Habitat
Conservation Planning
November 12, 2015
Overview
*Components and Threats
*Local Example
*Planning Mechanisms,
Old and New
"We abuse land because we see it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." - Aldo Leopold
Leopold's Land Ethic
Landscape Ecology
- "Emphasizes the interaction between spatial patterns and ecological processes, that is, the causes and consequences of spatial heteorogeneity across a range of scale." (Turner, 2001)
- "Concerns organisms and their interactions with configurations and type of landscape elements"
Landscape Components
Urban Example
Habitat Planning
- Configuration of spatial elements relative to need, both human and natural
- High level goal: maintain heterogeneity and biodiversity
- Difficult to plan for mobile wildlife but simpler to plan for sufficient habitat
- Something to consider: urban planning as habitat planning for humans
Threats
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Fragmentation
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Erosion to Development
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Poor Management
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Lack of Adaptation
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Introduction of Non-Native Species
Land Configuration Matters
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Patch size
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Patch shape
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Patch connectivity
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Patch structure
Patch Shape
Patch Shape Cont.
Patch Connectivity
Patch Structure
Planning for Connectivity
Factors to consider when prioritizing conservation:
- The forces and motivation creating a species' need to move (natural vs. unnatural, esp)
- The possible avenues of movement
- The target or destination of movement
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Culverts and non-temporary walls finished in 2010 after 10 years of lobbying
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Highway 27 north of TLH became one of the most deadly roadways in the world for turtles. In Feb 2000, 90 killed in just a single day.
Methods of Assessment
- Habitat Inventories
- Gap Analysis
- Determine areas with high biodiversity potential
- Compare with existing management practices to identify gaps
Goals of Implementation
- Maximize open space and protect the most valuable wildlife habitat
- Retain and plant native vegetation
- Provide habitat enhancements through connection
- Educate residents and give opportunities for engagement and observation
Methods of Implementation
- State Wildlife Action Plan
- In Florida, updated every 5 years. Last in 2012
- http://myfwc.com/media/2663010/StateWildlife ActionPlan.pdf
- Mechanism for prioritizing and administering funds
- Habitat Conservation Plans
- Authorized under Endangered Species Act when projects show potential for negative impact
Habitat Conservation Plans
- Intended to find balance between habitat conservation and land use development when taking occurs
- At minimum they require:
- the impact that will likely result from the taking
- what steps applicant will take to minimize and mitigate such impacts, and the funding that will be available to implement such steps
- what alternative steps were the applicant considered and reason why they were not selected
- other measures the department may considered necessary or appropriate
More info: http://www.flbeacheshcp.com/docs/FLBHCP%20Primer.pdf
NGO Efforts
Alternative Strategies: Large Land Holders as Plan Makers
- In 2011, 10 companies owned almost 10% of the state; significant power to influence land use & conservation and key players in the future of the state
- Top Three in 2011: (1) Plum Creek Timber, (2) St. Joe Company, (3) Foley Timber Co.
- "A central lesson derived from the St. Joe case study is that government with large landowners in its jurisdictions should view these landowners as potential assets to plan-making processes." - Dr. Tim Chapin, FSU
Optional Sector Plan: Regional Scale Thinking
But, land changes, hands!
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/08/usa-florida-mormons-idUSL2N0IT2AZ20131108#bHeyXGbW71J3MFk4.97