Resilient and Connected Landscapes for Terrestrial Conservation in Eastern North America
This report outlines a science-based strategy to conserve biodiversity in Eastern North America under climate change, mapping resilient sites and connectivity using advanced modeling. It provides actionable priorities to sustain species and guide conservation investments.
Subject Tags
- Large scale protection
- Climate resilience
- Biodiversity
Abstract
Resilient and Connected Landscapes for Terrestrial Conservation outlines a science-based strategy to conserve biodiversity in Eastern North America under accelerating climate change. It identifies and maps climate-resilient sites—areas with diverse geophysical settings and microclimates that can support species persistence and adaptation. Using more than 70 datasets and advanced modeling tools like Circuitscape, the report assesses landscape permeability, enabling species range shifts. The analysis integrates resilience, biodiversity and regional climate flow data to prioritize conservation areas.
The report also presents actionable conservation strategies, highlights underrepresented geophysical settings and identifies vulnerable species whose habitats lack resilience. The final prioritized network is designed to sustain biodiversity while maximizing ecological connectivity and resilience, offering a robust framework for land management, policy and conservation investment.
Additional Resources
Explore the Data Components in the Resilient and Connected Landscapes Storymap
Explore the data in the Resilient Land Mapping Tool
For the most up-to-date data see CRCS’s National Resilient and Connected Network Download Page
Download the original data that accompanies the report:
Resilient and Connected Landscapes Data for the Terrestrial Conservation in the Eastern US
Citation
Anderson, M.G., Barnett, A., Clark, M., Prince, J., Olivero Sheldon, A. and Vickery B. (2016). Resilient and Connected Landscapes for Terrestrial Conservation. The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Conservation Science, Eastern Regional Office. Boston, MA
TNC Authors
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Mark G. Anderson
Director of Conservation Science
The Nature Conservancy
Email: manderson@tnc.org -
Analie Barnett
Landscape Ecologist, North America Office
The Nature Conservancy
Phone: 3058159528
Email: abarnett@tnc.org -
Melissa Clark
Spatial Ecology Lead, North America Office
The Nature Conservancy
Email: melissa_clark@tnc.org -
Arlene Olivero
Aquatic Ecologist/GIS Analyst, North America Office
The Nature Conservancy
Email: arlene_olivero@tnc.org -
John Prince
The Nature Conservancy -
Barbara Vickery
The Nature Conservancy -
Center for Resilient Conservation Science