NGPN landbird monitoring data and associated vegetation characteristics (2013-2024)

Northern Great Plains Network; Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

The Northern Great Plains Network (NGPN) is part of the NPS Inventory and Monitoring Division (IMD). We provide scientific support, data and interpretation related to resource conditions in park units within the Network in support of the National Park Service Organic Act and the National Parks Omnibus Management Act (Title II, Section 204 – Inventory and Monitoring Program). The NGPN network includes 13 NPS units: Fort Union NHS, Theodore Roosevelt NP, Knife River Indian Villages NHS, Devils Tower NM, Jewel Cave NM, Mount Rushmore NM, Badlands NP, Wind Cave NP, Fort Laramie NHS, Agate Fossil Beds NM, Scotts Bluff NM, Missouri NRR, and Niobrara NSR. The purpose of these data is to inform park staff, planners, administrators, partners and the public with quantitative records of the composition and abundance of birds in National Park units. These data were carefully collected using precise methods, careful documentation, and multiple quality control steps. These data are working files used to guide and inform park managers who make decisions about conservation and management of habitats and resources of the park based on desired conditions of resources. These data are provided as one key piece of evidence to support management of bird habitats. No claims are made, legal or otherwise, regarding the accuracy, precision and utility of these data. These data were generated by the work of many different field crews in collaboration with Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (2013-2024). Crews visited each unit each year collecting information on the condition of bird populations and communities. The data collection was guided by established methods and a detailed sampling protocol, which consisted of point-transect surveys with 6-minute sampling periods. For the detailed sampling protocol, see the Notes section.