Until recently, if we wanted to know where all locations of the rare plant, plymouth gentian, or where active bald eagle nests were found in the province, several private individuals and government agencies would have to be contacted for this information. Those people recording this information frequently did so in relative isolation from one another and at different levels of detail. Therefore, it was difficult to know whether some records were duplicated. Regional biologists throughout the province record observations of sensitive habitats that might be jeopardized by uncoordinated development activities on forest cover maps. Endangered species, species of concern, and species of special interest are identified through various sources and the exact geographic location is map referenced relative to the type of habitat where it is found.
Much work still remains to be done.
At the heart of every biological database of this type lies a core group of dedicated individuals who may know little or care nothing about computers. Such databases are only as good as the quality and diversity of observers who have input. They can be professional biologists, researchers, foresters, naturalists, trappers, birdwatchers, hunters, or fishermen. All have a dedicated commitment to conservation, stewardship, and sustainable use of our natural resources in common. It provides a means to track changes in land-use practices and economic development activities over a long period of time.