CNDDB News Blog

Happy New Year, folks! 2019 whizzed by, but we stayed busy throughout. Here are some of our proud achievements from 2019, as well as what we’re striving toward in 2020.

2019 By the Numbers:

• 97,000 total occurrences in CNDDB
  • 2,900 new occurrences mapped
  • 2,100 occurrences updated
• 240,000 total source records in CNDDB
  • 12,700 sources added (7,800 records added through the Online Field Survey Form)
  • 9,300 sources processed
• 182,000 total spotted owl records
  • 9,000 spotted owl records (5,000+ CSO and 4,000+ NSO) added
  • 1,200 spotted owl sites updated
  • 200 activity centers updated
• 1,300 barred owl records added to the Barred Owl Observations Database
• S-ranks for 2,400+ CNDDB-tracked non-vascular plants, bryophytes, and lichens have now been updated within the past 5 years
• Provided 8 training classes for 96 students across the state
• Continued expanding our CNDDB iNaturalist Project (Join us!)
  • 12,800 observations
  • 1,600 species
  • 1,500 people

Other Accomplishments:

• Released the Spotted Owl Observations Management Framework (PDF)
• Modified the QuickView Tool to incorporate spotted owl data
• Posted updated peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and golden eagle datasets to BIOS, in conjunction with the Wildlife Branch; the datasets are now available to Government CNDDB Subscribers
• Launched a new user management system
  • Allows subscriber organizations to have control over their own accounts
  • Provides CNDDB an avenue to engage directly with our users
• Collaborated with Calflora to update their Observer Pro plant observation app to include a new rare species observation form where you can fill out the detailed fields that CNDDB needs to make high quality occurrences
• Reviewed habitat models for 600 at-risk plant species for inclusion in NatureServe’s Map of Biodiversity Importance project
• Celebrated CNDDB’s 40th birthday
• Developed an internal Strategic Action Planning Framework to work on improvements to our program, processes, and products. Focus areas include:
  • Data processing/methodology
    • Developed and transitioned into a paperless workflow
    • Exploring options for developing an observation-based data management system
  • Technology/tools
    • Made available a CNDDB data template with field names and definitions
  • External communication/coordination
    • Maintained a steady output of blog posts (68 posts for 2019)
      • Let us know: which posts were your favorite?
      • What kinds of posts would you like to see in the future?
    • Presented posters at the AFS & TWS Joint Conference in Reno, Nevada
      • Databases of the California Natural Diversity Database Program
      • The California Natural Diversity Database and iNaturalist
    • Gave a talk for CDFW’s Conservation Lecture Series
      • CNDDB Looks at 40: The Past, Present, and Future of the California Natural Diversity Database Program
  • Internal development
    • Staff training and continued education (lunch & learn)

Goals for 2020:

• Continue and expand CNDDB News blog as an outreach tool
• Utilize new user management system to improve outreach and provide additional feedback opportunities
• Update our documentation and training materials
• Continue planning and development of an observations data management system
• Identify and evaluate mobile data submission options
• Focus on updating S-ranks for CNDDB-tracked animals

And, of course, we will continue producing high-quality data for environmental planners and researchers to use in protecting California’s rarest natural resources. We can’t do it without your help, though, so please remember to submit your 2019 data. As always, you can contact us at any time with suggestions. Wishing everyone a wonderful 2020!