This one-day workshop brought together leaders in landscape ecology, conservation planning and policy, to discuss habitat connectivity analysis and implementation strategies for conservation and transportation planning. Presenters discussed the current status of habitat connectivity planning in California, what tools are available, success stories and lessons learned, and future prospects for achieving large-scale habitat conservation plans.
The afternoon portion of the workshop looked at issues emerging in two diverse systems in California: the Sierra Nevada and the Central Valley. Workshop attendees participated in roundtable discussions on ecological, policy and implementation issues that must be addressed in formulating a contextual framework for protecting and restoring connectivity for wildlife.
This workshop provided useful information and perspectives for a wide range of participants including researchers, resource managers, agency staff, and other conservation professionals.
REC Landscape Connectivity Flyer
PARTNERSHIPS IN WILDLIFE CONNECTIVITY AND PLANNING IN CALIFORNIA
Gregg Erickson, Chief, Biological Studies & Tech. Assistance Office
California Department of Transportation
Kevin Hunting, Branch Chief, Habitat Conservation Planning
California Department of Fish and Game
Darrin Thome, Water & Fishery Resources, invited
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
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DAVID BUNN – UCD WILDLIFE HEALTH CENTER
California Wildlife: Conservation Challenges
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/habitats/wdp/ |
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KRISTEEN PENROD -- SOUTH COAST WILDLANDS
Functional habitat connectivity across the South Coast Ecoregion
http://scwildlands.org/ |
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MARK SILBERSTEIN – ELKHORN SLOUGH FOUNDATION
Conserving and restoring lands of the Elkhorn Slough ecosystem
http://www.elkhornslough.org/ |
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SANDY JACOBSON, US FOREST SERVICE
Reducing Habitat Fragmentation by Roads: Policy & Practice
http://www.wildlifecrossings.info/beta2.htm |
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SESSION I – PROTECTING CONNECTIVITY IN “WILD” AREAS
Fraser Shilling – Moderator
Speakers: Fraser Shilling, Kristeen Penrod, Peter Stine, Sandy Jacobson
This session will look at creating a conceptual design for terrestrial and aquatic connectivity within the Sierra Nevada ecosystem, and the role of public and private lands as conduits for protecting essential natural corridors. |
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SESSION II – RESTORING CONNECTIVITY IN DEVELOPED AREAS
Moderator: Steve Greco
Speakers: Steve Greco, UCD, Chris Beale, RLG, Jim Quinn, UCD
This session examines the complexities of restoring natural connectivity in a climate of intense development pressures and multiple landowners. Consensus based decision making and planning mechanisms needed to coordinate land use and conservation planning will be discussed. |
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Identifying Opportunities for Landscape Connectivity through Transportation Planning
Planning, Collaboration, and Partnerships
Amy Pettler, California Department of Transportation
Senior Endangered Species Coordinator and Wildlife Biologist |
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|David Becker
