I've been trying to find examples of monitoring plans that have been done for other projects. Any suggestions or tips on what to include? I see that it is described here, but I would like to know if it's just a matter of the Owner signing off on the requirements described here or what else might be needed. For example, what is to be done with any dead or injured birds that might be found?
Hi Brian,
You do not have to follow one specific kind of format, however simply signing off on the credit requirements will not suffice. It should be a separate, written document that covers a period of 3 years and includes:
- methods to identify and document locations of the building where repeated bird strikes occur,
- the number of collisions,
- the date,
- the approximate time (if known),
- features that may be contributing to collisions, and
- a process for corrective action.
You can see the full list of submittals at the bottom of the credit's page: http://www.usgbc.org/node/1732698?return=/pilotcredits
Monitoring actions should occur twice a week at minimum. "Monitoring" means routinely walking the building perimeter before normal business hours or at night (it is recommended that it be done prior to 8 or 9 am, and daily during peak migration seasons), and geotagging or photographing the dead/injured birds. The plan will monitor the effectiveness of the building design in preventing collisions, and for EBOM projects, is the baseline for the measures implemented during the performance period.
These websites have more information on developing a monitoring plan:
http://www.abcbirds.org/newsandreports/special_reports/NEBM-handbook.pdf
http://www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/collisions/pdf/Bird-friendly_Building_Guide_WEB.pdf
http://nycaudubon.org/project-safe-flight