Conservation Networks - Vision & Goals

Getting Started

Definition
Purpose
Organizing
Examples & Links
Terms

Network Design

Vision and Goals
Network Scale
Integration
Design Principles
Application
Land Ratings
Design Checklist
Tips & Advice
Tools & Resources

Implementation

Acquisition
Incentives
Stewardship
Outreach
Funding
Maintenance

Developing a conservation network begins with a vision that depicts the opportunities for shaping the natural landscape of an area, for guiding current and future land use, and for creating and protecting connected systems of healthy lands and waters. Defining a vision for the future of a region creates the framework for setting goals, forming strategies, and gaining strong community support and involvement.

The vision for a conservation network can incorporate multiple values and provide numerous benefits; such as plant and animal habitat; beautiful natural areas; recreational opportunities; ecological services; reduced hazards from floods, fires, and earthquakes; education opportunities associated with local natural history; and working farms and forests to provide food and wood products.

Conservation planning provides the foundation. Designing and implementing a conservation network requires a solid understanding of the unique conservation needs and opportunities within a particular landscape or region. An assessment of the current status and distribution of habitats and species within the target area will help identify the highest priorities for conservation and highlight places that may offer opportunities to address those conservation needs.

A conservation plan or strategy will provide an overall blueprint for conservation action, including the role of a network of lands managed for conservation values. The design of that conservation network is a critical element of the overall strategy. Biodiversity planning

already completed or under way at the state or regional level may provide much of the information needed to frame planning for a new or expanded conservation network.

Turning Vision into Reality	(click map to download \| 6.1Mb Adobe Acrobat PDF) Portland's Metro has established a 50 year plan for managing regional growth. The 2040 Growth Concept envisions a future that ensures access to nature, protection of habitats for wildlife and people, safe and stable neighborhoods, transportation choices, resources for future generations and a vibrant cultural economy.
After the discovery of significant wetlands in the primary industrial development area of Eugene, Oregon, the West Eugene Wetlands Plan proposed a vision for the area, creating a connected system of wetlands that protects and improves natural diversity while balancing the needs of economic development.

(click map to download \| 1.34Mb Adobe Acrobat PDF)

Setting Goals

The vision for a conservation network leads to specific goals, for example, setting urban growth boundaries, using urban land wisely and protecting natural resources. The goals for a network will shape the overall design and help determine the scale of the network.

Goals focus on the particular objectives of the network - improved plant and animal habitats, water quality improvements, improved flood control, for example. These objectives lead to the plan, which leads to the strategies for implementation, such as legislation, tax incentives, mitigation or land aquisition.

The goals of each conservation network differ and are affected by the specific environmental, social, and political conditions in the area.

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