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IV. RANKING THE AREAS 



On Methods 



For this survey ecological and other data for the region were 

 compiled from all available sources including scientific publica- 

 tions, popular literature, and from individuals and organizations. 

 A questionnaire entitled "Chesapeake Bay Natural Areas Survey" was 

 sent to several individuals to ascertain its effectiveness but it 

 was found that direct contacts and other sources were more 

 effective: the questionnaire was not extensively used. A question- 

 naire on rare and endangered species, however, was very productive. 



The data for the region and each proposed site were entered 

 onto maps and a data retrieval system was set up to handle non- 

 graphic data. Eventually these data were organized in the format 

 of the National Registry of Natural Areas and entered into its 

 computer file. In the early part of the survey, time limitations 

 and the need for portability of the information suggested a simpler, 

 interim solution. Data cards (Burroughs Y-0 Unisort) conducive to 

 a punch-hole sorting technique were typed for each natural area. 

 The system can handle 22 blocks of ten bits each or 220 items per 

 card. Desired information can be located in the master key 

 describing the block information, a rod run through the proper 

 hole, and the cards punched for that hole fall loose and deliver 

 the data. The major advantages of the system are the portability 

 of the entire deck, the elimination of alphabetization and cross 



