 SREP provides myriad resources to conservation groups, agencies, citizens, and others interested in the protection and restoration of the Southern Rockies. From mapping to publications, SREP offers credible and innovative scientific information and analyses on the Southern Rockies ecoregion. SREP is a science-based organization.
Making Connections for Wildlife
The following step-by-step guide provides a framework for ensuring
that the early consideration of conservation priorities – specifically
wildlife movement needs – that began in the long-range transportation
planning process continues into the short-term planning processes, and
that the necessary data are developed so that these needs can be
appropriately addressed. Specifically, the guide outlines a process for
developing high quality data with regards to identifying important areas
for wildlife habitat connectivity, as identified by the State Wildlife
Action Plan, and working with natural resource and transportation
agencies to integrate these data into the project planning process.
Making Connections for Wildlife
Report
Ecoregion Report
In 2004, SREP
completed a detailed analysis of the ecological status of the Southern
Rockies. Over the past decade, we examined land use history, social and
economic issues, the status of native species, and the conditions of both
land and water ecosystems. Using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping
technology, we identified and classified the remaining wildlands of the
Southern Rockies in order to assess conservation risks and opportunities.
We published these findings in the State of the
Southern Rockies Ecosystem report.
Southern Rockies Wildlands Network Vision
As a response to the conservation threats, risks and opportunities
defined in the State of the Southern Rockies Ecosystem report,
SREP developed a proactive, achievable blueprint for protecting and
restoring the Southern Rockies ecoregion. In partnership with
other conservation organizations and management agencies, we used computer
modeling and expert opinion to design a viable wildlands network for the
Southern Rockies. Using GIS software to perform analysis of plant
communities, key species suitable habitat, and existing protected areas
throughout the region, we established both where protected cores and
linkages should be located, and how large the network should be. We then
incorporated existing citizen management and wilderness proposals for public
lands to shape the network design map, which is at the heart of our
overarching vision for the Southern Rockies. This process has enabled SREP
and its partners to pinpoint the natural landscapes that are most critical
to the Southern Rockies.
SREP published these findings in the Southern
Rockies Wildlands Network Vision in November 2004.
Wildlife Linkages
To address the goal of restoring landscape connectivity, as identified
in the WIldlands Network Vision, SREP developed the Linking Colorado's Landscapes
project. This unique effort is a partnership with the Federal Highway
Administration, Colorado Department of Transportation, The Nature
Conservancy, and Colorado State University. High priority wildlife
linkages were identified utilizing results from expert workshops,
computer modeling, and CDOT animal-vehicle collision data. Linkages
identified had either a conservation opportunity and ecological
significance or safety significance.
Click here for a full list of SREP's scientific reports as well as the research of our Science Advisory Council.
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