Photo by NPR, 2016
Gauged Landowner Interest
To increase the amount of protected greater sage-grouse habitat, we assessed local interest in participating in a conservation bank that neighbors the expansive APR by distributing a survey to landowners in the area. This also enabled us to address potential barriers to participation. Selected a Location Our survey indicated a hesitancy of local landowners from participating in a collaborative conservation bank near APR. Instead we designed a bank on a property owned by APR. This property, White Rock, contains a mixture of low and high-quality habitat, providing an opportunity for APR to undergo restoration efforts to increase total amount of habitat for the species. |
Quantified Credit Supply
We estimated the amount of habitat credits generated onsite and on properties participating in a state grant program by developing and applying a habitat quantification tool. These estimates were compared with regional land cover maps to verify spatial data and estimate total credits. Projected Future Development We estimated growth projections for oil and gas development within designated core sage-grouse habitat throughout the state based on previous drilling rates. Using the same habitat quantification tool, we quantified credit demand based on expected habitat impacts of these developments under multiple scenarios of disturbance radii and growth projections. |
Ensured Additionality
An endowment and long-term monitoring plan would be created to fund perpetual maintenance and monitoring of the bank. Profits would be allocated to additional restoration efforts onsite and in the general vicinity of the bank. APR will also be encouraged to act as a "model bank" and assist neighboring landowners interested in participating in a habitat exchange program or developing a conservation bank on their own property.
An endowment and long-term monitoring plan would be created to fund perpetual maintenance and monitoring of the bank. Profits would be allocated to additional restoration efforts onsite and in the general vicinity of the bank. APR will also be encouraged to act as a "model bank" and assist neighboring landowners interested in participating in a habitat exchange program or developing a conservation bank on their own property.