Requesting Data
Information on how people can request rare species and exemplary natural community data in New Hampshire.
What Data Can Be Requested From NHB?
The Natural Heritage Bureau (NHB) maintains a database of known locations of rare plants, tracked animal species, and exemplary natural communities. Information regarding the location and population of a rare species or exemplary natural community may be released to landowners or their representatives. NHB also releases data to our partners through Data Sharing Agreements. These data are used for a variety of purposes including research, land use planning, and project planning for State and Federal permitting.
NHB may withhold information about the location and population of a species or natural community if we determine that disclosures of such information would threaten the survival of that or another species or natural community in any way.
How Can Data Be Requested?
The DataCheck Tool is an online data screening tool provided by the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) and NHB where the public can screen a proposed project for known locations of rare species and exemplary natural communities. This tool is used by applicants to satisfy a requirement of permit and grant applications in New Hampshire.
Call (603) 271-0687 or email nhbreview@dncr.nh.gov with any DataCheck Tool questions.
If you are interested in learning whether any rare species or exemplary natural communities have been documented on your property, NHB can check its database and provide you with a Landowner Request letter. A Landowner Request letter contains a map of your property with information about any known rare species locations on the property, plus a list of any species or natural communities observed within one mile. Landowner Requests cannot be used to satisfy permit or regulatory requirements. You may only submit a landowner request for your own property or, if you are an agent acting for a landowner, you can make this request on the landowner's behalf with the landowner’s written permission. For example, a forester developing a forest management plan may submit a Landowner Request on behalf of their client. This service is free of charge.
Call (603) 271-0687 or email LandOwner.inquiry@dncr.nh.gov for any Landowner request questions.
A Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) is a signed agreement that grants a specific user access to some of NHB’s data for a specific purpose for one year. A DSA is usually most appropriate for areas significantly larger than an individual property. It states the conditions regarding how the data can and cannot be used. Types of DSAs that NHB can provide include a list of species and natural community names, or more detailed digital data (e.g., Geographic Information System [GIS] shapefiles), which the user can utilize to make a map. NHB may not be able to release full record details or location information due to landowner sensitivity concerns. Users are prohibited from distributing the data. Users are also prohibited from releasing maps or any products that contain location information or other details.
Call (603) 271-2823 or email nhbdatamanager@dncr.nh.gov for any Data Sharing Agreement questions.
Which Option Is For Me?
Do you need to complete a permit or grant application in New Hampshire that requires…
- A copy of a NHB report indicating that the project has been screened for species of concern?
- A list of protected species or habitats potentially impacted by the proposed project?
- A NHB ID number?
Use the DataCheck Tool to complete the NHB review process
Are you curious if any rare species are known on your property? Are you creating a forest management plan that does not require permits?
Fill out a Landowner Request form
Are you a land trust for land conservation prioritization? Are you a consultant preparing a study for a large transportation or utility project? Are you a college student conducting research on rare species or habitats?
Sign a Data Sharing Agreement
Database Disclaimer
Please note that very little of New Hampshire has been inventoried for biodiversity, so even if something is on your property, it has probably not been recorded. NHB’s database can only tell you of known occurrences that have been reported to NHFG/NHB. Known occurrences are based on information gathered by qualified biologists or members of the public, reported to our offices, and verified by NHB/NHFG. Field surveys are recommended to determine what species/communities are present onsite. NHB is sometimes able to do property-specific inventories for towns or individuals, but only after we have worked out a formal contract to cover our expenses.