Project Code: BLM0R095
Project Goals:
Increase availability of spatial data for SSS: NatureServe will create and/or compile Species Habitat Models or other best available spatial data (EOs, species observations) for BLM Special Status Species (SSS). For SSS without SHMs in NatureServe’s library, we will fill gaps as time allows by investigating development of new models and incorporating SHMs from Network programs or external sources.
Create and deliver suite of richness maps for all SSS: NatureServe will create richness maps depicting habitat for all BLM SSS in U.S. western states plus the Dakotas, excluding Alaska (states include AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, ND, NM, NV, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY), utilizing habitat maps generated from categorized Species Habitat Models when available. For SSS lacking SHM-derived habitat maps, buffered Element Occurrences will be used to represent habitat. Individual species habitat maps will be combined to create species richness maps at the 330-m raster spatial resolution, with attributes for overall species richness (count), BLM SSS Tier-weighted richness, and species identities (for BLM internal use only).