Date of Award

1986

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Community Planning (MCP)

Department

Community Planning and Area Development

First Advisor

John J. Kupa

Abstract

The goals of this report are to: 1) establish the importance of wildlife conservation planning by local communities, and present important ecological concepts to nonscientists, 2) develop a detailed wildlife planning methodology, which planners can practice in their communities, and 3) explore the legal basis for wildlife conservation zoning, and provide useful examples of local zoning ordinances.

Communities should seek to maintain a diversity of wildlife species, within their geographical boundaries. Wildlife is valuable to the public for a variety of reasons. Animal species provide recreation, education, monetary gain, aesthetics, and a psychological sense of well being to local citizens. From an ecological viewpoint, the presence of particular animal species indicate the degree of ecosystem integrity. Loss of local species can eventually lead to permanent loss of genetic resources, which are needed by industry and agriculture alike. From a community health perspective, wildlife exhibit the adverse effects of chemical pollutants before human populations, and thus serve as environmental monitors. Wildlife conservation promotes both community welfare, and health.

A comprehensive community-wide wildlife planning methodology should include: 1) determination of community goals and commitment to wildlife resources, 2) alignment with other non-prof it and governmental agencies with similar goals and objectives, 3) identification of valuable wildlife habitats, 4) determination of units habitat analysis, 5) compilation and mapping of valuable habitats, 6) prioritization of habitat values, 7) development of a corridor system plan, 8) establishment of wildlife conservation as an essential element of the community's Comprehensive Plan, and 9) development of relevant zoning ordinances which support the wildlife plan.

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