Adaptive Management

Adaptive Management is a process wherein management actions can be changed in response to monitored system response, so as to maximize restoration efficacy or achieve a desired ecological state. Adaptive management allows projects to proceed in the face of uncertainty, accelerating project implementation and the realization of benefits while avoiding unneeded study. Since it eliminates some undesirable outcomes, adaptive management also increases the likelihood that restoration projects will achieve full success. In moving from the conceptual to actual implementation, it becomes apparent that adaptive management has a significant influence on the planning process. It forces planners to confront the possibilities of adverse outcomes and think about how alternatives could be modified in order to help ensure project success. The process of addressing these factors can be as valuable as adaptive management itself.

Adaptive management can be described in terms of a series of eight Steps, and is guided by a set of Principles that help improve the likelihood of project success. The figure below shows how the development of an adaptive management plan relates to the Corps’ six-step planning process. Adaptive management is useful only when three criteria are met; in other circumstances projects should simply be monitored for success. Adaptive management relies upon monitoring of one or more metrics related to the project objectives, and the implementation of management actions that are triggered by decision criteria and risk endpoints. The development of an adaptive management plan is required as part of the feasibility study for all ecosystem restoration projects.



Principles Of Adaptive Management Management flexibility is incorporated into the design and implementation of programs or projects. Scientific information obtained through continued monitoring is used to evaluate and manage uncertainties to achieve desired goals and objectives. Scientific information is introduced into the decision-making process and guides managers during and after project implementation. Projects and programs can be implemented in phases to allow for course corrections based on new information. Interagency collaboration and productive stakeholder participation are key elements to success.

Related Resources


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Foundation Reading

• Fischenich, J. C., Vogt, C. (2012). EMRRP-EBA-10: The Application of Adaptive Management to Ecosystem Restoration Projects

Case Studies for Monitoring & Adaptive Management

• Middle Rio Grande Bosque Restoration Project Monitoring & Adaptive Management Plan
• Neuse River Basin integrated feasibility report, environmental assessment and Monitoring & Adaptive Management Plan
• USACE, State of Louisiana-Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration, Louisiana Coastal Area Program: LCA Medium Diversion at White Ditch Monitoring & Adaptive Management Plan
• USACE, State of Louisiana-Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration, Louisiana Coastal Area Program: LCA Small Diversion at Convent/Blind River Monitoring & Adaptive Management Plan

Other Products

• EBA Glossary

Tools

• Return on Investment Calculator for Adaptive Management

Webinars

• Monitoring Ecosystem Restoration Projects