National Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment Storymap

The U.S. Forest Service plays a critical role in conserving freshwater biodiversity across the United States.  The agency stewards a vast landscape, and the array of aquatic habitats found within it.  The agency also connects those lands and waters with the people who rely on them. Understanding the role of national forests and grasslands in sustaining aquatic biodiversity at national and regional scales is essential to effective, ongoing stewardship. Until now, the data and tools to do that have been lacking. 

The National Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment is an important first step to address this need. The following interactive map provides background about the project. Click below to explore the data and learn more!