Not every property has rare plants or animals, but some do. It’s important to know if your land supports any of these species, because it can influence when and how you can do other activities like cutting firewood, selling timber, and growing crops.
In New York State, you can use the state’s Environmental Resource Mapper to find out whether rare species use your land. On the map, zoom in to your property, then use the “Layers and Legend” tab to see if your land has rare plants or animals, regulated wetlands, or significant natural communities.
The Environmental Resource Mapper will only reveal if a rare species may be present; it won’t tell you what it is or what permits you may need to account for it. To get that information, you can contact New York’s Natural Heritage Program to request more information.
Not in New York? This US Fish and Wildlife Service page links to state Natural Heritage Programs and Fish and Wildlife Service field offices to help you get information on rare species for your property. Not every state is listed, but it’s the most comprehensive single list we’ve found.