What is the "Natural Communities Vicinity"?

This data layer shows areas within 1/2 mile of the significant natural communities shown in the layer above. If natural resources or potential project impacts are being assessed at a location within this vicinity layer, the nearby significant natural communities should be considered in the assessment. Also, as some of the natural communities themselves are very small (such as vernal pools), the vicinity layer will alert the user as to the presence of a nearby significant natural community that might otherwise be overlooked.