An Introduction to the NC Natural Heritage Data Explorer

(NHDE)

Allison Schwarz Weakley, Conservation PlannerNC Natural Heritage Program

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources

The mission of the NC Natural Heritage Program

To inventory, catalogue, and support the conservation of the rarest and most outstanding elements of the

natural diversity of our state.

www.ncnhp.org

We track Rare Species Natural Heritage Element Occurrences (NHEOs)

Plants

Vascular & non-vascular, terrestrial & aquatic

(904 taxa)

Animals

Vertebrate & invertebrate, terrestrial & aquatic

(656 taxa)

We track Natural Communities Natural Heritage Element Occurrences (NHEOs)

Based on the North Carolina Classification of Natural Communities, 4th approximation (Schafale 2012)

340 community types and subtypes are currently tracked

4 special animal assemblages and habitats are also tracked

We delineate conservation sites and evaluate their significanceNatural Heritage Natural Areas (NHNAs)

formerly Significant Natural Heritage Areas (SNHAs)

A NHP Natural Area is an area of land or water identified as being

important for the conservation of the state's biodiversity

NHNAs contain one or more Natural Heritage elements: rare species, high-quality natural communities, and special animal habitats.

We conduct and publish Natural Area Inventories

• A systematic survey effort to identify NHP Natural Areas (NHNAs) based on high-quality natural communities and rare species.

• The scope of an inventory is typically limited to a county, but we also conduct regional inventories.

Natural Heritage Natural Areas(NHNAs)

• Identified by on-the-ground surveys• Can range in size from one to

hundreds of acres – includes both terrestrial and aquatic sites

• NHP Natural Areas are identified by the NCNHP, but protection is up to the landowner

• Site protection is the primary objective of defining NHP Natural Areas

Natural Heritage Natural Areas (NHNAs)

Significance based on rarity and quality of Elements, and number of Elements within a NHP Natural Area

Natural Heritage Program Managed Areas(MAREAs)

A comprehensive dataset useful for showing lands permanently protected, managed for conservation, and/or of conservation interest.

www.ncnhp.org

NC Conservation Planning Tool (CPT)NC Conservation Planning Tool (CPT)Providing a framework for decisions about future growth

and important natural resources

Identify, evaluate, and prioritize an interconnected network of essential ecosystem

resources and functions that is important for conservation statewide

Coordinate conservation efforts Guide conservation efforts Inform planning and funding decisions

NC Conservation Planning ToolNC Conservation Planning Tool• Four primary statewide assessments:

– Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat– Open Space and Conservation Lands– Agricultural Lands– Forestry Lands

• Best available, current data• Collaborative effort of many

conservation partners

Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat Assessment Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat Assessment (BWHA)(BWHA)

• Prioritizes aquatic and terrestrial species and habitats

• Considers landscape function and connectivity – core wildlife habitats and connectors

• Includes land and water resources important for ecosystem health and the benefits they provide

Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat Assessment Biodiversity/Wildlife Habitat Assessment

Raster-based GIS analysis at 30m x 30m pixel scaleRelative ranking of datasets, with a maximum score shown on map (10 point scale)Ranking considers data accuracy, precision, and completeness of input data

www.conservationtool.nc.gov

The NC Natural Heritage Data Explorer (NHDE)

• A new online viewer for accessing NCNHP data for planning, assessment, and project review!

• Public access to the CPT, Natural Areas, and Managed Areas datasets.

• Subscribers can:– Access additional NCNHP data (e.g., rare species)– Submit projects for site-specific review to receive automatically

generated reports– Receive free training on use of the NHDE and NCNHP data

• Functionality includes map making, adding web map services and GIS shapefiles, searching on data features

Questions? Questions? Please contact us for Please contact us for more information or more information or technical assistance!technical assistance!

Allison Schwarz WeakleyAllison.Weakley@ncdenr.gov

(919) 707-8629

www.ncnhp.orgwww.conservationtool.nc.gov

https://ncnhde.natureserve.org