Choosing What to Protect in the Face of Climate Change

Maine Land Conservation Conference

May 1, 2010

We have an exceptional opportunity to conserve an ecologically functional landscape

However, our success will depend on:

1. Establishing scientifically supported statewide priorities

2. Translating priorities for implementation by local conservation partners (land trusts, municipalities, sister agencies)

3. Facilitating on the ground action at the local level

Climate change hasn’t altered our approach, it has simply made it more urgent

Maine’s Comprehensive Maine’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Conservation Strategy Strategy

(Wildlife Action Plan)(Wildlife Action Plan)

Identifies 213 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN).

Encouraging habitat conservation at the local level is likely our most promising tool.

Therefore, BwH is the foundation of SWAP.

21 key habitat types, and 140 Focus Areas of Statewide Ecological Significance

Contents of SWAP Identifies:Priority habitat types

Priority species

Strategies for conserving each

This data helps in identifying projects locally that respond to state priorities

Focus Areas of Statewide Ecological Significance

Highlight intact landscapes with rich biodiversity and inform strategic conservation investments

Mt Agamenticus

Kennebunk Plains/Wells Barren

Scarborough Marsh

Bold Coast

Unity Wetlands

Merrymeeting Bay

St. John River

Tumbledown Mtn to Mt Blue

Crystal Bog

Androscoggin Lake

Etc…

- Maine Wildlife Action Plan

What about climate change?

Steps for incorporating Climate Change into SWAP:

1. Launch on-line Species Vulnerability Assessment that evaluates vulnerability based on:

a. Exposure to stressors

b. Sensitivity to stressors

c. Capacity to adapt to stressors

d. Include mechanism to also rank vulnerability of habitat and natural community types

2. Evaluate expert feedback and update SGCN list and species status

3. Update BwH outreach materials, tools, and technical assistance

Hand off to AW to discuss exposure doc.

AC to discuss survey

As we take on strategic conservation planning, or update our existing plans, how can we address climate change adaptation?

• Areas to our south are going to become less habitable

• Telecommuting and virtual offices will become more prevalent

• This is the critical time to plan for a resilient landscape

Strategic conservation planning has never been more important

The Beginning with Habitat model provides a good starting point for “saving the stage”

Water Resources and Riparian Habitat

High Value Plant and Animal Habitats

Unfragmented Habitat Blocks

Low-lying undeveloped uplands adjacent to coastal wetlands (beaches, mudflats, saltmarshes, etc.)

Undeveloped areas that serve as landscape scale habitat connections

Climate change adaptation will require a ‘stage’ capable of supporting an uncertain cast of players

Unusual soil types Unusual geologic conditions

A variety of topographic conditions