Date of Award

Spring 5-3-2024

Level of Access Assigned by Author

Open-Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Conservation

Advisor

Jessica Jansujwicz

Second Committee Member

Aram Calhoun

Third Committee Member

Tora Johnson

Abstract

Maine’s Vernal Pool Special Area Management Plan (VP SAMP) is an innovative conservation tool that balances local economic development with the conservation of vernal pools, small ephemeral wetlands that occur predominantly on private lands. The VP SAMP, collaboratively developed by researchers and practitioners, is a locally based tool that uses an in-lieu fee mechanism to conserve vernal pools in rural areas while directing development to designated growth areas. Although the VP SAMP has been adopted by two Maine municipalities, full implementation has yet to be completed, highlighting the need to look beyond the creation of the VP SAMP tool to consider how it is applied in practice. Our research examines the process of VP SAMP implementation to better understand and improve use of the tool in current and future contexts. In Chapter 1, we use a qualitative research approach consisting of document analysis, participant observations, and interviews to conduct a formative evaluation of the VP SAMP and identify facilitators and barriers to implementation in two Maine towns. In Chapter 2, we test a multi-criteria spatial prioritization model created to identify conservation opportunities and support implementation decisions in four Maine towns. Our research identified direct facilitators of the first full VP SAMP implementation (defined as: Direct facilitators include: program champions, or individuals that devote resources to implementation; communication that continuously engages partners; education and information sharing for capacity building; evaluation of specific implementation steps; and program adaptation based on the findings of evaluations. Direct barriers to the first full implementation include lack of organizational capacity to carry out evaluation and communication; aspects of the VP SAMP framework not working when implemented; factors outside of town control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and low development pressure, that have prolonged use; a shortage of properties that afford, or have the characteristics that allow for VP SAMP use; pushback from community members that oppose development; and misinterpretation of VP SAMP partner responsibilities resulting in less support for the program. Facilitators of sustained implementation include positive perceptions of VP SAMP development; integration of the VP SAMP into town policy; strategic planning that is highly participatory; a program framework that utilizes familiar tools such as ordinances and conservation easements and relies on familiar partnerships; capacity building materials such as model ordinances that support the adoption of the VP SAMP in new towns; and policy that supports and aligns with the goals and structure of the VP SAMP such as town comprehensive plans. Barriers to sustained implementation include a lack of program access in new communities due to resource intense prerequisites for adoption; leadership turnover resulting in a lack of support for VP SAMP goals; a lack of official program evaluation planning; gaps in communication strategies; and slow or unfinished VP SAMP program implementation. Our decision support tool successfully identifies parcels that are suitable for conservation through the VP SAMP and serves as an evaluation tool for VP SAMP conservation criteria and goals. Resulting maps depict conservation opportunities in the town providing necessary information for implementation decision making. Our findings offer adaptation strategies for more effective implementation and sustained use of the VP SAMP in current and future contexts.

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