B.C. Conservation Data Centre: How to Make a Data Request

If your needs cannot be met using our internet tools (BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer or the Conservation Data Centre Mapping Service) then send us a written request and we will run a customized search of our database. There is currently no fee and the normal response time is 14 days or less. Click here for our address, fax number and e-mail address.

To avoid delays, ensure all necessary information is submitted with your request - in particular, explicit map information. Please read instructions below for details.

Your request can be processed faster if you provide us with an ArcView shapefile of your study area(s). We prefer this data to be projected in B.C. Albers co-ordinates.

INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WITH YOUR REQUEST (also applies to requests for Sensitive Data):

  1. Your contact information:
    • Name
    • Organization
    • Address
    • Phone Number (in case we have questions)
    • E-mail

  2. Location you want us to search:

    • Written Descriptions: If the area can be delimited by UTM (including NAD and zone), or by entire 1:50,000 mapsheet(s), forest district(s), ecosection(s), Regional District(s), Municipality or Indian Reservation we do not require a map, as long as you list the required description FULLY and ACCURATELY.

    • Maps : If the area is an irregular polygon which cannot be described in writing, YOU MUST SEND A MAP or SHAPEFILE WITH YOUR STUDY AREA BOUNDARIES CLEARLY DELINEATED.

      Shapefiles: We prefer that Shapefiles be projected in B.C. Albers co-ordinates.

  3. Information you require: e.g.,
    • Mapped occurrence records at a specified location.
    • Detailed information on any mapped occurrence, referencing ShapeID.
    • All known occurrences of any given taxa or ecological community.

  4. Reason for your request: e.g.,

    • Name of development proposal or project, conservation initiative, academic study, etc. For development proposals also include information on timing regarding when activities would be occurring.

  5. Name of your client, if you are a consultant,

  6. Product format you prefer: e.g.,
    • electronic report/map sent by e-mail or ftp.
    • shapefile sent by e-mail or ftp.

If requesting data in an electronic format please read the CDC Limited Use Agreement for Digital Data (PDF 65 KB).

PLEASE NOTE:
The B.C. Conservation Data Centre database is dynamic and is based on best-known information. The addition and upkeep of records is an ongoing process with edits taking place on a daily basis. The absence of Occurrences in your area of interest does not necessarily mean that there are no species or ecosystems at risk present; only that there are none currently recorded in our database. A detailed assessment of the property conducted during the appropriate season is the only way to confirm presence or absence of species or ecosystems at risk.

SENSITIVE INFORMATION:
The CDC database contains some records which are sensitive for ecological, academic or other reasons, or which may occur on private property. Such records fall under the exemption provisions of the Freedom of Information Act and WILL NOT be released in response to routine data requests. The release of information pertaining to sensitive EO's is at the discretion of the regional wildlife biologists. Contact the CDC to access the sensitive information and determine your regional contact. Exceptions are made under specified circumstances, subject to a Confidentiality and Non-reproduction Agreement, on the understanding that this information will not be released to the general public.

Definition of WILDLIFE under the B.C. Forest and Range Practices Act:
All vertebrates (including fish), freshwater crustacea and molluscs, and any red- or blue-listed plant or invertebrate.