Nature and Ecology

The Ecological Land Management Committee is responsible for maintaining and updating a map of ecologically sensitive areas at Fermilab. It was created by superimposing multiple sources of biological data (representing thousands of samples across many years) on a map of the site and using established criteria to determine areas of high, medium or low sensitivity. All habitat areas are important and carry intrinsic weight, but this work highlights areas worthy of deeper consideration and protection.

The purpose of this map is to make Fermilab staff (senior management, project planners, engineers, environmental reviewers, operations staff and the grounds crew) aware of areas that have special sensitivity and to avoid unnecessary impacts to them. This map is easily available and can be consulted often by employees throughout the organization.

Note that wetlands in the United States are federally-protected and wetland status was not a part of the criteria.  This map is not a substitute for wetland delineation.