Idaho Technical Guide Notice Number

Natural Resources Conservation Service

9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C

Boise, ID 83709-1574

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February 11, 2004

IDAHO TECHNICAL GUIDE NOTICE NUMBER 215

SUBJECT: Endangered Species – Threatened and Endangered (T/E) Species GIS database.

Purpose: Distribute February 2004 T/E species GIS database

Effective Date: Upon receipt

Filing Instructions: File the notice in the FOTG Section I behind the orange label “Threatened and Endangered Species List”. Make a pen and ink addition to the FOTG Section I Threatened and Endangered List reference (page I-47) adding Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) Conservation Data Center (CDC) – T/E species GIS database February 2004.

Background: Enclosed is an updated T/E species GIS database. All offices are receiving a copy of the database. The database is to be used on all planning activities to assist in meeting our responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act. The NRCS and FSA have entered into a cooperative agreement with the CDC to provide the database on a regular basis. The cooperative agreement gives the FSA access to the database on an as needed basis. For program activities we are assisting FSA and will provide needed T/E species information.

The CDC database with site locations of species of concern, candidate, and T/E species has been updated in GIS format. The uses of this database will give NRCS the most recent and up-to-date information on T/E species throughout the state.

The benefits of using the database include complete access to site information, narratives of site locations with habitat characteristics; maps with site locations identified and database updating with minimal state office and division staff time.

The database is to be used to locate known sightings of T/E species, candidate and species of special concern. The database is not a complete record of every T/E species on all land in Idaho. The database is a compilation of sightings throughout the state. The entire state has not been surveyed for known T/E species. Use the database to backup your decision of the presence or absence of T/E species.

The paper copy of the county list of T/E species in the FOTG (Section I) is the official Federal listing of species that may occur in your county.

Information contained in the T/E species GIS database is sensitive in nature and to be used for planning purposes only by NRCS personnel. The information can be discussed with landowners we are planning with but should not be released to the general public.

The CD contains a word document “Accessing the CDC Database” that provides instructions on operating the database. For assistance with threatened and endangered species and NRCS responsibilities, contact your area biologist or Frank Fink, State Biologist. Contact Roger Hirschman, GIS Coordinator on questions concerning displaying the data.

LEE E. BROOKS

Assistant State Conservationist (TS)

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