A long-term program for studying possible effects from operation of the Navy's ELF Communication System is being conducted on biota and ecosystems components in northwestern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Sixteen general types of organisms from three major ecosystems in the ELF System are being examined. Formulation of an ELF Ecological Monitoring Program was completed in early 1982 by the Department of the Navy. Monitoring studies were selected through a peer-reviewed, competitive bidding process in mid-1982 and studies were initiated in the late summer. Major activities of the program during 1983 consisted of characterization of critical aspects of each study, collection of data to validate assumptions made in proposals, and selection of study sites. Progress is summarized for the 10 projects that comprise the Program. (Author).