Lessons I Learned In Conservation Planning

Presented By:

Cay Goude, Assistant Field Supervisor

Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Why I Love Conservation Planning?!

Why Do a Regional HCP?

• • • • • • • Local control Involves local community Certainty in project planning Assurances Funding opportunities Ecosystem/landscape approach Streamlining

To Do a Plan or Not Do a Plan..

That is the Question

• Not all areas are appropriate for a HCP • AND Not all Plans are appropriate to be a NCCP

Other Types of Conservation Plans

• • • • Merced Conservation Strategy Gabbro Plants (not complete) Santa Rosa Plains Conservation Strategy East Alameda County Conservation Strategy

Santa Clara and East Contra Costa HCP/NCCPs

WHAT WORKED • • • • • • Large existing open space areas Available funding sources Critically endangered species Engaged public and local jurisdictions Development needs Collaborative Process

Time Taken… The Planning Agreement

• • Required as part of the NCCP Act Time taken = Benefit How often was the Agreement used and can we shorten this time period?

Covered Species

• • • • • • • Too many Too rare No knowledge No impacts Not there No conservation opportunities FISH

Covered Activities

• • • • Not adequately defined Activities jurisdictions do not have control over Agricultural activities Activities too far into the future .

MONEY

Who Pays.. • • • • Nexus Outreach Paying for long-term endowment Funding sources – – Fees Federal/State

Implementation Agreement

• • • • Attorney involvement at the correct time Make it simple Do not rewrite the plan –summarize the plan Use template

Lessons Learned

• • • • • • Champion Use templates in conservation easement and IA Make it simple- less said is often better Give direction and guidance Brief everyone OFTEN Do not reinvent the wheel – Use an example HCP

Lessons Learned -- Continued

• • • • Stakeholder involvement is critical Demonstrate forward momentum Be realistic and prioritize what can be accomplished At the end have a writing party

Lessons Learned -- Implementation

• • • • Be ready GIS Have a handbook Training

Summary

• Yes .. Please do a plan it is well worth the effort.

• • • • • Forming new partnerships Endangered species recovery Large scale conservation Regulatory streamlining And it ’ s FUN

sacramento.fws.gov

www.fws.gov