We propose an operational field strategy for promoting habitat connectivity between the remnants of mature native forests and the surrounding agricultural landscape by implementing shade-grown…

This $140,250 Cooperative Agreement award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program (CFDA 15.631) supports Envirosurvey Inc., a Puerto Rico-based minority-owned non-profit organization, in implementing operational field strategies to promote habitat connectivity between remnant mature native forests and surrounding agricultural landscapes.

The key objectives and activities include: 1) Identifying at least 5 coffee plantation properties harboring native forest remnants to implement conservation practices and reintroduce endangered plant species like Magnolia portoricensis, Juniperus jamaicensis, Pteris calderoense, and Cyathea dryopteroides; 2) Propagating and planting at least 150 individuals each of M. portoricensis and J. jamaicensis; 3) Reintroducing at least 5 subpopulations of J. jamaicensis and 50 individuals each of the two fern species; 4) Restoring degraded habitats through practices like conversion to shade-grown coffee, erosion control, and native reforestation; and 5) Providing training to local farmers on propagating native/endemic plants to build local capacity.

We propose an operational field strategy for promoting habitat connectivity between the remnants of mature native forests and the surrounding agricultural landscape by implementing shade-grown coffee and forest enhancement conservation practices. This component will encompass a collaborative effort between the USFWS, the natural resources conservation service (nrcs), dner, envirosurvey, INC., and private landowners (coffee producers). To secure the strategy at the species conservation level, the ftbg will provide sporeling of the ferns p. Calderoense and c. Dryopteroides. In addition, envirosurvey, INC. Will also propagate m. Portoricensis with the collaboration of a private landowner s nursery and coordinate with PLN the propagation of j. Jamaicensis. The project will establish at least five subpopulations of j. Jamaicensis located within remnants of mature native forests. Moreover, individuals of p. Calderoense and c. Dryopteroides will be reintroduced in the remnants of the prime habitat found within and near silla DE calderon. In addition to introducing magnolia portoricensis in the shade-grown coffee model, the project will promote habitat enhancement practices by planting small populations of m. Portoricensis, j. Jamaicensis, p. Calderoense, and c. Dryopteroides within remnants of mature native forests within and in the proximity of silla DE calderon region. The FBG will propagate the species as seedlings for the two fern species in coordination with our nurseries. The project objectives are: 1) identify at least five properties with coffee plantations that harbor remnants of late-successional forest adjacent or in the proximity to the silla DE calderon to develop PFW landowner agreements and implement conservation practices for the reintroduction of the above-mentioned targeted species 2) propagate 150 individuals of m. Portoricensis with the collaboration of a private landowner s nursery and coordinate with para LA naturaleza (PLN) the propagation of at least 150 individuals of j. Jamaicensis 3) the project will reintroduce at least five subpopulations of j. Jamaicensis. Moreover, 50 individuals of p. Calderoense and 50 individuals of c. Dryopteroides will be reintroduced within prime habitat near the silla DE calderon area. In addition, envirosurvey, INC. Will coordinate the propagation of fern material with experts from fairchild tropical botanic garden 4) identify habitat restoration practices to restore degraded habitat within the selected private properties (e.g., conversion of the sun to shade coffee plantation, erosion control and landslide stabilization, removal of exotic plant species, and habitat improvement through the reforestation with native tree species) 5) develop a comprehensive list of potential properties for habitat enhancement and reintroduction of the target species in subsequent phases 6) in coordination with species experts, provide training to local farmers in the propagation of native and endemics shrubs and trees (e.g., magnolia portoricensis and leandra krugiana) aiming to build up local capacity and community engagement and 7) develop an outreach strategy for using m. Portoricensis as a trademark of high-quality coffee and habitat conservation and establish at least three subpopulations of this species in coordination species experts (e.g., atlanta botanical garden (ABG).