Abstract: The Wildlife Heritage (HRTG) Database contains information on documented point observations of non-game species of concern, state and federal listed species including those designated as endangered, threatened, sensitive, candidate, and monitor. This database was developed in the early 1980s and formed the beginning of the Priority Habitats and Species (PHS) Database. Together, PHS and HRTG provide locational data on important fish and wildlife. HRTG data are collected by a variety of means. Data are collected in the field by WDFW biologists, biologists from other agencies or research institutions, volunteers, private organizations such as the Nature Conservancy, and the general public. Data consist of standard survey data, museum records, scientific collection permit records, and incidental observations. Data are also extracted from spreadsheets, other databases and reports. Less formal means of data submittal include e-mail and phone conversations. Scope of the database is statewide and encompasses over 230 species. The database is continually updated. High priority species are surveyed either every year or every five years. Lower priority species are surveyed as field logistics allow or on a less rigorous schedule. Observations contained in HRTG range in time from 1929 to present. Only the most current (1978 and later) and accurately known data will be supplied. All other data will only be provided in response to special written requests. Using these older data requires consultation with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) biologists. PLEASE NOTE: This database contains information on species locations with direct regulatory implications. The locations of species may change over time. WDFW updates information as additional data become available. WDFW does not recommend using maps or digital data more than six months old; please obtain updates rather than use outdated information.
Purpose: The Wildlife Heritage Database is used for documentation of species distribution and population status and development of conservation strategies. The database also contains data from unsuccessful survey efforts for particular species. Sites are monitored periodically to assess species population vulnerability. Consultants, state and federal natural resource agencies, and county planning offices typically use Heritage data for landscape planning and to screen proposed land development projects and timber sales for impacts to species of concern.
Supplemental Information: HRTG data are used primarily for species conservation planning and assessment. Data entry is limited to those occurrences thought to be critical for species conservation efforts. These data vary depending on species' ecology and life history needs. Vagile, easily observed species such as most birds may have data entry criteria of nesting site only. Bald eagles, on the other hand, have data entry criteria limited to breeding territories, communal roosts, and regular concentration areas. All three of these site types are thought to be important for bald eagle conservation. Species that are less vagile, or less researched/readily observed may have a data criterion of "any individual occurrence". Further explanations for these data criterion are available in the heritage data dictionary. Some attribute code values are too numerous to list within this file (e.g. the database contains over 230 species codes). A list of all species codes contained in HRTG may be acquired by visiting http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/digital.pdf, Appendix A and B, or by contacting Gretchen Blatz or Rajbir Deol. A list of ownership code values contained in HRTG may be acquired by visiting http://wdfw.wa.gov/hab/digital.pdf, Appendix I, or by contacting Gretchen Blatz or Rajbir Deol.

Progress: In work
Update Frequency: Continually

Theme Keywords: None, Biota, Endangered, Threatened, Candidate, Sensitive, Species of Concern, Invertebrates, Vertebrates, Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Birds, Lepidoptera, Fish
Place Keywords: Washington State

Access Constraints: The Heritage database contains specific location data for some sensitive fish and wildlife species. Access is constrained to internal users, or external recipients who have established a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with WDFW regarding the use and further release of sensitive data. Private landowners are given data pertinent to their ownership without a MOA.
Usage Constraints: Data are not to be displayed or published at scales that allow ready navigation to critical locations. Recipients of sensitive data are required to sign a MOA that limits further dissemination and display of sensitive data. Species have different acceptable sensitive data display thresholds based on the species' ecology and perceived threats to the species. Scale thresholds vary among species and are detailed in tables provided with the data and the MOA. Below this threshold data display are limited to unlabeled points or shaded polygons of varying sizes. Details of display thresholds are given in the MOA.