Conservation on a regional scale is an iterative process that involves three interrelated activities including 1) planning, 2) action, and 3) adaptive monitoring. When used together, these three activities insure that conservation activities will evolve through time to reflect changes in priorities and conservation opportunities. Throughout the 1990's, the PIF program has focused on the planning process. As the program transitions toward on-the-ground activities, new paradigms and approaches will be needed to guide actions and monitor progress.