Natural Heritage Conservation publicationsSpecies guidance

Species guidance documents are peer-reviewed publications with comprehensive information for rare species tracked by the Natural Heritage Inventory or identified in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). They contain identification, life history, management guidelines, screening guidance and avoidance measures and are intended for a wide variety of users, including resource managers, private landowners, contractors, students and the general public.

Many bird avoidance dates have changed, we are in the process of making these consistent across all documents, but for the most recent dates please go to the bird calendar. The bird calendar contains required (Avoidance Period) and recommended (Conservation Period) dates for avoiding impacts to rare Wisconsin birds when planning management or development activities.

Visit the biodiversity pages for a complete listing of Wisconsin's rare species and natural communities, and other information, including photos and related links for these species.

Learn more about ways to Connect with DNR.