Better data collection tools expands the use of bioblitz data for scientists, citizens, and land managers

Background/Question/Methods

Bioblitzes have become well known for public education and the creation of species lists. Volumes of data not easily reviewed and organized specifically for the needs of bioblitz partners have hampered multi-use of these data.  NatureMapping’s NatureTracker PDA/GPS software allowed data collection of terrestrial vertebrates as well as invasives, plants, invertebrates, and fish using lists generated by local experts.  Washington State’s first bioblitz was designed to assess the accuracy of a Biodiversity Management Network developed for a county to meet their fish and wildlife habitat protection requirements for growth management.  The network included 16 Biodiversity Management Areas (BMA) and connecting corridors.  A series five bioblitzes were conducted in three of the BMA’s of which 90% of the lands were privately owned.  Two bioblitzes were conducted in the winter to create a baseline inventory of wintering species. Experts were consulted before the bioblitzes using aerial photos to identify the most promising areas to inventory.  Landowners gave permission and were invited to participate with other volunteers.  Each team used NatureTracker and linked photos to the data points.  Data were displayed, edited, and summarized before participants left the bioblitz.  All participants were given the web url to view maps and data.  

Results/Conclusions

Over 80% of the predicted species were observed in the bioblitzes satisfying the county’s concern of current data for the Network.  New taxa inventories were added to the county maps, and as a result 1,000 acres were added for conservation within one of the BMAs. Bioblitz maps and supporting data prioritized land management and purchases by city and county parks and the local land trusts. New taxa were added to the “predicted” species lists for each subsequent bioblitz.  The landowners benefitted in multiple ways.  First, each landowner received a map and species inventory list, identifying invasives and species of concern.  Second, the bioblitzes provided free inventories for Conservation Easements applications.  Third, NatureMapping workshops were held to train the community how to conduct long-term monitoring, and how to use NatureTracker software for their own projects.  Scientists collected data on lands previously unavailable to them and had access to supporting photos and maps by the end of the bioblitz.  Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists began working with landowners to improve wildlife habitat.  The results show that integrating tools for bioblitz data collection and management provided new opportunities to apply these same data for multiple purposes.