conserving alabama's wildlife

339 Pages·2005·7.3 MB·English

C
ONSERVING
A ’ W
LABAMA S ILDLIFE

A C S
OMPREHENSIVE TRATEGY

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES

M. BARNETT LAWLEY M.N. “CORKY” PUGH
COMMISSIONER DIRECTOR

FRED R. HARDERS JAMES J. MCHUGH
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR WILDLIFE DIVERSITY COORDINATOR

2005
NATIONAL ADVISORY ACCEPTANCE TEAM ELEMENT GUIDE FOR ALABAMA

National Advisory Acceptance Team Element Guide

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (DWFF) has
prepared this guide to Alabama’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS) for the National Advisory Acceptance Team (NAAT)
and others to readily find sections that address each of the eight required elements.

The CWCS has six chapters, the first four of which each focus on one of the eight elements (in sequential order: Elements 1-4 = Chapters 1-4).
Chapters 5 and 6 each address two elements, 5 and 6 and 7 and 8, respectively. Appendices are provided for chapters 1, 2, 5, and 6. Figures,
tables and appendices are labeled throughout the document with the first number referring to the corresponding chapter and the second number as
the corresponding figure, table or appendix. For example, Figure 3-2 is the second figure in Chapter 3 and Appendix 1-3 is the third appendix
supporting Chapter 1.

Frequently cited in the text, and provided to NAAT with this CWCS as an important supplementary reference, is the four-volume publication
Alabama Wildlife (Mirarchi 2004, Mirarchi et al. 2004a-c), which is the foundation for this CWCS. Alabama Wildlife is derived from Alabama’s
Second Nongame Wildlife Conference, convened in July 2002 as part of the CWCS process to identify those species of greatest conservation need
(GCN) by assembling scientific experts and stakeholders to compile the best data on the full array of Alabama’s wildlife. The complete list of
GCN species is presented in Appendix 1-3.

The Alabama CWCS is available through the ADCNR website (www.outdooralabama.com/research-mgmt/cwcs) as Adobe PDF files.
Detailed information about each of the GCN species and key habitats is also available on the ADCNR website for the CWCS, which provided the
public the opportunity to submit comments at the species or habitat level as well as to find specific information on the status, ranking and
affiliations between individual GCN species and habitat.

The process followed to develop the CWCS proceeded through each of the eight required elements and incorporated the guidance provided by
the IAFWA and NAAT. DWFF staff, six taxa committees (mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, fishes, mussels and aquatic snails,
crayfishes) and other partners assessed the abundance and distribution of fauna in Alabama, identifying GCN species based on available scientific
information (Element 1). The Red-cockaded Woodpecker, for example, was identified as a GCN species following an evaluation of its status,
abundance and distribution in the state, and existing conservation efforts that have identified it as a species of highest conservation concern. The
Red-cockaded Woodpecker in Alabama is federally endangered and globally and state ranked (by NatureServe) as G3 and S2. Furthermore, the
IUCN classifies the Red-cockaded Woodpecker as Vulnerable, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ranks it as Tier 1a (Immediate Action
Needed) on its proposed list of priority bird species occurring in the region. The Birds taxa committee of Alabama’s Second Nongame Wildlife
Conference ranked the Red-cockaded Woodpecker as Priority 1, Highest Conservation Concern, and that status was adopted in the CWCS.
Following its proposal as a GCN species, the public was invited to provide comments (as with all GCN species and key habitats) through the
ADCNR website (Element 8).
Element Guide: Page 1 of 7
NATIONAL ADVISORY ACCEPTANCE TEAM ELEMENT GUIDE FOR ALABAMA

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker principally inhabits two community types identified in this CWCS: Dry Longleaf Pine Forest and Wet Pine
Savanna and Flatwoods. To a much lesser extent it may occur in Dry Hardwood Forest (Element 2). The two pine-dominated and fire-
maintained habitats are relatively rare in Alabama (Element 2). Alabama’s Red-cockaded Woodpecker population is threatened by habitat loss
and degradation (e.g., residential development, conversion to short-rotation silviculture, fire suppression, fragmentation), nest predation, and
cavity competition with other species (Element 3). Needed conservation actions to address these threats were then determined, and found to
include restoration of degraded habitat and maintenance of existing habitat through prescribed burning, acquisition of large tracts of remaining
habitat, and encouraging private landowners to participate in Alabama’s statewide Safe Harbor Plan for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Element
4). A priority monitoring need for this GCN species is to determine population status and trends on federal and private lands (Element 3). The
anticipated products of fulfilling this monitoring need are data to fill information gaps to assess the status and/or condition of Red-cockaded
Woodpeckers and expansion of this species in the DWFF’s CWCS database (Element 5). These data will also contribute to regional and national
conservation efforts in which Alabama is a partner, such as the USFWS Red-cockaded Woodpecker Recovery Plan, Breeding Bird Survey, and the
North American Landbird Conservation Plan (Element 7).

The conservation and/or increase of populations of Red-cockaded Woodpecker through habitat protection, restoration and/or enhancement was
identified as a priority conservation action (Element 4). By monitoring the implementation and degree of success of these conservation actions,
DWFF and its partners will be able to quantify the performance measures for each: including the number of known family groups (clusters), the
number of landowners enrolled in the Safe Harbor program, and the number of acres restored, enhanced, and/or protected by fee-simple or
easements (Element 5).

The adaptive management approach will allow DWFF to not only quantify these performance measures, but also compare the results of the
species monitoring to infer whether the conservation actions are increasing the number of Red-cockaded Woodpecker clusters and/or nest
productivity each year. If the status and condition of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers shows no significant improvement, then the conservation
actions can be modified to intensify habitat protection measures, or target key areas and cooperative projects with partners if funds limit the
expansion of the conservation measures (Elements 1, 3, 5 and 7). In this way, a feedback loop between monitoring, conservation actions and
management objectives will be maintained (Elements 1-5).

Detailed information on the selection of GCN species (not just the Red-cockaded Woodpecker), key habitats, conservation actions and more
are summarized throughout the CWCS and its appendices. The following table provides a key to finding where each of the eight required
elements is addressed in the Alabama CWCS.

Element Guide: Page 2 of 7
NATIONAL ADVISORY ACCEPTANCE TEAM ELEMENT GUIDE FOR ALABAMA

CWCS Table or
NAAT Guidance Page Page
Section Figure
Element 1
Information on the distribution and abundance of species of wildlife, including low and declining populations as the state deems appropriate, that are
indicative of the diversity and health of the state’s wildlife:
Chapter 1 6-10
1A. The Strategy indicates sources of information (e.g., literature, databases, agencies, individuals) on wildlife abundance Bibliography 250
Figure 1-1 9
and distribution consulted during the planning process. Appendix 1-1 268
Appendix 6-2 321
Figure 1-1 9
Table 1-1 10
Table 1-2 12
Chapter 1 10-23
1B. The Strategy includes information about both abundance and distribution for species in all major groups to the extent Table 1-3 14
Appendix 1-3 295
that data are available. There are plans for acquiring information about species for which adequate abundance and/or Table 1-4 16
Appendix 1-4 304
distribution information is unavailable. Table 1-5 16
Chapter 4 55-215
Table 1-6 18
Table 1-7 20
Table 1-8 21
Chapter 1 10-23
1C. The Strategy identifies low and declining populations to the extent data are available. Appendix 1-3 295
Appendix 1-4 304
1D. All major groups of wildlife have been considered or an explanation is provided as to why they were not (e.g., including Chapter 1 4-23
reference to implemented marine fisheries management plans). The State may indicate whether these groups are to be Appendix 1-3 295
included in a future Strategy revision. Appendix 1-4 304
1E. The Strategy describes the process used to select the species in greatest need of conservation. The quantity of Chapter 1 6-9

information in the Strategy is determined by the State with input from its partners, based on what is available to the State. Appendix 1-2 279
Element Guide: Page 3 of 7
NATIONAL ADVISORY ACCEPTANCE TEAM ELEMENT GUIDE FOR ALABAMA

CWCS Table or
NAAT Guidance Page Page
Section Figure
Element 2
Descriptions of locations and relative condition of key habitats and community types essential to conservation of species identified in the 1st element:
Figure 2-1 26
Figure 2-2 33
Chapter 2 24-41
2A. The Strategy provides a reasonable explanation for the level of detail provided; if insufficient, the Strategy identifies the Figure 2-3 34
Chapter 4 55-215
types of future actions that will be taken to obtain the information. Figure 2-4 35
Appendix 2-1 314
Table 2-1 37
Table 2-2 41
Figure 2-1 26
Chapter 2 24-41 Figure 2-3 34
2B. Key habitats and their relative conditions are described in enough detail such that the State can determine where (i.e.,
Chapter 4 55-215 Figure 2-4 35
in which regions, watersheds, or landscapes within the State) and what conservation actions need to take place.
Chapter 4 221-228 Table 2-1 37
Table 2-2 41
Element 3
Descriptions of problems which may adversely affect species identified in Element 1 or their habitats, and priority research and survey efforts needed
to identify factors which may assist in restoration and improved conservation of these species and habitats:
Chapter 3 42-48
3A. The Strategy indicates sources of information (e.g., literature, databases, agencies, or individuals) used to determine
Appendix 1-1 268
the problems or threats.
Bibliography 250
3B. The threats/problems are described in sufficient detail to develop focused conservation actions (for example, “increased Chapter 3 46,47
Figure 3-4 47
highway mortalities” or “acid mine drainage” rather than generic descriptions such as “development” or “poor water quality”). Chapter 4 56-214
3C. The Strategy considers threats/problems, regardless of their origins (local, State, regional, national and international), Chapter 3 42-48
Figure 3-4 47
where relevant to the State’s species and habitats. Chapter 4 56-214
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NATIONAL ADVISORY ACCEPTANCE TEAM ELEMENT GUIDE FOR ALABAMA

CWCS Table or
NAAT Guidance Page Page
Section Figure
3D. If available information is insufficient to describe threats/problems, research and survey efforts are identified to obtain
Chapter 4 57-215
needed information.
3E. The priority research and survey needs, and resulting products, are described sufficiently to allow for the development
Chapter 4 57-215
of research and survey projects after the Strategy is approved.
Element 4
Descriptions of conservation actions determined to be necessary to conserve the identified species and habitats and priorities for implementing such
actions:
4A. The Strategy identifies how conservation actions address identified threats to species of greatest conservation need
Chapter 4 49,50
and their habitats.
4B. The Strategy describes conservation actions sufficiently to guide implementation of those actions through the
Chapter 4 50-215
development and execution of specific projects and programs.
4C. The Strategy links conservation actions to objectives and indicators that will facilitate monitoring and performance
Chapter 4 58-215
measurement of those conservation actions (outlined in Element 5).
4D. The Strategy describes conservation actions (where relevant to the State’s species and habitats) that could be
Chapter 4 58-215
addressed by Federal agencies or regional, national or international partners and shared with other States.
4E. If available information is insufficient to describe needed conservation actions, the Strategy identifies research or survey
Chapter 4 58-215
needs for obtaining information to develop specific conservation actions.

4F. The Strategy identifies the relative priority of conservation actions. Chapter 4 58-215

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NATIONAL ADVISORY ACCEPTANCE TEAM ELEMENT GUIDE FOR ALABAMA

CWCS Table or
NAAT Guidance Page Page
Section Figure
Element 5
Descriptions of the proposed plans for monitoring species identified in the 1st element and their habitats, for monitoring the effectiveness of the
conservation actions proposed in the 4th element, and for adapting these conservation actions to respond appropriately to new information or
changing conditions:
5A. The Strategy describes plans for monitoring species identified in Element 1, and their habitats. Chapter 5 231-240
5B. The Strategy describes how the outcomes of the conservation actions will be monitored. Chapter 5 231-240 Table 5-1 237-238
5C. If monitoring is not identified for a species or species group, the Strategy explains why it is not appropriate, necessary
Chapter 5 231-240
or possible.
5D. Monitoring is to be accomplished at one of several levels including individual species, guilds, or natural communities. Chapter 5 231-240
5E. The monitoring utilizes or builds on existing monitoring and survey systems or explains how information will be obtained Chapter 5 231

to determine the effectiveness of conservation actions. Appendix 5-1 315
5F. The monitoring considers the appropriate geographic scale to evaluate the status of species or species groups and the
Chapter 5 232
effectiveness of conservation actions.
5G. The Strategy is adaptive in that it allows for evaluating conservation actions and implementing new actions accordingly. Chapter 5 233
Element 6
Descriptions of procedures to review the Strategy at intervals not to exceed 10 years:
6A. The State describes the process that will be used to review the Strategy within the next 10 years.
Chapter 5 238-240

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NATIONAL ADVISORY ACCEPTANCE TEAM ELEMENT GUIDE FOR ALABAMA

CWCS Table or
NAAT Guidance Page Page
Section Figure
Element 7
Descriptions of the plans for coordinating, to the extent feasible, the development, implementation, review, and revision of the Strategy with Federal,
State, and local agencies and Indian tribes that manage significant land and water areas within the state or administer programs that significantly
affect the conservation of identified species and habitats:
7A. The State describes the extent of its coordination with and efforts to involve Federal, State and local agencies, and Chapter 6 243-247 Figure 6-1 242
Indian Tribes in the development of its Strategy. Appendix 6-2 321 Table 6-1 242
7B. The State describes its continued coordination with these agencies and tribes in the implementation, review and Chapter 6 245-246

revision of its Strategy. Appendix 6-2 321

Element 8
Descriptions of the necessary public participation in the development, revision, and implementation of the Plan:
Chapter 6 246-249
8A. The State describes the extent of its efforts to involve the public in the development of its Strategy.
Appendix 6-2 321
Chapter 6 249
8B. The State describes its continued public involvement in the implementation and revision of its Strategy.
Appendix 6-2 321

Acknowledgments: ADCNR- DWFF staff and contractor thank the IAFWA and the many state fish and wildlife agencies and staff that shared information
throughout this process, and the many partners and supporters for their interest and contribution to this historical and intensive effort. We greatly appreciate the
support and recommendations of reviewers within the DWFF, USFWS, Teaming With Wildlife, the National Advisory Acceptance Team, and ultimately the
citizens of Alabama and Congress for which this effort was commissioned.

Element Guide: Page 7 of 7
C
ONSERVING
A ’ W
LABAMA S ILDLIFE

A C S
OMPREHENSIVE TRATEGY

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DIVISION OF WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES

The mission of the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division is to manage,
protect, conserve, and enhance the wildlife and aquatic resources of
Alabama for the sustainable benefit of the people of Alabama.

M. BARNETT LAWLEY M.N. “CORKY” PUGH
COMMISSIONER DIRECTOR

JAMES J. MCHUGH
FRED R. HARDERS
WILDLIFE DIVERSITY
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
COORDINATOR

2005
Bear Den Hollow, Jackson County

Developed by Terwilliger Consulting, Inc.
in collaboration with Conservation Southeast, Inc.

Recommended citation:
WILDLIFE AND FRESHWATER FISHERIES DIVISION, ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND
NATURAL RESOURCES. 2005. Conserving Alabama’s wildlife: a comprehensive strategy. Alabama
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Montgomery, Alabama. 322 pp.

Photo credits
This page: Eric Soehren. Cover page, clockwise: Mark Bailey (Speckled Kingsnake); Guenter Schuster (Unnamed crayfish); Patrick
O’Neill (Brighteye Darter); J. Scott Altenbach (Rafinesque’s Big-eared Bat).

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender,
national origin, or disability in its hiring or employment practices nor in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs,
services, or activities.
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