Karen Beazley

BIODIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS IN CONSERVATION SYSTEM PLANNING: MAP-BASED APPROACH FOR NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA

Biodiversity considerations in conservation system planning include three main criteria: representation, special elements, and focal species. A GIS-based approach utilizing simple models was used to assess existing biophysical data relative to these criteria for conservation system planning in Nova Scotia, Canada, with potential utility in applications elsewhere. Representative samples of natural landscapes were identified on the basis of size (≥10 000 ha) and degree of naturalness (natural cover, uneven-aged forests, low or zero road density). Special elements were selected, including hotspots of diversity and rarity, critical habitat for species at risk, significant wetlands, old and unique forests, and ecosites. Habitat requirements of viable populations of focal species (American moose, American marten, and Northern Goshawk) were identified using species distribution data, habitat suitability, and population viability analyses. Priority core areas for biodiversity conservation system planning were ide...

Lessons for PPGIS from the application of a decision-support tool in the Nova Forest Alliance of Nova Scotia, Canada.

The effectiveness of a decision-support tool created to identify protected-area potential within the Nova Forest Alliance (NFA) of Nova Scotia, Canada is assessed from the perspective of a public participatory geographic information system (PPGIS) approach. The application sought to create an integrated GIS-based decision-support tool for community-focused communication and conservation assessment among NFA partners (including private woodland owners, government agencies, forest companies, and non-government organizations) and potential application within other model forests in Canada. The application illustrated that the GIS-based tool, once set up and populated with the necessary data, was able to generate effective visual alternatives to support decision making within the NFA community and elsewhere. However, from a PPGIS perspective, the application faced challenges that influenced the efficacy of its implementation: (1) limitations arose around data quality, use and sharing policies; (2) although opportunities for participation by the NFA partnership were initiated, these proved insufficient to achieve adequate engagement, buy in and support for the process and outcomes; and (3) the expert-grounded GIS-based tool requires a greater degree of expertise than may currently be present in the community. These challenges limit its ongoing use in the NFA and its potential utility in other model forests. For PPGIS-decision-support applications to be effective in the NFA and elsewhere, it is suggested that the following conditions be met: (1) implementation of geographically based data policies to allow for greater data accessibility, specifically with fewer bureaucratic and private sector barriers; (2) engagement of community partners in the initial project design, goal-setting and subsequent stages, even if this requires extensions to anticipated timelines; and (3) development of effective participatory technical systems that meet the needs of participants without being so complex as to constitute a barrier to their use.

Integrating Expert Judgment into Systematic Ecoregional Conservation Planning

This chapter offers insights on integrating expert judgment into ecoregional conservation planning. We describe three examples that focus on benefits and challenges of (1) delivering GIS-based expert systems in stakeholder-based contexts, (2) integrating expert judgment and computer-based site selection scenarios, and (3) reaching expert consensus on delineating conservation planning areas across a diverse ecoregion. The examples highlight several important lessons. First, engagement of experts should not be simply about gaining approval. To maximize the extent of buy-in by experts, they need to be legitimately involved in the creation of methodology and results. Second, experts need to be distinguished in the planning process from stakeholders and local residents. While precise definitions are elusive and likely to vary from one region to another, a transparent methodology for assessing and weighting each group’s input is important. Finally, the methods used for engaging expert participation need to match the experts’ technological capabilities and conceptual understandings. While a lack of familiarity with certain aspects should not disqualify an expert from participation, it does highlight the importance of advanced preparation on the part of those facilitating the process. Beyond these more technical issues are those related to the social sciences of expert engagement. Social and qualitative forms of data are needed to build this understanding.

Does stewardship program participation influence Canadian farmer engagement in biodiversity-friendly farming practices?

Biodiversity and farming are inextricably linked. Naturally occurring biodiversity supports the ecosystem services that are indispensable for agricultural production. Although the intensification of farming during the twentieth century has resulted in increased yields, this has often been at the expense of biodiversity. At present, farm biodiversity conservation efforts are largely confined to voluntary programs. This research project examined the relationship between pro-biodiversity attitudes, participation in a voluntary stewardship program, and engagement in biodiversity-friendly farming activities among farmers in Nova Scotia, Canada. This investigation was completed through a quantitative survey measuring respondents’ attitudes toward, knowledge of, and management of biodiversity. Significant links were found between program participation and increased engagement in two out of six biodiversity-friendly activities the program promotes: (1) modified harvest, such as changes to mowing equipment, timing, pattern or height to reduce animal mortality; and (2) riparian management, such as buffers and fencing. Engagement in other practices could not be traced to program participation. Pro-biodiversity attitudes, however, were linked to some of these other activities, but not linked to the increased uptake of riparian management or modified harvest. The instruction given to participants about riparian and harvest activities was much more detailed and site-specific than instructions for the activities that were linked to pro-biodiversity attitude, however. This suggests that the quantity and quality of instruction provided to stewardship program participants may have an impact on their uptake of conservation activities.

Leveraging Community Capacity for Nature Conservation in a Rural Island Context: Experiences from Brier Island, Canada

Abstract In many instances nature conservation projects require input from and collaboration with communities that live near or in ecosensitive regions. The ability of communities to be collaborative varies and often requires capacity development for full participation in conservation planning and management. Such capacity development can be expensive, and where sufficient resources are not available the success of conservation projects can be limited. Through a case study of the Brier Island Nature Preserve, near Westport, Nova Scotia, ways in which existing capacity in a community can be better leveraged for the purpose of conservation are examined. We describe how the linked concepts of community values, place dependence, place identity and motivation have influenced conservation on the island. We then suggest how these concepts can provide opportunities to leverage additional resources within the community of Westport for conservation activities. We conclude that an integrated approach that more comprehensively reflects community values, place dependence and identity should foster and enhance local motivation for conservation management and planning.

A risk assessment for the introduction of invasive fish for Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, Canada

Recent research has highlighted the need for invasive species risk assessments that consider multiple factors, such as habitat suitability and life history. With invasive species encroaching on the boundary of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site (Kejimkujik), Canada, there is concern surrounding the potential ecological effects on the Park’s freshwater ecosystems. Herein we present a multifactor risk analysis for the risks of introduction of two invasive species, smallmouth bass and chain pickerel. Methods included computer-based analysis of cost–distance and habitat suitability, and a literature-based review of management techniques. Smallmouth bass were found to have a high risk of establishment and consequent ecological effects in Kejimkujik. Although chain pickerel can also negatively affect aquatic communities, their separation from the Park’s primary watershed and low dispersal ability resulted in lower levels of risk. Four recommendations were developed following a review of management techniques: (1) containment of the source population for smallmouth bass; (2) public education, outreach and communication; (3) monitoring and rapid response upon detection; and (4) collaboration with other parties. Although the present study focused on Kejimkujik, similar challenges for invasive freshwater fish assessment and mitigation exist elsewhere, and our methods may prove illustrative for researchers and managers working under similar conditions.

Feasibility of wolf reintroduction to Nova Scotia: public opinions on wolves and their management in light of the ecological potential for wolf recovery

This study investigated the ecological and social potential for wolf ( Canis spp.) recovery in Nova Scotia, Canada. Reintroduction potential was considered through a GIS-based analysis of land cover, human population density, land ownership, prey density, and road density. Two disconnected areas of adequate habitat for wolves were identified. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven identified groups on public attitudes towards the wolf and its potential recovery in the province. Opinions ranged from ‘love’ to a strong dislike of wolves, and many interviewees associated wolves with fear and expressed concern that they would come into contact with wolves on or near their properties. It would likely not be advisable to introduce an active wolf reintroduction program in NS at this time, due to the absence of effective habitat connectivity between the two identified areas of suitable habitat, and the public unease about wolf proximity. However, a proactive public education initiative is recommended in case of future reintroductions or natural immigrations of wolves and other top carnivores from nearby populations.