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Maps
are often the initial tools that we use to understand the places
that we live in or value. For example, the maps of our properties,
cities, regions, and provincial parks are important in depicting
basic locations and features. Similarly, habitat maps are important
portrayals of landscapes/seascapes for the purposes of developing
plans, assessing biological and physical resources, and determining
management options. They are typically required for use at different
scales (from local through to continental levels) to show many basic
reference situations, seasonal or yearly differences, and special
features. Habitat maps are no longer just related to natural features
(i.e. vegetation types, water bodies). The maps required are now
much more holistic in their focus, covering various biophysical,
socio-economic and administrative features which can affect how
habitats can best be sustained over the long term.
Feature
Habitat Maps
Habitat
conservation and protection faces many new issues. The focus on
integrated planning or ecosystem management, for example, places
more of an emphasis on considering a broad range of users/stakeholders
in natural resource management. Given the importance of integrating
habitat information into the more complex process of natural resource
planning or general land/water development planning, WHC has produced
feature maps and accompanying discussions to illustrate emerging
concerns and perspectives related to habitats. The intent of the
feature habitat maps is to highlight significant considerations
and characteristics related to habitat conservation in various landscapes/seascapes
in Canada.
Habitat
Baseline Maps
Canada's
wildlife and habitats are varied and mapped information on them
is often derived from many sources/agencies. The information on
wetlands, for example, is located with many agencies, however, WHC
has had the opportunity to consolidate some of the habitat
mapped information through its habitat
status reporting activities. Maps tend to be assessments
of their own kind that show the extent and location of features
at a particular time. On important conservation themes such as wetlands,
a map is a rallying point for discussions that often leads to the
development of new habitat data and the improvement of habitat maps
over time.
Other
habitat maps and data will be added to WHC's website as they are
developed and collated. Visitors should also consult our Publications
section for more information on habitats.
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