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https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/27432/critical-issues-in-transportation-for-2024-and-beyond

Are We There Yet? A Case for Spatially Explicit Linkage Modeling for Integrative Conservation Planning

While a number of states have completed statewide connectivity mapping to identify landscape-scale linkages, the level of detail involved in such mapping varies greatly from state to state. A few states, such as Arizona, have conducted detailed modeling process from the outset of their linkage assessment processes. More typical is the example of states like Colorado, where broad linkage arrows representing connections across the landscape were identified, but without defined spatial extents, or that of New Mexico and Utah, where stretches of highway with pronounced wildlife conflicts were identified, but without consideration for the broader landscape linkage. These connectivity assessments are an important first step; however, without refined linkage modeling, these broad-scale assessments are not sufficiently detailed for integration into project-level transportation planning, county zoning, or public lands management. The authors sought to fill this gap in Colorado by conducting in-depth linkage modeling to give defined spatial extents to wildlife linkages identified in the statewide connectivity assessment. The authors adapted the Corridor Design methodology-a freeware geographic information system (GIS) tool developed by researchers at Northern Arizona University--for this purpose. The ArcGIS tool encompasses a series of spatial analyses that walk the user through steps to define suitable habitat for target species, identify core areas, map the optimal corridors between core areas. The authors team made several adjustments to the standard Corridor Design methodology to better address the needs and concerns. These adaptations include mapping key habitat rather than protected lands to define core habitat; reconsidering linkage width as a gradation of „costs‟ for animals moving across the landscape rather than delimiting a „biologically best corridor‟; and instead of assuming that all portions of the linkage are equally important for all specie s considered in the linkage area by merging single-species linkages to create a single multi-species linkage at a given location, the authors encourage planners to review linkages both individually as well as overlaid with one another. The resulting models allow consideration of connectivity needs on a species-by-species basis, while also evaluating how mitigation can be designed for the greatest benefit to multiple species. This modeling effort resulted in spatially-explicit wildlife linkage data for seven species of greatest conservation need and other species of management concern to the Colorado Division of Wildlife. These data have numerous applications in protecting and restoring habitat connections for wildlife, particularly as wildlife seek to adapt to climate changes and ecosystem shifts. Current applications for the linkage models include, targeting wildlife concerns in transportation project planning and design, including the Interstate 70 highway reconstruction project; county-level zoning and transportation planning; and identifying areas of concern for the Western Governors‟ Association's Wildlife Corridors Initiative and the Western Renewable Energy Zones Initiative.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Features: Figures; Maps; References;
  • Pagination: pp 333-340
  • Monograph Title: Proceedings of the 2009 International Conference on Ecology and Transportation (ICOET 2009)

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01558697
  • Record Type: Publication
  • ISBN: 9780977809448
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Mar 31 2015 9:06AM