In 2005, each state and U.S. territory completed a plan to evaluate its wildlife conservation needs and outline its conservation priorities. These State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) contain information on Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), critical habitat, threats to wildlife species and habitats, research needs, necessary actions, and conservation strategies. Together they provide a blueprint for national conservation efforts. These plans were mandated by the Federal government, and they must be updated in 2015.
In the first round of State Wildlife Action Plan development, GAP land cover, species, and habitat distribution models were important data sets. A survey of SWAP coordinators showed that twenty-two states relied heavily on GAP land cover data. While vegetation classifications were used by 33 percent of respondents, and predicted vertebrate distribution maps were used by 25 percent of respondents. Aquatic, stewardship, ownership and species richness data, species lists, and habitat descriptions were also important.
The top priority identified in the SWAPs was a need for more research on species. With its new regional and national data, GAP will continue to provide vital information for state wildlife action plans.
Publications of Interest:
GAP SWAP Factsheet (PDF, 430kb)
Presentations from 2007 Annual GAP Conference:
Using GAP data to design and inform field research
Author: James B. Grand (.PPT, 00mb/kb – add correct info for each)
Application of SWReGAP data: Perspective from State Wildlife Agencies
Author: Kenneth Boykin
Applications of GAP data for State Wildlife Action Plans
Author: Jill Maxwell
Use of GAP and natural heritage data in statewide land conservation planning in Georgia
Authors: Matt Elliott, Liz Kramer, Chris Canalos and Jon Ambrose
The Northeast habitat classification project: Providing a foundation for regional wildlfie action plan implementation
Authors: Dave Morton and Sue Gawler
Kentucky GAP data in the Kentucky Wildlife Action Plan
Author: M. Keith Wethington
Relating habitats in North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan to a regional basis
Author: Gordon Warburton
Analysis of the priorities, obstacles and opportunities for implementing U.S. State Wildlife Action Plans
Authors: Lynn Maguire, David Stoms and Frank Davis, and Michael Scott
Wildlife Action Plan implementation and Gap
Author: Dennis Figg
Articles highlighting applications of GAP data to SWAPS
Use of GAP data in State Wildlife Action Plan development
Author: Jill Maxwell
Using GAP data as a tool for natural resource management
Author: Jill Maxwell
Using the SWReGAP Data to Describe Land Cover and Ownership Patterns in Nevada for Wildlife Conservation Planning
Authors: Susan L. Abele, Ralph J. Phenix, Janet J. Bair, Don E. McIvor, Larry A. Neel, Anita E. Shaul, and Jon C. Sjoberg
Current Applications of Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project Data: A Summary from the 2005 National Gap Analysis Program Conference
Author: Julie Prior-Magee
An overview of animal-habitat modeling in Southwest Regional Gap Analysis
Authors: Ken Boykin
Combining the efforts of the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project and CWCS in New Mexico and Colorado
Authors: Kendal Young , Ken Boykin‚ and Don Schrupp
Using the Southwest Regional Gap Analysis Project data to describe land cover and ownership patterns in Nevada for wildlife conservation planning
Authors: S. L. Abele, J. Bair, D.E. McIvor, L.A. Neel, R.J. Phoenix, A.E. Shaul, and J.C. Sjalberg
Importance of Aquatic GAP data for developing comprehensive strategies to conserve freshwater biodiversity an example from Missouri
Authors: Scott P. Sowa, Gust Annis, Michael Morey
Use of GAP data in development of state comprehensive wildlife conservation strategies
Author: Jill Maxwell
The future opportunities to leverage regional GAP data for implementation efforts in support of recently developed Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategies
Author: Don Schrupp