Working to close the research-implementation gap

Abstract

Private land conservation is becoming increasingly important as economic incentives expand and evidence of ecological significance of private land accumulates. Ensuring the transfer of ecological knowledge derived from scientific research to conservation practitioners is imperative for closing the research – implementation gap. I addressed this gap locally with a conservation assessment of the Upper Oconee Subbasin in Northeast Georgia, driven by stakeholder input and Georgia policy. I analyzed nine conservation features with parcels and five acre block boundaries to evaluate the most efficient method for identifying Priority Parcels for easement recruitment by the Oconee River Land Trust and Athens Land Trust. Priority Parcels identified by summing block scores within parcels was the most efficient method. One-hundred one Priority Parcels were identified for easement recruitment. The results will be incorporated into the conservation planning strategies of the two land trusts and used in their easement recruitment campaigns.