The purpose of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey shall be to increase the knowledge of, and foster the perpetuation of the natural biological diversity native to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Activities. The activities of the Pennsylvania Biological Survey shall be consistent with the purpose of the Survey and shall include but not be limited to:
- Developing a formal system of categories (e.g. endangered, threatened …), using uniform criteria to define the status of each wild species/subspecies of plant and animal known or found to occur in Pennsylvania;
- Providing advice and guidance to state and federal conservation and natural resource management agencies regarding the status and management of any or all species/subspecies of plants and animals in Pennsylvania;
- Facilitate and enhance communication among Pennsylvania’s natural resource scientists, educators, managers and decision makers.
- Fostering the preservation of Pennsylvania’s Natural History Collections
- Fostering research that will increase and refine our knowledge of the biota of Pennsylvania, including the status and distribution of individual species/subspecies of plants and animals; and
- Communicating the results of the Survey’s research and activities to appropriate audiences (e.g., scientific community, general public, state and federal agencies, legislative bodies).
Membership
Membership of the Survey includes individuals, both professionals and dedicated amateurs, who volunteer their expertise and energies to help achieve the Survey's purpose. Individuals with special biodiversity-related or taxon-based knowledge are eligible for membership.