Long-range Planning: Considering the Shrub-steppe Landscape

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Published: November 2011

Revised: September 2020

Pages: 8

Author(s): Azerrad, J. M., K. A. Divens, M. F. Livingston, M. S. Teske, H. L. Ferguson, and J. L. Davis.

The following is a condensed version of the long-range planning section found in WDFW's Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats: Shrub-Steppe.

Many requirements critical to shrub-steppe wildlife--large, unfragmented habitat patches; habitat connectivity--are impossible to manage on a site-by-site basis. Hence, many issues important to shrub-steppe wildlife must be handled at a landscape scale. Here we provide guidance for making decisions that affect shrub-steppe from the perspective of a long-range planner.

Information provided here will help with:

  • identifying high priority areas of shrub-steppe across a large planning area.
  • recognizing important features of shrub-steppe habitat.
  • designating areas of shrub-steppe as part of a local plan.
  • adopting planning policies, regulations, and incentives that consider impacts to shrub-steppe.

Suggested citation

Azerrad, J. M., K. A. Divens, M. F. Livingston, M. S. Teske, H. L. Ferguson, and J. L. Davis. 2011. Long-range planning: considering the shrub-steppe landscape. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington.