Environmental Results
In January, 2005 EPA came out with an Environmental Results Order that requires (among other things) that all grants result to the extent practicable in measurable environmental results or outcomes.
Applicants for EPA grants are now required to submit a plan for tracking and measuring progress towards achieving the expected outputs and outcomes identified their workplans or proposals. (see box at right)
It is not always possible to measure significant environmental outcomes within the life of a typical grant. It is important, therefore, to show the contribution of your individual project or grant in moving towards long term objectives. Projects should be seen in the context of the long term goals.
The Logic Model
With a Logic Model, you can show why you are producing a specific output, what the short term impact is likely to be, and how you are contributing to longer term objectives. The Logic Model can also help clarify the limits of your direct accountability and provide insight as to how you can actually measure outcomes.
Outcomes can include things like documented increased knowledge, modified behavior, increased capacity/expertise, preservation of environmental resources, improved conditions, improved human health.
Using the Logic Model
Logic models come in many forms and shapes. You may find that a very simple version does the trick, or you can really get into the details. In any case, they all go something like this:
We need to conduct this research
so that
Scientists and the public understand why the fish are dying
so that
Decision makers can institute protective land use policies
so that
People can modify behaviors that damage fish habitat
so that
Conditions in the stream improve
so that
Salmon are healthy and abundant. |  |
Measuring Environmental Results:
Outputs and Outcomes
Beginning in early 2005, EPA has required that all grant recipients document outputs and "to the extent practicable" outcomes. Outputs and outcomes differ both in their nature, and in how they are measured.
1. OUTPUTS: Outputs are the activities or deliverables that are to be accomplished as a result of a grant. Outputs are generally described as deliverables or milestones in a workplan or timeline. EPA project officers track the completion of outputs to monitor the progress of a grant. Outputs include things like number of workshops held, number of volunteers trained, field work completed, study completed, watershed management plan completed, etc.
2. OUTCOMES: Outcomes are the measurable impacts or results of the work of the grant. While outputs are accomplished during the life of the grant, outcomes generally occur after the completion of the grant. It is useful to categorize outcomes as short, medium, and long-term. Measuring environmental outcomes can be challenging, especially for small grants.
Medium and long-term outcomes can be costly, especially if monitoring, sampling and analysis are involved. In addition, it can take many years for the long-term impact of a grant to have a measurable effect on the environment. For small grants, we tend to focus on short and medium-term outcomes, but we want to see the grant in the context of long term goals and objectives.
· Short-term outcomes may include things like: increased knowledge, active stewardship program.
· Medium-term outcomes might include: documented widespread adoption of best management practices, documented reduction of pesticide use (3 of pounds of pesticides per acre no longer being used on 2000 acres).
· Long-term outcomes might include: documented reduction of nutrients in lake, documented reduction in # of children with asthma, documented improvement of indoor air quality, meeting water quality standards. |
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