Washington Connectivity: Columbia Basin

Our 2010 statewide connectivity analysis identified broad-scale priority areas for connectivity conservation. More detailed, finer-scale analyses will give land managers the information they need to begin prioritizing and implementing conservation actions. The Columbia Plateau (Appendix A, Fig. 1) was selected for the first ecoregional-scale analysis for two reasons. First, several climate models suggest that the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion in Washington is likely to be a stronghold of shrubsteppe ecosystems under climate change. Second, despite the high level of habitat loss and fragmentation in the ecoregion, our statewide analysis identified previously undocumented patterns and opportunities for multiple-species connectivity conservation. This highlights the need to refine analyses for the region and prioritize among areas needed to maintain connectivity, particularly in the face of rapid energy development. We expect our pilot analysis of the Columbia Plateau to provide a general approach and specific tools that can be used to increase the efficiency of subsequent ecoregional analyses.

FY2010Objectives:This proposal represents Part II of a two-part project. Part I (submitted concurrently by WHCWG) focuses on identifying essential habitats and habitat linkages required to connect these habitats under both existing conditions and future climate change scenarios. Part II (described here) represents an exceptional opportunity to test and refinevia both field and genetic datathe habitat connectivity models built by WHCWG.1. Compare greater sage-grouse movement and genetic data with connectivity model predictions.2. Assess carnivore connectivity and barriers to carnivore movement and compare with connectivity model predictions.

FY2011Columbia Plateau Objectives:

1. (Part 1, Obj 1)Conduct ecoregional connectivity analyses and publish results for the Columbia Plateau.
2. (Part 1, Obj 3)Develop and share methods, protocols, and spatial analysis tools needed for climate and Columbia Plateau analyses

FY2012Objectives:

1. Share results of the Columbia Plateau connectivity analysis broadly and freely.
2. Deliver tailored connectivity products to the Arid Lands Initiative.
3. Develop and evaluate a habitat model for sage-grouse.
4. Validate the sage-grouse ecoregional connectivity model.
5. Validate the mule deer ecoregional connectivity model.
6. Determine the value of a focal species approach relative to a landscape integrity approach.
7. Test a framework for evaluating corridor efficacy and establish a baseline.

FY2014We will complete a habitat model for Greater Sage-Grouse in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion, test connectivity model predictions for Greater Sage-Grouse, integrate model testing results in an adaptive management framework to inform conservation action within the area of the Great Northern Landscape Conservation Cooperative, and communicate to share connectivity information.

Objectives:

1. Develop a Washington-specific habitat model for Greater Sage-Grouse based on occurrence data and GPS telemetry data collected in the Columbia Plateau.
2. Evaluate Greater Sage-Grouse Columbia Plateau resistance model using fine-scale spatial and temporal GPS telemetry data.
3. Share documents and web-based products and communicate broadly.