[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                                                                                                 FIANL PRODUCT FY'94 Task lie
                                                                                                 DCR- Heritage   Natural Resource Maps for Land Planning- 11



                                                        COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA


                                Production and Distribution of Nautual
                                     Resources Maps and Information
                                                    Final Report                                                                                                                        
                                                                 Submitted to:
                                              Virginia Department of Environmental Quality 

                                                                                                                      Prepared by: Tim Berry
                                                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                               Locality Liaison
                                                                                                           Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
                                                                                                             Division of Natural Heritage                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                           Natural Heritage Technical Report '96-15
                                                                                                                               May 15, 1996




                                                                                                                  This project was funded, in part, by the Department
                                                                                                                 of Environmental Quality's Coastal Resources
                                                                                                                 Management Program through Grant #NA370Z0360-                                  
                                                                                                                 01 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
                                      DCR                                                                        Administration, Office of Ocean and Coastal                    
                                Department of Conservation & Recreation                                          Resource Management, under the Coastal Zone                   
                                Conserving Virginia's Natural and Recreational Resources                         Management Act of 1972, as amended.
                    









                                                                 Table of Contents




                   Introduction     ............................................................................................................................1


                   Description of Work and Deliverables             .....................................................................................2

                   Project Assessment        .................................................................................................................5

                            Status of Locality Acceptance         .....................................................................................5

                            Analysis of Project Review Volume              ............................................................................5

                            Challenges      ..................................................................................................................6

                            Conclusions and Opportunities           ....................................................................................7


                                                                       Appendices

                   Appendix 1: Map Creation and Distribution Procedures

                   Appendix 2: Instructions for Natural Heritage Resources Maps, One Minute Precision:
                                   Locality Level

                   Appendix 3: Protected Species Legislation Information Sheet

                   Appendix 4: List of Counties/Cities Contacted, Presented To

                   Appendix 5: VDGIF Fish and Wildlife Information System, On-Line Service Fact Sheet




                                                                      List of Tables


                   Table 1: CRMA and Statewide Requests: Locality vs. Total                    ...................................................6

                   Table 2: CRMA Requestors by Type               ......................................................................................6









                                                        Introduction



               The Virginia Coastal Resource Management Area (CMRA) is home to an impressive array of
               plant and animal species and communities, but the pace of development throughout the region
               poses a substantial threat to this heritage of biodiversity. Local and regional governments in the
               CRMA have the means to shape and control development, but the decisions they make depend on
               the availability and quality of information they use.

               The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and the Virginia Department of
               Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are responsible for protecting and managing numerous
               natural resources in the Commonwealth. In support of these responsibilities, both agencies have
               developed comprehensive and reliable interrelated statewide information systems containing
               thousands of records about flora, fauna, and natural communities. Many of these records have
               been entered into computer databases, but are also supported by manual files and annotated
               topographic maps. These data have been compiled from a number of sources, including field
               collections, museum and herbarium records, and peer-reviewed scientific literature.

               Both agencies apply these data to land use decision-making through the environmental review
               process. In 1993 DCR received 2595 requests for information pertaining to natural heritage
               resources. Over 50% of these requests were referring to projects or areas within the CMRA.
               Less than I% of these CMRA projects or requests were submitted by localities.

               Locality planning offices and regional Planning District Commissions (PDCs) provide inforination
               and guidance to elected officials, developers, and private landowners which shape the
               development of the locality, regardless of the type of zoning and planning regulations in place.
               This project focused on planning office staff, because of the key role they play in information
               distribution in the local development process. A liaison was created between DCR and local and
               regional planners to facilitate inclusion of natural resource data in comprehensive planning,
               zoning, project sitiDgs, open space planning, and other similar efforts. The necessary first step in
               the liaison is to make planning personnel aware of the availabla data and its potential usefulness,
               and to distribute this data in the most accessible format.








                                           Description of Work and Defiverables


                The Locality Liaison pursued several avenues of communication with local and regional
                planners, ranging from map distribution and phone conversations to specially prepared
                seminars.


                The Locality Liaison was in charge of distribution of general location maps of natural heritage
                resources. These maps indicate the general location of natural heritage resources within a locality
                or group of localities and the level of federal and state protection for each resource. This work
                included creating a filing system to organize mailings and to aid in response to requests for
                additional maps. Currently the Department of Conservation (DCR) maintains a supply of two of
                the most recent maps for each locality in the office and keeps the original maps at a copying
                center for quick reproduction if necessary. These maps were distributed to each county and city
                planning office within the CRMA (Coastal Resource Management Area), Planning District
                Commission (PDC) planners, Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) offices with jurisdiction in the
                coastal zone, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) field offices, the Chesapeake Bay
                Local Assistance Department (CBLAD), and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
                Please see the appendix for map creation and distribution procedures.

                The general location maps were distributed with a letter introducing the Locality Liaison program,
                as well as a map instruction sheet, a list of county natural heritage resources, a fact sheet about
                DCR Internet services, and a fact sheet and order form for information services. The map
                instruction sheet was created to encourage planners to utilize the general location maps in land-
                use planning and decision making. Please see the appendix for a copy of these instructions. A
                fact sheet describing agencies, including the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
                (VDGIF), with regulatory responsibilities for listed species and other natural heritage resources
                was also distributed. A copy of this is also included in the appendix.

                Following the August/September 1995 distribution of maps, the Locality Liaison began a follow
                up program to make regional and local planners aware of and facilitate use of natural resource
                data as well as to ensure proper delivery of the maps and other resources. The Locality Liaison
                attempted to call planners in every coastal zone locality and PDC office to introduce the locality
                liaison program. We viewed these phone conversations as an opportunity to answer questions
                pertaining to the available resource data and to get valuable feedback about the usefulness of the
                distributed maps. Notes from these phone conversations were taken and organized into a
                feedback file to inform later map creation and distribution procedures. These conversations often
                provided opportunities to describe the mandates and responsibilities of the different federal and
                state natural resource agencies, answer questions concerning particular species found in the
                counties, and refer planners to regulatory authorities. A listing of county/cities contacted is
                included in the appendix.




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               Because planning personnel can be very busy and difficult to reach, the Locality Liaison
               introduced the liaison program to local planners at the regional PDC meetings. The natural
               heritage resource maps and other data sources were explained and made available at these
               meetings. The PDC meetings also allowed the localities to express their needs for natural
               resource data and identify the sources and types of data currently being used. This avenue of
               communication was particularly effective and was encouraged by support from CBLAD personnel
               who possess a great deal of experience communicating with local planners. Several locality
               requests for information immediately followed these large group meetings. A list of groups to
               whom presentations were made is attached.

               An additional resource to be distributed to local and regional planners is the Natural Area Source
               Book: A guide for land managers. scientists. educators and conservation planners within the
               Virginia Coastal Resources Management Area, produced by DCR. This comprehensive guide to
               natural resources in the coastal zone provides background information on the coastal zone,
               outlines sources of information, and describes the various agencies of importance in the coastal
               zone. It also describes resource management planning for natural areas supporting rare flora,
               fauna, and exemplary natural communities. This Source Book has already been distributed to
               many localities; all remaining CRMA counties, cities, and PDCs will receive a copy when the next
               set of county maps are distributed. Periodic updates to the Source Book will also be distributed.


               The Locality Liaison coordinated with other natural resource agencies to distribute more
               comprehensive information and to identify existing contacts with local and regional
               planners.

               The Locality Liaison had multiple meetings with staff from the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance
               Department and with staff from the Army Corps of Engineers, specifically concerning the Locality
               Liaison program and to communicate about the distribution of natural resource data to local and
               regional planners. CBLAD staff suggested planning our seminars in conjunction with their
               scheduled presentations at PDC meetings regarding the Chesapeake Bay Program and
               comprehensive planning issues. Army Corps of Engineers staff are particularly interested in
               distribution of natural heritage resource information to the permitted public through local planning
               offices. They desire to make natural resource information available during the earliest planning
               stages of development and construction so that the need for regulatory action can be reduced. By
               making natural heritage information more accessible through planning departments, the Army
               Corps of Engineers hopes to achieve higher levels of coordination and cooperation before the
               actual permitting process.

               In addition, the Locality Liaison participated in the Virginia Environmental Management
               Coordination Committee. This committee is attempting to foster inter-agency communication and
               exchange of useful information as well as streamline permitting and review processes. These
               meetings offered an opportunity to introduce the Locality Liaison program and provide updates to
               staff from the ACOE, CBLAD, Virginia Department of Game and hiland Fisheries (VDGIF), the


                                                                 3









               United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Virginia Marine Resources Commission
               (VMRC), the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), the Department of Environmental
               Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Natural Resource Conservation Service
               (NRCS), etc.

               Attempts were made to coordinate with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
               (VDGIF). A description of VDGIF's role in protected species regulation was included in the
               initial fact sheet distributed with the County Natural Heritage Resource Maps. During
               communication with CRMA localities, the Locality Liaison stressed the importance of the role of
               VDGIF in listed animal species regulation and general wildlife issues, and referrals were made to
               VDGIF in all Project Reviews in which listed animal species were identified. The Locality Liaison
               also distributed fact sheets describing VDGIF's Fish and Wildlife Information System on-line
               service (see Appendix). Appropriate reference to VDGIF's resource maps, produced and
               distributed by VDGIF as a separate component of this grant, will be provided in all future locality
               contacts.


               The Locality Liaison worked with environmental review staff to ensure prompt, effective
               response to locality requests for assistance in the coastal zone.

               The Locality Liaison worked with the Natural Heritage Project Review Coordinator to respond to
               information and project review requests concerning the coastal zone. After thorough training in
               environmental review procedures, the Locality Liaison coordinated the ma ority of coastal zone
               projects. This involved reviewing natural resource databases, coordinating with staff botanists,
               ecologists, and zoologists, and drafting written responses.

               DCR possesses hard copy maps of the locations of documented occurrences of natural heritage
               resources, a computer database repository of all species location and status infon-nation (the
               Biological Conservation Database), and a GIS system utilizing an ArcView software application
               developed specifically for project review.

               Environmental review for proposed projects requires consultation with biologists knowledgeable
               about species found in the area. DCR-Division of Natural Heritage zoologists, botanists, and
               ecologists provided valuable expertise and information regarding proposed projects and other
               requests for information. Some CRMA projects required consultation with other agencies not
               previously mentioned, such as the United States Geological Survey.

               The written responses indicate the occurrence or possible presence of listed species or other
               natural heritage resources that may be impacted by proposed projects or may be located within a
               study area. They also include habitat and threat information for species and communities
               mentioned. Responses to projects that may impact listed species always include a referral to the
               appropriate regulatory agency or agencies and a copy of the DCR response is sent to the agency.
               The Locality Liaison also reviewed several parcels proposed for rezoning submitted from local
               planners. In addition, the Locality Liaison and other DCR staff reviewed several rare species
               reports submitted to the Prince William County Planning Department by consultants.


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                                                   Project Assessment


               Status of locality acceptance

               Local planners in the coastal zone of Virginia are eager to receive information pertaining to the
               natural heritage resources found in their county. Almost all counties were pleased to obtain the
               county block maps. Some counties are using this information to screen large scale zoning
               changes or developments (examples include Prince William and Gloucester counties). By far, the
               most frequent use of natural resources information was in comprehensive planning and in creating
               specific planning documents. For example, Henrico county included a modified version of the
               county block map in its comprehensive planning document, while Chesterfield county
               incorporated the information we provided into a riverfront planning project. Many county
               planners expressed interest in making the maps available to the public, with the goal of avoiding
               conflicts between project proposals and protected species regulations, particularly before much
               capital is expended by the landowner or developer.

               The Locality Liaison and Steve Carter Lovejoy, Natural Heritage Information manager, provided
               a seminar to the Prince William County Planning Department. This was the most successful
               contact of the project, to this date. Not only was a great deal of information shared, particularly
               in round table discussion after the seminar, but this meeting led to a shift in approach to liaison
               activities. Group meetings of planners became the focus of reaching county planners. DCR has
               followed this approach by meeting with the majority of coastal planning district commissions and
               is on the schedule for the remaining commissions. These large group meetings (both PDC and
               single planning department) provided an opportunity to explain the use of county block maps in
               an educational format. This resulted in increased contact with planners seeking information
               regarding specific species (such as in the Cities of Fairfax and Hampton) or specific project sites
               (such as in Prince William county).

               Analysis of project review volume

               An initial concern in the development of this project was the extremely low number of information
               requests and projects submitted for review from localities. As a result of this program, the
               number of fon-nal requests submitted by localities has more than doubled from Calendar Year
               1994 to Calendar Year 1995 (see Table 1). The percentage of CMRA requests to come from
               local and regional governments increased from 0.69% in Calendar Year 1994 to 2.02% in
               Calendar Year 1995. The number of CMRA locality requests is still low compared to the overall
               volume of requests handled by Natural Heritage Project Review (see Table 2), but two issues
               mitigate this.

               One is that informal direct contact by phone or in person provided many answers for local
               planners. As local planners develop greater knowledge of and more direct access to information
               about the natural resources and related concerns in their localities, the number of information
               request may decrease.

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                The second mitigating factor is that the General Location County Maps are intended as a
                screening tool, to alert planners, landowners, and developers to the possibility of impacts and the
                need to get more information. They also serve notice that in broad areas of the city/county, in the
                absence of other information, planners, landowners, and developers do not need to pursue further
                information regarding natural heritage resources. When a screening tool like these county maps is
                successful, the number of formal request for information or project review may actually decrease,
                and the percentage of requests that require a substantive response should increase. This has been
                our experience with a related project, the provision of data to the ACOE for screening
                applications for wetland permits.



                                 Table 1: CRMA and Statewide Requests: Locality vs. Total


                 Time Period                     Calendar Year     Calendar Year     Fiscal Year    Fiscal Year
                                                 1994              1995              1994           1995

                 CRMA Locality Requests          9                 23                12             20

                 CRMA Total Requests             1295              1140              1325           1328

                 State Total Requests            2687              2585              2609           2757



                                          Table 2: CRNIA Requestors by Type


           Request              Locality ACOE NRCS Other                  Private    DCR      VDOT VMRC Other
           Type                                                 Fed.                 PRR                            State

           Calendar Year        9           517       8         7          191       495      35         23         8
           1994                           1          1         1         1          1       1          1           1

           Calendar Year        23          437       9           15       165       382      79         14         16
           1995





                Challenges

                This project has revealed several challenges to the distribution and use of natural heritage
                information at the local government level.

                --the busy schedules and deadlines faced by many planners make it difficult to obtain quality
                phone conversations or schedule meetings to assess needs for natural heritage resources
                information.



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                --the large size of some county planning departments makes it difficult to determine who needs
                the data we can provide and to ensure that the personnel with the need are aware of and have
                access to the natural resource information. Specialists working on comprehensive plans, GIS
                systems, or environmental planning for a single county may all benefit from natural heritage
                resource information. It is often difficult to determine the information needs of the varied
                personnel from a phone call to the planning department.

                --requests for natural heritage information tend to taper off following initial contact by the
                Locality Liaison. This may be a result of time demands placed on most planners and reflect the
                number and complexity of issues planning departments manage. Thus, effective contact with
                planning departments needs to be ongoing and proactive. The high turnover rate in locality
                planning staff reinforces this need.

                --locality staff often have interest and information needs for specific local projects of opportunity
                or concern such as natural area restoration or acquisition. Although the project review process
                accesses the expertise of the DCR-Division of Natural Heritage staff, the locality liaison is limited
                in his ability to provide a greater level of support, when additional natural heritage resource
                surveys or on-site inspection/investigation are needed.

                These challenges have allowed for analysis and refinement of the Locality Liaison activities. This
                critical thinking has given rise to new ideas for further and more effective natural resource
                information dissemination. Some of these are described in the next section.



                Conclusions and Opportunities

                --In many large or fast-growing counties, planning department personnel are busy and under time
                pressures such as the CBLAD requirement for updating comprehensive plans. In these situations,
                phone and letter contact is difficult to maintain and may result in natural resource information
                being lost or misplaced. In these cases an environmental education approach is much more
                effective than the "sales" paradigm in conveying information about natural resources to entire
                planning departments. The educational approach allows for a free exchange of ideas, with both
                parties anticipating gaining knowledge, while the selling approach requires our agency to convince
                the planners of their need for natural resources information during a busy office day.

                --Planning departments in some counties are large, complex, and perform many tasks. It is
                important however to reach the entire department because:
                        -it is often difficult to determine exactly who works with natural resource related issues
                        -there may be GIS specialists, environmental planners, comprehensive planners, etc. who
                        will benefit from current and thorough natural resources information
                        -it is important for the managers to understand the benefits of natural resource information
                        and information tools as they manage the employees and deal with large issues at the
                        county scale



                                                                  7









               --Planning department personnel, in general, seem more open to examine new sources of
               information, or new means of distributing information to the public, at conventions, symposiums,
               or seminars. This may reflect an openness to new ideas created by being in a new or different
               environment away from the office. These situations also provide opportunities to distribute
               information to large groups of people at once.

               --The success of this project suggests that avenues should be explored to establish and maintain
               an ongoing, active, and permanent liaison between the Division of Natural Heritage and locality
               planners. Furthermore, opportunities exist for greater, more specific involvement in locality
               projects that result in the protection or restoration of natural areas. We intend to pursue these
               opportunities in the next phase of this project.






































                                                                8

















                                            Appendices





                        --Map creation and distribution procedures
                        --Map instruction sheet
                        --Protected species legislation information sheet
                        --List of counties/cities contacted, presented to
                        --VDGIF Fish and Wildlife Information System
                          On-Line Service Fact Sheet









                                         Map Creation & Distribution Procedures



               1. Map Creation

               1. BCD database is checked for quality control.

                      A. All records are selected that are seconds records or minutes records more recent than
                          1960. This excludes unmappable records, general records, and minutes records
                          previous to 1960.

                      B. The location and extent of these natural heritage resources are checked for accuracy.

               2. For each defined map, all selected records are exported to DOS in ASCH file format.

               3. Selected records are reported into a specific format. (List of resources printed for each
                  map)

               4. ASCII files uploaded to Prime system.

               5. Files undergo a series of formatting programs with final result being conversion into
                  ARC/INFO coverages.

               6. ARC/INFO coverages checked for correct location of resources.

               7. ARC/INFO coverages converted into plot files. During this process data layers of
                  transportation, hydrology, U.S.G.S. quadrangle borders and jurisdictional boundaries are
                  added.


               8. Plot files are run and maps are plotted


               11. Map Distribution

               1 .Distribution letter created describing information tools provided.

               2. Mailing list of localities in the coastal zone is updated through phone calls to confirm names of
                  planners and addresses.

               3. Mailing Packet created including maps, map information sheets, and other useful brochures
                  and data.


               4. Information Packets quality checked for completeness.

               5. Distribution checklist is used to ensure all packets mailed out.

               6. Phone calls made to planning departments to ensure receipt of materials and to answer
                  questions.






                              Instructions for Natural Heritage Resources Maps
                                      One Minute Precision: Locality Level

        Attached you will find a locality map and a list of natural heritage resources that have been documented to occur
        within this locality. Natural heritage resources are defined as the habitat of rare, threatened, or
        endangered plant and. animal species, rare or state significant natural communities or geologic sites, and
        similar features of scientific interest. The Department of Conservation and Recreation's Division of Natural
        Heritage (DCR) is responsible for the identification, monitoring, and protection of Virginia!s natural heritage
        resources.


        DCR maintains a data system (BCD) that is the most comprehensive and up-to-date repository of natural
        heritage resource information available. Information available from DCR on potential impacts to natural heritage
        resources is crucial to a comprehensive environmental assessment of proposed developments or activities.

        The attached map depicts the general locations of natural heritage resources within a county as one minute
        location blocks. In order to protect sensitive natural heritage resources, precise locations are not released.
        Instead, we report the latitude and longitude of the center points of geographic areas one minute by one minute
           I e (roughly equivalent to one square mile). Each one minute location block contains the location of one or
        more natural heritage resources and is color coded to indicate the highest legal protection status for natural
        msz

        heritage resources within the block. One minute location blocks should serve as caution flags to identify
        potentially sensitive areas during planning efforts. Center points should not be interpreted as precise natural
        heritage resource locations, nor should blocks be considered buffer zones for natural heritage resources
        contained within them.


        These maps are for your use only. Please do not copy or distribute them. If you need additional copies,
        please contact DCR. Because of the dynamic nature of data concerning natural heritage resources, we
        ask that you discard earlier versions of the maps when receiving the latest versions.

        Using natural heritage maps, localities may screen projects submitted for local permits and approvals. This
        information will allow local representatives, land owners, and citizens to make informed decisions concerning
        projects that may impact valuable natural resources. DCR is willing to review and comment on projects that fall
        within the one minute blocks and may affect natural heritage resources. This early project screening may avoid
        unexpected, costly delays during the approval and permitting process.

        DCR can provide the one minute block locations of natural heritage resources along with associated data fields in
        digital format for those with GIS capabilities. A data license agreement must be completed prior to receiving
        the data.


        Most natural areas in Virginia have not been thoroughly surveyed, and new occurrences of plant and
        animal species continue to be discovered. Heritage reports summarize the existing information known to
        DCR at the time of the report and any information provided cannot be considered a derinitive statement
        on the presence, absence or condition of biological elements on a particular site.

        For further information contact:

        Steve Carter-Lovejoy                                        Tim Berry
        Information Manager                                         Locality Liaison
        Department of Conservation and Recreation                   Department of Conservation and Recreation
        Division of Natural Heritage                                Division of Natural Heritage
        (804) - 786 - 8377                                          (804) - 692 - 0984








                                                          Protected SpSdes Legislation


                  All federally listed species - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
                  Federafly listed species are protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The U.S.
                  Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service stdraini  the Act, listing and protecting federally
                  endangered and threatened species. As of April 1995 14 plant species and 57 animal species occurring in
                  Virginia are federally listed as endangered or threatened; one animal species is formally proposed for listing.
                  50 plant species and 69 Animal species are candidates for listing.


                  State listed plant and insect species - Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
                  The Office of Plant Protection within the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
                  has regulatory responsibility for listing and protecting Virginia's endangered and threatened plants and insects,
                  under the Virginia Endangered Plant and Insect Act (Section 3.1 -1020 through 1030, Code of MrgjaW. The
                  Act provides for the official listing and recovery of endangered and threatened plant and insect species in
                  Virginia and establishes a permit system for collection of listed species.


                  State listed non-insect animal species - Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
                  The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) has the regulatory responsibility for the listing
                  and protection of Virginia's endangered and threatened Animstis (excluding the Class Insecta) under the Virginia
                  Endangered Species Act (Section 29.1-564 through 570, Code af Virgini . All animals protected by the federal
                  Endangered Species Act are included in this list.


                  Natural Heritage Resources - Department of Conervation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage
                  The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation works cooperatively with the Virginia Department of
                  Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and the U. S. Fish
                  and Wildlife Service to ensure the continued survival of Virginia's diverse flora, fauna, natural communities and
                  other elements of natural diversity. DCR-DNH is a non-regulatory agency and serves as a key source of
                  information to each of the regulatory agencies.

                  DCR-DNH also works closely with other state and federal agencies, local governments, conservation
                  organizations, and other organizations and individuals to seek adequate protection of Virginia's natural heritage.









                                       List of Counties/Cities Contacted/Presented To



               Accornack County
               Caroline County
               Charles City County
               Chesterfield County
               City of Chesapeake
               City of Fairfax
               City of Falls Church
               City of Fredericksburg
               City of Hampton
               City of Hopewell
               City of Manassas
               City of Manassas Park
               City of Newport News
               City of Norfolk
               City of Petersburg
               City of Virginia Beach
               City of Williamsburg
               Essex County
               Fairfax County
               Gloucester County
               Hanover County
               Henrico County
               James City County
               King William County
               King & Queen County
               Lancaster County
               Mathews County
               Middlesex County
               Northumberland County
               Prince George County
               Prince William County
               Richmond County
               Spotsylvania, County
               Surry County
               Westmoreland County






                              Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries

                         Fish and Wildlife Information System: On-Line Service


                  In 1994, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGEF) implemented microcomputer-
                  based modem access to the agency's numerous biological information systems. This on-line service includes
                  many query and report features which facilitate data retrieval and summary within and across independent
                  databases. This centralized approach offers VDGIF an opportunity to make information related to fish and
                  wildlife resources and habitats available to users outside of the Department, while reducing concerns related
                  to maintenance and update of multiple copies of individual applications. The system was developed using
                  the Advanced Revelation (Revelation Technologies, Inc.) database management software and agency-written
                  programs, as well as the LANtastie network software. The system currently has a number of features to
                  enhance the user's experience, including:

                  0       current and comprehensive information about all of Virginia's fish and wildlife resources, including
                          trout streams, anadromous fish, colonial birds, waterfowl, and species listed as threatened,
                          endangered, candidate, or of special concern. Data regarding listed plant species are also included
                          through an arrangement with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

                  0       comprehensive information about habitats and related features, including caves, impediments to fish
                          passage, and springs;

                          maps showing species distributions;

                          maps showing project or query locations;

                  0       menu-driven pathways allowing users to compile comprehensive records and display related data for
                          a particular species, group of species, or geographic area (point, county, U.S.G.S. quadrangle,
                          upstream/downstream, watershed, etc.);

                  0       "e-mail" functions to allow users and the system administrator to exchange messages regarding
                          systems, data, reports, or other features;

                  0       individual user identification and user-created passwords;

                  0       local printing capabilities to provide users with hardcopy results of their on-line session; and

                  0       system documentation and on-line help.

                  New features, databases, and capabilities are constantly being developed to expand system utility to users.
                  Individuals interested in obtaining access to the system, or in scheduling a system demonstration, should
                  contact Rebecca K. WaJda, MIS Coordinator, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4010
                  West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23230, (804) 367-8351, (804) 367-2427 (fax).






                  24 April 1995:rk-w                                                                                       Page I







                    Hardware/Software Requirements

                    Users interested in obtaining access to the VDGIF FWIS On-Line Service should have the following
                    hardware and software in place:

                            IBM-compatible PC-286 or better (486 or Pentium preferrable) (or Macintosh with appropriate
                            interface software), EGA, VGA, or better color monitor;

                            modem (minimun 2400 baud, 9600 or 14.4 baud highly desirable);

                            Norton pcANYWHERE telecommunications software.




                    User Fee Schedule


                    All user fees are assessed on a "per user-id" basis, not a "per user" basis. These fees cover the basic costs
                    incurred by VDGIF in supporting this service and the associated user community.

                            Initial Setup Fee                                                                     $300/user-id

                            This one-time fee covers the cost of the user manual, one day of on-site training, and system
                            administration to establish the new user-id.

                            Annual Subscription Fee                                                          $350/user-id/year

                            This annual fee is directed towards the maintenance of modem lines, user support/help desk,
                            new/revised documentation, and other administrative costs associated with carrying a user on the
                            system. The fee allows for unlimited number of hours of access by any valid user-id.

















                                                               *6



                                                                Dewffmd Co C"M






                    24 April 1995:rkw                                                                                    Page 2




                                                                                                                         NOAA COA-            -r  GRARY
                                                                                                                                 ST  SERVICES CTR


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