Identification_Information: Citation: Citation_Information: Originator: Andrea Shea Bishop (Botanist), Todd Crabtree (Botanist), Roger McCoy (Program Coordinator), Silas Mathes (Data Manager), David Withers (Zoologist), Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program Publication_Date: July 21, 2009 Title: TN Natural Heritage Program Element Occurrence Data 09 July 2009 Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: vector digital data Series_Information: Series_Name: eor_21aug07 Publication_Information: Publication_Place: Nashville, TN USA Publisher: Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Divsion of Natural Areas Description: Abstract: Tennessee Division of Natural Areas Element Occurrence Data Shapefile for Partner Agencies The Tennessee Natural Heritage Program, in collaboration with Natureserve and its other member Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centres, maintains a database of rare and imperiled species and plant communities for the state of Tennessee. The Element Occurrence (EO) records that form the core of the Tennessee Natural Heritage database include information on the location, status, characteristics, numbers, condition, and distribution of elements of biological diversity using established Natural Heritage Methodology developed by NatureServe and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). An Element Occurrence (EO) is an area of land and/or water in which a species or natural community is, or was, present. An EO should have practical conservation value for the Element as evidenced by potential continued (or historical) presence and/or regular recurrence at a given location. For species Elements, the EO often corresponds with the local population, but when appropriate may be a portion of a population or a group of nearby populations (e.g., metapopulation). For community Elements, the EO may represent a stand or patch of a natural community, or a cluster of stands or patches of a natural community. Because they are defined on the basis of biological information, EOs may cross jurisdictional boundaries. An Element Occurrence record is a data management tool that has both spatial and tabular components including a mappable feature and its supporting database. EOs are typically represented by bounded, mapped areas of land and/or water or, at small scales, the centroid point of this area. EO records are most commonly created for current or historically known occurrences of natural communities or native species of conservation interest. They may also be created, in some cases, for extirpated occurrences. Purpose: The Element Occurrence (EO) data are collected and maintained by the Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centres using a standardized methodology to provide accurate and current biodiversity and conservation information to public and private agencies and individuals. The primary emphasis is on species and ecological communities that are rare or otherwise imperiled. Uses of the data can include: natural resource management, conservation planning, environmental review, biological and ecological research, land acquisition, and economic development. Through aggregation of the EO data at regional, national, or range-wide scales, these data can be used to examine broad patterns and set priorities in a global context. Time_Period_of_Content: Time_Period_Information: Range_of_Dates/Times: Beginning_Date: 1841 Ending_Date: July 9, 2009 Currentness_Reference: 1841-2009 Status: Progress: In work Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: Continually Spatial_Domain: Bounding_Coordinates: West_Bounding_Coordinate: -90.399116 East_Bounding_Coordinate: -81.675176 North_Bounding_Coordinate: 36.694636 South_Bounding_Coordinate: 34.881566 Keywords: Theme: Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: none Theme_Keyword: conservation Theme_Keyword: rare Theme_Keyword: threatened Theme_Keyword: endangered Theme_Keyword: biodiversity Theme_Keyword: NatureServe Theme_Keyword: species Theme_Keyword: natural community Theme_Keyword: Conservation Data Centre Theme_Keyword: Natural Heritage Program Theme_Keyword: Environment and Conservation Place: Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: none Place_Keyword: United States Place_Keyword: Tennessee Place_Keyword: Tennessee Valley Authority Access_Constraints: Heritage information is only for the intended use of the individual or organization who requested it. This database and accompanying files may not be distributed in any way without the consent of the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program. Use of the data is subject to the terms of a license agreement developed between the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program and the information requestor. The Heritage Data is licensed only to the agency or individual who subscribed to it. Providing Heritage's digital database data to a non-subscribing individual or agency is prohibited. The Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program will provide [Organization Name], with data for a specific time period access to an electronic copy of the Licensed Dataset provided under contract between the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program and [Organization Name]. This license entitles a specific number of Organization Name] employees, hereinafter referred to as the "data users", to have access to the Licensed Dataset. Hard copy maps may be generated and used by additional personnel of [Organization Name]. The Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program will provide the data users all necessary data, metadata, and support necessary to ensure proper use of the Licensed Dataset. Use_Constraints: Use of the Licensed Dataset by the data users shall be governed by the following provisions: A. The Licensed Dataset provided by the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program will be used by the data users to [Purpose for Use of Licensed Dataset]. When making conservation management decisions that impact species at a local scale, the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program strongly recommends that the data users employees consult with the contributing Natural Heritage Programs to ensure that the data users have access to all available species information and expertise. B. The Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program grants to the data users during the term of this agreement a limited, nonexclusive, right of access to the electronic version of the Licensed Dataset. The dataset is non-transferable, except in the event of corporate reorganization during the license term, upon which the same data users may have access under the reorganized corporate name. The data and information provided therein are solely for internal use by [Organization Name]; provided that those with access to the data and information shall in all respects treat them as the proprietary information of NatureServe and contributing NHPs in accordance with all procedures reasonably necessary to protect their proprietary rights in the data and information. The data users shall include the terms, conditions and procedures for protecting proprietary information on any products derived from these data. C. The Licensed Dataset will reside with [Organization Name]. The Licensed Dataset may only be accessed by [Organization Name] representatives. D. The data users shall not distribute any products derived from the Licensed Dataset outside the [Organization Name] without written permission from the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program. The Data Users must ensure that all data products present the data in a way that will not compromise any species populations; therefore the data users shall: (1) not display specific locational data for any 'named' species, but shall at most indicate that there is a sensitive species at a specific area, or (2) randomize within a USGS Quadrangle the precise location of a 'named' species, or (3) for a 'named' species location with a precise location, the data users should 'zoom out' the area far enough that the user cannot tell where the species is located on the ground. The only allowable exception to displaying specific locational data for a named species would occur when data included in the Licensed Dataset is otherwise obtained from a source independent from NatureServe and the member Natural Heritage Programs for the Licensed Dataset. The data users shall reserve the right to publish and disseminate summary reports, journal publications, PhD dissertations or maps based on the Licensed Data Set. E. No interest whatsoever is conveyed to [Organization Name] in right, title and interest in the Licensed Dataset, the data, the information and all copyrights (and renewals thereof) secured therein. All publication, dissemination and other rights in the Licensed Dataset are reserved to the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program in all languages, formats and throughout the world for the sole and exclusive use or any other disposition by the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program or their assignees or grantees at any time and from time to time without any obligation or liability to any User. F. The Licensed Dataset provided by the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program is not to be distributed to other agencies, organizations, companies, or individuals without prior written consent of the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program. Requests received by [Organization Name] from other groups, organizations, or individuals for electronic or paper copies of lists, or other reports, or portions of the data thereof, should be directed to Silas Mathes at the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program at 7th Floor L&C Annex, 401 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37243 at (615) 532-0440. G. License to use this dataset expires on DD/MM/YYYY, (or 12 months from delivery of data to [Organization Name]), whichever is later. Upon expiration of the Licensed Dataset, [Organization Name] will delete the Licensed Dataset from their active computer systems, and [Organization Name] shall not generate new maps, risk assessments, data analyses or other products from the Licensed Dataset after that date. If all parties agree, [Organization Name] has the option to extend use of the Licensed Dataset after the term of this agreement expires by amending this license and receiving an updated version of the Licensed Dataset from the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program. H. The data users will provide appropriate citation and/or acknowledgment on all products, publications or media announcements derived from the Licensed Dataset. The following citation and acknowledgement statement should be used on publications or other products. As appropriate, the Division of Natural Areas logo should also be used on publications or other products where the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program contributed data or information. Citation (used when data are included in a publication): Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Natural Areas . Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Database. Nashville, Tennessee. U.S.A. Data source statement (used under graphic or map): Data Source: the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program. Acknowledgement Statement (included on data products as appropriate): This information is provided by Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program (tn.gov/na) and NatureServe (www.natureserve.org), leading sources of information about rare and endangered species, and threatened ecosystems. Warranty Statement (included on data products as appropriate): The absence of data in any particular geographic area does not necessarily mean that species or ecological communities of concern are not present. (Often used on maps when brief text is needed). OR These data are dependent on the research and observations of many scientists and institutions, and reflect our current state of knowledge. Many areas have never been thoroughly surveyed, however, and the absence of data in any particular geographic area does not necessarily mean that species or ecological communities of concern are not present. These data should not be regarded as a substitute for on-site surveys required for environmental assessments. If ground-disturbing activities are proposed on a site, the appropriate state natural heritage program(s) or conservation data center should be contacted for a site-specific review of the project area. For contact information, see the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program site at tn.gov/environment/na or the Natureserve site at www.natureserve.org. I. The data disclosure restrictions set forth above shall remain in effect after the expiration of this Agreement. Point_of_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Person_Primary: Contact_Person: Silas Mathes Contact_Organization: Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program Contact_Position: Heritage Data Manager Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: 7th Floor L&C Annex, 401 Church Street City: Nashville State_or_Province: TN Postal_Code: 37243 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (615) 532-0440 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (615) 532-0046 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: silas.mathes@tn.gov Data_Set_Credit: The Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program develops and maintains data in conjunction with Natureserve and the network of Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centres, which is made up of 75 independent centers in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Security_Information: Security_Classification_System: Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program Security_Classification: Restricted, Sensitive Security_Handling_Description: The Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program Element Occurrence information is only for the intended use of the individual or organization who requested it. This database and accompanying files may not be distributed in any way without the consent of the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program. Native_Data_Set_Environment: Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.2 (Build 3790) Service Pack 2; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.3.0.1770 Data_Quality_Information: Attribute_Accuracy: Attribute_Accuracy_Report: 1) Conservation Status Ranks: The Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program and NatureServe have conducted quality control checks to assure that the local, national and global status information are consistent for the element range-wide. 2) Federal Status Designations: Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program and NatureServe staff update databases with changes in status due to proposals and determinations to add taxa to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants within two weeks of publication in the Federal Register. Addition and removal of candidates in Notices of Review or Notices of Reclassification are entered within four weeks of their publication. Where species have a partial or mixed federal status designation, the correct federal status has been assigned at the element occurrence level and only those occurrence records that are federally listed have been provided. 3) Taxonomy is constantly being updated based on the publication of new sources. See taxonomic system metadata for information about taxonomic procedures and sources for all taxonomic groups potentially included in the dataset. Logical_Consistency_Report: Spatial Data: All element occurrence records are mapped as accurately as recorded by member programs with at least a general (defined as within 8 kilometers, 5 miles, or to quad or place name) precision. Element occurrence (EO) locations are either (a) plotted manually on 1:24,000 USGS topographical maps, assigned a mapping precision of one of 3 primary levels: seconds, minutes and general, and the coordinates are calculated in latitude and longitude using a map overlay; or (b) mapped in GIS using the Biotics Mapper tool (see process steps for information about mapping in this system). For point EOs, coordinates represent the population centroid of the element occurrence. Spatial data are updated and reviewed by the member programs on an ongoing basis. Plotted latitudes/longitudes are checked by the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program staff against standard digital themes such as counties, watershed, and USGS quadrangles, and any discrepancies are resolved in consultation with the appropriate member program. Any Element Occurrences known to be incorrectly identified or mapped have been excluded. Completeness_Report: These data are dependent on the research and observations of many scientists and institutions, and reflect our current state of knowledge. Many areas have never been thoroughly surveyed, however, and the absence of data in any particular geographic area does not necessarily mean that species or ecological communities of concern are not present. In addition, new plants and animals are still being discovered. These data should not be regarded as a substitute for on-site surveys required for environmental assessments. If ground-disturbing activities are proposed on a site, the appropriate state natural heritage program(s) or conservation data center should be contacted for a site-specific review of the project area. For contact information, see the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program site at tn.gov/environment/na or the Natureserve site at www.natureserve.org. Specific project deliverables include detailed information about data completeness for that dataset, including information from individual member programs. Federally Listed Species occuring in Tennessee: All are tracked. Taxonomic Completeness: No species are omitted on the basis of their taxonomic classification; however, some taxonomic groups are not represented because no rare species have been identified (e.g. fungi). Geographic Completeness: Geographic gaps exist in the dataset for the national parks located in Tennessee because of federal laws protecting rare species data on National Parks. The park boundaries are included in the dataset. The two largest parks where data is not mapped are: 1. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area located on the northern portion of the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, encompassing 195 square miles. 2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park located in southeastern Tennessee, encompassing 800 square miles in Tennessee and North Carolina. Positional_Accuracy: Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy: Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Report: Data is mapped using 1:24000 Scale USGS Quadrangle Topographic Maps Quantitative_Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Assessment: Horizontal_Positional_Accuracy_Value: 1:24000 Lineage: Process_Step: Process_Description: For the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program and NatureServe Database products, one of the following general processes is used to create Element Occurrence datasets: (1) For point Element Occurrences, the centrum point locational data are exported from the heritage database to an ASCII text file. The ASCII file is imported into ArcView 3.2, converted to a Dbase table, viewed as an event theme, and then converted to a shapefile. The attribute table is edited as needed to standardize the data. For selected projects, the point EOs are converted to circular polygons using default buffers based on the Precision_BCD values that mimic the initial conversion from point data to Biotics Mapper and the new EO methodology. The following are the default conversion values: S=0.062 mi, M=1.491 mi, and G=4.971 mi. (2) For polygon Element Occurrences, the spatial data is joined to attribute data from Biotics Tracker (the tabular component of the data mangement system) for the most current global data such as NatureServe Conservation Status, U.S. Endangered Species Act (USESA) Status, and COSEWIC. As needed, the polygon EO shapefiles are reprojected to a common projection. Process_Date: Ongoing Process_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Organization: Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: 7th Floor L&C Annex, 401 Church Street City: Nashville State_or_Province: TN Postal_Code: 37243 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (615) 532-0440 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (615) 532-0046 Process_Step: Process_Description: Mapping With Biotics Using Biotics (version 4.0) the software essentially walks the user through the process for developing EO reps according to the revised EO methodology. For a comprehensive description of this methodology, see: http://whiteoak.natureserve.org/eodraft/index.htm In addition, Biotics automatically creates and maintains separate themes for different feature types, along with associated attributes. In order to map a new EO using Biotics, the process is as follows: 1. Digitize and Evaluate Source Feature(s) a) Digitize the appropriate source feature (point, line, or polygon), based on the size of the observed area (compared with the minimum mapping unit for the scale map being used), and the amount and direction of uncertainty associated with that location. b) Assign attributes to source feature by entering fields in source feature window. c) If the source feature has areal estimated locational uncertainty, buffer with a graphic using the specified uncertainty distance class as the radius. d) Repeat the preceding three steps for each additional observed area for the Element. e) Evaluate separation distances (obtained from the EO specifications) between source feature(s) and other EO reps and independent source features of the same Element using circular graphics tool with diameter equal to appropriate separation distance. f) Indicate which feature(s) are to comprise an EO; when completed, remove uncertainty buffer graphics. 2. Develop EO Reps a) Based on the grouping of source features and their associated attributes, Biotics will automatically create EO reps, adding any uncertainty or procedural buffers as appropriate. b) Biotics will automatically assign a unique identifier and calculate spatial attributes, storing them with the appropriate themes. c) Periodically, batch import the spatial attributes for EO reps into the tabular EO database (BCD or other), and batch export tabular attributes from the tabular database back into Biotics. Process Description: Derivation of EOs polygons directly from field observations Under current methodology and technology, all EOs are represented as polygon features. These features are derived from field observations that are digitized directly into GIS and buffered by locational uncertainty. Locational uncertainty can be measured/delimited directly from the field, estimated, or negligible (usually <6.25 m in all directions). Observations that are below a minimum mapping unit (12.5 m) distance in either two dimensions (points) or one dimension (lines) and that contain negligible locational uncertainty are buffered using a procedural buffer (6.25 m) to create polygons. Process Description: Derivation of EO polygons from EO point conversion Under older methodology and technology, embodied by the Biological and Conservation Database (BCD), EOs were originally mapped as points on paper maps and then later digitized into GIS as point features. These features were assigned a precision value that indicated the accuracy of the locality of the EO. During conversion of these EOs from points to polygons, this precision value is used to determine the buffer distance used to create the EO polygon. Point EOs with a precision value of seconds (3-second radius) are given a default buffer of 0.062 mi during polygon conversion. Point EOs with a precision value of minutes (1-minute radius) are given a default buffer of 1.491 mi. Point EOs with a precision value of general are given a default buffer of 4.971 mi. Under this older methodology, some EOs were represented as rectangles, with the points of the rectangle representing the northernmost, southernmost, easternmost and westernmost extent of the EO. During conversion to polygons, the shape of these EOs remains a rectangle, but the feature itself is buffered by an estimated locational uncertainty distance. Process Description: Derivation of compound EO polygons Discrete or non-contiguous EO polygons of the same species/element can be aggregated into one compound EO depending upon the distance that separates the non-contiguous EOs. This distance, the separation distance, is the amount of intervening area that determines whether source features of an element should be grouped as part of the same (complex) element occurrence, or should be considered as discrete element occurrences. When available, separation distances are specific to species/elements. When unavailable, a default separation distance of 1km is used. Process_Date: Ongoing Process_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Organization_Primary: Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: 7th Floor L&C Annex, 401 Church Street City: Nashville State_or_Province: TN Postal_Code: 37243 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (615) 532-0440 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (615) 532-0046 Process_Step: Process_Description: NatureServe Central Data Exchange and Reconciliation The Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program database is linked to NatureServe Central's databases and to all the U.S. and Canadian databases of the Natural Heritage Program and Conservation Data Centre member programs through a process of regular annual data exchange and reconciliation. Once a year, the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program program sends its data to NatureServe Central for taxonomic and status reconciliation. If necessary, incoming member program datasets are converted from their native file format to a format that is compatible with the NatureServe Central Databases, and GIS files of Element Occurrences are reprojected to a common projection. NatureServe Central Databases are updated with the latest scientific information developed by the member programs at the state and provincial scale, including updated Element Occurrence data. In return, the Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program database is updated with the latest scientific information developed at the global scale by NatureServe Central. The data exchange and reconciliation process is a primary mechanism by which network data standards are upheld, thus helping to ensure a high level of accuracy, currency and quality to the data. Process_Date: Ongoing Process_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Person_Primary: Contact_Person: Silas Mathes Contact_Organization: Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program Contact_Position: Data Manager Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: 7th Floor L&C Annex, 401 Church Street City: Nashville State_or_Province: TN Postal_Code: 37243 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (615) 532-0440 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (615) 532-0046 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: silas.mathes@tn.gov Process_Step: Process_Description: Metadata imported. Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: C:\DOCUME~1\BG14004\LOCALS~1\Temp\xml1DF.tmp Process_Step: Process_Description: Metadata imported. Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: C:\DOCUME~1\BG14004\LOCALS~1\Temp\xml185.tmp Process_Step: Process_Description: Metadata imported. Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: H:\gis_files\eor_data\eor_14mar07_sp.shp.xml Process_Step: Process_Description: Dataset copied. Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: D:\Silas\GIS\eor_21aug07_sp Process_Step: Process_Description: Metadata imported. Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: H:\gis_files\eor_data\eor_21aug07_sp.shp.xml Process_Step: Process_Description: Dataset copied. Source_Used_Citation_Abbreviation: Spatial_Data_Organization_Information: Indirect_Spatial_Reference: Tennessee Direct_Spatial_Reference_Method: Vector Point_and_Vector_Object_Information: SDTS_Terms_Description: SDTS_Point_and_Vector_Object_Type: G-polygon Point_and_Vector_Object_Count: 13179 Spatial_Reference_Information: Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition: Planar: Map_Projection: Map_Projection_Name: Lambert Conformal Conic Lambert_Conformal_Conic: Standard_Parallel: 35.250000 Standard_Parallel: 36.416667 Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -86.000000 Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 34.333333 False_Easting: 1968500.000000 False_Northing: 0.000000 Planar_Coordinate_Information: Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: coordinate pair Coordinate_Representation: Abscissa_Resolution: 0.000328 Ordinate_Resolution: 0.000328 Planar_Distance_Units: survey feet Geodetic_Model: Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983 Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80 Semi-major_Axis: 6378137.000000 Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257222 Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition: Altitude_System_Definition: Altitude_Resolution: 1.000000 Altitude_Encoding_Method: Explicit elevation coordinate included with horizontal coordinates Entity_and_Attribute_Information: Detailed_Description: Entity_Type: Entity_Type_Label: TNMAP.SDE.NaturalHeritage Entity_Type_Definition: Locational data for species and ecological communities, as defined by NatureServe Heritage methodology. Entity_Type_Definition_Source: NatureServe - Heritage methodology Attribute: Attribute_Label: OBJECTID Attribute_Definition: Internal feature number. Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI Attribute_Domain_Values: Unrepresentable_Domain: Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated. Attribute: Attribute_Label: EO_ID Attribute_Definition: Tennessee Element Occurrence ID Number, used to track each element occurrence at the state natural heritage level. Primary tracking number for Natural Heritage Programs. Attribute: Attribute_Label: EO_NUM Attribute_Definition: Number assigned to an Element Occurrence for a particular species, e.g. Nashville Crayfish Element Occurrence #6 Attribute: Attribute_Label: PRECISION_ Attribute: Attribute_Label: EO_DATA Attribute_Definition: Description of Element Occurence Observation--number of species, threats, health Attribute: Attribute_Label: G_RANK Attribute_Definition: Global Rank - The NatureServe Conservation Status of a species from a global (i.e., rangewide) perspective, characterizing the relative rarity or imperilment of the species or community. Attribute_Definition_Source: NatureServe - Heritage methodology Attribute_Domain_Values: Codeset_Domain: Codeset_Name: NatureServe Global Conservation Status Codeset_Source: For more detailed definitions and additional information, please see: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/granks.htm Rank Definition GX Presumed Extinct (species) - Believed to be extinct throughout its range. Not located despite intensive searches of historical sites and other appropriate habitat, and virtually no likelihood that it will be rediscovered. GH Possibly Extinct (species) - Known from only historical occurrences, but may nevertheless still be extant; further searching needed. G1 Critically Imperiled - Critically imperiled globally because of extreme rarity or because of some factor(s)making it especially vulnerable to extinction. Typically 5 or fewer occurrences or very few remaining individuals (<1,000) or acres (<2,000) or linear miles (<10). G2 Imperiled - Imperiled globally because of rarity or because of some factor(s) making it very vulnerable to extinction or elimination. Typically 6 to 20 occurrences or few remaining individuals (1,000 to 3,000) or acres (2,000 to 10,000) or linear miles (10 to 50). G3 Vulnerable - Vulnerable globally either because very rare and local throughout its range, found only in a restricted range (even if abundant at some locations), or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extinction or elimination. Typically 21 to 100 occurrences or between 3,000 and 10,000 individuals. G4 Apparently Secure - Uncommon but not rare (although it may be rare in parts of its range, particularly on the periphery), and usually widespread. Apparently not vulnerable in most of its range, but possibly cause for long-term concern. Typically more than 100 occurrences and more than 10,000 individuals. G5 Secure - Common, widespread, and abundant (although it may be rare in parts of its range, particularly on the periphery). Not vulnerable in most of its range. Typically with considerably more than 100 occurrences and more than 10,000 individuals. G#G# Numeric range rank (with range no greater than 2); greater uncertainty about a rank is expressed by indicating the full range of ranks which may be appropriate (for example, a G1G3 rank indicates the rank could be G1, G2, or G3). GNR Not yet ranked; status has not yet been assessed. GNA Rank not applicable. GU Unrankable; status cannot be determined at this time. Qualifiers: ? Inexact numeric rank; a question mark added to a rank expresses an uncertainty about the rank in the range of 1 (i.e., +/- 1 rank either way on the 1-5 scale); for example, a G2? rank indicates that the rank is thought to be G2, but could be G1 or G3. Q Questionable taxonomic classification; a "Q" added to a rank denotes questionable taxonomy; it modifies the degree of imperilment and is only used in cases where the element would have a less imperiled rank if it were not recognized as a valid element (i.e., if it were combined with a more common species); a GUQ rank often indicates that the element is unrankable because of daunting taxonomic questions. Attribute: Attribute_Label: CODE Attribute_Definition: Taxonomic Code defined by NatureServe Attribute: Attribute_Label: GEN_DESC Attribute_Definition: General Description - A general (capsule) description or word picture of the area where the Element Occurrence (EO) is located (i.e., the physical setting/context surrounding the EO). Attribute_Definition_Source: NatureServe - Heritage methodology Attribute_Domain_Values: Unrepresentable_Domain: Text description. Attribute: Attribute_Label: Shape Attribute_Definition: Feature geometry. Attribute_Definition_Source: ESRI Attribute_Domain_Values: Unrepresentable_Domain: Coordinates defining the features. Attribute: Attribute_Label: COM_NAME Attribute_Definition: Common Name for Species Attribute: Attribute_Label: SCI_NAME Attribute_Definition: Scientific Name for Species--State Level as set by NatureServe taxonomy and TN Natural Heritage Program Attribute: Attribute_Label: FIRST_OBS Attribute_Definition: First date Element Occurrence was observed. Attribute: Attribute_Label: EO_RANK Attribute_Definition: The relative health of the population described by the element occurrence. Attribute: Attribute_Label: VERSION_DA Attribute_Definition: Date element occurrence was mapped or last edited. Attribute: Attribute_Label: ST_RANK Attribute_Definition: Rank of rarity within Tennessee Attribute_Domain_Values: Enumerated_Domain: Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: S1 Extremely rare and critically imperiled in the state with five or fewer occurrences, or very few remaining individuals, or because of some special condition where the species is particularly vulnerable to extinction S2 Very rare and imperiled within the state, six to twenty occurrences, or few remaining individuals, or because of some factor(s) making it vulnerable to extinction S3 Rare and uncommon in the state, from 21-100 occurrences S4 Widespread, abundant, and apparently secure within the state, but with cause for long-term concern S5 Demonstrably widespread and secure in the state SH Of historical occurrence in Tennessee, e.g. formally part of the established biota, with the expectation that it may be rediscovered SU Can not be ranked using available information SX Believed to be extirpated from the state S#S# Denotes a "range rank" because the rarity of the species is uncertain (e.g. S1S3) S?, S_? Unranked at this time or rank uncertain SE Exotic species established in the state SE# Exotic numeric (e.g. the Asian clam Corbicula fluminea would be SE5) SP Potentially occurring in Tennessee, but not yet documented by DNH _N Occurs in Tennessee in a non-breeding status (mostly applies to vertebrates) Attribute: Attribute_Label: ST_PROT Attribute_Definition: State Legal Protection Level Attribute_Domain_Values: Enumerated_Domain: Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: E, Endangered Any species or subspecies whose prospects of survival or recruitment within the state are in jeopardy or are likely to become so within the foreseeable future T, Threatened Any species or subspecies that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future D, Deemed in Need of Management Any species or subspecies of nongame wildlife which the executive director of the TWRA believes should be investigated in order to develop information relating to populations, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data to determine management measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. This category is analogous to "Special Concern." S, Special Concern Any species or subspecies of plant that is uncommon in Tennessee, or has unique or highly specific habitat requirements or scientific value and therefore requires careful monitoring of its status. Additional Modifiers for Plants PE, Proposed Endangered Any species or subspecies of plant nominated by the Scientific Advisory Committee to be added to the list of Tennessee's endangered species. After approval by the commissioner of the Dept. of Environment & Conservation and the concurrence of the commissioner of Agriculture, these plants will formally become State endangered. PT, Proposed Threatened Any species or subspecies of a plant nominated by the Scientific Advisory Committee to be added to the list of Tennessee threatened species. After a public hearing, these plants will formally become State threatened. E-PT, Endangered-Proposed Threatened Species which are currently on the state list of endangered plants, but are proposed by the Scientific Advisory Committee to be downlisted to threatened. After approval by the commissioner of the Dept. of Environment & Conservation and the concurrence of the commissioner of Agriculture, these plants will formally become State threatened. E-PS, Endangered Proposed Special Concern Species which are currently on the state list of endangered plants, but are proposed by the Scientific Advisory Committee to be downlisted to special concern. After approval by the commissioner of the Dept. of Environment & Conservation and the concurrence of the commissioner of Agriculture, these plants will formally become State special concern. T-PE, Threatened Proposed Endangered Species which are currently on the state list of threatened plants, but are proposed by the Scientific Advisory Committee to be listed on the state endangered list. After approval by the commissioner of the Dept. of Environment & Conservation and the concurrence of the commissioner of Agriculture, these plants will formally become State endangered. Description of Federal and State Ranks & Status Codes T-PS, Threatened Proposed Special Concern Species which are currently on the state list of threatened plants, but are proposed by the Scientific Advisory Committee to be downlisted to special concern. After a public hearing, these plants will formally become State special concern. P, Possibly Extirpated Species or subspecies that have not been seen in Tennessee for the past 20 years. May no longer occur in Tennessee. C, Commercially Exploited Due to large numbers being taken from the wild and propagation or cultivation insufficient to meet market demand. These plants are of long-term conservation concern, but the Division of Natural Heritage does not recommend they be included in the normal environmental review Attribute: Attribute_Label: FED_PROT Attribute_Definition: Federal Legal Protection Level Attribute_Domain_Values: Enumerated_Domain: Enumerated_Domain_Value_Definition_Source: LE, Listed Endangered Taxon is threatened by extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range E/SA,Endangered by Similarity of Appearance Taxon is treated as an endangered species because it may not be easily distinguished from a listed species LT, Listed Threatened Taxon is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future T/SA,Threatened by Similarity of Appearance Taxon is treated as a threatened species because it may not be easily distinguished from a listed species PE, Proposed Endangered Taxon proposed for listing as endangered PT, Proposed Threatened Taxon proposed for listing as threatened C, Candidate species*** Taxon for which the USFWS has sufficient information to support proposals to list the species as threatened or endangered, and for which the Service anticipates a listing proposal (PS) Partial Status (based on taxonomy) Taxon which is listed in part of its range, but for which Tennessee subspecies are not included in the Federal designation (PS:status) Partial Status (based on political boundaries) Taxon which is listed in part of its range, but for which Tennessee populations are not included in the Federal designation e.g. (PS:LE) (XN) Non-essential experimental population in portion of range Taxon which has been introduced or re-introduced in an area from which it has been extirpated, and for which certain provisions of the Act may not apply Attribute: Attribute_Label: TYPE Attribute_Definition: Type of Species Attribute: Attribute_Label: LAST_OBS Attribute_Definition: Date of Last Observation of Element at Location of Element Occurrence Attribute: Attribute_Label: GEN_DESC2 Attribute_Definition: Second Field for Storing General Description (used when description is greater than 256 characters due to shapefile DBF limitation). Attribute: Attribute_Label: EO_DATA2 Attribute_Definition: Second Field for Storing Element Occurrence Data when entry is greater than 256 characters due to shapefile DBF limitation). Attribute: Attribute_Label: ELCODE Attribute_Definition: Element Code -- An "information rich" code that is unique to each species and can be used to identify each species. Attribute: Attribute_Label: DIRECTIO_ Attribute_Definition: Directions describing where occurrence was observed. Attribute: Attribute_Label: DIRECTIO_2 Attribute_Definition: Second field with directions (next 255 characters). Attribute: Attribute_Label: HABITAT Attribute_Definition: Habitat Description at Species Level, Written by TN Natural Heritage Program Attribute: Attribute_Label: PRIM_REF Attribute_Definition: Primary Reference for Element Occurrence Attribute: Attribute_Label: Shape_Leng Attribute: Attribute_Label: Shape.area Attribute: Attribute_Label: Shape.len Overview_Description: Entity_and_Attribute_Overview: Detailed information about the Heritage methodology and data development methods are available online. These materials include detailed explanations and documentation of: Classification - Classification standards, methods, and references for plants, ecological communities, vertebrates, and invertebrates. NatureServe Conservation Status - Conservation status ranks related relative imperilment on global, national, and subnational scales. National Status - U.S. Endangered Species Act and the Committee on Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. Distribution - Data sources for plants, animals, and ecological communities. In addition, there is a summary of the processes used in plant, animal, and ecological community data development Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: http://www.natureserve.org/explorer/methods.htm Overview_Description: Entity_and_Attribute_Overview: Detailed documentation for the Element Occurrence (EO) Data Standard with the revised EO Methodology. NatureServe and the Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centres are currently in the process of implementing this standard and converting existing EO data to meet the updated methodology. Biotics Tracker and Biotics Mapper, the database software, incorporate the updated EO methodology. Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: http://whiteoak.natureserve.org/eodraft/index.htm Distribution_Information: Distributor: Contact_Information: Contact_Person_Primary: Contact_Person: Silas Mathes Contact_Organization: Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program Contact_Position: Data Manager Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: 7th Floor L & C Annex, 401 Church Street City: Nashville State_or_Province: TN Postal_Code: 37243 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (615) 532-0440 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (615) 532-0046 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: silas.mathes@tn.gov Resource_Description: Element Occurrence (EO) data Distribution_Liability: A. NatureServe has received the required consent from the cooperating Heritage Programs to license to the data users access and use of the Licensed Dataset. B. The Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program shall have no liability for any claim of infringement or rights by third parties based on any use of the Licensed Dataset in combination with programs, software, hardware, or equipment not designated by Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program, without prior written approval by Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program, if such infringement could have been avoided had the Licensed Dataset not been so used. C. Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program shall have no liability or responsibility to the data users, or any other person or entity with respect to any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the Licensed Dataset, including but not limited to any interruption of service, loss of business, anticipatory profits or indirect, special, or consequential damages resulting from the use or operation of the Licensed Dataset. D. Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program warrants that the data in the Licensed Dataset has been accurately compiled, and reviewed to ensure compliance with quality control standards. Standard_Order_Process: Digital_Form: Digital_Transfer_Information: Format_Name: ArcView shape file Format_Version_Number: ESRI ArcView GIS 3.3 Format_Specification: ArcView shape file Format_Information_Content: Spatial objects with unique identifiers and coordinate data. File_Decompression_Technique: Delivered compressed and encrypted using WinZip. Password can be obtained from Project Manager or Data request contact. Transfer_Size: 10.152 Digital_Form: Digital_Transfer_Information: Format_Name: DBF Format_Version_Number: Version 4 Format_Specification: Dbase table Format_Information_Content: Attribute data and the unique identifiers of the spatial objects. The identifiers are used to link the spatial objects and attributes. File_Decompression_Technique: Delivered compressed and encrypted using WinZip. Password can be obtained from Project Manager or data request contact. Transfer_Size: 10.152 Digital_Form: Digital_Transfer_Information: Format_Name: MDB Format_Version_Number: Microsoft Access 2000 (9.0.4402 SR-1) Format_Specification: Microsoft Access table and/or database Format_Information_Content: Attribute data and the unique identifiers of the spatial objects. The identifiers are used to link the spatial objects and attributes. File_Decompression_Technique: Delivered compressed and encrypted using WinZip. Password can be obtained from Project Manager or data request contact. Transfer_Size: 10.152 Digital_Form: Digital_Transfer_Information: Format_Name: XLS Format_Version_Number: Microsoft Excel 2000 (9.0.4402 SR-1) Format_Specification: Excel table and/or workbook Format_Information_Content: Attribute data and the unique identifiers of the spatial objects. The identifiers are used to link the spatial objects and attributes. File_Decompression_Technique: Delivered compressed and encrypted using WinZip. Password can be obtained from Project Manager or data request contact. Transfer_Size: 10.152 Fees: Pricing is based on scale of data, geographic coverage, access requirements, and turnaround time required. Please contact distributor for data licensing fee information. Ordering_Instructions: Please contact distributor for information about data requests. Turnaround: The typical turnaround time for most data requests is two weeks. Specific projects or analyses may require additional time. Custom_Order_Process: For information about custom data requests, please see the the TN Division of Natural Areas website: http://tn.gov/na Metadata_Reference_Information: Metadata_Date: 20090820 Metadata_Contact: Contact_Information: Contact_Person_Primary: Contact_Person: Silas Mathes Contact_Organization: Tennessee Natural Heritage Inventory Program Contact_Position: Data Manager Contact_Address: Address_Type: mailing and physical address Address: 7th Floor, L&C Annex City: Nashville State_or_Province: TN Postal_Code: 37243 Country: USA Contact_Voice_Telephone: (615) 532-0440 Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (615) 532-0046 Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: silas.mathes@tn.gov Metadata_Standard_Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998 Metadata_Time_Convention: local time Metadata_Access_Constraints: none Metadata_Use_Constraints: none Metadata_Security_Information: Metadata_Security_Classification_System: none Metadata_Security_Classification: Unclassified Metadata_Extensions: Online_Linkage: http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html Profile_Name: ESRI Metadata Profile