The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) maintains a number of GIS databases that contain information on important fish and wildlife species that should be considered in land use decisions and activities. Use of this information in the earliest planning stages can help minimize project conflicts and delays due to fish and wildlife issues. Informed land use activities can assist in preventing fish and wildlife species from becoming listed as endangered and threatened or can help recover those that are already listed.

WDFW provides maps and reports that answer the most common questions concerning the presence of important fish and wildlife species. Contact our data request line at (360)902-2543 for more information.

The information distributed by WDFW includes data that we maintain in a centralized data system. It is not an attempt to provide you with an official agency response as to the impacts of your project on wildlife. This data only documents the location of important wildlife resources to the best of our knowledge.

Information on specific locations of some fish and wildlife species is considered sensitive by the Director of WDFW and will be released in a standard format only. This format may be either tabular, digital, and/or displayed on a 1:24,000 scale map. WDFW standard map format consists of fish, wildlife, and habitat information displayed for an individual section with a one square mile buffer (nine square miles total). WDFW will release sensitive fish and wildlife information under its Releasing Sensitive Fish and Wildlife Information Policy - 5210 to the following parties in conjunction with the signing of a Release Agreement.

1. Government agencies;
2. Tribes;
3. Researchers affiliated with an accredited college or university;
4. Private landowners (for their lands), or other parties with permission from the landowner; or
5. Agents of the above parties (e.g., consultants, realtors, etc.).

Sensitive fish and wildlife information for less than thirty-six square miles (one Township) may be provided to these parties along with a request for a signed Sensitive Fish and Wildlife Information Release Agreement. WDFW will grant subsequent sensitive information only to those parties from whom the signed agreement has been obtained. The Release Agreement indicates that the signatory (person or organization) recognizes the appropriate guidelines for disseminating Sensitive Fish and Wildlife Information and has agreed to the provisions of the policy. For additional information or questions contact WDFW at (360) 902-2543.

How To Order Habitat And Species Standard Map And Digital Data Products

Order form, description of standard products and price list:

Order Form and Ordering Information PDF Format (228K)
May 2008

How To Interpret Your Habitat And Species Map(s)

Documentation for standard maps you requested including descriptions of codes used on the maps and/or report products.

Fish and Wildlife Map Products: (This document is currently under construction, for questions please call (360) 902-2543)

How To Interpret Your Habitat And Species Digital Data

Documentation for standard digital data, describes the various databases you requested.

Fish and Wildlife Digital Data Documentation PDF Format (149K)
May 2008

For information on the state's endangered, threatened, and sensitive plants as well as high quality wetland and terrestrial ecosystems, please contact: the Washington Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program at PO Box 47014, Olympia Washington 98504-7014, by phone (360) 902-1667, or visit the DNR Natural Heritage web site