Endangered Resources and Community Planning

Land Use Planning can have a dramatic impact on the future character and natural landscape of a particular community. The type and density of development, transportation patterns, the amount of open space, and the environmental protections, to name but a few, all directly impact an area’s ecological systems and resources. Planners and local governments often consider a range of natural resources to ensure a level of environmental protection that fit the goals of the community.

Rare species and unique natural communities are often good indicators of ecological significance. Termed “endangered resources,” such resources indicate where particularly significant or vulnerable ecological areas exist. The Wisconsin DNR maintains a database of the known locations of these resources and their habitat. The Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) Database provides information that can prove useful to planners and other involved in the development community. This webpage serves as a gateway to the resources available through the Endangered Resources Program that can support local community planning efforts.

• How to Use NHI Data for Community Planning
• Accessing NHI Data
• Guide to Using the NHI Data Portal for Community Planning