This is a solid program that is moving forward to meet mitigation objectives for the project area. It is well organized and has a sound direction for implementation. There is a strong basis for partnerships, cooperation, and leveraging of resources between WWMP and numerous agencies and organizations.

1. Objectives and outcomes

The ISRP was pleased to see that past suggestions were incorporated into the Pilot Project work, but see above qualifications.

2. Scientific principles and methods

The project appears to utilize sound science and standard methods for its design, planning, and implementation for acquiring properties. The ISRP requests a description of the proponents’ scientific approach to manage among the parcels (e.g. island biogeography, landscape management). Because of the large spatial scale and multiple project sites, the ISRP suggests a site visit would provide valuable interactions for both the ISRP and proponents.

3. Monitoring and evaluation

A monitoring plan has recently been completed and is in its second year of pilot testing. It is included in reporting materials and provides recommendations for future monitoring based on initial pilot testing and evaluation. The proponent also directly dealt with past ISRP qualifications regarding development and testing of a monitoring plan. One item that was not fully addressed is a timeline for completion of a WWMP database management system. It was

noted that this was going to occur, but no target date was provided. Additionally, it is noted that the Plan addresses many of the land acquisition metrics identified by the Council for both implementation and effectiveness. Also, under effectiveness monitoring for modification of vegetation, it is stated, “Habitat condition monitoring will track metrics related to structure, composition, seral stage, invasive species, and other habitat elements relative to each Strategy Habitat.” Presenting these metrics as quantitative objectives would benefit the project’s monitoring and evaluation effort and guide future actions.

4. Results: benefits to fish and wildlife and adaptive management

The database remains a concern from our last review (ISRP 2017-1). The ISRP continues to request a timeline for development and some beta versions of their approach. This is an  important step and an undertaking that should undergo ISRP review.

The ISRP requests in the next annual report by 2018 that: 1. Quantitative objectives, timelines, and adaptive management plans be developed for each of the properties acquired, and the ISRP believes results of the pilot work may be useful for developing these. 2. A specific timeline for database development needs to be provided, including intermediate milestones and beta testing. 3. The proponents present timelines, with target dates, for completion of management plans for all parcels that have been acquired and in the program for 18 months or more. Completion of these plans is critical for protection and management and provides important direction needed for a comprehensive monitoring program.

The ISRP recommends that a site visit be organized between the ISRP and project proponents to discuss the M&E plan and ideas related to organizing around scientific concepts and landscape management.