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This layer provides an index of the Wildlife Habitat and Biodiversity Potential of forests and wetlands across the state of Maryland. Index values range from 1 (low) to 5 (high), based on a number of factors, including the size of habitat, degree of connection to other habitats (scored through the MD Green Infrastructure model) , and presence of rare species or habitats (scored through the MD BioNet model). Land in the top two ranks of MD BioNet was assigned the 1st and 2nd quintile of value, respectively. Land in the Green Infrastructure was assigned into quintiles based upon their score, and assigned corresponding values. Forests and wetlands occurring outside both models were given the lowest quintile value.
This data layer was created as part of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources "Accounting for Maryland's Ecosystem Services" program. |