The Virginia Natural Heritage Data Explorer (VANHDE) is an online environmental review tool that expedites determinations about whether rare, threatened and endangered (R,T&E) species are potentially impacted by land or water development projects. The VANHDE includes spatial data layers representing reference datasets (e.g. boundaries, roads, hydrology), conservation priority areas, predicted suitable habitat models for R,T&E species, as well as known R,T&E species location data.  These datasets are provided via VANHDE through open access and/or subscription based on user needs. The VANHDE system automates the review of more than 1,500 projects annually by analyzing the potential impacts to R,T&E species and other natural features known and predicted to occur within the affected area of a proposed project. In addition to providing guidance to project proponents, the system also serves as a resource for conservation planning to promote proactive consultation at the earliest stages of project development. The VANHDE system is built on a shared platform co-developed by NatureServe and its Network Programs to be easily implemented in any jurisdiction. Besides Virginia, the tool is also deployed in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Louisiana, Missouri, Arizona, New Mexico and Nebraska, with other state sites in development.  To bolster the functionality and value of these tools, efforts are currently underway to garner support and funding to develop a complete and current set of predictive suitable habitat models for all listed species in the U.S., so that ERT’s can consistently serve planning project siting and regulatory review requirements across jurisdictions.<br/>

Making better environmental impact decisions using Virginia’s Natural Heritage Data Explorer

254th National Meeting (2017)

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