Habitat Project Evaluation Criteria
Size of the Habitat
The size of the habitat is evaluated based on acreage (size is converted into acres from the measurement provided in the application). For most habitat types, there is not a set minimum acreage required, instead a project must be large enough to function as a habitat or be considered a habitat.
Time on the Ground
General information about evaluating the time a habitat project has been on the ground can be found in the Project Start Date section. Although individual project Scoring Rubrics should be consulted for specific requirements, generally habitat projects require a full growing season. It is important to note that the time periods associated with growing seasons vary by vegetative community types and location, so Scoring Rubrics do not provide a specific amount of time. Reviewers use their professional knowledge to assess if the duration has been sufficient to provide conservation value. As a result, a full year is recommended to ensure sufficient time on the ground.
Locally Appropriate
Documentation requiredA habitat is considered locally appropriate if it consists of at least some native species. For vegetated habitats, the species inventory is used to determine the composition of native vs non-native vegetation (which may be verified by referencing submitted photographs). For habitat types that are predominantly non-vegetated (e.g., Caves, Rocky Areas) an inventory of animal species observed in the habitat in-lieu of a list of plant species observed can be submitted. The uploaded species inventory (plant or animal when applicable) serves as documentation and is required to earn points.
A species inventory is a list of what is found growing in the habitat (both desirable and undesirable plants). It includes both common and scientific names and whether the species is native to the area. A planting list is not a species inventory because it will not account for species that did not survive or species that were not planted but already exist or appear spontaneously in the habitat. The species inventory must have a date and be current. Generally, this means within the current certification term, but forest projects may be up to five years old and still be considered current.
Habitat Creation or Expansion
Applicant understanding
Design Considerations
Applicant understanding Documentation requiredHabitat Management
Applicant understandingDocumentation requiredHabitat maintenance and management vary by project type. Each project Scoring Rubric outlines the specific considerations for that type of habitat. Although the specific management considerations vary between project types, generally techniques that incorporate multiple considerations earn more points.
Adaptive Management
Supporting documentation must be provided to earn points for this criterion. Documentation might include an activity log or dated photos or email correspondence showing the maintenance actions have been completed.
Baseline Data
Applicant understandingDocumentation requiredAs baseline data is used for comparison to determine the impact of actions, it must be clearly defined/recognized as baseline data. The data must be described and documentation uploaded to earn points for this criterion.
Monitoring Protocol
Applicant understandingA monitoring protocol is relevant if implementation of the monitoring would inform assessment of the habitat. A scientifically rigorous monitoring protocol addresses at least one of the following:
- Collected with stated geographic and temporal dimensions
- Credible, repeatable, and logical, resulting in quantitative data that can be analyzed
- Complex, measuring multiple aspects (e.g. species, nutrients) and/or influences of multiple variables (e.g. weather)
Monitoring Implementation
Applicant understandingA monitoring protocol is relevant if implementation of the monitoring would inform assessment of the habitat. A scientifically rigorous monitoring protocol addresses at least one of the following:
- Collected with stated geographic and temporal dimensions
- Credible, repeatable, and logical, resulting in quantitative data that can be analyzed
- Complex, measuring multiple aspects (e.g. species, nutrients) and/or influences of multiple variables (e.g. weather)
Evaluation of Monitoring
Connectivity
Applicant understandingConnectivity is an important component of habitats. If a habitat on-site is connected to the same type of habitat on adjacent properties, this expands the value and accessibility of both parcels. To earn points for this criterion, the habitat must be of the same type (i.e., two grassland areas) and the habitats must be on adjacent properties. Habitats can be considered adjacent if they are separated by a road or similar feature (although this does decrease the benefits of connectivity).
