Episode 150: Democratizing Wildlife Management Data To Protect Biodiversity And Habitat in the Superior Bio-Preserve

Rewilding Earth Podcast | Release Date: May 30, 2025

Hosts: Bob Boucher, Founding President of Superior Bioconservancy
Guest: Kurt Mincke, Conservation Mapping Expert, Spatial Analyst, Cartographer, Teacher, and Author

1. Introduction: Revolutionizing Wildlife Management

In Episode 150 of the Rewilding Earth Podcast, hosts Bob Boucher and Kurt Mincke delve into innovative strategies for wildlife and habitat management in the Superior Bio-Preserve. The discussion centers on leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and watershed units to enhance biodiversity protection and create sustainable wildlife management practices.

2. An Innovative GIS Approach with Omniscape

Kurt Mincke introduces the use of Omniscape, an advanced, open-source software developed by the Nature Conservancy, as a pivotal tool in modeling landscape connectivity.

Kurt Mincke [00:08]: "We use this software called Omniscape, which is the next evolution of an old software called Circuitscape. It models omnidirectional connectivity, providing a wall-to-wall picture of connectivity across the landscape."

This technology surpasses traditional methods by assigning connectivity scores to every pixel in a study area, capturing the intricate complexities of natural ecosystems more effectively than previously possible.

3. Democratizing Wildlife Data: Accessibility and Public Involvement

Bob Boucher and Kurt emphasize the project's mission to democratize wildlife management data, making it accessible to the public to foster broader engagement and stewardship.

Bob Boucher [02:41]: "We're working on giving the information about wildlife populations and habitat connectivity back to the people. With more eyes on the data and boots on the ground, wildlife management can only get stronger."

They propose a mobile app that allows trappers to log their harvests in real-time, ensuring transparent and regulated wildlife management.

4. Sustainable Harvest Through Watershed-Based Quotas

The conversation highlights the establishment of watershed units as fundamental management zones. By subdividing larger watersheds into smaller basins (20,000-30,000 acres), the team aims to implement precise harvest quotas.

Bob Boucher [04:15]: "A trapper would have a permit to trap in a specific watershed zone and could take a limited number of beavers. Once the quota is met, the zone automatically closes."

This system not only regulates wildlife harvesting but also maintains ecological balance by preventing overtrapping, ensuring sustainable beaver populations that contribute to habitat health.

5. Establishing Beaver Recovery Zones for Ecosystem Health

Kurt Mincke elaborates on the concept of Beaver Recovery Zones, designated areas where trapping is restricted to allow beaver populations to flourish and contribute to ecosystem services such as water retention and flood mitigation.

Kurt Mincke [07:32]: "We identified the watersheds with the highest potential beaver populations and designated them as recovery zones. These zones serve as nuclei for beaver dispersal, promoting sustainable populations across the landscape."

These zones act as refuges, enhancing biodiversity and providing critical habitats that support various species, thereby strengthening the overall resilience of the ecosystem.

6. Enhancing Connectivity and Protecting Critical Corridors

A key aspect of their strategy is maintaining structural landscape permeability by identifying and protecting critical riparian corridors using Omniscape.

Kurt Mincke [24:01]: "We identified critical riparian corridors and pinch points that are essential for biodiversity flow across the landscape. Protecting these ensures that wildlife can move and thrive despite infrastructural barriers."

Protecting these corridors is vital for allowing species migration and gene flow, which are essential for healthy and resilient ecosystems.

7. Engaging Stakeholders and Ensuring Compliance

Bob and Kurt discuss the importance of stakeholder engagement and the challenges of ensuring compliance with new management practices. They acknowledge potential resistance from agencies and the need for incentives to encourage trappers to adopt the new system.

Kurt Mincke [15:05]: "Getting trappers to use a mobile app may be challenging, but offering incentives and demonstrating the benefits can drive adoption."

They also explore the role of citizen science, encouraging broader community participation to enhance data collection and monitoring efforts.

8. Inclusion of Indigenous Tribes and Upholding Rights

The project places significant importance on including Indigenous tribes in the management process, ensuring their hunting and gathering rights are respected and integrated into the conservation framework.

Kurt Mincke [32:31]: "We wanted the tribes to have the same access to this data as everyone else and feel included in the management process."

This inclusive approach not only honors Indigenous rights but also leverages traditional knowledge for more effective conservation outcomes.

9. Future Directions: Expanding the Model and Integrating Carbon Credits

Looking ahead, Bob and Kurt discuss ambitious plans to expand the GIS model beyond the Superior Bio-Preserve, potentially applying it on a national or global scale. They also explore the integration of carbon credits to fund conservation efforts and promote land stewardship.

Bob Boucher [44:15]: "The carbon potential here is significant. By incorporating carbon credits, we can create financial incentives for preserving and enhancing natural landscapes."

These initiatives aim to amplify the project's impact, addressing broader environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat fragmentation.

10. Conclusion: A Call to Action for Conservationists

The episode concludes with a strong call to action, urging listeners to engage with the Superior Bioconservancy and participate in citizen science initiatives. By making wildlife management data accessible and fostering community involvement, Bob and Kurt envision a future where conservation efforts are more effective, transparent, and inclusive.

Bob Boucher [47:07]: "If you go to rewilding.org pod and look up this episode with Bob and Kurt, you will find a whole bunch of extra credit at the bottom of this page. Check out the maps and get involved."

Listeners are encouraged to support the project through donations and active participation, ensuring the success and sustainability of these innovative conservation strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• Kurt Mincke [00:08]: "Omniscape... models omnidirectional connectivity... a wall-to-wall picture of connectivity."
• Bob Boucher [02:41]: "Giving the information about wildlife populations and habitat connectivity back to the people."
• Kurt Mincke [07:32]: "Beaver Recovery Zones... promote sustainable populations across the landscape."
• Bob Boucher [44:15]: "Carbon potential here is significant... create financial incentives for preserving and enhancing natural landscapes."

This episode underscores the transformative potential of integrating advanced GIS technologies, community involvement, and sustainable management practices to protect and enhance biodiversity within the Superior Bio-Preserve and beyond.