How to Request NYNHP Data

Information regarding the locations of rare species is considered sensitive. The distribution of information which identifies the locations of rare species or their habitats may lead to the collection or disturbance of the animals and plants at those locations.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has the legal authority, under New York State Environmental Conservation Law, to restrict access to such information. The DEC has adopted a policy regarding the release of information compiled by the New York Natural Heritage Program. Under this policy, information on the locations and identities of rare species is provided to requesters at the level of detail necessary to enable fully informed decision-making while protecting the sensitive resource. For general information, or for information on a large geographic area, please contact us at the address below.

How to Request Information for a Project Site

The New York Natural Heritage Program will review locations of sites of projects, activities, and SEQR-subject actions for any records of rare species or significant natural communities in our databases which may be impacted by the project or action. To request a review of a specific project site, please write to the address below, and include the following information.

Why you need the information (i.e., environmental assessment under SEQR, management plan)
Brief description of the proposed project or activity (i.e., residential development, landfill siting)
Brief description of the current land use at the project site
Name of all counties and towns where the proposed project is located
Photocopy of a map, preferrably a 7½ minute U.S.G.S. topographical map, at a scale that includes identifiable geographic features
Boundary of the proposed project clearly marked or highlighted on the map photocopy

Requests for data on specific project sites are processed in the order in which they are received. Response time is approximately 2-4 weeks from the date your request is received in our office, but it may be longer if there is a backlog or if your request does not contain all the needed information.

If you do not receive a response within 4 weeks, do not assume we have no data to report. We provide a written response to all information requests, regardless of whether or not we have data to report.

Since our office receives many requests each day, we strongly encourage you to submit your request during the early stages of a project. Please note that Heritage information is also available at each regional office of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Please send requests for information in writing to:

NYSDEC-DFWMR
NY Natural Heritage Program-Information Services
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4757
Phone: (518) 402-8935
Fax: (518) 402-8925