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Elements of a Wildlands Network Vision
Rewilding Wildlands networks are explicitly based on the scientific approach of rewilding, which emphasizes large core wild areas, functional connectivity across the landscape, and the vital role of keystone species and processes, especially large carnivores. Healing the Wounds Goal-Setting Ecological restoration is now recognized as essential in conservation. Wildlands networks approach restoration through healing the wounds goal setting. Expert Design The initial Wildlands Network Design is mapped based on expert opinion. Three-track Approach Wildlands networks are designed by a three-track approach of ecosystem representation, special elements, and focal species planning. A wildlands network strives to represent all ecosystems, and to identify and protect rare species occurrences and other sites of high biodiversity values in core wild areas. Wildlands networks are also based on the habitat needs of focal species-organisms used in planning and managing protected areas because their requirements for survival represent factors important to maintaining ecologically healthy conditions. Focal Species Modeling The initial Wildlands Network Design is tested and revised by computer modeling techniques that include SITES, PATCH, and Least Cost Path Analysis. Fieldwork On the ground fieldwork is necessary for inventorying road systems, potential wilderness boundaries, ecological conditions, focal species presence, barriers to wildlife movement, and special elements to improve the accuracy of the wildlands network design. Wilderness Areas as Cores Wildlands networks are anchored by a core system of Wilderness Areas on public lands. Conservation on Private Lands Private lands, voluntarily managed for conservation by landowners, play a key role in wildlands networks. Compatible-Use Lands In addition to core wild areas and wildlife linkages, public and private lands managed for compatible resource and recreational use are a key part of wildlands networks and provide habitat and dispersal connectivity for a wide variety of species. Linkages to other Wildlands Networks Connectivity within a wildlands network is a fundamental part of Wildlands Network Design, but connectivity to adjacent wildlands networks is also important for wide-ranging species and ecological processes. Specific Units Wildlands networks are built from many individual units of land, including federal, state, county, tribal, and private, that are specifically proposed or recognized as cores, linkages, and compatible-use lands. Unit Classification and Management Guidelines Wildlands networks have consistent, detailed management recommendations and guidelines for the different land unit classifications proposed. Focal Species Management Recommendations Management recommendations for focal species are a key part of Wildlands Network Visions. Conservation Action A Wildlands Network Vision is an abstract exercise unless an implementation plan is conceptualized simultaneously. Wildlands Network Design and planning for implementation must proceed on parallel tracks at the same time and with constant feedback. Cataloging Compatible Conservation Initiatives In any region where a Wildlands Network Design effort is underway, there are many other complementary conservation efforts going on as well, which are incorporated in the Wildlands Network Vision. Economic Incentives Wildlands Network Visions propose economic incentives that promote human interaction with the land that conserves, rather than destroys, wild Nature. Expert Review Critical, ongoing review of Wildlands Network Visions by scientists and conservation groups is an important way of ensuring accuracy and effectiveness. Continental Vision The Southern Rockies Wildlands Network Vision is part of a continental vision for a North American wildlands network based on four MegaLinkages proposed by the Wildlands Project.  |
