Habitat Suitability Index Model Availability for Wetland

models for wildlife species that use wetland cover types. Items of information include the specific wetlands for which the models apply, States in which the species occur, and taxonomic groupings. The information is presented in a series of tables, so that users can quickly determine the number and variety of HSI models available for application in wetland habitats in their geographic work area. The data presented apply only to wildlife species and do not include HSI models for fish species. BACKGROUND: Wetland protection has emerged as an important concern in environmental planning across the United States (Steiner and others 1994). Federal and State regulatory agencies must assess impacts to these wetlands and determine the need for alternative plans or mitigation. The Habitat Evaluation Procedures (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1980) and Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) models (Schamberger, Farmer, and Terrell 1982) are useful tools in quantifying habitat value for fish and wildlife and comparing project or mitigation alternatives. Over 150 HSI models have been developed for a wide range of species that occupy upland, wetland, and aquatic habitats