The PABS Handbook consists of a brief account of the highlights of PABS's history and still-evolving mission (Chapter 1), a concise statement of the methods PABS uses for status determination (Chapter 2), the legal framework for biodiversity conservation in Pennsylvania (Chapter 3), and a summary of the methods used by the state agencies for endangered and threatened species conservation (Chapter 4). (PABS’s constitution and bylaws and the code of conduct for members of PABS are separate documents.)
The intended readership includes but is not limited to:
- Biologists, wildlife managers, land stewards, stewardship planners, and others who work with or are concerned about species of conservation need and their protection, management, and recovery, including:
- PABS's roughly 150 members, as a reference to maintain consistency of understanding among the membership and continuity as membership turns over
- Educators in conservation biology, ecology, environmental policy, etc., and their students
- A more general audience of decision-makers, including legislators and their aides, lawyers and judges, environmental advocates, commission board members, and others who have need for an overview of PABS's work and pertinent laws and regulations, especially when considering new bills, court cases, or rulemaking proposals
- Developers, their lawyers, and others who are required to comply with Endangered and Threatened species designations, laws, and regulations and who want to gain a clearer picture of the process and the full scope of the pertinent laws and regulations, all in one place
Chapter 2. The PABS Status Determination Process
Chapter 2 Appendices:
2-A. NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Methodology for Assigning Ranks
2-B. NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments: Factors for Evaluating Species and Ecosystem Risk
2-C. Appropriate Use of NatureServe Conservation Status Assessments in Species Listing Processes
2-D. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
2-E. Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
2-F. Guidelines for Application of IUCN Red List Criteria at Regional and National Levels
2-G. COSEWIC Assessment Process, Categories, and Guidelines