Linkage and connectivity studies have been conducted throughout San Diego County for decades. Many of these studies have focused on a single species, a single highway, or modeled habitat and movement at a landscape scale. In order to aid regional prioritization and actions, a comprehensive online map was created to compile all the existing connectivity data. This map creates specifics pathways of expected movement, identifies specific road crossings and infrastructure, and compiles recommendations for actions needed to improve or create connections between large blocks of conserved lands. With this tool, partners from across the region, are providing input on the highest priorities, identifying funding sources, and taking on individual projects identified.
American badger, Arroyo toad, Burrowing Owl, Coast Horned Lizard, Coastal cactus wren, Golden eagle, Harbison's Dun Skipper, Mountain lion, Quino checkerspot butterfly, San Diego black-tailed jackrabbit, Southern mule deer, Southwestern pond turtle
U.S. Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center
San Diego Management and Monitoring Program; The Nature Conservancy
Emily Perkins
Emily Perkins
Goal: The overarching and interrelated goals for protecting and restoring connectivity amongst core habitat areas within the MSPA and other regional conservation areas are to: (1) Ensure the persistence of species across the preserve system and (2) Maintain ecosystem functions across the landscape.
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Starting in 2018, use results of linkage evaluations and available species modelling to prepare Linkage Implementation Plans that identify and prioritize specific short- and long-term actions to protect, maintain or restore connectivity for target species. Identify the type of monitoring strategy to evaluate linkage function.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP-1 | Plans will include spatially explicit linkage designs and prioritized short- and long-term implementation actions to complete linkages (land acquisitions, wildlife crossing infrastructure, habitat restoration, culvert maintenance, adding structures for small vertebrates). | in progress | Regional Linkage Evaluation and Prioritization |
| PRP-2 | Identify long-term monitoring strategy for each linkage (spatial assessment, Inspect and Manage, Quantitative monitoring). | in progress | Regional Linkage Evaluation and Prioritization |
| PRP-3 | Linkage plans may consolidate linkages when several are in close proximity. | in progress | Regional Linkage Evaluation and Prioritization |
| PRP-4 | Submit data and reports to MSP web portal. | in progress | Regional Linkage Evaluation and Prioritization |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Linkage Implementation Plans completed for Priority Linkages by 2020 | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
Goal: The overarching and interrelated goals for protecting and restoring connectivity amongst core habitat areas within the MSPA and other regional conservation areas are to: (1) Ensure the persistence of species across the preserve system and (2) Maintain ecosystem functions across the landscape.
Management units: 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11
Complete linkage evaluations and conduct new evaluations/designs in priority linkages in all MUs by completing GIS modelling and field based assessments.
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVAL-1 | Review methods, results, and recommendations from linkage evaluations previously conducted, refine methods as necessary, and complete recommended follow-up surveys. | in progress | Regional Linkage Evaluation and Prioritization |
| EVAL-2 | Complete GIS office-based assessments and/or modelling and field assessments for remaining priority linkages. | in progress | Regional Linkage Evaluation and Prioritization |
| EVAL-3 | Prepare or update linkage evaluations and recommendations for each linkage to inform Linkage Implementation Plans and submit to MSP web portal. | in progress | Regional Linkage Evaluation and Prioritization |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Linkage Evaluations completed by 2018 | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |
Goal: The overarching and interrelated goals for protecting and restoring connectivity amongst core habitat areas within the MSPA and other regional conservation areas are to: (1) Ensure the persistence of species across the preserve system and (2) Maintain ecosystem functions across the landscape.
Management units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
Based on linkage evaluations, prioritize linkages for implementation action
| Action | Statement | Action status | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVAL-1 | Prioritize linkages based on regional importance, level of threat, and species and habitats supported. | in progress | Regional Linkage Evaluation and Prioritization |
| Criteria | Deadline year |
|---|---|
| Priority Linkages Identified by 2018 | 2021 |
| Threat Name | Threat Code |
|---|---|
| Loss of connectivity | LOSCON |