During the adaptive management process, resource managers are required to adapt based on what they learn and experience. They are also encouraged to share information with other projects and programs.

Example. A resource manager is replacing a culvert in order to improve fish passage and mimic the natural stream bottom. After he replaces the culvert, he notes that flows are heavier than expected and are washing much of the gravel and cobble out of the culvert. The resource manager then works with an engineer to design and install a structure in front of the culvert to dissipate fast water.  Because he is implementing an adaptive management cycle, he used this experience to learn and share in two ways: 1) he adapted his design process to account for increased peak flows and 2) he shared his modified process with other resource managers to inform their efforts.

Adaptive management allows resource managers to take action despite uncertainties, including uncertainty about the current state of the environment and the impact various actions may have on the environment. Adaptive management increases the success of actions by allowing managers to test hypotheses, link science to decision-making, and adjust projects and decisions as new information becomes available.

Example. The town of Chesaning is removing a dam on the Shiawassee River to improve fish passage and restore connectivity to 37 miles of the river. The town, however, cannot simply remove the dam, as they also want to maintain some impoundment for aesthetic reasons. The town decides to install a rock ramp, which, theoretically, will allow for fish passage. Despite modeling, the town cannot be 100% certain if the rock ramp will sufficiently restore connectivity. Adaptive management allows the town to act despite this uncertainty. The town installs the rock ramp, monitors the effect, and then adapts based on what is observed. The town’s monitoring showed that fish passage still needed improvement, so the town moves some rocks in order to slow the water velocity and increase resting places. This adaptation successfully improves fish populations to the target levels above and below the rock ramp.

Adaptive management is a flexible decision-making process during which actions may be adjusted as needed. It allows resource managers to take new approaches with minimal risk.

Example. A land manager is concerned with the negative impact of runoff and erosion on water quality. He would like to try a new method of preventing erosion. This method, however, has not been tested in his geography before and he is not sure how effective it will be. By using an adaptive management cycle, however, the land manager implements an innovative solution and adapts as needed, mitigating risk.

Adaptive Management requires that practitioners regularly monitor and assess the outcomes of management using science-based protocols.  Over time this information will help managers make better, informed decisions.

Example. A funder concerned with aquatic connectivity is considering what projects to fund and using an adaptive management cycle to guide her funding program. By conducting an analysis of the current science and scientific tools, she discovers a new decision tool; this tool helps resource practitioners prioritize removing various barriers to connectivity based on a variety of factors. She is able to use that tool to fund the highest priority projects.

Adaptive management provides a clear yet adaptable structure that facilitates project planning, implementation, reporting, and learning. The process for making changes is incorporated into the project, rather than requiring that an entire project be overhauled when a change is necessary.

Example. A federal agency develops a program using an adaptive management cycle and sets a goal of decreasing the level of nitrogen in a river ecosystem by 5% within 5 years. As mandated by the adaptive management process, the program manager analyzes the status of the program and reviews the goals every six months. 18 months in, at the third review, he realizes that the program is only likely to result in a 4% improvement. Instead of noting this after the program concludes and being forced to address that remaining 1% in a future project, he has recognized this as soon as it became apparent and is able to change the program strategy in order to reach his goal or to make a fully informed decision and change his goals.

By requiring a focus on both learning from actions and then changing future actions, adaptive management can improve long-term management outcomes.

Example. In 1995, a wetlands restoration organization initiated the adaptive management cycle for a restoration project. In the first year, they restored 25 acres. In 1996, they take the lessons they learned from their first project and, with the same amount of money they had at the beginning of 1995, are able to restore 30 acres. This kind of learning and improving goes on for the next 20 years, so that each year they can increase their efficiency and increase their restoration area by 5 acres. By 2015, the organization restored 1,550 acres with the same amount of money it would originally have taken them to restore 500 acres. By using an adaptive management cycle, the organization more than triples their impact in the long-term.

Adaptive management requires assessing all actions to understand what is and what is not effective.

Example. A scientist is completing a survey of aquatic invasive species population. As he finishes his adaptively managed survey project, he assesses his survey methods and finds that a smaller unit size would have been more effective. By completing this assessment, he understands the effectiveness of his completed project and identifies any lessons that can inform future survey efforts.