How the Critical Trends Assessment Program has Benefited Illinois and Beyond

The Critical Trends Assessment Program, CTAP, was instituted to monitor the biological condition of Illinois’ forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The program, supported by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, was the first of its kind and aimed to understand the past and current conditions of Illinois' ecosystems. Part of the uniqueness of the program included surveying 600+ randomly selected sites on public and private lands throughout Illinois. Numerous stakeholders, researchers, and students alike have since benefited from the program's findings. Presented by Tara Beveroth, Associate Avian Ecologist, Illinois Natural History Survey.