Idaho wetland conservation prioritization plan

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The Idaho Wetland Conservation Prioritization Plan identifies priority wetlands for conservation as required for the state's State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Plan (SCORTP) under the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act (EWRA) (U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1990). Specifically, each state is directed to develop a prioritized list of wetlands that meet three broad threshold criteria: 1) support rare or declining wetland types; 2) experience a high level of threats to wetland functions; and 3) represent a diversity or high levels of important functions and values (including recreation), or especially high value for specific functions (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1991). In Idaho, SCORTP is revised and updated at approximately four-year intervals by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). We used a variety of wetland related data, GIS analyses, and refined criteria to prioritize wetlands in Idaho. The results are limited by the quality and accuracy of the data available at present time. A cursory examination of the top ten wetlands indicates the results are representative of the diversity of wetlands found throughout Idaho (Table 1). Moreover, the data of the top ten wetlands in Idaho (based on criteria in this report) are summarized to facilitate different synthesis based on a variety of objectives (Appendices 1-5). Detailed narratives and associated maps for the top ten wetlands supports the conclusion that wetlands of all types found throughout Idaho have the potential to be extremely valuable depending upon the context (Appendices 6 and 7). Wetlands are highly valued by the citizens of Idaho for their habitat and recreational functions and values. Many wetlands are threatened by a variety of factors. This Plan identified and ranked 200 wetlands for conservation actions based on NWPCP and EWRA criteria.

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ELECTRONIC FILE - Ecology

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Hahn L, Murphy C, Schmidt A, Fields T. 2005. Idaho wetland conservation prioritization plan. Boise (ID): Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Conservation Data Center. 17 p. [accessed 2015 Dec 14]. https://www.idahoconservation.org/blog/files/wetland-priorities-for-idaho

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U05HAH01IDUS.pdf