Conservation and Base Buffering in the Northern Everglades Tricia Martin - September 2011

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DOD and Threatened and Endangered Species

• A 2008 analysis* revealed that the Department of Defense and the US Forest Service share the distinction of all the federal agencies of having the greatest number of federally listed species.

• Although conflicts sometimes exist between the military’s use of these lands and protection of endangered species, the two have found a balanced coexistence at a number of installations.

(*Stein et al 2008)

Birds, Bombs, Bears and Biodiversity

• If habitat and wildlife corridors are degraded, destroyed or fragmented, the military risks the possibility of their lands becoming islands of biodiversity within a region.

• Department of Defense needs space to maintain a high level of military capability and readiness.

Birds, Bombs, Bears and Biodivesity

•achieving conservation outcomes through cooperative work are in our mutual interests.

•striving for landscape-scale protection of ecosystems with a focus on sustainable uses.

Thinking at the scale of a bear

• Ranchlands and forests around Avon Park AFR been focus of conservation interest by the state for many years.

• Mosaic of habitats: sandhill, scrub, flatwoods, prairies, wetlands that support a suite of wildlife species including Fl Black Bear, Fl Panther, Fl grasshopper sparrow, and Fl scrub-jay.

Identified and ranked Conservation Prioritiesnumbered in this case from 1 - 10

As Florida continues to grow these resources and rural way of life are under pressure. The threats include water pollution, fire suppression and habitat fragmentation.

Goals for the Northern Everglades:

1.) protect water quality and quantity; and provide for dispersed water storage

2.) support ranching and look for incentives for landowners to continue to provide ecosystem services

3.) enhance military readiness through base buffering at Avon Park AFR

4.) provide for increased access for recreation and enhance jobs in ecotourism and outdoor recreation industry

5,) protect fish and wildlife

Opportunities

– Acquisition with willing landowners• Florida Forever

– statute amended in 2006 to evaluate projects that would achieve conservation and military readiness

– Florida Rural and Family Lands Protection Act• DOD programs (Readiness Environmental Protection

Initiative)• Florida Defence Alliance grant program• USFWS Everglades Headwaters

– Conservation Easements• Farm bill programs• USFWS Everglades Headwaters

– Mitigation

DOD - Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative

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USDA – Wetland Reserve Program

AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS: Salazar Unveils Proposed Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area

Mitigation

The Disney Wilderness PreserveMitigation Banks

We have the opportunity to:• Enhance military readiness• Support agriculture and food production• Protect water resources• Provide more opportunities for outdoor recreation• And protect an amazing array of wildlife species.