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ANCHOR: An Opportunity to Change Landscape Connectivity Networks and Conservation Delivery At-Scale in the U.S.
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Abstract: Connectivity modeling has been a tool available to the conservation community
since the 1980s that guides our responses to habitat fragmentation. While the sophistication
of computer modeling continues to grow, on-the-ground delivery remains challenging and
lacks urgency. We present an approach to scale up delivery and do so within effective
timeframes. The approach, termed ANCHOR (Areawide Networks to Connect Habitat and
Optimize Resiliency), is grounded in connectivity science but executed in a manner that
is flexible, expandable, and measurable. ANCHOR goes beyond the traditional protected
area focus for establishing connected biomes to maximize the contributions of existing
public lands and expand private landowner participation. The approach is applied using
an umbrella species to represent a faunal group and/or multiple taxa to deliver co-benefits
of landscape connectivity. Public lands receive connectivity rankings that are then used to
engage potential connectivity partners who commit land units and collectively monitor
improvements in habitat quality and landscape resiliency. The ANCHOR approach can
guide unprecedented participation across agencies and departments to create public lands
networks, while private and corporate lands establish landscape connections. To illustrate
the approach, we present an example of native grasslands conservation in the central and
eastern U.S. and an emerging partnership with the Department of Defense.
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Anchor Resources
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Certified Biomass Procurement Specialist - Switchgrass
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This eight-hour online course is designed to prepare agriculturists to work with farmers as employees of a bio-refinery to provide its feedstock needs. Course topics include site selection, soils, drainage, fertility, varieties, weed control, selecting growers, contracts, production systems and other switchgrass production issues. Course instructors are specialists from Auburn University, University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky and Genera Energy. For more information or to enroll contact Mark Hall (hallmah@auburn.edu).
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Training
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Training Resources Exchange
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Forage for Beef and Bobs
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Learn about the benefits of native grasses for beef cattle production and wildlife in Virginia. This short video (4 min) is especially relevant for beef producers and farmers. Brought to you NRCS Virginia.
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Learning & Tech Transfer
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Webinars & Videos
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Map of Fescue Belt
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Map of fescue belt within the U.S. superimposed over map of states participating in WLFW NOBO, Grasslands, and Savannas
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Information
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Maps and Spatial Data
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Northern Bobwhite in Working Grasslands
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The northern bobwhite is often referred to and "edge" species, seeking habitat where crop fields intersect with woodlands, pastures, and old fields. The desired outcomes of project practices is 1) improved cattle production for grazing operations, 2) restore native grasses to the agricultural landscape, and 3) improve soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on farms.
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Information
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NRCS Conservation Practices & Materials
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Conservation Practices
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Producer Adoption of Native Grass Forages
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Pat Keyser (Center for Native Grasslands, University of Tennessee) describes opportunities for practitioners to better partner with livestock producers to adopt native grass forages and advance working lands conservation. What is good for the cows is good for native species too. This webinar was presented as part of the Mississippi Flyway Summit in September 2020.
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Training
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Videos and Webinars
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Quail Forever
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Quail Forever is dedicated to the conservation of quail, pheasants and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education, and land management policies and programs.
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LP Members
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Organizations Search
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Reconnecting Cattle and Quail
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Learn about the Working Lands for Wildlife program and work in Ohio between USDA-NRCS and local farmers and ranchers. Grazing cattle on warm season, native grasses is great for cattle as well as critical species like the Northern Bobwhite Quail. Video for landowners and cattle producers.
Presented by Nick Schell (USDA-NRCS Ohio) and Dr. Pat Keyser (UT - Center for Native Grasslands Management) at the Ohio Forage and Grassland Council Conference in 2017.
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Learning & Tech Transfer
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Webinars & Videos
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Winter Grazing - a Better Way to Feed
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In this video, three livestock producers describe how extending the grazing season with winter grasses has saved them time and money, while also improving the environment; and they demonstrate the methods they used to achieve these savings. Sponsored by the NRCS - East National Technology Support Center.
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Training
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Videos and Webinars
