In May 2014, the GNLCC Steering Committee approved a pilot project to coordinate science-based management across the GNLCC on the connectivity goal. The SC allocated a total of $190k over 3 years. In the third year of the GNLCC Connectivity Project, with $75k support, work towards fulfilling the connectivity goal of the GNLCC fell into the following categories:
- Facilitation of Connectivity Leadership Team: facilitate regular calls to coordinate ideas and input from the Connectivity Leadership Team for developing an overall GNLCC Connectivity Strategy. The Strategy guides implementation aspects of the project such as developing Focal Connectivity Area Portfolios, creating a pilot of the Connectivity Data Hub, improving utility of the Data Atlas, and general outreach and communications.
- Tool development and application: develop a pilot of the Data Hub for use by practitioners in the High Divide region and expand the information in the Connectivity Data Atlas. Provide interpretation of the atlas where necessary and present at regional workshops. Develop a website and user guide for the atlas and a plan to improve its utility. Explore actions for integrating climate change science into the atlas.
- Coordination and outreach: attend regional workshops to present the GNLCC connectivity strategy, share tools, and encourage partner participation in building collective connectivity conservation activity across the region. Develop the GNLCC Connectivity Project website.
- Work to tie local efforts into the larger project vision. For example: Support local efforts to improve connectivity throughout the region by funding “Connectivity in the Hanford Reach and Yakima Training Center Landscape: A Community Forum Case Study.”