This presentation is part of the Landscape Conservation Planning and Prioritization Organized Session.
This project focuses on the restoration and conservation of coastal wetlands in the Great Lakes region, specifically spanning from Saginaw Bay, Michigan, to Western Lake Erie, Ohio. The importance of these wetlands lies in their multifaceted ecological functions, such as nutrient capture, carbon sequestration, erosion protection, and support for diverse species. Over time, many wetlands in these areas were drained for urbanization or agricultural purposes, compromising their natural habitat. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has collected extensive data on these wetlands and developed decision support tools for coastal wetland managers. This Conservation Blueprint, initiated in 2016, aimed to identify conservation targets and indicators for these wetlands. Phase I, completed in 2 years, led to the development of coastal wetland indicators to track changes in wetland conditions. In 2022, Phase II was launched, focusing on refining indicators, creating maps & mapping tools, and developing an Implementation Plan. Phase III aims to ensure that the final products align with diverse stakeholder interests, fostering broad investment in shared priorities, and strategic collaboration. The specific goals for Phase III include completing a comprehensive Implementation Plan, developing a web-based platform with final maps and interactive tools, and establishing a strategy for the long-term sustainability of the Blueprint partnership. This final phase seeks to enhance coastal wetland conservation efforts and promote effective, collaborative conservation practices across the Saginaw Bay to Western Lake Erie basin.
