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• 1. [Article] Salmon anchor habitat strategy : invited expert responses

  This document compiles written responses by experts in their respective fields to questions from the Salmon Anchor Habitat Work Group about the Salmon Anchor Habitat Strategy component of Oregon Department ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Salmon anchor habitat strategy : invited expert responses Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Oregon Department of Forestry This document compiles written responses by experts in their respective fields to questions from the Salmon Anchor Habitat Work Group about the Salmon Anchor Habitat Strategy component of Oregon Department of Forestry Northwestern Oregon State Forest Management Plan. Title: Salmon anchor habitat strategy : invited expert responses Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Oregon Department of Forestry This document compiles written responses by experts in their respective fields to questions from the Salmon Anchor Habitat Work Group about the Salmon Anchor Habitat Strategy component of Oregon Department of Forestry Northwestern Oregon State Forest Management Plan. Close

• 2. [Article] Salmon anchor habitats in northwest Oregon state forests : a review of the policy-making process.

  The purpose of this document is to provide the SAH Workgroup with a summary of SAH strategy development and identify issues that have arisen so that all work group members have a common understanding of ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Salmon anchor habitats in northwest Oregon state forests : a review of the policy-making process. Author: Behan, Jeff, Institute for Natural Resources The purpose of this document is to provide the SAH Workgroup with a summary of SAH strategy development and identify issues that have arisen so that all work group members have a common understanding of the context for their work. The second section discusses the background of state forests. Salmonid protection and restoration strategies and policies are summarized in the third section. In the fourth section Northwest Oregon forest planning relating to salmonids is reviewed. Stakeholder positions and concerns regarding the SAH strategy are discussed in the fifth section. A brief conclusion follows. Title: Salmon anchor habitats in northwest Oregon state forests : a review of the policy-making process. Author: Behan, Jeff, Institute for Natural Resources The purpose of this document is to provide the SAH Workgroup with a summary of SAH strategy development and identify issues that have arisen so that all work group members have a common understanding of the context for their work. The second section discusses the background of state forests. Salmonid protection and restoration strategies and policies are summarized in the third section. In the fourth section Northwest Oregon forest planning relating to salmonids is reviewed. Stakeholder positions and concerns regarding the SAH strategy are discussed in the fifth section. A brief conclusion follows. Close

• 3. [Article] Salmon anchor habitats in Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests, Oregon : science, policy, economics ; an annotated bibliography.

  This annotated bibliography was prepared for the Salmon Anchor Habitat Work Group. This group was formed by the Oregon Department of Forestry to review and evaluate the Salmon Anchor Habitat Strategy as ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Salmon anchor habitats in Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests, Oregon : science, policy, economics ; an annotated bibliography. Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Behan, Jeff This annotated bibliography was prepared for the Salmon Anchor Habitat Work Group. This group was formed by the Oregon Department of Forestry to review and evaluate the Salmon Anchor Habitat Strategy as directed by the 2003 Oregon Legislature. The Salmon Anchor Habitat Strategy is a component of management plans developed by the Oregon Department of Forestry, for the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests in northwestern Oregon. The references in this bibliography are grouped according to the categories of questions raised by the Salmon Anchor Habitat Work Group. Title: Salmon anchor habitats in Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests, Oregon : science, policy, economics ; an annotated bibliography. Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Behan, Jeff This annotated bibliography was prepared for the Salmon Anchor Habitat Work Group. This group was formed by the Oregon Department of Forestry to review and evaluate the Salmon Anchor Habitat Strategy as directed by the 2003 Oregon Legislature. The Salmon Anchor Habitat Strategy is a component of management plans developed by the Oregon Department of Forestry, for the Tillamook and Clatsop State Forests in northwestern Oregon. The references in this bibliography are grouped according to the categories of questions raised by the Salmon Anchor Habitat Work Group. Close

• 4. [Article] Bringing the River Back: Working with Landowners on Willamette River Restoration

  The Willamette River has gone through extensive changes since Euro American settlement – changes that have reduced channel connectivity, destroyed important habitat for species and vastly undermined floodwater ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Bringing the River Back: Working with Landowners on Willamette River Restoration Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Greenbelt Land Trust, McCune, Myrica, Lurie, Sue, River Design, Duncan, Sally The Willamette River has gone through extensive changes since Euro American settlement – changes that have reduced channel connectivity, destroyed important habitat for species and vastly undermined floodwater storage capacity. Efforts to preserve portions of the river have a controversial legacy that has left lingering suspicions of government involvement in any activity that includes private lands. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for willing landowners to work with governmental and non-governmental partners to design and implement voluntary restoration projects which can provide financial and land use benefits. The river’s floodplain can be an asset and a resource beyond its usefulness for agricultural production. This report is part technical guide, part story based on interviews we conducted with different interests. We have separated out the landowners’ viewpoints and experience to make clear the importance of understanding that critical central element in restoration planning. The Harkens Lake area of the Willamette River near Monroe, Oregon, is a priority conservation area detailed in the 2002 Willamette River Basin Planning Atlas: Trajectories of Environmental and Ecological Change. The Horning families who own property in the Harkens Lake area have teamed with several partners to design and implement a restoration project as a way to, in their words, bring what was once a living area back to life as a way to give back to the river. If the potential for restoration is to be realized, landowners and their partners need to be aware of the multiple associated challenges and ways to work through them. Restoration is still new to many landowners, and projects can become complicated fairly quickly. The concept of lead project partners as case managers for landowners is critical. This approach will help landowners define their needs and expectations, develop the level of trust essential to project success, and ensure that landowners are not overwhelmed with the complexity of financing, the demands of design and permitting, and the challenge of incorporating good science. Landowners also need to know that there is a broad range of restoration programs and tools available, along with associated funding. The sweep of these programs and tools can be confusing. Though the Harken’s Lake project has not yet required permits from regulatory agencies, many stakeholders interviewed for this report identified permitting as one of the most perennially vexing parts of project implementation. It typically requires cooperation among different agencies at different levels of government, and can take from three months to three years, requiring a great deal of patience on the part of landowners and matching perseverance on the part of project partners. Finally, as the Harkens Lake story illustrates, a vital concept that may help ensure successful processes is making certain project partners and landowners discuss critical timing issues, align process steps accordingly, and develop two-way assurances that serve as accountability measures and benchmarks for progress. Those involved with the Harkens Lake restoration project expressed clear hopes: that the project will be a model for more restoration on the mainstem of the Willamette, that restoration will provide good compensation to property owners so that restoration represents a practical addition to agricultural business portfolios, and that landowners will feel good about their legacy in its benefits to the health of the river. The report should be of interest to landowners, agencies and others in the conservation community, and academics. We emphasize that it is a case study of one landowner’s experience, and the pool of associated interview participants was limited. Typical of single case studies, the experiences and outcomes cannot be generalized. There are nonetheless many elements of the study that represent long-standing landowner issues and concerns still shared by many, as indicated by the landowners and by several of the people we interviewed. Title: Bringing the River Back: Working with Landowners on Willamette River Restoration Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Greenbelt Land Trust, McCune, Myrica, Lurie, Sue, River Design, Duncan, Sally The Willamette River has gone through extensive changes since Euro American settlement – changes that have reduced channel connectivity, destroyed important habitat for species and vastly undermined floodwater storage capacity. Efforts to preserve portions of the river have a controversial legacy that has left lingering suspicions of government involvement in any activity that includes private lands. Nonetheless, there are opportunities for willing landowners to work with governmental and non-governmental partners to design and implement voluntary restoration projects which can provide financial and land use benefits. The river’s floodplain can be an asset and a resource beyond its usefulness for agricultural production. This report is part technical guide, part story based on interviews we conducted with different interests. We have separated out the landowners’ viewpoints and experience to make clear the importance of understanding that critical central element in restoration planning. The Harkens Lake area of the Willamette River near Monroe, Oregon, is a priority conservation area detailed in the 2002 Willamette River Basin Planning Atlas: Trajectories of Environmental and Ecological Change. The Horning families who own property in the Harkens Lake area have teamed with several partners to design and implement a restoration project as a way to, in their words, bring what was once a living area back to life as a way to give back to the river. If the potential for restoration is to be realized, landowners and their partners need to be aware of the multiple associated challenges and ways to work through them. Restoration is still new to many landowners, and projects can become complicated fairly quickly. The concept of lead project partners as case managers for landowners is critical. This approach will help landowners define their needs and expectations, develop the level of trust essential to project success, and ensure that landowners are not overwhelmed with the complexity of financing, the demands of design and permitting, and the challenge of incorporating good science. Landowners also need to know that there is a broad range of restoration programs and tools available, along with associated funding. The sweep of these programs and tools can be confusing. Though the Harken’s Lake project has not yet required permits from regulatory agencies, many stakeholders interviewed for this report identified permitting as one of the most perennially vexing parts of project implementation. It typically requires cooperation among different agencies at different levels of government, and can take from three months to three years, requiring a great deal of patience on the part of landowners and matching perseverance on the part of project partners. Finally, as the Harkens Lake story illustrates, a vital concept that may help ensure successful processes is making certain project partners and landowners discuss critical timing issues, align process steps accordingly, and develop two-way assurances that serve as accountability measures and benchmarks for progress. Those involved with the Harkens Lake restoration project expressed clear hopes: that the project will be a model for more restoration on the mainstem of the Willamette, that restoration will provide good compensation to property owners so that restoration represents a practical addition to agricultural business portfolios, and that landowners will feel good about their legacy in its benefits to the health of the river. The report should be of interest to landowners, agencies and others in the conservation community, and academics. We emphasize that it is a case study of one landowner’s experience, and the pool of associated interview participants was limited. Typical of single case studies, the experiences and outcomes cannot be generalized. There are nonetheless many elements of the study that represent long-standing landowner issues and concerns still shared by many, as indicated by the landowners and by several of the people we interviewed. Close

• 5. [Article] A pilot test of systematic review techniques: evaluating whether wood placements in streams of the Pacific northwest affect salmon abundance, growth, survival, or habitat complexity

  A systematic review of evidence was conducted concerning the effects of large wood placement on salmonids. In contrast to a general literature review, a narrowly focused question was targeted. The question ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A pilot test of systematic review techniques: evaluating whether wood placements in streams of the Pacific northwest affect salmon abundance, growth, survival, or habitat complexity Author: Behan, Jeff, Giannico, Guillermo R., Burnett, Kelly M., Institute for Natural Resources A systematic review of evidence was conducted concerning the effects of large wood placement on salmonids. In contrast to a general literature review, a narrowly focused question was targeted. The question was formulated before the review commenced and specified the subject, treatment, and outcomes of interest. The primary review question was “Does instream wood placement affect salmonid abundance, growth, survival or habitat complexity?” Publications were found with a comprehensive, documented literature search and were selected for review based on explicit inclusion criteria. Two science reviewers evaluated the selected set of publications. The reviewers considered specific criteria to assess how relevant each publication was to the primary review question. Details for each publication considered in reviewing its relevancy, including factors that might have affected study conclusions, are reported. The overall strength of reviewed evidence is summarized in a narrative synthesis. Gaps in research are highlighted. Insights are provided into the process, feasibility, and utility of systematic reviews for assessing and synthesizing the science available to support forest management decisions and policymaking. Title: A pilot test of systematic review techniques: evaluating whether wood placements in streams of the Pacific northwest affect salmon abundance, growth, survival, or habitat complexity Author: Behan, Jeff, Giannico, Guillermo R., Burnett, Kelly M., Institute for Natural Resources A systematic review of evidence was conducted concerning the effects of large wood placement on salmonids. In contrast to a general literature review, a narrowly focused question was targeted. The question was formulated before the review commenced and specified the subject, treatment, and outcomes of interest. The primary review question was “Does instream wood placement affect salmonid abundance, growth, survival or habitat complexity?” Publications were found with a comprehensive, documented literature search and were selected for review based on explicit inclusion criteria. Two science reviewers evaluated the selected set of publications. The reviewers considered specific criteria to assess how relevant each publication was to the primary review question. Details for each publication considered in reviewing its relevancy, including factors that might have affected study conclusions, are reported. The overall strength of reviewed evidence is summarized in a narrative synthesis. Gaps in research are highlighted. Insights are provided into the process, feasibility, and utility of systematic reviews for assessing and synthesizing the science available to support forest management decisions and policymaking. Close

• 6. [Article] Systematic review pilot project: final report

  This report documents an Oregon Department of Forestry pilot project conducted through the Institute for Natural Resources at Oregon State University on a science synthesis method known as systematic review- ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Systematic review pilot project: final report Author: Institute for Natural Resources This report documents an Oregon Department of Forestry pilot project conducted through the Institute for Natural Resources at Oregon State University on a science synthesis method known as systematic review- a rigorous, transparent literature review technique developed and now widely used in clinical medicine. A systematic review focuses narrowly on a single question and uses an explicit protocol for finding, screening, grading and integrating all primary research relevant to that question. Systematic review is now being explored as a means to collate scientific evidence in natural resource conservation. But natural resource management and science differ significantly from clinical medicine, and much remains to be learned about adapting systematic review techniques for use in conservation research. ODF commissioned this project to learn more about applying systematic review to technical natural resource questions. The project investigated the feasibility of using systematic review techniques to locate and synthesize technical information regarding the effectiveness of the salmonid habitat restoration practice of placing of large wood into streams. A key question was whether the systematic review process could be simplified and used to credibly assess scientific research concerning a topic that is relevant to ODF and their stakeholders. This report summarizes the project process and key lessons learned from testing systematic review in the context of natural resource science. A companion document- “Does wood placement in Pacific northwestern North American streams affect salmonid abundance, growth, survival or habitat complexity? A pilot test of systematic review techniques” covers findings of the review itself. Title: Systematic review pilot project: final report Author: Institute for Natural Resources This report documents an Oregon Department of Forestry pilot project conducted through the Institute for Natural Resources at Oregon State University on a science synthesis method known as systematic review- a rigorous, transparent literature review technique developed and now widely used in clinical medicine. A systematic review focuses narrowly on a single question and uses an explicit protocol for finding, screening, grading and integrating all primary research relevant to that question. Systematic review is now being explored as a means to collate scientific evidence in natural resource conservation. But natural resource management and science differ significantly from clinical medicine, and much remains to be learned about adapting systematic review techniques for use in conservation research. ODF commissioned this project to learn more about applying systematic review to technical natural resource questions. The project investigated the feasibility of using systematic review techniques to locate and synthesize technical information regarding the effectiveness of the salmonid habitat restoration practice of placing of large wood into streams. A key question was whether the systematic review process could be simplified and used to credibly assess scientific research concerning a topic that is relevant to ODF and their stakeholders. This report summarizes the project process and key lessons learned from testing systematic review in the context of natural resource science. A companion document- “Does wood placement in Pacific northwestern North American streams affect salmonid abundance, growth, survival or habitat complexity? A pilot test of systematic review techniques” covers findings of the review itself. Close

• 7. [Article] Riparian and wetland vegetation of central and eastern Oregon

  The structure and components of riparian areas influence the rate, amount, and timing of water, nutrients, organic debris, and inorganic materials that enter streams and rivers. The energy of floodwaters ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Riparian and wetland vegetation of central and eastern Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Kovalchik, Bernard L., Kerr, Marie Jeannette James, 1968-, Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, Crowe, Elizabeth A. (Elizabeth Ann), 1963- The structure and components of riparian areas influence the rate, amount, and timing of water, nutrients, organic debris, and inorganic materials that enter streams and rivers. The energy of floodwaters and their ultimate volume, timing and erosive power is influenced by the soils, vegetation and geomorphology of fluvial surfaces within valley bottoms. Decades of intensive use of riparian areas and other wetlands in central and eastern Oregon have caused substantial degradation of their ecological structure, composition and function. Rehabilitation, restoration and monitoring of wetland ecosystems is currently a high priority for many land management agencies and landowners. In order to improve conditions in these habitats, an understanding of wetland ecosystems is necessary. Title: Riparian and wetland vegetation of central and eastern Oregon Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Kovalchik, Bernard L., Kerr, Marie Jeannette James, 1968-, Oregon Natural Heritage Information Center, Crowe, Elizabeth A. (Elizabeth Ann), 1963- The structure and components of riparian areas influence the rate, amount, and timing of water, nutrients, organic debris, and inorganic materials that enter streams and rivers. The energy of floodwaters and their ultimate volume, timing and erosive power is influenced by the soils, vegetation and geomorphology of fluvial surfaces within valley bottoms. Decades of intensive use of riparian areas and other wetlands in central and eastern Oregon have caused substantial degradation of their ecological structure, composition and function. Rehabilitation, restoration and monitoring of wetland ecosystems is currently a high priority for many land management agencies and landowners. In order to improve conditions in these habitats, an understanding of wetland ecosystems is necessary. Close

• 8. [Article] Oregon coastal community water supply assessment

  On the Oregon coast, however, the issue of water supply has become paramount, especially given the need to restore instream flows in order to restore coastal salmon runs and meet water quality standards. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon coastal community water supply assessment Author: Achterman, Gail, Rolston, Irene, Davis-Born, Renee, Institute for Natural Resources, Gaines, Lisa On the Oregon coast, however, the issue of water supply has become paramount, especially given the need to restore instream flows in order to restore coastal salmon runs and meet water quality standards. With the ebb and flow of population and the economic growth of Oregon coastal communities, three hypotheses have been generated about the ability of these communities to meet future water supply needs. The purpose of this project was to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing coastal community water suppliers as a whole and to ultimately improve the prospects for meeting future water needs. Findings show that contrary to the first hypothesis, most of those interviewed do not think that economic development is constrained by waters supply. However, it does appear that it would be difficult for state economic development officials to match businesses and industries interested in relocating to the Oregon coast with community water supply availability and reliability. Findings also show that the major problem facing community water suppliers in preparing water management and conservation plans cited by interviewees is financial. Though Oregon’s coastal communities face several planning, management, physical, economic, and regulatory challenges in preparing for future water supply needs, numerous partnership, conservation, and research and training opportunities exist. What is needed is an opportunity for a facilitated process of restructuring water supply systems. Title: Oregon coastal community water supply assessment Author: Achterman, Gail, Rolston, Irene, Davis-Born, Renee, Institute for Natural Resources, Gaines, Lisa On the Oregon coast, however, the issue of water supply has become paramount, especially given the need to restore instream flows in order to restore coastal salmon runs and meet water quality standards. With the ebb and flow of population and the economic growth of Oregon coastal communities, three hypotheses have been generated about the ability of these communities to meet future water supply needs. The purpose of this project was to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing coastal community water suppliers as a whole and to ultimately improve the prospects for meeting future water needs. Findings show that contrary to the first hypothesis, most of those interviewed do not think that economic development is constrained by waters supply. However, it does appear that it would be difficult for state economic development officials to match businesses and industries interested in relocating to the Oregon coast with community water supply availability and reliability. Findings also show that the major problem facing community water suppliers in preparing water management and conservation plans cited by interviewees is financial. Though Oregon’s coastal communities face several planning, management, physical, economic, and regulatory challenges in preparing for future water supply needs, numerous partnership, conservation, and research and training opportunities exist. What is needed is an opportunity for a facilitated process of restructuring water supply systems. Close

• 9. [Article] The Oregon plan for salmon and watersheds: a perspective.

  The Oregon Plan is a state-led strategy for restoring and conserving native salmonids and the watersheds within which they spend all or parts of their lives. It evolved from work that began in the 1980s ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Oregon plan for salmon and watersheds: a perspective. Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Salwasser, Hal, Achterman, Gail, Arha, Kaush The Oregon Plan is a state-led strategy for restoring and conserving native salmonids and the watersheds within which they spend all or parts of their lives. It evolved from work that began in the 1980s on watershed health and salmon conservation and was propelled into high gear by proposed and eventual listings of native salmonids in Oregon under the federal Endangered Species Act during the mid-1990s. The Plan has expanded in scope and activities since then, and now encompasses all native salmonids and all watersheds in the state. It has spawned new commitments and investments from private landowners and generated significant improvements in state agency coordination related to salmonids and watershed health. The accomplishments of the Oregon Plan create an unparalleled foundation for state-led species conservation. The work remaining creates abundant opportunity for new leaders to add their embellishments to the fine work of others to date. Title: The Oregon plan for salmon and watersheds: a perspective. Author: Institute for Natural Resources, Salwasser, Hal, Achterman, Gail, Arha, Kaush The Oregon Plan is a state-led strategy for restoring and conserving native salmonids and the watersheds within which they spend all or parts of their lives. It evolved from work that began in the 1980s on watershed health and salmon conservation and was propelled into high gear by proposed and eventual listings of native salmonids in Oregon under the federal Endangered Species Act during the mid-1990s. The Plan has expanded in scope and activities since then, and now encompasses all native salmonids and all watersheds in the state. It has spawned new commitments and investments from private landowners and generated significant improvements in state agency coordination related to salmonids and watershed health. The accomplishments of the Oregon Plan create an unparalleled foundation for state-led species conservation. The work remaining creates abundant opportunity for new leaders to add their embellishments to the fine work of others to date. Close

• 10. [Article] An Ecological Approach to Integrating Conservation and Highway Planning Volume 2

  This report is intended to help transportation and environmental professionals apply ecological principles early in the planning and programming process of highway capacity improvements to inform later ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Ecological Approach to Integrating Conservation and Highway Planning Volume 2 Author: CH2M HILL, NatureServe, Institute for Natural Resources, Transposition Research Board of the National Academies, Parametrix, Inc. This report is intended to help transportation and environmental professionals apply ecological principles early in the planning and programming process of highway capacity improvements to inform later environmental reviews and permitting. Ecological principles consider cumulative landscape, water resources, and habitat impacts of planned infrastructure actions, as well as the localized impacts. The report introduces the Integrated Ecological Framework (Framework or IEF), a nine-step process for use in early stages of highway planning when there are greater opportunities for avoiding or minimizing potential environmental impacts and for planning future mitigation strategies. Success requires some level of agreement among stakeholders about prioritization of resources for preservation or restoration. This implies long range environmental planning as a companion to long range transportation planning so that there is a basis and methodology for prioritization. This report provides a structured collaborative way to approach these issues. It does not address environmental mitigation and permitting actions required by current law or regulation. The report provides technical background on cumulative effects assessment, ecological accounting strategies, ecosystems services, and partnership strategies, along with a summary of the available ecological tools that are most applicable to this type of work. The appendices document three pilot projects that tested the approach during the research. The Framework details steps to enhance ecological considerations and efficiency in the early stages of planning highway capacity projects. Transportation professionals must routinely interact with numerous agencies in the course of planning highway expansions. These materials are intended to help each stakeholder better understand the missions and responsibilities of the other stakeholders and provide a structured and repeatable framework for interaction, thus allowing for agreement on ecological priorities. Use of the Framework can streamline the delivery of highway projects and improve water resources and habitats. The research from SHRP 2’s Capacity Project C06 produced two volumes of reports and a companion guide. Volume 1 (forthcoming) covers institutional issues and provides examples of techniques such as banking and programmatic agreements that can be used in the highway planning process. The guide (forthcoming) provides step-by-step information to help practitioners use the Framework. Essential content from the C06 project is available on the Transportation for Communities: Advancing Projects through Partnerships website (www.transportationforcommunities.com). Title: An Ecological Approach to Integrating Conservation and Highway Planning Volume 2 Author: CH2M HILL, NatureServe, Institute for Natural Resources, Transposition Research Board of the National Academies, Parametrix, Inc. This report is intended to help transportation and environmental professionals apply ecological principles early in the planning and programming process of highway capacity improvements to inform later environmental reviews and permitting. Ecological principles consider cumulative landscape, water resources, and habitat impacts of planned infrastructure actions, as well as the localized impacts. The report introduces the Integrated Ecological Framework (Framework or IEF), a nine-step process for use in early stages of highway planning when there are greater opportunities for avoiding or minimizing potential environmental impacts and for planning future mitigation strategies. Success requires some level of agreement among stakeholders about prioritization of resources for preservation or restoration. This implies long range environmental planning as a companion to long range transportation planning so that there is a basis and methodology for prioritization. This report provides a structured collaborative way to approach these issues. It does not address environmental mitigation and permitting actions required by current law or regulation. The report provides technical background on cumulative effects assessment, ecological accounting strategies, ecosystems services, and partnership strategies, along with a summary of the available ecological tools that are most applicable to this type of work. The appendices document three pilot projects that tested the approach during the research. The Framework details steps to enhance ecological considerations and efficiency in the early stages of planning highway capacity projects. Transportation professionals must routinely interact with numerous agencies in the course of planning highway expansions. These materials are intended to help each stakeholder better understand the missions and responsibilities of the other stakeholders and provide a structured and repeatable framework for interaction, thus allowing for agreement on ecological priorities. Use of the Framework can streamline the delivery of highway projects and improve water resources and habitats. The research from SHRP 2’s Capacity Project C06 produced two volumes of reports and a companion guide. Volume 1 (forthcoming) covers institutional issues and provides examples of techniques such as banking and programmatic agreements that can be used in the highway planning process. The guide (forthcoming) provides step-by-step information to help practitioners use the Framework. Essential content from the C06 project is available on the Transportation for Communities: Advancing Projects through Partnerships website (www.transportationforcommunities.com). Close