This document provides information about the Hudson Valley Natural Resource Mapper tool. It describes the various data layers included in the Estuary Map, Streams Map, Wetlands Map, Forest Map, and Biodiversity Map. These layers contain information on habitats, water resources, land cover, and important biodiversity areas. The document also provides guidance on how to use the mapper tool, request additional natural heritage data, assess if rare species are present, and review local open space plans and priority conservation areas. Users can contact the listed individuals to learn more about the tool and how to incorporate natural resource mapping information into site assessments and planning.

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Ingrid Haeckel, NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell University
Sean Carroll, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County
Hudson Valley Natural Resource Mapper

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www.hudson.dnr.cals.cornell.edu/mapper

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Using the Mapper

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Using the Mapper
• New layers appear
in legend and on map
as you zoom in…

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Using the Mapper
• New layers appear
in legend and on map
as you zoom in…

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Using the Mapper
• Click on a feature
on the map to open
pop-up window
• If there are
multiple features
at that location,
you will have the
option to toggle
between them
(e.g. “1 of 4”)
• Use arrow to
toggle between
layers

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Estuary Map
Includes:
 Migratory fish habitat
 Submerged aquatic
vegetation (SAV)
 Tidal wetlands
 NYSDOS Significant Coastal
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Areas

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Streams Map
Includes:
 Forest & impervious cover
 Stream class, trout status
 Dams and culverts
 Biologically important
barriers
 Water quality monitoring
 FEMA flood hazard zones
 Stream Condition Index
(coming soon)

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Wetlands Map
Includes:
 National Wetlands Inventory
(NWI)
 Wetland soils:
• Probable wetlands: poorly
and very poorly drained
• Possible wetlands:
somewhat poorly drained

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Forest Map
Includes:
 Large forest patches >200 ac
 Matrix forest blocks
 Forest linkage zones

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Biodiversity Map
Includes:
 Significant natural
communities
 Important areas for:
• Rare plants
• Rare animals
 Significant Biodiversity Areas
(SBAs)
 Audubon Important Bird
Areas (IBAs) (coming soon)

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NYNHP Conservation Guides
www.guides.nynhp.org

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Conservation Guide Contents:
- General description, range,
and images; places to see
- Vegetation classification
- Associated rare species
- NYS and global rarity
ranking and trends
- Threats, conservation and
management strategies

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Example: Vernal pool
- Intermittently ponded, shallow
depression in upland forest;
sparsely vegetated, fishless
- Threats: development, habitat
or hydrology alteration…
- Strategies: wetland buffers
- Rare species: mole
salamanders, false hop
sedge Photo by Greg Edinger

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More woodland pool conservation guidance

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FAQ: What if a project is located
in a designated “Important Area”?
• Important Areas are non-regulatory. No action is legally required.
• The town or applicant can contact NYNHP to find out what rare
plant, rare animal, and/or significant ecosystems may be affected.
• NYNHP recommends that the nature and severity of any potential
impacts be considered in the planning, design, and review of the
proposed project/activity.
• The NYNHP conservation guides provide basic guidelines on
minimizing impacts that can be very useful in project reviews.

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Request Natural Heritage Data:
NaturalHeritage@dec.ny.gov

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FAQ: Do rare species occur on the site?
• An NYNHP inquiry will yield results of any
known occurrences, but this inquiry in
itself is insufficient for determining
whether endangered or threatened
species occur on a site.
• Appropriate habitat assessment or rare
species surveys by qualified
professionals may be necessary.
Municipalities have adopted guidelines to
standardize this process.
Photo by M. Adamovic

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Local Plans: Priority Open Space Areas
Priorities identified:
 Large forests
 Wetland complexes
 Critical habitat areas
 Drinking water protection
 Working farmland or forests
 Scenic resources
Town of Pleasant Valley Open Space and Farmland Plan

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Taconic East Priority Area
Priority for coordinated conservation efforts based
on existing conserved lands, high quality natural
resources, and large contiguous open spaces
extending into the Town of Washington.
Important conservation goals in this area include
conservation of high quality forests, critical habitat
areas and protection of water quality.

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Summary of Findings
• What habitats are on or near the site?
• Are there important connections to
other offsite habitats?
• Are there any documented rare
plants or animals in the area?
• Any other features of conservation
consideration?
Photo by Laura Heady

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Questions?
Connect with us:
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/NYSDEC
Twitter: twitter.com/NYSDEC
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/nysdec
Ingrid Haeckel
Conservation & Land Use Specialist
ingrid.haeckel@dec.ny.gov
Hudson River Estuary Program
and Cornell University
Photo by Laura Heady
Sean Carroll
Community Environmental Educator
smc427@cornell.edu
Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Dutchess County

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Site Resource Analysis Assessment Checklist
Example from the Town of Rhinebeck
 stream and waterbody buffers?
 significant habitats or wildlife corridors?
 active farmland?
 scenic and historic resources?
 possible trail connections?

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NYS Breeding Bird Atlas (2000-2005)

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Black-and-White Warbler
Audubon Bird Conservation Guidance

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New York Nature Explorer