The Cooperative Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (CMER) Committee initially began in 1987 as a part of the Timber, Fish, and Wildlife Agreement (TFW). Under TFW, CMER’s tasks were to provide sound research on the impacts of forest management to public resources. When CMER began its work aquatic issues didn’t take precedence over other potential resource impacts of forest practices. In July 2001, Washington’s Forest Practices Board reorganized and formalized CMER, giving it the role to advance science needed to support the adaptive management program.

Various Interest Groups Validate and Monitor Forest Practices

CMER is made up of various interest groups who provide effectiveness and validation monitoring to improve forest practices on the ground. The committee works with different advisory groups to advance the science needed to assist policy makers in making decisions about rule changes to better protect public resources. CMER holds monthly meetings attended by CMER members, Scientific Advisory Group co-chairs and members, and other interested parties. This group provides accountability and a formal process for effective monitoring to reach the resource objectives set forth by the Forests & Fish Law. In essence, it closes the loop between on-the-ground forest practices and impacts to public resources.