Altamaha Coastal Marine (ID: 1432)

Project last modified by aspeers on February 09, 2010.

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Basic
Viability
Threats
Viability Assessment
Action Plan
Strategy Effectiveness
Indicators
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Project Info

Contact Name:
Christi Lambert

Contact the project owner using:
Contact project owner.

ConPro's Form Emailer

Contact Organization:
The Nature Conservancy

Data Effective Date:
February 15, 2007

Sharing Status:
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outside of TNC.

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Operational Unit(s):

Georgia

Ecoregion(s):

Carolinian Marine

Country(ies):

United States of America

Associated Initiative(s):

Global Marine Initiative

Project Description:
Participated in the 2009 Climate Clinic.

Objectives

Name
(1.1) By 2015, protect, through permanent conservation status, XX acres (or X%) of priority habitat (areas including or adjacent to conservation targets) through acquisitions, easements and planning.
(1.2) By 2010, work with regional, state and local partners to create or modify a min of 3 management plans (e.g. comp. plans, zoning ordinances, land-use regs.) to effectively minimize the impact of development on targets. (coastal dev.) (more info) Comment: Work with the CCP is underway and scheduled to be completed in 2008 and 2009.
(1.3) By 2012, work with partners to implement low impact development at a min. of 2 residential developments that are within or adjacent to priority conservation sites.
(1.4) By 2015, ensure that all shore erosion control projects consider "soft" or hybrid mitigation options and that at least 80% of new projects, in areas where alternative methods are feasible, use ecologically sensitive techniques. (more info) Comment: CRD has begun working to to map GA's shoreline. Funding has been received through NOAA/TNC CRP to conduct a pilot project on SI NERR.
(1.5) By 2015, ensure that new marinas are located in areas that limit impact on targets, include mitigation req's focused on ecological priorities, use low impact construction and maintenance techniques and encourage public access.
(1.6) By 2012, work with regional, state and local partners to effectively minimize the impact of docks and piers on conservation targets.
(1.7) By 2015, enhance dredge permitting guidelines (large and small scale) to minimize the impacts of disposal, scouring, sediment, and pollutant activation and habitat loss.
(2.1) By 2012, implement effective management techniques to minimize (0%) loss of current intertidal oyster population. (more info) Comment: Oyster conservation and restoration efforts are expected to be led by UGA-MAREX and DNR-CRD. TNC will have a supporting role.
(2.2) By 2015, based on historic and current distributions, restore XX% of historic oyster reef habitat within the project area.
(2.3) By 2015, restore XX acres of tidal wetlands (including salt marsh, tidal fw marsh, and tidal fw forest) in the project area.
(2.4) By 2012, coordinate with the Southern Region Prescribed Fire Network to develop and implement guidelines and strategies for prescribed fire in coastal and tidal marshes and forests.
(3.1) By 2015, develop and implement management plans to reduce existing populations of three priority invasive species (e.g. Phragmites, Chinese Tallow, Water Hyancinth).
(3.2) By 2012, work to ensure that invasive species that have high potential to threaten biodiversity and impact project conservation targets are restricted or prohibited in Georgia. (more info) Comment: TNC will take a leadership role. Other partners include DNR-WRD, SI NERR, UGA-MAREX, USFWS
(4.1) Within the next 25 years, effectively conserve 80 percent of the sites that are expected to increase in conservation value due to sea-level rise and climate change during the next 50-100 years.
(4.2) By 2015, evaluate and implement opportunities to incorporate conservation activities (e.g. land protection, management, and restoration) as part of larger state, regional and national carbon stop loss and sequestration strategies.
(4.3) By 2012, work with X (#) of state/local communities and agencies to develop and/or revise coastal hazard response plans designed to mitigate the impact of storm events, flooding, inundation and sea level rise in relation to conservation targets.
(5.1) By 2015, ensure that water management plans (e.g. surface and groundwater withdrawals, and dams) meet needs of the conservation targets
(5.2) Ensure that the coastal waters in the project maintain water quality standards (e.g. nitrogen, dissolved oxygen) necessary to conserve the areas ecological resources.
(5.3) Ensure that the sediment regime within the Altamaha and Ogeechee watersheds is maintained in a way to support downstream conservation targets.
(5.4) Work to ensure watershed connectivity for species (e.g. diadromous fish, migratory birds) and materials (e.g. sediments).
(6.1) By 2010, promote and enforce regulations on recreational activities that minimize adverse impacts to priority species and communities (e.g. sea turtles, shorebirds) that use barrier island and beach habitat. (more info) Comment: DNR-WRD and USFWS would be the leads for this objectives. Not a high priority for TNC. Identify sites using maps
(6.2) By 2015, ensure that water management plans meet the needs of estuarine targets. Water management plans include surface and groundwater withdrawal and dams.
(6.2) By 2015, minimize the impact of boating activities on conservation targets and priority species.

Targets

Focal Conservation Target	Target Type	Habitat Type
Tidal Freshwater Forest (more info) Description: Tidal Freshwater Forest conservation target encompasses the tidally flooded forested areas located in the lower river floodplains and the edges of estuarine of the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Sufficient freshwater and relatively short flood periods enable these areas to support tree canopies, including cypress (Taxodium), tupelo (Nyssa) and ash (Fraxinus). These areas are classified as Southern Atlantic Coastal Plain Tidal Wooded Swamps in the International Terrestrial Ecological Systems Classification (ITESC). These important plant communites serve as habitat for a variety of species, absorb nutrients to help maintain water quality, and provide food and nursery areas for birds and fish.	Ecological System	-
Tidal Freshwater Marsh (more info) Description: Tidal freshwater marsh conservation target are wetland areas dominated by grasses (Poacea), sedges (Cyperaceae), rushes (Juncaceae), cattails (Typhaceae), and other graminoid species and is subject to periodic flooding by either salt or freshwater. This ecosystem may be subdivided into: (a) Tidal, which is periodically flooded by either salt or brackish water; (b) non-tidal (freshwater); or (c) tidal freshwater. These are essential habitats for many important estuarine species of fish and invertebrates as well as shorebirds and waterfowl and serve important roles in shore stabilization, flood control, water purification, and nutrient transport and storage. This is a subset of the area classified as Coastal marshes in the NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System Regulations.	Ecological System	-
Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh (more info) Description: Regularly flooded salt marsh conservation target encompasses the brackish to salt intertidal marshes of the Atlantic Coast. It is dominated by medium to extensive expanses of Spartina alterniflora, flooded twice daily by lunar tides. Juncus roemerianus and other brackish marshes occur upstream in tidal creeks, and a variety of small-patch associations occur near the inland edges. Examples of this system may also support inclusions of shrublands dominated by either Baccharis halimifolia and/or Borrichia frutescens, as well as forests or woodlands with Juniperus virginiana var. silicicola in the overstory. These areas are classified as regularly flooded salt marsh in the International Terrestrial Ecological Systems Classification (ITESC). The regularly flooded salt marsh functions as a habitat for animals including fish, ribbed mussels, snails and fiddler crabs, among most biologically productive ecosystems in the world, help support estuarine food webs, direct food source for birds, insects, snails and crustaceans, detritus (decaying plant material) transport nutrients to other habitats (including those in tidal channels), resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds, nursery areas for some fish, shellfish, crabs and shrimp, bird nesting area, absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide, improve water clarity by slowing water flow and trapping sediments, absorb excess nutrients reducing eutrophication, protect upland areas from storm surge, indirect value to commercial species. Potential nursery habitat for diamond back terrapins	Ecological System	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) (more info) Description: The lower reach of a coastal river is referred to as a tidal river. The coastal water segment extends from the sea or estuary into which the river discharges to a point as far upstream as there is significant salt content in the water, forming a salt front. A combination of tidal action and freshwater outflow makes tidal rivers well-flushed. The tidal river basin may be a simple channel or a complex of tributaries, small associated embayments, marshfronts, tidal flats, and a variety of others. The target is defined by NOAA PART 921--NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE SYSTEM REGULATIONS The target includes the water column, the submerged bottom and the species and communities that use these areas, including diadromous fish. The target serves as a nursery area for a variety of fish and a feeding ground for fish and birds.	-	-
Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities (more info) Description: Intertidal Oyster Reef conservation target consists of dense groups of living oysters and remaining shells variously referred to as oyster bottoms, oyster beds, oyster bars, oyster banks, or oyster reefs. Because these terms sometimes are used interchangeably and are not well defined, it is important to note that not all species of oysters form dense clusters that we normally refer to as "oyster reefs". To help differentiate, we define oyster reefs here as large colonial aggregations of living oysters and oyster shells that can have submerged as well as intertidal portions, and provide habitat for a community (or "biocoenose") of other species (e.g., tunicates, fish, crabs, worms, mussels, bryozoans, and barnacles). The best examples of oyster reefs are found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, where oyster reefs are formed by one species - Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Historical distributions are very different from current distributions showing an overall decline	Species Assemblage: Animals	-
Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands (more info) Description: Maritime Forest Matrix conservation target encompasses a range of woody vegetation present on stabilized upland dunes of barrier islands and near-coastal strands. It includes vegetation whose structure and composition are influenced by salt spray, extreme disturbance events, and the distinctive climate of the immediate coast. Vegetation may include different woodland communities often dominated by southern pine species. Pinus palustris, Pinus serotina, and Pinus elliottii var. elliottii are all important in documented examples. These examples tend to have densely shrubby subcanopies and understories with species such as Quercus virginiana, Quercus geminata, Quercus hemisphaerica, Quercus chapmanii, Quercus myrtifolia, and Magnolia grandiflora. This system may be more heavily influenced by natural fire regimes that may help to explain the predominance of the fire-tolerant pine species. It has been postulated that the natural fire frequency is from 20-30 years. These areas are classified as Maritime Forest Matrix in the International Terrestrial Ecological Systems Classification (ITESC).	-	-
Sandy Beach Ecosystems (more info) Description: Sandy Beach Ecosystems (Sand Habitats) or Atlantic Coastal Plain Sea Island Beach conservation target represents beaches and overwash flats in the sea island region of South Carolina and Georgia. The entire region is distinctive on the Atlantic Coast, and wave energy is generally lower here than any other point along the Atlantic Coast. Huge quantities of fine-textured sediments are deposited by alluvial rivers in the region, many of which drain relatively large interior areas of the Piedmont, where clay is an abundant by-product of weathering and erosion. Thus, as opposed to other beaches of the Atlantic Coast, these beaches are characterized by the prevalence of fine-textured sediments. In addition, the extensive Continental Shelf coupled with low wave energy contributes to a paucity of shell components of the beach substrates. These areas are classified Atlantic Coastal Plain Sea Island Beach in the International Terrestrial Ecological Systems Classification (ITESC). Included within this conservation target are the emergent bars that remain above water during normal tides including Little Egg Island Bar, Pelican Spit, St. Catherine Bar, Ogeechee Bar.	-	-

Threats

Threat (Common Taxonomy) ^*	Targets Threatened
Housing & Urban Development (Residential & Commercial Development :: Housing & Urban Areas )	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Sandy Beach Ecosystems Tidal Freshwater Forest Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Invasive Species/Predation (Invasive & Other Problematic Species & Genes :: Invasive Non-Native/Alien Species )	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Sandy Beach Ecosystems Tidal Freshwater Forest Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Climate Change - Habitat Shifting and Alteration (Climate Change & Severe Weather :: Habitat Shifting & Alteration )	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Sandy Beach Ecosystems Tidal Freshwater Forest Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Forestry Practices (Biological Resource Use :: Logging & Wood Harvesting )	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Tidal Freshwater Forest Tidal Freshwater Marsh
groundwater withdrawal (Natural System Modifications :: Dams & Water Management/Use )	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Tidal Freshwater Forest Tidal Freshwater Marsh
ditches/drains (Natural System Modifications :: Dams & Water Management/Use )	Tidal Freshwater Forest Tidal Freshwater Marsh Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)
dredging (Transportation & Service Corridors :: Shipping Lanes )	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Sandy Beach Ecosystems
shoreline hardening (Natural System Modifications :: Other Ecosystem Modifications )	Tidal Freshwater Marsh Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Sandy Beach Ecosystems
Commercial and Industrial Development (Residential & Commercial Development :: Commercial & Industrial Areas )	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)
dams/reservoirs (Natural System Modifications :: Dams & Water Management/Use )	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Sandy Beach Ecosystems Tidal Freshwater Forest Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Navigation (recreation and commercial) (Human Intrusions & Disturbance :: Recreational Activities )	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities
surface water withdrawal (Natural System Modifications :: Dams & Water Management/Use )	Tidal Freshwater Forest Tidal Freshwater Marsh Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities
Commercial and Recreational Fishing (Biological Resource Use :: Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources )	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities
Utility Lines (Transportation & Service Corridors :: Utility & Service Lines )	Tidal Freshwater Forest Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands
Recreational Activities (boats, camping) (Human Intrusions & Disturbance :: Recreational Activities )	Tidal Freshwater Marsh Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Sandy Beach Ecosystems
disease (Invasive & Other Problematic Species & Genes :: Problematic Native Species )	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities
point source discharge (Pollution :: Garbage & Solid Waste )	Tidal Freshwater Marsh
Roads & Railroads (Transportation & Service Corridors :: Roads & Railroads )	Tidal Freshwater Forest
Agricultural practices (Agriculture & Aquaculture :: Annual & Perennial Non-Timber Crops )	Tidal Freshwater Marsh Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)
dams and reservoirs (creation, operations, management) (Natural System Modifications :: Dams & Water Management/Use )	-
docks (Natural System Modifications :: Other Ecosystem Modifications )	-
Eutrophication (Pollution :: Agricultural & Forestry Effluents )	-
groundwater withdrawal and surface water withdrawal (Natural System Modifications :: Dams & Water Management/Use )	-
incompatible agricultural practices/golf courses/deadhead logging (Natural System Modifications :: Other Ecosystem Modifications )	-
Incompatible Fishing Practices (historic) (Biological Resource Use :: Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources )	-
Incompatible Recreation Activities (Human Intrusions & Disturbance :: Recreational Activities )	-
New dam/reservoir construction (Natural System Modifications :: Dams & Water Management/Use )	-
Predation (Invasive & Other Problematic Species & Genes :: Problematic Native Species )	Sandy Beach Ecosystems
shoreline modification (Natural System Modifications :: Other Ecosystem Modifications )	-

^* For information on the common taxonomy of threats, see http://conservationmeasures.org/CMP/IUCN/.

Strategies

Strategy (Common Taxonomy)	Threats Addressed
Assist with the development of a GA Invasive Species Abatement Plan; participate in state and regional invasive species partnerships. ( Land/Water Management :: Invasive/Problematic Species Control )	-
By 2011, influence Liberty, McIntosh and Bryan Counties to develop and implement conservation ordinances (including zoning such as Core Conservation Areas and Low Impact Development) in their comprehensive plans. ( Law & Policy :: Policies & Regulations )	-
Categorize boat activity within the project area and identify areas of concern relating to conservation targets (e.g. marsh erosion areas with high boat traffic). ( Education & Awareness :: Awareness & Communications )	-
Communicate the importance of invasive species control and effectiveness of abatement methods, including conducting a workshop on a biannual basis and sharing lessons through a central clearing house and invasive networks. ( Education & Awareness :: Awareness & Communications )	-
Complete geomorphological analysis of the Altamaha River watershed. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Conduct a literature review to evaluate the impact of dredging activities on conservation targets. ( Species Management :: Species Management )	-
Consider the ecosystem values of the areas being impacted in siting decisions. ( Education & Awareness :: Awareness & Communications )	-
Create education campaigns that build understanding of the relationship between boating activities and priority species and habitats. ( Education & Awareness :: Awareness & Communications )	-
Determine and implement appropriate acquisition, easement, management, monitoring, research and regulatory actions to preclude and limit development in priority areas. ( Land/Water Protection :: Resource & Habitat Protection )	-
Determine fire management needs for priority targets and sites that are fire dependent; prioritize sites for implementation of increased fire management. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Develop and implement a monitoring program for restoration projects, including comparison with reference sites. ( Land/Water Management :: Habitat & Natural Process Restoration )	-
Develop and implement a pilot project and process to evaluate techniques for alternative/natural shoreline control. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Develop and implement a process and criteria (including sea level rise) to prioritize wetlands for restoration within the project area, taking into consideration opportunities to work at the ecosystem scale. ( Land/Water Management :: Habitat & Natural Process Restoration )	-
Develop and implement monitoring methods for use a LID sites focusing on water quality, habitat conservation and effectiveness of restoration. Use reference sites for comparison. Incorporate methods as part of pilot project. ( Species Management :: Species Recovery )	-
Develop and refine oyster restoration materials (including shell recycling) and techniques for the intertidal zone. ( Species Management :: Species Recovery )	-
Develop and support the use of incentives to maintain lands in forest management (e.g. tax incentives, transfer of development rights). ( Livelihood, Economic & Other Incentives :: Conservation Payments )	-
Develop geospatial models to identify wetland mitigation corridors and future shore zones. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Ensure that critical areas are identified and marked and that current regulations are adequate and effectively enforced. ( Law & Policy :: Compliance & Enforcement )	-
Establish a coastal fire management collaborative. ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
Establish an early detection response team. ( Land/Water Management :: Invasive/Problematic Species Control )	-
Establish one functional tidal freshwater forest wetland restoration site considering hydrology, vegetation, and species composition. ( Land/Water Management :: Habitat & Natural Process Restoration )	-
Evaluate and implement management techniques that will ensure resilient oyster reefs (e.g. conservation leasing, creation of sanctuaries, fishing and permit regulations). ( Species Management :: Species Management )	-
Evaluate and map extent of current shoreline hardening. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Evaluate current level of prescribed fire for coastal conservation areas. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Identify and map priority invasive species within the project area. ( Land/Water Management :: Invasive/Problematic Species Control )	-
Identify and map priority sites for oyster restoration and conservation using current and historic distribution, land use and ownership, key threats, and site selection criteria. ( Species Management :: Species Recovery )	-
Identify and prioritize conservation lands and water to protect targets through a collaborative mapping and inventory project. ( Land/Water Protection :: Resource & Habitat Protection )	-
Identify and protect upland areas in order to limit negative impacts (e.g. sedimentation, pollution) on oyster populations (implementation linked to development related objectives). ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Identify and secure partners and funding for wetland restoration. ( External Capacity Building :: Conservation Finance )	-
Identify and secure partners and funding that will enable corrent restoration programs to work at an ecosystem scale. ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
Identify innovative funding sources and develop ecosystem services markets (e.g. carbon, storm buffers, traditional land and water uses). ( External Capacity Building :: Conservation Finance )	-
Identify partner, roles and funding for fire management. ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
Identify partners (public and private) to develop and enhance "green" certifications and incentives. ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
Incorporate principles, objectives and actions into the Coastal Comprehensive Plan (CCP) that will result in conservation of priority targets, areas and threat abatement. ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
Increase education efforts. ( Education & Awareness :: Formal Education )	-
Map and evaluate watershed land use ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Map corridors and blockages to connectivity (e.g. dams, roads) within the watershed. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Map current oyster reef locations along the entire Georgia coast in order to support oyster conservation and restoration at an ecosystem scale. ( Species Management :: Species Recovery )	-
Minimize land conversion within the watershed, especially in those areas that have a high impact on downstream conditions. ( Land/Water Protection :: Resource & Habitat Protection )	-
Model shoreline to determine feasibility of using shoreline control methods. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	Housing & Urban Development shoreline hardening
Modify permitting process to decrease the length of time required to secure permits for restoration activities. ( Land/Water Management :: Habitat & Natural Process Restoration )	-
Modify state and local shoreline management policies and permits to enable and promotee alternative/natural shoreline control. ( Law & Policy :: Policies & Regulations )	-
Monitor estuarine water quality ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Monitor water quality parameters along the entire Georgia coast in order to classify areas for oyster harvest. ( Species Management :: Species Management )	-
Participate in Southern Region and Global Marine Team oyster restoration meetings and networks. ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
Participate in state, regional and federal programs related to carbon emissions and sequestrations. ( External Capacity Building :: Institutional & Civil Society Development )	-
Participate in the GA DNR invasive species state management plan team. ( Land/Water Management :: Invasive/Problematic Species Control )	-
Plan, implement and monitor invasive species abatement at selected sites, including development of partnerships and identification of funding. ( Land/Water Management :: Invasive/Problematic Species Control )	-
Provide fire management assistance to priority sites. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Provide outreach to build support for and promote conservation planning and zoning, acquisition of easements/land, and alternative/low-impact development practices. ( Education & Awareness :: Awareness & Communications )	-
Quantify dredging activities (current and proposed) within the project area. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Regionally, participate with the Southeast Aquatics Resources Partnership in developing thier Aquatice Nuisance Species Network and Plan. ( Land/Water Management :: Invasive/Problematic Species Control )	-
Revew current regulations and permit guidelines to identify opportunities to reduce the impact of dredging on conservation targets, including increased opportunities for mitigation. ( Law & Policy :: Policies & Regulations )	-
Support the use of best management practices on agricultural and forest lands within the watershed. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Support, through the Global Invasive Species Network, passage of comprehensive aquatic invasive sp. legislation to close major pathways of invaders to the U.S. ( Land/Water Management :: Invasive/Problematic Species Control )	-
Use geospatial models to identify priority communities. ( Land/Water Management :: Site/Area Management )	-
Use model results to help prioritize protection decisions (e.g. acquisitions, easements and land use planning). ( Land/Water Protection :: Resource & Habitat Protection )	-
Use models and other information to increase understanding of climate change and sea level rise among local governments, landowners and other interested parties. ( Education & Awareness :: Awareness & Communications )	-
Work to proactively identify habitat restoration and mitigation opportunities prior to and after storm events (link to restoration strategies). ( Land/Water Management :: Habitat & Natural Process Restoration )	-
Work with experts and partners to develop a coastal conservation easement template. ( Land/Water Protection :: Resource & Habitat Protection )	-
Work with landowners and contractors to promote alternative/natural shoreline control options. ( Education & Awareness :: Awareness & Communications )	-
Work with landowners, developers, and contractors to promote alternative development options. ( Education & Awareness :: Awareness & Communications )	-
Work with partners to develop and implement a "green" pilot project by 2009. The site, landowners, and partners should be identified by 2008. Pilot should include mechanisms to evaluate LID techniques. ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-
Work with partners to have GA adopt invasive-potential screening process for ornamental plants and ballast water. ( Land/Water Management :: Invasive/Problematic Species Control )	-
Work with state agencies to revise and/or current policies (e.g. no wake zones) in order to conserve targets. ( Law & Policy :: Policies & Regulations )	-
Work with the CCP Advisory Council and partners to secure the adoption and funding of the CCP. ( External Capacity Building :: Conservation Finance )	-
Work with the Global Marine Team and other partners to take an ecosystem-based management approach linking coastal hazards planning and biodiversity conservation (Gulf of Mexico example). ( External Capacity Building :: Alliance & Partnership Development )	-

Viability Summary

Conservation Targets		Landscape Context		Condition		Size		Viability Rank
Conservation Targets		Grade	Weight	Grade	Weight	Grade	Weight	Viability Rank
1	Tidal Freshwater Forest	-	1.0	Fair	1.0	Fair	1.0	Fair
2	Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Fair	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	Fair
3	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh	Good	1.0	Good	1.0	Good	1.0	Good
4	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Good	1.0	Good	1.0	-	1.0	Good
5	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Good	1.0	Poor	1.0	Good	1.0	Fair
6	Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands	-	1.0	-	1.0	-	1.0	-
7	Sandy Beach Ecosystems	Very Good	1.0	Good	1.0	Very Good	1.0	Very Good
Project Biodiversity Health Rank								Good

Threat Summary

Project-specific Threats (Common Taxonomy *)	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Sandy Beach Ecosystems	Tidal Freshwater Forest	Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Overall Threat Rank
Housing & Urban Development (Housing & Urban Areas)	High	Very High	High	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	High
Invasive Species/Predation (Invasive Non-Native/Alien Species)	Medium	High	Low	Medium	High	Medium	Medium	High
Climate Change - Habitat Shifting and Alteration (Habitat Shifting & Alteration)	Medium	Low	Medium	-	Medium	High	High	High
Forestry Practices (Logging & Wood Harvesting)	Medium	High	-	Medium	-	High	Medium	High
groundwater withdrawal (Dams & Water Management/Use)	Low	Medium	Medium	Medium	-	Medium	High	Medium
ditches/drains (Dams & Water Management/Use)	-	-	Medium	Medium	-	High	Medium	Medium
dredging (Shipping Lanes)	Medium	-	High	Medium	Medium	-	-	Medium
shoreline hardening (Other Ecosystem Modifications)	-	-	High	-	Medium	-	Low	Medium
Commercial and Industrial Development (Commercial & Industrial Areas)	-	-	High	Medium	-	-	-	Medium
dams/reservoirs (Dams & Water Management/Use)	Medium	-	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Low	Medium
Navigation (recreation and commercial) (Recreational Activities)	High	-	-	-	-	-	-	Medium
surface water withdrawal (Dams & Water Management/Use)	Medium	-	Medium	Medium	-	Medium	Medium	Medium
Commercial and Recreational Fishing (Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources)	Medium	-	-	Medium	-	-	-	Medium
Utility Lines (Utility & Service Lines)	-	Medium	-	-	-	Medium	-	Medium
Recreational Activities (boats, camping) (Recreational Activities)	-	-	Low	-	Medium	-	Low	Low
disease (Problematic Native Species)	Medium	-	-	-	-	-	-	Low
point source discharge (Garbage & Solid Waste)	-	-	-	-	-	-	Medium	Low
Roads & Railroads (Roads & Railroads)	-	-	-	-	-	Medium	-	Low
Agricultural practices (Annual & Perennial Non-Timber Crops)	-	-	-	-	-	-	Low	Low
dams and reservoirs (creation, operations, management) (Dams & Water Management/Use)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
docks (Other Ecosystem Modifications)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Eutrophication (Agricultural & Forestry Effluents)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
groundwater withdrawal and surface water withdrawal (Dams & Water Management/Use)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
incompatible agricultural practices/golf courses/deadhead logging (Other Ecosystem Modifications)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Incompatible Fishing Practices (historic) (Fishing & Harvesting Aquatic Resources)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Incompatible Recreation Activities (Recreational Activities)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
New dam/reservoir construction (Dams & Water Management/Use)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Predation (Problematic Native Species)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
shoreline modification (Other Ecosystem Modifications)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Threat Status for Targets and Project	High	High	High	High	High	High	High	Very High

Project Resources

Categories & Measures		Score

People
	Staff Leadership	-
	Multidisciplinary Team	-
People Average		-
Internal Resources
	Institutional Learning	-
	Funding	-
Internal Resources Average		-
External Resources
	Social/Legal Framework for Conservation	-
	Community and Constituency Support	-
External Resources Average		-

Overall Project Resource Rank

Assessment of Target Viability

Conservation Target	Key Attribute (Category)	Indicator	Current Indicator Measurement	Rating Comments: (Poor, Fair Good Very Good)	Current Rating and Date	Desired Rating and Date
Tidal Freshwater Forest	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	species composition	This indicator needs to be refined. It is not measureable as currently listed.	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Fair Jun 15, 2007	Good Jun 15, 2007
Tidal Freshwater Forest	Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) ¹ (Condition)	Change in flow (floods, high flow pulses, low flows, quantity) from natural conditions	Altered hydology includes historic forestry practices. (Do we have a percentage altered?)	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Fair ² Jun 15, 2007	Good Jun 15, 2007
Tidal Freshwater Forest	Quantity of freshwater (Condition)	Salinity	Are we measuring salinity in the pore water? Can this be combined with hydrology?	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Good Jun 15, 2007	Good Jun 15, 2007
Tidal Freshwater Forest	Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (Landscape Context)	Degree of ecotone disturbance	The team was not able to determine the status of this indicator, it needs to be further defined	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	- ³ Apr 15, 2008	-
Tidal Freshwater Forest	Extent ⁴ (Size)	Proportion and location of current extent vs. historic	Do we have this data, are areas mapped regularly?	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Fair ⁵ Jun 15, 2007	Good Jun 15, 2007
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Community structure and composition (Condition)	Proportion and location of current extent vs. historic	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (Condition)	Change in flow (floods, high flow pulses, low flows, quantity) from natural conditions	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (Condition)	Change in delivery of freshwater through system from natural conditions	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Water Quality (Condition)	Contaminants	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Water Quality (Condition)	Dissolved oxygen	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	Good
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Water Quality (Condition)	Nutrients	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	Good
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Water Quality (Condition)	Salinity	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	Good
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Water Quality (Condition)	Water Temperature	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	Good
Tidal Freshwater Marsh	Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (Landscape Context)	Degree of ecotone disturbance	How to measure?	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Fair Jun 15, 2007	Good Jun 15, 2007
Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	Representative species composition ⁶	-	Poor: Emergent intertidal marsh dominated by Spartina alterniflora however healthy, non-chloratic variants of S. alterniflora are rare. Plant densities and sizes are evident of stressor effects Co-dominant vegetation communities are either over or under rep Fair: Emergent intertidal marsh dominated by Spartina alterniflora with healthy, non-chloratic variants of S. alterniflora present ie. large, robust individuals present at creek edges with short growth forms present at high marsh area. Co-dominant vegetation c Good: Emergent intertidal marsh dominated by Spartina alterniflora with healthy, non-chloratic variants of S. alterniflora present ie. large, robust individuals present at creek edges with short growth forms present at high marsh area. However, also intersper Very Good: Emergent intertidal marsh dominated by Spartina alterniflora with healthy, non-chloratic variants of S. alterniflora present ie. large, robust individuals present at creek edges with short growth forms present at high marsh area. However, also interspers	Good	Very Good
Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh	Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (Condition)	Pore water salinity and surface water flow ⁷	-	Poor: Hydroperiod has been highly altered. Marsh is subjected to near-complete diurnal tidal prism only on spring tides or as driven by stochastic events . Large, frequent(with storm events) swinging fluctuations in surface water salinities. Fair: Hydroperiod has been altered but not dramatically. Marsh is subjected to a near-complete diurnal tidal prism with two daily minima and maxima however marsh seems much more subject to fluctuations in surface water salinity variation caused by upland mani Good: Hydroperiod is natural and unaffected ie. Marsh is subjected to a complete diurnal tidal prism (east coast application) with two daily minima and maxima. (water delivery and water quantity). Very Good: Hydroperiod is natural and unaffected ie. Marsh is subjected to a complete diurnal tidal prism (east coast application) with two daily minima and maxima. (water delivery and water quantity).	Good Jun 15, 2006	Good Jun 15, 2016
Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh	Sediment regime (Condition)	Rate of accretion and loss	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Good	Good ⁸
Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh	Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (Landscape Context)	Extent of shoreline hardening, filling, clearing ⁹	-	Poor: Evidence of human manipulation exists within the targeted or defined marsh area greatly affecting the quality of one of the following components: hydrology uplands, vegetation communities Fair: Evidence of human manipulation exists within the targeted or defined marsh area slightly affecting the quality of one of the following components: hydrology uplands, vegetation communities. Good: •No evidence of human manipulations within the targeted or defined marsh area affecting the hydrology (ditching/diking, dredging), uplands (development, septic system,) or vegetation communities (filling, armoring) within the salt marsh zone. Very Good: No evidence of human manipulations within the targeted or defined marsh area affecting the hydrology (ditching/diking, redging),uplands (development, septic system,) or vegetation communities (filling, armoring) within the salt marsh zone.	Good	Good
Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh	Vegetative cover (spatial or aerial variation) (Size)	% cover of salt marsh, brackish, bare ¹⁰	-	Poor: Structural Patch Richness (Heterogeneity in habitat and landform) Structural patch richness is reduced (less than 3 different types of structural types (as defined by the California and Mid Atlantic Rapid Assessment Methods) exist within the marsh) Fair: Structural Patch Richness (Heterogeneity in habitat and landform) Structural patch richness is reduced (less than 6 but greater than 3 different types of structural types (as defined by the California and Mid Atlantic Rapid Assessment Methods) exist with Good: Structural patch richness (Heterogeneity in habitat and landform) Structural patch richness is robust (greater than 6 different types of structural types (as defined by the California and Mid Atlantic Rapid Assessment Methods) exist within the marsh.) Very Good: Structural patch richness (Heterogeneity in habitat and landform) Structural patch richness is robust (greater than 8 different types of structural types (as defined by the California and Mid Atlantic Rapid Assessment Methods) exist within the marsh).	Good	Very Good
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	Secondary productivity (fish and inverts)	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	striped bass ¹¹	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	Presence/absence of key faunal species ¹²	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (Condition)	Change in flow (floods, high flow pulses, low flows, quantity) from natural conditions	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Stream morphology (Condition)	sediment movement/stability	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Stream morphology (Condition)	sinuosity	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Stream morphology (Condition)	Connectivity ¹³	-	Poor: Stream buffer and passageway restoration is needed Fair: Stream buffers and water passageways less than adequate for migration and widening of creeks Good: Natural stream buffers and water passageways are adequate for migration and widening of creeks with little intervention. Very Good: -	Good Aug 15, 2009	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Water Quality (Condition)	Contaminants	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Water Quality (Condition)	Dissolved oxygen	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Good	Good
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Water Quality (Condition)	Nutrients	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Water Quality (Condition)	Salinity ¹⁴	-	Poor: Salt wedge intrudes >> than X km upriver during >> X days per year Fair: Salt wedge intrudes > than X km upriver during > X days per year Good: Salt wedge at current (2009) location/timing Very Good: -	Good Aug 15, 2009	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Water Quality (Condition)	temperature	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Water Quality (Condition)	turbidity ¹⁵	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat)	Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (Landscape Context)	Degree of ecotone disturbance ¹⁶	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Good	Good
Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	% native vs. invasive resident species ¹⁷	-	Poor: Reef dominated by non-viable oyster cultch that demonstrate low white calcification processes in January- March; High diiversity and high numbers of invasives present (for example green porcelain crabs are present in densities exceed 1000/m2 and are acco Fair: Low diversity but a moderate numbers of invasives present (for example possibly only green porcelain crabs are present but densities exceed 300/m2 ); Moderate to low seasonal diversity of finfish present in water column associated with reef. Good: Reef dominated by viable living oysters that demonstrate large white calcification processes in January- March; Low numbers of invasive bivalve species (charra mnusel, green mussel, green porcelain crab); High seasonal diversity of finfish present in wat Very Good: Reef dominated by viable living oysters that demonstrate large white calcification processes in January- March; No invasive benthic decapods (European green crab, green porcelain crab) or bivalves (green mussels or charra mussles) present; High seasonal	Good	Very Good
Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Hydrologic regime - (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (Condition)	Salinity ¹⁸	-	Poor: Frequently fluctuates outside of 5-30ppt Fair: Infrequently falls outside of 6-30 ppt Good: Does not fall outside of 10-30 ppt Very Good: Does not fall outside of 10-28 ppt.	Fair ¹⁹	Good
Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Population structure (Condition)	age class distribution of oysters	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Poor ²⁰	Good
Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Recruitment (Condition)	Fecundity and survival rate ²¹	-	Poor: Low recruitment (<500 spat /m2 /year) with high numbers of barnacle attachment (> 30 barnacles/mature oyster) relative to YOY oyster spat Fair: Moderate recruitment (500 - 1000 spat /m2 /year) with moderate numbers of barnacle attachment (> 10 barnacles/mature oyster) relative to YOY oyster spat Good: High recruitment (recruitment 1000 - 2000 spat /m2 /year) with low numbers of barnacle attachment relative to YOY oyster spat Very Good: High recruitment (> 2000 spat /m2 /year) with low numbers of barnacle attachment relative to YOY oyster spat	Very Good	Very Good
Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Species/community health (Condition)	Intensity and prevalence of disease and parasites	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Poor ²²	Good
Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (Landscape Context)	Degree of ecotone disturbance	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Good	Good
Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities	Size / extent of characteristic communities / ecosystems (Size)	% historic sites with live shellfish	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Good ²³	Good
Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	Presence/absence of key faunal species ²⁴	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands	Characteristic floral and faunal communities ²⁵ (Condition)	% cover invasive tree species	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands	Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (Landscape Context)	Degree of ecotone disturbance ²⁶	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands	Landscape pattern/configuration of forest communitites ²⁷ (Landscape Context)	patch size	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands	Successional dynamics ²⁸ (Landscape Context)	Forest type heterogeneity	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands	Size/extent of characteristic communities or seral stages (Size)	number of acres in community types	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Sandy Beach Ecosystems	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	Density and distribution of key species	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Sandy Beach Ecosystems	Characteristic floral and faunal communities (Condition)	Presence of invasive/exotic species	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Sandy Beach Ecosystems	Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (Condition)	Freshwater sheet flow	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	-	-
Sandy Beach Ecosystems	Sediment regime (Condition)	Rate of accretion and loss	-	Poor: - Fair: Loss greater than or equal to accretion Good: Accretion greater than or equal to loss Very Good: -	Good Aug 15, 2009	-
Sandy Beach Ecosystems	Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (Landscape Context)	Extent of shoreline hardening, filling, clearing ²⁹	-	Poor: - Fair: X% -Y% of shoreline armored Good: 0 - X% of shoreline armored Very Good: 0% of shoreline armored	Very Good Aug 15, 2009	Very Good
Sandy Beach Ecosystems	Size / extent of characteristic communities / ecosystems (Size)	Disturbance ³⁰	-	Poor: - Fair: - Good: - Very Good: -	Very Good Aug 15, 2009	-

COMMENTS:

¹ Tidal freshwater forests and associated species are dependent on natural flooding and water flow conditions. Alterations can chance the flora species composition and limit access to the area by associated fauna.

² Historic forestry practices have altered tidal freshwater forest habitats in the project area through ditching and dikes. Flow in the mainstem Altamaha is in good condition due to a lake of dams below the fall line.

³ N/A

⁴ Tidal freshwater forest is an important ecosystem with limited are that meet conditions necessary to exist. There is a need to maintain or increase the amount of this ecosystem within the project site.

⁵ Source?

⁶ Dorset Hurley (SINERR) based on EPA guided California Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands

⁷ Dorset Hurley (SINERR) based on EPA guided California Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands

⁸ This requires a longer than 10 year focus due to the scales at which sea level rises. Strategies that we apply now must be focused further out than 10 years.

⁹ Dorset Hurley (SINERR) guided by EPA guided California Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands

¹⁰ Dorset Hurley guided by EPA guided California Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands

¹¹ This needs to be clarified - is it striped bass presence, a seasonality, age structure, key habitat?

¹² Need to define key species. Would it make sense to make striped bass on such species or should we keep it as a separate indicator?

¹³ Indicator ratings per Christi Lambert - August 2009 In this case are we tallking about connectivity moving upstream or landward? Does this really fall under morphology or under the connectivity KEA?

¹⁴ Citations pending (per Christi Lambert August 2009)

¹⁵ Should this relate to sediment regime instead of water quality?

¹⁶ This needs to be refined

¹⁷ Dorset Hurley, personal communication in preparation for Climate Change Adaptation Clinic September 2009

¹⁸ Dorset Hurley, personal communication, in preparation for Climate Change Adaptation Clinic, September 2009

¹⁹ If you take into account atlamaha and ogeechee sounds - is poor (rice fields) If you look at it across the other sounds, things look good (St. Catherines, Sapelo, etc.) so even out to fair Confidence of the current rating: High

²⁰ 2 years old is about the mav age seen in GA (possible age of 10). Due to Perkensis sp. disease. ASk Victor Thompson (to look at oster reefs in shell rings and acheological sites) Confidence of the current rating: High

²¹ Dorset Hurley, Personal Communication in prep for Climate Change Adaptation Clinic September 2009

²² in other areas, the disease wipes things out very quickly. We may have more durable oysters here in GA. Confidence of the current rating: High

²³ Not only are their dead reefs, but we are missing the huge moungs (4-5 feet high) Confidence of the current rating: High

²⁴ Key fainal = painted buntings

²⁵ Alteration of flow is causing a decreasing in the frequency and extent of flooding within the floodplain. As areas become less wet and for shorter lengths of time, upland species of trees (less tolarant to flooding) will become the dominant species/comunity type.

²⁶ Across the board this needs to be defined. For some reason I thought we had done this - am I imagining?

²⁷ Is this the right title? How does it relate to the size/extent and connectivity KEAs for maritime forest? I think there is some redundancy here.

²⁸ The gradient of species as you go from high to low elevation and chances in saliity from freshwater (seeps) to salt water. Could this fall under connectivity?

²⁹ A. McGee - August 24, 2009 in prep for Climate Change Adaptation Clinic

³⁰ A. McGee - August 24, 2009 - in prep for Climate Change Adaptation Clinic

Objectives, Strategic Actions and Action Steps

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Strategic Action Measures
Action Steps Measures
Comments

Objective: (1.1) By 2015, protect, through permanent conservation status, XX acres (or X%) of priority habitat (areas including or adjacent to conservation targets) through acquisitions, easements and planning.

Strategic Action: Identify and prioritize conservation lands and water to protect targets through a collaborative mapping and inventory project.
Strategic Action: Determine and implement appropriate acquisition, easement, management, monitoring, research and regulatory actions to preclude and limit development in priority areas.
Strategic Action: Work with experts and partners to develop a coastal conservation easement template.

Objective: (1.2) By 2010, work with regional, state and local partners to create or modify a min of 3 management plans (e.g. comp. plans, zoning ordinances, land-use regs.) to effectively minimize the impact of development on targets. (coastal dev.) (comments)

Strategic Action: Incorporate principles, objectives and actions into the Coastal Comprehensive Plan (CCP) that will result in conservation of priority targets, areas and threat abatement.
Strategic Action: Work with the CCP Advisory Council and partners to secure the adoption and funding of the CCP.
Strategic Action: By 2011, influence Liberty, McIntosh and Bryan Counties to develop and implement conservation ordinances (including zoning such as Core Conservation Areas and Low Impact Development) in their comprehensive plans.
Strategic Action: Provide outreach to build support for and promote conservation planning and zoning, acquisition of easements/land, and alternative/low-impact development practices.

Objective: (1.3) By 2012, work with partners to implement low impact development at a min. of 2 residential developments that are within or adjacent to priority conservation sites.

Strategic Action: Identify partners (public and private) to develop and enhance "green" certifications and incentives.
Strategic Action: Work with landowners, developers, and contractors to promote alternative development options.
Strategic Action: Develop and implement monitoring methods for use a LID sites focusing on water quality, habitat conservation and effectiveness of restoration. Use reference sites for comparison. Incorporate methods as part of pilot project.
Strategic Action: Work with partners to develop and implement a "green" pilot project by 2009. The site, landowners, and partners should be identified by 2008. Pilot should include mechanisms to evaluate LID techniques.

Objective: (1.4) By 2015, ensure that all shore erosion control projects consider "soft" or hybrid mitigation options and that at least 80% of new projects, in areas where alternative methods are feasible, use ecologically sensitive techniques. (comments)

Strategic Action: Evaluate and map extent of current shoreline hardening.
Strategic Action: Model shoreline to determine feasibility of using shoreline control methods. (measures info)

Progress Updated Comments

Planned - -
Strategic Action: Modify state and local shoreline management policies and permits to enable and promotee alternative/natural shoreline control.
Strategic Action: Develop and implement a pilot project and process to evaluate techniques for alternative/natural shoreline control.
Strategic Action: Develop and implement a monitoring program for restoration projects, including comparison with reference sites.
Strategic Action: Work with landowners and contractors to promote alternative/natural shoreline control options.

Progress	Updated	Comments
Planned	-	-

Objective: (1.5) By 2015, ensure that new marinas are located in areas that limit impact on targets, include mitigation req's focused on ecological priorities, use low impact construction and maintenance techniques and encourage public access.

Strategic Action: Consider the ecosystem values of the areas being impacted in siting decisions.

Objective: (1.6) By 2012, work with regional, state and local partners to effectively minimize the impact of docks and piers on conservation targets.

Objective: (1.7) By 2015, enhance dredge permitting guidelines (large and small scale) to minimize the impacts of disposal, scouring, sediment, and pollutant activation and habitat loss.

Strategic Action: Conduct a literature review to evaluate the impact of dredging activities on conservation targets.
Strategic Action: Quantify dredging activities (current and proposed) within the project area.
Strategic Action: Revew current regulations and permit guidelines to identify opportunities to reduce the impact of dredging on conservation targets, including increased opportunities for mitigation.

Objective: (2.1) By 2012, implement effective management techniques to minimize (0%) loss of current intertidal oyster population. (comments)

Strategic Action: Map current oyster reef locations along the entire Georgia coast in order to support oyster conservation and restoration at an ecosystem scale.
Strategic Action: Monitor water quality parameters along the entire Georgia coast in order to classify areas for oyster harvest.
Strategic Action: Identify and protect upland areas in order to limit negative impacts (e.g. sedimentation, pollution) on oyster populations (implementation linked to development related objectives).
Strategic Action: Evaluate and implement management techniques that will ensure resilient oyster reefs (e.g. conservation leasing, creation of sanctuaries, fishing and permit regulations).

Objective: (2.2) By 2015, based on historic and current distributions, restore XX% of historic oyster reef habitat within the project area.

Strategic Action: Identify and map priority sites for oyster restoration and conservation using current and historic distribution, land use and ownership, key threats, and site selection criteria.
Strategic Action: Modify permitting process to decrease the length of time required to secure permits for restoration activities.
Strategic Action: Develop and refine oyster restoration materials (including shell recycling) and techniques for the intertidal zone.
Strategic Action: Identify and secure partners and funding that will enable corrent restoration programs to work at an ecosystem scale.
Strategic Action: Develop and implement a monitoring program for restoration projects, including comparison with reference sites.
Strategic Action: Participate in Southern Region and Global Marine Team oyster restoration meetings and networks.

Objective: (2.3) By 2015, restore XX acres of tidal wetlands (including salt marsh, tidal fw marsh, and tidal fw forest) in the project area.

Strategic Action: Develop and implement a process and criteria (including sea level rise) to prioritize wetlands for restoration within the project area, taking into consideration opportunities to work at the ecosystem scale.
Strategic Action: Identify and secure partners and funding for wetland restoration.
Strategic Action: Establish one functional tidal freshwater forest wetland restoration site considering hydrology, vegetation, and species composition.
Strategic Action: Develop and implement a monitoring program for restoration projects, including comparison with reference sites.

Objective: (2.4) By 2012, coordinate with the Southern Region Prescribed Fire Network to develop and implement guidelines and strategies for prescribed fire in coastal and tidal marshes and forests.

Strategic Action: Evaluate current level of prescribed fire for coastal conservation areas.
Strategic Action: Determine fire management needs for priority targets and sites that are fire dependent; prioritize sites for implementation of increased fire management.
Strategic Action: Identify partner, roles and funding for fire management.
Strategic Action: Establish a coastal fire management collaborative.
Strategic Action: Provide fire management assistance to priority sites.

Objective: (3.1) By 2015, develop and implement management plans to reduce existing populations of three priority invasive species (e.g. Phragmites, Chinese Tallow, Water Hyancinth).

Strategic Action: Identify and map priority invasive species within the project area.
Strategic Action: Plan, implement and monitor invasive species abatement at selected sites, including development of partnerships and identification of funding.
Strategic Action: Communicate the importance of invasive species control and effectiveness of abatement methods, including conducting a workshop on a biannual basis and sharing lessons through a central clearing house and invasive networks.
Strategic Action: Assist with the development of a GA Invasive Species Abatement Plan; participate in state and regional invasive species partnerships.
Strategic Action: Establish an early detection response team.

Objective: (3.2) By 2012, work to ensure that invasive species that have high potential to threaten biodiversity and impact project conservation targets are restricted or prohibited in Georgia. (comments)

Strategic Action: Support, through the Global Invasive Species Network, passage of comprehensive aquatic invasive sp. legislation to close major pathways of invaders to the U.S.
Strategic Action: Regionally, participate with the Southeast Aquatics Resources Partnership in developing thier Aquatice Nuisance Species Network and Plan.
Strategic Action: Work with partners to have GA adopt invasive-potential screening process for ornamental plants and ballast water.
Strategic Action: Participate in the GA DNR invasive species state management plan team.

Objective: (4.1) Within the next 25 years, effectively conserve 80 percent of the sites that are expected to increase in conservation value due to sea-level rise and climate change during the next 50-100 years.

Strategic Action: Develop geospatial models to identify wetland mitigation corridors and future shore zones.
Strategic Action: Use model results to help prioritize protection decisions (e.g. acquisitions, easements and land use planning).
Strategic Action: Use models and other information to increase understanding of climate change and sea level rise among local governments, landowners and other interested parties.

Objective: (4.2) By 2015, evaluate and implement opportunities to incorporate conservation activities (e.g. land protection, management, and restoration) as part of larger state, regional and national carbon stop loss and sequestration strategies.

Strategic Action: Participate in state, regional and federal programs related to carbon emissions and sequestrations.

Objective: (4.3) By 2012, work with X (#) of state/local communities and agencies to develop and/or revise coastal hazard response plans designed to mitigate the impact of storm events, flooding, inundation and sea level rise in relation to conservation targets.

Strategic Action: Use geospatial models to identify priority communities.
Strategic Action: Work with the Global Marine Team and other partners to take an ecosystem-based management approach linking coastal hazards planning and biodiversity conservation (Gulf of Mexico example).
Strategic Action: Work to proactively identify habitat restoration and mitigation opportunities prior to and after storm events (link to restoration strategies).

Objective: (5.1) By 2015, ensure that water management plans (e.g. surface and groundwater withdrawals, and dams) meet needs of the conservation targets

Objective: (5.2) Ensure that the coastal waters in the project maintain water quality standards (e.g. nitrogen, dissolved oxygen) necessary to conserve the areas ecological resources.

Strategic Action: Map and evaluate watershed land use
Strategic Action: Monitor estuarine water quality
Strategic Action: Minimize land conversion within the watershed, especially in those areas that have a high impact on downstream conditions.
Strategic Action: Support the use of best management practices on agricultural and forest lands within the watershed.
Strategic Action: Develop and support the use of incentives to maintain lands in forest management (e.g. tax incentives, transfer of development rights).
Strategic Action: Identify innovative funding sources and develop ecosystem services markets (e.g. carbon, storm buffers, traditional land and water uses).

Objective: (5.3) Ensure that the sediment regime within the Altamaha and Ogeechee watersheds is maintained in a way to support downstream conservation targets.

Strategic Action: Complete geomorphological analysis of the Altamaha River watershed.

Objective: (5.4) Work to ensure watershed connectivity for species (e.g. diadromous fish, migratory birds) and materials (e.g. sediments).

Strategic Action: Map corridors and blockages to connectivity (e.g. dams, roads) within the watershed.

Objective: (6.1) By 2010, promote and enforce regulations on recreational activities that minimize adverse impacts to priority species and communities (e.g. sea turtles, shorebirds) that use barrier island and beach habitat. (comments)

Strategic Action: Ensure that critical areas are identified and marked and that current regulations are adequate and effectively enforced.
Strategic Action: Increase education efforts.

Objective: (6.2) By 2015, ensure that water management plans meet the needs of estuarine targets. Water management plans include surface and groundwater withdrawal and dams.

Objective: (6.2) By 2015, minimize the impact of boating activities on conservation targets and priority species.

Strategic Action: Categorize boat activity within the project area and identify areas of concern relating to conservation targets (e.g. marsh erosion areas with high boat traffic).
Strategic Action: Work with state agencies to revise and/or current policies (e.g. no wake zones) in order to conserve targets.
Strategic Action: Create education campaigns that build understanding of the relationship between boating activities and priority species and habitats.

Strategy Effectiveness

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Comments
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Indicator Methods
Indicator Measures
Progress Reports

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (1.3) By 2012, work with partners to implement low impact development at a min. of 2 residential developments that are within or adjacent to priority conservation sites.

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (1.6) By 2012, work with regional, state and local partners to effectively minimize the impact of docks and piers on conservation targets.

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (1.7) By 2015, enhance dredge permitting guidelines (large and small scale) to minimize the impacts of disposal, scouring, sediment, and pollutant activation and habitat loss.

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (2.1) By 2012, implement effective management techniques to minimize (0%) loss of current intertidal oyster population. (comments)

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (2.2) By 2015, based on historic and current distributions, restore XX% of historic oyster reef habitat within the project area.

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (2.3) By 2015, restore XX acres of tidal wetlands (including salt marsh, tidal fw marsh, and tidal fw forest) in the project area.

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (3.1) By 2015, develop and implement management plans to reduce existing populations of three priority invasive species (e.g. Phragmites, Chinese Tallow, Water Hyancinth).

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (5.1) By 2015, ensure that water management plans (e.g. surface and groundwater withdrawals, and dams) meet needs of the conservation targets

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (5.2) Ensure that the coastal waters in the project maintain water quality standards (e.g. nitrogen, dissolved oxygen) necessary to conserve the areas ecological resources.

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (5.3) Ensure that the sediment regime within the Altamaha and Ogeechee watersheds is maintained in a way to support downstream conservation targets.

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (5.4) Work to ensure watershed connectivity for species (e.g. diadromous fish, migratory birds) and materials (e.g. sediments).

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (6.2) By 2015, ensure that water management plans meet the needs of estuarine targets. Water management plans include surface and groundwater withdrawal and dams.

Percent Complete: 0%

Objective: (6.2) By 2015, minimize the impact of boating activities on conservation targets and priority species.

All Monitoring Indicators

Methods	Objectives	Key Indicator References by Target (w/Current Indicator Measurement)	Threat References by Target (w/Current Indicator Measurement)
Indicator: % cover invasive tree species
-	-	Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-)	-
Indicator: % cover of salt marsh, brackish, bare
-	-	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Size: Vegetative cover (spatial or aerial variation) (-)	-
Indicator: % historic sites with live shellfish
-	-	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Size: Size / extent of characteristic communities / ecosystems (-)	-
Indicator: % native vs. invasive resident species
-	-	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-)	-
Indicator: % of native vs. invasive faunal species
-	-	-	-
Indicator: % of plants and animals
-	-	-	-
Indicator: Change in delivery of freshwater through system from natural conditions
-	-	Tidal Freshwater Marsh Condition: Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (-)	-
Indicator: Change in flow (floods, high flow pulses, low flows, quantity) from natural conditions
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (-) Tidal Freshwater Forest Condition: Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (Altered hydology includes historic forestry practices. (Do we have a percentage altered?)) Tidal Freshwater Marsh Condition: Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (-)	-
Indicator: Connectivity
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Stream morphology (-)	-
Indicator: Contaminants
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Water Quality (-) Tidal Freshwater Marsh Condition: Water Quality (-)	-
Indicator: Degree of ecotone disturbance
-	-	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Landscape Context: Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (-) Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Landscape Context: Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (-) Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Landscape Context: Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (-) Tidal Freshwater Forest Landscape Context: Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (The team was not able to determine the status of this indicator, it needs to be further defined) Tidal Freshwater Marsh Landscape Context: Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (How to measure?)	-
Indicator: Density and distribution of key species
-	-	Sandy Beach Ecosystems Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-)	-
Indicator: Dissolved oxygen
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Water Quality (-) Tidal Freshwater Marsh Condition: Water Quality (-)	-
Indicator: Disturbance
-	-	Sandy Beach Ecosystems Size: Size / extent of characteristic communities / ecosystems (-)	-
Indicator: Extent of shoreline hardening, filling, clearing
-	-	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Landscape Context: Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (-) Sandy Beach Ecosystems Landscape Context: Connectivity among communities and ecosystems (-)	-
Indicator: Fecundity and survival rate
-	-	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Condition: Recruitment (-)	-
Indicator: Foraging and nesting habitat for floodplain bird species (?)
-	-	-	-
Indicator: Forest type heterogeneity
-	-	Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Landscape Context: Successional dynamics (-)	-
Indicator: Freshwater sheet flow
-	-	Sandy Beach Ecosystems Condition: Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (-)	-
Indicator: Intensity and prevalence of disease and parasites
-	-	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Condition: Species/community health (-)	-
Indicator: Nitrogen (?)
-	-	-	-
Indicator: Nutrients
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Water Quality (-) Tidal Freshwater Marsh Condition: Water Quality (-)	-
Indicator: Percentage of native vs invasiv species
-	-	-	-
Indicator: Pore water salinity and surface water flow
-	-	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Condition: Hydrologic regime (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (-)	-
Indicator: Presence of invasive/exotic species
-	-	Sandy Beach Ecosystems Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-)	-
Indicator: Presence/absence of key faunal species
-	-	Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-) Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-)	-
Indicator: Proportion and location of current extent vs. historic
-	-	Tidal Freshwater Forest Size: Extent (Do we have this data, are areas mapped regularly?) Tidal Freshwater Marsh Condition: Community structure and composition (-)	-
Indicator: Rate of accretion and loss
-	-	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Condition: Sediment regime (-) Sandy Beach Ecosystems Condition: Sediment regime (-)	-
Indicator: Representative species composition
-	-	Regularly Flooded Salt Marsh Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-)	-
Indicator: River Discharge
-	-	-	-
Indicator: Salinity
-	-	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Condition: Hydrologic regime - (timing, duration, frequency, extent) (-) Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Water Quality (-) Tidal Freshwater Forest Condition: Quantity of freshwater (Are we measuring salinity in the pore water? Can this be combined with hydrology?) Tidal Freshwater Marsh Condition: Water Quality (-)	-
Indicator: Secondary productivity (fish and inverts)
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-)	-
Indicator: Sturgeon, striped bass, crabs, shrimp, mantees
-	-	-	-
Indicator: Undefined Indicator
-	-	-	-
Indicator: Water Temperature
-	-	Tidal Freshwater Marsh Condition: Water Quality (-)	-
Indicator: age class distribution of oysters
-	-	Intertidal Oyster Reef Communities Condition: Population structure (-)	-
Indicator: extent of appropriate reef building habitat
-	-	-	-
Indicator: facal coliform bacteria
-	-	-	-
Indicator: number of acres in community types
-	-	Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Size: Size/extent of characteristic communities or seral stages (-)	-
Indicator: patch size
-	-	Maritime Forest and Associated Wetlands Landscape Context: Landscape pattern/configuration of forest communitites (-)	-
Indicator: sediment load - upland sediment deposition
-	-	-	-
Indicator: sediment movement/stability
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Stream morphology (-)	-
Indicator: shoreline harboring
-	-	-	-
Indicator: sinuosity
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Stream morphology (-)	-
Indicator: species composition
-	-	Tidal Freshwater Forest Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (This indicator needs to be refined. It is not measureable as currently listed.)	-
Indicator: striped bass
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Characteristic floral and faunal communities (-)	-
Indicator: temperature
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Water Quality (-)	-
Indicator: turbidity
-	-	Rivers, Tributaries, Tidal Creeks, and Sounds (Open Water and Bottom Habitat) Condition: Water Quality (-)	-

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Altamaha Coastal Marine (ID: 1432)

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