Biodiversity Conservation and Site Plan Review Biodiversity conservation principles Threats to biodiversity Location of development Reviewing site plans Lunch Reviewing site plans (continued) LEED and biodiversity conservation Examples of effective programs
General Biodiversity Assessment published materials organizations (e.g., MCA, Hudsonia) New York Natural Heritage Program Hudson River Estuary Program s Biodiversity Outreach Program Map resources topographic map soil survey orthophotos stereophotos
General Biodiversity Assessment Topo maps can indicate: intermittent streams floodplains springs & seeps steep slopes potential wet areas many other habitat features
General Biodiversity Assessment perennial & intermittent streams knoll & basin terrain (potential for IWPs)
General Biodiversity Assessment potential areas for riparian wetlands
General Biodiversity Assessment topographic signatures for locating habitats shown on right: steep slopes potential wet areas seepage slope depression intermittent stream
General Biodiversity Assessment soil maps & surveys
General Biodiversity Assessment Soil properties useful for predicting habitats: reaction (ph) drainage class texture depth to bedrock slope
Rare Species Information For most sites, comprehensive field surveys have not been conducted; the enclosed reports only include records from our database. We cannot provide a definitive statement on the presence or absence of all rare or state listed species or significant natural communities within your study area.
Habitat Assessment Qualifications
Priority Habitats & Conservation Zones - Rare or important habitats - Choose focal species (or group) - Use that species requirements to designate Conservation Zone Intermittent woodland pool Pool-breeding amphibians Surrounding forest needed for survival (from scientific literature): 750 ft Conservation Zone: 750-foot radius from each pool
Conservation Zones Pool-breeding amphibians Intermittent woodland pool Surrounding forest needed for survival (from scientific literature): 750 ft Conservation Zone: 750-foot radius from each pool
750 ft (230 m) IWP
Conservation Zones Pool-breeding amphibians Surrounding forest needed for survival (from scientific literature): 750 ft Conservation Zone: 750-foot radius from each pool
Blanding s turtle kettle shrub pool
Blanding s turtle habitats Associated Wetland Habitats: Vernal (woodland) pools, flooded swamps, beaver ponds, other flooded wetlands Drought Refuge: Spring-fed natural or artificial ponds, or deep pools in wetlands Estivation Habitat: Wetland sediments, upland woods under logs or in shrub thickets, stream pools
Conservation Zones Habitat Focal species Conservation Zone selected perennial streams wood turtle 650 ft other streams (various) 160 ft fen/calcareous wet meadow bog turtle 2500 ft kettle shrub pool Blanding s turtle 3300 ft intermittent woodland pool pool-breeding amphibians 650 ft oak-heath barren northern copperhead 1000 ft
Fen Conservation Zone Protect wetland footprint and 300-ft wide buffer from physical disturbance of soils or vegetation, and from applications of pesticides or fertilizers. In 2500-ft conservation zone: -- Avoid construction of new roads or driveways, wherever possible. -- Prevent alteration of groundwater or surface water flows. -- Prevent contamination of groundwater or surface water. Erik Kiviat
Protect wildlife habitat 185+ feet Mitigate flooding 135 feet Stabilize bank 30 feet Remove sediment, nutrients 85 feet
Cluster Development Often only thought of on site Some important positive aspects
bad better
(meadow)
FEN FEN
FEN FEN
open space
open space
open space
Landscaping with Native Plants
Stormwater Management
Rain Gardens Detention Basins
Pitfall Hazards
Curbs and Storm Drains Photos from Menunketuck: Newsletter of Menunkatuck Audubon Society, May 2007
Cape Cod curb Illustration from C & C Concrete Curb Inc. PO Box 2873 New Britain, CT 06050 2008 All Rights Reserved
Biodiversity Conservation and Site Plan Review Biodiversity conservation principles Threats to biodiversity Location of development Reviewing site plans Lunch Reviewing site plans (continued) LEED and biodiversity conservation Examples of effective programs