Accessing NHI DataWhen the Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) program was established, the legislature specifically exempted the NHI database from the state's open-records law. This was done for several reasons. First, there is a potential threat to rare species when their locations are publicly known. Illegal collection, in addition to actions of well-intended people who simply are interested in viewing rare species, have impacted several populations of showy and highly sought after species. Second, the potential exists for outright destruction of rare species by those who view them as barriers to resource utilization. For these reasons, NHI Data is not appropriate for general public distribution The Department has the authority to decide how and what information in the NHI database is distributed outside the agency and has delegated this responsibility to the NHI program. Although there are potential problems with distributing sensitive NHI data outside the Department, the NHI program believes sharing data with responsible users is one of the most effective means of protecting endangered resources. The NHI program invests considerable effort into collecting data and managing the NHI database so that the information will be used to protect our state's biodiversity, not sit on a shelf. As a result, the NHI program shares data with some individuals and organizations outside the Department in two ways: by generalizing data and through license agreements. Generalized dataThe NHI Program releases generalized NHI data to the public through the following three tools.
Data Sharing License AgreementsThe NHI program shares detailed, location-specific data when doing so will serve a conservation purpose and the requester is willing to enter into a data license agreement. the NHI program follows specific guidelines when distributing information on endangered resources under license agreement in accordance with Wis Stats. 23.27 and NR 29.04. Fees range from $500 - $1,000 for a one-year license. Training and support fees may not be included. The BER maintains the responsibility for providing endangered resource data sets to external customers. NHI data under a license agreement are provided in two ways:
Last Revised: October 20, 2005
|