Tuesday, June 5, 2007 - 8:45 AM
117

Integrating predictive modeling and land use policy to manage for imperiled stream fishes

Seth Wenger, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, Laurie A. Fowler, River Basin Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, and Byron J. Freeman, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602.

Significant populations of many imperiled aquatic species occur on private lands.  Effective management for such species requires regulation of land use by governmental entities.  Under the Etowah Aquatic Habitat Conservation Plan, we have developed an approach that provides a rational basis for land use regulations, even in the face of uncertainty regarding the effects of regulations on the target fishes.  The approach involves (1) identifying key stressors to the species; (2) developing models relating stressors to species occupancy/abundance; (3) developing a management policy to limit stressors; (4) setting minimum levels of species occupancy or abundance to be maintained; (5) using models to forecast occupancy/abundance under future management scenarios, and adjusting policy as necessary; and (6) implementing an adaptive management program to improve models as new data are collected and to adjust policies as necessary.


Web Page: www.etowahhcp.org