Conservation Geology: A Geopark for the Niagara Escarpment?

CONSERVATION GEOLOGY A Geopark for the Niagara Escarpment?

E R I C W. F O W L E , A I C P

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A DA M P F E F F E R L E

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DEFINITION OF TERMS “CONSERVATION GEOLOGY”

“Conservation Geology” The term conservation biology was introduced as the title of a conference held at the University of California in La Jolla, California in 1978 and was defined as “the scientific study of the nature and status of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction” Conservation geology provides a means of protecting a geological formation or phenomenon that has special scientific value, representing different stages of the earth's geological history and its transformation through various geological processes (Suratman, 2008).

“Conservation Geology�

Elements 1.

Land Conservation & Stewardship: This theme consists of both short and long-term actions taken across the landscape to directly enhance, maintain or protect features or systems of the natural environment..

2.

Recreation & Geotourism: A system of publicly owned lands linked by various trails and paths has begun to form along the corridor. These lands are used for both active and passive recreation activities and help to bolster the local and regional economies with businesses are linked to the needs of tourists who visit

“Conservation Geology” Elements 3.

Education & Awareness: Encompasses activities critical to an individual's understanding of the geologic processes and resulting implications as they relate to human activity on the affected landscape.

4.

Planning & Regulation: A result of the aforementioned increase in knowledge levels, and typically based on the concept of “community good”. Prepared at the direction of elected officials and regulatory agencies with a focus on the environment and its functions and values.

CONSERVATION GEOLOGY IN ONTARIO The Giant’s Rib

Conservation Geology In Ontario

CONSERVATION GEOLOGY IN WISCONSIN The Ledge

Organization Background NERN was formed in 1998 as a loosely organized coalition of agencies, nonprofits, and citizens.

In 2011, NERN joined with the LNRP as a nonprofit program connected to the issues of the Lakeshore Basin

MISSION: “To promote balanced land-use decisions and an appreciation of the ecology of the Niagara Escarpment. This will be achieved by providing education and scientific information to decisionmakers; acknowledging local interests, and; promoting sound planning and management concepts that conserve the integrity of the Niagara Escarpment.�

Our Treasured Landscapes……….

Organization Background Educate & Inform

Build Awareness & Land Ethic

Organization Background Promote Local Conservation Values Niagara Escarpment Greenway Plan Trail Between the Parks Fond du Lac County Parkland Purchase Horicon Marsh Land Acquisition

Seek Local Recognition for Resource Ellison Bay Escarpment Interpretive Center Red Banks Savanna Heritage Area

Chilton Wonderland Trail

Great Arc Bike Route Why a bike route along the Escarpment?

• Wisconsin Biking Economy - 2010 study • Activity Spending = $1.5 Billion/year!

• $535 Million from out-of-state tourism • 13,200 bike related jobs • Why the Niagara Escarpment?

• Build Awareness through Accessibility • Variation of Landscape / Terrain • County/State Parks along route • Connection to other Regional Trails • Opps. for Escarpment Learning Centers

Great Arc Bike Route • Quick history • Bike Route Stats • Main Route 194 mi/ 312 km • Alternate Routes 61 mi/ 98 km • Washington Isl. Route 15 mi/ 24 km • Maps • Sponsors • 4,000 copies printed and distributed • Web-Based/GPS Mapping • What’s next?

• Signage • Trail heads • Interstate/International Connection?

Great Arc Bike Route

www.ridewithgps.com

A PROPOSAL NIAGARA ESCARPMENT GEOPARK

A Global Network of Geoparks

A Global Network of Geoparks Countries

Geoparks

Year

CHINA

Bohemian Paradise

2005

CHINA

Luberon

2005

Harz Braunschweiger Land Ostfalen

2005

AUSTRALIA

Kanawinka

2008

AUSTRIA

Eisenwurzen

2004

BRAZIL

Araripe

2006

CHINA

CHINA

Danxiashan

2004

CHINA

Swabian Albs

2005

CHINA

Huangshan

2004

CHINA

Fangshan

2006

CHINA

Lushan

2004

CHINA

Funiushan

2006

CHINA

Shilin

2004

CHINA

Jingpohu

2006

CHINA

Songshan

2004

CHINA

Leiqiong

2006

CHINA

Wudalianchi

2004

CHINA

Taishan

2006

CHINA

Yuntaishan

2004

CHINA

Wangwushan

2006

CHINA

Zhangjiajie

2004

CHINA

Papuk Geopark

2007

CHINA

Longhushan

2008

CHINA

Réserve Géologique de Haute Provence 2004

CHINA

Zigong

2008

CHINA

Bergstrasse-Odenwald

2004

CHINA

Alxa

2009

CHINA

TERRA.vita Naturepark

2004

CHINA

Qinling

2009

CHINA

Vulkaneifel

2004

CHINA

Chelmos - Vouraikos

2009

CHINA

Lesvos Petrified Forest

2004

IRAN

Qeshm Island

2006

CHINA

Psiloritis

2004

IRELAND

Copper Coast

2004

CHINA

Hexingten

2005

ITALY

Madonie

2004

CHINA

Taining

2005

ITALY

Parco del Beigua

2005

CHINA

Xingwen

2005

ITALY

Mining Park of Sardinia

2007

CHINA

Yandangshan

2005

ITALY

Adamello-Brenta

2008

ITALY JAPAN JAPAN JAPAN MALAYSIA NORWAY PORTUGAL PORTUGAL ROMANIA SPAIN SPAIN SPAIN SPAIN UK UK UK UK UK UK UK UK

Rocca di Cerere Itoigawa Toya Caldera and Usu Volcano Unzen Volcanic Area Langkawi Gea Norvegica Naturtejo Arouca Hateg Country Maestrazgo Cabo de Gata - Nijar Natural Park Sobrarbe Sierras Subbeticas Natural Park Marble Arch Caves & Cuilcagh Mountain North Pennines AONB Forest Fawr North West Highlands Lochaber English Riviera GeoMon Shetland

2008 2009 2009 2009 2007 2006 2006 2009 2005 2004 2006 2006 2006 2004 2004 2005 2005 2007 2007 2009 2009

A Global Network of Geoparks The UNESCO Global Network of National Geoparks was founded in 2004, following the model successfully established by the European Geoparks Network in 2000.

It now comprises 58 members in 18 nations across the world.

The aim of the Global Geoparks Network is to protect and conserve the geological heritage of our planet but to do so in way where local communities can take ownership of these special places and where they can get some sustainable economic benefit from them.

A Global Network of Geoparks 20

Geoparks are not just about rocks - they are about people. It is crucial that they get involved - we want to see as many people as possible getting out and enjoying the geology of the area. Our aim is to maximize geotourism (...) for the benefit of the local economy and to help people to understand the evolution of their local landscape." ď Ž

- Chris Woodley-Stewart, Geopark Manager, North Pennines AONB, United Kingdom

A Global Network of Geoparks GEOPARKS THAT ARE PART OF THE GLOBAL GEOPARK NETWORK (GGN):

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2.

3.

4.

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Preserve geological heritage for present & future generations Educate the broad public about issues in geological sciences & relation with environmental matters Ensure sustainable socio-economic & cultural development Foster multi-cultural bridges for heritage and conservation and the maintenance of geological & cultural diversity by using participatory schemes and co-partnership Stimulate research

Geopark Application Process GEOPARK SELECTION CRITERIA

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Size & Setting Management & Local Involvement Economic Development Education Protection & Conservation

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PLUS A FIELD VISIT BY GGN STAFF

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Geopark Application Process APPLICATION (DOSSIER) ELEMENTS

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Identification of the Area Geological Heritage Geoconservation Economic Activity & Business Plan Interest & Arguments for Joining + Self-Evaluation Document + Geological Heritage Summary + Letters of Support

50 Pages Max!

Geopark Application Process PRE-DOSSIER SUBMITTAL ACTIVITIES FOR ‘ASPIRING’ GEOPARKS:

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Established contact with the GGN Secretariat to express interest.

Needs to be evidence of a de facto existing Geopark (not based upon mere ideas which only exist on paper).

Must be sure that the relevant national country bodies have been informed and that their application is in accordance with national regulations.

Demonstrated that, already in the planning phase, discussions and exchanges with network members contributed to increasing the quality of the Geopark's application.

Strongly encouraged In the preparation phase - to exchange and discuss with existing Geopark network members and Committees, to seek the best advice to prepare their own Geopark, Participation in international or regional Geopark meetings, conferences, or short courses, etc.

Geopark Application Process POST-GGN ACCEPTANCE:

Contribute actively to the life of the GGN through joint collaborative initiatives  Contribute articles to GGN publications  Monitoring & Reporting to the GGN  Four-Year Review 

No GeoParks Exist in N. America Yet!

COLLABORATION? A Niagara Escarpment Geopark?

National Forest Service?

Central Upper Peninsula Regional Planning Commission?

Michigan WDNR?

Western NY Land Conservancy?

SUNY?

COLLABORATION? A Niagara Escarpment Geopark?

Please Help Us Out! Provide Your Input – Talk to Us!

Add Your Knowledge and Ideas….OR Volunteer!

Eric Fowle

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920-751-4770

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niagara@escarpmentnetwork.org

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Is this a good idea?

What should be ‘connected’ to this effort?

Who might lend support?

Who’s interested in contributing?

THANK YOU !