Description: Coastal VEVA synthesizes important natural resource information in one geospatial layer for guiding conservation planning, natural resource management, land use management and public awareness of the general ecological values of areas throughout the Coastal Zone. VEVA combines scientific data and best professional judgment to rank terrestrial and aquatic areas on a 1-to-5 scale of ecological value. This dataset is not intended to replace on the ground surveys or consultations with biologists as appropriate, but is intended to be a thorough first step to enable efficient consideration of natural resources and ecosystem function early in any planning process.
Definition Expression: N/A
Copyright Text: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Coastal Zone Management Program, Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Environmental Studies, Virginia Department of Conservation Division of Natural Heritage, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences Center for Coastal Resources Management.