This project will evaluate and summarize the current condition of terrestrial and aquatic habitats across a region of thirteen states using region-wide habitat maps of streams (Northeastern Aquatic Habitat Classification System) and terrestrial ecosystems (Northeastern Terrestrial Habitat Classification System) now available from the RCN Project: Creation of Regional Habitat Cover Maps.  Compatible datasets will be overlaid relative to factors that elucidate the condition and quality of each habitat. The selection of metrics will follow the Northeast Monitoring and Performance Reporting Framework and their calculation and application will be by guided by a thirteen-state steering committee. The committee will also review results and help design the format for the final report. The metrics will be calculated relative to each habitat type, for example, dams, impervious surfaces and toxic release points for stream systems, or road density, patch size, canopy closure and projected housing density for terrestrial forests. The work will be by guided by a science steering committee representing the thirteen states. The committee will also review results and help design the format for the final report.

UPDATE (December 2014)
This project was successfully completed in October 2014; the final products are available here: https://easterndivision.s3.amazonaws.com/Geospatial/ConditionoftheNortheastTerrestrialandAquaticHabitats.pdf