The Appalachian LCC is currently engaged in an effort to develop a draft regional conservation plan for the Cooperative using an interactive and iterative spatial prioritization framework. Using available data and modeling approaches that are well supported in the literature, researchers from Clemson University are developing conservation planning models that include site selection, ecological threat assessments, and broad ranging habitat and ecological connectivity analyses.
The research team is working closely with designated technical teams from each major region in the Appalachian LCC to offer unique insights and input to help guide the interactive conservation planning process. After each round of feedback, revised conservation scenarios are being produced.
