BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 44          Total No. of Sites: 55
Survey/Project Name: Recovery of Arid Woodland - Eastern S.A. SW N.S.W. NW Vic. (M. Westbrooke).
Abstract: The arid woodlands of south east Australia are under threat due to lack of regeneration and loss of understorey resulting from high grazing pressure from sheep, feral goats, rabbits and elevated populations of kangaroos. From 1991-95 a study was undertaken of the regeneration status of a range of arid woodland communities in SE Australia based on analysis of large quadrats in which all woodland trees were counted and measured and all perennial understorey species recorded. Sites were located on rangelands, roadsides and conservation reserves. It is proposed to reassess the 65 sites in the South Australian Murray Darling Basin NRM region to determine the level of recovery under differing management regimes. Techniques used will follow those recommended in Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual. In a study undertaken by Westbrooke (1997) from 1992-94 sixty five arid woodland sites within the study area were assessed to determine community structure, floristics and regeneration status of overstorey species. Each site was selected as a uniform stand of vegetation, obvious ecotones being avoided. Typically the quadrats were 50m x 50m (0.25ha). The shape of the quadrat was modified in some situations, for example to accommodate linear reserves. Since the objective was to investigate the population structure of communities, sites with a wide range of histories were sampled using a single large unreplicated plot at each. The plots were chosen subjectively following extensive field survey to typify various site conditions, a method which can rapidly provide a broad perspective on major issues. At each quadrat the stem diameter at approximately 10cm above the ground was recorded for all tree species within a 50X50m quadrat, selected to be typical of the total site. Stem diameter at 10cm was chosen rather than the more traditional diameter at breast height to avoid problems with low branching that occur in some species. A range of additional parameters were measured which largely correspond to those recommended in the Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual for The region (Croft et al. 2009). These include: -locations as latitude, longitude using a Global Positioning System (GPS) -locality data (distance from nearest track or map feature) -general topography, slope and aspect -vegetation stratum height and cover -dominant overstorey species -listing of all perennial species occurring in the quadrat with a cover abundance value based on a modified Braun-Blanquet scale (Braun-Blanquet 1928): -evidence of grazing leading to assigned ordinal classes or values -period of past grazing -time since reservation where relevant -distance from artificial watering points These sites were sampled during 1992-94. A unique opportunity is now available to determine change in vegetation condition over a sixteen year period. Project contains data collected in 2011.
 
Start Date: 01/01/1992      End Date: 01/01/2012
Survey Type: Vegetation Only
   
Study Area Description: Eastern SA north and south of River Murray; NW Victoria and SW NSW.
Objectives
         Vegetation: The arid woodlands of south east Australia are under threat due to lack of regeneration and loss of understorey resulting from high grazing pressure from sheep, feral goats, rabbits and elevated populations of kangaroos. From 199195 a study was undertaken of the regeneration status of a range of arid woodland communities in SE Australia based on analysis of large quadrats in which all woodland trees were counted and measured and all perennial understorey species recorded. Sites were located on rangelands, roadsides and conservation reserves. It is proposed to reassess the 65 sites in the South Australian Murray Darling Basin NRM region to determine the level of recovery under differing management regimes. Techniques used will follow those recommended in Bushland Condition Monitoring Manual. The objective was to investigate the population structure of communities. Monitoring quadrats previously assessed in 1991-4
         Fauna: *** No fauna survey objectives recorded
Methodology
         Vegetation: In a study undertaken by Westbrooke (1997) from 1992-94 sixty five arid woodland sites within the study area were assessed to determine community structure, floristics and regeneration status of overstorey species. Each site was selected as a uniform stand of vegetation, obvious ecotones being avoided. Typically the quadrats were 50m x 50m (0.25ha). The shape of the quadrat was modified in some situations, for example to accommodate linear reserves.
         Fauna: *** No vertebrate methodology recorded

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Vegetation : Monitoring - Vegetation/Ecosystem (ie species records - usually re-visited for ongoing monitoring) NOTE:NON Std Svy methodology may have been used.
Information Authority: Unknown