Conservation biology uses science to determine the requirements for protection of species and ecosystems. It is generally accepted that this requires a system of interconnected protected areas, with management of human activities outside these reserves. Species protection depends on the conservation areas being the right size (bigger is better), the right shape (the more "middle" and less "edge" the better), the right configuration (connected is better) and in the right place (habitat for the whole life cycle of species is better).

Forest ecologist Herb Hammond, has been commissioned to identify areas on the Central Coast that are suitable for logging. However, neither this analysis nor the CAD addresses culturally significant areas, such as First Nations burial grounds or areas used for tourism and other economic purposes. The next big step in planning for the area will be to gather and add this information, which will help define what is available for communities to transition to a more diverse and sustainable conservation-based economy.