Environmental Indicators
Indicators track progress toward the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and support reporting, decision-making and adaptive management.
The Chesapeake Bay Program uses a range of environmental indicators to track progress toward our restoration, conservation and protection goals. Our methods of measuring progress toward the outcomes and targets of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement will be described in our 2027–2033 Strategic Plan. As these metrics are developed and updated, they will be published on ChesapeakeProgress: a website that provides oversight and accountability across our partnership.
Framework
The Indicators Framework is a conceptual model that demonstrates the relationships among indicators and how they are used to support reporting, decision-making and adaptive management across the partnership. It explains how indicators are created, maintained and archived, and affirms our commitment to transparent, objective assessment for a range of audiences.
Documentation
Indicators must be published with an Analysis & Methods document and a supporting data file, which includes essential data documentation and reported metrics.
Analysis & Methods Document
The Analysis & Methods document explains how an indicator's underlying data are collected, analyzed, interpreted and communicated. Workgroups and subject matter experts complete the document during an indicator’s first iteration, and update it with each new data release.
Download the A&M Template [DOCX, 559.8KB]
Data File
The Data File serves as a repository of an indicator's essential metadata, aligned with the Chesapeake Bay Program's Metadata Specification. It includes required fields and definitions that comply with data standards for Chesapeake Bay Program products.
Download the Data File Template [XLSX, 35.5KB]
Standard Operating Procedures
Our Standard Operating Procedures define key terms, roles, responsibilities and workflows involved in an indicator update. It also includes an Indicator QA/QC Checklist for associated data files, documents and web text.
Contact
If you have any questions about indicators, please contact Katie Ayers, Chesapeake Bay Program Indicators Coordinator, at ayers.katie@epa.gov.