DataCheck Tool
Information about the DataCheck Tool, how to use it, and what the results mean.
What Is The DataCheck Tool?
The DataCheck Tool is an online data screening tool provided by the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and the NH Natural Heritage Bureau (NHB) where the public can screen for known locations of rare species and exemplary natural communities. This tool is used by applicants to satisfy a requirement for a permit or grant application in New Hampshire.
What Information Do I Need To Include On A DataCheck?
The Tool requires an applicant to enter basic contact information for themselves and the landowner. Applicants must certify that they have landowner permission to request a DataCheck for the proposed project location.
Information about the proposed project is also required, including the specific permit types needed, the project location, and a brief description of the proposed work.
Applicants must also submit a map of the proposed project area by either using the mapping function on the DataCheck Tool or submitting a map through email or mail to the Bureau.
Can I Submit A DataCheck Without Using The DataCheck Tool?
An alternative to the online DataCheck Tool is the hard copy DataCheck form. For this option you must fill out and submit a completed hard copy DataCheck form (with any attachments) to the Bureau either through mail or email. All the information required is the same for the hardcopy as the online version, the only difference in requesting a DataCheck this way is that a hard copy DataCheck has a required fee of $25.
How Do I Use The DataCheck Tool?
For help using the DataCheck Tool, you can refer to these detailed written instructions, or watch our instructive video on the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) YouTube Page.
I Submitted My Project, What Does This Message Mean?
“No known records” means that based on the mapped area, no impacts to rare species or exemplary natural communities are expected to occur due to the proposed project. This message indicates that no environmental review by NHB staff is needed.
Upon submittal of the project, an email will be sent to the applicant with a DataCheck Letter stating there are no anticipated impacts. This letter is required by NHDES during the permitting process to confirm that NHB and NH Fish and Game (NHF&G) have no concerns about the proposed project.
“Potential impacts” means that there are records of rare species or exemplary natural communities on or near the mapped project area that were flagged by the DataCheck Tool. This message indicates that an environmental review must be conducted by NHB staff.
Visit our Environmental Review page for information on what to do next if you receive this message and to learn about what the environmental review process entails.
If the applicant does not map the proposed project area on the DataCheck Tool, then an environmental review by NHB staff is needed to manually check if there are potential impacts in vicinity of the proposed project area.
Visit our Environmental Review page for information on what to do next if you receive this message and to learn about what the environmental review process entails.
The Natural Heritage Bureau’s DataCheck Tool was developed as a collaborative effort between the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Department of Information Technology.