Habitat fragmentation is "the disontinuity, resulting from a given set of mechanisms, in the spatial distribution of resources and conditions present in an area at a given scale that affects occupancy, reproduction, or survival in a particular species" (Franklin et al. 2002).

Impacts of upland habitat fragmentation can include decreased species diversity, disrupted wildlife and bird migration, disrupted wildlife and bird reproduction and rearing, and limited food sources.

Upland habitiats can be fragmented from

• Construction of roads (includes stream crossings)
• Construction for developments
• Clearing habitat for agricultural development
• High fences
• Reservoir construction
• Removing trees and vegetation for forestry operations

Conservation Benefits of maintaining continuous upland habitats:

• Provides migratory bird habitat
• Provides breeding and nesting sites
• Important areas for wildlife dispersal
• Areas of increased species diversity
• Provides food sources for terrestrial and aquatic organisms
• Provides wildlife habitat
• Protects asethetically pleasing areas
• Promotes good land stewardship
• Provides recreational and ecotourism opportunities

What does it include?

There are many BMPs that can be implemented to prevent or restore fragmented riparian habitats. Click on a specific BMP below

• Conservation easement
• Conservation development
• Minimizing impacts from oil and gas development and gravel mining operations
• Native plant revegetation
• Ordinances
• Protecting wildlife corridors
• Redesigning stream crossings and culverts
• Riparian buffers