Site-specific Management: How to Avoid and Minimize Impacts of Development to Shrub-steppe

Categories:

Published: November 2011

Revised: September 2020

Pages: 10

Author(s): Azerrad, J. M., K. A. Divens, M. F. Livingston, M. S. Teske, H. L. Ferguson, and J. L. Davis.

The following is a condensed version of the site-specific management section found in WDFW's Management Recommendations for Washington's Priority Habitats: Shrub-Steppe.

The first step in managing for development impacts in shrub-steppe is recognizing when shrub-steppe exists near the proposal. While this may seem obvious, many do not recognize shrub-steppe. To avoid this situation, communities can develop systems to flag project proposals at the earliest stages.

If impacts are likely, here we offer useful guidance to avoid or minimize these impacts by identifying:

  • when to write a habitat management plan.
  • how to consider the surrounding landscape.
  • the type of features to measure and assess.
  • a protocol for mapping and ranking shrub-steppe quality on a parcel or a proposed subdivision.
  • recommendations and techniques to incorporate into a development proposal.
  • ways of approaching mitigation.

Suggested citation

Azerrad, J. M., K. A. Divens, M. F. Livingston, M. S. Teske, H. L. Ferguson, and J. L. Davis. 2011. Site-specific management: how to avoid and minimize impacts of development to shrub-steppe. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Olympia, Washington.