Conservation Status of Natural Habitats in the Northeast
This report assesses habitat trends in the Northeast U.S. 2012–2022, showing increased conservation and progress toward 30x30 goals for the conservation of forests, wetlands, unique habitats, rivers and lakes.
Subject Tags
- Conservation Planning
- Biodiversity
- Climate resilience
Abstract
The Conservation Status of Natural Habitats in the Northeast report assesses habitat trends and conservation progress across the 14-state Northeast region from 2012 to 2022. It updates the original 2011 report using enhanced datasets, new metrics and advanced analytical tools.
The report reveals that 26% of the region’s natural land has been converted to development or agriculture, while 19% has been conserved. Encouragingly, conservation efforts have accelerated, with more than 3 million acres added to the secured lands network since 2010. These lands increasingly align with areas of high ecological value, including climate-resilient zones, biodiversity hotspots and carbon-rich landscapes.
In addition to chapters about conservation lands and climate resilience, the report includes chapters and specific measures of the condition and conservation status of forests, wetlands, unique habitats, streams and rivers, and lakes and ponds.
Additional Resource
Citation
Anderson, M.G., Clark, M. and Olivero, A. (2023). Conservation Status of Natural Habitats in the Northeast. The Nature Conservancy, Center for Resilient Conservation Science.
Media Contacts
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Mark Anderson
Director of Conservation Science -
Melissa Clark
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Arlene Olivero