This addendum to the Washington Connected Landscapes Project: Analysis of the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion (February 2012), presents supplemental connectivity mapping products for the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion. These supplemental maps were produced using new spatial analysis tools developed to help inform, prioritize, and implement connectivity conservation action.
The analyses presented in the addendum build upon the landscape resistance surfaces, cost-weighted distance surfaces, and linkage networks previously modeled for eleven focal species in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion and a surrounding buffer area. The supplemental products include maps, interpretive examples, and GIS files depicting: (1) linkage network centrality, (2) linkage pinch-points, and (3) barriers and restoration opportunities. We present supplemental connectivity maps for each of the focal species, as well as composite maps that summarize important patterns across all focal species.

These maps help to show where conservation or restoration efforts may benefit wildlife connectivity in the Columbia Plateau. In addition, they help identify connectivity areas important for multiple species and show how the different types of information provided by centrality, pinch-point, and barrier analyses can be used together to inform decisions on maintaining and improving habitat connectivity.

Questions and decisions these analyses may help inform include but are not limited to:
•    Where are important areas on the landscape for maintaining connectedness?
•    Where along linkages is potential movement highly or moderately constrained?
•    Where will restoration efforts have the greatest effect on connectivity?
•    Where can alternate movement pathways for wildlife be created by restoration?
•    What locations act as important habitat areas, corridors, pinch-points, or barriers for multiple species?

We encourage use of this analysis to support the development and implementation of innovative strategies and efforts to help fulfill the vision of a connected Columbia Plateau in Washington.

 

Columbia Plateau Ecoregion Addendum: Habitat Connectivity Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers/Restoration Analyses

• Document cover and opening pages
• Chapter 1. Addendum Overview: Centrality, Pinch-Point, and Barrier and Restoration Analyses
• Chapter 2. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Sharp-tailed Grouse
• Chapter 3. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Greater Sage-Grouse
• Chapter 4. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Black-tailed Jackrabbit
• Chapter 5. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for White-tailed Jackrabbit
• Chapter 6. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Townsend’s Ground Squirrel
• Chapter 7. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Washington Ground Squirrel
• Chapter 8. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Least Chipmunk
• Chapter 9. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Mule Deer
• Chapter 10. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Western Rattlesnake
• Chapter 11. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Beaver
• Chapter 12. Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities for Tiger Salamander
• Chapter 13.  Network Centrality, Pinch-Points, and Barriers and Restoration Opportunities: Focal Species Composite Maps

Data layers from analyses:

Data layers have been packaged into a zip folder from the addendum analysis.  If you have trouble downloading these packages, please contact us.

Columbia Plateau Ecoregional Analyses Addendum Data Layer Package 1.  This zip file contains the centrality, pinch point, and barriers data layers for each focal species from the analyses.  These data layers are also available for download in our Databasin Washington Connected Landscapes Project gallery.

Columbia Plateau Ecoregional Analyses Addendum Data Layer Package 2.  This zip file is the composites layer package from the analyses.

Data layers are copyrighted by the Washington Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Working Group with user constraints and guidance.