Description
Accounting for climate change in wildlife habitat conservation can help ensure that local species have access to suitable habitat as climate changes, reducing the potential for local extinctions. Key to this work is understanding what and where those projected habitat needs are and how species can access that habitat. King County will work with partners to create a new wildlife connectivity map that accounts for climate change-related habitat connectivity needs for vulnerable species and habitats in the county. The work will utilize connectivity mapping data generated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine potential alignments and set priority areas. Results from the mapping project will support regional efforts related to open space management, land acquisition, and habitat restoration, with the goal of providing the space needed for wildlife species to move seasonally and/or shift ranges to adapt to climate change.