DEP performs hundreds of environmental reviews each year to determine the impact of proposed development projects on state listed species and to help landowners conserve the state’s biodiversity. State agencies are required to consult with the Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) to ensure that any activity authorized, funded or performed by a state agency does not threaten the continued existence of endangered or threatened species. Other applicants for certain state and local permits may also be required to consult with the NDDB as part of the permit process.

Maps have been developed to serve as a pre-screening tool to help applicants determine if there is a potential impact to state listed species. Shaded areas ("blobs") on the maps depict approximate locations of state and federal listed species and significant natural communities. If a project falls within a shaded area, the applicant must submit an Environmental Review Request Form, a map, and a project description to the NDDB for further review. When consulting the maps, please consider the entire area impacted by a project, including any potential runoff or other associated disturbance, not just the project's immediate footprint. If the project occurs along a wetland or watercourse, the applicant should include areas upstream and downstream within a half mile in the review.

The DEP will provide recommendations for avoiding impacts to state listed species. Additional on-site surveys may be requested of the applicant depending on the nature and scope of a project. Not all land use choices will impact the particular species that is present. Often, minor modifications to a proposed plan can alleviate conflicts with state listed species. For this reason, applicants should apply early in the planning stages of a project.

Local planning and zoning boards are the primary authority over private development in their towns. The DEP encourages municipal agents to use the environmental review process and to consider impacts to state listed species when making land use decisions.

View maps by Town

Natural Diversity Data Base Review and Request Form
Word 103K; PDF 46K, DEP-APP-007, 2 Pages, Rev. 01/09/06; DEP-INST-007, 2 Pages, Rev. 12/03/07 

Content Last Updated December 2007