Looking for data on specific plants and herps

The South Atlantic project improving how the Blueprint incorporates range-restricted and at-risk species is making good progress. It’s now looking for additional data on some species that haven’t already been included in a report or database. See the message below from Anne Chazal, the project manager from Virginia Natural Heritage:

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For the 10 species listed below, are there data ‘on a desktop’ or in field notes of years gone by, that just have not made it to any report or database?

We are interested mainly in newer spatial data which are not currently reflected in any Biotics database. We do not need new attribute data for a known location, as the model is trained based upon accurate location polygons. However, to help us scrutinize the polygon better (e.g. accuracy of mapping, changes of the habitat since observation etc.) it would be nice to have associated data if possible. If the data reflect an extension of the species’ range it becomes more imperative that we include it.

With regards to data sensitivity, we are very conscious of that issue and take it very seriously. We will not share the data beyond our partner program (FNAI), and the model output will not reveal exact locations. We would be willing to sign a data sharing agreement if necessary. And, of course, those providing data can be provided model outputs.

We can accept the data in a format that is easiest for the reporter. A shapefile, a .kmz file from Google Earth, table of coordinates, a copy of a topo with the area marked, etc. There should be a rather high certainty for where the species observed is being mapped, but it can include probable suitable habitat.

Please send info to Anne Chazal (Anne.Chazal@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-9014).