2011 Environmental Excellence Awards

For Excellence in Ecosystems, Habitat, and Wildlife

Washington Connected Landscapes Project: Statewide Analysis

Co-led by the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Washington Habitat Connectivity Working Group brings together diverse participants representing land and natural resource management agencies, organizations, Tribes, and universities to produce tools and analyses that identify opportunities for habitat connectivity in Washington. In December 2010, the Working Group completed a geographic information system (GIS) analysis of habitat conditions in Washington and portions of adjacent jurisdictions. The statewide analysis incorporated habitat and movement needs for 16 focal species, identified habitat networks of high natural integrity, and produced maps of the largest contiguous habitat blocks and the best linkages for connecting them. In addition to the maps, the Working Group also created a GIS toolkit that planners can use to develop projects that allow for the long-term movements of wildlife while minimizing collisions with the traveling public. The habitat connectivity assessment will reduce time and costs associated with environmental permitting, and can be used as one criterion to determine which highway segments will receive funds for wildlife-friendly improvements. As a result, highway improvement project teams will incorporate options that provide safe passage for wildlife into project plans. The Washington Connected Landscapes Project demonstrates how collaboration can drive the development of tools to help build a transportation system that is sensitive to the needs of wildlife.