NatureServe Data and Tools for BLM

Comprehensive online single point of access to data collections, habitat models, monarch migration areas, collaborative tools, and customized applications related to BLM priorities. 

Request access to the NatureServe-BLM Hub  

Supports exploration and identification of priority conservation hotspots across the western United States. Investigate areas with high concentrations of imperiled and at-risk biodiversity, assess ecosystem vulnerability to climate change, and understand threats to freshwater and terrestrial environments spatially. 

NatureServe Conservation Data Portal 

The BLM’s NatureServe data license provides BLM staff with access to precise, taxonomically verified, and standardly mapped at-risk species locations (Element Occurrences or EOs) and species habitat models for the BLM Western Region. The licensed dataset is accessed via the NatureServe Explorer Pro interface or can be downloaded through a Geodata Portal.  

Instructions to Access NatureServe Licensed Data 

The definitive source of information for rare and endangered species and ecosystems in North America. Provides information on 100,000+ species and ecosystems. A public API is available for querying and integration into other tools. 

NatureServe Explorer 

Extends the capabilities of NatureServe Explorer with interactive maps and place-based reporting, Allows users to explore where at-risk species have been documented, including through Element Occurrence and observation data, and where they may occur based on habitat models. 

NatureServe Network programs in states and provinces collect and manage data locally, then share it with NatureServe to aggregate and provide actionable information for rare species and ecosystems across North America. State heritage programs may have additional information on rare species and ecosystems tailored to local needs. 

NatureServe can provide support for developing observations surveys in Survey123, customized to meet the needs of the state BLM office. Dashboards facilitate viewing, editing, and QC of data. An ArcGIS toolbox facilitates downloading survey data for BLM’s use and to share with the state heritage program. 

Request a customized survey: BLM_Support@natureserve.org 

Download the BLM Observations Toolbox 
 
Additional resources 

An ongoing NatureServe-BLM project to evaluate and fill knowledge gaps about BLM SSS to support prioritization and management of species and habitats. 

An ongoing NatureServe-BLM project to improve the flow of SSS Observations data among the BLM, NatureServe Network programs, and NatureServe. 

An interactive interface to explore results of analyses assessing the level of management priority associated with BLM’s more than 3,000 SSS. Use filters to view data inputs into the prioritization ruleset for each taxon and get visual summaries of management priorities. 

Special Status Species Prioritization Tool 

A map highlighting areas in western states supporting habitat for USESA-listed BLM SSS, with layers depicting overall species richness, SSS tier-weighted species richness, and species identities. Species habitat areas were derived from Element Occurrences and species habitat models. The map can assist in identifying priority areas for species recovery. 

USESA listed BLM SSS Richness web map 

NatureServe’s species habitat models use multiple sources of occurrence and environmental data to predict the distribution of species’ habitats, supporting data-driven decision-making and improving efficiency and outcomes in conservation and resource management. 

Access via NatureServe Explorer Pro 

A live view of completed and in-progress species habitat models that summarizes data by  

model summaries, models by species, and models by geography. 

Species Habitat Model Dashboard 

BLM staff can use the NatureServe Model Output Review Tool to review species habitat models and provide expert input to guide future model revisions. User authentication is required. 

Model Outputs Review Tool 

Explore models of western monarch migration habitat by BLM field office as well as an analysis of conservation stewardship across the western USA.