Monitoring Networks

Effective monitoring programs can contribute to the nutrient reduction effort in a variety of ways. Monitoring data can be used for characterizing current conditions, establishing baselines, and tracking changes in both nutrient levels and biological responses. It can be used for estimating nutrient loads and apportioning loads among sources. It can be used to develop relationships among nutrients and biological responses. Monitoring data can also be used to document baseline nutrient conditions and track changes resulting from management. Both pre-and post-implementation monitoring data are needed to document the success of management practices.