Thinking Globally: Science & Policy Drivers for Large-Landscape Conservation in the Appalachians

Click Here to Register to Attend

The Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership invites all partners to join for the second of two virtual sessions on September 22^nd at 10am. Significant science and policy advancements are building recognition of the Appalachian Mountains as a landscape of global significance. Join us for an in-depth look into current driving forces related to climate, economic transition and shifting landscapes that emphasize the need for large landscape scale conservation and partnership. By drawing connections to the recently completed Appalachian Landscape Climate Advisory Group Report: “Conserving an Intact & Enduring Appalachian Landscape-Designing a Corridor in Response to Climate Change”, Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership partners will discuss recommendations to galvanize federal and state action to support the Appalachian Landscape.

Click Here For the Climate Advisory Group Report

Speaker Information

Designing a Climate Corridor & the Human Dimension

Gary Tabor, Executive Director, Center for Large Landscape Conservation

An Appalachian Landscape Climate Advisory Group formed in 2021 to discuss the existing and future needs of building ecological and community resiliency at the scale of the Appalachian Mountain-scape in the face of a changing climate. The Appalachian Trail Landscape provides a backbone to expanding natural climate solutions that encompasses a diverse corridor with over 100 million people living, working, and recreating in the East. Findings and critical opportunities will be elevated to frame the discussion around climate action in the Appalachians.

More about Gary:  Gary Tabor is an ecologist and wildlife veterinarian based in Bozeman, Montana.  He is head of the Center for Large Landscape Conservation – a support organization for large-scale conservation efforts. Gary is also Chair of the IUCN Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group which connects 1300 scientists across 130 countries to protect ecological corridors and protected area networks.

Session Resource: https://largelandscapes.org/

Appalachia the Beautiful: Connecting the Appalachian Landscape to a National Policy Framework

Sacha Spector, Program Director for the Environment, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

The federal administration continues to plan efforts dictated by the America the Beautiful executive order for a national goal for stewardship of nature in America. From national policy framework to the Appalachian Trail Landscape to the work of regional conservation collaboratives, discussion on long-term vision and short-term collaborative action will provide insight into how Appalachia can play a significant role in the efforts of America the Beautiful.

More about Sacha: Sacha oversees all environmental conservation grantmaking for the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation. Previously, he was director of conservation science at Scenic Hudson, leading the group’s efforts on climate change, land conservation planning and natural resource stewardship. There, he developed sea level rise and climate change adaptation initiatives in close cooperation with communities and state agencies while prioritizing land acquisitions and ecological restoration projects focused on the region’s most biologically important sites.

Session Resource: https://www.ddcf.org/

The Science of Climate Resiliency: Exploring the Appalachian Trail Natural Resources Conditions Assessment

Claire Jantz, Director of Center of Land Use and Sustainability Shippensburg University

The objective of a natural resource condition assessment is to document the state-of-knowledge and known conditions of natural resources using science-based, quantitative metrics, and to identify threats to resource conditions and gaps in natural resource information. As the Appalachian Trail Natural Resources Conditions Assessment concludes, discussion on key findings and best use of the science can support ATLP partners to evaluate and prioritize habitats for restoration, protection, or support further study.

More about Dr. Jantz: Dr. Claire Jantz is the Director of the CLUS. She has extensive expertise in land use and land cover change analysis and modeling, and interdisciplinary research. Dr. Jantz has particular expertise within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, the Delaware River Basin, and the Delmarva Peninsula. She has participated in several collaborative research efforts funded by NASA, Maryland SeaGrant, NPS, and the William Penn Foundation.

Session Resource: https://appalachian-trail-natural-resource-condition-assessment-clus.hub.arcgis.com/

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This event is presented by the Appalachian Trail Landscape Partnership. If you have any questions or trouble registering, email us at ATLP@appalachiantrail.org.

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