Description: Connect COAData included: The goal of the Connect COA is to facilitate physical, structural, or functional connections amongst populations. The ecological data included habitat suitability maps for 14 species of greatest conservation need (SGCN), key habitat maps, and proximity to local, state, and federal protected areas and the Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Landscapes layer. The 14 species modeled were American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos), ribbonsnake (Thamnophis saurita saurita), spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta), frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), tiger spiketail (Cordulegaster erronea), yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). These 14 species represent one or more key habitats and/or a taxonomic group. The key habitats included open upland, forested upland, estuarine, palustrine, land water interface, lacustrine, and riverine. The key habitat maps were compiled from existing geospatial data including the NOAA 1 m Coastal Change Analysis Program Landcover Data, Connecticut Young Forest and Shrubland Habitat Map, USGS National Hydrography Dataset Plus, Connecticut Hydrography Set, and Connecticut and Vicinity Town Boundary Set. Existing protected areas were compiled from Connecticut Protected Open Space Mapping Set, Federal Open Space Data, USGS Protected Areas Database, Aquifer Protection Areas, Connecticut DEEP property, Connecticut Fisheries Management Areas Set, and Connecticut Surface Water Quality (class AA).The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Network was retrieved to include regional connectivity in the Connect COA.View the full methods for all COAs in Appendix 4.6 in the 2025 CT State Wildlife Action Plan. Spatial Prioritization: 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. The 14 SGCN models and 7 key habitat maps were given weights of 1.0 and the distance to protected areas layers had a higher negative weight, -5.0 or roughly 25% of the combined weight of all other layers, to prioritize grid cells in proximity to current protected areas. The Resilient and Connected Network layer also had a higher weight of 5.0 due to the regional importance of the connected network. The rank values above 0.80 or top 20% of values were extracted to create the Connect COA Intended users: Partners interested in expanding current protected areas and establishing or expanding corridors may use this COA. Barriers were not included within this COA since barriers are species-dependent, thus partners using this map can consider features that affect connectivity for specific SGCN or taxa, such as dams, culverts, or other structures that impede movement of SGCN in aquatic or terrestrial landscapes. This map can also be used to demonstrate potential corridors for SGCN for grant applications.Recommended actions (example actions):Stewarding wild individualsUse exclusion devices to protect turtle nestsManage roost sites for bat populations affected by disease Maintain instream habitat features for cold-water fishConservation planningCreate updated and spatially explicit conservation plans for diadromous fish, vernal pool-dependent amphibians, and freshwater musselsMitigate human environmental impactReduce stormwater inputs and stabilize streambanks and shoreline vegetation in urbanized watershedsReduce recreational erosion, urban runoff, light and noise pollution, and physical disturbance of sensitive sitesRemove dams and barriers to fish passage where appropriateMinimize disturbance of spawning habitats for key SGCN fish speciesReintroduce or relocate individualsConduct species introduction/reintroductionFor questions about the layer, contact Katy Bischoff: kathryn.bischoff@uconn.edu
Description: Inform COAData included: 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, Connecticut DEEP Property Access Locations, and nature and education centers, and town-level population density data from 2023 US Census Data. View the full methods for all COAs in Appendix 4.6 in the 2025 CT State Wildlife Action Plan. Spatial prioritization: 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. Potential uses: 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. Recommended actions (example actions):Conservation planningCreate updated and spatially explicit conservation plans for diadromous fish, vernal pool-dependent amphibians, and freshwater musselsDetection and interventionEnforce existing restrictions where unauthorized activity is negatively affecting invertebrate habitatDesign and plan conservation Identify key habitats and movement corridorsIntegrate SGCN needs into broader land-use and watershed plansStrengthen coordination across agencies and partnersProtect resources with site infrastructure Use infrastructure-based site protection, such as fencing, signage, or seasonal closuresCreate, amend, or influence legislation, regulation, or codes Create sufficient stream protection standards, safeguards for invertebrates, and consistent permitting thresholdsCreate or amend policies, guidelines, or best practicesCreate sufficient stream protection standards, safeguards for invertebrates, and consistent permitting thresholdsOutreach, communication and distributionCreate awareness campaigns, interpretive signage, citizen science platforms, or targeted briefings for decision-makersMarket-based incentives Includes forest certification, native grown certification, and clean energyCreate a carbon exchange or banking programEconomic incentives and disincentivesPayments to farmers to delay hay/grass harvest to benefit nesting grassland birdsIncrease tax rate on sales of non-native plantsCreate a contest to design an ecologically friendly alternative to a product or service and award money to the winnerNon-monetary valuesCreate community gardens and pocket parks in urban communities to provide citizens with improved air qualityLand rematriation to Indigenous communities improves spiritual and cultural traditionsAdministration and internal organizational managementProcess purchase orders, apply for permits, and hire contractors Alliance and partnership developmentSend letters to key stakeholders or rights holdersConduct community visits or capacity building projectsEstablish working relationships with local land conservancy partners to enhance capacity to conduct small mammal surveys on non-state-owned landsAcademic training Prepare new professionals to enter the conservation fieldEnhance the skills of existing practitionersProvide specialized training to address emerging challenges such as climate adaptation and invasive species controlDeliver educational programs at all grade levels, including full courses, class presentations, class field trips, guest speakers, and materialsTraining and individual skill development Provide mentoring, internships and training on animal handling in zoological institutionsAttend training in conservation standards, GIS workshops, and conferences Develop a case study for use in a training programProduce educational materials or training programs by zoos/aquariums/botanical gardensMitigate human environmental impactProvide education for property owners on landscaping practices that minimize pollution and disturbance to wildlifeFor questions about the layer, contact Katy Bischoff: kathryn.bischoff@uconn.edu
Description: Manage COAData included: The goal of the Manage COA is to maintain or enhance ecological conditions and habitats. To reflect this goal, key habitat maps were included within the Manage COA. Due to minimal overlap in key habitats, spatial prioritization software was not used. Instead, all the key habitats were included within one map to help partners achieve the goal of maintaining or enhancing existing key habitats. The key habitats included open upland, estuarine, palustrine, land water interface, lacustrine, and riverine. The key habitat maps were compiled from existing geospatial data including the NOAA 1 m Coastal Change Analysis Program Landcover Data, Connecticut Young Forest and Shrubland Habitat Map, USGS National Hydrography Dataset Plus, Connecticut Hydrography Set, and Connecticut and Vicinity Town Boundary Set. The 2015 Forest Fragmentation Map (core forest) was used instead of forested uplands to highlight areas of continuous forest cover, and Connecticut DEEP property or terrestrial and aquatic properties currently managed by CT DEEP were also included. View the full methods for all COAs in Appendix 4.6 in the 2025 CT State Wildlife Action Plan. Potential uses: Partners interested in managing key habitats may use this COA. This COA includes all key habitats, thus if partners are interested in managing specific habitat types or habitat-specific management actions, then refer to the key habitat maps. Recommended actions (example actions):Stewarding wild individualsUse exclusion devices to protect turtle nestsManage roost sites for bat populations affected by disease Maintain instream habitat features for cold-water fishConservation planningCreate updated and spatially explicit conservation plans for diadromous fish, vernal pool-dependent amphibians, and freshwater musselsMitigate human environmental impactReduce stormwater inputs and stabilize streambanks and shoreline vegetation in urbanized watershedsReduce recreational erosion, urban runoff, light and noise pollution, and physical disturbance of sensitive sitesRemove dams and barriers to fish passage where appropriateMinimize disturbance of spawning habitats for key SGCN fish speciesReintroduce or relocate individualsConduct species introduction/reintroductionManage plants, animals, fungi, or bacteriaUse brush-cutting and mowing that maintain early successional structureUse deer exclusion fencing to improve recruitment of rare forbs in heavily browsed habitatsManage non-living habitat componentsUse in-stream enhancement techniques, such as adding woody debris and stabilizing banks (critical for species like brook trout and slimy sculpin)Stewardship of captive individualsMaintain individuals in captivity for future recovery effortsComplementary or alternative conservation measuresImplement riparian buffer maintenance or flow protections via conservation agreementsBog turtle habitat on private farmland may be best maintained through informal agreements and technical assistance, rather than acquisition For questions about the layer, contact Katy Bischoff: kathryn.bischoff@uconn.edu
Description: Partner COAData included: The goal of the Partner COA is to collaborate across disciplines, specializations, and partners to achieve State Wildlife Action Plan goals. For the partner COA, several partner priority areas that included private, non-governmental organizations, local, state, and federal maps were used, including The National Audubon Society Important Bird Areas, the USFWS Highland Conservation Area Boundary, 2020 CT Forest Action Plan priority areas (The 2015 Forest Fragmentation Map core forest), Forest Planning Opportunity Map, the list of Trout Unlimited priority waterbodies, and the map of thematic overlap in the town Plans of Conservation and Development with the 2015 CT State Wildlife Action Plan. View the full methods for all COAs in Appendix 4.6 in the 2025 CT State Wildlife Action Plan. Spatial prioritization: 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 input into Zonation with equal positive weights of 1.0 and then values above 0.80 or top 20% of values were extracted for the Partner COA.Potential uses: Partners interested in collaborating and determining where priorities from different organizations overlap may reference this map. Collaborations could provide technical and financial support through sharing resources, grant applications, or knowledge and expertise. Recommended actions (example actions):Conservation planningCreate updated and spatially explicit conservation plans for diadromous fish, vernal pool-dependent amphibians, and freshwater musselsComplementary or alternative conservation measuresImplement riparian buffer maintenance or flow protections via conservation agreementsBog turtle habitat on private farmland may be best maintained through informal agreements and technical assistance, rather than acquisitionDetection and interventionEnforce existing restrictions where unauthorized activity is negatively affecting invertebrate habitatProsecution and conviction Direct enforcement plays an essential role for species subject to illegal harvest or disturbance, such as rare turtles, migratory birds, or state-listed plants on protected landsOther legal actions Prioritize enforcement of existing regulations, such as those governing off-leash dogs, state building lighting design, and protecting shorebird areas.Design and plan conservation Identify key habitats and movement corridorsIntegrate SGCN needs into broader land-use and watershed plansStrengthen coordination across agencies and partnersConserve specific land or seascapes Secure vernal pool complexes, riparian corridors, and early successional shrublands that support the wood turtle, Jefferson salamander, and eastern towheeProtect small, high-quality habitats, such as trap rock ridges, sand plains, and seeps, that support regionally rare moths, bees, and aquatic insectsConserve via zoning or informal designationsConduct municipal conservation overlays, open space designations, and town-level natural resource inventoriesEstablish town-scale stream protection ordinances for conserving cold-water habitatsFor birds like the chimney swift or eastern meadowlark, create local planning frameworks that support early successional habitat management or preserving large contiguous grasslands Protect resources with site infrastructure Use infrastructure-based site protection, such as fencing, signage, or seasonal closuresCreate, amend, or influence legislation, regulation, or codes Create sufficient stream protection standards, safeguards for invertebrates, and consistent permitting thresholdsCreate or amend policies, guidelines, or best practicesCreate sufficient stream protection standards, safeguards for invertebrates, and consistent permitting thresholdsOutreach, communication and distributionCreate awareness campaigns, interpretive signage, citizen science platforms, or targeted briefings for decision-makersConservation business developmentSupport companies that produce ecosystem goods and services, and develop green, sustainable productsDevelopment of improved products and production methodsSupport companies that produce ecosystem goods and services, and develop green, sustainable products Market-based incentives Includes forest certification, native grown certification, and clean energyCreate a carbon exchange or banking programEconomic incentives and disincentivesPayments to farmers to delay hay/grass harvest to benefit nesting grassland birdsIncrease tax rate on sales of non-native plantsCreate a contest to design an ecologically friendly alternative to a product or service and award money to the winnerNon-monetary valuesCreate community gardens and pocket parks in urban communities to provide citizens with improved air qualityLand rematriation to Indigenous communities improves spiritual and cultural traditionsAdministration and internal organizational managementProcess purchase orders, apply for permits, and hire contractors External support and organizational development Establish a wildlife disease working groupConsult and collaborate with the existing regional grassland working groupCreate recommendations from a forest advisor and GIS-related work for an organization that does not have the capacity.Alliance and partnership developmentSend letters to key stakeholders or rights holdersConduct community visits or capacity building projectsEstablish working relationships with local land conservancy partners to enhance capacity to conduct small mammal surveys on non-state-owned landsConservation funding Identify and develop a dedicated source of funding to conserve SGCN birds through habitat management, habitat conservation, and researchBasic research and status monitoring Expanding eDNA surveys and isotopic analyses would improve estimates of species distributions and seasonal movementsMonitoring changes in trap rock ridges, core forests, and coastal dune systems using remote sensingEvaluation, effectiveness measures, and learning Wetland and vernal pool restoration projects may be assessed by tracking the acreage restored and measuring amphibian breeding success, as well as water quality improvementsEarly successional habitat management, including prescribed burns, selective thinning, and invasive species removal, may be evaluated for its impact on bird nesting densities, pollinator abundance, and plant community compositionAcademic training Prepare new professionals to enter the conservation fieldEnhance the skills of existing practitionersProvide specialized training to address emerging challenges such as climate adaptation and invasive species controlDeliver educational programs at all grade levels, including full courses, class presentations, class field trips, guest speakers, and materialsTraining and individual skill development Provide mentoring, internships and training on animal handling in zoological institutionsAttend training in conservation standards, GIS workshops, and conferences Develop a case study for use in a training programProduce educational materials or training programs by zoos/aquariums/botanical gardensFor questions about the layer, contact Katy Bischoff: kathryn.bischoff@uconn.edu
Description: Protect COAData included: The goal of the Protect COA is to move land into a legal status, permanently protecting it from development or other transformation that would alter the major ecological characteristics. The ecological data used habitat suitability maps based on the best available data for 14 species of greatest conservation need (SGCN). The 14 species modeled were American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos), ribbonsnake (Thamnophis saurita saurita), spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta), frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), tiger spiketail (Cordulegaster erronea), yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). These 14 species represent one or more key habitats and/or a taxonomic group. The key habitats included open upland, forested upland, estuarine, palustrine, land water interface, lacustrine, and riverine. The key habitat maps were compiled from existing geospatial data including the NOAA 1 m Coastal Change Analysis Program Landcover Data, Connecticut Young Forest and Shrubland Habitat Map, USGS National Hydrography Dataset Plus, Connecticut Hydrography Set, and Connecticut and Vicinity Town Boundary Set.View the full methods for all COAs in Appendix 4.6 in the 2025 CT State Wildlife Action Plan. Spatial Prioritization: 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 14 SGCN habitat suitability models and the 7 key habitat maps were input into Zonation with equally positive weights of 1.0. The rank values above 0.80 or top 20% of values were extracted to create the Protect COA. To reflect the goal of the Protect COA to create new protected areas, areas currently under local, state, or federal protection were excluded from the final Protect COA. Existing protected areas were compiled from Connecticut Protected Open Space Mapping Set, Federal Open Space Data, USGS Protected Areas Database, Aquifer Protection Areas, Connecticut DEEP property, Connecticut Fisheries Management Areas Set, and Connecticut Surface Water Quality (class AA).Intended uses: Partners interested in purchasing land or changing the land protection status may use this COA. This map identifies areas of overlap of multiple SGCN and key habitats and protecting these areas would provide benefits to multiple species. This map does not indicate lands that are available for purchase, zoning, or land cost. This map may also be used to support grant applications or review of properties for potential development. Partners interested in protecting specific habitats or identifying the location of key habitats can refer to the key habitat maps.Recommended actions (example actions):Stewarding wild individualsUse exclusion devices to protect turtle nestsManage roost sites for bat populations affected by diseaseMaintain instream habitat features for cold-water fishDetection and interventionEnforce existing restrictions where unauthorized activity is negatively affecting invertebrate habitatProsecution and conviction Direct enforcement plays an essential role for species subject to illegal harvest or disturbance, such as rare turtles, migratory birds, or state-listed plants on protected landsOther legal actions Prioritize enforcement of existing regulations, such as those governing off-leash dogs, state building lighting design, and protecting shorebird areas.Design and plan conservation Identify key habitats and movement corridorsIntegrate SGCN needs into broader land-use and watershed plansStrengthen coordination across agencies and partnersConserve specific land or seascapes Secure vernal pool complexes, riparian corridors, and early successional shrublands that support the wood turtle, Jefferson salamander, and eastern towheeProtect small, high-quality habitats, such as trap rock ridges, sand plains, and seeps, that support regionally rare moths, bees, and aquatic insectsComplementary or alternative conservation measuresImplement riparian buffer maintenance or flow protections via conservation agreementsBog turtle habitat on private farmland may be best maintained through informal agreements and technical assistance, rather than acquisitionConserve via zoning or informal designationsConduct municipal conservation overlays, open space designations, and town-level natural resource inventoriesEstablish town-scale stream protection ordinances for conserving cold-water habitatsFor birds like the chimney swift or eastern meadowlark, create local planning frameworks that support early successional habitat management or preserving large contiguous grasslands Conservation planningCreate updated and spatially explicit conservation plans for diadromous fish, vernal pool-dependent amphibians, and freshwater musselsProtect resources with site infrastructure Use infrastructure-based site protection, such as fencing, signage, or seasonal closuresCreate, amend, or influence legislation, regulation, or codes Create sufficient stream protection standards, safeguards for invertebrates, and consistent permitting thresholdsCreate or amend policies, guidelines, or best practicesCreate sufficient stream protection standards, safeguards for invertebrates, and consistent permitting thresholdsFor questions about the layer, contact Katy Bischoff: kathryn.bischoff@uconn.edu
Description: Research and Monitor COAData included: For the Research and Monitoring COA, the goal is to assess the status of, the need for, and response to management for species and habitats. The ecological data used habitat suitability maps based on the best available data for 14 species of greatest conservation need (SGCN), key habitat maps, and the Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) Review Areas. The 14 species modeled were American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos), ribbonsnake (Thamnophis saurita saurita), spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta), frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), tiger spiketail (Cordulegaster erronea), yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). These 14 species represent one or more key habitats and/or a taxonomic group. The key habitats included open upland, forested upland, estuarine, palustrine, land water interface, lacustrine, and riverine. The key habitat maps were compiled from existing geospatial data including the NOAA 1 m Coastal Change Analysis Program Landcover Data, Connecticut Young Forest and Shrubland Habitat Map, USGS National Hydrography Dataset Plus, Connecticut Hydrography Set, and Connecticut and Vicinity Town Boundary Set. The Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) Areas are created for all state listed species and species of special concern and include potential suitable habitat and dispersal buffers. These maps are not specific to SGCN, where they are not maps of SGCN only, but are more specific areas of state listed endangered, threatened, and species of special concern. The NDDB Review Areas map was categorized into the low (1-2 species), medium (3-6 species), and high (≥ 7 species) number of overlapping layers for state threatened and endangered species, and species of special concern, based on the natural breaks in the data. The NDDB areas for SGCN already included in the SGCN mapping process were removed to avoid overrepresenting species.View the full methods for all COAs in Appendix 4.6 in the 2025 CT State Wildlife Action Plan. Spatial prioritization: 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. The layers were all given an equal positive weight at 1.0, except for the NDDB layer, which was given a weight of 21.0 to equal the total weight of all the 14 SGCN and 7 key habitat maps. To generate the Research and Monitor COA, the values above 0.80 or top 20% of values from Zonation were extracted. Potential uses: Partners can use this map to either target areas with a high number of overlapping species of concern and suitable habitats or to identify areas that have not been surveyed recently. This map can help identify potential locations for research and monitoring of SGCN and state listed species or species of concern. Recommended actions (example actions):Basic research and status monitoring Expanding eDNA surveys and isotopic analyses would improve estimates of species distributions and seasonal movementsMonitor changes in trap rock ridges, core forests, and coastal dune systems using remote sensingEvaluation, effectiveness measures, and learning Wetland and vernal pool restoration projects may be assessed by tracking the acreage restored and measuring amphibian breeding success, as well as water quality improvementsEarly successional habitat management, including prescribed burns, selective thinning, and invasive species removal, may be evaluated for its impact on bird nesting densities, pollinator abundance, and plant community compositionDetection and interventionEnforce existing restrictions where unauthorized activity is negatively affecting invertebrate habitatFor questions about the layer, contact Katy Bischoff: kathryn.bischoff@uconn.edu
Description: Restore COAData included: The goal of the Restore COA is to restore desired conditions, communities or populations, including restoration of structure, function, and processes. The ecological data used habitat suitability maps based on the best available data for 14 species of greatest conservation need (SGCN). The 14 species modeled were American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus), eastern whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus), bridle shiner (Notropis bifrenatus), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos), ribbonsnake (Thamnophis saurita saurita), spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta), eastern pondmussel (Ligumia nasuta), frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), tiger spiketail (Cordulegaster erronea), yellow-banded bumble bee (Bombus terricola), New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), and tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). These 14 species represent one or more key habitats and/or a taxonomic group. For the Restore COA, the top 50-75% of habitat suitability values were extracted from each of the 14 SGCN maps. View the full methods for all COAs in Appendix 4.6 in the 2025 CT State Wildlife Action Plan. Spatial Prioritization: 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. Each of the 14 SGCN maps were given an equal positive weight of 1.0 in Zonation. The values above 0.80 or top 20% of values were extracted to generate the Restore COA. Potential uses: Partners interested in habitat restoration for SGCN may use this COA. Recommended actions (example actions):Stewarding wild individualsUse exclusion devices to protect turtle nestsManage roost sites for bat populations affected by disease Maintain instream habitat features for cold-water fishConservation planningCreate updated and spatially explicit conservation plans for diadromous fish, vernal pool-dependent amphibians, and freshwater musselsMitigate human environmental impactReduce stormwater inputs and stabilize streambanks and shoreline vegetation in urbanized watershedsReduce recreational erosion, urban runoff, light and noise pollution, and physical disturbance of sensitive sitesRemove dams and barriers to fish passage where appropriateMinimize disturbance of spawning habitats for key SGCN fish speciesReintroduce or relocate individualsConduct species introduction/reintroductionManage plants, animals, fungi, or bacteriaUse brush-cutting and mowing that maintain early successional structureUse deer exclusion fencing to improve recruitment of rare forbs in heavily browsed habitatsManage non-living habitat componentsUse in-stream enhancement techniques, such as adding woody debris and stabilizing banks (critical for species like brook trout and slimy sculpin)Stewardship of captive individualsMaintain individuals in captivity for future recovery effortsFor questions about the layer, contact Katy Bischoff: kathryn.bischoff@uconn.edu