Improving management of small natural features on private lands by negotiating the science–policy boundary for Maine vernal pools

Abstract

Vernal pools are far more important for providing ecosystem services than one would predict based on their small size. However, prevailing resource-management strategies are not effectively conserving pools and other small natural features on private lands. Solutions are complicated by tensions between private property and societal rights, uncertainties over resource location and function, diverse stakeholders, and fragmented regulatory authority. The development and testing of new conservation approaches that link scientific knowledge, stakeholder decision-making, and conservation outcomes are important responses to this conservation dilemma. Drawing from a 15-y history of vernal pool conservation efforts in Maine, we describe the coevolution of pool conservation and research approaches, focusing on how research-based knowledge was produced and used in support of management decisions. As management shifted from reactive, top-down approaches to proactive and flexible approaches, research shifted from an ecology-focused program to an interdisciplinary program based on social-ecological systems. The most effective strategies for linking scientific knowledge with action changed as the decision-makers, knowledge needs, and context for vernal pool management advanced. Interactions among stakeholders increased the extent to which knowledge was coproduced and shifted the objective of stakeholder engagement from outreach to research collaboration and development of innovative conservation approaches. New conservation strategies were possible because of the flexible, solutions-oriented collaborations and trust between scientists and decision-makers (fostered over 15 y) and interdisciplinary, engaged research. Solutions to the dilemma of conserving small natural features on private lands, and analogous sustainability science challenges, will benefit from repeated negotiations of the sciencepolicy boundary.wood frog | community-based conservation | temporary pools | natural resource management | mesofilter

The relative importance of aquatic and terrestrial variables for frogs in an urbanizing landscape: Key insights for sustainable urban development

“…Most policies relating to frog conservation focus on immediate habitats surrounding breeding habitats (Calhoun et al, 2014;Semlitsch, 2000). However, our study revealed that decreasing forest cover (at different spatial scales) and increasing road cover within 1 km of ponds reduces the occurrence of infrequently encountered frog species.…”

“…However, our ability to guide conservation efforts remains limited because amphibians are among the least studied vertebrate groups in urbanizing landscapes (McDonnell & Hahs, 2008). Although the number of studies of amphibians in urban areas and in landscapes under urban development is growing, planners and managers still lack information to effectively guide amphibian conservation in most urbanizing landscapes worldwide (but see Calhoun, Jansujwicz, Bell, & Hunter, 2014).…”

Citizen science and natural resource governance: program design for vernal pool policy innovation

“…Given these social and ecological characteristics, scientists and regulators identified the desired goal of maintaining or creating landscapes with interconnected vernal pool complexes; human communities that understand and appreciate the multiple ecosystem services and values associated with vernal pools; and conservation policies and strategies that preserve private property rights and economic development opportunities (Calhoun et al 2014). Collaborators also identified how maintaining or achieving these goals is threatened by stressors such as rapid and largely unplanned landscape development; policies that do not adequately regulate vernal pools as interconnected ecosystems; and relatively unknown changes related to climate, invasive species, and demographic shifts (Kneitel 2014,Tuytens et al 2014).…”

“…Although the citizen science program provided useful data, the 2007 regulation was still highly controversial (Calhoun et al 2014). Following passage of the vernal pool regulation, a second citizen science program, the Vernal Pool Mapping and Assessment Program (VPMAP), was launched in 12 Maine towns as a response to the regulatory controversy.…”

“…and educational materials to help facilitate these connections (Calhoun et al 2014). This program feature is demonstrated when one planner said "Some people would come in and meet with me, look at the map, and try to understand where the pool was" (Jansujwicz et al 2013a).…”