Natural Areas Association (NAA) is an association of scientists and practitioners focused on the management of ecologically significant natural landscapes with the intent to protect biodiversity for current and future generations. Natural Areas News is is your trusted resource for current events, reliable science, conservation success, emerging challenges, best practices, and achievements of those who work daily to preserve natural areas.

BioOne releases fire science compendium*

In the face of increasing wildfire frequency due to climate change, research into fire ecology provides insight into how fire influences ecosystem dynamics, including species composition, nutrient cycling, and habitat structure. To help meet this need, BioOne recently released an article collection that features peer-reviewed scientific research on fire ecology. 

Protected areas can boost biodiversity and local economies

Protected areas can conserve biodiversity without harming local economic growth, countering the belief that conservation restricts development. A new study outlines what is needed for conservation to benefit both nature and people. Almost half the surveyed protected areas safeguard natural land without hurting, and sometimes helping, local economic growth.

Photo courtesy of Global Safety Net (GSN) initiative

Conservation Imperatives released, including a map of safe havens harboring rare and threatened species

Global Safety Net (GSN) initiative recently released “Conservation Imperatives: Securing the Last Unprotected Terrestrial Sites Harboring Irreplaceable Biodiversity." The paper identifies biodiversity havens, totaling 1.2% of the Earth’s land, which are home to rare but currently unprotected animal and plant species.

Photo courtesy of Ethan Freese/Nebraskasland Magazine

Using field data with GIS to protect and restore rare inland saline wetlands

Nebraska’s Little Salt Creek watershed is home to inland saline wetlands, including unique or endangered species. Many of this area’s current, former, and potential saline wetland areas are being protected and restored with help from ArcGIS technology. Partner organizations developed an environmental assessment and restoration project plans to address erosion, control sediment, stabilize streams, and more.

In Other News

California will help return tribal lands as part of the historic Klamath River restoration*

To save life on Earth, bring back taxonomy

Restoring wildlife on the American prairie

What the Chevron decision means for environmental rules*

Indian Youth Service Corp making a difference in Oregon while preparing Tribal youth as future stewards of the land

Michigan’s rarest butterfly is going extinct. Scientists are trying to save it.

In New England, a tree-killing worm may spell the end of autumn’s yellow hues

Botanist fears rare plant deaths in Torrey Pines brush fire

The rare Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) still resides in the hills of Lawrence County in Ohio*

Scientists hope seed collection will help a rare plant ‘persist’ in Southern Utah

Climate Action research grants assist Tribal nations with resource management

North Coast: Silverspot butterfly, coastal prairie recovery go hand in hand*

Chicago natural areas among most biodiverse in nation*

What does the Bureau of Land Management Public Land Rule mean for Tribal stewardship of public lands?

Biden-Harris Administration provides nearly $11 million to advance wildland fire research

Livestock industry causing widespread damage to critical habitat for threatened migratory birds in Arizona, New Mexico

To conserve large landscapes like the Florida Wildlife Corridor, payments for ecosystem services could be key

A below-the-radar public lands decision with big implications for Alaska native communities

Landmarks: ‘Globally rare’ habitat in Lockport gets an $8 million boost, Army Corps attention*

Horticulture could facilitate invasive plant range infilling and range expansion with climate change

Global research priorities for historical ecology to inform conservation

Assessing a standardized method to identify optimal baselines for trophic position estimation in stable isotope studies of stream ecosystems

• Items with an asterisk may require registration or a paid subscription to view*
• Items that are italicized represent academic titles

Recent YouTube Releases

Fragmented Prairies and Grasslands: Ordway Prairie Preserve

July 5, 2024

Fragmented Prairies and Grasslands: The Minnesota Prairie Conservation Plan

June 28, 2024

Sustainable Summits: Managing Access for the Protection of Rare Plants | The Channels Natural Areas Preserve

June 21, 2024

Funding Opportunities

Connecticut's 2024 Climate Smart land stewardship grants

Deadline: August 1, 2024

Joint Fire Science Program announces funding for wildland fire research

Deadline: September 19, 2024

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