The functions of the program shall include, but need not be limited to:
a. Maintaining and updating, through data collection and field work, a partially computerized data base which includes lists of rare and endangered species, and natural communities ranked according to rarity, as well as information on the location, quality, protection status, and sources of information of individual occurrences of the above species and natural communities; and
b. Providing information on species and natural community occurrences to other government agencies, consultants, and private landowners seeking to preserve natural diversity and advice on how best to protect these occurrences.