Deer Wintering Areas

Identification Information:
Citation:
Citation Information:
Publication Date: 20180330
Title: Deer Wintering Areas
Online Linkage: https://gis.maine.gov:6443/arcgis/rest/services/ifw/Wildlife_Habitat_Data/MapServer/4
Description:
Abstract: This dataset was developed in accordance with Maine's Natural Resources Protection Act (NRPA).  Under this Act, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is designated as the authority for determining Significant Wildlife Habitats (SWHs). The polygons mapped in this GIS data set delineate the location of each DWA as accurately as possible given available information at the time they were created; however, consultation with an MDIFW Regional Biologist is strongly advised for a final determination of the boundaries and current habitat quality of any specific area. For any Significant Wildlife Habitat, a field determination by the MDIFW Regional Biologist takes precedence over the mapped polygon.   A deer wintering area (DWA) is defined as a forested area used by deer when snow depth in the open/hardwoods exceeds 12 inches, deer sinking depth in the open/hardwoods exceeds 8 inches and mean daily temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Non-forested wetlands, non-stocked clear-cuts, hardwood types, and stands predominated by eastern larch are included within the DWA only if less than 10 acres in size. Agricultural and development areas within DWAs are excluded regardless of size. Evaluation (rating procedure): Deer wintering areas are evaluated based on three criteria: 1) quality of softwood shelter, 2) intensity of deer use, and 3) size. Information on the quality of softwood shelter and intensity of deer use are based on ground survey plots within the final boundary of the DWA being evaluated. The acreage of the DWA is determined after the final outline of the DWA has been drawn. The final rating of the DWA is determined by summing the scores for the three criteria and assigning a rating as follows: high (score of 10-12), moderate (score of 7-9.9) or low (score of 0-6.9). A regional biologist may recommend a rating change with justification and approval by the management section supervisor. No delisting criteria for regulated Natural Resource Protection Act (NRPA) DWAs have been developed. Currently all DWAs are rated as indeterminate. This dataset includes DWAs in organized townships that qualify as Significant Wildlife Habitat under Maine's Natural Resources Protection Act as mapped by MDIFW Regional Biologists.
Purpose: This dataset contains deer wintering areas (DWAs) in organized townships that qualify as Significant Wildlife Habitat under Maine's Natural Resources Protection Act as mapped by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Regional Biologists.
Time Period of Content:
Time Period Information:
Range of Dates/Times:
Beginning Date: 20180330
Ending Date: 20180330
Currentness Reference: published date
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance and Update Frequency: As needed
Spatial Domain:
Bounding Coordinates:
West Bounding Coordinate: -71.13
East Bounding Coordinate: -67.1
North Bounding Coordinate: 47.19
South Bounding Coordinate: 43.07
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme Keyword Thesaurus: None
Theme Keyword: Maine
Theme Keyword: MaineIFW
Theme Keyword: MDIFW
Theme Keyword: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Theme Keyword: biota
Theme Keyword: environment
Theme Keyword: Deer Wintering Areas
Theme Keyword: DWA
Theme Keyword: Natural Resource Protection Act
Theme Keyword: NRPA
Theme Keyword: Significant Wildlife Habitat
Theme Keyword: SWH
Theme Keyword: geolibrary
Access Constraints: None
Use Constraints: These data are public information provided by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife through the Maine Office of GIS (MEGIS). Distribution of these data to other users by anyone other than MDIFW, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP), or Maine Office of Geographic Information Systems (MEGIS) is NOT authorized. Use of these data for identifying Deer Wintering Areas under Maine’s Natural Resource Protection Act is the only use that is endorsed by MDIFW; other uses may or may not be valid. These data are not intended to be the final determination of Significant Wildlife Habitat boundaries; please consult with an MDIFW Regional Biologist when a final determination is needed.
Data Set Credit: Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Metadata Reference Information:
Metadata Date: 20180330
Metadata Contact:
Contact Information:
Contact Organization Primary:
Contact Organization: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Contact Person: Jason Czapiga
Contact Position: GIS Coordinator
Contact Address:
Address Type: mailing and physical
Address: 650 State Street
City: Bangor
State or Province: Maine
Postal Code: 04401
Country: US
Contact Voice Telephone: 207-561-5620
Contact Electronic Mail Address: jason.czapiga@maine.gov
Hours: M-F 8-5
Metadata Standard Name: FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata Standard Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Metadata Time Convention: local time