GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Montana Animal Structured Survey Locations

Data Provider Montana Natural Heritage Program
Date
Content Type Offline Data
Abstract The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) maintains point data for structured surveys for animal species in Montana. This database includes information on the location, dates, and protocols used for each survey, and can be linked to a list of species that may be detected using those protocols. Observations made during the surveys are stored in MTNHP's Animal Observation database. Structured survey data helps biologists and resource managers identify under-surveyed areas. Paired with observation data, survey points can also help differentiate suitable versus unsuitable habitat for a species. All data are reviewed by Montana Natural Heritage biologists.
Purpose Structured survey data are collected and maintained by MTNHP using a standardized methodology to provide accurate and current biodiversity and conservation information to public and private agencies and individuals. Uses of the data can include: natural resource management, conservation planning, environmental review, biological and ecological research, land acquisition, and economic development.
Supplemental Information Structured Surveys are updated on a continual basis as new data are received and reviewed.
Species observation, Structured Survey, and Species Occurrence data obtained from the Montana Natural Heritage Program are intended for use only by the individual or organization who requested it. Because MTNHP constantly updates and revises its databases with new data and information, products may become less accurate over time. Interested parties are encouraged to obtain the most current information possible from MTNHP, rather than using older products. We add, delete, and change records on a daily basis; consequently, we strongly advise that you update your MTNHP data sets every three (3) months for most applications of our information.Additionally, MTNHPdata do not represent comprehensive inventories of all species in all locations. These products are not intended to subsitute for field-collected data, nor are they intended to be the sole basis for natural resource management decisions. In order to document MTNHP's intent regarding how digital data should be used and to educate users regarding the extent and limitations of the data, MTNHP requires a signed acknowledgement that specifies appropriate and inappropriate uses of the data. A copy of this acknowledgement can be made available upon request.
Distributor Montana Natural Heritage Program
P.O. Box 201800
 Helena, MT 59620-1800
Telephone: 406-444-5363
TDD/TTY:
Fax:
Email: mtnhp@mt.gov
Distribution liability The Structured Survey database is a statewide inventory of known locations animal surveys. Users must recognize that parts of the state remain uninventoried or under-inventoried. Thus, "the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence", nor does the documentation of surveys for one species group imply that other species groups were surveyed for but not found. The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) products and services are based on biological data and the objective interpretation of those data by professional scientists. MTNHP does not advocate any particular philosophy of natural resource protection, management, development, or public policy. MTNHP has no natural resource management or regulatory authority. Products, statements, and services from MTNHP are intended to inform parties as to the state of scientific knowledge about certain natural resources, and to further develop that knowledge. They are not intended at natural resource management guidelines or prescriptions. Species range maps, habitat models, occurrence polygons, and other predictions of the spatial distribution of biological resources produced by MTNHP are objective extrapolations of credible data. They are intended to inform parties of the known occurrence or the likelihood of the presence of those resources, guide future surveys for those resources, and to test hypotheses regarding habitat quality and abundance. They are not intended to substitute for field-collected data, nor are they intended to be the sole basis for natural resource management decisions. We do not portray our databases as exhaustive or comprehensive inventories of rare species or of significant natural features. Field verification of the absence or presence of sensitive species will always be an important obligation of users of our data. MTNHP assumes no liability for the use or misuse of this data.
View Metadata
View Metadata (XML)
Metadata date 08/04/2016

Page History

Data List Quick Search


Search by single word or exact phrase
Advanced Search

Data Categories