Vital Signs Project

The National Capital Region Network (NCRN) of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) program has identified 22 indicators of ecological condition within the National Capital Region (NCR), which are commonly called “vital signs”. The NCRN is currently in the process of implementing vital signs monitoring within 11 NCR parks. An essential component of vital signs monitoring is the portrayal of how vital signs yield information about the condition of park resources. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences (UMCES) has recognized expertise in the synthesis of biological data to develop conceptual models/diagrams that effectively communicate the results of monitoring efforts. Additionally, the NCRN has assembled a talented staff of technical experts and partners that can help to focus the scope and intent of an overall reporting framework for ecological condition. The detailed scope of work describes specific tasks UMCES and other parties will undertake to complete the objectives of this agreement. The NCRN approach to science communication may afford broader benefits to other National Park Service program areas, hence the current proposal contains components to assist in training and development of resources for staff located more broadly within NPS.