Strategic Habitat Conservation for Endangered Species: Applying an adaptive management framework to lead to the recovery of North Carolina’s rare aquatic species Presented by: Sarah McRae 12 January 2012
Jan 03, 2016
Strategic Habitat Conservation for Endangered Species:
Applying an adaptive management framework to lead to the recovery
of North Carolina’s rare aquatic species
Presented by:Sarah McRae
12 January 2012
Presentation Overview• US Fish and Wildlife Service in NC• Strategic Habitat Conservation (SHC) concepts• Recovery Planning using SHC for listed species
Cape Fear shiner Dwarf wedgemussel Tar River spinymussel
• Future Steps How YOU can help
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Our Mission:
Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
USFWS in North Carolina
LEGEND
National Wildlife Refuges
Migratory Bird Field
Station
Law Enforcement
Offices
LE Port
National Fish
Hatcheries
Fish Resource
Coordinators Offices
Ecological Services
Realty Offices
Ecological Services Program Areas• Endangered Species
(listing, candidate conservation, consultation, recovery)• Conservation Planning Assistance
(NEPA, FERC, federal permit reviews)• Coastal Program
(coastal ecosystem restoration, fish passage, invasive control)
• Partners for Fish and Wildlife (habitat restoration/improvement/protection on private
lands through partnerships)• Environmental Contaminants
(evaluating effects of contaminants for pollution prevention and environmental restoration)
Assumption-driven Research
USFWS’s Strategic Habitat Conservation Framework
• What is SHC?An adaptive resource management framework for making management decisions about where and how to deliver conservation efficiently to achieve specific biological outcomes.
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
Using SHC for Cape Fear shiner
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
ResarchCape Fear
shiner
BIOLOGICAL PLANNING
Upper Cape Fear River basin
Priority Stream reaches/patches
Using SHC for Cape Fear shiner
Biological Planning: Formulating Objectives
• Population: What constitutes a robust population? Densities in optimal habitat patches Minimum viable population size
• Landscape: Where in the Upper Cape Fear River basin will we focus efforts? Prioritize watersheds to focus conservation actions
• Habitat: What are the essential habitat constituents? Focus on water willow beds – what habitat variables are
important for water willow? How many stream miles need to be occupied?
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
RESEARCH
Water Quality studies
Captive propagation
CFS eggs
CFS larva
Using SHC for Cape Fear shiner
Assumption-driven Research• Summary:
http://www.fws.gov/raleigh/species/es_cfshiner_biblio.htmlo 1971 – Species is describedo 1987 – Species is listedo 1997 – USFWS RFO & WRC start funding science needs
identified in the Recovery Plan• Habitat requirements (2 studies)• Reproductive behavior (1 study)• Sensitivity to water-borne contaminants (4 studies)• Genetic diversity (4 studies)• Mortality risk due to electroshocking (1 study)• Suitable surrogate species for future water quality studies (1
study)• Population status across the shiner’s historic range (4 studies)• Threats analysis (1 study)
Interesting Findings• Overall, CFS populations remain genetically similar. But
differences do emerge as the distance between populations increases. Dams, therefore, remain a threat.
• CFS not as sensitive to chemical pollutants as previously thought. Meeting State water quality standards is primary need.
Future Research Priorities• Water Quality tests on all life cycle stages• Establish techniques to assess
reintroduction/augmentation success• Quantify water willow distribution and habitat
needs• Comparison of Rocky/Deep River habitats vs Haw
River habitats and species associates: What are the limiting factors in the Haw?
• Emerging threats:– Shale Gas– Invasive species interactions (e.g., cut grass)
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
CONSERVATION DESIGN
Decision Support Tools:Section 7 Ranges defined“Canned” GIS projectExpert CFS-SHC team
Programmatic Priorities:RFO Top Office PriorityWRC “Section 6” priority for species in
Piedmont
Using SHC for Cape Fear shiner
Needed Conservation ActionsCATEGORIES OF ACTION:
•Education•Write SHC Plan/Re-write Recovery Plan•Augmentation/Reintroduction•Dam Removals•Instream Flows•Habitat Restoration and Protection•Surveys and Mapping•Policy•Water Quality•Research
Possible Programmatic Priorities• Populations:
Upper Rocky River augmentation project
• Habitats: Water willow distribution surveys Identified threat abatement projects
• Landscape: Lee County Conservation Partnership Proactive planning in Harnett County
Delivery of Conservation Actions
• Carbonton Dam Removal Project• Continue to work with partners to achieve
conservation:
• Utilize WRC’s Green Growth Toolbox throughout region
• Utilize Chatham Conservation Partnership for education/outreach opportunities; project ideas and recommendations
Haw River AssemblyNC Zoological ParkConservation Fisheries, Inc.Citizens
NC Wildlife Resources CommissionNC Natural Heritage ProgramNC Parks and Recreation Chatham Conservation PartnershipTriangle Land Conservancy
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
EvaluateLimitingFactors
Model CriticalFeatures:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Feedback Loop:Target Research at Key Assumptions
ReviseModels
Assess Current State of the Populations
Develop and IntegrateDecision Support Tools for:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Assess Current State of the Habitats
Assess Current State of the Landscape
Evaluate ProgrammaticPriorities Relative to:
1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Monitor the Effects ofManagement Actions on:
1. Focal Species Populations2. Selected Habitats3. The Landscape
Feedback Loop:Assess Net ProgressToward Objectives:1. Populations2. Habitats3. Landscape
Delivery of Conservation Actions
FeedbackLoop:Assess
ProgramAccomplish-
ments
Delineate(reassess)
the Landscape
Formulate(reassess)
HabitatObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
LandscapeObjectives
Formulate(reassess)
PopulationObjectives
Select (reassess)
Habitats inthe Landscape
Figure 1. SHC for populations: SHCPopulations
Select(reassess)
Focal Species
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
Conservation
Design
ConservationDelivery
Mon
itor
ing
SHCPopulation
Biological Planning
Resarch
OUTCOME-BASED MONITORING
• Identify data needs and data collection strategies that will fit into the overall adaptive management scheme
• Collaborate with partners to collect information/data
• Assess effects of management• Assess agency accomplishments• Assess net progress toward
population, landscape and habitat objectives
Using SHC for Cape Fear shiner
Future Steps for CFSUSFWS has a draft SHC framework report
availableWorking with WRC on Rocky River augmentation
projectWorking with SWCD’s along the Deep River to
address NPS pollution problemsExploring dam removal projects to improve
connectivityExpand conservation partnerships to other
counties that contain habitat for CFSHold additional CFS-SHC team meetings to
discuss path forward and assess progress• Ultimate Goal: De-list the CFS!
Using SHC for dwarf wedgemusselUtilizing a Structured Decision Making Approach
DWM-SHC workshop
OBJECTIVES
• Management and Conservation Actions: Actions that affect habitat, such as, regulation or ordinances,
acquisition of land through purchase or easements, restoration, and beaver control.
Actions that directly affect populations, such as, augmentation, reintroduction, or salvage.
Actions that affect public support, such as, outreach or public education.
DWM-SHC workshop
DWM-SHC workshop
Future Steps for DWM
• Ultimate Goal: Recover DWM in NC!
Developing Models
Initial Conceptual Model
Life History Meta-population
Continue to engage DWM-SHC team
Consider propagation efforts
Utilize Section 7 process to benefit species
Using SHC for Tar River spinymussel
Diagram from 2010
More on this from Ashton in a minute…
Questions?U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicewww.fws.gov
Raleigh office of USFWSwww.fws.gov/raleigh/
Check out our new fact sheets!www.fws.gov/raleigh/es_tes.html
Sarah [email protected]; 919-856-4520x16