A statewide analysis of habitat connectivity commissioned by the California Department of Fish and Game and Caltrans is now available. "The California Essential Habitat Connectivity Project: A Strategy for Conserving a Connected California" identifies large remaining blocks of intact habitat or natural landscape and models linkages between them that need to be maintained, particularly as corridors for wildlife.
"Landscape level connectivity is critically important to enhancing the value of lands currently designated for conservation and, more importantly, for providing the bridge for wildlife adapting to California's changing climate," said Department of Fish and Game Chief Deputy Director Kevin Hunting.
Direction for Department of Fish and Game to identify essential habitat connectivity was provided by Assembly Bill 2785. One goal of the effort is to integrate natural resources considerations into transportation and land use planning. Caltrans will use the products to comply with Section 6001 of the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA-LU) of 2005, which requires that impacts to environmental resources such as habitat connectivity are evaluated during the transportation planning process.
The state involved a multidisciplinary team of 200 people representing more than 60 agencies provided input during the process of creating these products. Represented were federal, state, tribal, regional and local agencies involved in biodiversity conservation, land use planning and land management. Funding was provided by the Federal Highways Administration.
Links to view the maps and download the geographic information system (GIS) data and report may be found at: www.dfg.ca.gov/habcon.