In order to effectively address the requirements set forth in the 2003 National Defense Authorization Act and Executive Order 13186, a comprehensive, coordinated avian monitoring strategy needs to be implemented. Coordinated Bird Monitoring (CBM) is a movement and an approach to monitoring, led by the landbird and shorebird initiatives, that has already produced numerous products. The vision of CBM is that monitoring should be:

• management-driven
• science-based
• scale-dependent
• implemented through partnerships

 CBM has no authority to compel anyone to do anything. It is an effort to increase efficiency and utility of bird monitoring through improved coordination between the bird conservation initiatives, between field workers and statisticians, and between decision-makers and technical experts. Major components of CBM include improving the infrastructure for monitoring and development of Regional and Organizational CBM Plans. Improving monitoring infrastructure looks at:

• Conceptual framework (vision, goals, objectives)
• Long-term, large-scale programs (how many, what kind)
• Agreement on field survey methods
• A robust data management system
• Defining appropriate reports and the responsibilities for producing them

CBM Plans are being developed in 9 states and also within the Intermountain West Joint Venture. DoD is the first federal agency to develop a strategy for its monitoring programs within this coordinated framework. The deliverables of this strategy will include:

• A review of existing bird monitoring programs on DoD lands.
• Guidelines for the design of bird monitoring surveys on DoD lands.
• A plan for monitoring bird species of special concern on DoD lands.
• Recommendations for DoD’s role in continental bird monitoring programs.

Until components of the strategy are ready to be incorporated into INRMP or Range and Training Land Analysis (RTLA) planning, use the following links for standardized point count protocols. For continuity in comparing current data with past data, it is advisable to continue your current monitoring methods while incorporating standardized point count protocols. These standardized protocols will most likely be incorporated into the CBM strategy. Please note that the Southeast and Washington/Oregon protocols can be used in or modified for other areas of the country.

Land Manager's Guide to Point Counts of Birds in the Southeast 
US Forest Service, SO-GTR-120 (958 KB)

A habitat-based point-count protocol for Washington and Oregon 
US Forest Service, PNW-GTR-501 (297 KB)

Handbook for Monitoring Birds
US Forest Service, PSW-GTR-144 (1438 KB)

National Monitoring Working Group
Partners in Flight