A Proposal for Cape Cod National Seashore to Serve as a Prototype Monitoring Program for the Atlantic/Gulf Coast Biogeographic Region

National Park Service

This proposal will demonstrate that Cape Cod National Seashore is best qualified to serve as a prototype monitoring program for the Atlantic and Gulf Coast Biogeographic Area. The Seashore (1) contains the diverse array of coastal zone habitats found along the Atlantic/Gulf region; (2) is exposed to common threats (i.e., sea level rise and storms, external development pressure, ecosystem fragmentation); (3) provides the necessary human and physical resources to implement a scientifically credible plan; and most important (4) contains an extraordinary multidisciplinary inventory data base. Table of Contents includes: Executive Summary. Introduction. Recognized Management Need. Status of Inventory (Park-wide; Habitat-specific). Program Readiness (Existing Monitoring Protocols; Existing Cooperative Relationships; Funding Opportunities). Monitoring Program Design (Shoreline Margins; Barrier Islands, Spits, and Dunes; Estuaries; Kettle Ponds and Freshwater Habitats; Maritime Forests and Heathlands; Periodic Atmosphere, Water & Veg Monitoring). Scientific Credibility and Capability. Budget and Cost Effectiveness (Protocol Design and Testing; Implementation (Start-up and Base Funding); Implementation Strategy; Budget Summary). Servicewide and Multipark Applicability. Park Infrastructure and Organization (Infrastructure; Organization and Approved Reorganization). Data Management Plan. GIS Support and Integration. Linkage and Leveraging. Reporting System. Threats to Park Resources. References Cited. Appendix 1 -- RMP Project Statements. Appendix 2 -- Vegetation Monitoring Protocol. Appendix 3 -- GIS Data Themes at CACO.