Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council

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BYRON FLORA AND FAUNA STUDY, 1999 3.3 FIELD SURVEY DATABASE This study also established a field survey database (Section 4.4.3) recording new survey results and incorporating existing information of appropriate quality and format. The database is designed for on-going use, providing a means of rapid assessment yet permitting the storage and retrieval of detailed information e.g. full flora and fauna species lists. The database consists of a series of related tables, many with fixed categories to facilitate interpretation. Data is entry-assisted by a ‘user friendly’ front end, which ensures referential integrity. Data entry therefore requires minimal knowledge of the database itself. The data entry interface can also be used to restrict access on the basis of user permissions. 3.4 STUDY OUTCOMES Major outcomes from the study include: • Map products – Vegetation mapping and derivatives, ecological attributes. Maps e.g. for LAMP (Local Area Management Planning) areas, as required. Threatened species distribution maps • Location of native fig trees • GIS databases • Field Survey Database • Rare or Threatened Flora Species Database • Threatened Fauna Species Database • Statistical data generated as required (areas with specified attributes, single criteria or intersection of data sets – vegetation by soil type, vegetation by zoning etc.) 3.5 DATABASE MANAGEMENT The present and continuing usefulness, and future development of the databases, will require attention to its administrative requirements. Council will be responsible for the following: • periodic update (entry of new field survey database records, flora and fauna of conservation significance) • validation of data (data to be validated by experts, or clearly coded as unvalidated) • security and access issues (including data to be secured to prevent unauthorised alteration to data or restriction of access to data such as location of rare orchid species) • compliance with license or confidentiality conditions associated with the supply of datasets Ecological information collected in surveys, environmental assessments and by enthusiastic amateurs is inconsistent in its quality. It is extremely important that the value of the existing data is not degraded by the incorporation of unvalidated data, or data for which the origin is untraceable. 3.6 FUTURE DIRECTIONS The study to date has produced mapping and survey data on clearly stated scales and accuracies. The limitations and confidence levels of any particular data set or data record will be apparent from scrutiny of the methodology in conjunction with databases. The level of detail in the data will be appropriate for broad planning and many other purposes. It is unlikely that resources will be available for unlimited additions to all data sets Shire-wide. Prioritisation of data sets for augmentation, and targeting of geographical areas (catchment, areas of high biodiversity, those to which particular threats apply or those identified for coordinated environmental rehabilitation strategies) will be more effective. Some individual Local Management Areas (or Property Management Planning), for instance, may require mapping on a finer scale and more detailed systematic survey effort. A targeted approach combined with opportunistic additions to all databases will result in a steady improvement in the level of ecological understanding Shire-wide and very good knowledge in sections of the Shire with special needs or intrinsic interest. 25
A GREENPRINT FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE There are a number of areas for which significant enhancements can be made to the databases associated with the Flora and Fauna Study. Extensions and integration can be made to the existing field survey database, by means of construction and linkage of additional database modules: • Flora – to include more detail for common species as well as those of conservation significance, detailed information for weed species • Fauna – to include more detail for common species as well as those of conservation significance, feral animals • References to site-specific and general literature • Additional field survey data • Additional GIS mapping and layers (including sand mining history, recently available) • General species lists (e.g. incorporation of information from EISs etc, subject to data validation) and • Implementation strategies for proposed management on LAMP, catchment or ecological land unit In the future, full geo-referencing of all records will be desirable. For ease of use and maintenance, it is suggested that records be referenced by all or any of the following: Australian Map Grid (AMG) coordinates, Real Property Description (RPD) numbers (ie Digital Cadastral Database), grid cells, or mapped polygons, lines, or points. GIS mechanisms to transfer between these locational features would also be beneficial. At present, the locations of all field survey plots and records of significant flora and fauna are incorporated into GIS layers. The associated databases are currently independent of the GIS though linked by site numbers and grid references. Direct linking of survey site data and records to points/polygons on a GIS layer will be possible in the future. The spatial modelling capabilities of the GIS make possible a variety of analytical approaches to the interpretation of the data. Ultimately, the results must be assessed by experts with scientific ecological background, excellent local knowledge and an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of the underlying data. To be most effective, ecological assessments need to remain independent of local planning considerations, and focus rather on issues affecting the ecological viability of the Shire’s environment. Planning issues can be addressed within a subsequent conservation assessment, as is proposed in the Byron Biodiversity Conservation Strategy. Further developments can also facilitate community and user access to the data. The GIS databases, in Arcview format, could be available at venues such as the Council front desk and local libraries. Council can interrogate the databases or print maps to the community’s or individual requirements. Confidentiality requirements need to be met, and clear statements of the limitations of the data must be supplied along with such an arrangement. 26
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Byron Flora and Fauna Study 1999 - Byron Shire Council

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