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Collaborative science and conservation in the Blanco River Valley.

Article Excerpt
Abstract. -- The Blanco River is 140 km (87 mi) in length and drains a watershed of 1,067 [km.sup.2] (412 [mi.sup.2]). This central Texas river has been identified as a priority conservation area in The Nature Conservancy's ecoregional assessment for the Edwards Plateau. Following its delineation as a conservation priority, a stakeholder-driven watershed conservation plan was developed. Stakeholder involvement (46 individuals and 28 organizations) was key in shaping the Conservancy's project plan. Community involvement in project planning led to increased support, funding, and partnerships for conservation and research. These results are repeatable and should be considered as a method for leveraging applied science and conservation efforts.

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The Nature Conservancy uses a rigorous planning methodology to establish the goals and workplan for all its conservation projects. The Nature Conservancy (the Conservancy) has developed this approach over several decades and uses it in the United States and internationally. The Conservancy's planning methodology combines biological assessments with socio-cultural, political, and economic evaluations to aid in the creation of thorough and effective conservation plans. This methodology has been labeled "conservation action planning," or the "five-s framework." The term "five-s" stands for the five main components of the method, outlined below.

(1) Systems: Selection of the species, communities and ecological systems that will be conservation priorities, and an assessment of their long-term viability.

(2) Stresses: Assessment of harmful biological impacts seen in priority systems now or expected to arise within the next 10 years.

(3) Sources of Stress: Evaluation of the activities causing each stress, projected over 10 years.

(4) Strategies: An assessment of the socio-cultural, political, and economic context within which conservation must occur and the setting of strategies that will abate sources of stress and ensure long-term viability of systems.

(5) Success: Establishment of metrics by which to track conservation progress.

This methodology is science-based, but also designed to enable action in the face of scientific uncertainty. Therefore,...

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