Adaptive Management
 Implementing large-scale ecosystem restoration programs is challenging and full of uncertainties. Natural systems are a mosaic of variables and interdependences, and impacts on them through restoration efforts are not always predictable. Factor in shifts in social and economic priorities, and the endeavor can become even more complex.
An adaptive management (AM) approach to complex programs offers the ability to make incremental adjustments to alter project design and/or operations in order to achieve overall program goals. AM facilitates the use of the best available science in the most cost-effective manner. Recognizing that time is a factor in the restoration of natural ecosystems, AM allows a program to proceed even with existing uncertainties or incomplete scientific data. And AM helps to avoid project “paralysis” when new knowledge becomes available, program priorities shift, regulatory requirements evolve, or technical practices advance.
What is Adaptive Management?
- A means to address project uncertainty in a systematic manner.
- Considers engineering, ecological, and social uncertainties during restoration planning and implementation.
- Involves the design of an environmental monitoring program geared to address project performance for agreed upon restoration targets.
- Incorporates best practices for successful restoration.
- Provides a process to proceed with restoration when science is incomplete and political pressure demands progress.
- Manages all facets of a restoration program: project planning and design, performance monitoring and data development, information exchange and synthesis, interaction with policy and decision makers, developing science-based decisions through collaborative consensus building.
 How Adaptive Management Works
The adaptive management approach acknowledges restoration uncertainties and the potential for change. Variables and uncertainties are identified and considered in the project’s planning stage. Throughout the project’s duration, careful monitoring helps to identify ecosystem responses and unexpected outcomes in order to measure restoration achievement against established targets. Similarly, advances in scientific and engineering knowledge, lessons learned from other restoration efforts, and best practices are evaluated for application to the restoration program. Based on these factors, the restoration plan can be refined over time.
Stakeholders are included in the AM process in order to promote cooperation, an understanding of benefits and impacts, and program advancement.
The Adaptive Management Process
PBS&J Services to Support Adaptive Management
PBS&J offers a complete suite of services to complement the design and implementation of large-scale ecosystem restoration efforts. These support services include:
- Restoration program management
- Identification of uncertainties
- Development of performance measures
- Design of cost-effective monitoring programs
- Assessment of monitoring results
- Data management
- Collaborative consensus building
- Interpretation of scientific results
- Coordination of stakeholder involvement
- Infusion of “best practices”
- Lessons learned from one program component to another
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