Abstract

Private Conservation Network Design: Okanogan Valley Trail Corridor Opportunities
Track: Modeling
Authors: Garrett Devier, Walter Henze

Public land protection is not enough. A growing number of private property owners want to do their part to save landscapes. However, establishing private conservation networks brings a new set of challenges that GIS can help with. Our study focuses on identifying potential corridor easements between private land owners and their neighbors and connecting these conservation corridors to public lands. Through the use of Model Builder and Arc Hydro we have developed five sub-models, including walkable landscape contribution, parcel contribution, signature landscape feature contribution, origin and destination points, and a hydrologic spatial framework. These sub-models are then applied to zonal analysis and corridor modeling tools to capture trail corridor opportunities and potential trail partners. These analyses and maps provide an important tool for visual communication and discussion connecting individual property owners with conservation partners, forming linkages with protected public lands, and fostering and broadening a conservation community of neighbors.

Garrett Devier
Jones & Jones
105 South Main Street
Suite 300
Seattle, Washington 98104
United States
Phone: (206)624-5702
E-mail: gdevier@jonesandjones.com

Walter Henze
Okanogan Valley Land Council
17 S Western Ave
Tonasket, Washington 98855-9270
United States
Phone: (509) 486-2765
E-mail: walterovlc@ncidata.com