Get Natural Community Short (summary) Field Form (form2) - Mass.gov - Mass

Filling out the Natural Community Short Field Form is essential for accurate documentation of natural communities in Massachusetts. This guide provides clear steps to help users complete the form efficiently and accurately.

Follow the steps to fill out the Natural Community Short Field Form.

1. Press the ‘Get Form’ button to obtain the form and open it in your designated editor.
2. Begin by filling out the Identifiers section. Enter the community name as specified by Swain & Kearsley (2011) and include any optional NatureServe Association or System Name. Specify the survey date, today’s date, survey site name, surveyor names, and best source contact information.
3. Provide directions to the survey site. Ensure that you detail the pathways and any notable landmarks to assist future surveys.
4. Indicate whether GPS points are included by selecting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. If affirmative, add the corresponding latitude and longitude.
5. For the Community Description section, summarize the vegetation, including dominant species, community structure, and spatial distribution. Highlight important ecological and geological characteristics.
6. In the Physical Description subsection, detail the surrounding landscape and any notable land use practices. Comment on adjacent ecosystems and pertinent features.
7. Document evidence of any disturbances or threats to the community. Describe anthropogenic impacts, recreational use, and management recommendations for restoring or protecting the community.
8. Enter Owner’s Name, if known, and their contact information. Indicate whether the owner is aware and if they are contributing to the protection of the community.
9. Complete the Community Element Occurrence Ranking by rating community size, condition, landscape context, and long-term prospects. Provide comments for justification of each ranking.
10. List any other rare species or communities observed at the site as required. Ensure that all species and communities are marked for transcription or updates.
11. Attach required maps showing boundaries of the natural community, GPS points, and tracks. Ensure at least one map is at a 1:12,000 scale.
12. Include required photographs. Label each photo with the photographer’s name, date, location, and purpose of inclusion.
13. Once all sections have been thoroughly completed, users can save changes, download the form, print it, or share it as needed.

Complete your Natural Community Short Field Form online today to ensure accurate documentation and contribute to conservation efforts.