This document discusses the development of a lexicon and common terminology to organize regional conservation projects and inform revisions to state wildlife action plans in the Northeast. It describes an approach used to develop a lexicon through state surveys, literature reviews, and meetings to identify preferred terms and processes. The goal was to find a balance between state autonomy and regional consensus on terms to describe different plan elements, like species, habitats, threats, and actions. The document provides examples of the lexicon approach and principles developed through this regional coordination process.