The Habitat (HAB) accounting and appraisal system is a simple, yet scientifically advanced methodology used to measure habitat quality by considering diversity and complexity within a habitat type. Species-habitat-function relationship information stored in the Integrated Habitat and Biodiversity Information System (IBIS) are used to create appraised “values” between sites and between different management activities. The HAB approach uses the "Best Available Science" to implement an Accounting and Tracking Method (ATM) that can provide a new “currency” for habitat assessment, impact evaluation, and mitigation.
The HAB approach: Develops detailed habitat maps, documents current conditions, tracks intrinsic habitat value, habitat composition and potential species at a site, allows for quick assessment of management strategies/actions, establishs a consistent method to assess multiple habitats and multiple species, and provides credit and debit values for a site.
For more information please view our HAB Primer here:
Habitat classification systems differ greatly throughout the PNW depending on agency, organization, or monitoring group, often complicating data-sharing and collaboration. The PHaCS database attempts to crosswalk and establish threads of commonality from the different habitat classifications within the region.
