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Chris Bycroft (senior ecologist) and Sarah Beadel (senior ecologist) from Wildlands Consultants mapping the dunes at Papamoa as part of a survey of the Tauranga ecological region.

Ecological survey about to begin

For immediate release: 24 January 2008

A major project to update information about the Tauranga Ecological Region’s natural areas is about to begin.

The project, which includes surveying natural areas and recording details such as plant species and vegetation types, will update Environment Bay of Plenty’s existing, out-of-date, information.

Environment Bay of Plenty Senior Planner Sue Mavor says it’s important the regional council keeps the information current so it is able to monitor changes to the areas over time.

“In turn, this will help us maintain the region’s indigenous biodiversity,” she says.

Wildland Consultants has been contracted to collect the information, which involves surveying natural areas from vantage points or, with permission, from the property.

“No one will be entering private properties without permission – all landowners will be contacted before-hand if this is necessary.”

Miss Mavor says once completed, landowners will receive copies of the information about their property.

“It’s an information collecting exercise, and not part of any regulatory process for Environment Bay of Plenty. Having accurate information is really useful for both the landowner and for us.”

She says if anyone has questions about the project, they should contact Environment Bay of Plenty on 0800 ENV BOP (368 267).

ENDS

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