Sara VickermanMay 10, 2012

Defenders of Wildlife

Proposed Habitat/Biodiversity Metric Framework Agreement

Defenders of Wildlife

Background – Nature offers tangible benefits– Biodiversity is challenging to measure – Metrics needed for tracking outcomes,

transactions – Lack of consistency inhibits cross-

jurisdictional management – Coordinated approach needed– Measuring Up report proposed

consistent framework

Goal:

Develop and implement credible and consistent set of measures of the quantity and quality of habitat for fish and wildlife that can be applied cost-effectively across programs, ownerships and scales.

Defenders of Wildlife

Benefits of a consistent framework:

 

1. Reduced cost 2. Improved results, easier to

communicate3. Necessary for adaptive

management 4. Informs climate change

adaptation5. Reports outcomes to

investors6. Job creation

Defenders of Wildlife

Objectives:

1. Form a public/private partnership

2. Identify lead agency/ organization

3. Determine most efficient, cost effective approach

4. Connect site-scale to landscape scale measures

5. Secure funding from multiple sources

Defenders of Wildlife

Tasks:

1. Review existing metrics2. Select terrestrial

vegetation/habitat and aquatic classification system

3. Connect to major ecological monitoring programs

4. Build team of experts – engage with locals

5. Management structure for maintenance and transparency Defenders of Wildlife

Elements of the agreement :

– Support collective efforts – Integrate agreed-upon

measures into existing monitoring systems

– Participate in training for application to planning, management

– Assist with communications and outreach

– Help secure financial support Defenders of Wildlife

Potential signatories:

– Federal agencies – Private organizations – Businesses? – States?

Defenders of Wildlife

Sara VickermanDefenders of WildlifeEmail: svickerman@defenders.orgTelephone: 503-697-3222