Pennsylvania Code
Title 25 - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Part I - Department of Environmental Protection
Subpart A - Preliminary Provisions
Article I - Administrative Provisions
Chapter 9 - ENVIRONMENTAL MASTER PLAN
Subchapter D - POLICIES FOR NATURAL AREAS
POLICIES FOR NATURAL AREAS
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.