NJDEP Species Based Habitat, Vernal Habitat, Version 3.3, 20170509 (Envr_hab_ls_v3_3_vernalhabitat)

Metadata also available as

Metadata:


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, Vernal Habitat, Version 3.3, 20170509 (Envr_hab_ls_v3_3_vernalhabitat)
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:
In 2001, ENSP partnered with Rutgers University Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis (CRSSA) to develop a method for mapping potential vernal pools throughout New Jersey. Through an on-screen visual interpretation of digital orthophotography, CRSSA identified over 13,000 potential pools throughout the state. A subset of these pools was field verified and confirmed, with an 88% accuracy rate, to meet the physical characteristics to qualify as a vernal pool (Lathrop et al. 2005). In accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:7A-1.4, the term "vernal habitat" includes a vernal pool - or the area of ponding - plus any freshwater wetlands adjacent to the vernal pool. Vernal habitat areas mapped in the Landscape Project rely upon those data developed by the DEP and CRSSA to identify sites that should be field checked for possible identification as vernal habitats areas. DEP staff is in the process of field-verifying these pools. The Department also maps vernal habitat areas based upon on-the-ground assessment of sites not captured by the CRSSA mapping. The Landscape Project includes all of the CRSAA-identified sites, as well as sites identified by on-the-ground reconnaissance, categorized as either "potential vernal habitat areas" or "vernal habitat areas" as defined below: Potential vernal habitat area - These are areas identified by CRSSA as possibly containing a vernal pool that meets the criteria of a "vernal habitat" pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:7A-1.4. These sites include sites that have been field inspected and have been found to meet the physical characteristics of a vernal habitat, but for which biological criteria have not yet been measured, as well as sites that have not been checked by DEP staff. Vernal habitat areas - These are areas that contain pools that have been field-verified by the Department and have been determined to meet both the physical and biological characteristics of a vernal habitat in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:7A-1.4. All areas mapped as "potential vernal habitat areas" and "vernal habitat areas" are derived from a point location estimated to be the center of an individual vernal pool and include all areas within 300 meters of the point. Note that the occurrence area is not intended to suggest or correspond with any specific regulatory requirement. Rather, the area added around the point accounts for variations in the size of individual vernal pools, variations in the width of freshwater wetlands adjacent to the pool, plus adjacent habitats sufficient to include the estimated home range for vernal pool obligate species. If there is an overlap between areas mapped around two or more nearby points, the boundaries are conjoined to generate contiguous patches. If the resulting patch contains areas mapped as "vernal habitat area" and areas mapped as "potential vernal habitat areas," the entire patch is labeled as a "vernal habitat area."
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: -75.586992
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -73.900743
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.352902
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 38.931212
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

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:
Potential and vernal pools are buffered by 300 meters. Date stamp is approximate.
Process_Date: 20161001
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
If there is an overlap between areas mapped around two or more nearby points, the boundaries are conjoined to generate contiguous patches. Date stamp is approximate.
Process_Date: 20161002
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
If the resulting patch contains areas mapped as "vernal habitat area" and areas mapped as "potential vernal habitat areas," the entire patch is labeled as a "vernal habitat area." Date stamp is approximate.
Process_Date: 20161003

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: 3181

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: vernal_habitat_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: VPH_ID
Attribute_Definition: Unique ID to identify vernal habitat
Attribute_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Unrepresentable_Domain: Unique ID to identify vernal habitat
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: VPH_TYPE
Attribute_Definition: The type of vernal habitat a polygon represents
Attribute_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Potential vernal habitat area
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
These are areas identified by CRSSA as possibly containing a vernal pool that meets the criteria of a "vernal habitat" pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:7A-1.4. These sites include sites that have been field inspected and have been found to meet the physical characteristics of a vernal habitat, but for which biological criteria have not yet been measured, as well as sites that have not been checked by DEP staff.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE
Attribute_Domain_Values:
Enumerated_Domain:
Enumerated_Domain_Value: Vernal habitat area
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition:
These are areas that contain pools that have been field-verified by the Department and have been determined to meet both the physical and biological characteristics of a vernal habitat in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:7A-1.4.
Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE
Attribute:
Attribute_Label: REGION
Attribute_Definition: The Landscape Region that contains the centroid 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: 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.
Detailed_Description:
Entity_Type:
Entity_Type_Label: vernal
Entity_Type_Definition:
contains relationship based on VPH_ID between vernal habitat feature class and vernal pool feature class
Entity_Type_Definition_Source: NJDEP FISH AND WILDLIFE
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

Generated by mp version 2.9.12 on Fri Dec 21 09:26:27 2018