Overview

This module guides students through the process of developing a site conservation management plan, while discussing a range of pertinent topics such as 1) reasons for conservation (e.g., values, cognitive hierarchy, ecosystem services, nature’s contribution to people, etc.), 2) legal and policy frameworks for conservation 3) adaptive planning & adaptive management, 4) stakeholder identification, engagement, & communication, 5) GIS & making maps for conservation, and 6) writing a visitor site risk assessment. In this module, students are introduced to two frameworks for site conservation management plans: Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation (from the Conservation Measures Partnership) and the Conservation Management System (CMS). Students gain hands on experience developing plans, and making maps in GIS.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold - (C- to C+) The document is logically structured and includes appropriate evaluation sections. Habitat components are missing. The technical parts of the document are described coherently but without synthesis of favourable conservation status to the feature. There are some errors in the setting of quantifiable objectives. Performance indicators for particular habitat components are missing or poorly defined. Factors affecting the management of the feature are included but some are poorly evaluated or missing. The standard of presentation is acceptable. The conceptual (situation) models are logical and present at least some of the appropriate and specific factors influencing each feature. Maps derived from spatial datasets with appropriate cartographic conventions applied, convey pertinent conservation and site-level information, but include little or no newly generated information from GIS analysis, and aesthetics are poor to satisfactory.

-good -(B- to B+) The document is logically structured and includes appropriate evaluation. The full range of habitat components are present. The technical parts of the document are described coherently with favourable conservation status applied in defining a vision of the feature. The quantifiable objectives are appropriate. Performance indicators are complete and adequately defined. Factors affecting the management of the feature are complete and appropriately evaluated. The standard of presentation is good. The conceptual (situation) models are logical and present many of the appropriate and specific factors influencing each feature. Maps derived from spatial datasets with appropriate cartographic conventions applied, effectively convey pertinent conservation and site-level information, including some newly generated information from GIS analysis, and aesthetics are adequate.

-excellent -(A or higher) The document is logically structured with the full range of habitat components present. The technical parts of the document show evidence of synthesis with favourable conservation status applied in defining a vision of the feature. The quantifiable objectives are concisely outlined. Performance indicators are complete and appropriately defined. Factors affecting the management of the feature are concisely defined with evidence of critical evaluation and application. The standard of presentation is high. The conceptual (situation) models are logical and present the appropriate and specific factors influencing each feature, in depth. Maps derived from spatial datasets with appropriate cartographic conventions applied, effectively convey pertinent conservation and site-level information, including much newly generated information from GIS analysis, and aesthetics are at a high level.

Learning Outcomes

• Create effective visualizations of the conservation situation (i.e., conceptual models/situation models), that incorporate important features and factors identified in the plan.

• Create original maps with GIS that effectively convey important site and conservation information.

• Develop the start of a cohesive site conservation management plan, including description and evaluation of important features and factors, and identification of objectives (i.e., vision and performance indicators).