Integrating Land Use Planning and Biodiversity - Defenders of Wildlife
Integrating Land Use Planning and Biodiversity - Defenders of Wildlife
Integrating Land Use Planning and Biodiversity - Defenders of Wildlife
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WORKSHOP DISCUSSION<br />
n recent years, as more has become known<br />
about biodiversity <strong>and</strong> conservation biology, scientists<br />
have begun to steer the conservation community toward<br />
working on a larger scale. At the same time, the number<br />
<strong>of</strong> conservation planning projects around the country has<br />
grown. Workshop participants were asked to identify the<br />
rewards <strong>and</strong> barriers to using such large-scale<br />
conservation plans.<br />
Guided by their years <strong>of</strong> experience with the Endangered<br />
Species Act, <strong>and</strong> their work on conservation assessments<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> the Oregon <strong>Biodiversity</strong> Project, <strong>Defenders</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Wildlife</strong> has developed a proactive, incentive-driven,<br />
state-based approach to habitat conservation. One <strong>of</strong> the<br />
workshop goals was to determine how well such an<br />
approach could be connected to local l<strong>and</strong> use planning.<br />
Participants also provided suggestions on how best to<br />
create <strong>and</strong> implement comprehensive conservation plans<br />
for their communities, <strong>and</strong> advice for agencies involved<br />
in this work. The remainder <strong>of</strong> this report summarizes<br />
that discussion.<br />
natural l<strong>and</strong>scape makes it a more desirable place to live<br />
<strong>and</strong> work, enhances community pride, <strong>and</strong> helps raise<br />
property values. Yet first <strong>and</strong> foremost, large-scale conservation<br />
planning helps identify which natural habitats<br />
should be preserved to protect a particular area's diversity<br />
<strong>of</strong> wild animals <strong>and</strong> plants.<br />
These l<strong>and</strong>scape-scale conservation plans identify for<br />
protection large blocks <strong>of</strong> l<strong>and</strong> along with the natural corridors<br />
that connect <strong>and</strong> make these parcels more functional.<br />
These plans can include other environmental<br />
improvements, such as stream restoration for flood control,<br />
water quality <strong>and</strong> wetl<strong>and</strong>s protection. <strong>L<strong>and</strong></strong>scapescale<br />
planning works across jurisdictional boundaries, so<br />
it can help make acquisition <strong>of</strong> l<strong>and</strong> for conservation<br />
strategic rather than haphazard. These conservation plans<br />
can also help organize, streamline <strong>and</strong> inform the process<br />
through which natural resource management agencies<br />
evaluate <strong>and</strong> set priorities for sites under consideration<br />
for conservation, restoration, <strong>and</strong> residential or commercial<br />
development.<br />
THE BENEFITS OF ADOPTING CONSERVATION PLANNING<br />
Workshop participants helped identify how state, regional<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or local governments can benefit from conservation<br />
strategies such as those underway in Massachusetts,<br />
Oregon <strong>and</strong> Arizona. A growing number <strong>of</strong> citizens now<br />
identify wildlife <strong>and</strong> natural habitats as essential to a<br />
high quality <strong>of</strong> life. Thus, preservation <strong>of</strong> a community's<br />
The l<strong>and</strong> use <strong>and</strong> conservation planning process can help<br />
communities control growth, prevent urban sprawl, <strong>and</strong><br />
preserve open space. Public involvement in this process<br />
can also help enhance a sense <strong>of</strong> community by providing<br />
an opportunity for citizens to express their hopes,<br />
values, <strong>and</strong> visions for their community's future.<br />
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