Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 25, June 22, 2024
Section 9.316 - Biological survey(a) A firm understanding of the natural history of this Commonwealth is an important component in the development and maintenance of a Statewide system of natural areas. Without it, the assessment of what is unique, rare, unusual, endangered or threatened becomes difficult and more subjective than objective. Information as to the Statewide distribution of presettlement vegetation and wildlife and changes which periodically have taken place since then forms an important component of the natural history of this Commonwealth.(b) Sources that would begin to form an overall composite of the flora and fauna of this Commonwealth exist, but little has been done to consolidate these sources and to fill those voids where information is needed. Therefore, it shall be the Environmental Policy of the Commonwealth to undertake and maintain a biological survey of this Commonwealth to ascertain the composition and distribution of plants and animals in this Commonwealth. This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 9.311 (relating to natural areas policy statement).