WTI

Steven's Pass Wildlife Dispersal Habitat Modeling

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

1. Modeling of Wildlife Dispersal Habitat at Stevens Pass, Washington
   1. James S. Begley, M.S., Robert A. Long, Ph.D.,
   2. 4W2405_Final_Report.pdf

Project Objective

Develop a model that can be used to address the potential effects of the proposed land-change projects in the Steven’s Pass region on habitat connectivity for select focal wildlife species.

Project Abstract

Advances in the scientific understanding of species movement and dispersal, along with new GIS analytical tools, permit the affect of land-use change on habitat connectivity to be better evaluated. The Stevens Pass area along Highway 2 in Washington State provides an important north-south connection for many wildlife species, and initial scoping for proposed projects related to the Steven Pass ski area identified habitat connectivity as an important issue to evaluate. The objective of the project described herein is to develop a model that can be used to address the potential effects of the proposed land-change projects in the Steven’s Pass region on habitat connectivity for four select focal wildlife species (American marten, Canada lynx, grizzly bear, wolverine).

Task Descriptions

1. Base Layer Development
   1. GIS layers to be used in the various models may include elevation, slope, land cover types, canopy closure, vegetations zones, roads, motorized and non-motorized trails, and house/building locations.
2. Modeling
   1. The modeling will address the following focal species: grizzly bear, Canada lynx, wolverine, and American marten. The various attributes of each layer (e.g., mature forest, areas with high-density roads) will be assigned permeability values ranging from 0.1 (low permeability or high cost of movement) to 1 (high permeability or low cost of movement) for each focal species based on literature review and expert opinion. The assignment process will be conducted with input from regional carnivore scientists and managers. The permeability values of each cell in each layer will be multiplied together resulting in an overall score between 0 (low permeability) and 1 (high permeability) for each focal species.
3. Map Creation and Reporting
   1. A concise report describing methodology and outcome of modeling effort for each focal species will be prepared. Hardcopy maps of current predicted dispersal habitat for each focal species, along with a map of predicted dispersal habitat under hypothetical “no human infrastructure” scenario for each focal species, will be prepared. Electronic maps in raster format will also be provided for each species and scenario.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

False

Relationship to Other Research Projects

False

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Connectivity modeling, dispersal habitat, carnivores

Partners

Steven's Pass Resort