UGI is leading a regional collaboration on biodiversity conservation corridors. This group is presently developing a strategy - using an ‘open standards’ approach - to reshape how land use, transportation, and other actions and investments are implemented, and foster greater protection and restoration of wildlife habitat connectivity across the region.
Metro's analysis of habitat corridors using satellite image technology.
Habitat connectivity concerns also impact human health and well-being. Urban Greenspaces Institute is spurring the RHCWG to re-envision habitat connectivity in the context of human benefits and address inequities in the distribution of access to urban nature. As part of our equity focus, we are pushing for more equitable outreach to communities who have been left out of the conversation about regional conservation needs.
The Regional Habitat Connectivity Work Group (RHCWG) is refining regional habitat corridor maps and developing best management practices to improve habitat connectivity over the long-term for the Portland metropolitan region. Through improved habitat connectivity, native fish and wildlife species will be better able to move and respond to climate change.
Our GIS student intern, Cameron Backus, completed refining a map tool summarizing local municipal significant natural resource conservation programs in Washington County. Check out her wonderful work here!