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The 2025 Connecticut State Wildlife Action Plan conservation opportunity areas (COAs) represent locations partners can conduct actions to benefit wildlife populations and habitats and achieve State Wildlife Action Plan Goals. There are 7 total COAs that represent broad actions: protect, connect, restore, manage, partner, inform, and research and monitor. This effort combined ecological and social data in a spatial prioritization software called Zonation to identify priority areas that reflect the 7 actions. Each COA has different ecological and/or social data included to reflect its unique goal. |
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The 2025 Connecticut State Wildlife Action Plan conservation opportunity areas (COAs) represent locations partners can conduct actions to benefit wildlife populations and habitats and achieve State Wildlife Action Plan Goals. There are 7 total COAs that represent broad actions: protect, connect, restore, manage, partner, inform, and research and monitor. This effort combined ecological and social data in a spatial prioritization software called Zonation to identify priority areas that reflect the 7 actions. Each COA has different ecological and/or social data included to reflect its unique goal. |
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<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><P STYLE="font-weight:bold;font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Inform COA</SPAN></SPAN></P><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN STYLE="text-decoration:underline;"><SPAN>Data included:</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN><SPAN> The goal of the Inform COA is to engage, educate, or encourage human (individual or collective) participation in conservation actions. For the inform COA, layers that represent access and proximity to conservation education and engagement opportunities were used. This included proximity to libraries, </SPAN></SPAN><A href="https://deepmaps.ct.gov/datasets/CTDEEP::deep-property-access-locations/about" STYLE="text-decoration:underline;"><SPAN STYLE="text-decoration:underline;"><SPAN>Connecticut DEEP Property Access Locations</SPAN></SPAN></A><SPAN><SPAN>, and nature and education centers, and town-level population density data from 2023 US Census Data. </SPAN></SPAN></P><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>View the full methods for all COAs in Appendix 4.6 in the </SPAN></SPAN><A href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/connecticut-wildlife-action-plan" STYLE="text-decoration:underline;"><SPAN STYLE="text-decoration:underline;"><SPAN>2025 CT State Wildlife Action Plan</SPAN></SPAN></A><SPAN><SPAN>. </SPAN></SPAN></P><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN STYLE="text-decoration:underline;"><SPAN>Spatial prioritization:</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN><SPAN> </SPAN></SPAN><SPAN><SPAN>Zonation software iteratively ranks each pixel in a 10.0 m resolution grid of Connecticut for its conservation value and gives each cell a score based on that ranking, prioritizing areas with a high density of layers, balance between layers, and minimizing conservation loss. Rank values range from 0-1, with 1 having the highest conservation value and 0 having the lowest. Each layer is given a relative weight based on its importance compared to the other layers used, where a positive higher weight makes that layer a higher conservation priority compared to the other layers. All these layers were combined into Zonation with equal positive weights of 1.0 and then values above 0.80 or top 20% of values were extracted for the Inform COA. </SPAN></SPAN></P><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN STYLE="text-decoration:underline;"><SPAN>Potential uses:</SPAN></SPAN><SPAN><SPAN> Partners interested in increasing education and engagement opportunities and access to educational resources may reference this COA. This map represents locations with high human population densities but less nearby education or engagement opportunities. </SPAN></SPAN></P><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN STYLE="text-decoration:underline;"><SPAN>Recommended actions (example actions):</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Conservation planning</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create updated and spatially explicit conservation plans for diadromous fish, vernal pool-dependent amphibians, and freshwater mussels</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Detection and intervention</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Enforce existing restrictions where unauthorized activity is negatively affecting invertebrate habitat</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Design and plan conservation </SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Identify key habitats and movement corridors</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Integrate SGCN needs into broader land-use and watershed plans</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Strengthen coordination across agencies and partners</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Protect resources with site infrastructure </SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Use infrastructure-based site protection, such as fencing, signage, or seasonal closures</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create, amend, or influence legislation, regulation, or codes </SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create sufficient stream protection standards, safeguards for invertebrates, and consistent permitting thresholds</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create or amend policies, guidelines, or best practices</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create sufficient stream protection standards, safeguards for invertebrates, and consistent permitting thresholds</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Outreach, communication and distribution</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create awareness campaigns, interpretive signage, citizen science platforms, or targeted briefings for decision-makers</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Market-based incentives </SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Includes forest certification, native grown certification, and clean energy</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create a carbon exchange or banking program</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Economic incentives and disincentives</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Payments to farmers to delay hay/grass harvest to benefit nesting grassland birds</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Increase tax rate on sales of non-native plants</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create a contest to design an ecologically friendly alternative to a product or service and award money to the winner</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Non-monetary values</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Create community gardens and pocket parks in urban communities to provide citizens with improved air quality</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Land rematriation to Indigenous communities improves spiritual and cultural traditions</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Administration and internal organizational management</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Process purchase orders, apply for permits, and hire contractors </SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Alliance and partnership development</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Send letters to key stakeholders or rights holders</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Conduct community visits or capacity building projects</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Establish working relationships with local land conservancy partners to enhance capacity to conduct small mammal surveys on non-state-owned lands</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Academic training </SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Prepare new professionals to enter the conservation field</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Enhance the skills of existing practitioners</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Provide specialized training to address emerging challenges such as climate adaptation and invasive species control</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Deliver educational programs at all grade levels, including full courses, class presentations, class field trips, guest speakers, and materials</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Training and individual skill development </SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Provide mentoring, internships and training on animal handling in zoological institutions</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Attend training in conservation standards, GIS workshops, and conferences </SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Develop a case study for use in a training program</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Produce educational materials or training programs by zoos/aquariums/botanical gardens</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Mitigate human environmental impact</SPAN></SPAN></P><UL STYLE="margin:0 0 0 0;padding:0 0 0 0;"><LI STYLE="margin:0 0 0 48;"><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>Provide education for property owners on landscaping practices that minimize pollution and disturbance to wildlife</SPAN></SPAN></P></LI></UL></LI></UL><P STYLE="font-size:16ptmargin:0 0 11 0;"><SPAN><SPAN>For questions about the layer, contact Katy Bischoff: kathryn.bischoff@uconn.edu</SPAN></SPAN></P><DIV><P><SPAN /></P></DIV></DIV> |