Nebraska Conservation and Environmental Review Tool (CERT)
Nebraska’s Conservation and Environmental Review Tool is an interactive GIS mapping tool for environmental review purposes and conservation planning. CERT allows users to submit proposed projects state-wide for review of potential impacts to threatened and endangered species and conservation information on biological diversity, protected lands, and other natural resources for planning purposes.
To submit proposed projects for technical assistance or environmental review, users are required to register and log in. To register, click on Create New Account. After logging in, click on the Map button and navigate to the 'Create Project' function to create and submit a project for review. To get started, click the Help tab and read the 'Creating and Submitting a Project for Review' document.
Conservation Planning: CERT allows users to access some conservation planning information without needing to register an account. Users can query data layers and download tables showing query results. Users can also make and download maps using the existing data layers or in combination with layers they upload. To use the CERT for these purposes, click the Map tab above. For information on querying data layers or making maps, click the Help tab. In addition, users can register and log in to get more information in the Map. Once logged in, uses can also use the 'Create Project' function to receive a Conservation Planning Report detailing features in the vicinity of their project.
Need help with CERT? Go to the Help tab for more information.
Video Tutorial on how to Create a Project on the Conservation and Environmental Review Tool.
For CERT to properly work:
- Clear your browser's cache by hitting CTRL-SHIFT-DELETE before each use
- Use the latest version of your internet browsers when available
Need a Construction Storm Water (CSW) or Industrial Storm Water (ISW) permit?
If you need a CSW or ISW permit and are filling out your Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy (NDEE) NOI Application, an Environmental Review Report is required. Once the project shape is created review the applicable Project Types and drop-down options for applicable Project Activities.
Are you looking for a species list?
After you have created a project, select Conservation Planning Report (not an environmental review) to obtain a species list that includes Nebraska's Threatened & Endangered species, in addition to our at-risk species.
Recent Events/Updates
- Northern Long-eared Bat (NLEB) Reclassification
The Northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is a wide-ranging, federally endangered bat species, found in 37 states and eight provinces in North America. As of March 31, 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published their final rule reclassifying the Northern long-eared bat from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Federally listed species are automatically state-listed and reclassified.
CERT has been updated to accommodate changes including conservation measures and suitable habitat information.
Need to perform surveys for NLEB for a project?
Contact consulting firms, state universities and colleges, and independent contractors with experience and necessary permits to conduct bat surveys. *** The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission (NGPC) is not endorsing any companies or individuals. NGPC does not currently have availability to help with these surveys. ***
Background photo: Sandhills alkaline lake in Garden County, Nebraska. Photo by Gerry Steinauer.
