Multi-scale waterfowl habitat conservation planning in Wisconsin, USA

Abstract Context The North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Upper Mississippi River/Great Lakes Joint Venture waterfowl habitat conservation strategy provide continental regional guidance, respectively, for planning. They were not designed to guide watershed- scale delivery. Objective Our goal was develop a decision support framework state of Wisconsin using biological social criteria local-scale practitioners with an explicit link larger objectives. Methods We engaged core group wetland experts decide upon layers relevant objectives, evaluate variables, establish weights, review model outputs reasonableness accuracy. used spatial analyst tools, kernel density estimators, weighted sums create spatially models identify landscapes watersheds important waterfowl. identified resources that exist currently (Conservation Capital) considered potential Opportunities) which could enhance restoration efforts. Results developed transparent prioritize conserving at Hydrologic Unit Code 12 watershed in Wisconsin, by maintaining priorities, including local landscape characteristics, criteria, researcher, manager, biologist expertise. Conclusions Local detail is critical implementing delivery making efficient use limited funds but can be more abstract or are science-based, transparent, defensible, modified as social, political, biological, environmental forces change.