NJDEP Species Based Habitat, Landscape Regions, Version 3.3, 20170509 (Envr_hab_ls_v3_3_regions)

Metadata:

• Identification_Information
• Data_Quality_Information
• Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
• Spatial_Reference_Information
• Entity_and_Attribute_Information
• Distribution_Information
• Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Division of Fish Wildlife (DFW), Endangered Nongame Species Program (ENSP)

Publication_Date: 20170509

Title:

NJDEP Species Based Habitat, Landscape Regions, Version 3.3, 20170509 (Envr_hab_ls_v3_3_regions)

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place:

P.O. Box 420 401 East State Street 1st floor , Trenton, NJ, 08625, US

Publisher:

State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Division of Information Technology (DOIT), Bureau of Geographic Information Systems (BGIS)

Other_Citation_Details:

The NJDEP may distribute GIS data in a variety of formats, such as the ESRI shapefile and/or various versions of the file geodatabase format. The data also may be available for viewing on various profiles of the NJ GeoWeb online mapping application.

Online_Linkage: https://www.nj.gov/dep/gis/geowebsplash.htm

Online_Linkage: https://www.nj.gov/dep/gis

Description:

Abstract:

New Jersey's dunes, beaches, tidal marshes, cedar swamps, vast pitch pine forests, extensive grasslands, peat bogs, maple-oak forests, ridgetops, brackish bays, rivers, streams and the Atlantic Ocean support an amazing array of wildlife. That is true despite the fact that much of its diverse landscape has been greatly altered by human enterprises such as agriculture and development that fragments and degrades wildlife habitat. Sustaining wildlife populations over time requires large healthy landscapes with broad expanses of natural habitat. Thus, the Landscape Project focuses on ecoregions or Landscape Regions where plant and animal communities are ecologically similar and closely interlinked. The delineation of the state into regions serves as a spatial framework for management and conservation of species and their habitats, and as a means to organize information so that it is meaningful and widely accessible to end-users. Geographic features and landforms (e.g., rivers, watershed boundaries, ridgelines, soils, vegetation, etc.) were used to delineate the general area of five Landscape Regions in New Jersey. Region boundaries were shifted to align with major roads (county level or larger) that serve as barriers to movement for many species. A sixth region, the Marine Region, is an exclusively aquatic region that includes the New Jersey portion of the Delaware and Raritan bays as well as the portion of the Atlantic Ocean along the coast of New Jersey. ENSP has identified and mapped habitat for endangered, threatened and special concern wildlife within each Landscape Region utilizing an extensive database that combines species occurrence information with land-use/land-cover classification data and species habitat requirements. The resulting Landscape maps provide an accurate, reliable and scientifically sound basis for habitat protection within each region. One of the Landscape Project"s unique features is that it enables users to focus on the big picture, and not just on individual locations of imperiled and special concern species as those areas become threatened. Thus, within large landscapes, the Landscape Project identifies areas of endangered and threatened wildlife habitat that are important to the maintenance and recovery of New Jersey's endangered and threatened wildlife populations.

Purpose:

The Landscape Project was designed to provide users with peer-reviewed, scientifically sound information that transparently documents threatened and endangered species habitat. Landscape Project data are easily accessible and can be integrated with the planning, protection and land management programs of non-government organizations and private landowners and at every level of government- federal, state, county and municipal. Landscape maps and overlays provide a basis for proactive planning, such as the development of local habitat protection ordinances, zoning to protect critical wildlife areas, management guidelines for imperiled species conservation on public and private lands, and land acquisition projects.
Most importantly, the information that is readily available in the Landscape Project can be used for planning purposes before any actions such as proposed development, resource extraction (e.g. timber harvests) or conservation measures occur. The maps help increase predictability for local planners, environmental commissions, and developers and help facilitate local land use decisions that appropriately site and balance development and habitat protection. The Landscape Project maps allow the regulated public to anticipate potential environmental regulation in an area and provide some level of assurance regarding areas where endangered, threatened or species of special concern are not likely to occur, affording predictability to the application and development process. Thus, Landscape Project maps can be used proactively by regulators, planners and the regulated public in order to minimize conflict and protect species. This minimizes time and money spent attempting to resolve after-the-fact endangered and threatened species issues.

Time_Period_of_Content:

Time_Period_Information:

Multiple_Dates/Times:

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 20011023

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 20040217

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 20080519

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 20120221

Single_Date/Time:

Calendar_Date: 20170110

Currentness_Reference: Publication Date

Status:

Progress: Complete

Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed

Spatial_Domain:

Bounding_Coordinates:

West_Bounding_Coordinate: -75.649146

East_Bounding_Coordinate: -73.881785

North_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.358459

South_Bounding_Coordinate: 38.791766

Keywords:

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category

Theme_Keyword: biota

Theme:

Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: EPA GIS Keyword Thesaurus

Theme_Keyword: Natural Resources

Theme_Keyword: Ecology

Theme_Keyword: Landscape

Theme_Keyword: Ecosystem

Theme_Keyword: Conservation

Theme_Keyword: Exposure

Theme_Keyword: Water

Theme_Keyword: Marine

Theme_Keyword: Environment

Theme_Keyword: public

Theme_Keyword: NJDEPTrentonMetadata

Theme_Keyword: NJDEP

Place:

Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None

Place_Keyword: New Jersey

Access_Constraints: None

Use_Constraints:

This data set is a product of the Landscape Project, a pro-active, ecosystem-level approach to the long-term protection of imperiled and priority species and their important habitats in New Jersey. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Data Distribution Agreement. The data provided herein are distributed subject to the following conditions and restrictions: NJDEP assumes no responsibility to maintain them in any manner or form and disclaims any duty or obligation to either maintain availability of or to update the data. Terms of Agreement 1. All data is provided, as is, without any representation or warranty of any kind, implied, expressed or statutory including, but not limited to, the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, merchantability or fitness for a particular use, freedom from computer virus nor are any such warranties to be implied with respect to the digital data layers furnished hereunder. User is responsible for understanding the accuracy limitations of all digital data layers provided herein, as documented in the accompanying cross-reference files (see SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION). Any reproduction or manipulation of the above data must ensure that the coordinate reference system remains intact. 2. Digital data received from the NJDEP may not be reproduced or redistributed without all the metadata provided. 3. Any maps, publications, reports, or other documents produced as a result of this project that utilize this digital data will credit the NJDEP's Geographic Information System (GIS) as the source of the data with the following credit/disclaimer: "This (map/publication/report) was developed using New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Geographic Information System digital data, but this secondary product has not been verified by NJDEP and is not state-authorized or endorsed." 4. NJDEP makes no warranty that digital data are free of Copyright or Trademark claims or other restrictions or limitations on free use or display. Making a copy of this data may be subject to the copyright of trademark laws.

Point_of_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP).

Contact_Person: Patrick Woerner

Contact_Position: GIS Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical

Address: 1 Eldridge Road

City: Upper Freehold Township, Robbinsville

State_or_Province: NJ

Postal_Code: 08691

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 609-259-6967

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 609-259-8155

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: Patrick.Woerner@dep.nj.gov

Browse_Graphic:

Browse_Graphic_File_Name:

https://www.nj.gov/dep/gis/digidownload/images/landscape/coastal.gif

Browse_Graphic_File_Description: Image

Browse_Graphic_File_Type: GIF

Native_Data_Set_Environment:

Microsoft Windows 7 Version 6.1 (Build 7601) Service Pack 1; Esri ArcGIS 10.3.1.4959

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator:

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Division of Fish Wildlife (DFW), Endangered Nongame Species Program (ENSP)

Publication_Date: 20170509

Title:

How to relate the species based habitat shapefiles to the species look up tables

Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: pdf

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Trenton

Publisher: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)

Online_Linkage: https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensp/landscape/

Cross_Reference:

Citation_Information:

Originator: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)

Publication_Date: 20150217

Title: NJDEP 2012 Land Use/Land Cover Update

Edition: 20150217

Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Trenton, NJ

Publisher: NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP)

Online_Linkage: https://www.nj.gov/dep/gis/lulc12.html

Data_Quality_Information:

Attribute_Accuracy:

Attribute_Accuracy_Report:

ESRI's Summary Statistics tool was run to ensure no inappropriate LULC classes were valued per species feature label combination. Frequencies were run on all fields for Null or inappropriate values.

Logical_Consistency_Report:

Tests for integrity have been performed. ESRI's Repair Geometry was run on this feature class, no errors were encountered.

Completeness_Report:

Repair Geometry was run on data to ensure topological accuracy. Topological accuracy is dependent upon the NJDEP 2012 Land Use/Land cover.

Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy:

Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report:

Based on NJDEP 2012 Land Use/Land Cover. NMAS at 1:12000. Features mapped from digital imagery having a ground accuracy of +/- four feet.

Lineage:

Process_Step:

Process_Description:

Regions were digitized to be consistant with major roads. Date stamp is approximate.

Process_Date: 20161001

Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:

Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector

Point_and_Vector_Object_Information:

SDTS_Terms_Description:

SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: GT-polygon composed of chains

Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 6

Spatial_Reference_Information:

Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:

Planar:

Planar_Coordinate_Information:

Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair

Coordinate_Representation:

Abscissa_Resolution: 0.0003280833333333333

Ordinate_Resolution: 0.0003280833333333333

Planar_Distance_Units: foot_us

Grid_Coordinate_System:

Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: State Plane Coordinate System 1983

State_Plane_Coordinate_System:

SPCS_Zone_Identifier: 2900

Geodetic_Model:

Horizontal_Datum_Name: D North American 1983

Ellipsoid_Name: GRS 1980

Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.0

Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222101

Entity_and_Attribute_Information:

Detailed_Description:

Entity_Type:

Entity_Type_Label: landscape_regions_v3_3

Entity_Type_Definition: Attributes in Landscape Project data

Entity_Type_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: OBJECTID

Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Esri

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain:

Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape

Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Esri

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: REGION_ID

Attribute_Definition: Unique ID for each Landscape Region

Attribute_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Unique ID for each Landscape Region

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: REGION

Attribute_Definition: The Landscape Region name of the polygon

Attribute_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Coastal

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Atlantic Coastal Landscape Region

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Delaware Bay

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Delaware Bay Landscape Region

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Piedmont Plains

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Piedmont/Plains Landscape Region

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Pinelands

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Pinelands Landscape Region

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Skylands

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Skylands Landscape Region

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: Marine

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine Landscape Region

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: LABEL

Attribute_Definition: Field containing labels for polygons

Attribute_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: (1) Atlantic Coastal Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Atlantic Coastal Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: (2) Delaware Bay Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Delaware Bay Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: (3) Piedmont Plains Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Piedmont Plains Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: (4) Pinelands Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Pinelands Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: (5) Skylands Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Skylands Landscape

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Enumerated_Domain:

Enumerated_Domain_Value: (6) Marine

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition: Marine

Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: VERSION

Attribute_Definition: Number used to track version

Attribute_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Version 3.3

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: ACRES

Attribute_Definition: acres of feature

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: HECTARES

Attribute_Definition: hectares of feature

Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape_Length

Attribute_Definition: Length of feature in internal units.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Esri

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Attribute:

Attribute_Label: Shape_Area

Attribute_Definition: Area of feature in internal units squared.

Attribute_Definition_Source: Esri

Attribute_Domain_Values:

Unrepresentable_Domain: Positive real numbers that are automatically generated.

Overview_Description:

Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:

In Version 3.3 a species-based habitat method is implemented by associating each species with a specific set of LULC classes according to the habitat needs of the species. Detailed LULC class delineations allow for an accurate representation of imperiled and special concern species habitat by providing ENSP biologists with the ability to designate a specific set of LULC classes for each individual species-feature label combination. Each species-habitat association is developed by performing a review of scientific literature and/or from information obtained through ENSP research and expert opinion. In addition, a special analysis of the LULC for species and their feature label components was used to guide the selection of particular LULC classes for the creation of species-specific patches of habitat (Appendix IV).
In order to create species-based patches of habitat, the relevant LULC polygons from the Landscape base layer are combined into a potential habitat layer specific to each species-feature label. Spatially explicit species occurrence data that meet the criteria required for inclusion in the Landscape Project are then exported from the Biotics database and a species occurrence area (SOA) is applied for every feature label assigned to a species. SOAs are then overlaid onto species-specific habitat patches and patches are classified, or valued, based on the status of the species present as follows:
Rank 5 is assigned to species-specific habitat patches containing one or more occurrences of wildlife listed as endangered and threatened pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. Rank 4 is assigned to species-specific habitat patches with one or more occurrences of State endangered species. Rank 3 is assigned to species-specific patches containing one or more occurrences of State threatened species. Rank 2 is assigned to species-specific habitat patches containing one or more occurrences of species considered to be species of special concern. Rank 1 is assigned to species-specific habitat patches that meet habitat-specific suitability requirements such as minimum size or core area criteria for endangered, threatened or special concern wildlife species, but that do not intersect with any confirmed occurrences of such species (see Appendix V for descriptions of all habitat-specific suitability requirements). Rank 1 habitat patches without documented occurrences are not necessarily absent of imperiled or special concern species. Patches with a lack of documented occurrences may not have been systematically surveyed. Thus, the Rank 1 designation is used for planning purposes, such as targeting areas for future wildlife surveys.
A SOA will value habitat that it overlays only if that habitat is appropriate for the species. Habitat patches ranked 2, 3, 4, or 5 intersect with or contain at least one documented SOA. Since imperiled species are typically not abundant across the landscape, a single occurrence may represent a significant portion of the local population and often indicates the presence of a larger population within a habitat patch. The Landscape Project habitat patch mapping approach is designed to capture and represent the habitat needed to support the local population indicated by the individual SOA.
In the delineation of Species-Based Habitat, each species-feature label combination is grouped into a Patch Type, or category that describes the method employed to form the valued habitat area from polygons in the Landscape base layer. In addition, for each LULC class selected for a particular species-feature label combination, a LULC Treatment, or rule, is applied that determines how polygons of a LULC class will interact with a SOA and/or with polygons of other LULC classes in order to construct patches of habitat. The four general patch types are described below and the LULC Treatments are defined in Appendix V. For those species-feature label combinations that utilize variations, or subtypes, of the four general types, an explanation of the subtype is also included within Appendix V.
Each species-feature label combination is grouped into one of the following patch type categories.
Limited Extent polygons from a select set of LULC classes are valued upon intersection with a SOA. Once the valued habitat area is identified, any internal holes or gaps containing polygons of selected LULC classes are also valued if they are completely enclosed by, and contiguous with, the valued area.
Contiguous Area polygons from a select set of LULC classes are dissolved/combined into contiguous areas and valued upon intersection with a SOA.
Cardinal-Proximate polygons from an initial, or cardinal, set of LULC classes are valued upon intersection with a SOA and then polygons from a second, proximate set of LULC classes are valued based on a spatial relationship (e.g., adjacency) with polygons from the cardinal set of LULC classes and/or a SOA. Once the valued habitat area is identified, any internal holes or gaps containing polygons of selected LULC classes are also valued if they are completely enclosed by, and contiguous with, the valued area.
Stream Centerline stream centerlines are valued upon intersection with a SOA. In Version 3.3 of the Landscape Project, only freshwater mussel species utilize the Stream Centerline patch type, described more thoroughly in the next section.

Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensp/landscape/index.htm

Distribution_Information:

Distributor:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Division of Information Technology (DOIT), Bureau of Geographic Information Systems (BGIS)

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical

Address: 401 East State Street

City: Trenton

State_or_Province: NJ

Postal_Code: 08625

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 609-777-0672

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 609-292-7900

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: gisnet@dep.nj.gov

Contact_Instructions: https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensphome.htm

Resource_Description: Downloadable Data

Distribution_Liability:

This data set is a product of the Landscape Project, a pro-active, ecosystem-level approach to the long-term protection of imperiled and priority species and their important habitats in New Jersey. The State of New Jersey makes great effort to provide secure, accurate, and complete data and metadata. However, portions of the data and metadata may be incorrect or not current. Any errors or omissions should be reported for investigation.
The State of New Jersey, its officers, employees or agents shall not be liable for damages or losses of any kind arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of data and metadata, including but not limited to, damages or losses caused by reliance upon the accuracy or timeliness of any such data and metadata, or damages incurred from the viewing, distributing, or copying of those materials.
The data and metadata are provided "as is." No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed, or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from computer virus, is given with respect to the data and metadata, or its hyperlinks to other Internet resources.
The State disclaims any duty or obligation either to maintain availability of or to update the data and metadata.

Standard_Order_Process:

Digital_Form:

Digital_Transfer_Information:

Format_Name:

DEP distributes ESRI .SHP and/or GDB. Some data may be NJ GeoWeb "display only" layers.

Format_Version_Number: latest version

Digital_Transfer_Option:

Online_Option:

Computer_Contact_Information:

Network_Address:

Network_Resource_Name: https://www.nj.gov/dep/gis

Online_Option:

Computer_Contact_Information:

Network_Address:

Network_Resource_Name: https://www.nj.gov/dep/gis/geowebsplash.htm

Fees: none

Ordering_Instructions: none

Metadata_Reference_Information:

Metadata_Date: 20161128

Metadata_Contact:

Contact_Information:

Contact_Organization_Primary:

Contact_Organization:

State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP).

Contact_Person: Patrick Woerner

Contact_Position: GIS Specialist

Contact_Address:

Address_Type: mailing and physical

City: Upper Freehold Township, Robbinsville

State_or_Province: NJ

Postal_Code: 08691

Contact_Voice_Telephone: 609-259-6967

Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 609-259-8155

Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: Patrick.Woerner@dep.nj.gov

Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata

Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998

Metadata_Time_Convention: local time