Scientifically designed inventory and monitoring can detect early declines in wildlife populations and suggest conservation actions to keep common species common. CARA funds will help New Hampshire to fill these critical gaps in our understanding of the status and conservation needs of our state's native wildlife. Protecting Wildlife Habitat Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership joins willing landowners with a coalition of state and private conservation groups to protect the Great Bay Estuary and surrounding habitats. More than 2,000 acres are slated for protection by 2001. This outstanding program is a model for other areas of the state including the rapidly developing Merrimack River corridor.
Funding is needed now for new initiatives to be successful.
An innovative approach to protecting habitat is contained within an agreement to manage high-elevation forests signed by two state agencies and eight private landowners. Through cooperative decision-making, the agreement meets objectives of multiple interests. A blueprint for statewide biodiversity protection has been developed, but needs financial support to succeed. CARA will strengthen and expand our land protection partnerships to achieve ambitious goals, such as sustaining significant habitats statewide and establishing the New Hampshire Ecological Reserve System. Educating the Public Through assisting communities, we are involving citizens in the identification and protection of locally important habitats.