ERT Updates (2/12/26)
General changes to website
  • The KDWP Designated Critical Habitat layer has been updated to reflect recent species status changes.
  • A new project type activity has been created for "Data center construction/maintenance/decommissioning."
  • To ensure all updates are working and visible, KDWP recommends users clear their browser cache prior to attempting to submit new projects.
Updates to tool functionality
  • A new "Save a Map" feature was released that allows users to save certain map settings. Please see the release notes page for more details.
  • Functionality improvements have been implemented to allow for the upload of .kmz or .kml files to define Areas of Interest or for use of internal geodata within the existing data layers catalog. Uploads can be completed via the existing processes and do not require the .kmz/.kml files to be uploaded within a zipped folder.
  • The updated map also gives users the ability to create and export more customized maps without creating an actual project for regulatory review. This should improve “due diligence” workflows by allowing users to import or digitize project areas, change symbologies, and export map documents in multiple formats. We encourage you to test out the “Make a Map” functionality and to call us with any questions.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) thanks you for accessing the Kansas Ecological Review Tool (ERT). This tool allows for interactive conservation planning as well as expediting the regulatory Ecological Review process by streamlining data/information submission and automating our review of pertinent ecological and species occurrence information. Through the webmap, users can explore a wealth of geographic information related to species occurrences, wildlife habitats, conservation/protected lands, natural, and anthropogenic resources within the State. The ERT also allows users to input required information regarding development projects to start the regulatory Ecological Review process. For development projects which are unlikely to impact Kansas-listed wildlife, Designated Critical Habitat, and/or public lands managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, users will promptly receive an automated project clearance letter with recommended Best Management Practices.

Users can explore data and resources within an area of interest without registering or logging in by clicking the ‘Explore’ tab above. Data exploration is also possible after logging in without a required project submission. Future iterations of this tool will also allow users to submit locations and receive a Conservation Planning Report or a regulatory Ecological Review.

Currently, to submit projects for regulatory review, new users can register by clicking the “Create new account” link to the right. Once registered, login to the tool and start a project submission by clicking the ‘Create Project’ tab that will appear after logging in. The review process will evaluate the proposed project location(s) based on development activity type(s), known occurrences of wildlife listed as “Endangered”, “Threatened”, and “Species in Need of Conservation”, areas designated as critical habitat for listed wildlife species, and lands managed by KDWP for public use. An Ecological Review report based on your submission will be generated and visible to you in the ‘My Projects’ tab, and you will be notified via email when this is ready. Please click the ‘Help’ link above for guidance on how to use the Kansas Ecological Review Tool—including project submission, user group management, and more. If the ‘Help’ section does not answer your questions, please contact us at KDWP.ESS@ks.gov or 620-672-5911.

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