Supporting Landscape
Overview
The dataset was developed as part of the County Natural Heritage Inventories, and along with Core Habitat, appears as part of the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program's Natural Heritage Areas. The results of the County Natural Heritage Inventories are intended for use in landuse planning by state and local government officials, environmental and development consultants, and developers. The Inventories are also intended to be a resource to inform educators, conservation organizations, and other interested citizens regarding local rare species, natural communities and other natural resources.
Data Layer Description
Source
Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
What this data layer represents
Supporting Landscape refers to areas surrounding or contiguous to core habitats that maintain vital ecological processes or secondary habitat for sensitive natural features that may be able to accommodate some types of low-impact activities.
Location
a) Pennsylvania
b) 1:24,000
Description
This shapefile contains the Natural Heritage Inventory supporting landscapes identified through the County Natural Heritage Inventory project of the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. County Natural Heritage Inventories focus on areas that are the best examples of ecological resources in a county. Although agricultural lands and open space may be included as part of inventory areas, the emphasis for the designation and delineation of the areas are the ecological values present. Important selection criteria for Natural Heritage Areas are the existence of habitat for plants and animals of special concern, the existence of uncommon or especially important natural communities, and the size and landscape context of a site containing good quality natural features. Large areas and areas that are minimally disturbed by development provide the backbone that links habitats and allows plants and animals to shift and move across sizable portions of the landscape. The Supporting Landscape identifies areas surrounding or adjacent to core habitat that are not considered the primary habitat of the species of concern or natural community, but may serve as secondary habitat. These areas also provide support by maintaining vital ecological processes as well as isolation from potential environmental degradation. Supporting Landscape areas may be able to accommodate some types of activities without detriment to natural resources of concern. Polygons are based on buffers around core habitat sites, which were identified through aerial photo interpretation, field surveys, and existing PNHP data. A single supporting landscape polygon might contain one or more core habitat polygons. See individual CNHI reports for further information on methodology, site descriptions, and species or communities found at each site.
These data represent information that can be used to guide County Planning and Conservation. Use of the information in the report does not replace Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) Environmental Reviews which may be required for specific projects. By acceptance of this data, the user agrees to include a copy of this metadata record, including the liability disclaimer, whenever the user transmits or provides the GIS Data (or any portion of it) to another user.
How to get the data layer
The CNHI reports are available for download at http://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/CNHI.aspx
Links to a GIS map service of the CNHI dataset are available at http://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/cnhi/cnhi.htm
To obtain a copy of CNHI dataset contact:
Christopher Tracey
Conservation Planning Coordinator
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
800 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4718
ctracey@paconserve.org
How you might make use of this data layer
This dataset is intended as a tool in planning to avoid the accidental destruction of habitats supporting species of concern at both the county and municipal levels. CNHIs have been incorporated into comprehensive plans, consulted to plan development projects, and utilized by conservation organizations to prioritize their work. Additionally, these studies have been used to help in the development of recreational amenities, promotion of tourism industries and assistance in community development.
How to get more information
The CNHI reports contain further information on methodology, site descriptions, and species or communities found at each site. The reports are available for download at the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program website.
