Our project has been designed to incorporate fine-tuning our plan as we proceed through each phase. Activities anticipated for our current and future phases are:
Stage 1 (April 2023 – March 2024):
The initial stage of work includes a baseline assessment of evolving trends in habitat suitability and ecological connectivity. Model outputs will help identify underlying factors that are contributing to biodiversity loss in the broader Sea- to-Sky region. Results of this work will inform the development of value-based policy goals and objectives to help guide future stages of biodiversity conservation planning in the region.
Stage 2 (April 2024 – March 2025):
This stage of the assessment process includes a more in-depth analysis of core habitat areas and connectivity pathways. Outputs will be used to help identify actions that enhance both overall ecosystem resilience and the capacity for wildlife to move through areas experiencing more acute levels of environmental degradation.
Stage 3 (April 2025 – onward):
Final stages of the project are focused on planning scenarios that help make evident the strengths and weaknesses of proposed land management strategies in achieving biodiversity goals and targets identified by project partners. The intended outcome is co-development of a regional biodiversity conservation strategy that can be updated on an ongoing basis as conditions change or as new information becomes available.
Photo by Brian Aikens: a black bear (Ursus americanus) sow and her two cubs foraging in early spring, Squamish Valley.