salinity Water QualityChlorophyll a Water Clarity-PAR, Turbidity 

Synoptic spatial sampling via boat surveys, and continuous sampling at index sites using YSI sonde and lab analysis. Sample biennially during a 1 month summer index period. 

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

62 

Table TM2. High and medium priority indicators for additional monitoring of tidal marsh 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

TM3 Coastal/ 

Oceanographic Features and Processes NCBN: Salt Marsh Sediment Elevation NETN: Shoreline Geomorphology 

Altered habitat Altered sediment processes 

NCBN – 1, start date varies by park 

Tidal marsh sediment relative elevation, accretion, erosion, and shallow subsidence Tidal marsh capital and sediment budget 

Surface Elevation Table (SETs) read biannually (spring and fall); data is part of information needed for calculating tidal marsh capital and sediment budget. 

VH $$$$

TM5 Groundwater 

Dynamics and Surface Water Dynamics NCRN: Groundwater Level NCBN: Salt Marsh Sediment Elevation NETN: Shoreline Geomorphology 

Accelerated rate of sea level rise Altered hydrology Altered runoff 

No monitoring initiated 

Tidal marsh tidal range Tidal marsh frequency of inundation 

Groundwater wells with pressure transducers (e.g., Aquatrolls), recording continuously or only in the summer; data is part of information needed for calculating tidal marsh capital and sediment budget. 

VH $$$$
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

63 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A1 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered water and air temperature regime Changes in snow and ice cover; note that this factor is not in the tidal marsh model Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

NETN – 3, NETN has begun developing procedures and a database. Available data is generally 1950 and later. 

Precipitation (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability, “flashiness”) Snow depth (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability) Relative humidity (annual average, seasonal / monthly average and variability) Wind speed (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability, storm event max and average) Air temperature (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability) 

Acquire and analyze daily weather summaries from weather stations in or near each park. 

VH $$$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

64 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A2 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered hydrology Altered habitat Altered hydrologic cycle Changes in snow and ice cover; note that this factor is not in the tidal marsh model 

No monitoring initiated 

Snow cover Surface soil moisture Evapotranspiration 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 

A3 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Altered ocean circulation Altered wave, wind and spray patterns Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Ocean current, wave characteristics, tide range, and water quality parameters 

Acquire and analyze data from existing networks, e.g. buoys, CODAR-Seasondes, and AUV sensors.

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

65 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A4 Marine 

Hydrology and Water Chemistry NCBN: Marine Hydrography 

Accelerated rate of sea level rise Altered hydrology Altered tidal hydrology Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

No monitoring initiated 

Water surface elevation, tide range, water quality parameters Wave force 

Acquire and analyze data from existing NOAA tide gages. Consider installing “whiffleball” wave impact gages at field sites 

VH $$ 

A5 Land Cover and 

Use NCBN: Landscape Change NCRN: Land Cover / Land Use NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover, Land Use 

Altered habitat No monitoring 

initiated 

Change in vegetation types Change in extent of vegetation 

Vegetation mapping and classification or use of NLCD data sets, every 10 years. 

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

66 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A6 Vascular Plants 

NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology Changes in photosynthesis timing and duration 

No monitoring initiated 

Landscape phenology Vegetation indices 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 

TM1 Intertidal 

Marshes NCBN: Salt Marsh Vegetation Community Structure NETN: Salt Marsh Vegetation 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

NCBN – 1, since 2008 NETN – 2, since 2009 

Tidal marsh vegetation percent cover, vegetation species composition, height of vegetation species of concern, and presence of key invasive plant species

NCBN samples 6-9 8 ha sites biennially per park, with 50 1-m2

plots per site. Cover is estimated using cover classes. NETN samples index sites at ACAD, BOHA, and SAIR using NCBN methods, sites sampled every 3 years. 

VH $$$ 

TM2 Fishes and 

Invertebrates NCBN: Salt Marsh Nekton Community Structure NCRN: Fishes 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

NCBN -1, since 2008 

Tidal marsh nekton species abundance, nekton size structure, and invasive animals. Ancillary data includes pool/creek water temperature, DO, salinity, water depth. 

Biennial sampling, with 2 samples per summer during sampling years. 15-21 1-m2

throw traps (pools and creeks) or 8-10 ditch nets (mosquito ditches), with ancillary data collected at each sampling location using YSI handheld meter. 

VH $$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

67 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

TM6 Birds 

NCBN: Marsh Birds NCRN: Landbirds NETN: Breeding Birds 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Species composition and relative abundance 

Annual point count surveys incorporating call-back protocol for secretive species. 

VH $$$$ 

A7 Amphibians and 

Birds NCBN: Anurans, Marsh Birds NCRN: Amphibians, Landbirds NETN: Phenology, Breeding Birds, Amphibians and Reptiles 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

NETN – 3 Breeding bird 

phenology Amphibian phenology 

Automated recorders at index locations, with automated recognition of index species. NETN and USGS are currently developing methods. 

VH $$$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

68 

Table TM3. Other potential indicators for tidal marsh 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

A8 Groundwater 

NCRN: Groundwater Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered geomorphology; note that this factor is not in the tidal marsh model Altered habitat Altered hydrology 

NETN – 3 Depth to fresh water 

from surface, including variability and seasonality Salinity of groundwater 

Wells with continuously recording (~ hourly) pressure transducers in a variety of habitats; particularly surrounding wetland, estuarine, and marine habitats. 

H $$$$

E6 Landsape 

Dynamics and Water Chemistry NCBN: Landscape Change and Estuarine Nitrogen Loading NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover 

Altered habitat Altered water quality 

No monitoring initiated; NCBN piloted in 2003 

% Natural Vegetation-Nitrogen Inputs, % Impervious Surface-Nitrogen Inputs, %AgricultureNitrogen Inputs, % Turf-Nitrogen Inputs, %WastewaterNitrogen Inputs, Total Nitrogen Inputs to Estuary 

GIS analysis, ten year interval, based on landscape metrics (roads, septic, census data, etc...), using Valiella (1997) model. 

H $$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

69 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

TM7 Intertidal 

Marshes NCBN: Salt Marsh Vegetation Community Structure NETN: Wetland Vegetation 

Altered primary productivity Altered community composition, species survival, and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Below ground biomass 

Sample roots and rhizomes by taking soil cores and sieving (roots and rhizomes held on a 1 mm sieve); sample every 5 years or so. 

H $$$ 

TM8 Soil Function 

and Dynamics 

Altered salinity pattern Altered soil chemistry 

No monitoring initiated 

Salinity of soil pore water 

Pore water samples, sampling frequency not determined. 

VH $$$ 

TM9 Introduced 

Vegetation and Other NCBN and NETN: Exotic Plants, Exotic Animals NCRN: Invasive / Exotic Plants, Forest Insect Pests 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Tidal marsh invasive species early detection 

Surveillance monitoring of priority invasive plants and animals; methods and sampling design not determined. 

H $$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

70 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2 

SetuCos

TM10 Soil Function 

and Dynamics 

Altered habitat No monitoring 

initiated 

Tidal marsh soil temperature 

Take temperature with soil probe, in conjunction with nekton and vegetation sampling. 

H $$ 

TM11 Soil Function 

and Dynamics 

Altered habitat Altered soil chemistry 

No monitoring initiated 

Tidal marsh soil percent organic matter and bulk density 

Take soil cores, measure volume, dry subsamples, weigh, measure loss on ignition. Sampling frequency not determined. 

H $$$ 

TM12 Invertebrates Altered 

community composition, species survival and reproduction 

No monitoring initiated 

Fiddler crabs, especially Sesarma

crabs 

Index based on numbers of crab burrows; sampling frequency not determined. 

M $$$ 

TM13 Coastal/ 

Oceanographic Features and Processes NCBN: Estuarine Sediment Chemistry 

Altered sediment processes 

No monitoring initiated 

Sediment processes Methods and sampling not yet 

determined. 

M $$$$
71 

Appendix 8. Freshwater and coastal uplands conceptual model and table of of climate change as well as currently monitored and potential indicators for 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

72 

Table UF1. Currently monitored indicators for uplands and freshwater 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF1 Soil Function and 

Dynamics NCRN: Forest Soil NETN: Forest Soil Condition 

Altered habitat Altered nutrient cycling Altered nutrient loads 

NCRN – 1, since 2007 NETN – 1, since 2006 

NCRN & NETN: Forest soil Ca:Al, C:N, exchangeable cations, LOI NCRN: Forest soil filtration, compactionaggregation 

NCRN: Randomly sampled forest plots once every 8 yrs. Variety of samples in forest plots. NETN: Randomly located forest and woodland plots sampled every 4 years. Three cores or 10 cm quadrats per plot, composited by layer or depth. 

M N/A 

UF2 Surface Water 

Dynamics NCRN: Surface Water Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered hydrology Altered runoff 

NCRN – 1, since 2005 NETN – 1, since 2006 

Stream flow Synoptic sampling with flow 

meter Monthly sampling of most streams at fixed and representative location. NCRN samples year-round, NETN samples May through October. 

H N/A 

UF3 Surface Water 

Dynamics NCRN: Surface Water Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered hydrology Altered runoff 

NCRN – 1, since 2005 NETN – 1, since 2006 

Stream flow Continuous gage; there are 18 

continuous flow gages in or near NCRN (16) and NETN (2) parks 

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

73 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF4 Surface Water 

Dynamics NCRN: Surface Water Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered hydrology Altered runoff 

NETN – 1, since 2006 

Lake and pond level Weekly to monthly monitoring 

of major water bodies. Record water height relative to reference point 

H N/A 

UF5 Water Chemistry 

NCRN and NETN: Water Quality 

Altered water quality 

NCRN – 1, since 2005 NETN – 1, since 2006 

Streams in NCRN and streams, ponds, and lakes in NETN. Record conductivity, pH, DO, and temperature (plus salinity in NCRN) 

Monthly sampling of most sites at fixed and representative location. Sampling with sonde, including vertical profiles of lakes and ponds NCRN samples year-round, NETN samples May through October. 

H N/A 

UF6 Nutrient 

Dynamics NCRN and NETN: Water Quality 

Altered nutrient cycling Altered nutrient loads Altered water quality 

NCRN – 1, since 2005 NETN – 1, since 2006 

NCRN: Stream ANC, nitrogen, phosphorus NETN: Stream, pond, and lake alkalinity / ANC, nitrogen, phosphorus, color, chlorophyll a 

Field collection and lab analysis. NCRN samples monthly, and NETN takes two samples per year (spring and summer) for most streams, ponds, and lakes at fixed and representative location; chlorophyll a only at ACAD lakes. 

H N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

74 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF7 Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and 

Algae NCRN and NETN: Stream Macroinvertebrates 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered water quality 

NCRN – 1, since 2005 NETN – 1, since 2006 

Stream macroinvertebrate species abundance and community composition 

Standard taxonomic identification and analysis. NCRN samples 36 stream sites (6 per year on 6 year panel). NETN has several index sites at ACAD; collect sample from bags of rocks using Maine protocol. 

M N/A 

UF8 Amphibians 

NCBN: Anurans NCRN: Amphibians NETN: Phenology, Amphibians and Reptiles 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

NCRN – 1, since 2005 

Amphibian phenology 

Acoustic monitoring. NCRN uses the USGS ARMI protocol at index sites. 

VH N/A 

UF9 Amphibians 

NCBN: Anurans NCRN: Amphibians NETN: Phenology, Amphibians and Reptiles 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

NCRN – 1, since 2005 

Amphibian phenology 

Egg mass surveys at index vernal pools 

M N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

75 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF10 Birds 

NCRN: Landbirds NETN: Phenology, Breeding Birds 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

NCRN – 1, since 2007 NETN – 1, since 2006 

Breeding landbird community composition and abundance 

10-minute point counts. NETN has one to three visits per year at systematically placed forest and grassland sites (random start at ACAD); NCRN has twice yearly sampling of randomly located forest points. 

H N/A 

UF11 Birds 

NCBN: Marsh Birds NCRN: Landbirds NETN: Phenology, Breeding Birds 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

NETN – 1, since 2008 

Breeding coastal bird community composition and abundance 

Annual census of coastal bird species at BOHA 

H N/A 

UF12 Microbes, 

Invertebrates, and Plants NCBN and NETN: Exotic Plants, Exotic Animals NCRN: Invasive / Exotic Plants, Forest Insect Pests 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

NETN – 1, since 2010 

Invasive species early detection 

Surveillance monitoring of priority invasive plants and pests, via haphazard sampling by volunteers and staff 

M N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

76 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF13 Microbes, 

Invertebrates, and Plants NCBN and NETN: Exotic Plants, Exotic Animals NCRN: Invasive / Exotic Plants, Forest Insect Pests 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction 

NCBN – 1, since 2008 NCRN and NETN – 1, since 2006 

Invasive species presence and abundance on fixed plots 

Detections at randomly located forest monitoring plots. Plots are sampled every four years. 

H N/A 

UF14 Land Cover and 

Use NCBN: Landscape Change NCRN: Land Cover / Land Use NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover, Land Use 

Altered habitat NCRN – 1, in 

progress 

Change in land cover type 

GIS analysis of remotely sensed data at 5 to 10 year intervals. 

H N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

77 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF15 Permanent 

Rivers/Streams/ Creeks NCRN: Physical Habitat Index and Water Quality NETN: Water Quality 

Altered habitat Altered geomorphology 

NCRN – 1, since 2005 NETN – 1, since 2009 

Stream physical habitat index Stream geomorphology assessment 

NCRN uses the Maryland Biological Stream Sampling methods, also some assessments made during visits to streams for chemistry, at 36 sites (6 sites per year on a 6-year rotating panel). NETN conducts an annual assessment of water monitoring sites using EPA methods. 

L N/A 

UF16 Amphibians 

NCBN: Anurans NCRN: Amphibians NETN: Phenology, Amphibians and Reptiles 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

NETN – 3, since 2010 

Amphibian phenology 

Acoustic monitoring; automated recorders at index sites followed by automated detection of indicator species. 

VH N/A 

UF17 Amphibians 

NCBN: Anurans NCRN: Amphibians NETN: Phenology, Amphibians and Reptiles 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

NETN – 3, since 2008 

Amphibian phenology 

Cover board surveys of arrays on index forested sites. 

L N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

78 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF18 Birds 

NCRN: Landbirds NETN: Phenology, Breeding Birds 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology; 

NETN – 3, since 2010 

Breeding landbird phenology 

Acoustic monitoring; automated recorders at index sites followed by automated detection of indicator species. 

VH N/A 

UF19 Vascular Plants 

NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology 

NETN – 3, since 2010 

Individual plant phenology 

Periodic observations of phenophases of specific individuals, using USA-NPN methods. 

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

79 

Table UF2. High and medium priority potential indicators for uplands and freshwater monitoring 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 Metrics 

(Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

A1 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered water and air temperature regime Changes in snow and ice cover Changes in storm intensity, frequency & timing 

NETN – 3, NETN has begun developing procedures and a database. Available data is generally 1950 and later. 

Precipitation (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability, “flashiness”) Snow depth (annual totals, seasonal totals, event totals and variability) Relative humidity (annual average, seasonal / monthly average and variability) Wind speed (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability, storm event max and average) Air temperature (annual average, seasonal and monthly average and variability) 

Acquire and analyze daily weather summaries from weather stations in or near each park. 

VH $$$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

80 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 Metrics 

(Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

A2 Weather and 

Climate NCBN and NCRN: Weather NETN: Climate 

Altered hydrology Altered habitat Altered hydrologic cycle Changes in snow and ice cover 

No monitoring initiated 

Snow cover Surface soil moisture Evapotranspiration 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 

A5 Land Cover and 

Use NCBN: Landscape Change NCRN: Land Cover / Land Use NETN: Land Cover / Ecosystem Cover, Land Use 

Altered habitat No monitoring 

initiated 

Change in vegetation types Change in extent of vegetation 

Vegetation mapping and classification or use of NLCD data sets, every 10 years. 

H $$ 

A6 Vascular Plants 

NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology Changes in photosynthesis timing and duration 

No monitoring initiated 

Landscape phenology Vegetation indices 

Remote sensing; NASA TOPS models and products 

H $$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

81 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 Metrics 

(Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF20 Birds 

NCBN: Marsh Birds NCRN: Landbirds NETN: Phenology, Breeding Birds 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

No monitoring initiated 

Breeding bird phenology 

e-Bird data, including first arrival, departure, and seasonal and annual community composition. Analysis of volunteer-contributed data for specific locations 

VH $$$ 

A7 Amphibians and 

Birds NCBN: Anurans, Marsh Birds NCRN: Amphibians, Landbirds NETN: Phenology, Breeding Birds, Amphibians and Reptiles 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered timing and phenology 

No monitoring initiated 

Breeding bird phenology Amphibian phenology 

Automated recorders at index locations, with automated recognition of index species. NETN and USGS are currently developing methods. 

VH $$$$ 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

82 

Table UF3. Other potential indicators for uplands and freshwater monitoring 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

A8 Groundwater 

NCRN: Groundwater Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered geomorphology Altered habitat Altered hydrology 

NETN – 3 Depth to fresh water 

from surface, including variability and seasonality Salinity of groundwater 

Wells with continuously recording (~ hourly) pressure transducers in a variety of habitats; particularly surrounding wetland, estuarine, and marine habitats. 

H $$$$

UF21 Birds and 

Mammals NCBN: Marsh Birds NCRN: Landbirds NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology 

NETN – 3 Migratory bird and 

bat phenology 

Acoustic monitoring, mist net stations, and radar conducted concurrently at index sites during fall migration. 

H $$$$
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

83 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF22 Surface Water 

Dynamics NCRN: Groundwater Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered geomorphology Altered habitat Altered hydrology 

NETN – 3 Freshwater wetland 

water level 

Data logger in reference well; continuous logging in index wetlands. 

H N/A 

UF23 Surface Water 

Dynamics NCRN: Surface Water Dynamics NETN: Water Quantity 

Altered geomorphology Altered habitat Altered hydrology 

NETN – 3 Vernal pool water 

level 

Data logger in reference well; continuous logging in reference pools. 

H N/A 

UF24 Water Chemistry 

NCRN and NETN: Water Quality 

Altered habitat Altered water quality 

NETN – 3 Wetland and vernal 

pool temperature 

Data logger in reference well; continuous logging at index sites

H N/A 

UF25 Vascular Plants 

NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology 

NETN – 3 Individual plant 

phenology 

Photo monitoring; time lapse photo observations of index plants. 

VH N/A 

UF26 Vascular Plants 

NETN: Phenology 

Altered timing and phenology 

NETN – 3 Landscape 

phenology 

Photo monitoring using PhenoCam methods – observations of forest stands. 

VH N/A 
1 Monitoring Status: Network + status (1 = Protocol Implemented; 2 = Protocol Piloted; 3 = Protocol In Development) 

2 Priority: VH = very high; H = high; M = medium; L = low 3 Cost (annual cost for new work): $ = less than $3K, $$ = $3-10K, $$$ = $11-25K, $$$$ = $26-50K, $$$$$ = over $50K 

84 

# Monitoring 

Framework Category Vital Signs 

Associated Factor from Model 

Monitoring Status1 

Metrics (Indicators) 

Methods & Sampling Priority for 

Monitoring CC2

SetuCost

UF27 Permanent FW 

Marshes/Pools NETN: Wetland Vegetation 

Altered habitat No monitoring 

initiated 

Freshwater wetland extent 

Field mapping or remote sensing of freshwater wetland extent 

M $$$$

UF28 Permanent FW 

Marshes/Pools NETN: Wetland Vegetation 

Altered community composition, species survival and reproduction Altered habitat 

NETN – 3 Wetland plant 

presence Wetland plant abundance Wetland quality 

EPA NWCA intensive methods at 10 index sites at ACAD; USARAM methods (part of the NWCA) at random wetlands; 5 years sample rotation. 

H N/A 
 

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Island Communities. 

NPS 950/106194, December2010 
 

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