Hello Everyone.

Hope you are doing well and continuing to get involved in citizen science where you can. I just wanted to update you on a few things in relation to Forest Watch.

Before I do that I just want to direct you to a survey that is aimed ant getting feedback from people who participate and organise citizen science. The purpose of this survey is to better understand ongoing issues with inadequate representation of species in data records, varying approaches, and significant citizen science contributions made to QLD's knowledge of flora and fauna. Organised by one of QCC's member groups GECKO.

Take 3 minutes now to complete a survey and share widely.

1. Survey for Citizen Science Participants: https://forms.gle/es9aAcxdPKt2q2acA
2. Survey for Organisations: https://forms.gle/TASedyq3bvUbuqyf8

The surveys close at midnight, Feb 29. Sorry about the very short time frame, hopefully some of you can find 3 minutes today to fill this out.

In relation to Forest Watch and bioblitz events. We are continuing to push for the expansion of protected areas and just launched a new campaign. https://protectqueensland.org.au/. We are happy to say that in the South East Qld planning area, native forest logging will end in the next couple of months. However, will will need to continue to push for these state forests to be transferred to protected areas and to end native forest logging throughout the rest of Qld.

For bioblitz events, this year QCC will not be taking the lead on organising any at this stage, but keen to work with other groups and volunteers who might be keen to run them. With an election year and a new campaign we will be organising activities that reach a broader audience and further increase pressure on decision makers. Watch this space for ways to get involved this year.

Thanks,
Hayley