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Definition of a Protected Area: PAD-US is an inventory of marine and terrestrial protected areas that are defined as being:
- “Dedicated to the preservation of biological diversity and to other natural (including extraction), recreation and cultural uses, managed for these purposes through legal or other effective means.”
The database was originally designed to support biodiversity assessments; however, its scope expanded in recent years to include all public and nonprofit held lands and waters. Most are public lands owned in fee; however, long-term easements, leases, agreements, Congressional (e.g. 'Wilderness Area'), Executive (e.g. 'National Monument'), and administrative designations (e.g. 'Area of Critical Environmental Concern') documented in agency management plans are also included. The PAD-US strives to be a complete inventory of lands in the public interest, compiling “best available” data provided by managing agencies and organizations.
Federal, State, and non-profit data-stewards and other stakeholders assisted the PAD-US Team with the development of current requirements and continually suggest improvements during the open review periods.
New Projects -- Please contact the PAD-US Team (pad-us@usgs.gov) if you are beginning protected area data aggregation or complex analysis projects.
PAD-US Data Dictionary -- Download the PAD-US 2.1 Data Dictionary for attribute definitions.
PAD-US Blank Schema -- Download the PAD-US 2.1 blank schema for database structure, field properties, domain codes and descriptions.
Please note translation scripts and supporting documentation for the most current version of PAD-US (2.1) can be found in the ScienceBase collection for PAD-US 2.1. See Attached Files under that collection.
PAD-US Data : Use the index below to access provisional PAD-US 2.1 geodatabase domain tables and development crosswalks or search by keyword. You can also download the all tables [PDF].
GAP Status Code Assignment: To learn more about the GAP Status Code Assignment process including assumptions, criteria, and methods please access this reference document.
Table Index:
Table 1. PAD-US attributes and field properties
Table 2. Feature class reference for Combined fields in the PAD-US geodatabase
Table 3. Category domain codes and descriptions
Table 4. Agency Type domain codes and descriptions
Table 5. Agency Name domain codes and descriptions
Table 6. Agency Name to Agency Type crosswalk
Table 7. Standardized Agency Name and Type crosswalk from source data (Local Manager, Local Owner)
Table 8. Designation Type domain codes and descriptions
Table 9. Standardized Designation Type crosswalk from source data (Local Designation)
Table 10. GAP Status Code domain codes and descriptions
Table 11. IUCN Category domain and descriptions
Table 12. Categorical GAP Status Code or IUCN Category domain assignments by Designation Type
Table 13. Categorical GAP Status Code for Marine Protected Areas (MPA) by IUCN Category
Table 14. Public Access domain codes and descriptions
Table 15. Categorical Access domain assignment by Designation Type
Table 16. State Name domain codes and descriptions
Table 1. PAD-US attributes and field properties
Field Name |
Field Abbreviation |
Domain or Standard |
Field Type |
Field Length |
Aggregator Source |
Agg_Src |
Standardized Field |
Text |
150 |
Category |
Category |
Category Domain |
Text |
12 |
Comments |
Comments |
|
Text |
255 |
Date of Establishment |
Date_Est |
Standardized Field (yyyy) |
Text |
4 |
Designation Type |
Des_Tp |
Designation Type Domain and Crosswalk (Local Designation standardized) |
Text |
75 |
Easement Holder |
EsmtHldr |
Agency Name Domain (for NCED) |
Text |
250 |
Easement Holder Type |
EHoldTyp |
Owner Type Domain and Crosswalk (for NCED) |
Text |
50 |
Feature Class |
FeatClass |
Category Domain |
Text |
12 |
GAP Status Code |
GAP_Sts |
GAP Status Code Domain and Crosswalk |
Text |
95 |
GAP Status Code Date |
GAPCdDt |
Standardized Field (yyyy) |
Text |
4 |
GAP Status Code Source |
GAPCdSrc |
Standardized Field |
Text |
150 |
GIS Acres |
GIS_Acres |
Calculate geometry |
Long Integer |
n/a |
GIS Source |
GIS_Src |
Standardized Field |
Text |
200 |
GIS Source Date |
Src_Date |
Standardized Field (yyyy/mm/dd) |
Text |
15 |
IUCN Category |
IUCN_Cat |
IUCN Category Domain and Crosswalk |
Text |
70 |
IUCN Category Date |
IUCNCtDt |
Standardized Field (yyyy) |
Text |
4 |
IUCN Category Source |
IUCNCtSrc |
Standardized Field |
Text |
150 |
Local Designation |
Loc_Ds |
Source Data |
Text |
250 |
Local Manager |
Loc_Mang |
Source Data |
Text |
250 |
Local Name |
Loc_Nm |
Source Data |
Text |
250 |
Local Owner |
Loc_Own |
Source Data |
Text |
250 |
Manager Name |
Mang_Name |
Agency Name Domain (Local Manager standardized) |
Text |
70 |
Manager Type |
Mang_Type |
Agency Type and Crosswalk |
Text |
50 |
Owner Name |
Own_Name |
Agency Name Domain (Local Owner standardized) |
Text |
70 |
Owner Type |
Own_Type |
Agency Type and Crosswalk |
Text |
50 |
Public Access |
Access |
Access Domain and Crosswalk |
Text |
20 |
Public Access Date |
Access_Dt |
Standardized Field (yyyy) |
Text |
4 |
Public Access Source |
Access_Src |
Standardized Field |
Text |
150 |
Source Protected Area ID |
Source_PAID |
Source Data, if available |
Text |
100 |
State Name |
State_Nm |
State Name Domain |
Text |
50 |
Unit Name |
Unit_Nm |
Local Name standardized |
Text |
250 |
WDPA Site Code |
WDPA_Cd |
Standardized Field (Assigned by UNEP-WCMC, managed by USGS) |
Long Integer |
n/a |
Table 2. Feature class reference for Combined fields in the PAD-US geodatabase
Domain Code |
Domain Description |
Designation |
Designation |
Easement |
Easement |
Fee |
Fee |
Marine |
Marine Area |
Proclamation |
Approved, Proclamation or Extent Boundary |
Table 3. Category domain codes and descriptions
Domain Code |
Domain Description |
Designation |
Designation |
Easement |
Easement |
Fee |
Fee |
Marine |
Marine Area |
Other |
Other |
Proclamation |
Approved, Proclamation or Extent Boundary |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Table 4. Agency Type domain codes and descriptions
Domain Code |
Domain Description |
DESG |
Designation |
DIST |
Regional Agency Special District |
FED |
Federal |
JNT |
Joint |
LOC |
Local Government |
NGO |
Non-Governmental Organization |
PVT |
Private |
STAT |
State |
TERR |
Territorial |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
UNK |
Unknown |
Table 5. Agency Name domain codes and descriptions
Domain Code |
Domain Description |
ARS |
Agricultural Research Service |
AS |
American Samoa Government |
BIA |
Bureau of Indian Affairs |
BLM |
Bureau of Land Management |
BOEM |
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management |
BPA |
Bonneville Power Administration |
CITY |
City Land |
CNTY |
County Land |
DESG |
Designation |
DOD |
Department of Defense |
DOE |
Department of Energy |
FM |
Federated States of Micronesia Government |
FWS |
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service |
GU |
Guam Government |
JNT |
Joint |
MH |
Marshall Islands Government |
MP |
Mariana Islands Government |
NGO |
Non-Governmental Organization |
NOAA |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
NPS |
National Park Service |
NRCS |
Natural Resources Conservation Service |
OTHF |
Other or Unknown Federal Land |
OTHR |
Other |
OTHS |
Other or Unknown State Land |
PR |
Puerto Rico Government |
PVT |
Private |
PW |
Palau Government |
REG |
Regional Agency Land |
RWD |
Regional Water Districts |
SDC |
State Department of Conservation |
SDNR |
State Department of Natural Resources |
SDOL |
State Department of Land |
SFW |
State Fish and Wildlife |
SLB |
State Land Board |
SPR |
State Park and Recreation |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
TVA |
Tennessee Valley Authority |
UM |
U.S. Minor Outlying Islands Government |
UNK |
Unknown |
UNKL |
Other or Unknown Local Government |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
USBR |
Bureau of Reclamation |
USFS |
Forest Service |
VI |
U.S. Virgin Islands Government |
Table 6. Agency Name to Agency Type crosswalk
Agency Name Domain Code |
Agency Name Description |
Agency Type Domain Code |
Agency Type Description |
ARS |
Agricultural Research Service |
FED |
Federal |
AS |
American Samoa Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
BIA |
Bureau of Indian Affairs |
FED |
Federal |
BLM |
Bureau of Land Management |
FED |
Federal |
BOEM |
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management |
FED |
Federal |
BPA |
Bonneville Power Administration |
FED |
Federal |
CITY |
City Land |
LOC |
Local Government |
CNTY |
County Land |
LOC |
Local Government |
DESG |
Designation |
DESG |
Designation |
DOD |
Department of Defense |
FED |
Federal |
DOE |
Department of Energy |
FED |
Federal |
FM |
Federated States of Micronesia Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
FWS |
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
FED |
Federal |
GU |
Guam Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
JNT |
Joint Ownership |
JNT |
Joint |
LT |
Land Trust |
NGO |
Non-Governmental Organization |
MH |
Marshall Islands Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
MP |
Mariana Islands Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
NGO |
Non-Governmental Organization |
NGO |
Non-Governmental Organization |
NOAA |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
FED |
Federal |
NPS |
National Park Service |
FED |
Federal |
NRCS |
Natural Resources Conservation Service |
FED |
Federal |
OTHF |
Other or Unknown Federal Land |
FED |
Federal |
OTHR |
Other Ownership |
UNK |
Unknown Land |
OTHS |
Other or Unknown State Land |
STAT |
State |
PNP |
Private Non-Profit |
NGO |
Non-Governmental Organization |
PR |
Puerto Rico Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
PVT |
Private |
PVT |
Private |
PW |
Palau Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
RA |
Regional Agency Land |
DIST |
Regional Agency Special District |
RWD |
Regional Water Districts |
DIST |
Regional Agency Special District |
SDC |
State Department of Conservation |
STAT |
State |
SDNR |
State Department of Natural Resources |
STAT |
State |
SDOL |
State Department of Land |
STAT |
State |
SFW |
State Fish and Wildlife |
STAT |
State |
SLB |
State Land Board |
STAT |
State |
SPR |
State Park & Recreation |
STAT |
State |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
TVA |
Tennessee Valley Authority |
FED |
Federal |
UM |
U.S. Minor Outlying Islands Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
UNK |
Unknown |
UNK |
Unknown Land |
UNKL |
Unknown Local Government |
LOC |
Local Government |
USACE |
Army Corp of Engineers |
FED |
Federal |
USBR |
Bureau of Reclamation |
FED |
Federal |
USFS |
Forest Service |
FED |
Federal |
VI |
U.S. Virgin Islands Government |
TERR |
Territorial |
Table 7. Standardized Agency Name and Type crosswalk from source data (Local Manager, Local Owner)
(showing 50 of 21,426 - view complete table [PDF])
Agency Type Domain Code |
Agency Name Domain Code |
Agency Name Description |
Local Agency |
FED |
ARS |
Agricultural Research Service |
Agricultural Research Service (ARS) |
FED |
ARS |
Agricultural Research Service |
U.S. Department of Agriculture |
FED |
ARS |
Agricultural Research Service |
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Farm Service Agency |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
|
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Ancestral Lands Commission |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Bureau of Indian Affairs |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Burns Paiute Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Cheroenhaka Indian Tribal Heritage Foundation |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Chickasaw Nation |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Coeur D’ Alene Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Mattaponi Indian Reservation |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Mattaponi Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
New York State |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Nez Perce Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Nisqually Indian Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Pamunkey Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Poarch Band of Creek Indians |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Schagticoke Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Seneca Nation Of Indians |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Skokomish Indian Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Skokomish Tribe |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
TRIB |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Tribal |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
TRIBAL NATION |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Unknown |
TRIB |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Wind River Reservation |
TERR |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
TRIB |
STAT |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Pamunkey Tribe |
PVT |
TRIB |
American Indian Lands |
Pamunkey Tribe |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Albuquerque District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Army Corps of Engineers |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Baltimore |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Baltimore District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Buffalo District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Fort Worth |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Fort Worth District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Forth Worth |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Galveston District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Huntington |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Huntington District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Jacksonville District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Kansas City |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Kansas City District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Little Rock |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Little Rock District |
FED |
USACE |
Army Corps of Engineers |
Los Angeles District |
Table 8. Designation Type domain codes and descriptions
Domain Code |
Domain Description |
ACC |
Access Area |
ACEC |
Area of Critical Environmental Concern |
AGRE |
Agricultural Easement |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
FORE |
Forest Stewardship Easement |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown Designation |
HCA |
Historic or Cultural Area |
HCAE |
Historic or Cultural Easement |
IRA |
Inventoried Roadless Area |
LCA |
Local Conservation Area |
LHCA |
Local Historic or Cultural Area |
LOTH |
Local Other or Unknown |
LP |
Local Park |
LREC |
Local Recreation Area |
LRMA |
Local Resource Management Area |
MIL |
Military Land |
MIT |
Mitigation Land or Bank |
MPA |
Marine Protected Area |
NCA |
Conservation Area |
ND |
Not Designated |
NF |
National Forest |
NG |
National Grassland |
NLS |
National Lakeshore or Seashore |
NM |
National Monument |
NP |
National Park |
NRA |
National Recreation Area |
NSBV |
National Scenic, Botanical or Volcanic Area |
NT |
National Scenic or Historic Trail |
NWR |
National Wildlife Refuge |
OCS |
Outer Continental Shelf Area |
OTHE |
Other Easement |
PAGR |
Private Agricultural |
PCON |
Private Conservation |
PFOR |
Private Forest Stewardship |
PHCA |
Private Historic or Cultural |
POTH |
Private Other or Unknown |
PPRK |
Private Park |
PRAN |
Private Ranch |
PREC |
Private Recreation or Education |
PROC |
Approved or Proclamation Boundary |
PUB |
National Public Lands |
RANE |
Ranch Easement |
REA |
Research or Educational Area |
REC |
Recreation Management Area |
RECE |
Recreation or Education Easement |
RMA |
Resource Management Area |
RNA |
Research Natural Area |
SCA |
State Conservation Area |
SDA |
Special Designation Area |
SHCA |
State Historic or Cultural Area |
SOTH |
State Other or Unknown |
SP |
State Park |
SREC |
State Recreation Area |
SRMA |
State Resource Management Area |
SW |
State Wilderness |
TRIBL |
Native American Land Area |
UNK |
Unknown |
UNKE |
Unknown Easement |
WA |
Wilderness Area |
WPA |
Watershed Protection Area |
WSA |
Wilderness Study Area |
WSR |
Wild and Scenic River |
Table 9. Standardized Designation Type crosswalk from source data (Local Designation)
(showing 50 of 2,639 - view complete table [PDF])
Domain Code |
Designation Type Description |
Local Designation Type Description |
ACC |
Access Area |
Access Point |
ACC |
Access Area |
BOAT |
ACC |
Access Area |
Boat Landing |
ACC |
Access Area |
Boat Ramp |
ACC |
Access Area |
BOYD CREEK LANDING |
ACC |
Access Area |
Hunter Access |
ACC |
Access Area |
JIMMY MEETZE LANDING |
ACC |
Access Area |
Public Boat Ramp |
ACC |
Access Area |
Trails |
ACEC |
Area of Critical Environmental Concern |
Important Bird Area |
ACEC |
Area of Critical Environmental Concern |
Outstanding Natural Area |
ACEC |
Area of Critical Environmental Concern |
Research Natural Area |
ACEC |
Area of Critical Environmental Concern |
Wilderness Study Area |
ACEC |
Area of Critical Environmental Concern |
|
AGRE |
Agricultural Easement |
ACEP-ALE |
AGRE |
Agricultural Easement |
FARM |
AGRE |
Agricultural Easement |
FRPP |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
ACEP-WRE |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
Conservation Easement |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
CONSERVATION EASEMENT |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
Easement |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
ENV |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
Environmental System |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
EWPP-FPE |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
EWRP |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
FSA |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
GRP |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
Metro/Regional Park |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
National Lakeshore |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
National Monument |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
National Park |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
National Preserve |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
National River |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
National Scenic Riverway |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
National Seashore |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
NWR |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
Privately-owned open space or common area |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
Trail |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
WMA |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
WPA |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
WRP |
FORE |
Forest Stewardship Easement |
FOR |
FORE |
Forest Stewardship Easement |
HFRP |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown |
Administration Site |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown |
Alaska State Selection |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown |
AS |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown |
Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown |
Bureau of Reclamation Land |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown |
Cercla Site |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown |
Data Not Available |
Table 10. GAP Status Code domain codes and descriptions
|
|
1 |
1 – managed for biodiversity – disturbance events proceed or are mimicked |
2 |
2 – managed for biodiversity – disturbance events suppressed |
3 |
3 – managed for multiple uses – subject to extractive (e.g. mining or logging) or OHV use |
4 |
4 – no known mandate for biodiversity protection |
Table 11. IUCN Category domain and descriptions
Domain Code |
Domain Descriptions |
Ia |
Ia: Strict nature reserves |
Ib |
Ib: Wilderness areas |
II |
II: National park |
III |
III: Natural monument or feature |
IV |
IV: Habitat / species management |
Other Conservation Area |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
Unassigned |
V |
V: Protected landscape / seascape |
VI |
VI: Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources |
Table 12. Categorical GAP Status Code or IUCN Category domain assignments by Designation Type
Default GAP Status Code |
Default IUCN Category |
Des_TP Code |
Designation Type Description |
GAP Default |
If GAP 1 or 2 |
If GAP 3 |
If GAP 4 |
ACC |
Access Area |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
ACEC |
Area of Critical Environmental Concern |
3 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
AGRE |
Agricultural Easement |
4 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
2 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
FORE |
Forest Stewardship Easement |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown Designation |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
HCA |
Historic or Cultural Area |
4 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
HCA |
Historic or Cultural Area |
4 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
HCAE |
Historic or Cultural Easement |
4 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
HCAE |
Historic or Cultural Easement |
4 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
IRA |
Inventoried Roadless Area |
3 |
1b |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
LCA |
Local Conservation Area |
2 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
LHCA |
Local Historic or Cultural Area |
4 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
LHCA |
Local Historic or Cultural Area |
4 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
LOTH |
Local Other or Unknown |
4 |
Unassigned |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
LP |
Local Park |
4 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
LP |
Local Park |
4 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
LREC |
Local Recreation Area |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
LRMA |
Local Resource Management Area |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
MIL |
Military Land |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
MIT |
Mitigation Land or Bank |
3 |
IV |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
MPA |
Marine Protected Area |
See MPA Classification |
See MPA Classification |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NCA |
Conservation Area |
2 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
ND |
Not Designated |
4 |
Unassigned |
Unassigned |
Unassigned |
NF |
National Forest |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NG |
National Grassland |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NLS |
National Lakeshore or Seashore |
3 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NM |
National Monument |
2 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NM |
National Monument |
2 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NP |
National Park |
2 |
II |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NRA |
National Recreation Area |
3 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NSBV |
National Scenic, Botanical or Volcanic Area |
3 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NSBV |
National Scenic, Botanical or Volcanic Area |
3 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NT |
National Scenic or Historic Trail |
3 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
NWR |
National Wildlife Refuge |
2 |
IV |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
OCS |
Outer Continental Shelf Areas |
3 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
OTHE |
Other Easement |
4 |
Unassigned |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PAGR |
Private Agricultural |
4 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PCON |
Private Conservation |
2 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PFOR |
Private Forest Stewardship |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PHCA |
Private Historic or Cultural |
4 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PHCA |
Private Historic or Cultural |
4 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
POTH |
Private Other or Unknown |
4 |
Unassigned |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PPRK |
Private Park |
4 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PPRK |
Private Park |
4 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PRAN |
Private Ranch |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PREC |
Private Recreation or Education |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PROC |
Approved or Proclamation Boundary |
4 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
PUB |
National Public Lands |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
RANE |
Ranch Easement |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
REA |
Research or Educational Area |
3 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
REA |
Research or Educational Area |
3 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
REC |
Recreation Management Area |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
RECE |
Recreation or Education Easement |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
RMA |
Resource Management Area |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
RNA |
Research Natural Area |
2 |
1a |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SCA |
State Conservation Area |
2 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SDA |
Special Designation Area |
3 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SDA |
Special Designation Area |
3 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SHCA |
State Historic or Cultural Area |
4 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SHCA |
State Historic or Cultural Area |
4 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SOTH |
State Other or Unknown |
4 |
Unassigned |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SP |
State Park |
4 |
> 5,000 acres V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SP |
State Park |
4 |
< 5,000 acres III |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SREC |
State Recreation Area |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SRMA |
State Resource Management Area |
3 |
VI |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
SW |
State Wilderness |
2 |
1b |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
TRIBL |
Native American Land |
4 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
UNK |
Unknown |
4 |
Unassigned |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
UNKE |
Unknown Easement |
4 |
Unassigned |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
WA |
Wilderness Area |
1 |
1b |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
WPA |
Watershed Protection Area |
3 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
WSA |
Wilderness Study Area |
2 |
1b |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
WSR |
Wild and Scenic River |
2 |
V |
Other Conservation Area |
Unassigned |
Table 13. Categorical GAP Status Code for Marine Protected Areas (MPA) by IUCN Category
IUCN Category (Assigned by NOAA) |
GAP Status Assignment |
1a: Strict nature reserves |
GAP 1 |
Ib: Wilderness areas |
GAP 1 |
II: National park |
GAP 2 |
III: Natural monument or feature |
GAP 2 |
IV: Habitat / species management |
GAP 2 |
None |
GAP 4 |
Other Conservation Area |
GAP 3 |
V: Protected landscape / seascape |
GAP 2 |
Table 14. Public Access domain codes and descriptions
Domain Code |
Domain Descriptions |
OA |
Open Access |
RA |
Restricted Access |
UK |
Unknown |
XA |
Closed |
Table 15. Categorical Access domain assignment by Designation Type
Domain Code |
Domain Descriptions |
Default Access Domain |
Default Access Domain Description |
ACC |
Access Area |
OA |
Open Access |
ACEC |
Area of Critical Environmental Concern |
OA |
Open Access |
AGRE |
Agricultural Easement |
XA |
Closed |
CONE |
Conservation Easement |
XA |
Closed |
FORE |
Forest Stewardship Easement |
XA |
Closed |
FOTH |
Federal Other or Unknown Designation |
UK |
Unknown |
HCA |
Historic or Cultural Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
HCAE |
Historic or Cultural Easement |
XA |
Closed |
IRA |
Inventoried Roadless Area |
OA |
Open Access |
LCA |
Local Conservation Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
LHCA |
Local Historic or Cultural Area |
OA |
Open Access |
LOTH |
Local Other |
UK |
Unknown |
LP |
Local Park |
OA |
Open Access |
LREC |
Local Recreation Area |
OA |
Open Access |
LRMA |
Local Resource Management Area |
OA |
Open Access |
MIL |
Military Land |
XA |
Closed |
MIT |
Mitigation Land or Bank |
XA |
Closed |
MPA |
Marine Protected Area |
OA |
Open Access |
NCA |
Conservation Area |
OA |
Open Access |
ND |
Not Designated |
UK |
Unknown |
NF |
National Forest |
OA |
Open Access |
NG |
National Grassland |
OA |
Open Access |
NLS |
National Lakeshore or Seashore |
OA |
Open Access |
NM |
National Monument |
OA |
Open Access |
NP |
National Park |
OA |
Open Access |
NRA |
National Recreation Area |
OA |
Open Access |
NSBV |
National Scenic, Botanical or Volcanic Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
NT |
National Scenic or Historic Trail |
OA |
Open Access |
NWR |
National Wildlife Refuge |
RA |
Restricted Access |
OCS |
Outer Continental Shelf Areas |
OA |
Open Access |
OTHE |
Other Easement |
XA |
Closed |
PAGR |
Private Agricultural |
XA |
Closed |
PCON |
Private Conservation |
XA |
Closed |
PFOR |
Private Forest Stewardship |
XA |
Closed |
PHCA |
Private Historic or Cultural |
XA |
Closed |
POTH |
Private Other or Unknown |
XA |
Closed |
POTH |
Private Other or Unknown |
XA |
Closed |
PPRK |
Private Park |
XA |
Closed |
PRAN |
Private Ranch |
XA |
Closed |
PREC |
Private Recreation or Education |
XA |
Closed |
PROC |
Approved or Proclamation Boundary |
UK |
Unknown |
PUB |
National Public Lands |
OA |
Open Access |
RANE |
Ranch Easement |
XA |
Closed |
REA |
Research or Educational Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
REC |
Recreation Management Area |
OA |
Open Access |
RECE |
Recreation or Education Easement |
XA |
Closed |
RMA |
Resource Management Area |
OA |
Open Access |
RNA |
Research Natural Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
SCA |
State Conservation Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
SDA |
Special Designation Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
SHCA |
State Historic or Cultural Area |
OA |
Open Access |
SOTH |
State Other |
UK |
Unknown |
SP |
State Park |
OA |
Open Access |
SREC |
State Recreation Area |
OA |
Open Access |
SRMA |
State Resource Management Area |
OA |
Open Access |
SW |
State Wilderness |
RA |
Restricted Access |
TRIBL |
Native American Land |
UK |
Unknown |
UNK |
Unknown |
UK |
Unknown |
UNKE |
Unknown Easement |
XA |
Closed |
WA |
Wilderness Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
WPA |
Watershed Protection Area |
XA |
Closed |
WSA |
Wilderness Study Area |
RA |
Restricted Access |
WSR |
Wild and Scenic River |
OA |
Open Access |
Table 16. State Name domain codes and descriptions
Domain Code |
Domain Description |
AK |
Alaska |
AL |
Alabama |
AR |
Arkansas |
AS |
American Samoa |
AZ |
Arizona |
CA |
California |
CO |
Colorado |
CT |
Connecticut |
DC |
District of Columbia |
DE |
Delaware |
FL |
Florida |
FM |
Federated States of Micronesia |
GA |
Georgia |
GU |
Guam |
HI |
Hawaii |
IA |
Iowa |
ID |
Idaho |
IL |
Illinois |
IN |
Indiana |
KS |
Kansas |
KY |
Kentucky |
LA |
Louisiana |
MA |
Massachusetts |
MD |
Maryland |
ME |
Maine |
MH |
Marshall Islands |
MI |
Michigan |
MN |
Minnesota |
MO |
Missouri |
MP |
Northern Mariana Islands |
MP |
Mariana Islands |
MS |
Mississippi |
MT |
Montana |
NC |
North Carolina |
ND |
North Dakota |
NE |
Nebraska |
NH |
New Hampshire |
NJ |
New Jersey |
NM |
New Mexico |
NV |
Nevada |
NY |
New York |
OH |
Ohio |
OK |
Oklahoma |
OR |
Oregon |
PA |
Pennsylvania |
PR |
Puerto Rico |
PW |
Palau |
RI |
Rhode Island |
SC |
South Carolina |
SD |
South Dakota |
TN |
Tennessee |
TX |
Texas |
UM |
U.S. Minor Outlying Islands |
UNKF |
Unknown Federal |
UT |
Utah |
VA |
Virginia |
VI |
U.S. Virgin Islands |
VT |
Vermont |
WA |
Washington |
WI |
Wisconsin |
WV |
West Virginia |
WY |
Wyoming |
For more information contact the PAD-US Team.