The Biodiversity Resources Center’s (BRC) Habitat Mapping Program carries out large-scale (usually townwide) projects to identify and map habitats of special ecological importance. Hudsonia biologists use a variety of map and GIS resources to create a preliminary map of significant habitats. We then conduct field assessments to verify and correct the habitats on the preliminary map.

Topographic maps, soils maps, and aerial photos are some of the resources we use to create a preliminary habitat map.

Above is a small section of a habitat map produced by Hudsonia. Developed areas (e.g., buildings and their immediate surroundings, parking areas, roads) are shown in white.

Finally we produce large format maps depicting the location of important upland and wetland habitats, many of which are entirely unprotected by federal, state, or local statutes yet are essential components of the ecosystems that support the human community and the rest of the natural world. We write descriptive reports to accompany the maps, which include descriptions of all of the habitat types found in the study area, and provide conservation and management recommendations. In public presentations and in hands-on workshops with town agencies we discuss our findings and our recommendations for incorporating biodiversity protection into the town master plan, open space plan, zoning ordinance, and site-specific planning and decision-making. We emphasize the importance of using the habitat information early in the process of siting and designing new development, so that ecological concerns can be considered at the outset along with other concerns.

Click map to view a larger image of Hudsonia’s mapping projects in Dutchess County

We have now completed townwide habitat maps for 7 towns in Dutchess County (Amenia, East Fishkill, North East, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Stanford, and Washington), and are working on two more in 2008-2009 (Beekman and Pine Plains). We have mapped additional large areas (smaller than entire towns) in both Ulster and Dutchess Counties. We hope that these projects will raise the profile of biodiversity concerns for landowners and for municipal agencies that are routinely engaged in land use planning and decision-making.  Our habitat maps and reports are available to the public (click here for more information).

We are grateful to the Town of Beekman, the Dyson Foundation, the Hudson River Estuary Program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Marilyn Milton Simpson Charitable Trusts, the Millbrook Tribute Garden (through the Dutchess Land Conservancy), and the Town of Rhinebeck for funding these projects.

For more information about the Habitat Mapping program, contact Biodiversity Mapping Coordinator Kristen Bell or BRC Director Gretchen Stevens at 845-758-0600.

Hudsonia biolologists checking habitats in the field

Hudsonia, a tax-exempt not-for-profit corporation of the State of New York, classified 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service, relies on the generous, tax-deductible contributions from members of our community to sustain our research and education. We appreciate your support of our work.