Benchmarks
Benchmarking is a process used in strategic management, in which organizations evaluate various aspects of their processes in relation to best practice with the goal of increasing efficiency and quality of service, while reducing costs. It opens organizations to new methods, ideas and tools to improve their effectiveness. There is not one universal set of standards for parks and recreation due to the fact different agencies serve different communities with unique needs, desires and challenges. This area contains resources applicable for park and recreation providers to build customized benchmark reports.
Best Practices of Maintenance Planning & Scheduling
Matt Midas
This article outlines best practices to consider for evaluating maintenance efficiencies.
Maintenance Planning and Scheduling Handbook
Doc Palmer
The book positions planning in maintenance operations and then proceeds logically to introduce the principles of planning and scheduling and explain how to make planning work. Additional sections cover the nuances of planning preventive maintenance, predictive maintenance, and project work. The book concludes with helpful information on howto get started.
Invasive Species Management Plan
City of Austin, TX
This plan outlines goals and actions critical to protecting Austin’s natural resources. The plan also includes recommendations for implementation including staffing, funding sources, centralized mapping and monitoring, and education and outreach.
Forest Service National Strategic Framework forInvasive Species Management
US Department of Agriculture
This framework is intended to provide broad strategic direction for the Forest Service’s programs, spanning the NFS Research and Development (R&D), and State and Private Forestry (S&PF) Deputy Areas, and International Programs. This document supersedes the National Strategy and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management (2004) and is intended to clarify the roles of the deputy areas of the Forest Service regarding invasive species programs.
National Invasive Species Council Management Plan 2016 - 2018
National Invasive Species Council
The Management Plan identifies the high priority, interdepartmental actions that the Federal government and its partners can take to prevent, eradicate, and control invasive species, as well as recover species and restore habitats and other assets adversely impacted by invasive species.
Safeguarding America's Lands and Waters from Invasive Species
US Department of Interior
The Framework provides the structure to identify strategic and shared priorities for focusing limited resources and enhancing partnerships and on-the-ground actions necessary to stem the tide of invasive species.
Rapid Response Plan and Procedures for Responding to Aquatic Invasive Species
Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council
This rapid response plan for aquatic invasive species (AIS) is an inter-agency decision support tool designed to aid regulatory agencies in conducting a coordinated and structuredresponse to new AIS infestations.
Invasive Plants of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
This guide is designed to give volunteers the information necessary to identify and control the invasive plants that pose the greatest threat to biodiversity in the Pittsburgh area.
Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
Pennsylvania Sea Grant
This field guide is designed to aid scienceprofessionals and other interested individualsin AIS early detection and reporting.
Pennsylvania's Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
Pennsylvania Sea Grant
This reference guide can help waterways conservation officers, regional biologists, volunteer monitors, resource managers, educators, students, and others working in Pennsylvania’s waters. It includes general information for AIS identification, collection, verification, and reporting.
Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
US FIsh and Wildlife Service
This guide should be used as an introduction to invasive plants and the impacts they are having on natural habitats and ecosystems. Plants not included here should not be assumed to be non-harmful.
Aquatic Invasive Species in Pennsylvania
Penn State Extension
This video outlines particular aquatic invasive species that are a challenge in the state of Pennsylvania.
Field Guide for the Biological Control of Weeds in Eastern North America
US Department of Agriculture
This guide focuses on the most problematic weeds in eastern North America for whichthere are at least some biocontrol agents established and/or available. Multiple photosand descriptions of each weed included in this guide emphasize key identification traits and plant ecology.
Invaders in the Commonwealth- 2017 Pennsylvania Invasive Species Management Plan
Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council
This comprehensive invasive species management plan for Pennsylvania was prepared for submission to Governor Tom Wolf on behalf of the Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council.
Invasive Plants of Pennsylvania
PAWRCP
Take a quick look at some of the more common invasive plants in Pennsylvania. Invasives are non-natives that take over an area and cause harm to the environment, to human health or to the economy.
