NAVIGATING CONSERVATION PLANNING FOR A SMALL LAND TRUST

Author

Megan Elise EuclideFollow

Year of Award

2024

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Wildlife Biology

Department or School/College

W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation

Committee Chair

Victoria Dreitz

Commitee Members

Chad Bishop, Sarah Sells, Melissa Odell

Abstract

In the face of ongoing biodiversity loss and limited resources, the urgency for effective conservation strategies and planning is vital. This paper explains key components and principles of effective conservation planning, applicable across various temporal and spatial scales, institutional contexts, and motivations for conservation. These components encompass framing the conservation planning problem, devising solutions, and implementing strategies. Effective planning efforts are supported by principles such as formulating a clear purpose statement, establishing objectives, addressing critical uncertainties, integrating knowledge into decision-making processes, and embracing flexibility and iteration. Incorporating these elements into conservation planning enhances decision-makers' ability to make informed decisions, ultimately striving for more favorable conservation outcomes. To support small conservation organizations, like the Bitter Root Land Trust (BRLT), this paper presents a framework designed to support a conservation planning process. Serving as a guide, this framework aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and consistency throughout the planning stages. By initiating this process, BRLT is empowered to formulate a comprehensive conservation plan with well-defined objectives. This promotes informed and transparent decision-making that aligns with its mission. A conservation plan is invaluable for small organizations, fostering internal clarity among the team and supporting conservation programs. This clarity is especially crucial when utilizing voluntary, landowner-driven conservation tools, which are inherently susceptible to opportunism. Fundamentally, a conservation plan promotes the focused investment of limited organizational resources to maximize conservation impact.

Recommended Citation

Euclide, Megan Elise, "NAVIGATING CONSERVATION PLANNING FOR A SMALL LAND TRUST" (2024). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12284.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12284