Conservation and management of ecological systems in a changing California |
| |
Authors: | Elisa Barbour Lara M Kueppers |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of City and Regional Planning, University of California, Berkeley, 904-B Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA;(2) School of Natural Sciences and Sierra Nevada Research Institute, University of California, Merced, 5200 North Lake Road, Merced, CA 95343, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Climate change in California is altering habitat conditions for many species and exacerbating stress from other factors such
as alien invasive species, pollution, and habitat fragmentation. However, the current legal and planning framework for species
protection does not explicitly take climate change into account. The regulatory framework is primarily reactive, kicking in
only after species’ health is gravely threatened. Neither federal nor state regulations require forward-looking, climate-sensitive
species or ecosystem protection plans. Habitat planning is poorly funded and often piecemeal. In this context, the wrong lands
may be protected, with development allowed to occur in areas that would be most beneficial for species conservation in the
future. A more forward-looking approach to habitat conservation is needed, one based on a statewide strategy to identify and
protect critical habitat areas, including corridors to enable species migration. The approach would also require development
of assessment indicators and assistance strategies not dependent on current habitat structure, and a governance structure
to implement regular, periodic updates of management plans in relation to agreed-upon performance indicators. Such a strategy
should integrate habitat conservation planning with other state and regional plans and objectives, such as for transportation
infrastructure, urban development, and mitigation of climate change. |
| |
Keywords: | |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|