Landscape connectivity and water resources: Perspectives from the Florida Ecological Greenways Network

Details

Water, Wetlands, and Watersheds Seminar

Speaker:
Asena Goren, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Landscape Conservation Planning, UF

Abstract:
Landscape-scale ecological connectivity is essential for protecting Florida’s water resources. This presentation centers on the Florida Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN) and Florida Wildlife Corridor, highlighting the critical water assets that overlap with statewide conservation priorities. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is an 18-million-acre statewide network of existing conservation lands and opportunity areas, representing the top three priority levels of the FEGN. Permanent conservation of remaining opportunity areas would substantially increase protection of key water resources, including wetlands, springs, rivers, and coastal habitats, while strengthening flood mitigation, water storage, and water quality. Integrating connectivity science with hydrologic priorities provides a strategic framework for land acquisition and policy decisions that advance ecological integrity and resilience under continued population growth and environmental change.