Summary: This project aims to develop a Regional Ecosystem Framework (REF) for each of two study basins. The Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District (TCSWCD) will convene technical partners early in the process to discuss this project, determine how their work can support development of a REF, and how the REF will help them meet their work needs. TCSWCD will develop an MOU to further collaboration efforts. TCSWCD, then with the support of partners, will gather, review, and compile plans, strategies, databases and references into a digital "data library" with a GIS component to support the REF. Using the plans and other available data, they will develop maps that depict natural resource information, agency priorities and opportunities. The NYSDOT and MPOs will overlay current and future transportation projects on the natural resource maps. This will provide the technical partners a basis to develop "potential conservation opportunity" projects that can be the basis for streamlining NYS DOT mitigation needs. Based on the maps and overlays, TCSWCD will develop a "Flexible Screening Template" to highlight conservation areas and identify specific conservation opportunities in those areas.

Project Status: The Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District signed its contract with FHWA and held its official kick off meeting.

The project team began their data collection efforts, collecting baseline information and interviewing knowledgeable professionals on locations of important habitat areas. The team also began investigating potential routes to formulate more formal working relationships between State agencies, such as the Department of Transportation and county Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Contact:

Jim Curatolo
Watershed Coordinator
Upper Susquehanna Coalition
(607) 546-2528
jac3@htva.net

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