Preserving Biological Diversity for Future Generations

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1 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Preserving Biological Diversity for Future Generations Flavia Rutkosky US Fish and Wildlife Service Delaware Bay Estuary Bay Project Office Smyrna, Delaware

2 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY A term that came into fairly common use in the 1990 s. The concept of biological diversity represents the ways that life is organized and interacts on the planet. These interactions can take place on scales ranging from the smallest, at the levels l of chromosomes, organisms, ecosystems and even entire landscapes. Simply stated the term refers to the full array of life on earth.

3 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the Department of the Interior and has as its mission:.. working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their supporting habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service works with its many partners to 1. Develop a sense of environmental stewardship within American society, based on ecological principles and scientific knowledge of fish and wildlife. 2. Guide conservation and management of the Nation s fish and wildlife resources. 3. Administer a national program to provide the public with opportunities to appreciate and wisely use fish and wildlife resources.

4 As a Federal Agency the Service has a broad mandate that includes numerous functions which involves Service collaboration with varied partners at regional, state and local scales. Throughout the Service, staff is involved in: 1. Enforcing Federal wildlife laws * 2. Protecting endangered species * 3. Managing migratory birds (like the ones you will encounter in the Wildlife training) * 4. Restoring nationally and locally significant fisheries (which h you may discuss in Aquatics) 5. Conserving and restoring important wildlife habitats (many of which will be addressed in Wildlife, Aquatics and Forestry training sessions) *

5 6. Assisting foreign governments with their international conservation efforts * 7.Distributing hundreds of millions of dollars to State fish and wildlife agencies through the Federal Aid Program An example of the use of Federal Aid Program funds: Federal Aid funding assisted the Delaware Division i i of Fish and Wildlife in developing the Delaware State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), in which the State of Delaware has identified its habitat and species goals for maintaining biological diversity. In my opinion i that document is one of the hallmark documents with regard to maintaining biological diversity within the State and contiguous areas. You may hear more about it at the Wildlife training session.

6 8. And finally, the Service manages the 93 million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System of more than 520 National Wildlife Refuges, of which there are 2 in Delaware, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Prime Hook National a Wildlife Refuge. * So, the take home messages are: Preservation of biological diversity is the calling card of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Twentyfour seven. And we work in collaboration with a multitude of partners.

7 Where an asterisk* follows a statement, this function will be illustrated/discussed in this presentation. As you make the connection between the Service function and a program or project that is described in this presentation, you have developed an understanding of the magnitude of the role of the Service in protecting biological diversity, for future generations. The next slide provides an introduction to the Services Delaware Bay Estuary Project Office. It is the activities of this office which this presentation describes.

8 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Overview Partners The Coastal for Fish Program and at Delaware Wildlife Program Bay Voluntary Caring for Habitat Our Coastal Restoration Habitats on Private Lands Coastal Program Accomplishments FROM IN FY 2006 The Coastal Program is one of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service s Restored 160 Partnership agreements most successful and effective 145,494 acres of coastal wetlands Restored cooperative conservation 50,776 acres of coastal uplands 21,962 acres of coastal wetlands programs. The mission of the 1,484 miles of coastal streamside 18,976 acres of coastal uplands habitat Coastal Program is to protect and 180 miles of streamside habitat Protected 71 fish barriers removed recover Federal Trust Species 1.71 million acres of coastal Protected (threatened and endangered habitat 6,109 acres of coastal wetlands species, migratory birds, and 4,594 acres of coastal uplands inter-jurisdictional fish) by 29 miles esof shoreline e supporting voluntary restoration and enhancement of high-priority As a part of an on-going strategic Priorities coastal habitats. The Coastal planning effort, the Coastal Program provides financial and The Coastal Program is working Program is working with its technical assistance to on-theground habitat restoration and with the Endangered Species Federal, State, local and nongovernmental partners to identify Program to identify opportunities protection projects through to recover threatened and geographic focus areas and locally-based field coordinators in 22 coastal areas around the nation. develop targets t to support conservation plans. endangered species, support sustainable populations of candidate species, and preclude new listings. The Coastal Program is also focusing more resources on restoring coastal wetlands in the Gulf Coast Region, which, in addition to providing important wintering habitat for migratory birds and spawning habitat for fish, also provide communities with a critical buffer to storm surge and flooding. For More Information For more information about the Coastal Program, contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife Management, Branch of Habitat Restoration at or visit us on the internet at

9 The next slide illustrates the extent of the Delaware River Watershed. It is here to provide a visual illustration of the spatial extent of the landscape within which the Delaware Bay Estuary Project Office operates. Can you think of any values associated with such a broad area of concern? How does this compare to a focus on an area within political boundaries for example those that define the State of Delaware? Considering biological diversity within a changing world, what do you see as pros and cons relating to focus on a watershed compared to focus within a political entity? How might collaboration with partners erase constraints t posed by artificial i boundaries? Recall that I noted that the Service has an office in Annapolis that is the Chesapeake Bay Office. The Chesapeake is the neighboring watershed.

10 The Delaware River Watershed

11 As you scroll through the next several slides think about the reasons why we should care about biological diversity.

18 Climate change could cause the critters in the last slide slide to become a common sight along Delaware beaches as species expand territories northward. The next three slides illustrate Service involvement in a a national effort to protect biological diversity. That effort is the National GAP Analysis Project. At the bottom of the next slide are logos of all of the participating agencies and organizations. Although the effort involved a three-state t t area it is similar il to the Delaware mapping project which you learned about. The horseshoe crab and shorebird information that is part of the State Biodiversity Mapping project was provided the Service.

21 The general approach of Gap Analysis is to map vegetation and predicted d animal species distributions ib ti and compare these elements of biological diversity to existing protected areas - to identify gaps in protection and or management. The next slide illustrates the process.

23 Are you thinking about how this information can be used? The habitat mapping, animal species models and species distribution information serves as part of a baseline for identifying where important habitat occurs in isolation. This has implications for species decline or extirpation (complete absence in an area) as a result of lack of opportunity for a species to shift its range in response to land use changes as well as climate changes. So, we look for opportunities to restore landscape/habitat corridors - to connect habitat patches with larger natural areas to facilitate movement of affected species. You can think about Gap analysis as a tool to address habitat fragmentation.

24 At this point in time, natural resource managers are faced with the need to think about which species are most likely to be impacted by changing conditions that are a result of climate change, not just land-use change. So, for those species with limited ranges, due to the species existing at either the northern or southern extreme of their range, the Gap Analysis Project is also a useful tool.

25 This is very important in a state like Delaware which occupies a position at the northernmost t extent t for many southern species and at the southernmost extent for many northern species. As we consider our options, how do we plan for a northern range shift. And for the species at the southern extent of their range, will they become the responsibility of partners to the north? Collaborative efforts will become increasingly important in maintaining biological diversity for future generations within a State, within a watershed. Or even at a larger landscape scale.

26 The next slide illustrates another regional approach to habitat conservation and protection at a larger landscape scale. The map shows the Delmarva Peninsula, a landmass occupied by three States. The map was developed during a planning effort we call Delmarva Conservation Corridors. An effort to identify opportunities to establish habitat corridors a concept you encounter in Wildlife and Forestry training. The Delmarva Conservation Corridor effort was designed to locate habitat patches and opportunities to connect those patches to provide wildlife movement corridors. Logos of the participating organizations appear at the bottom of the map. Can you think of other organizations that might have a stake in establishing habitat corridors?

28 The next slide features one critter that could be expected p to benefit from forested conservation corridors across the Delmarva Peninsula.

29 Historically the Delmarva fox squirrel lived on the Delmarva Peninsula. By the early 1900 s it s range was reduced to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. In 1986 and 1987, 17 fox squirrels were translocated to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. As a result of reintroduction efforts by State and federal natural resource agencies the squirrel can now be found in all States on the Delmarva Peninsula.

30 Can you recall what I noted about the controversy Can you recall what I noted about the controversy surrounding reintroduction of the Delmarva fox squirrel to Delaware?

31 Why save Endangered Species? Not one of the listed species exists in a vacuum. Species are linked and dependent upon each other within their ecosystems.

32 And we really do not know the long-term impacts of the loss of a single organism on other members of a particular ecosystem. A loss could set off a chain reaction and cause many other species to disappear.

33 The packet of information provided at the training includes the Fact Sheet in the preceding slide that describes the Service s role in administering the Endangered Species Act. Can you think of how species recovery actions might cause some public pushback? Given the accepted fact that species do go extinct, what is the important message that the public needs to understand regarding the current rate of extinction? Make note of the tools the Service uses to work with private landowners to restore threatened and endangered species on private lands. Th t l lid ill t ti f ff t t The next several slides are illustrative of our efforts to restore important habitat on private land through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and on Refuge land as we assist Refuge staff in realizing their land management goals.

34 Working with our partners a variety of willing landowners and natural resource agencies - over 630 acres of high priority forested habitat have been restored since 2002.

A current focus area is the Blackbird Creek Millington Wildlife Management Corridor (Maryland and Delaware) which has been identified for its high wildlife values.

Protection and restoration of this important habitat is being carried out in partnership with a variety of willing landowners and agencies.

Effort, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control s Biodiversity Initiative, Maryland s Green Infrastructure Analysis, and U.S.

35 A current focus area is the Blackbird Creek Millington Wildlife Management Corridor (Maryland and Delaware) which has been identified for its high wildlife values. Forested Habitat Conservation for Songbirds Success: Over 630 acres of high priority forested habitat have been restored since 2002, increasing the habitat available for songbirds and other wildlife. Protection and restoration of this important habitat is being carried out in partnership with a variety of willing landowners and agencies. Current focus is in the Blackbird Creek-Millington Wildlife Management Corridor (MD and DE), which has been identified for its high wildlife values by The Nature Conservancy s Ecoregional Planning Effort, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control s Biodiversity Initiative, Maryland s Green Infrastructure Analysis, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service s Delmarva Conservation Corridor analysis. Our Role: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can provide landowners and other partners with biological expertise, technical assistance, and help with funding to carry out this important work. Partners: Delaware Nature Society, The Nature Conservancy, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Delaware Estuary Program, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Landowner Associations, and Private Landowners. Contact: Delaware Bay Estuary Project, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

36 Reforestation of an agricultural field at Bombay Hook

37 What values accrue from reforesting this marginally productive agricultural field at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge? Why did we plant larger trees in the configurations I described as habitat islands? Why are we using the habitat t island approach? Now, recall what Bill McAvoy talked about regarding the threat posed by non-native native invasive plants. Habitat restoration is likely to begin with invasive species control such as that illustrated in the next slide.

38 Porcelain-berry Control in Milford Mullett Run: post treatment Mulllet Run: pre-treatment A n

39 The Service continues to work with the City of Milford and. its other partners to restore the urban riparian corridor along Mullet Run. Locally native shrubs and wildflower species recommended by Bill McAvoy (who works for the Delaware Natural Heritage Program) will be planted along the stream bank and, a no-mow zone will be established. What are the implications of riparian corridor restoration with regard to biological diversity? And to carbon footprint reduction as well? Are there potential economic benefits for the City of Milford?

40 The next slide shows a horseshoe crab and its eggs. The environmental and economic importance of the horseshoe crab is described in a Fact Sheet that is in the packet provided to your Team Advisor. F ll i th h h b lid i lid h i d Following the horseshoe crab slide is a slide showing red knots feeding along a Delaware Bay beach. There is a Fact Sheet about red knots in the Team Advisor s information packet.

41 Horseshoe crab Horseshoe crab eggs

43 How do we best address competing interests associated with the habitat needs of horseshoe crabs and red knots; human economic interests and the current economic decline and as well, human recreation and associated disturbance along Delaware Bay beaches? Will climate change affect the arrival times of horseshoe crabs and or shorebirds? This trophic relationship has evolved over many millions of years. When such a relationship is disrupted the term used to describe that disruption is trophic mismatch.

44 The next two slides show public education exhibits at the Newport News Willliamsburg International Airport. The Twin Capes exhibit was developed by Service staff to educate travelers about the importance of the area to migratory birds and to provide travelers to the area with information about recreation opportunities associated with birding. An estimated t two million people saw this exhibit. A similar number of travelers had the opportunity to learn about the many products made from endangered species all over the world. The message of the exhibit is that buyers must be wary of purchases of animal products. All of the artifacts in the exhibit Wildlife Without Borders were confiscated from travelers by Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement agents whose duty stations are international airports.

45 TWIN CAPES EXHIBIT at Newport News Williamsburg International Airport

46 WILDLIFE WITHOUT BORDERS Exhibit at the Newport News - Williamsburg International Airport

47 The questions I raise that are highlighted in bold text are there to guide your thinking. Use them to help you knit together all of the information that you will encounter in soils, in wildlife, in aquatics and in forestry, as you think about practical applications of the information not just as answers to test questions. As you address the questions I posed, you will discover the interconnected roles of each subject - soils, wildlife, aquatics and forestry - and as well, the interconnectedness of all life on the planet. When you make the connection and everything really is connected you will understand the need to protect biological diversity. And I expect that you will be able to talk about it with confidence, when you need to.

48 The longer I live the more my mind marvels upon the beauty and wonder of the universe. JOHN BURROUGHS

Maryland Chapter Trout Unlimited Brook Trout Conservation Effort

Maryland Chapter Trout Unlimited Brook Trout Conservation Effort Photo by Matt Kline Portfolio of Recent Work MDTU Brook Trout Conservation Coordinator: Scott C. Scarfone, ASLA sscarfone@oasisdesigngroup.com