| Survey/Project Number: |
1114
Total No. of Sites:
0
|
| Survey/Project Name: |
Bushland Condition Monitoring (NCSSA) - BCM |
| Abstract: |
The Nature Conservation Society of South Australia (NCSSA) Bushland Condition Monitoring Project is a multi-region project which aims to assist land managers and extension staff to monitor vegetation condition.
METHODOLOGY:
The project is based on repeat monitoring of one or more 900 square metre (approx. 30 m x 30 m) quadrats that are chosen to represent the larger area of bushland under assessment.
Field observations are made on ten condition indicators that are scored regularly. These indicators are measurable and dynamic attributes of bushland. They demonstrate how the bushland is changing; the magnitude of changes; and whether the condition or health of the bushland is improving; deteriorating or remaining stable.
The site assessor receives instant feedback on current condition of the site; and this feedback can be used to guide future management decisions.
Vegetation data is collected using the methodology outlined in the relevant Bushland Condition Monitoring Manuals developed by the NCSSA for each region. The data collected is converted to scores which are compared against benchmarks for the relevant vegetation community.
Manuals have been developed for Agricultural regions only: namely Eyre Peninsula, Northern and Yorke, Southern Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges, Murray-Darling Basin, South East and Kangaroo Island.
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
1. TRAINING:
2 day training workshops are undertaken for new users of the manual;
1 day refresher courses every 2 years for existing users.
Database of persons trained is maintained.
2. TECHNICAL SUPPORT:
NCSSA staff interact with landholders/extension staff and others.
3. DATA COLLECTION:
In addition to site data collected and submitted by landholders and other organisations, the NCSSA collects Bushland Condition Monitoring data at key sites.
4. DATA MANAGEMENT:
The South Australian Biodiversity Assessment Tool (SABAT) is an MS Access/ESRI ArcGIS database developed by Department for Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation to manage Bushland Condition Monitoring data.
The data collected through NCSSA is loaded into the database and forwarded to Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources annually.
At May 2017, it was proposed that the Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) will be the custodian and manager of the database, with the database being located on DEWNR's server.
|
| |
| Start Date: |
01/01/1993
End Date: 31/12/2030
|
| Survey Type: |
Vegetation and Fauna |
| |
|
| Study Area Description: |
The Survey Manuals contain descriptions of BCM communities for the following NRM regions: AMLR, MDB, EP, Northern and Yorke, South East, Kangaroo Island. |