These Conservation Data layers cover the entire state and are detailed in Section 2 of the Toolbox Handbook. They come from various agencies and are most relevant to land use planning. Many are available on NCOneMap. Remember to check for the most up to date data before major decisions are made.
To view the layers in GIS: Download the map layers detailed in Section 2 of the Toolbox handbook from the links provided on the tabs.
To view the data right away, use the Natural Heritage Data Explorer at: http://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/map
Not all GGT Conservation Data layers are housed on the Natural Heritage Data Explorer main map. You can add other Conservation Data layers to the NHDE online.
- Zip any files on your computer that you would like to add to the NHDE or
- Copy the Map or Feature Service of the map layers you are adding.
- Click the tabs below, if the map layer is a Map Service, when you click on the link it will take you to a web page. The web address of that page is the Map Service. It will have ‘/service/’ in the address. Copy the web address.
- In the NHDE online map click on Add Resources in the upper left.
- Paste the URL of the Map or Feature Service of the map layer, or activate the ‘File’ checkbox and browse to your zip file.
- Name your map layers before you add them.
- Do not refresh your screen or close the window until you are finished using the NHDE, or your added map layers will disappear.
Please contact us at kacy.cook@ncwildlife.org or 910-638-4887 or brooke.massa@ncwildlife.org or 919-707- if you need assistance.
National Wetlands Inventory: The NWI data is maintained by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. In urban areas it can be out of date, because it is not updated often. Check this map layer against aerial photos for site level planning.
NWI data download: Select North Carolina on the Download by State page. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/State-Downloads.html
NWI Web Service: https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/arcgis/rest/services/Wetlands/MapServer
NC-CREWS – Coastal Region Evaluation of Wetland Significance: This layer is managed by the NC Division of Coastal Management and is available for the NC Coastal Counties. It is more accurate than the NWI. It also rates wetlands according to their quality as Exceptional, Significant and Beneficial. The type of wetland is also in the data table.
The wetland rating in the data table is as follows.
Field / column OWR1 contains the Overall Wetland Rating. A value of 3 is Exceptional, a value of 2 is Significant, and a value of 1 is Beneficial.
The most up to date data is available at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/coastal-management/coastal-management-data/setback-factor-maps-1998-shoreline/wetlands-gis-data#NC-CREWS
The data download does not have the text for the wetland rating in the data table. However, you can download a CREWS legend layer file here to import to the CREWS shape in your GIS system. It will display OWR1 values of 3 as Exceptional etc.
Click here for NCWRC recommendations for small wetland conservation in developing areas.
Subwatersheds with federally listed aquatic species: These smaller watersheds contain federally listed threatened or endangered aquatic species. Records and mapping are documented in field surveys by state and federal agencies.
Click here for NCWRC recommendations for stream conservation in these subwatersheds.
High Quality and Outstanding Resource Water Watersheds can be downloaded here on NC OneMap. This information may provide extra justification for stream conservation.
We recommend a 150 yard Hunting Safety Buffer from development adjacent to Game Lands where hunting occurs. Click here for these areas.
Smoke Awareness Areas are a ½ mile area mapped on locations that conduct prescribed, low intensity, fires. Smoke is possible here once every other year. We recommend no permanently inhabited structures in these areas. Click here to download.
National Wetlands Inventory: The NWI data is maintained by the US Fish & Wildlife Service. In urban areas it can be out of date, because it is not updated often. Check this map layer against aerial photos for site level planning.
NWI data download: Select North Carolina on the Download by State page. https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/data/State-Downloads.html
NWI Web Service: https://www.fws.gov/wetlands/arcgis/rest/services/Wetlands/MapServer
NC-CREWS – Coastal Region Evaluation of Wetland Significance: This layer is managed by the NC Division of Coastal Management and is available for the NC Coastal Counties. It is more accurate than the NWI. It also rates wetlands according to their quality as Exceptional, Significant and Beneficial. The type of wetland is also in the data table.
The wetland rating in the data table is as follows.
Field / column OWR1 contains the Overall Wetland Rating. A value of 3 is Exceptional, a value of 2 is Significant, and a value of 1 is Beneficial.
The most up to date data is available at: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/coastal-management/coastal-management-data/setback-factor-maps-1998-shoreline/wetlands-gis-data#NC-CREWS
The data download does not have the text for the wetland rating in the data table. However, you can download a CREWS legend layer file here to import to the CREWS shape in your GIS system. It will display OWR1 values of 3 as Exceptional etc.
Click here for NCWRC recommendations for small wetland conservation in developing areas.