State fisheries and wildlife agencies need a consistent habitat classification system to build current, digital habitat maps to effectively implement State Wildlife Action Plans that help protect wildlife and their habitats. In response to this growing need, the Northeast Terrestrial Wildlife Habitat Classification System (NETWHCS) was developed with financial support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

The Northeast Terrestrial Habitat Mapping Project was undertaken in 2008 with the support of this Regional Conservation Needs grant.  Development of a consistent habitat classification framework and map was seen by many Northeastern biologists and managers as the most critical initiative for habitat-based conservation efforts.  The purpose of this mapping effort is to provide a common framework and language for conservation planning and wildlife management across jurisdictional borders.  Specifically, the