Update from Oregon Wildlife Linkage Workshops, 2007

1. Update from Oregon Wildlife Linkage Workshops, 2007 Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society February 14, 2008 – Salishan Resort, Oregon

2. Oregon Conservation Strategy Charting the course for conservation All states have now completed Wildlife Action Plans Unprecedented opportunity to work across ecoregions and to work with federal partners

3. Six Key Conservation Issues • Land use changes • Invasive species • Changes in fire, flood regimes • Water quality and quantity • Institutional barriers to voluntary conservation • Barriers to fish and wildlife movement

4. Oregon Wildlife Movement Strategy • ODFW, ODOT co-lead • ODFW’s role: Identify wildlife priorities

5. Roads impact wildlife in several ways: Habitat loss Direct mortality Indirect impacts RIP Habitat lost Animals die Reduce habitat quality Reduced population size Reduced population persistence Diagram modified, with permission from Jaeger et al., Ecological Modelling 185 (2005) 329–348

6. Linkage areas Linkages Working definition: “Best place to provide for animal movement needs, with an emphasis on areas that cross roads” • ODFW convened four workshops in 2007 • Review session at The Wildlife Society • Bend, Roseburg, La Grande, & Alsea

7. ODFW linkage workshops • Convened expertise from agency, conservation organization, and private sectors • Breakout sessions worked with existing maps and with GIS • Product: Identified linkage areas that cross transportation corridors throughout the state

8. Large mammals Elk Mule deer Black-tailed deer Columbian white-tailed deer Pronghorn Black bear Small & medium sized mammals Fisher Marten Western gray squirrel White tailed jackrabbit Linkage workshop focal species list

9. Reptiles Painted turtle Western pond turtle Western rattlesnake (in the Willamette ecoregion only) Amphibians Columbia spotted frog Oregon spotted frog Tailed frog (inland & coastal) Red-legged frog Western toad Cascades frog Foothill yellow legged frog In practice: Identified herp areas based on habitat Linkage workshop focal species list, continued

10. Existing datasets • Strategy habitats • Vegetation type • Strategy species modeled distribution • Land ownership • Roads, highways • Waterbodies, streams • ODFW big game winter range Conservation Strategy priority habitats

16. Linkage ID: Focal species:  Provide brief description (i.e., general habitat type; land cover; land ownership; drainage): 1. What type of linkage is provided for the focal species (Check all that apply): ___ Landscape – level linkage ___ Migratory link ___ Population link (provides for genetic interchange) ___ Complementary habitat (daily or seasonal movements) ___ Historic or previously functioning linkage (“missing linkage”) ___ Imminently missing linkage ___ Connectivity choke-point ___ Other 2. What are the most significant barriers to animal movement within the linkage area: __ Development (i.e., urbanization; planned changes in zoning) __ Roadways __ Natural barriers (i.e., lava beds; etc) ___ OHV trails ___ Vegetation management ___ Concrete median on highway ___ Other Linkage data form, page 1 of 2:

17. Linkage data form, page 2 of 2: 3. Score the value of this linkage for this focal species [see definitions and criteria page for guidance]: 1 (low value) 2 3 4 5 (critical value)  4. Score the overall threat to connectivity 1 (no threat/secure) 2 3 4 5 (severe threat/loss imminent)  5. What specific opportunities are available to restore, establish or protect the linkage (i.e., known local support for restoration, land management, or acquisition)?  6. What existing features facilitate animal movement through the linkage area (check all that apply): __Waterway __Riparian habitat __Continual habitat coverage __Underpass/bridge __Other

18. ODFW linkage dataset applications • In many cases, “flag” linkage areas to do further surveys to confirm • Work with ODOT and others to implement solutions

19. Implementation via ODFW/ODOT Liaison Program • Project driven • Provide a resource to assist with project scoping • Fine tune the passage questions • Develop site and species specific passage actions • Monitoring

20. Next steps: Data processing • Oregon linkage dataset represents Professional Opinion • Getting all into digital, GIS format • Can combine with modeling efforts, compare with Strategy’s COA’s Example data model: Oregon Landscape permeability work

21. Data processing timeline, February – May 2008:

22. Next steps: Regional coordination • Oregon’s linkage work is similar to efforts in other states, regions throughout the U.S. • Exploring opportunities to work with adjacent states • Western Governor’s Association initiative • ODFW cannot do this alone! • Opportunity for partners, including conservation organizations; hunters groups; others

23. Wildlife crossings summit 2008 • October 19- 24, 2008 • Oregon Zoo • Many events planned, including • Kick-off event • Symposia • “Linking conservation data with transportation planning” workshop • Federal Highways – Defenders of Wildlife – Natureserve • Wildlife Crossings training • Field trip For more information: Suzanne.Rosen@oregonzoo.org

24. Acknowledgments For more information: Audrey Hatch, 541 – 757 – 4263 x 242; Audrey.C.Hatch@state.or.uswww.dfw.state.or.us/conservationstrategy www.oregonexplorer Workshop participants USFS, FHWA, ODOT, PSU for financial & in-kind contributions Our thanks to the photographers: Stephen Anderson Jason Blazar Bruce Campbell Claire Fiegener Lori Hennings Bob Hooten Brome McCreary • Michael Murphy • Tony Clevenger • Bruce Newhouse • Bruce Taylor • Jennifer Thompson • USFWS • Mindy Trask