Form 4 NCCC Environment Survey

Performance Measures Instrument Packet FINAL DRAFT
NCCC Environmental Stewardship and Conservation

National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)
Performance Measures Instrument Packet

Environmental Stewardship and Conservation

Introduction

This packet includes the information and materials needed to administer the data collection activities for the Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Performance Measure. This information includes the definition of key terms; the logic model used to develop these measures; the list of performance measures and indicators for Environmental Stewardship and Conservation service projects, and instruments for measuring outcomes.

Data for these performance measures are collected through Project Completion Reports (PCR) submitted in eGrants and the Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Services Sponsor Survey.

NCCC Performance Measures: Environmental Stewardship and Conservation

Activities: NCCC teams of approximately 10 Corps members serve on projects for 6-8 weeks with project sponsor organization staff, community members, and other partners to develop and/or maintain trails; clean and restore park facilities, rivers, watersheds; and maintain and improve other natural resources, including providing environmental education.
Results	Outputs Park facilities are cleaned, improved or built. Trails are maintained, improved or built. Habitats are maintained or improved. Watershed or water habitats (rivers, streams, shoreline) are maintained, cleaned and/or protected . Environmental Education workshop/classes are conducted.
	Intermediate Outcomes Improved quality of recreation experience in natural environment. Preserved and enhanced natural resources (park, river/stream, watershed, shoreline habitats).
	End Outcomes: Mitigate environmental degradation. Restore ecological quality and function to native habitats. Park/preserve visitation increased.

Definition of Terms

• Environmental Education: Supporting programs through teaching, facilitating, conducting demonstrations or developing materials to raise awareness of environmental issues.

• Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Project Sponsor: Also known as a sponsoring organization, project sponsors may be a government agency, private not-for-profit, or community-based organization that protects, monitors and/or restores public lands and waters.

• Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Projects: Projects that address the needs of communities to preserve and enhance natural environments including outdoor recreational opportunities, species restoration, and watershed protection. Examples of projects include, but are not limited to: building and restoring trails, eradicating invasive species, or repairing/building environmental facilities (camp sites, picnic areas, etc.).

• Habitat Restoration: Activities on public and private lands for the purpose of restoring habitat to a more natural state.

• Project-specific training: Training may include trail construction, species eradication, water testing, species counts, and use of tools, materials, and equipment to conduct the work.

• Park: Any parks/reserves/recreation areas that are designated by national, state, county, or city governments (not trails or rivers).

• Park Facilities: Any man-made structure such as picnic benches, fire pits, walls/fences, overlook structures or nature centers.

• Trails: Paths for walking, running, biking, riding horses or other activities.

Data Collection Instruments

Below is a table listing the two instruments that will be used to collect performance measurement data and the indicators they will measure. The Project Completion Reports (PCR) will collect output data; the “Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Sponsor Survey” will collect outcome data. For these performance measures, it is important to select the most appropriate environmental quantifiables which will be entered into eGrants. Campuses will not be required to collect any additional data beyond the standard PCR data.

Instrument	Performance Measure Result and Indicator
Project Completion Reports (PCR) submitted in eGrants	Outputs: 1. Parks facilities are cleaned, improved or built. (number of structures or facilities) Indicator: Number of campsites built or refurbished (ENV-30) [Includes fire pits, benches, food storage, etc.] Indicator: Number of picnic sites built or restored (ENV-31) [Count sites with tables and/or pavilions] Indicator: Number of environmental education facilities built or repaired (ENV-34) [include welcome centers, nature centers, covered displays] Indicator: Number of observation decks or scenic overlook built or repaired (ENV-39) 2. Trails are maintained, improved or built. TRAILS (miles of trail) Indicator: Miles of new hiking trails constructed (ENV-01) [Count as new if no previous trail or foot path existed] Indicator: Miles of existing hiking trail restored (ENV-02) [Include trail maintenance] FACILITIES FOR TRAILS (number of trail facilities) Indicator: Number of footbridges built or repaired (ENV-04) Indicator: Number of water bars installed in hiking trails (ENV-05) 3. Habitats are maintained or improved REMOVAL OF BRUSH/INVASIVE SPECIES (EXOTIC) (acres of) Use ENV-22 or ENV-44 but not both Indicator: Acres of land cleared of unwanted brush or exotic vegetation (ENV-22) Indicator: Acres of land burned in prescribed burns (ENV-44) [use this indicator only when prescribed burns are for invasive species removal] RESTORATION OF OR CARE FOR FLORA (number of plants) Count coastal natives under #4 Indicator: Number of trees or shrubs tended or cared for (ENV-27) [Count existing trees/shrubs] Indicator: Number of new trees planted (ENV-50) [Count all new trees planted from seeds, seedlings, young trees, etc.] Indicator: Number of native plants planted (ENV-54) [Count new natives (trees, shrubs, etc.) Indicator: Acres of wild habitats restored or protected (ENV-41) 4. Watershed or water habitats (rivers, streams, shorelines) are maintained, cleaned and/or protected. Indicator: Feet of coastal shoreline restored or protected (ENV-17) [e.g. removal of debris, planting or caring for coastal natives] Indicator: Feet of streambeds/riverbeds or riverbanks/stream banks restored (ENV-49) [e.g. removal of debris, planting or caring for riparian natives] 5. Environmental education workshop/classes conducted EDUCATION PROGRAMS (number of people participating) Indicator: Number of people participating in recycling program (ENV-38) [count people newly enrolled in recycling programs supported by NCCC or populations with new access to recycling (e.g. students at a school with a new recycling program)] Indicator: Number of people taught in environmental education classes/workshops (ENV-53) [if part of a multi-class program, count individuals only once] EDUCATION PROGRAMS (number of programs, classes) Indicator: Number of environmental programs developed/supported (ENV-51) [e.g. curriculum developed/researched, resource materials developed/up-dated] Indicator: Number of environmental education classes/workshops conducted (ENV-52) [Count if members are primary instructors/facilitators of class]
Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Sponsor Survey (see page 5)	Intermediate Outcomes: Improved quality of recreation experience in natural environment Indicator: Sponsor is able to report one or more of the following: park facilities improved for users (cleaner, safer) increased recreation options (new playgrounds, previously off limit space open) Increased public access to natural environment (including easier access for people with disabilities) improved trail or park safety improved trail quality sustained practices by project sponsor or community Preserved and enhanced natural resources (park, river/stream, watershed, shoreline habitats) Indicator: Sponsor is able to report one or more of the following: reduced non-natives species or brush eradication of invasive species sustainable native species protected and likely to survive sustained or increased growth of flora sustained practices by project sponsor or community
	End Outcomes: Mitigate environmental degradation Indicators: Sponsor is able to report one or both of the following: erosion prevented or better controlled water quality improved, restored Restored ecological quality and function to native habitats Indicators: Sponsor is able to report one or more of the following: restored native flora restored native fauna restored wetland, watershed

Information about the Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Services Sponsor Survey

Questions	Instructions
What does this instrument measure?	Intermediate Outcome: Improved quality of recreation experience in natural environment. Intermediate Outcome: Preserved and enhanced natural resources (park, river/stream, watershed, shoreline habitats). End Outcome: Mitigate environmental degradation. End Outcome: Restored ecological quality and function to native habitats.
Who should complete the instrument?	Project sponsors that recently completed an environmental stewardship and conservation project with NCCC. The survey will not be anonymous; however, it will be confidential and only the people analyzing the data will be able to view individual results.
When should the instrument be completed?	The survey will be sent out 30 days after a project is completed.
How will the data be collected? Who will administer the survey?	NCCC (HQ) will distribute and collect the survey electronically, using an online survey software tool.
How will the data be analyzed?	The data will be analyzed using the survey software, and responses will be summarized by question. Data will also be aggregated across all campuses by NCCC issue area.
When will campuses see the results?	The schedule for releasing survey results will be determined during the pilot year.
How will the campuses assist in administering this sponsor survey?	Campuses will send a letter to the sponsor in advance to let them know the survey is coming via email, how the survey data will be used and why it is important to complete the survey.

Environmental Stewardship and Conservation Services Sponsor Survey

(Continued from Successful Service Intervention questions...)

Now we would like to ask you some questions about the environmental stewardship and conservation project that an NCCC team completed recently. This may have involved work on trails, parks, rivers or watershed, or public education on the environment or conservation.

1. What type of environmental project did the NCCC Team(s) work on with your organization? (Check all that apply)

• Park Facilities (build or repair facilities such a picnic areas or campsites) (go to #2)

• Park Habitats (remove invasive species or overgrowth, planting/care for plants) (skip to #3)

• Trails (build or repair trails, trail facilities, etc.) (skip to #4)

• Rivers, watershed, other shoreline habitats (clean up streambeds, river banks, coastal shoreline) (skip to #5)

2. Please tell us about the work completed by the NCCC team on park facilities.

a. What was the NCCC team’s main assignment(s)? (Check all that apply)

• Building/refurbishing campsites and/or picnic areas

• Building/repairing/up-grading buildings, cabins, beach facilities and/or fitness and recreation facilities (basketball and/or tennis courts, playground)

• Building/repairing/installing observation decks or scenic overlooks, signs, public information

• Building/repairing walls for safety or erosion control

• Other (please describe: (text box)

2b. In your opinion, what were the outcomes of the project?

	(Check one response for each item.)
Since the work was completed...	Strongly disagree 1	Disagree 2	Neither 3	Agree 4	Strongly agree 5	Not applicable to this project	Don’t know/ No opinion
a. Facilities or open space that was previously off limits is now open to the public.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
b. More recreation options are available (e.g. new playground).	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
c. Facilities are safe, up to code.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
d. Facilities/public spaces are clean and look better cared for.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
e. People with disabilities are better able to access these spaces.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
f. The area is easier for the public to access.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
g. Erosion is prevented or better controlled.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK

3. Please tell us about the park habitat work completed by the NCCC team.

a. What was the NCCC team’s main assignment(s)? (Check all that apply)

• Removing invasive species, unwanted brush or vegetation

• Collecting seeds, planting native plants or new trees

• Preserving dunes

• Supporting banks for erosion control

• Wetland restoration

• Other (please describe: (text box)

3b. In your opinion, what were the outcomes of the project?

	(Check one response for each item.)
Since the work was completed...	Strongly disagree 1	Disagree 2	Neither 3	Agree 4	Strongly agree 5	Not applicable to this project	Don’t know/ No opinion
a. Fragile habitats or new growth is protected/cordoned off.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
b. The eradication of invasive species is sustainable and allows for growth of natives.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
c. More native species (flora or fauna) are protected and can survive.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
d. The quality of the recreation experience in the natural environment has improved for users.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
e. Restored/increased native flora species.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
f. Restored/increased native fauna species.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
g. Erosion is prevented or better controlled.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK

4. Please tell us about the trail work completed by the NCCC team.

a. What was the NCCC team’s main assignment(s)? (Check all that apply)

• Constructing or restoring hiking and biking trails

• Building/repairing footbridges or stone/wooden steps

• Installing water bars in hiking and biking trails

• Improving/installing signage and public information

• Other (please describe: (text box) )

4b. In your opinion, what were the outcomes of the project?

	(Check one response for each item.)
Since the work was completed...	Strongly disagree 1	Disagree 2	Neither 3	Agree 4	Strongly agree 5	Not applicable to this project	Don’t know/ No opinion
a. Trail safety has improved.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
b. Trail quality has improved.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
c. Trails that were previously closed are now open to the public.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
d. The area is easier for people to access.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
e. The quality of the recreation experience has improved for users.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
f. Erosion is prevented or better controlled.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK

5. Please tell us about the river, watershed or shoreline habitat work completed by the NCCC team.

a. What was the NCCC team’s main assignment(s)? (Check all that apply)

• Cleaning/protecting/improving shoreline (removing debris, planting natives)

• Cleaning/protecting/improving streambed/riverbed or river bank/stream bank(removing debris, planting riparian vegetation)

• Testing water samples

• Other (please describe: (text box) )

5b. In your opinion, what were the outcomes of the project?

	(Check one response for each item.)
Since the work was completed...	Strongly disagree 1	Disagree 2	Neither 3	Agree 4	Strongly agree 5	Not applicable to this project	Don’t know/ No opinion
a. Fragile habitats or new growth is protected/cordoned off.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
b. The eradication of invasive species is sustainable and allows for growth of natives.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
c. More native species (flora or fauna) are protected and can survive.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
d. Areas that were off limits to the public are now open for recreation.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
e. The quality of the recreation experience in the natural environment has improved for users.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
f. Restored/increased native flora species.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
g. Restored/increased native fauna species.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
h. Erosion is prevented or better controlled.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
i. Restored watershed, wetland, or stream/river (riparian) habitat.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK
j. Water quality likely to improve.	1	2	3	4	5	NA	DK

Environmental Stewardship and Conservation

NEED	INPUTS	ACTIVITIES		OUTPUTS	INTERMEDIATE OUTCOMES	END OUTCOMES
Efforts to conserve natural lands face tremendous challenges. Resources and partnerships are critical to surmounting them during a very narrow window of opportunity to protect natural areas before they disappear completely.	NCCC team of approximately 10 members 6-8 weeks of service (1,920 hrs – 3,840+ hrs)/project Basic member training Transportation Basic tools Project materials: Tools, equipment, etc. for trail, river, habitat work Specialized tools Orientation Project-specific training Technical supervision (Housing, food, and other local logistics, as needed)	NCCC teams will serve in teams for 6-8 weeks with project sponsor organization staff, community members, and other partners to develop and/or maintain trails; clean and restore park facilities, rivers, watersheds; and clean and improve communities’ other natural resources, including providing environmental education.	Parks facilities are cleaned, improved or built. Indicator: Number of structures or facilities cleaned, improved or built Trails are maintained, improved or built. Indicator: Number of miles of new or existing hiking (biking) trail maintained, improved or built. Indicator: Number of trail facilities maintained, improved or built Park habitats are maintained or improved. Indicator: Acres of land burned or cleared of unwanted brush or exotic vegetation (invasive species) Indicator: Number of trees or shrubs tended or cared for or natives or trees planted. Watershed or water habitats (rivers, streams, shoreline) are maintained, cleaned and/or protected . Indicator: Feet of coastal shoreline, streambeds/riverbeds or riverbanks/stream banks maintained, cleaned or protected. Environmental Education workshop/classes conducted. Indicator: Number of people participating in recycling program or environmental education classes/workshops Indicator: Number of environmental programs developed/supported or classes/workshops conducted		Improved quality of recreation experience in natural environment Indicator: Sponsor able to report: -park facilities improved for users (cleaner, safer) -increased recreation options (new playgrounds, previously off limit space open) -Increased public access to natural environment (including easier access for people with disabilities) -improved trail or park safety -improved trail quality -sustained practices by project sponsor or community Preserved and enhanced natural resources (park, river/stream, watershed, shoreline habitats) Indicator: Sponsor able to report: -reduced non-natives species or brush -eradication of invasive species sustainable -native species protected and likely to survive -sustained or increased growth of flora -sustained practices by project sponsor or community	Mitigate environmental degradation Indicators: Sponsor able to report: -erosion prevented or better controlled -water quality improved, restored Restore ecological quality and function to native habitats Indicators: Sponsor able to report -restored native flora -restored native fauna -restored wetland, watershed Park/preserve visitation increased. (may not be measured in the pilot year)

Revised 1/27/2021 2 FINAL DRAFT