{ "culture": "en-US", "name": "", "guid": "", "catalogPath": "", "snippet": "The polygons mapped in this GIS data set delineate the location of each candidate DWA as accurately as possible given available information at the time they were created; however, consultation with an MDIFW Regional Biologist is strongly advised for a final determination of the boundaries and current habitat quality of any specific area. For any mapped habitat, a field determination by the MDIFW Regional Biologist takes precedence over the mapped polygon.", "description": "

A deer wintering area (DWA) is defined as a forested area used by deer when snow depth in the open/hardwoods exceeds 12 inches, deer sinking depth in the open/hardwoods exceeds 8 inches and mean daily temperatures are below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Non-forested wetlands, non-stocked clear-cuts, hardwood types, and stands predominated by eastern larch are included within the DWA only if less than 10 acres in size. Agricultural and development areas within DWAs are excluded regardless of size. Evaluation (rating procedure): Deer wintering areas are evaluated based on three criteria: 1) quality of softwood shelter, 2) intensity of deer use, and 3) size. Information on the quality of softwood shelter and intensity of deer use are based on ground survey plots within the final boundary of the DWA being evaluated. The acreage of the DWA is determined after the final outline of the DWA has been drawn. The final rating of the DWA is determined by summing the scores for the three criteria and assigning a rating as follows: high (score of 10-12), moderate (score of 7-9.9) or low (score of 0-6.9). A regional biologist may recommend a rating change with justification and approval by the management section supervisor. This dataset includes DWAs in organized townships that are candidate Significant Wildlife Habitat under Maine's Natural Resources Protection Act as mapped by MDIFW Regional Biologists. Currently all DWAs are rated as indeterminate.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/DIV>", "summary": "The polygons mapped in this GIS data set delineate the location of each candidate DWA as accurately as possible given available information at the time they were created; however, consultation with an MDIFW Regional Biologist is strongly advised for a final determination of the boundaries and current habitat quality of any specific area. For any mapped habitat, a field determination by the MDIFW Regional Biologist takes precedence over the mapped polygon.", "title": "CityOfBangor.DBO.Deer_wintering_areas", "tags": [ "Maine", "Inland Fisheries & Wildlife", "biota", "geolibrary", "deer wintering area", "habitat", "significant wildlife habitat" ], "type": "", "typeKeywords": [], "thumbnail": "", "url": "", "minScale": 150000000, "maxScale": 5000, "spatialReference": "", "accessInformation": "Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife", "licenseInfo": "

These data are public information provided by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife through the Maine Office of GIS (MEGIS). Distribution of these data to other users by anyone other than MDIFW, Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP), or Maine Office of Geographic Information Systems (MEGIS) is NOT authorized. Use of these data for identifying Deer Wintering Areas under Maine\u2019s Natural Resource Protection Act is the only use that is endorsed by MDIFW; other uses may or may not be valid. These data are not intended to be the final determination of Significant Wildlife Habitat boundaries; please consult with an MDIFW Regional Biologist when a final determination is needed.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/DIV>", "portalUrl": "" }