NEW REPORT: Integrating Wildlife Habitat Connectivity into Local Government Planning: Examples, Recommendations, and Resources for U.S. Towns and Counties

A new report from the Center for Large Landscape Conservation titled Integrating Wildlife Habitat Connectivity into Local Government Planning: Examples, Recommendations, and Resources for U.S. Towns and Counties has been released.

"This report aims to clearly define habitat connectivity and highlight actionable strategies for integrating it into local government planning. By incorporating habitat connectivity into policies, plans, and planning tools, local governments can play a vital role in protecting natural systems and building healthier, more resilient communities, now and for generations to come.

Land use planning in local government involves balancing a wide range of complex and often competing priorities. The task of reconciling these needs is exacerbated by limited staffing and funding, evolving scientific information and societal values, and the realities of political and public engagement. We have developed this document to assist planners in integrating natural resource conservation and wildlife habitat connectivity into local land use strategies.

The document outlines the benefits of habitat connectivity for municipalities and counties, offers practical recommendations for incorporating ecological connectivity into local government planning and implementation, and provides examples of plans, policies, reports, case studies, and sample language from around the country that demonstrate how connectivity can be addressed."

This is a resource for municipalities and counties to have for policy development and planning projects aimed at reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) for driver safety, while simultaneously maintaining healthy and connected ecosystems by promoting habitat connectivity for wildlife.