What does a long-term monitoring plan typically include?

A long-term monitoring plan is essential for ensuring that data collection and analysis are carried out in a systematic and effective manner over an extended period. It typically includes a detailed strategy that clearly outlines objectives and methods. This comprehensive approach allows for consistent and reliable data collection that aligns with the goals of the monitoring initiative.

The inclusion of specific objectives helps in identifying what the monitoring intends to achieve, whether it's tracking environmental changes, assessing the effectiveness of interventions, or understanding long-term trends. Detailed methods describe how the data will be collected, which instruments will be used, and the frequency of data collection, ensuring that all team members understand the protocols and can provide consistent results.

This clarity and detail are crucial for facilitating stakeholder buy-in, enabling comparability of data over time, and ensuring that the analysis can effectively inform decision-making processes. It sets a firm foundation for the success of any monitoring effort, making option C the right choice.