SpATS Next Steps

During 2008 a mid-project review assessed whether continuing SpATS through 2012, as originally planned, would improve on the information collected since 2002.

Results indicate that additional data would not improve confidence in estimates of the effect of perennial vegetation on nesting success in the Parkland biome. However, additional data would improve confidence in the estimated Prairie biome effect. While initial study plans called for each study site to be monitored twice over an 11-year period in both Parkland and Prairie biomes, research efforts from 2009 forward will be scaled back as a result of the review and will now focus on Prairie dominated areas. Reviewing long-term projects mid-term and making necessary changes is prudent science and focuses DU research dollars where they are needed most.

In 2010 portions of two SpATS study areas will be examined; one study area will also be examined in 2011.

During the next few years, SpATS researchers will complete data gathering, habitat mapping, and analysis. The information gathered will allow further examination of the relationship between nesting success and the amount of perennial vegetation, waterfowl abundance, wetland density and vegetation height and density.

The results of the SpATS study are leading to ongoing improvement of North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) conservation planning and programs. An update of the Waterfowl Productivity Model - a spatially explicit model linking duck populations, habitat amount and composition, and nest survival at landscape scales, and the tool used to guide DUC’s conservation program delivery under NAWMP - is now underway.

Disclaimer:

SpATS data presented on this Web site cannot be used without written permission from the authors.