With the creation and implementation of State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAP), the need for consistent, current digital habitat maps has grown dramatically. The implementation of the SWAPs within each state and across the Northeast region will be greatly enhanced through the development of current, consistent terrestrial and aquatic habitat geographic information systems (GIS) datasets. This project has compiled and standardized terrestrial and aquatic habitat classification systems with the ultimate goal of providing initial map products that will form the foundation of state and regional conservation in the Northeastern United States. Financial support was provided through the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Each of the 14 states (including D.C.) have participated and contributed in-kind support.
Final products include:
- Northeastern Terrestrial Habitat Classification System (NETHCS), a standardized terrestrial wildlife habitat classification system for the Northeast
- An action plan to create a detailed terrestrial habitat GIS dataset in partnerships with national programs
- Northeastern Aquatic Habitat Classification System (NEAHCS), a standardized aquatic habitat classification system
- GIS dataset of basic aquatic habitat using the standardized aquatic habitat classification system
- Standardized map of protected or "secured" areas for the Northeastern U.S.
- Documentation of each states’ wildlife habitat mapping resources, including classification systems, spatial datasets, processes, and GIS resources
- A standing Northeast Regional habitat mapping coordinating committee
For project information contact:
Dave Morton, GIS Coordinator
Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
4010 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 367-6772
dave.morton@dgif.virginia.gov
Sue Gawler, Regional Vegetation Ecologist
NatureServe
Eastern Regional Office
11 Avenue de Lafayette, 5th floor, Boston, MA 02111
(207) 495-3513
sue_gawler@natureserve.org
People
Related Links
- USGS Seamless Data Distribution System
Download the latest land cover GIS data - NOAA Coastal Services Center
Land Cover and change data for the Northeast - USGS’s Gap Analysis Program
- State Wildlife Action Plans
