Data and Adaptive Management: The Critical Role of Quality Data in the Successful Application of Adaptive Management on the Valles Caldera National Preserve

Abstract

Since 2002 the Valles Caldera Trust has invested in the acquisition of “quality” data or, data collected by experts or under the supervision of experts; using specific, repeatable, protocol; and maintained with integrity (established meta-data, limited access). As a result the, the Trust can realize benefits in efficiency, reduced costs over time, increased public confidence, and ultimately learning and improved decision making - all considered benefits and rewards of adaptive management.