FCA projects include a strong resource condition assessment component that may be paired with related, resource analyses and interpretations (risk or vulnerability assessment, resource condition target/goal setting, etc.). FCAs support the following types of projects:
- Condition Assessments evaluate current conditions for at least one park natural resource; study scope/approach can vary but at least one “indicator of condition” is assessed for each natural resource evaluated. For each indicator, current conditions are measured, estimated, or otherwise determined then compared against logical and clearly-stated reference criteria as the basis to report on current condition status for the indicator. Many types of reference criteria are appropriate for use in an FCA, for example: regulatory standards, ecological thresholds, desired conditions management assessment points.
- Landscape or watershed scale condition characterizationsassess park resource conditions in context with the larger landscape or watershed that surrounds the park (doesn’t explicitly rate conditions for non-park lands). These projects improve our understanding of condition drivers and help parks engage in partnership work with their neighbors and stakeholders.
- Vulnerability Assessments (VAs) assess current conditions and potential risk/vulnerability relative to existing or emerging condition-change drivers. They are especially useful as lead-in to park adaptation planning.
- Resource restoration design projects assess current conditions and develop quantitative resource condition goals or targets for a park resource or important habitat.
- Effectiveness evaluations assess current resource conditions to determine if they are improving subsequent to a park management activity. This helps identify future actions and additional studies needed to maintain a positive trajectory for park resource conditions.
Last updated: January 10, 2023