A baseline ecological survey will help you identify what ecological values you have in any given area and what pest species may be present or pose a risk.

Flora, fauna and fish surveys can all form part of the baseline, and all can be undertaken individually as standalone surveys. Baseline surveys help inform a range of plans depending on the project, from a biodiversity management plan, to weed and pest management, landscaping, planting, and restoration and enhancement plans. They can also be useful to support a resource consent application if the development might have an ecological impact.

All management plans are tailored to our clients’ requirements. These may be simplified, easy to follow plans for community groups and landowners, or more technical plans to support resource consent applications or where contractors are to be engaged for restoration projects. Ecological mapping is a useful tool that enhances our reporting.

Our true passion lies in Ecological Enhancement Plans, taking what you have and improving it.

Wetland Assessments

Wetlands, streams, and other freshwater habitats are a vital part of our environment, providing both a full time and transient habitat for our native flora and fauna. As a result of drainage, water diversion, disconnection, and disturbance, less than 5% of the wetlands in Northland remain.

Wetland assessments define the ecological value(s) and extent of a wetland and advise on a project’s possible effects, as well as the remediation and mitigation of those effects. Our experienced team also offer wetland management plans that recommend opportunities and pathways for enhancement and protection.

Our reports can inform an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE), required under the Resource Management Act.

Freshwater Assessments and Fish Surveys

Freshwater assessments can be used to assess the type of habitat, species presence or likely presence and species abundance. NZ Environmental Management can assess macrophytes, macroinvertebrates and periphyton as well as providing freshwater fish and kaeo (mussell) surveys and salvage.

In addition we can collect samples for eDNA, which offers a cost effective way to identify the plants and animals in the local area. Environmental DNA (“eDNA”) refers to small traces of genetic material that is left behind as living things pass through water or soil. Through collecting samples of this DNA and sequencing it, we can identify the plants and animals in the local area. eDNA sampling is an effective method for identifying fish presence in a water body and has recently become an alternative to fish trapping.

We also undertake water quality monitoring, both onsite and through laboratory analysis if required. Water quality describes the chemical, biological, and physical characteristics of water and its condition. Water quality monitoring gives insight into ecological stream health and changes over time. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, PH and conductivity can all be measured onsite and laboratory analysis can be undertaken for a wide range of measurements including dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved reactive phosphorous, cyanobacteria biovolume, phytoplankton and Escherichia coli.

Bird Monitoring

Five-minute bird counts are an effective index method for recording the presence of individual birds, and is particularly suitable for populations of common forest species, especially those occurring within species-rich habitats. This method allows for multiple species to be counted at the same time and provides data from which inferences can be made regarding bird density and abundance.

In addition, we can undertake Kiwi Monitoring, using call count survey data to indicate population size and location, ratio of male and female, allowing identification of likely pairs. Repeat monitoring can help determine the trends in kiwi population over time, and the health of a population (a stable, increasing, or decreasing population).

Lizard and bat Habitat Assessment and Survey

Although once common throughout New Zealand, bat species populations and ranges have rapidly declined over the last 100 years. New Zealand’s lizards display a high level of endemism, which means they’re only found in New Zealand. There are 127 species (49 geckos and 78 skinks) recorded, and new species are still being discovered.

NZ Environmental Management can conduct Lizard Surveys via spotlighting surveys or tracking tunnels.  NZ Environmental Management, along with our network of technical experts, can produce Lizard and Bat Management Plans tailored to your project, and apply for a wildlife permit if needed.