Lake County Forest Preserve District’s Post

Small protected areas often get bad press, seen as of little value, diverting resources from more effective large reserves. Yet well placed small reserves play key roles in conservation: (1) conserving habitat of range-limited or relic species, (2) remaining natural patches in altered ecosystems, (3) habitat for time-limited lifecycle stages, (4) “stepping stones” to maintain connectivity and (5) habitat in cultural sites and sacred natural sites; (6) conservation of critical habitat within Category V protected landscapes and seascapes; and (7) integrating different management and governance approaches to multiply impacts. We need more discussion on how to use small reserves effectively! See our new paper: https://lnkd.in/ek5kzXz7 James Watson, Sue Stolton, Hannah Timmins

🔥 Our new paper on the importance of small reserves is out!

A pertinent piece from Dudley and team below. Small protected areas are key to creation of satelite sites, refugia in dispersal zones and corridors. Without them we would not manage to maintain the sources sink dynamics of the metapopulations for wide-ranging species that travel beyond the boundaries of even large protected areas. We would also not manage to hit 30 by 30 targets without inclusion of small protected areas and OECMs. Every pearl on the necklace is important.

Effective land management for herpetofauna involves balancing habitat preservation and human land use activities to support the diverse needs of reptiles and amphibians. This includes maintaining habitats such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, which are crucial for different species at various stages of their life cycles. Key strategies include minimizing habitat fragmentation, controlling invasive species that can disrupt ecosystems, and promoting habitat connectivity through corridors. These strategies are discussed in detail in our Michigan Herp BMP. Download a free copy here: https://lnkd.in/gafBhncr

Here's a link to a chapter in 'Land Reclamation in Ecological Fragile Areas' highlighting the collaborative efforts among industries, agencies, and scientists associated with #reclamation and #habitatrestoration for Greater sage-grouse in Wyoming. It is titled "Collaborative efforts towards ecological #habitat restoration of a threatened species, Greater sage-grouse, in Wyoming, USA" by Peter Stahl & Michael Curran. We're looking forward to some exciting things on the horizon. https://lnkd.in/e5inCd6v This can be downloaded in the publications section of www.abnovaecology.com

Rewilding, naturalization, reforestation, and depaving all have multiple benefits, and flood risk reduction and climate adaptation are among them. Natural systems are interconnected systems, and we are a part of them - there is power in realizing this.

Research has revealed that an area the size of France is threatened by forest restoration initiatives that are taking place in inappropriate African landscapes. The research found that 52% of tree-planting projects in Africa are occurring in savannahs, with almost 60% using non-native tree species, which also brings the risk of introducing invasive species. The researchers say the misclassification of grassy ecosystems including savannahs as “forests” could lead to misplaced reforestation and destruction of these ancient grasslands. The definition currently used by the UN’s FAO defines forests as areas of land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 metres, with tree canopy cover of at least 10%. Under this definition, open-spaced ecosystems with trees, such as savannahs, would be classified as forests and would meet the required standards for reforestation – even if they were not appropriate. The addition of more trees to these areas creates more canopy cover and decreases the amount of light that can reach the ground below, which can change the grassy environment of the savannah. This could be a risk to wildlife such as rhinos and wildebeest, as well as people who depend on these ecosystems. “We must act to avoid a situation where we cannot see the savannah for the trees, and these precious grassy systems are lost irrevocably,” say the researchers. https://lnkd.in/daimknQP

Recovering natural #ecosystems should not be optional but the number one goal. It proves as one of the most robust and efficient ways of ensuring #biodiversity! conservation. #Rewilding #Ecosystemrestoration.

In the future? Not in Florida, where connectivity is the major objective NOW.

Why are cork oak forests natural fire-retardants? This ecosystem is extremely fire-resistant. Cork oak trees, in addition to being less flammable, are also a species that more easily repopulates burnt areas, which should be considered in replanting initiatives after forest fires. (Source: Assessment of the services of the ecosystem of the cork oak forest EY 2019) #amorim #quantum