MN Biodiversity, where does it last.
Biodiversity needs to be a focus of conservation, to effectively protect biodiversity we must protect it in resistant areas.
Biodiversity needs to be a focus of conservation.
Conservation efforts should prioritize protecting biodiversity. Biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining quality of life for all species in the ecosystem, nature is so interconnected and animals and plants have such important roles in local and global ecosystems that a goal of conservation should obviously be to keep as many species alive as we can, as effectively as we can. This project matters because biodiversity and conservation efforts are crucial for the survival and well-being of all species.
The 30 by 30 plan/America The Beautiful Act
– The 30 by 30 plan is the new conservation effort by the government under the Biden Administration. The plan is to have 30% of America conserved by 2030, notably we currently have 12% of Americas land protected. While it may seem like 30% is a far off goal a large part of the plan is to increase what is viewed as conserved, meaning that the amount of land we have “protected” will most likely go up from 12%, when land that is being used sustainably enough to be counted as being conserved is added to the count. This plan also stresses the desire to work with local communities throughout the preservation process to avoid damaging native communities and poor communities as a lot of “preservation” has in the past. This plan also is in line with the Biden administrations goal to put 40% of benefits from government investments to disadvantaged communities, however it is not specified exactly how this will be done.
Minnesota - LWCF
The land and water conservation fund was permanently reinstated recently, this fund goes to outdoor recreation and conservation of outdoor areas. What the LWCF means for things like conservation is a guarantee of x amount going to conservation grants. A guarantee of money and effort going to preserving our landscapes is obviously amazing.
Elevation and Hillshade maps
These maps show height of landscape, this is important visually especially considering how much better biodiversity persists on landscapes of varied heights.
Elevation
The more important of the two previous maps to us is the Digital Elevation Model.
Climate strongholds
This map of climate strongholds shows us where there is functioning climates that we believe will remain functional.
Friction of distance
This map shows us friction of distance, (how many units of movement it requires to move through a raster.)
Natures stage
By using the previous two maps we can see where nature is likely to persist and how far from those areas it is likely able to spread. These areas are what we call natures stage, the actors on this stage are the flora and fauna that operate inside these areas.
In conclusion -
