Northern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for ... · Northern Territory Guidelines and...

D E P A R T M E N T O F N A T U R A L R E S O U R C E S , E N V I R O N M E N T A N D T H E A R T S

Northern TerritoryGuidelines and

Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey

and MappingP. Brocklehurst, D. Lewis, D. Napier and D. Lynch

ISBN 1 92077242 1

TECHNICAL REPORT NO. 02/2007D

P. Brocklehurst, D. Lewis, D. Napier and D. Lynch Land and Vegetation Land and Water Division This report may be cited as: Brocklehurst, P., Lewis, D., Napier, D., Lynch, D. (2007) Northern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping. Technical Report No. 02/2007D. Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Palmerston, Northern Territory. This report is available from the DNRETA Library Resource Centre, First Floor Goyder Centre, Palmerston and can be accessed on the DNRETA website in PDF format: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/naturalresources/nativevegetation/vegmapping/methodology.html Inquiries should be directed to: Peter Brocklehurst Phone: +61 88999 3623 Fax: +61 88999 3667 e-mail: [email protected]

Donna Lewis Phone: +61 88999 3690 Fax: +61 88999 3667 e-mail: [email protected]

Land and Vegetation Land and Water Division Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts 4th Floor Goyder Centre 25 Chung Wah Terrace PO Box 30 Palmerston NT 0831 Australia

Northern TerritoryGuidelines and Field Methodology

for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

iNorthern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

PREFACE This document describes the standard methods for collecting, describing, classifying and mapping vegetation in the Northern Territory compliant with the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbooks (‘Yellow Book’ McDonald et al., 1990 & ‘Blue Book’ Gunn et al., 1988) and in accordance with national standards of the National Vegetation Information System. This report is divided into two Sections: Section A - Guidelines and Section B - Field Methodology. Section A contains background information and the principles pertaining to vegetation survey and mapping. Section B describes methods for on-ground field assessment. Information contained in this document is not an exhaustive treatment of all vegetation survey and mapping aspects. Reference is given to appropriate publications throughout. The main objective is to recommend and promote the use of consistent methods, procedures and terminologies on vegetation survey and mapping to an Australian standard across all agencies in the Northern Territory. Amendments will be progressively made to comply with future national initiatives and developments.

iiNorthern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Guidelines and Field Methodology were made possible through the endeavours of numerous staff members of the Land and Water Division. Particular thanks go to Jason Hill, Dave Howe, Graeme Owen and Chris Mangion for providing content on soil and landform information to Australian standards and comment on the Guidelines and Field Methodology as a whole. Francis Wait is thanked for proof reading and editing the final draft of this document. Various Divisions of NRETA are acknowledged for providing comment including Ian Cowie and Dale Dixon of the Northern Territory Herbarium. Alison Derry and Keith Ferdinands of the Weed Management Branch are recognised for providing up-to date information on collecting weeds data in the NT.

iiiNorthern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

CONTENTS PREFACE ............................................................................................................. I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS............................................................................ II

LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................ VI

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................... VI

ACRONYMS ................................................................................................... VII

SECTION A: GUIDELINES......................................1

1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................. 1

2.0 BACKGROUND................................................................................... 2

3.0 PRINCIPLES AND TERMS.................................................................. 3

3.1 Survey Design................................................................................................................................. 4 3.2 Mapping and Map Production ....................................................................................................... 5 3.3 Classification Systems and NVIS.................................................................................................. 5

4.0 MAPPING PROCEDURES .................................................................. 7

4.1 Map Scale ........................................................................................................................................ 7 4.2 Interpretive Material........................................................................................................................ 7 4.3 Defining Map Units ......................................................................................................................... 8 4.4 Mosaics............................................................................................................................................ 9 4.5 Accuracy Assessment ................................................................................................................... 9

5.0 NVIS CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK AND NOMENCLATURE.. 10

5.1 NVIS Structural Classification..................................................................................................... 10

6.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND MAP ATTRIBUTION.................................... 16

6.1 Floristic Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 16 6.2 Structural Classification .............................................................................................................. 17 6.3 Polygon/Map Attribution .............................................................................................................. 17 6.4 Reporting....................................................................................................................................... 17

7.0 DATA STORAGE .............................................................................. 18

ivNorthern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

7.1 Meta Data....................................................................................................................................... 18 7.2 Site Data......................................................................................................................................... 18 7.3 Polygon/Map Data......................................................................................................................... 19 7.4 Database Integration .................................................................................................................... 20

8.0 PRODUCTS....................................................................................... 22

9.0 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.............................................................. 23

9.1 Vegetation Condition.................................................................................................................... 23 9.2 Non Native Vegetation Types ...................................................................................................... 25 9.3 Definitive Vegetation Types......................................................................................................... 25 9.4 Ecosystem Regionalisation......................................................................................................... 26 9.5 Web Server Data Input Forms ..................................................................................................... 27

SECTION B: FIELD METHODOLOGY .................. 28

1.0 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................... 28

2.0 SAMPLE SITES ................................................................................ 29

2.1 Site Types and Dimensions......................................................................................................... 29 2.2 Site Selection and Sampling Intensity........................................................................................ 30

3.0 DESCRIBING VEGETATION............................................................ 31

3.1 Species .......................................................................................................................................... 31 3.2 Vegetation Profiles: Stratum Concept........................................................................................ 31 3.3 Cover.............................................................................................................................................. 34 3.4 Height............................................................................................................................................. 35 3.5 Basal Area ..................................................................................................................................... 36 3.6 Foliage Projective Cover.............................................................................................................. 37 3.7 Growth Form ................................................................................................................................. 38

4.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ............................................................. 39

4.1 Integrated Information.................................................................................................................. 39 4.2 Landform Element and Pattern ................................................................................................... 39 4.3 Land Surface ................................................................................................................................. 40 4.4 Soil ................................................................................................................................................. 40

5.0 FIELD DATA VARIABLES................................................................ 42

5.1 Habitat Sheet................................................................................................................................. 44 5.2 Flora Sheet .................................................................................................................................... 51 5.3 Foliage Projective Cover Sheet................................................................................................... 52

vNorthern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

GLOSSARY.......................................................................................................53

REFERENCES................................................................................................. 58

APPENDICES ........................................................ 62

APPENDIX 1: Primary Vegetation Datasets ..................................................................................... 62 APPENDIX 2: Overview of Vegetation Survey and Mapping Procedures..................................... 63 APPENDIX 3: Cover and Structural Formation Comparisons for Common Classification Systems ............................................................................................................................................... 64 APPENDIX 4: Height Class Comparison for Common Classification Systems ........................... 65 APPENDIX 5: Comparison of Classification Systems Codes and Descriptions.......................... 66 APPENDIX 6: Vegetation Survey Report Formats........................................................................... 68 APPENDIX 7: Metadata Attributes .................................................................................................... 72 APPENDIX 8: Preliminary NT Vegetation Condition Indicators for Forests and Woodlands ..... 73 APPENDIX 9: Example of Eucalyptus Open Forest Synthetic Benchmark .................................. 74 APPENDIX 10: Definitive Vegetation Types Database Attributes - Example................................ 75 APPENDIX 11: IUCN Red List Categories ........................................................................................ 79 APPENDIX 12: Directions for the Collection of NT Weeds............................................................. 80 APPENDIX 13: NT Weeds Data Collection Sheet............................................................................. 81 APPENDIX 14: Landform Element and Pattern Codes and Descriptions ..................................... 82 APPENDIX 15: Common Soil Orders in the NT................................................................................ 84 APPENDIX 16: Field Data Proforma - Habitat Sheet........................................................................ 85 APPENDIX 17: Field Data Proforma - Flora Sheet ........................................................................... 87 APPENDIX 18: Field Data Proforma - Vegetation Foliage Projective Cover................................. 90 APPENDIX 19: NT Site Procedure and Equipment List .................................................................. 91

viNorthern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Comparison of NT vegetation data stored in numerous databases. ............................................... 18 Figure 2. Proposed NRVIS data model. ......................................................................................................... 21 Figure 3. Cumulative scoring method. ............................................................................................................ 25 Figure 4. Sub-strata vegetation profiles for two vegetation communities (ESCAVI, 2003). ........................... 33 Figure 5. Vegetation profile height types (ESCAVI, 2003). ............................................................................ 36 Figure 6. Foliage projective cover transect set up and design. ...................................................................... 37

LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Summary of primary vegetation datasets, 2006. ................................................................................ 2 Table 2. Vegetation mapping terminology. ....................................................................................................... 3 Table 3. Data resolution at various scales. ....................................................................................................... 9 Table 4. The NVIS Information Hierarchy. ...................................................................................................... 11 Table 5. NVIS height class codes and descriptions........................................................................................ 12 Table 6. NVIS cover class codes and descriptions......................................................................................... 12 Table 7. NVIS growth form codes and descriptions........................................................................................ 12 Table 8. NVIS Classification System structural formation classes. ................................................................ 14 Table 9. NVIS height classes and corresponding growth forms. .................................................................... 15 Table 10. Recommended sampling intensity for various scales of mapping. ................................................. 30 Table 11. Traditional stratum codes and NVIS sub stratum codes and descriptions. .................................... 32 Table 12. Cover and abundance measures.................................................................................................... 34 Table 13. Description of height types for stratum and growth form. ............................................................... 35 Table 14. Basal area count and suggested transect length............................................................................ 38 Table 15. Vegetation site data core attributes. ............................................................................................... 42 Table 16. Data recorded on field data proformas for sampling full sites, check sites and road notes. .......... 43

viiNorthern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

ACRONYMS ANZLIC Australian and New Zealand Land Information Council

BRS Bureau of Rural Sciences

DEH Department of Environment and Heritage

DEM Digital Elevation Model

DVT Definitive Vegetation Type

ERIN Environmental Resources Information Centre

ESCAVI Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information

GIS Geographic Information System

GPS Global Positioning System

IBRA Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature NDVI Normalised Difference Vegetation Index

NFI National Forest Inventory

NLWRA National Land and Water Resources Audit

NRETA Dept. Natural Resources Environment and the Arts

NRVIS Natural Resource Vegetation Information System NT Northern Territory NTG Northern Territory Government

NVIS National Vegetation Information System RAVS Resource Assessment Vegetation System SLATS State-wide Landcover and Trees Study

VAST Vegetation Assets States and Transitions

WoNS Weeds of National Significance

SECTION A: GUIDELINES


1Northern Territory Guidelines and Field Methodology for Vegetation Survey and Mapping

1.0 INTRODUCTION This Section provides information on vegetation survey and mapping in the Northern Territory (NT) as currently practised by Land and Vegetation of Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts (NRETA). The Guidelines provide methods for the capture, interpretation and management of vegetation data and information in compliance with national standards of the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) Framework (NLWRA, 2001; ESCAVI, 2003). A brief outline of each chapter is provided below.

• Chapter 2 provides an historic synopsis of vegetation data collection in the NT.

• Chapter 3 describes common principals and terminology associated with vegetation

survey and mapping.

• Chapter 4 explains vegetation mapping procedures with reference to other literature.

• Chapter 5 outlines and describes vegetation classification systems and the NVIS

nomenclature.

• Chapter 6 outlines the processes involved in vegetation data analysis and map

attribution.

• Chapter 7 summarises the procedures required to document vegetation datasets

(metadata) and the storage of site and polygon vegetation data.

• Chapter 8 lists the products that can be generated from the derivation of vegetation

survey and mapping data.

• Chapter 9 describes future developments relative to native vegetation and the current

status of national initiatives.



2.0 BACKGROUND Vegetation data is required for a number of purposes and at different levels of detail and similarly is required at various scales and levels of attribute information. Historically, the CSIRO Land Research Series and various sections of the former NT Conservation Commission have been the primary providers of NT vegetation data, and responsible for the provision of vegetation, land unit/system mapping, floristic and biodiversity surveys. Increasingly fine scale mapping is required for management purposes at scales such as 1:25 000 and 1:50 000. Little spatial coverage of pure vegetation mapping is available at these scales for most of the NT (Table 1). A comprehensive list of primary vegetation datasets is provided in Appendix 1. Land unit and land system mapping contain vegetation information, however due to their integrated nature, polygon boundaries rarely equate with homogeneous vegetation communities. Table 1. Summary of primary vegetation datasets, 2006. Scale Area km2 % NT Coverage Significance

≤ 1:50 000 7 662 0.6 local

1:100 000-1:250 000 100 898 7.5 regional

1:1 000 000 1 346 200 100 national

In the NT a number of private and NT Government (NTG) agencies collect vegetation data for various purposes. Biodiversity Conservation of NRETA collects and describes vegetation data with little emphasis on stratum and species dominance. Data is generally collected in conjunction with fauna surveys for habitat recognition and is usually at the association level (NVIS Level V). Data is stored in an Access database that includes floristics, structural characteristics and environmental information. The NT Herbarium is also a primary collector of floristic data, mostly with information on minimal structural characteristics and only broad descriptive information. In some instances data is collected in conjunction with Biodiversity Conservation data. The NT Herbarium maintains the floristic taxonomic specimen database (Holtze/Platypus) for the NT which will eventually be linked to various environmental databases across NRETA. Also maintained is a site database that incorporates a complete species list identified within 20m by 20m quadrats and geo-referenced data. A survey specific database for Nitmiluk National Park is also maintained and incorporates structural, floristic and environmental information. The NT, unlike many other States, has been mapping vegetation for a relatively short period of time so vegetation and land unit surveys are commonly of unmapped regions. Therefore very few areas have been re-assessed or mapped to record temporal changes in vegetation structure, composition or condition. Historically, the NT has mapped type and extent of vegetation with little emphasis on vegetation condition. Site disturbance attributes such as grazing, fire and introduced plants are recorded, although are difficult to extrapolate spatially and temporally across the landscape. Over the last 70 years fire regimes and introduced flora and fauna are considered to have had some impact on native vegetation although the extent of these impacts are yet to be fully understood. For future developments on vegetation condition refer to Chapter 9.1.



3.0 PRINCIPLES AND TERMS Vegetation in its most general term refers to the plant cover of the earth. Numerous terms are used to describe vegetation by practitioners of the science (Table 2). Some terminology is very specific while others are quite general. The following NVIS definition has been adopted as the underlying definition for NT vegetation survey and mapping; ‘A vegetation community is an assemblage of plant species which are structurally and floristically similar and form a repeating unit across the landscape’. It is this repeating unit in theory that is to be mapped, quantified and described. Throughout this document the term vegetation community will be used. Table 2. Vegetation mapping terminology. Term Description Source Vegetation All plants within a specified area. It is usually considered generally

and not taxonomically. Lawrence, 1995

Vegetation Type

A community that has a floristically uniform structure and composition, often described by its dominant species.

Meagher, 1991

Vegetation Type

In NVIS, a vegetation type is commonly represented by a vegetation description.

ERIN*

Plant Community

A natural aggregate of different species of organisms existing in the same environment. While species within the community interact with each other, forming food chains and other ecological systems, they do not generally interact with species in other communities.

Meagher, 1991

Plant Community

Is composed of a mixture of populations of different species, each of which has a finite longevity.

Specht & Specht, 2002

Vegetation Community

For the purposes of NVIS, a community is described as an assemblage of plant species which are structurally and floristically similar and form a repeating unit across the landscape. See also vegetation type above.

NVIS**

Alliance A group of floristically related associations of similar structure. The alliance takes its name from the most characteristic dominant species of its component associations. Or A series of climax plant communities which have (i) the same structural characteristics, (ii) related species as dominants in the upper most stratum, and (iii) possibly the same or related species in the understorey, can be grouped together under one alliance.

Beadle & Costin, 1952

Society A series of climax plant communities which have (i) the same structural characteristics, (ii) the same species as dominants in the uppermost stratum, and (iii) the same species prominent in the understorey, can be grouped together as a society


Structural Formation

A series of climax plant communities which have a similar assemblage of life forms in the overstorey stratum, although showing considerable diversity in the composition of the species that are prominent in both the overstorey and understorey.

Beadle & Costin, 1952; Specht et al., 1974 & 1995




Formation classes defined by growth form and crown separation (woody plants) or foliage cover (ground stratum), and qualified by height class (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level II – Structural Formation; refer to Chapter 5.1).

Walker & Hopkins, 1990

Association An association is defined as a climax community of which the

dominant stratum has a qualitatively uniform floristic composition and which exhibits uniform structure as a whole. OR A series of climax plant communities which have (i) the same structural characteristics, (ii) the same species as dominants in the uppermost stratum, though (iii) possibly different floristic composition in the understorey, can be grouped together as an association.


Association For each stratum, the association description of the vegetation type should include floristic information for the dominant and/or diagnostic species (maximum of three species per stratum) plus the structural formation (dominant growth form, cover, height are combined). A maximum of three strata (upper, mid & ground; Walker & Hopkins, 1990) are allowed and the dominant stratum is indicated by a plus symbol “+” (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level V – Association; refer to Chapter 5.1).

NVIS**

Sub-Association

A sub division of the association determined by a variation in the most important subordinate stratum of the association, without significant qualitative changes in the dominant stratum.


Sub-Association

In NVIS, for each layer/sub-stratum, the sub-association description of the vegetation type should include floristic information for the dominant and/or diagnostic species (maximum of five species per sub-stratum) plus the structural formation (dominant growth form, cover & height) are combined. A maximum of eight sub strata are allowed and the dominant sub-stratum is indicated by a plus symbol “+” (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level VI – Sub-association; refer to Chapter 5.1).

NVIS**

* ERIN: Department of Environment and Heritage – Environmental Resources Information Network ** NVIS: Department of Environment and Heritage – National Vegetation Information System

3.1 Survey Design The design and implementation of a survey depend on:

1. The purpose of a survey is influenced by the scale of mapping and data detail

required. This is clearly defined at the beginning including geographic extent, type of mapping and classification system, and

2. Resources available including funds, staff, equipment and vehicles. The major steps involved include:

1. Establishing the aims and objectives of a survey and required outputs; 2. Defining the methods and procedures to conduct the survey and analyse data; 3. Undertaking an information search for available material and data to assist with all

components of the survey; 4. Undertaking the survey (preliminary mapping, field survey, data analysis, final

mapping & attribution), and 5. Presentation of results (reports, maps, & meta-data requirements).



Currently, the majority of vegetation mapping in the NT is in an exploratory phase where new areas are being mapped rather than existing mapped areas being remapped. The NT therefore generates vegetation maps with static single point descriptions that rarely provide an assessment of baseline condition or trend in vegetation communities. For a diagrammatical overview of vegetation survey and mapping procedures refer to Appendix 2.

3.2 Mapping and Map Production For the purpose of this document, the term unique mapping area and map unit can be used interchangeably. A map unit refers to the predefined delineation of vegetation communities visualised from interpretive material. It is important to note the mapping of vegetation is not an exact science, rather an applied science that imposes boundaries on a transition or continuum; often temporal as well as spatial. It attempts to capture, within a unique mapping area, boundaries that are not always distinctly definable in nature. This boundary or transition zone is called an ecotone and is often found to be more species-rich than either of the communities it separates. An ecotone can be recognised as a community itself, although it is generally difficult to delineate on interpretive material. Vegetation maps are produced assuming communities are established in a manner that can be visualised through interpretation of remote sensing data such as aerial photography or satellite imagery at a point in time. The boundary shown on a map between two vegetation communities is therefore a compromise.

3.3 Classification Systems and NVIS Vegetation classification systems aim to characterise and standardise vegetation descriptions to allow comparison and meaningful groupings of plant species. Many different classification systems exist although most rely on various combinations of floristic and structural attributes (i.e. cover, height & growth form). Some classification systems also incorporate environmental variables such as climate and edaphic factors. Vegetation community composition and structure may vary in both time and space (Beadle & Costin, 1952) making attempts to classify vegetation into classes or categories somewhat arbitrary. Classification is a compromise between the preservation of naturally occurring vegetation communities as fluctuating entities and the need to subdivide them into units for descriptive, comparison or mapping purposes. There is an intimate relationship between classification and mapping; classification strongly affects a map and the purpose of generating a map determines the appropriate classification (Kuchler & Zonneveld, 1988). A diverse range of vegetation survey, classification and mapping systems are used across Australia making it difficult to compare and join vegetation datasets across State and Territory borders. As a result the need for a nationally consistent framework for vegetation survey and mapping was recognised.



The NVIS was developed to address this problem. Through partnerships between States, Territories and the Australian Government NVIS aims to develop:

• Standards for the classification, attribution and storage of vegetation spatial data (polygons);

• Nationally consistent standards for the survey and mapping of vegetation including data collection and classification (revised ‘Yellow Book’; Hnatiuk et al., in press & revised ‘Blue Book’; Thackway et al., in press), and

• A number of national vegetation information products. NRETA is in the process of implementing the NVIS polygon attribute database. Once completed, it will provide on-line vegetation information and be linked to currently available vegetation mapping. Standards for the classification, attribution and storage of vegetation spatial data can be accessed from the following link: http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/avam/ National vegetation information products include: Map of the major vegetation groups in Australia: http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/publications/major-veg-map.html. Major vegetation groups and their status for the NT by bioregion: http://audit.ea.gov.au/ANRA/vegetation/docs/Native_vegetation/nat_veg_nt.cfm. Land and Vegetation of NRETA adhere to the national standards developed by NVIS and encourage other vegetation survey and mapping agencies to adopt them. The NVIS framework is explained in more detail in Chapter 5.0.



4.0 MAPPING PROCEDURES This chapter provides a summary of the information on procedures used for the mapping component of vegetation surveys. It is a large topic and only some issues are discussed here. For further detail on this subject refer to Chapter 6 and 7 in the Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook: Guidelines for Conducting Surveys ‘Blue Book’ (Gunn et al., 1988). For an overview of vegetation survey and mapping procedures refer to Appendix 2.

4.1 Map Scale The amount of detail that can be shown on a map is mostly a function of scale: detail diminishes as the scale decreases. The information on a small scale map is usually more generalised than on a large scale map. As the scale controls the linework/mapping unit detail, it also has a strong bearing on the level of attribute detail. Broad floristic formations (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level III – Broad Floristic Formation; refer to Chapter 5.1) are readily shown at small scales, where as small vegetation communities (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level VI – Sub-association; refer to Chapter 5.1) require larger scale mapping (i.e. more spatial detail). This is reflected in the degree of homogeneity in the mapping unit. Often mapping will contain vegetation communities that are too small to define at the prescribed scale, these areas are mapped as mosaics. In other words, hierarchies of observation scale present problems as scale can be changed in a continuous manner, although hierarchies of vegetation classification systems emphasise the importance of distinguishing vegetation communities and describing them at a particular scale. For this reason, vegetation maps at different scales cannot be readily compared. If the scale is changed, both attributes (vegetation community description data) and line work may require reinterpretation. As well as determining the smallest area to be shown on a map, scale also influences the sampling intensity required and the homogeneity of the resulting map units. Prior to generating the mapping, size and scale of the final version of the map should be determined. Traditionally, the final scale of a map is double the scale of the interpretive material (i.e. 1:25,000 scale aerial photography produces a final map scale of 1:50,000). Often the availability, cost and resolution of the interpretive material may influence the final map scale.

4.2 Interpretive Material The interpretive material used depends on available data, funding and the purpose of a survey. Two broad approaches are used to create vegetation maps (Neldner et al., 2003):

1. Visual interpretation of patterns on aerial photography or image analysis of spatial or spectral attributes using satellite imagery, and

2. Modelling patterns of the vegetation for a region using numerical relationships

between site-based vegetation data and independent environmental variables to predict the environmental domains of individual species.



Historically the NT adopted the first approach by using aerial photography and more recently satellite imagery for interpretation. Aerial photography involves stereoscopic interpretation of patterns on contact prints and then transferred to a geo-referenced digital base such as topographic maps. Aerial photography provides reasonable resolution, although is expensive. More recently digital aerial photography with on screen digitising and attribution has been used in conjunction with traditional stereoscopy methods. The process of scanning, geo-rectifying and generating mosaics to produce the digital aerial photography is time consuming. Fortunately future aerial photography will be flown digitally and geo-referenced to some degree. Software allowing 3D vision is available for on screen digitising, however is expensive. As an alternative, contact prints (stereo pairs) and a stereoscope are used to delineate unique mapping areas then digitised on screen using a Geographic Information System (GIS). This is a tedious and time consuming process. If aerial photography is the interpretive base, the oldest available is recommended to provide information on vegetation prior to clearing or modification. Pre-clearing and present vegetation can be mapped and updated with recent satellite imagery or land clearing data. The use of old aerial photography will depend on the purpose of a vegetation survey. The disadvantage of using old photography may potentially limit field navigation and site location. Innovative interpretive materials (i.e. high resolution satellite imagery) are becoming increasingly available. Some possess comparable resolutions to aerial photography (eg. SPOT5, QuickBird, IKONOS, ASTER, ALOS) and will potentially replace traditional aerial photography methods in the future. Higher powered computers combined with enhanced GIS specifications and the increasing integration of GIS with remote sensing has made computer based mapping more efficient. These methods still only provide a ‘pattern’ and require considerable ground-truthing. Ancillary data such as Digital Elevation Models (DEM) and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) can assist in mapping and field survey components; they can also be used for modelling.

4.3 Defining Map Units The essential purpose of the mapping phase is to define unique mapping units, which are definable on the interpretive materials (by texture, colour, tone, canopy spacing, spectral signature etc), are a repeating unit /pattern across the mapped area, and which correlate to a greater or lesser degree with something tangible in the real world (i.e. a homogeneous vegetation community or a classification of that vegetation community). The boundaries marked should identify apparent changes in the vegetation communities. Each map unit/polygon is assigned a preliminary map unit code prior to field survey and re-evaluated and attributed following field survey, analysis and classification of field data. Boundaries should also be checked in the field for attribute and spatial accuracy. Various protocols and specific formula exist for a minimum map unit size. Generally whatever correlates to an area larger than two by two millimetres on interpretive material is acceptable (eg. two by two millimetres on 1:50 000 aerial photography equates to 100 by 100 metres or one hectare on the ground; Table 3).



Table 3. Data resolution at various scales. Description Size on Map 1:25 000 1:50 000 1:100 000 1:250 000 1:1 000 000

Surface area of the smallest mapped feature

2 x 2 mm 0.25 ha 1.0 ha 4 ha 25 ha 400 ha or 4 km2

Minimal area width for linear features 1mm wide (on the ground)

1 mm 25 m 50 m 100 m 250 m 1 km

Source: Neldner and Butler (in prep)

4.4 Mosaics Mosaic map units incorporate more than one vegetation community within a map unit boundary. Mosaics should be noted during the interpretation phase and were possible a percent proportion subscribed to each component vegetation community within the one map unit boundary. If the mosaic components are too small to map, or they are not feasible to map even as mosaics, they should still be assessed in the field and described in the survey report. For example, Queensland mapping is attributed with a code to provide a floristic association (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level VI - Sub-association; refer to Chapter 5.1) and the proportion it occupies in each map unit. Each polygon is therefore individually assessed as opposed to identifying similar unique mapping areas and vegetation groupings as done in the NT. Map polygons are labelled with the dominant vegetation community. Spatially smaller units within the polygon boundary are referred to in the survey report. The NVIS framework allows for mosaic mapping units (ESCAVI, 2003; refer to Chapter 5.0).

4.5 Accuracy Assessment On completion of a survey, the final mapping units should be assessed for reliability and accuracy. Maps should also be validated for spatial and attribute accuracy. Spatial accuracy refers to the accuracy of a map in terms of real world coordinates (geo-referencing) usually measured in metres. It is applied to the entire map and individual polygon boundaries. Spatial accuracy can be assessed using global positioning system (GPS) ground control points or by comparison with geo-referenced GIS coverage’s (eg. satellite imagery, cadastral boundaries, digital topographic maps). Spatial accuracy can be corrected or improved with a selected geo-referenced base using GIS. Attribute accuracy is an estimate of how accurately vegetation communities have been depicted within map units. The process requires ground-truthing; a simple method is to select one hundred sites on a stratified random basis covering the survey area and individual vegetation communities. The sites are visited and evaluated to determine the correspondence with the assigned vegetation community. Accuracy can be measured as an overall percentage. Depending on scale, a map is rarely 100% correct at any given site location. For more detail refer to the Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook: Guidelines for Conducting Surveys ‘Blue Book’ (Gunn et al., 1988).



5.0 NVIS CLASSIFICATION FRAMEWORK AND NOMENCLATURE Classification plays an important role in vegetation survey and mapping. The primary goal of a classification system is to define patterns and simplify complex vegetation data. Traditionally, NRETA Land and Vegetation have used a modified Carnahan/Specht (1981) classification system for pure vegetation mapping where vegetation is characterised by the tallest stratum. The tallest stratum is also considered to be the dominant stratum, provided canopy cover values are greater than 5%. For land unit mapping in the NT the Walker and Hopkins (1990) classification system also characterises vegetation by the tallest stratum. The two classification systems rely on slightly different criteria and once applied to a map are not directly comparable. Similarly at the national level, State and Territory agencies involved in vegetation survey and mapping have used different classification systems. Recognising this, a national standard, the NVIS framework, for classifying vegetation map units and descriptions was developed. The principle objective of vegetation survey is to identify vegetation communities with similar characteristics (i.e. floristic, structural formation & environmental attributes) by:

1. Describing vegetation communities at a recognised classification level (i.e. NVIS Information Hierarchy Level V – Association & Level VI - Sub-association; refer to Chapter 5.1) for survey reports;

2. Attributing preliminary unique mapping areas at a recognised classification level

(generally Level V – Association; refer to Chapter 5.1) to establish regional patterns of vegetation community distribution, and

3. Providing an understanding of ecosystem relationships by identifying links between

individual species distribution and co-occurrence with a set of environmental factors (i.e. physical, biological & disturbance attributes).

To achieve the above, field data is analysed and classified into floristic and structural groupings using a recognised classification system.

5.1 NVIS Structural Classification The NVIS framework is based on an information hierarchy of six levels (Table 4) and a structural classification system. The purpose of the hierarchy is to define and standardise structural and floristic map unit information, provide a framework for quality control and assurance of vegetation description information and generate outputs at various levels (eg. map products). The NVIS Information Hierarchy (ESCAVI, 2003) has been adopted by NRETA Land and Vegetation to map and describe vegetation communities in the NT. A database has been built to accommodate this (refer to Chapter 7.3). A large amount of historic NT vegetation data has been translated into the NVIS classification system. Future vegetation mapping should adhere to the NVIS classification system.



Table 4. The NVIS Information Hierarchy. Level Description Species Growth form Cover Height

CLASS* - 1 dominant growth form for the dominant stratum

- - I

Example Tree STRUCTURAL FORMATION*

- 1 dominant growth form for the dominant stratum

1 cover class for the dominant stratum

1 height class for the dominant stratum

II

Example Open woodland BROAD

FLORISTIC FORMATION**

1 dominant genus name for the dominant stratum

1 dominant growth form for dominant stratum

1 cover class for dominant stratum

1 height class for dominant stratum

III

Example Eucalyptus open woodland SUB-

FORMATION** 1 dominant genus name for each stratum (max 3 strata; i.e. for U, M, G where substantially present)

1 dominant growth form for each stratum (max 3 strata)

1 cover class for each stratum (max 3 strata)

1 height class for each stratum (max 3 strata)

IV

Example +Eucalyptus open woodland\Petalostigma tall sparse shrubland\Sorghum tussock grassland

ASSOCIATION** Up to 3 dominant species for each stratum (max 3 strata; i.e. for U, M, G where present)

Up to 3 dominant growth forms for each stratum (max 3 strata; i.e. for U, M, G where present)

1 cover class code for each stratum (max 3 strata; i.e. for U, M, G where present)

1 height class code for each stratum (max 3 strata; i.e. for U, M, G where present)

V

Example U+ ^Eucalyptus miniata, Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Erythrophleum chlorostachys \^tree\7\r;M ^Petalostigma pubescens, Buchanania obovata, Planchonia careya\^shrub\4\r;G ^Sorghum plumosum, Heteropogon triticeus, Chrysopogon latifolius\^tussock grass\2\c

SUB-ASSOCIATION**

Up to 5 dominant species for each sub-stratum (i.e. for U1, U2, U3, M1, M2, M3, G1, G2 where present) Indicate characteristic genus in each sub-stratum with an up arrow or hat “^”. Must match characteristic growth form.

Up to 5 dominant growth forms for each sub-stratum.Indicate characteristic growth form with an up arrow or hat “^”. Must match characteristic genus.

1 cover class code for each sub-stratum

1 height class code for each sub-stratum

VI

Example U+ ^Eucalyptus miniata, Eucalyptus tetrodonta, Erythrophleum chlorostachys, Corymbia foelscheana, Corymbia polysciada \^tree\7\r;M ^Petalostigma pubescens, Buchanania obovata, Planchonia careya, Livistona humilis, Terminalia grandiflora\^shrub,palm,tree\4\r;G ^Sorghum plumosum, Heteropogon triticeus, Chrysopogon latifolius, Distichostemon hispidulus, Erythrophleum chlorostachys\^tussock grass,forb,tree\2\c

* Walker and Hopkins (1990) ** NVIS (defined for the NVIS Information Hierarchy) + indicates dominant stratum



The NVIS structural classification is built from three components including height (linked to growth forms; Table 5), cover classes (Table 6) and growth forms (Table 7). NVIS classification crown cover categories ‘r’ and ‘bi’ have been modified in the NT (Table 8). Open woodlands need to have a cover of 5% or greater therefore category ‘r’ is 5-20% rather than 0.25-20% and category ‘bi’ 0-5%. Table 5. NVIS height class codes and descriptions. Height Code Description

8 Height range >30 m - Trees, Vines (in M & U), Palms (single-stemmed), Epiphytes.

7 Height range 10-30 m - Trees, Vines (in M & U), Palms (single-stemmed), Mallee, Mallee Shrub, Epiphytes.

6 Height range <10 m - Tress, Vines (in M & U), Palms (single-stemmed), Epiphytes; Height range 3-10m - Mallee, Mallee Shrub, Epiphytes.

5 Height range < 3 m - Mallee, Mallee Shrub, Epiphytes.

4 Height range > 2 m - Cycads, Grass-trees, Tree-ferns, Shrubs, Heath Shrub, Chenopod Shrub, Ferns, Samphire, Palms (multi-stemmed), Tussock and Hummock Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, Forbs, Epiphytes (in G), Vines (in G).

3 Height range 1-2 m - Cycads, Grass-trees, Tree-ferns, Shrubs, Heath Shrub, Chenopod Shrub, Ferns, Samphire, Palms (multi-stemmed), Tussock and Hummock Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, Forbs, Epiphytes (in G), Vines (in G).

2 Height range 0.5-1 m - Cycads, Grass-trees, Tree-ferns, Shrubs, Heath Shrub, Chenopod Shrub, Ferns, Samphire, Palms (multi-stemmed), Tussock and Hummock Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, Forbs, Liverwort, Lichen, Moss, Seagrasses.

1 Height range < 0.5 m - Cycads, Xanthorrhoea, Shrubs, Heath Shrub, Chenopod Shrub, Ferns, Samphire, Tussock and Hummock Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, Forbs, Lichen, Bryophyte, Seagrasses, Epiphytes (in G), Vines (in G).

Unknown Unknown Source: ESCAVI (2003) Table 6. NVIS cover class codes and descriptions.

Cover Code Description

d Foliage cover 70-100% - Crown cover 80-100% - Ground cover 70-100% c Foliage cover 30-70% - Crown cover 50-80% - Ground cover 30-70%

i Foliage cover 10-30% - Crown cover 20-50% - Ground cover 10-30%

r Foliage cover < 10% - Crown cover 0.25-20% - Ground cover <10%

bi Foliage cover ~0% (scattered) - Crown cover 0-0.25% - Ground cover ~0%

bc Foliage cover ~0% (clumped) - Crown cover 0-0.25% - Ground cover ~0%

Source: ESCAVI (2003) Table 7. NVIS growth form codes and descriptions.

Growth Form Code Description

T Tree Woody plants, more than 2m tall with a single stem or branches well above the base.

M Tree Mallee Woody perennial plant usually of the genus Eucalyptus. Multi-stemmed with fewer than 5 trunks of which at least 3 exceed 100mm at breast height (1.3m). Usually 8m or more.



S Shrub Woody plants multi-stemmed at the base (or within 200mm from ground level) or if single stemmed, less than 2m.

Y Mallee Shrub Commonly less than 8m tall, usually with 5 or more trunks, of which at least 3 of the largest do not exceed 100mm at breast height (1.3m).

Z Heath Shrub

Shrub usually less than 2m, with sclerophyllous leaves having high fibre: protein ratios and with an area of nanophyll or smaller (less than 225 sq. m.). Often a member of the following families: EPACRIDACEAE, MYRTACEAE, FABACEAE and PROTEACEAE. Commonly occur in nutrient-poor substrates.

C Chenopod Shrub Single or multi-stemmed, semi-succulent shrub of the family CHENOPODIACEAE exhibiting drought and salt tolerance.

U Samphire Shrub

Genera (of Tribe SALICORNIOIDEAE, viz: Halosarcia, Pachycornia, Sarcocornia, Sclerostegia, Tecticornia and Tegicornia) with articulate branches, fleshy stems and reduced flowers within the CHENOPODIACEAE family, succulent chenopods. Also genus Sueda.

G Tussock Grass Forms discrete but open tussocks usually with distinct individual shoots, or if not, then forming a hummock. These are common agricultural grasses.

H Hummock Grass Coarse xeromorphic grass with a mound-like form often dead in the middle; genera are Triodia and Plectrachne.

W Other grass Member of the family POACEAE, but having neither a distinctive tussock nor hummock appearance.

V Sedge Herbaceous, usually perennial erect plant generally with a tufted habit and of the families CYPERACEAE (true sedges) or RESTIONACEAE (node sedges).

R Rush

Herbaceous, usually perennial erect monocot that is neither a grass nor sedge. For the purposes of NVIS, rushes include the monocotyledon families JUNCACEAE, TYPHACEAE, LILIACEAE, IRIDACEAE, XYRIDACEAE and the genus Lomandra (i.e. “graminoid” or grass-like genera).

F Forb Herbaceous or slightly woody, annual or sometimes perennial plant (usually a dicotyledon).

D Tree-fern Characterised by large and usually branched leaves (fronds), arborescent and terrestrial; spores in sporangia on the leaves.

E Fern Ferns and fern allies. Characterised by large and usually branched leaves (fronds), herbaceous and terrestrial to aquatic; spores in sporangia on the leaves.

B Bryophyte Mosses and Liverworts. Mosses are small plants usually with slender leaf-bearing stem with no true vascular tissue. Liverworts are often moss-like in appearance or consisting of a flat, ribbon-like green thallus.

N Lichen Composite plant consisting of fungus living symbiotically with algae; without true roots, stems or leaves.

K Epiphyte Epiphytes, mistletoes and parasites. Plant with roots attached to the aerial portions of other plants. Often could also be another growth form, such as fern or forb.

L Vine Climbing, twining, winding or sprawling plants usually with a woody stem.

P Palm Palms and other arborescent monocotyledons. Members of the ARECACEAE or the genus Pandanus (Pandanus is often multi-stemmed).

X Grass-tree Australian grass trees. Members of the family XANTHORROEACEAE.

A Cycad Members of the families CYCADACEAE and ZAMIACEAE.

J Seagrass Flowering angiosperms forming sparse to dense mats of material at the sub-tidal and down to 30m below MSL. Occasionally exposed.

Q Aquatic Plant growing in an inland waterway or wetland with the majority of its biomass under water for most of the year. Fresh, saline or brackish water.

O Lower Plant Alga, fungus. Source: ESCAVI (2003) The three components are combined to generate structural formation classes (Table 8).



Table 8. NVIS Classification System structural formation classes.

Cover Characteristics Foliage cover * 70-100 30-70 10-30 <10 » 0 0-5 unknown

Crown cover ** >80 50-80 20-50 0.25-20 <0.25 0-5 unknown

% Cover *** >80 50-80 20-50 0.25-20 <0.25 0-5 unknown

Cover code d c i r bi bc unknown

Growth Form Height Ranges (m)

Structural Formation Classes

tree, palm <10,10-30, >30 closed forest open forest woodland open woodland isolated trees isolated clumps of trees trees

tree mallee <3, <10, 10-30 closed mallee forest open mallee forest mallee woodland open mallee woodland isolated mallee trees isolated clumps of mallee trees mallee trees

shrub, cycad,grass-tree, tree-fern

<1,1-2,>2 closed shrubland shrubland open shrubland sparse shrubland isolated shrubs isolated clumps of shrubs shrubs

mallee shrub <3, <10, 10-30 closed mallee shrubland mallee shrubland open mallee shrubland sparse mallee shrubland isolated mallee shrubs isolated clumps of mallee shrubs

mallee shrubs

heath shrub <1,1-2,>2 closed heathland heathland open heathland sparse heathland isolated heath shrubs isolated clumps of heath shrubs

heath shrubs

chenopod shrub <1,1-2,>2 closed chenopod shrubland

chenopod shrubland

open chenopod shrubland

sparse chenopod shrubland

isolated chenopod shrubs

isolated clumps of chenopod shrubs

chenopod shrubs

samphire shrub <0.5,>0.5 closed samphire shrubland

samphire shrubland

open samphire shrubland

sparse samphire shrubland

isolated samphire shrubs

isolated clumps of samphire shrubs

samphire shrubs

hummock grass <2,>2 closed hummock grassland

hummock grassland

open hummock grassland

sparse hummock grassland

isolated hummock grasses

isolated clumps of hummock grasses

hummock grasses

tussock grass <0.5,>0.5 closed tussock grassland

tussock grassland open tussock grassland

sparse tussock grassland

isolated tussock grasses

isolated clumps of tussock grasses

tussock grasses

other grass <0.5,>0.5 closed grassland grassland open grassland sparse grassland isolated grasses isolated clumps of grasses other grasses

sedge <0.5,>0.5 closed sedgeland sedgeland open sedgeland sparse sedgeland isolated sedges isolated clumps of sedges sedges

rush <0.5,>0.5 closed rushland rushland open rushland sparse rushland isolated rushes isolated clumps of rushes rushes

forb <0.5,>0.5 closed forbland forbland open forbland sparse forbland isolated forbs isolated clumps of forbs forbs

fern <1,1-2,>2 closed fernland fernland open fernland sparse fernland isolated ferns isolated clumps of ferns ferns

bryophyte <0.5 closed bryophyteland bryophyteland open bryophyteland sparse bryophyteland isolated bryophytes isolated clumps of bryophytes bryophytes

lichen <0.5 closed lichenland lichenland open lichenland sparse lichenland isolated lichens isolated clumps of lichens lichens

vine <10,10-30, >30 closed vineland vineland open vineland sparse vineland isolated vines isolated clumps of vines vines

aquatic 0-0.5,<1 closed aquatic bed aquatic bed open aquatic bed sparse aquatics isolated aquatics isolated clumps of aquatics aquatics

seagrass 0-0.5,<1 closed seagrass bed seagrassbed open seagrassbed sparse seagrassbed isolated seagrasses isolated clumps of seagrasses seagrasses Source: ESCAVI (2003) Note: This table is based on native vegetation, but can be used in a similar fashion for non-native vegetation and for describing re-vegetation. * FOLAIGE COVER – proportion of ground cover which would be shaded if sunshine came directly overhead including branches and leaves. ** CROWN COVER (canopy cover) – percentage of the sample site within the vertical projection of the periphery of the crowns where crowns are treated as opaque.

*** PERCENTAGE COVER - percentage of a strictly defined area covered by vegetation. Can be either an estimate or precise measure using a crown densiometer or point intercept transects.



The structural formation classes in conjunction with a height qualifier (Table 9) and species information are used to generate Levels I to VI of the NVIS Information Hierarchy (Table 4). A program SAVEG version 1.1 has been built to allow entry of the three components and species information to build the six level NVIS hierarchy automatically. For manual building of the hierarchy and full details of NVIS and core attributes see the NVIS Australian Vegetation Attribute Manual Version 6.0 (ESCAVI, 2003). Comparisons of common classifications systems and criteria (Walker & Hopkins, 1990; Specht, 1970; NVIS) are provided in two categories: cover and structural formation (Appendix 3) and height classes (Appendix 4). Appendix 5 is a useful table to translate codes and descriptions from the Walker and Hopkins (1990) classification system to NVIS. Table 9. NVIS height classes and corresponding growth forms.

Height Applicable Growth Forms

Height Class

Height Range (m)

tree, vine (M & U), palm (single stemmed).

shrub, heath shrub, chenopod shrub, ferns, samphire shrub, cycad, tree-fern, grass-tree, palm (multi-stemmed)

tree mallee, mallee shrub

tussock grass, hummock grass, other grass, sedge, rush, forbs, vine (G)

byrophyte, lichen, seagrass, aquatic

8 >30 Tall NA NA NA NA 7 10-30 Mid NA Tall NA NA 6 <10 Low NA Mid NA NA 5 <3 NA NA Low NA NA 4 >2 NA Tall NA Tall NA 3 1-2 NA Mid NA Tall NA 2 0.5-1 NA Low NA Mid Tall 1 <0.5 NA Low NA Low Low Source: ESCAVI (2003) based on Walker & Hopkins (1990) Note: the word in the body of the table is used to qualify the structural formation



6.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND MAP ATTRIBUTION Data analysis and map attribution can be complex processes. This is a large topic and only a brief outline of how NRETA Land and Vegetation does this is provided. Four main steps are involved in data analysis and map attribution:

1. Floristic Analysis: Determine floristic affinities between sites to produce floristic groupings.

2. Structural Classification: Assign structural attributes to floristic groups and place them into a classification system.

3. Polygon Attribution: Relate structural and floristic groups to the mapping. 4. Reporting: Document vegetation community descriptions, floristic lists with frequency

of occurrence, structural summary and environmental attributes in a survey report.

6.1 Floristic Analysis Various numerical techniques have been devised to sort floristic data in an attempt to define homogenous plant assemblages. The approach used and outputs resulting from analysis is primarily influenced by the level of site data detail, the accuracy required for the scale of mapping and the time of year data is collected. The process is iterative where a number of analyses are performed on the same dataset or sub sets of data. Of the many analytical techniques available, those commonly used for vegetation data are relatively simple, employing some type of association technique, and generally biased towards floristics. Association analysis is a statistical technique for generating floristic groupings based on presence/absence and/or abundance of species derived from site data. Sites are partitioned into two groups on the basis of their possession of species (i.e. species showing the highest overall association with other species). The analysis proceeds by treating each subset of sites as an initial set and further sub-dividing until resultant subsets represent a series of sites with reasonably uniform species composition (Specht & Specht, 2002). During the primary analysis, sites are grouped purely on species association and abundances. Further exploration of the data may include environmental attributes. Preferably the person who collects the data should also analyse it given floristic analysis often requires expert input to produce final site groupings. Five steps are used to determine floristic site groupings:

1. Presence/absence on a subset of data based on frequency of occurrence for the upper stratum (eg. species occurring in more than 5% of sites);

2. Quantitative measure using basal area for the upper stratum; 3. Repeat step one for the ground stratum and compare with output groupings for the

upper stratum; 4. Repeat steps one and two for the mid stratum and compare with output groupings for

upper and ground strata/sub strata, and 5. Undertake a number of analyses for a series of subset data to decide the total number

of groupings (vegetation communities). Note: the larger the dataset, the more analysis required.



Vegetation site data can be analysed using statistical packages including PATN, PRIMER, SYSTAT. PATN is the most powerful and has recently been released in a windows format, suitable for large datasets. For smaller datasets SYSTAT and PRIMER are adequate for association analysis. For further information refer to Belbin (1988); Specht and Specht (2002); Clarke and Gorley (2001) and Hill (1979).

6.2 Structural Classification The structure of vegetation at each site is evaluated on the basis of floristic groupings derived from the association analysis. A final group is assigned to each site incorporating both structural and floristic information. The structural information is determined by height and cover values coupled with growth form then translated to the NVIS classification system structural formation and height classes (Table 8 & 9). For each grouping of sites, floristic information and structural formation and height classes define the vegetation community description. Site groupings may also be appraised based on environmental attributes such as soil and landform. Assigning the final site groupings is often iterative.

6.3 Polygon/Map Attribution Preliminary map units are then evaluated according to the final vegetation community groupings. Mapping units may need to be split or amalgamated, or boundaries altered to reflect the final vegetation group. In some instances, vegetation communities determined from the association analysis may not relate to a mapping area boundary or may be too small to map (dependant on scale). These spatially small vegetation communities need to be described in the survey report and attributed on the final map as a mosaic.

6.4 Reporting Once final vegetation communities are determined, floristic and structural information is downloaded from the site database to describe each vegetation community. Information summarised from the site data include modal growth-form, mean cover, mean height and cover and height ranges for up to three dominant strata. This information places vegetation communities into a classification system and forms the vegetation community description for survey reports and polygon attribution. The information should be described at the association (NVIS Level V) or sub-association level (NVIS Level VI) provided adequate sites and data have been sampled. Vegetation communities are described textually and tabularly in a survey report including the following information. For vegetation survey report format examples refer to Appendix 6.

• Structural classification code and description for the dominant stratum; • Dominant species and frequency of occurrence for each stratum/ sub stratum; • Number of sites representing community and list of corresponding sites; • Common species list with frequency of occurrence for each stratum/ sub stratum; • Average and mean heights and height ranges for each stratum/sub stratum; • Average and mean cover and cover ranges for each stratum/sub stratum; • Dominant growth form for each stratum/sub stratum; • Structural classification code for each stratum/sub stratum, and • Environmental information (i.e. landform, soils, drainage).



7.0 DATA STORAGE

7.1 Meta Data Metadata provides a structured description and summary of a dataset. All vegetation survey and mapping projects on completion should be placed on the NT Spatial Data Directory and completed to ANZLIC standards (ANZLIC, 2001). The majority of NT survey reports contain metadata defining content, currency, access, availability and quality of the data. The NVIS data base also contains basic metadata information (ESCAVI, 2003).

7.2 Site Data Numerous vegetation site databases exist in the NT. The data is stored in various formats and at different locations. Vegetation data across NRETA is currently stored in a number of databases including Database for Ecological Community Data (DECODA), Resource Assessment Vegetation System (RAVS), Microsoft Excel and Access and various ARC/INFO-ARCMAP data formats. A significant amount of vegetation data is not currently digital equating to 34% of all known NT vegetation datasets (Figure 1). A vegetation site data inventory was undertaken to establish the extent and quality of NT data by Brocklehurst (2003). Approximately 30,000 sites from 240 surveys were assessed. A simple Access database was designed to store metadata information containing a number of look up fields (Appendix 7). Future NT vegetation site data should be entered into this database as a standard survey procedure in the NT. A web accessible front end is to be developed.

Digital Data Storage Systems

2%25%

27%2%15%

19%

3%0% 7%

DECODA/ARCINFO DECODA nilRAVS Foxpro-Access AccessExcel Oracle Unknown

Figure 1. Comparison of NT vegetation data stored in numerous databases.



Resource Assessment Vegetation Information System (RAVS) Land and Vegetation of NRETA recognised the inconsistency of vegetation site data management and initiated the development of a corporate vegetation site database. RAVS is an oracle database that has spatial links to map units based on individual survey and site information. RAVS is presently a dichotomy controlled database in a multi document interface window environment allowing users to access contents of multiple tables simultaneously. RAVS stores core and optional attributes pertaining to:

• Survey (site ID, survey ID/type, quadrat size, NVIS code/description); • Geo-referencing (zone, coordinates, datum, aspect, aerial photograph, topographic

map sheet/scale); • Physical environment (soil, geology, drainage); • Disturbance (grazing, fire); • Landform (element, pattern); • Ground cover (bare soil, vegetation litter, rock, gravel, crust, vegetation); • Broad vegetation structure (stratum summary, growth form, crown separation), and • Floristics and structural formation (plant species, cover, height, basal area).

Vegetation site data core attributes have been defined in Lewis et al., (in prep). Species are stored against a taxonomic code where the taxonomy is irregularly updated. Updating taxonomic lists requires reloading the current dataset and making editions to accommodate taxonomic revisions. The NT Herbarium maintains a taxonomic plant name database and regularly updates it. This database will be incorporated into RAVS to overcome the issue of intermittently reloading and editing datasets. RAVS will require modification to incorporate other attributes and the NVIS polygon database through:

• Incorporating NVIS and other attributes into RAVS; • Developing input/output routines from RAVS to analytical packages such as the windows

based PATN, and • Developing input/output routines from RAVS to the NVIS database.

7.3 Polygon/Map Data NVIS polygon database The NVIS polygon database was primarily developed to provide a standard method of polygon attribution within a standard classification framework. The database contains a large number of attributes covering vegetation, survey procedure, environmental parameters, meta-data, references and provides a hierarchy of detail, from summary information to well detailed floristic information. The NVIS database is currently being developed within NRETA to become the main storage and attribution tool for vegetation polygon mapping datasets. It resides on an oracle platform and will be linked to digital mapping, providing more on-line vegetation detail than presently available. A large number of NT vegetation surveys have already been translated into the NVIS classification system and reside in the database.



The NVIS Version 3.0 vegetation data set, resident on NRETA servers, represents the most up to date standardised broad scale mapping of the whole NT. Two polygon coverage’s exist; vegetation pre-clearing and vegetation extant. The dataset is essentially the NT Vegetation Map (1:1,000,000) with monsoon vine-forests, melaleuca forests, lancewood forests, mangrove forests and clearing imbedded. Attribution is as per the NVIS Information Hierarchy (Table 4). A recently developed program (SAVEG Version 1.1) has been designed to allow entry of structural and species information to build the six level NVIS Information Hierarchy automatically. Various xml and Microsoft Access input and output routines have been developed to process other core attributes. For manual building of the hierarchy and for full detail of the NVIS framework and core attributes see the NVIS Australian Vegetation Attribute Manual Version 6.0 (ESCAVI, 2003). http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/publications/avam/index.html NRETA Polygon Data For individual vegetation surveys, GIS data is currently stored in the NRETA Spatial Data Directory and will be made available on the website through NRETA Maps. http://nretaintranet.nt.gov.au/onlinesystems/nretamaps.html

7.4 Database Integration The RAVS site database and NVIS polygon data base are currently being integrated. The model is referred to as the Natural Resources Vegetation Information System (NRVIS) and is designed to provide the following efficiencies:

• Proficient entry of site data; • Data manipulation and output to various analysis packages (i.e. PATN, TWINSPAN,

PRIMER); • Input from analysis packages; • Calculation of floristic and structural statistics based on groupings of site data; • Automated output of summary data into survey report formats, and • Automated output of data into the NVIS polygon database.

The aim of NRVIS is to automate future inclusions of NVIS spatial and attribute data in an Australian-wide vegetation dataset. Site data will be derived from RAVS then analysed to develop linkages with NVIS attributes to provide polygon attribution back into RAVS with updated plant names from the yet to be developed Bio-link database (Figure 2).



Figure 2. Proposed NRVIS data model. Source: Lewis (2006) There are three main stages to the NRVIS development:

1. Develop an information database incorporating simple menu interfaces for the following capabilities: navigation, data entry, editing, importing and exporting. This has been developed May 2005;

2. Provide spatial linkages to other databases such as BIOLINK (NT Herbarium taxonomic specimen database), RAVS and NT definitive vegetation types (refer to Chapter 9.3), and

3. Create a visualisation interface tool between the three stages for NRETA view only including a web based version.

NRETA is committed to establishing the NVIS attribute framework and the NRVIS database as part of the corporate vegetation management system. NRVIS will be used to store polygon data on a project survey basis and in a format suitable for transferring to relevant agencies (i.e. Commonwealth). Application and database components will be maintained on the corporate server. At a later stage it is envisaged a developed, distributed system can be accessed by the Commonwealth on NRETA servers. Similarly, a database containing information on a systematic taxonomy of vegetation types (i.e. definitive vegetation types; refer to Chapter 9.3) has been developed and will need to be linked to the NRVIS in the future.

MANAGMENT SYSTEM ORACLE

RAVS INTERFACES

NT DVT Other Databases

NVIS

DATA ENTRY

Manual, Batch/Script BI OL I NK TAXONOMI C DBASE

SPATIAL SYSTEM ORACLE

GIS

INFORMATION XML Export

Document Worksheet Reports Internet



8.0 PRODUCTS A number of products can be developed and made available from the vegetation data and environmental attributes collected. Common products produced from a vegetation survey may include:

• Vegetation community maps at given scales; • Supplementary survey report, and • Interactive CD’s (maps, survey report & site photos).

Interpretive products are more recently being generated and may include the following (dependant on data collected):

• Threatened flora; • Introduced plants; • Pasture potential; • Sensitive ecosystems; • Landform, and • Soil drainage.

For primary vegetation mapping datasets in the NT go to: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/naturalresources/nativevegetation/vegmapping/datasets.html For more information on data products in the NT go to NRETA Maps: http://nretaintranet.nt.gov.au/onlinesystems/nretamaps.html?submit.x=40&submit.y=11 For NVIS products generated for use at a national scale go to: http://www.deh.gov.au/erin/nvis/mvg/index.html For the Australian Native Vegetation Assessment 2001 major vegetation groups and their status in the NT go to. http://audit.ea.gov.au/ANRA/vegetation/docs/Native_vegetation/nat_veg_nt.cfm



9.0 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

9.1 Vegetation Condition The NT covers a range of environments and climatic regimes from arid to tropical. Ecosystem function varies across this region. In comparison to other States and Territories, the NT still has large areas of native vegetation. This vegetation although not pristine, could be regarded as relatively 'intact' with fire and grazing (feral & domestic) perceived as the greatest modifiers. The degree of vegetation ‘intactness’, or lack of, across the whole NT has not yet been assessed. There is a growing demand for information on vegetation condition, for various purposes at local, regional and national levels. In collaboration with the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH - Australian Government), a pilot study is being undertaken to develop a set of on-ground indicators to reflect the condition of NT vegetation types, specifically in terms of bio-diversity. Indicators will reflect the degree of difference from a 'benchmark type' of vegetation. The ‘benchmark type’ represents its most natural or least disturbed state. Vegetation condition indicators have been developed, or are in the process of development by all States and Territories. There are three components to developing an assessment for vegetation condition:

1. Develop on-ground vegetation condition indicators, methods for field assessment and describe condition classes or ‘states’;

2. Define the ‘benchmark’ vegetation types and criteria that the indicators are measured

against, and

3. Spatially extrapolate vegetation condition classes across the landscape for each benchmark vegetation type.

Vegetation Condition Indicators A preliminary list of indicators and their score weightings have been developed for the woodland and forest vegetation types in the NT (Appendix 8). Indicators for the non-woody grasslands are to be developed. Riparian condition indicators and methods for assessment have been developed; Tropical Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (TRARC) (Dixon et al., 2006). The indicators are based on quantitative analysis of vegetation structural components, growth forms and perceived disturbance at a site and scored to a maximum of 100. On the basis of the score, the vegetation will be placed within five condition classes (low to high).



The indicators developed for the NT are relatively simple in comparison to those developed by other States and Territories. They are selected based on what would best reflect, or highlight the possible processes leading to modification of a particular vegetation type, with the least number of measurements needed in the field (ie have been subjectively selected to target modifying processes). A preliminary field assessment method has been developed consisting of one to a number of 100 metre transects. Growth forms and canopy cover are measured at intervals along each transect. Regeneration counts are made in 100x50 metre quadrat placed adjacent to transect. Two basal area sweeps are used measure tree density and health. The method is based on a modified SLATS (State-wide Land-cover and Trees Study) approach (Kuhnell et al., 1998). For more information follow the links. Land and Water Australia TRARC Technical Guideline 2006 and score sheets. http://savanna.ntu.edu.au/publications/lwa_trarc_guide.html TRARC User Manual will be hosted at: http://savanna.cdu.edu.au/ Benchmark Vegetation Types Vegetation condition indicator values measured in the field are compared to the values expected for each ‘benchmark’ vegetation type and scored accordingly. The values for each indicator and vegetation type need to be identified before comparisons can be made. A number of approaches have been tried using existing site data for a number of vegetation types. The definitive vegetation types (refer to Chapter 9.3) were also considered as the basis for benchmark types. Both approaches proved too complex, would create too many benchmark types and be extremely time consuming to develop benchmark criteria for all vegetation types in the NT. Alternatively, ‘synthetic’ vegetation types for each major structural vegetation type existing in the NT will be produced. The synthetic vegetation types are a series of ‘condition’ states that the vegetation may reflect, either temporally or due to recent anthropogenic change. The premise is that these ‘condition’ states are reflected in the structural components of the vegetation and represent the best condition ‘state’ of a vegetation type through to the poorest. One of these ‘condition’ states can be used to determine the benchmark criteria (see Appendix 9 for an example). The ‘synthetic’ approach is biased towards the structural attributes of vegetation rather than species occurrence. It is perceived due to the relative ‘intactness’ of NT vegetation, the majority of dominant species of the defining strata should still be present. Spatial Extrapolation of Condition Classes Spatially extrapolating the condition of vegetation measured at a site across the whole range of a vegetation type is problematic. Given most of the NT lacks in fine scale mapping, it is difficult to extrapolate from site based assessment across the whole range of a particular vegetation type as done with other methods such as Habitat Hectares (Parkes et al., 2003). For various approaches to this refer to Ecological Management and Restoration: Linking Science and Practice – Mapping Vegetation Condition Volume 7 Supplement 1 (June, 2006). An interim method at the landscape level has been developed. It is a top down approach using various spatial data sets that can be used as surrogates for condition (eg. fire frequencies). Each dataset is scored against criteria as indicated in Figure 3. The criteria for all datasets can be combined to provide an overall condition score. Alternatively, datasets can be pre-classified into categories based on VAST (Vegetation Assets, States & Transitions) approach (Thackway & Lesslie, 2005 & 2006).



Satellite platforms are also suitable for assessments across large areas and for monitoring over time, although are limited in the characteristics of vegetation they can detect. These platforms can be used to detect broad changes in cover (i.e. NDVI) to reflect changes on the ground. Both approaches are suitable for highlighting regions where modification of vegetation is taking place and can be researched in more detail.

Figure 3. Cumulative scoring method. NOTE: The vegetation condition initiative in the NT is in the early stages and will continue to be developed. Indicators, benchmarks and processes contained herein are subject to change.

9.2 Non Native Vegetation Types National definitions for non native vegetation and land cover types are presently being developed by the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS), Australian Government. Once finalised, categories should be used to attribute areas currently blank, or poorly attributed on NT vegetation datasets. Categories for clearing land attribution will include urban areas, horticultural and agricultural land.

9.3 Definitive Vegetation Types The Vegetation Survey of the NT (Wilson et al., 1990) described a standard list of 112 vegetation communities for the whole NT. Since then there have been numerous vegetation and floristic surveys. These surveys have described new vegetation communities as well as redescribing existing vegetation communities. Though the quality and level of descriptions vary, there are many descriptions of the same vegetation communities. The need to develop a framework for a consistent list of vegetation community descriptions was recognised. The definitive vegetation type (DVT) concept was developed to provide both a local and nationally recognised systematic taxonomy of vegetation types in the NT. A DVT can be described as a representative or typical example of a vegetation community at the association level (NVIS Level VI) compiled from existing vegetation data.

FIRE WEEDS

FERALS

Condition: G = Good M = Moderate B = Bad S = Severe

G

M

B

S

M M

B B

Condition of habitat / ecosystem / vegetation type

G G

G G

G



A preliminary list of 367 DVT was generated from published and unpublished vegetation survey reports (Brocklehurst & Gibbons, 2003). A number of other States already have listings of DVT at either the association (NVIS Level V) or sub-association (NVIS Level VI). Advantages of the DVT concept will:

• Provide a systematic taxonomy of NT vegetation communities and associated environmental attributes, distribution and conservation status;

• Assist in vegetation mapping once criteria is developed for the recognition of vegetation communities in the field (i.e. full site characterisation wont be required);

• Assist in defining national vegetation types and provide equivalence across borders; • Potentially assist in developing benchmarks for vegetation condition monitoring (i.e. change

in species composition, structural parameters, threatening processes etc.); • Update the 112 vegetation community descriptions for the Vegetation Survey of the NT by

Wilson et al. (1990), and • Link to the NRVIS polygon database to provide more detail and allow a seamless

integration of NT vegetation surveys and national datasets. A database for storage of NT DVT has been developed and is based primarily on the New South Wales Royal Botanic Gardens and Queensland Herbarium model. A technical report is being produced to explain the database and entry methods. The process of compiling the DVT from source data highlighted the need for adopting a standard technique for analysis and written descriptions of vegetation communities in the NT. Many of the written descriptions in survey reports are data deficient and do not reflect the detail collected in field data. Many of the descriptions could be NVIS compliant provided reports included all the detail available. DVT will continually be enhanced as the knowledge base expands. For attributes contained in the DVT database refer to Appendix 10.

9.4 Ecosystem Regionalisation Regional ecosystems were defined by Sattler and Williams (1999) as vegetation communities in a bioregion that are consistently associated with a particular combination of geology, landform and soil. An interim regionalisation has been produced for the NT based on the Queensland approach by integrating soils, landform and geology with the NVIS Version 3.0 vegetation dataset. However a new data set, the Integrated Land Systems of the NT, will prove useful as a base for future attempts at ecosystem regionalisation. Applications of regional ecosystems are generally for management purposes rather than vegetation mapping per se. For example, the same vegetation community could be split into a number of regional ecosystems based on other landscape features (i.e. soil & landform). Ecosystem regionalisation in the NT will place individual vegetation surveys into a broader context of environmental and landscape parameters. Compared with the Queensland regional ecosystem definitions (Neldner et al., 1999) there is presently no ecosystem regionalisation for the NT. For regional ecosystems of Queensland go to: http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/biodiversity/regional_ecosystems/



9.5 Web Server Data Input Forms A future development is the construction of input forms using Oracle Application Express to allow external entry into various vegetation databases via the web and direct entry into Oracle tables. This would potentially overcome current systems of using proprietary software such as Info Mapper required on individual workstations. For example, a form can be developed to mirror current field data proformas allowing data entry to proceed as per field sheets An advantage of this development once instigated includes simpler and more efficient data entry and would allow external data entry. It may also assist with data acquisition across agencies. The development of data input forms is envisaged for the RAVS and DVT’s databases. Future forms could also be progressed for the NRVIS system provided preliminary trials are successful.

SECTION B: FIELD METHODOLOGY



1.0 INTRODUCTION This section describes the standard field methods for vegetation assessment in the Northern Territory (NT) compliant with the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbooks (‘Yellow Book’ Speight et al., 1990; ‘Blue Book’ Gunn et al., 1988) and in accordance with national standards of the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS). A brief outline of each chapter is provided below.

• Chapter 2 provides descriptions of sample sites including types, dimensions, selection

and sampling intensity.

• Chapter 3 describes the attributes collected to describe and classify vegetation.

• Chapter 4 describes additional attributes to collect pertaining to the physical

environment.

• Chapter 5 outlines field data variables and core attributes.

Field survey methods have been refined over a number of years across the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts (NRETA). Other agencies are encouraged to adopt these guidelines and field methodology to ensure the future classification of vegetation data is consistent across the NT and nationally. The purpose of vegetation survey field assessment is to:

1. Provide fixed reference points (site data) for the description of delineated map units;

2. Provide quantitative and/or qualitative vegetation community descriptions, and

3. Define the nature of abiotic components and relationships (physical environment). Vegetation condition assessment may need to be incorporated into vegetation survey field assessment in the future (refer to Section A - Guidelines, Chapter 9.1).



2.0 SAMPLE SITES

2.1 Site Types and Dimensions Three types of sites are used to assess vegetation. Each type varies in level of detail and purpose: Full Characterisation Sites Full characterisation sites are assessed for newly mapped regions. Sites are commonly 20x20 metres with the collection of full floristic and structural information. However, in vegetation communities such as lineal riparian communities, quadrat size may need to change (eg. 10X50 metres). The 20x20 metre quadrat is deemed a sufficient size to recognise the majority of ground and mid strata/sub strata species, provided adequate sites are sampled for a particular map unit. A basal sweep using a basal wedge (bitterlich gauge) is used to determine dominance of woody species in forests and woodlands. The basal sweep extends beyond the quadrat boundaries to provide a better representation of the overstorey stratum (refer to Chapter 3.5). Site data ideally includes a complete species list with associated cover and height values, growth forms, structural composition by strata, environmental attributes, disturbance and location information. The completeness of a species list is dependant on the observers’ familiarity with flora and the time available to survey a site. Recent surveys collect field data enabling sub-association (NVIS level VI) attribution providing the scale of mapping is appropriate. Previous survey data was collected at both association and sub-association levels (NVIS level V & IV respectively). When deemed appropriate site survey may include a 100m transect to determine foliage projective cover according to methodologies in Mapping the Forest Cover of the Northern Territory (NORFOR) (Meakin et al., 2002; refer to Chapter 3.6).

Check Sites Check sites are less detailed and used to characterise vegetation once a sufficient number of full characterisation sites have been recorded for a particular vegetation community. A basal sweep is undertaken to determine species dominance. Cover and height values are estimated or measured for two to three dominant species in either the dominant or all strata/sub strata. Location information is also recorded. Check sites can also be used to validate mapping prior to full characterisation site sampling. Road notes Road notes are useful to substantiate mapping patterns recorded from a vehicle whilst in motion. Cover and height estimates for two to three dominant species in either the dominant or all strata/sub strata are recorded.



2.2 Site Selection and Sampling Intensity Sample sites are selected and located to cover the geographic range and variation of each map unit within a survey area. Various sample design strategies are used for vegetation survey including the placement of sites on a random basis, stratified random, grid or purposive. The purposive approach is used for the majority of surveys conducted by NRETA Land and Vegetation where a preliminary map is generated to assist in site selection. Protocols have been formulated and published in the Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook: Guidelines for Conducting Surveys – Blue Book (Gunn et al., 988) for the number of sites required at a particular scale of mapping (Table 10). Table 10. Recommended sampling intensity for various scales of mapping. Scale of Published Map Area in Hectares

represented by 1cm2

on map

Recommended Sampling Density 1km2

Example: Mapping 1000 km2

No. of Sites

1:5 000 0.25 100 100 000

1:10 000 1 25 25 000

1:25 000 6.25 4 4 000

1:50 000 25 1 1 000

1:100 000 100 0.25 250

1:250 000 625 0.04 40

1:1 000 000 10 000 0.003 3

Source: Gunn et al. (1988) In the NT, the recommended number of sites required for a particular scale of mapping may not always be possible as areas are vast and access difficult. The use of preliminary mapping to target areas can reduce site number requirements. As a general rule, when few new species are being identified in a vegetation community across a survey area, sampling intensity can be considered adequate. Sites can be selected prior to field work from preliminary mapping or during field survey. The geographic ranges of each discrete map unit should be assessed by sampling adequate sites. Edge effects resulting from disturbance such as development (i.e. roads) or natural phenomena (i.e. fire) should also be considered during site placement. As field survey proceeds and the character of a map unit becomes clear and remains consistent, sites are assessed in new patterns. The use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies in recent years has improved the ability of locating predetermined sites and provides fairly accurate geo-referencing of sampled sites. GPS can also assist general navigation within a survey area and combined with computer based GIS, allow the viewing of preliminary mapping and/or interpretive data in real time. For more detail on sample design, intensity and adequacy refer to Chapter 5 of the Australian Soil and Land Survey Handbook: Guidelines for Conducting Surveys ‘Blue Book’ (Gunn et al., 1988); Neldner and Butler (in prep); Neldner et al. (1995) and Neldner et al. (in press).



3.0 DESCRIBING VEGETATION NRETA Land and Vegetation employ a physiognomic-floristic approach to vegetation description and classification. The approach is based on a standard methodology initially developed for the Vegetation Survey of the NT (Wilson et al., 1990) and expanded in accordance with national standards. The physiognomy refers to the broad structural features of the vegetation including cover and height values, growth forms and stratum. The floristic component refers to the species composition at a site.

3.1 Species Species composition is a fundamental component of a vegetation community. A species list is an essential element of a vegetation survey and defining floristic assemblages is a major step in the analysis of site data. The analysis of site data using statistical packages is influenced by the number of species at a site. All species occurring at a site should be recorded if possible. The occurrence of species at any one time is dependent on seasonality, stages of community succession and degree of disturbance. Depending on the purpose of a survey, sites may need revisiting to record full floristic information. Reference should be made on the site sheet as to the adequacy of the species list at the time of sampling. Unrecognised species should be collected for identification in the NT Herbarium. Flora of Conservation Significance Flora of conservation significance or species meeting a range of criteria (i.e. Data Deficient) as per the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List Categories (IUCN, 2001) should be collected to voucher in the NT Herbarium and consequently recorded on the Holtze taxonomic specimen database. IUCN categories are listed in Appendix 11. For a list of NT threatened species refer to: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/threatened/index.html Weeds Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) and NT Declared Weeds should be recorded. Weed data collected should be made available to the Weed Management Branch of NRETA for updating the NT weeds database. Core attributes and supplementary data collection sheets have recently been developed for recording weed data in the NT (refer to Appendix 12 for directions & Appendix 13 for weeds field sheet). For a list of WoNS refer to: http://www.weeds.org.au/natsig.htm For a list of NT Declared Weeds refer to: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/naturalresources/weeds/ntweeds/declared.html

3.2 Vegetation Profiles: Stratum Concept Users find vegetation information easier to understand when vegetation communities are portrayed with simple structural and floristic descriptors. While no one classification system will satisfy all purposes, consensus on describing and mapping vegetation favours a system based on:

• structural formation, (eg. growth form: tree, grass etc.); • height (growth form measured in metres), and • cover (percent cover of each growth form).



These are provided for each stratum (layers of vegetation) and are complemented by floristic information (McKenzie et al., 2006). The vertical profile of vegetation is categorised by stratum, which in theory correspond to natural ‘clusters’ of plant material (Figure 4). These ‘clusters’ obviously have overlap and thus strict depiction in terms of height and cover can be subjective making delineation difficult or arbitrary. Vegetation survey in the NT has traditionally recognised three strata, if they exist (i.e. upper, mid & lower/ground). As some vegetation structures can be complex (more so in southern regions), national guidelines were implemented to recognise a possible eight strata/sub strata (Table 11). This has been incorporated in field sheets used by NRETA Land and Vegetation. The number of strata/sub strata existing or recognisable at a site can vary depending on vegetation complexity and observer perception. Distinct layering in some instances may not occur (eg. rainforest) where the vegetation profile is continuous from the canopy downwards. Table 11. Traditional stratum codes and NVIS sub stratum codes and descriptions. Traditional Stratum Code

(Walker & Hopkins,

1990)

NVIS

Sub-Stratum

Code

Description Traditional Stratum

Name

Growth Forms*

Height Classes*

Not allowed

U1 Tallest tree sub-stratum.

For forests and woodlands this will generally be the dominant stratum.

For a continuum (eg. no distinct or discernible layering in the vegetation) the tallest stratum becomes the defining sub-stratum.

U2 Sub-canopy layer, second tree layer.

U

U3 Sub-canopy layer, third tree layer.

Upper, tree

Overstorey/Canopy

(If only one tree layer occurs it is coded U1).

Trees, tree mallees, palms, vines (mallee shrubs)

Also: epiphytes, lichens.

8,7,6 (5). Grasses, shrubs & low mallee shrubs.

M1 Tallest shrub layer.

M2 Second shrub layer.

M

M3 Third shrub layer.

Mid, shrub (if only one mid layer occurs it is coded M1).

Shrubs, low trees, mallee shrubs, vines, (low shrubs, tall grasses, tall forbs, tall sedges) grass-trees, tree-ferns, cycads, palms.

(6) 5,4,3. Mid & low grasses, sedges, rushes & forbs.

Mid & tall trees/ palms.



Also: epiphytes, lichens.

G1 Tallest ground species.

G

G2 Ground.

Lower, ground (if only one ground layer occurs it is coded G1).

Grasses, forbs, sedges, rushes, vines, lichens, epiphytes, low shrubs, ferns, bryophytes, cycads, grass-trees, aquatics, seagrasses.

(4,3) 2,1. Trees, tree-mallees & palms.

* Refer to Table 7 for Growth Forms and Table 9 for Height Classes. Source: ESCAVI (2003) Generally no more than five strata should be identified in NT savannah regions. In some areas less than three strata may exist. It is recommended to maintain the description of three traditional strata, adding additional strata/sub strata if they are obvious and discernable (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Sub-strata vegetation profiles for two vegetation communities (ESCAVI, 2003).

Once strata/sub strata have been recognised, overall cover, height values and species are recorded. The combination of height and cover values of a particular stratum defines the structural formation.



3.3 Cover Cover is defined as the proportion of a site covered by a particular species or vegetation strata. Cover can be expressed as a real value (estimated or measured) or placed into a predefined cover class category (Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974; Causton, 1988). Table 12 outlines a variety of cover type measures. Cover is normally expressed as a percentage where the maximum cover of any one species is 100 percent. The most common practice is an estimation of cover, although a number of methods can be used to reduce observer bias or error (eg. crown separation ratio methods & point-intercept techniques). It is recommended to estimate or measure cover values in the field rather than placing it directly into a predefined cover class as this degrades the value of the data (i.e. entry of values rather than classes allows re-classification of the data if required). Table 12. Cover and abundance measures.

Cover Type Description

Crown or Canopy Cover %

• Crown cover is defined as the percentage of the sample site within the

vertical projection of the periphery of the crowns. In this case crowns are treated as opaque (Walker & Hopkins, 1990).

• Crown cover is estimated using the mean gap between crowns divided by mean crown width - crown separation ratio (Walker & Hopkins, 1990) or by visual estimate.

Foliage Cover %

• Foliage cover is defined as the percentage of the sample site occupied by the

vertical projection of foliage and branches (if woody) (Walker & Hopkins, 1990).

• For ground vegetation, it is measured using line intercept methods. It will, to some degree take into account the thickness of a tussock or hummock of grass.

• % crown cover x crown type (Walker & Hopkins, 1990).

Percentage Cover

• The percentage of a strictly defined quadrat area, covered by vegetation,

generally applicable for the ground vegetation that has been estimated rather than measured using line intercept methods. It does not necessarily take into account thickness of a tussock or hummock of grass.

• Values may include the minimum, maximum, mean and median.

Foliage Projective Cover

• The percentage of the sample site occupied by the vertical projection of

foliage only (Walker & Hopkins, 1990). • Values may include the minimum, maximum, mean and median.

Abundance

• Cover Abundance Rating (implies cover values):

Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scale for estimating species quantities (modified from Mueller-Dombois & Ellenberg, 1974).

Basal Area Square metres per hectare.

NOTE: Strict definition of any quantitative values found with vegetation data and must be strictly adhered to. Source: ESCAVI (2003) For land unit and vegetation surveys, the standard cover type used is canopy cover for the upper stratum and percentage cover or foliage cover for mid and ground strata/sub strata. It is important to note the cover type used for a survey to avoid misinterpretation during the analysis phase.



Foliage Cover Foliage cover is relatively straight forward and should be recorded at each site. The method involves estimating crown density (referred to as crown type - Walker & Hopkins, 1990) for canopy cover trees (i.e. the amount of plant material in comparison to sky within a quadrat). Five or six estimates should be made then averaged. Foliage cover is determined by: Foliage cover = Canopy cover * Crown density (value from 0 to 1)

3.4 Height The height of strata/sub strata as opposed to individual specie heights, is recorded for land unit and vegetation surveys. A number of height types are presented in Table 13. As a rule, we record the average height of the strata. The average height of a stratum is recorded by measuring where the bulk of vegetative material falls within a particular stratum (Figure 5). Recognition of this point is subjective and may differ between observers. The range in height for each stratum/sub stratum is also measured and recorded. Amalgamation of stratum heights and ranges from a number of sites for a particular vegetation community is used to determine the structural formation (i.e. classification). Table 13. Description of height types for stratum and growth form. Height Type Stratum Growth Form Explanation

Layer height or pre-dominate height (general vegetation mapping).

Any Forests, woodlands, shrublands, grasslands.

Layer height of the top stratum (top of the canopy or the top of the bulk of the vegetative material making up the stratum) that may be present, by measuring three to four of the tallest canopy trees or shrubs.

Average height (general vegetation mapping). Any Forests, woodlands, shrublands,

grasslands.

Average height of the stratum where the bulk of the vegetative material falls within a particular stratum.

Top height (forestry). U1, U2 Forests.

General height of the top of the tallest canopy layer, which may not necessarily be the dominant stratum. The minimum and maximum values will not give any indication of canopy depth. This height category may indicate U1 as emergent layer and U2 as the dominant layer.

Source: ESCAVI (2003)



Layer ht

Average ht

Top ht

Layer ht ground

Figure 5. Vegetation profile height types (ESCAVI, 2003).

A direct reading clinometer is used to measure heights and slope. Three to four heights should be measured for each stratum/sub stratum and mean value and range recorded. Heights for upper and mid strata/sub strata should be measured, not estimated. The ground stratum/sub stratum can be estimated fairly accurately. Heights using a clinometer are measured in the following way:

1. The horizontal distance from base of tree is measured (generally paced out) either 15 or 20 metres depending on which of the two scales on the clinometer is measured against (fixed distance of 15 or 20 metres);

2. Looking through the clinometer the horizontal line is aligned with the measurement point in the canopy and the reading noted;

3. Repeat step 2 but to the base of the tree, or for leaning trees ground point directly underneath the first measurement;

4. If the base of the tree is above you (i.e. you are on a downward slope) subtract the base reading from the layer height reading, and

5. If the base of the tree is below you (i.e. you are on an upward slope) add both readings together.

3.5 Basal Area A basal wedge (bitterlich gauge) is used to determine species dominance in the upper and mid strata/sub strata. Both live and dead woody species are recorded. This technique is more applicable to open forest, woodlands and open woodlands and provides an easy and unbiased estimate of species diversity. It also measures species outside the quadrat to provide a better representation of the broader vegetation community. The species with the highest count is recorded to as the dominant. A basal sweep is especially useful in instances where one tree canopy covers 100% of a site, therefore not reflecting overall species mix for a particular vegetation community.

U2

U1

M1 G1

G2



The method involves a 360O sweep from the centre of a site quadrat with the basal wedge. Four gaps or basal area factors (BAF) can be used (1.0, 0.75, 0.5 & 0.25). Woody species are counted for each species (dead & alive) provided they are larger or equal to the gap size selected. The selection of the BAF is dependent on the density of vegetation (i.e. in denser stands a larger gap size should be used & vice versa). As a general rule, the sweep should count no more than 50 individuals. A quick sweep using the four gaps may be required to determine the optimal BAF. Basal area is determined by multiplying the BAF by the count for each species. Total basal area or stand basal area can be determined from addition of species basal areas. Basal area (m2/ha) per species = BAF ∗ Count of species Total basal area or stand basal area (m2/ha) = Sum of individual basal areas Basal area measurements can be used for other applications such as determining relationships with Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and satellite data, biomass estimates (provided equations exist) for basal area and biomass and characterisation of sites. For standard vegetation surveys and land unit surveys, individual tree diameters and heights are not measured. For particular surveys such as the Mangrove Survey of Darwin Harbour (Brocklehurst & Edmeades, 1995) and Mangrove Survey of Bynoe Harbour (Brocklehurst & Edmeades, 2003), diameters and heights of all trees within a quadrat boundary, or all trees counted within a basal sweep, are individually measured. For more information on basal area and diameters refer to NSW Field Manual (Technical Paper No 59), Tree Measurement Manual for Farm Forestry (Abed & Stephens, 2002) and Survey Manual for Tropical Marine Resources (English et al., 1997).

3.6 Foliage Projective Cover Foliage projective cover can be measured using one or more 100 metre transects. The collection of foliage projective cover is adjunct to standard survey procedures. It is particularly useful for interpreting satellite images and is not generally undertaken for standard vegetation surveys. Transect methodology follows that of Queensland SLATS (Kuhnell et al., 1998). Each site comprises one 100 metre transect (Figure 6) defined by a 100 metre tape laid along a grid bearing aligned North/South or East/West (Meakin et al., 2001). The bearing determined depends on the most representative portion of surrounding homogenous vegetation. Coordinates (Eastings/Northings & Latitude/Longitude) are recorded at the transect beginning and end. Figure 6. Foliage projective cover transect set up and design.

A line-intercept method is used to assess over storey and under storey plant cover and type at one metre intervals along a 100 metre transect. Cover is recorded at the cross hairs of a sighting tube and placed in a category listed below. Transects can also be used to gauge over storey canopy cover by estimating a percentage within the dimensions of a sighting tube at one metre intervals and averaged for 100 recordings.

0m 25m 50m 75m 100m



Under storey categories are scored as:

• GL – green leaf (grasses, forbs, sedges, vines, ferns etc); • DL – dead leaf (still attached to the plant); • Tr Lit – tree litter (leaves, twigs, branches, logs etc); • Gr Lit – grass litter (not attached to the plant); • BA – bare earth (soil, gravel & rock outcrop), and • SH – shrubs (palms including Pandanus are recorded in this category).

Over storey categories are scored as:

• GL – green leaf (trees, shrubs & palms); • DL – dead leaf; • BR – branch (trees, shrubs & palms), and • SK – sky.

The scores are added to determine percentages for each category and to provide an overall foliage projective cover percentage. More than one transect is required per site if the primary purpose of a survey is to measure foliage projective cover. Stand basal area can be used to establish the number of replicate transects required for sampling (Table 14). Table 14. Basal area and suggested transect length. BA Count Number of Replicate Transects and Length (m) <3 3 x 100 3-7 2 x 100 >7 1 x 100 Source: SLATS (Kuhnell et al., 1998) When basal area of woody species is low, a basal sweep may not be necessary. Site data recorded at each transect includes the standard vegetation survey measurements provided herein.

3.7 Growth Form For each growth form identified at a site an average height and cover value is recorded. The dominant growth form for each stratum/sub stratum is also recorded. The NVIS framework has identified a set of growth forms to be applied nationally (Table 7).



4.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT The description of landform and soil supplements core vegetation data. The collection of detailed landform and soils data for pure vegetation mapping is not mandatory. NRETA Land and Vegetation undertake both vegetation mapping and integrated land resource mapping. The priority of a survey is determined in response to land use demand.

4.1 Integrated Information There are clear relationships between landform, soil and vegetation across the NT. A unique integrated or ‘land unit’ approach to mapping landscape properties (Laity, 1971) has been practiced across the Territory for many years. In most other States soil, landform and vegetation information is collected independently, often by different government agencies. Integrating soil, landform and vegetation data has allowed extensive value adding to datasets. Spatial data and mapping products can now contain soil and landform information as well as agricultural potential, erosion risk, vegetation information, native pasture ratings and sensitive or significant habitats. In the absence of detailed soil and landform information across a region, government agencies may use auxiliary data such as vegetation site data to make comment on a landscape. In these situations it is important landscape information is correct and recorded to national standards. Integrated surveys include two types: ‘land systems’ and ‘land units’. The concept of a land system is defined as “an area or group of areas, throughout which there is a recurring pattern of topography (land forms), soils and vegetation” (Christian & Stewart, 1953). Changes to the pattern indicate the boundary of the land system. Land units “are considered to be relatively uniform areas of topography, soils and vegetation… a land system being an assemblage of varying proportions of land units” (Lynch & Wilson, 1997). NT land systems are typically mapped at scales between 1:250 000 and 1:1 000 000 whilst land unit mapping is usually generated at scales between 1:25 000 and 1:100 000. More information on integrated surveys can be accessed via the following link. http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/naturalresources/soil/survey.html Field collection methods for landform, land surface and soil properties are clearly set out in McDonald et al. (1990). Key properties include landform, slope, soil drainage and rock outcrop and can be recorded with limited training in soil survey or pedology. Additional information pertaining to soil requires specific training and a detailed profile description.

4.2 Landform Element and Pattern Landform is described at two levels, element and pattern. Landform element describes the land surface within a 20 metre radius of a site. Landform pattern looks at the broader picture, usually within 300 metres. Landform descriptions provide users a picture of the landscape. For example, a stream channel (element) is described within a wider floodplain (pattern). Recording landform at two levels allows users to interpret information at different scales. Landform descriptions have several purposes that are useful in predicting land degradation as a result of particular land uses. When documenting landform element and pattern records should be kept simple and detailed notes taken.



For landform codes and descriptions see Appendix 14. For more information on landform refer to Speight (1990) in the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook (Yellow Book).

4.3 Land Surface A number of attributes may be collected pertaining to land surface and provide useful information in describing aspects of the landscape. Attributes may include:

• Aspect/slope: recorded as a percentage. On hill slopes the maximum slope is recorded, although stream channels maybe more complex and slope should be recorded to indicate the general pattern of drainage.

• Disturbance: includes anthropogenic (clearing) and natural (fire & grazing); • Microrelief: refers to relief up to a few metres (i.e. termite mounds); • Erosion: record both accelerated erosion and natural erosion, and • Ground cover: six categories are recorded and must equate to 100% of the quadrat. A

percentage estimate is recorded for bare soil, vegetation littler, rock cover, gravel cover, crust cover and vegetation cover (lower stratum). Where gravel (coarse fragments) and rock outcrop are recorded, coarse fragments must be distinguished from rock outcrop. Rock outcrop is defined to be attached to soil substrate, parent material or underlying geology; gravel is loose and unattached. Soil surveyors typically ignore all vegetation (live, dead or litter) and record rock / gravel cover assuming that the balance is bare soil.

For descriptions of mandatory and optional attributes to record refer to Chapter 5.1. For more information on land surface elements refer to McDonald et al. (1990) in the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook (Yellow Book).

4.4 Soil The classification of soils is not a mandatory requirement for vegetation survey and mapping. Without assistance from a pedologist it is not recommended that detailed soil descriptions be undertaken or soil classifications be extrapolated from land surface and vegetation information. Depending on a survey purpose basic soil information may be collected including:

• Colour: Munsell Soil Colour Chart is used to compare soil against. Dry and wet colours should be recorded as soil colour can influence image classification of satellite imagery, provided this is the interpretive base, and

• Field Texture: Field texture grades are used to describe texture based on the percentage of clay, silt and sand (size distribution of mineral particles finer than 2mm). Surface soil texture is adequate for vegetation surveys.

See McDonald and Isbell (1990) in the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook (Yellow Book) for detailed information on soil profile and attributes therein. Where soils are being classified for any given survey, national standards should be adhered to. There have been three main classification systems in the NT and Australia to describe soils. Since 1996 all States and Territories have adopted The Australian Soil Classification (Isbell, 2003). For common soil orders across the NT refer to Appendix 15. To access more information on the Australian Soil Classification go to the following link: http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/asc/asc.htm



Soil Drainage Soil drainage is a key property of soil and land surface across the NT, especially in the Top End. Drainage should reflect both soil permeability and site drainage (McDonald et al., 1990); confusion arises between the two. For example, a site located in a closed depression or swamp is considered poorly to very poorly drained even though the sandy nature of the soil is highly permeable and internally rapidly drained. The overriding influence is the landform (closed depression or swamp) and therefore should be recorded as poorly drained. Simplified drainage classes include:

• Rapidly to Moderately Well: seasonal soil waterlogging not expected except during extreme rainfall events;

• Imperfect to Poor: seasonal soil waterlogging could be expected in most years for short periods or after above average wet seasons, and

• Poor to Very Poor: seasonal waterlogging or inundation expected in most years. For detailed descriptions of drainage classes refer to McDonald et al. (1990) in the Australian Soil and Land Survey Field Handbook (Yellow Book). .



5.0 FIELD DATA VARIABLES The minimum quantitative data set (core attributes) required to describe and classify vegetation are listed in Table 15. All vegetation mapping surveys should record at least this data. Additional attributes are listed in Chapter 5.1 and 5.3. Table 15. Vegetation site data core attributes.

Core Attribute Category Core Attributes

1. Survey Name 2. Survey Code 3. Site Number

Survey

4. Date 5. Longitude (zone & datum inc) Location and Geo-referencing 6. Latitude (zone & datum inc) 7. Landform Element Landform 8. Landform Pattern 9. Vegetation Classification System (i.e. NVIS) 10. Dominant Vegetation Structure (for dominant stratum)

Broad Vegetation

11. Vegetation Community/ Classification Description (NVIS association or sub association level) 12. Growth form 13. Cover (% canopy cover) 14. Average height and range

Upper Stratum

15. Species present (at least dominant species) 16. Growth form 17. Cover (% foliage projective cover) 18. Average height and range

Mid Stratum

19. Species present (at least dominant species) 20. Growth form 21. Cover (% foliage projective cover) 22. Average height and range

Lower Stratum

23. Species present (at least dominant species) NOTE: sub strata should be recorded if present as per NVIS Three proformas are used by NRETA Land and Vegetation to record field data and are for general vegetation surveys.

1. Habitat Sheet: standard for full and check sites (Appendix 16);

2. Flora Sheet: standard for full and check sites (Appendix 17), and

3. FPC Sheet: filled out in conjunction with full sites or not at all depending on survey purpose (Appendix 18).

Different proforma’s are currently being used across divisions of NRETA and other agencies in the NT. Provided the core vegetation attributes (Table 15) are collected the design of the proforma is not overly important. Data collected for each site type is summarised in Table 16. For a brief outline of site data collection procedures and equipment required refer to Appendix 19.



Table 16. Data recorded on field data proformas for sampling full sites, check sites and road notes.

Field Data Proforma

Data Recorded Full Site Check Site Road Note

Survey a a a

Location and Geo-referencing a a a

Physical Environment a - -

Disturbance a - -

Landform a - -

Ground Cover a - -

Habitat Sheet

Broad Vegetation Structure – Stratum Summary

a a a

Survey a a a Floristics a All species a 1 to 5

dominant species in each stratum

a1 to 3 dominant species in each stratum

Cover (crown or canopy cover % for upper the stratum/sub stratum & FPC for mid and ground strata/sub strata)

aAll species estimate. For species less than 1% abc applies. a – 1-5 plants b – 6-50 plants c - >50

a 2 to 3 dominant species in each stratum

-

Height Range and Average aspecies >1% cover

aspecies >1% cover

-

Flora Sheet

Basal Count and Factor a a -

Foliage Projective Cover When applicable -

FPC Sheet Canopy Cover Estimate When applicable -



5.1 Habitat Sheet The habitat sheet provides a description of the physical environment and a structural summary of the site. The following variables are recorded for full characterisation sites. Check sites record a sub set of these variables (Table 16). Variables which should be collected at every site are in bold. Optional attributes are shaded. Survey Site No. Unique label for each site. Date DDMMYYYY format. Observer The person/s recording the information at a site. Christian and

surname in full. Survey Name of the survey. Survey type Full Site = F or Check Site = C. Survey detail Full or Targeted - a measure of the completeness of species

recorded at the site. Full species complement (at time of survey) or targeted survey for particular species (eg. only woody species recorded: only species with >1% cover recorded)

Quadrat size Size of the site quadrat (most quadrats in the northern region of NT

are 20 by 20 metres). UMA Preliminary map unit code. Patch size (ha) Estimate of the homogenous patch size in which the site is located. NVIS code & description Written code and description of the site according to NVIS

nomenclature. This can be filled out in the office when determined from the stratum summary table and species list. It provides a summary of vegetation at the site (i.e. T6r – Corymbia dichromophloia low open woodland).

Walker & Hopkins code & description Written code and description of the site according to Walker and

Hopkins (1990). This can be filled out in the office when determined from the stratum summary table and species list. It provides a summary of vegetation at the site (i.e. MHOW – Eucalyptus miniata mid high open woodland).

Location and Geo-referencing Location description Usually park name, station name or sample region. Site details and

location in relation to roads, tracks, creeks, landscape features is recorded here. This should be sufficient to relocate the site.



Zone Map zone for Australian Map Grid. GPS AMG Precise location/geo reference sourced from GPS for both

easting/northing and longitude/latitude. Datum The datum in which geo referencing was sourced (GDA94 is the

default – record if different from this).

Precision The precision of the geo referencing expressed in metres (this may be given by some GPS units or an estimate).New GPS and satellite configurations allow accuracy to ± 10m.

GPS Level The level of GPS reading used to generate geo referencing (eg.

single reading; averaged readings; differential). Elevation Elevation above mean sea level derived from topographic map or

from a GPS. Elevation source Source of the elevation reading (eg. topographic map, GPS or

DEM). Slope Measured in degrees using a clinometer. Estimate a mean slope for

heterogeneous sites. Aspect The direction the slope faces expressed as degrees from north.

Leave blank for 0 slopes. Photo ref. No. For film cameras film and photo number are recorded and for digital

cameras, photo number is recorded. Aspect and description of the photo is documented for film and digital cameras.

Aerial Photography ref. Name: Name of project; Year: Year flown; Run No: Run number; Frame No.: Frame number; East reference: Position of site in millimetres measured east from

western edge of photo, and North reference: Position of site in millimetres measured north from

southern edge of photo. Map sheet name The name and/or number of the topographic sheet where the site is

located. Map scale The scale of the topographic map where the site is located. Map unit/Land unit Code describing the vegetation community or land unit for the site

(delineated from unique mapping area boundaries). Note: Map unit pertains to vegetation mapping and land unit pertains to land unit mapping.

Physical Environment Surface soil texture Broad texture classes relating to the amount of clay in the soil as

per classes listed in the Australian Soil and Land Survey and Field Handbook - Yellow Book (McDonald et al., 1990).

Sand, loamy sand, clayey sand, sandy loam, loam, silty loam, sandy clay loam, clay loam, clay loam sandy, silty clay loam, light clay, light medium clay, medium clay, medium heavy clay, heavy clay.



Soil depth (cm) Estimate or measure of soil depth Soil pH Measure soil pH at the surface. Geology Underlying geology taken from geology maps Munsell colour Munsell colour description of surface soil (wet & dry).

Climate Time since rain assessed on a 1 to 4 scale:

1 = Dry, evidence of plant stress; 2 = Dry, no evidence of plant stress; 3 = Recent rain but no evidence of vegetation response, and 4 = Recent rain and noticeable vegetation response. (more relevant to southern regions of the NT) Additional notes: Dry – survey conducted during prolonged periods where no rain has fallen. Plants may show signs of stress depending on the length of time since rain. Recent rain (no visible impact on vegetation) – Some rain prior to or during survey but insufficient quantity, or too recent to have visible impact other than slight greening of shallow-rooted perennials. Recent rain (visible impact on vegetation) – Sufficient rain prior or during field survey to stimulate germination, especially of annual species. With sufficient soil moisture, annuals will develop to maturity and regeneration of perennials will be evident.

Nearest water The type of water body closest to the site including an estimate of the distance (km). Aerial photography and topographic maps were traditionally used to determine this, more recently digital mosaic aerial photography and GIS can calculate distance.

• Swamp; • Spring; • Permanent Creek; • Ephemeral Creek; • Permanent Pool; • Ephemeral Pool; • Tidal; • Bore, and • Dam.

Site drainage Four categories were derived from the soil proforma for land unit/system mapping:

• 1 = Well to Moderate; • 2 = Imperfect; • 3 = Poor, and • 4 = Very Poor.



Disturbance Traditionally, disturbance has been measured at each site using the categories listed below. However it is difficult to extrapolate the point site data over the whole spatial extent of the mapping unit. Vegetation condition assessments (see Section A: Guideline - Chapter 9.1) may need to be included in future surveys, in addition to the normal site disturbance measures.

Site disturbance Various disturbances are listed and recorded as a percentage

covering the site: • None; • Limited clearing; • Extensive clearing; • Cultivation; • Gravel pit; • Mining; • Exotic weeds; • Salinity; • Flood; • Pig rooting; • Die-back, and • Other (eg. grazing).

Frequency of disturbance is also recorded. • Current disturbance; • Single recent 1-10 yrs • Few recent 1-10 yrs; • Disturbs all >10 yrs; • Disturbs <10 yrs, and • Other.

Grazing Grazing type and intensity, more than one type of grazing can be recorded: • Nil; • Light; • Moderate, and • Heavy. Categories of grazing include: • Cattle; • Horses, • Native Herbivores; • Pigs, and • Others.



Last fire Record whether site was burnt and an estimate of time of burn from

fire scars and regeneration. Generally try to find an unburnt site although this is often difficult. Fire frequencies can now be determined from spatial coverages produced by the Bush Fire Council of the NT:

• Nil; • During the current year (this year - <1 yr); • The previous year (last year – 1to2 yrs); • Fire scars present but apparently old (2-5 yrs), and • No sign of fire or its effects (long unburnt - >5yrs).

An estimate of fire intensity is also recorded based on the level of damage to the vegetation:

• No damage; • Minor impact – scars on some trees/shrubs; • Minor impact – scars on most trees/shrubs, and • Some trees/shrubs killed.

Landform Landform pattern Derived from McDonald et al., (1990). Refer to 14 for landform

pattern codes and descriptions. Landform element Derived from McDonald et al., (1990). Refer to Appendix 14 for

landform element codes and descriptions. Ground Cover Bare soil (%) Estimate percentage cover of bare ground/soil for the quadrat that

can be seen. Vegetation litter (%) Estimate percentage cover of attached and loose vegetation litter

over the quadrat that can be seen (e.g. dead Triodia attached to living clump is including as vegetation litter).

Rock cover (%) Estimate percentage of bedrock, rock or stones (>2cm diameter)

over the quadrat that can be seen. Gravel cover (%) Estimate percentage of gravel (<2cm diameter) over the quadrat

that can be seen. Crust cover (%) Estimate percentage cover of cryptogram (algal crusting) over the

quadrat that can be seen. Vegetation cover (ground stratum %) Estimate percentage of vegetation (alive) for the quadrat that can be

seen. Note: The above six ground cover categories must equate to 100%

for the quadrat.



Substrate size Percentage of substrate types derived from McDonald et al., (1990)

into the following size classes:

• Pebbles <0.6cm; • Gravel 0.6-2cm; • Stones 2-6cm; • Small Rocks 6-20cm; • Rocks 20-60cm; • Large Rocks 20cm-2m, and • Boulders >2m.

Lithology This field includes lithology type, proportion of rock as a percentage estimate, average size class determined from the substrate size classes and if a specimen was collected, as per McDonald et al., (1990).

Microrelief Categories are derived from McDonald et al., (1990) - only those

applicable to the northern region of the NT are listed here. Category and percentage of site affected is recorded. Several micro reliefs can be recorded.

• Zero; • Gilgai; • Melonhole; • Debil Debil; • Swamp Hummock; • Termite Beds; • Vegetation Root Mounds, and • Other.

Erosion Erosion types are derived from McDonald et al. (1990). For each

erosion type the state of erosion is estimated A = active, S = stabilised and P = partly stabilised. The percentage of erosion covering the site is also estimated. More than one erosion type can be documented.

• Scald; • Sheet; • Rill; • Gully; • Tunnel; • Stream bank; • Mass movement, and • Other.



Broad Vegetation Structure Stratum summary table This table summarises the vegetation of the site and is used to

classify vegetation for the site (not the map unit). The dominant stratum/sub stratum should be indicated. Traditionally three strata have been described. Up to eight sub strata can be described according to NVIS (refer to Section B: Field Methodology - Chapter 3.2). Where three or less strata are apparent, the shaded areas on the proforma should be used (eg. T1 is equivalent to the dominant upper stratum). This table summaries vegetation structural information for a site including: • Cover – Overall cover of the site for each stratum/sub stratum.

These values are generally estimated. Percentage canopy cover (CC) is used for upper and mid strata/sub strata and percentage cover for the lower stratum (refer to Section B: Field Methodology - Chapter 3.3);

• Height – Average height and height range for each stratum/sub stratum measured with a clinometer (refer to Section B: Field Methodology - Chapter 3.4), and

• Growth Form – the dominant for each stratum (refer to Section B: Field Methodology - Chapter 3.7).

• Crown density- (refer to Section B: Field Methodology - Chapter 3.6).

Crown separation ratio (CSR) Used to determine upper stratum cover values. Method as per

Walker and Hopkins (1990). Cover values are commonly estimated. For observers new to vegetation survey the CSR method provides a more rigorous and less subjective technique, and should be used until estimates can be made with reasonable accuracy.

Growth form table Average heights and overall percentage cover for each growth form

is recorded. Growth forms as per NVIS Attribute Manual (ESCAVI, 2003) with some additional structural categories.



5.2 Flora Sheet The flora sheet is used to describe species composition and vegetation structure. The flora sheet should always be completed with the habitat sheet. The following variables are for full characterisation sites. Survey Survey name Name of survey (as per habitat sheet). Site No. Unique number for each site (as per habitat sheet). Date DDMMYYYY format. Floristics and Structural Formation Floristics Record all plant species present in the quadrat. The completeness

of the list will depend upon the season, state of vegetation, botanical knowledge and time available to survey the site.

Cover

For each species, the actual percentage cover is estimated and recorded in the relevant stratum/sub stratum. One species may occur in a number of strata/sub strata. For the upper stratum/sub stratum, crown or canopy cover percentage is generally recorded. For mid and ground strata/sub strata percentage cover is recorded. Covers less than 1% are assigned abc where: • a = very few individuals (1-5 plants); • b = occasional (6-50 plants), and • c= common (50 plants). If different cover type measures are used than those above, a note of this should be made.

Height range and average

For each species with a cover values more than 1%, height range and average height are estimated for plants less than 2m and measured with a clinometer for plants more than 2m.

Basal count and factor Basal area is determined by a 360o basal sweep (refer to Section B:

Field Methodology - Chapter 3.5). The basal sweep is conducted from the centre of the quadrat. Record the count for all species observed in the basal sweep including dead species. Record the count for live (BA L) and dead (BA D) in each column for each species counted. Record the basal area factor used. Actual basal area can be calculated later (BA m2/ha = count * basal area factor).

The basal sweep extends beyond the 20x20m quadrat to provide a better estimate of species diversity and dominance for the vegetation community outside the site. The basal count is used to determine dominance of species in the upper stratum.



5.3 Foliage Projective Cover Sheet This is a line-transect intercept method derived from SLATS (Kuhnell et al., 1998). Overstorey and understorey categories are recorded along a 100 metre transect line at one metre intervals. (refer to Section B: Field Methodology - Chapter 3.6). Survey Site number Unique label for each site. Survey Name of survey. Date DDMMYYYY format. Transect number If more than one transect per site. Location and Geo-referencing Transect bearing Direction of transect. Transects where possibly should run North-

South or East-West. Coords of transect start The position, in AMG coordinates (Eastings/Northings and

Latitude/Longitude), of the transect start. This is usually the north-east corner of the site.

Coords of transect finish The position, in AMG coordinates (Eastings/Northings and

Latitude/Longitude), of the transect finish. Foliage Projective Cover Overstorey Appropriate category is checked: green leaf (GL), dead leaf (DL),

branch BR), or sky (SK). Understorey Appropriate category is checked: green leaf (GL), dead leaf (DL),

tree litter (Tr lit), grass litter (Gr lit), bare earth (BA) and shrub (SH). Canopy cover A percentage estimate at each 1m interval then 100 values added

and divided by 100 samples to provide an average canopy cover for the transect.

TL GL Total green leaf – this gets a cross if either understorey or

overstorey green leaf or shrub is marked. Each column is totalled. GL/SH Total overstorey green leaf and shrub – this gets a cross if it

includes either overstorey green leaf or understorey shrub. Canopy Cover Estimate

At each one meter interval crown or canopy cover percentage is estimated within the dimensions of the sighting tube for the upper stratum. The 100 estimates are added and divided by 100 to determine an overall percentage estimate for the transect.

GLOSSARY


GLOSSARY Abiotic non living; includes such components of the environment as weather and

topography. Abundance the number of individuals of a species in a given area. Alliance a series of climax plant communities having the same structural characteristics, the

same species as dominance in the upper layer, and the same or related species in the understorey.

ANZLIC Metadata minimum requirements for metadata to be included in the Australian Spatial Data

Directory. Association Analysis for the purpose of this document refers to statistical techniques for generating

floristic groupings based on presence/absence and/or abundance of species derived from site data.

ASTER satellite sensor, operated by Japan, launched 1999, 15m and 30/90m resolution,

60km swath. Basal Area in strict forestry terms it refers to the sectional area of a tree (square metres per

hectare) measured at 1.3 metres above ground. Basal Sweep 360o sweep to determine basal area Bio-region regions identified at an Australia-wide scale, based on characteristics of landform,

geology and vegetation. Widely used as the appropriate units for conservation and land use planning, and for comparing conservation priorities across the nation.

Biomass the mass of living matter (plant &/or animals) in a particular area. Biotic living component (both plants & animals) of a particular region. Broad Floristic Formation in NVIS terminology a summary description of the dominant stratum, dominant

genera and dominant structure of a vegetation community. Canopy the upper most layer of foliage in a forest formed by the crowns of trees. Canopy Cover the percentage of the total area of a sample site that is covered by a vertical

projection of the crown. Classification System a system used to classify vegetation based on growth form, cover and height. Many

different classification systems exist. Clinometer precision instruments used to measure heights, vertical angles and slope. Community in the broadest sense refers to an assemblage of interacting populations of plants,

animals, bacteria and fungi sharing a common environment. Community Succession the process by which one vegetation community replaces another through time. Crown Cover another term to describe canopy cover. Crown Type a crown density measure as per Walker and Hopkins (1990).

GLOSSARY


CSR crown separation ratio is the estimation of crown cover using the mean gap between

crowns divided by mean crown width. Datum geodetic datum’s define the size and shape of the earth and the origin and

orientation of the coordinate systems used to map the earth. Required to geo-reference mapping.

Distribution the geographic occurrence of a population or species. Diversity variety, often expressed as a function of a number of entities in a particular sample,

area. Ecosystem a dynamic complex of plant, animal, fungal and micro-organism communities and

the associated non-living environment interacting as an ecological unit. Ecotone a transition zone between two distinct habitats. ESCAVI the Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information. Includes

representatives from all States and Territories and the Australian Government and guides the maintenance and ongoing development NVIS, including the further development of standards for vegetation extent information collection and storage.

Flora plant population or list of plants for a particular area arranged in families, genera and

species. Formation Class growth forms and cover values of species forming the dominant stratum are called

formation classes. Frequency of Occurrence the number of times a particular entity occurs within a particular sample. Genus one of the groupings used in classifying organisms. Geo-reference to reference mapping or site points in real world coordinates. Geographic Range the geographical distribution of a species GIS geographic information system is a computer based system for creating, storing,

analysing and managing spatial data and associated attributes. GPS global positioning system is a method for locating points, in three dimensions

(latitude, longitude (or UTM), & altitude) on the earths surface using a system of earth-orbiting satellites.

Growth Form the overall morphology of a plant species, including its stature, leaf type, and habit. Habitat the place an organism normally lives. Can be measured by their vegetation and

physical characteristics. Heterogenous consisting of elements that are not of the same kind or nature. Homogenous all of the same or similar kind or nature. IBRA sub-region provide a valuable bioregional context for mapping and reporting on the extent and

distribution of vegetation. The focus of this measure is primarily on mapping and reporting the extent of native vegetation and no detail on IBRA data sets is provided in this measure.

IKONOS satellite sensor, operated by Space Imaging, launched 1999, 4m resolution, 11km swath.

GLOSSARY


Image (interpretive material) graphic representation or description of a scene, typically produced by an optical or

electronic device. Common examples include remotely sensed data (satellite data), scanned data and aerial photographs.

Land Cover the physical coverage of land, including physical and biological cover as vegetation

or man-made features. Land System an area or group of areas throughout which there is a recurring pattern of

topography, vegetation and soils. Land Unit a reasonably homogenous part of a land surface, distinct from surrounding terrain

with consistent properties in landform soils or vegetation. Landform Element described by attributes assessed within a circle of 20m radius including slope,

morphological type, dimensions, geomorphologic activity and geomorphologic agent.

Landform Pattern described by attributes assessed within a circle of 300m radius including relief,

modal slope, stream channel occurrence, geomorphologic activity and status, geomorphologic agent and component landform elements.

Landsat5/7 satellite sensor, operated by U.S., launched 1986/1999, 15m and 30m resolution,

185km swath. Lithology description of rocks on the basis of such characteristics as color, mineral

composition, and grain size. Also, the physical character of a rock. Map Unit a generalisation concept used in vegetation mapping to identify polygons with

similar combinations of vegetation and landscapes. Map Zone UTM projection of the earth is divided into zones, 6o wide, which for the Australian

continent are zones 38 through 58. Mapping Scale an important property of a map enabling map user to measure distance on a map to

determine distance on the ground. Metadata see ANZLIC Metadata. Microrelief relief up to a few metres above the plane of the land surface. It includes gilgai,

hummocky, biotic and other micro-relief. Mosaic in context of this document refers to the existence of more than one vegetation

community within an individual map polygon boundary NDVI normalised difference vegetation index is calculated from the visible and near-

infrared light reflected by vegetation. Healthy vegetation absorbs most of the visible light that hits it, and reflects a large portion of the near-infrared light. Unhealthy or sparse vegetation reflects more visible light and less infrared light.

NVIS defines an agreed framework and guidelines for collecting, compiling and monitoring

Australia's vegetation.

NVIS Hierarchy hierarchical classification, defined in the NVIS framework for describing the floristic and structural attributes of Australia's native vegetation. The hierarchical classification has six levels (I - VI) from Class to Sub-association.

Ortho-rectification removes image distortions introduced by the collection geometry and the terrain, and re-samples the imagery to a uniform ground sample distance and user-specified map projection.

GLOSSARY


Overstorey the tallest stratum of a particular vegetation community, referring to canopy

species. Physiognomy for the purpose of this document refers to the structure of the vegetation eg shape,

height, mass. Plant Assemblages a group of co-occurring plants Point Source Data data collected at one location, generally referring to sites Polygon for the purposes of this document refers to an area defined within boundaries or

spatial entities on a digital map Preferential (indicator) Species species or specie group that characterise a vegetation community. Quadrat fixed unit of area, usually rectangular used for sampling vegetation. Quickbird satellite sensor, operated by DigitalGlobe, launched 2001, 0.61 and 2.44

resolution, 16km swath. Pedology the study of soils in its natural environment. Pedology deals with soil classification,

soil morphology and pedogenesis. Regional Ecosystem vegetation communities in a bioregion that are consistently associated with a

particular combination of geology, landform and soil (Queensland term). Remote Sensing the measurement or acquisition of information of an object or phenomenon, by a

recording device that is not in physical or intimate contact with the object. In practice, remote sensing is the utilization at a distance (as from aircraft, spacecraft, satellite, or ship) of any device for gathering information about the environment.

Sampling Intensity number of representative sites deemed suitable to map a given area accurately. Sighting Tube for the purpose of this document refers to a rifle sighting tube used to determine

foliage projective cover and canopy cover along a transect at pre-determined intervals. The cross hairs are used as the intercept point.

Soil Classification deals with the systematic characterisation of soils based on distinguishing

characteristics. Soil Texture determined by the size distribution of mineral particles finer than 2mm, that is only

material that will pass a 2mm sieve should be used to determine field texture. Species Composition combination of species found in a given area or vegetation community. Species Diversity variability (species richness & abundance) of biota usually found within a discrete

area. SPOT5 satellite sensor, operated by CNES/SPOT, launched 1998/2002, resolution 10/5

and 20/10, 60km swath. Stereoscope device for creating a 3-D images generally used with aerial photography. Strata plural for stratum. Stratum visually conspicuous layer, of a measurable depth, in a vegetation community,

produced by the occurrence of an aggregation of branches and photosynthetic tissue.

Stratum Summary a summary of the dominant growth form, average height and cover values for each

stratum in a vegetation community.

GLOSSARY


Structural Composition the combination of structural characteristics defining vegetation (eg. average

heights & covers for each stratum). Structural Formation formation classes qualified by growth form, cover and height found in most

vegetation classification systems. Topography surface features of a geographical area. Topographical Maps maps that show topography Transect line or narrow belt used to survey the distributions of organisms across the given

area. Understorey refers to shrubs and smaller trees between the forest canopy and the ground

cover. Unique Mapping Area repeated patterns across landscapes that are definable on interpretive materials

such as spatial, spectral, radiometric and temporal parameters. Vegetation Continuum distinct layering in vegetation cannot be easily discerned between two or more

strata. Vegetation Profile another term to describe vegetation structure. Vegetation Structure the horizontal and vertical distribution of cover and height of dominant plants. Voucher Specimen a specimen housed and referenced in a Herbarium. Note: Definitions have been derived from Lewis (2006) and various sources listed in References (pp. 58).

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APPENDICES

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 1: Primary Vegetation Datasets

Scale Survey Name Mapped Area (approx ) km2 % of NT NVIS Data

Detail Mt Todd Vegetation Survey 168 0.0125 NVIS5Cape Arnhem Vegetation Survey 75 0.0056 NVIS5Groote Island Mining Lease Vegetation Survey 170 0.0126 NVIS5Casuarina Coastal Reserve 6 0.0004 NVIS5North Island (Sir Edward Pellews Islands) preliminary map

55 0.0041 ?

Popham Creek Mangrove Survey (Coburg Peninsular)

47 0.0035 NVIS5

Rapid Creek Mangrove Survey 5 0.0004 NVIS5Ludmilla Creek Mangrove Survey 1 0.0001 NVIS5

1:5000

TOTAL 527 0.0391 Mangrove Survey of Darwin Harbour 215 0.0160 NVIS5Mangrove Survey of Bynoe Harbour 226 0.0168 NVIS5Mangrove Survey Lee Pt to Adelaide River. 1 450 0.1077 NVIS5Elsey National Park Vegetation Survey 139 0.0103 NVIS4Remnant Vegetation Survey of Darwin Region Stage 1,2,& 3

3 000 0.2228 NVIS4

Stray Creek Catchment Vegetation Survey 1 215 0.0903 NVIS6

1:25 000

TOTAL 6 245 0.4639 Arafura Swamp 890 0.0661 NVIS5Katherine and Fergusson River Catchments Land Resource/Vegetation Survey (in progress)

9 700 0.7205 NVIS5

Bullo River Station Vegetation Survey (in progress)

2 421 0.1798 NVIS6

1:50 000

TOTAL 13 011 0.9664 Cobourg Peninsula Land Resources 1 891 0.1405 NVIS3Mary River Vegetation Survey 1 062 0.0789 NVIS5Melaleuca Forest Survey 12 000 0.8914 NVIS5Elsey Station Vegetation Survey 5 285 0.3926 NVIS5Gregory National Park Vegetation Survey 13 500 1.0028 NVIS5Lancewood Forest Survey of the Northern Territory 24 000 1.7828 NVIS5Mt Bundy Vegetation Survey 1 150 0.0854 NVIS5Limmen Bight Preliminary Vegetation Survey 13 510 1.0036 NAMonsoon Vine Forest Survey 2 100 0.1560 NVIS3Daly Basin NVIS5

1:100 000

TOTAL 74 498 5.5000 Tiwi Island Generalised Vegetation Map 7 400 0.5497 NVIS4Kakadu National Park Stages 1 & 2 (Schodde) 19 000 1.4114 ?

1:250 000

TOTAL 26 400 2.0000 1:1 000 000 Vegetation Survey of the Northern Territory 1 346 200 100.0000 NVIS5 Northern Forest Mapping NORFOR 45 2700 33.6280 NVIS5Mixed Scale NVIS Version 3: Pre-european & Extant datasets 1 346 200 100.0000 NVIS5NOTE: This table doesn’t include land unit or land system mapping.

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 2: Overview of Vegetation Survey and Mapping Procedures

Source: Thackway et al. (in press) - adapted from Neldner et al. (1999)

Data Collection

Site-based vegetation survey to sample and collect data Floristic, Structural and Environmental Data

Vegetation Polygons

Vegetation Associations • Structure e.g. open forest

• Dominant floristics in each strata e.g. upper strata Eucalyptus and Corymbia

• Landform - position in the landscape e.g. Low Hills

• Environmental correlations e.g. Landform: Low Hills Soils: Sandy Clay Loam Geology: Alluvium

Floristic Species Assemblages

Final Mapping and Outputs Map units may describe:

• Spatial mix of vegetation communities in unique mapping areas (polygons)

• Display labels and colours (cartography)

• Environmental correlations e.g Landform: Low Hills Soils: Sandy Clay Loam Geology: Granite

• Validation of classification and mapping

• Documentation of vegetation communities and dataset/s (Survey Report)

Description of Vegetation

Associations Vegetation

communities are described but not

mapped

1. Image interpretation (i.e. Aerial Photography Interpretation - influenced by:

• Landform element/pattern

• Substrate (soil and/or geology)

• Photo-pattern/reflectance influenced by vegetation and substrate

• Ecological knowledge

2. Correlations between independent environmental mapped attributes sharing the same vegetation community- influenced by:

• quality and reliability of the independent environmental mapped attributes

• quantity and reliability of the site-based records

Preliminary Mapping Delineation of vegetation community polygons

Remotely Sensed Data

(aerial photographs and /or satellite imagery)

Independent Environmental Maps

(soil, geology, elevation, climate)

Survey and Planning Stratification - based on either or a combination of:

Qualitative data analysis

Manually assign sites to vegetation

communities on the basis of field data using a variety of floristic, structural and environmental

attributes

Quantitative data analysis

Numerical analyses varies with the type

of data available (binary or

quantitative). May be constrained to woody /perennial

plants only; informed by

structural and environmental

attributes

Classification Based on either or a combination of:

Data Analysis

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 3: Cover and Structural Formation Comparisons for Common Classification Systems

Scheme Cover Type Cover Classes

Foliage Cover 70 – 100

30 – 70

10 – 30

<10

0

Crown Cover > 80

50 – 80

20 – 50

5 – 20

< 5

NVIS

% Cover > 80 50 – 80 20 – 50 5 – 20 < 5

Crown Cover

> 80

50 – 80

20 – 50

5 – 20

< 5

Crown Separation Ratio

<0 0 – 0.25 0.25 – 1 1 – 3 > 3

Walker & Hopkins

Foliage Cover 70-100 30-70 10-30 <10 0

Specht * Foliage Cover 70 – 100 30 – 70 10 – 30 1 – 10 < 1

Growth Form Tree * Closed forest Open forest Woodland Open woodland Isolated trees

Tree mallee * Closed mallee forest

Open mallee forest

Mallee woodland Open mallee woodland

Isolated mallee trees

Shrub, cycad, grass-tree, tree-fern *

Closed shrubland Shrubland Open shrubland Sparse shrubland Isolated shrubs

Mallee shrub * Closed mallee shrubland

Mallee shrubland

Open mallee shrubland

Sparse mallee shrubland

Isolated mallee shrubs

Heath shrub * Closed heathland Heathland Open heathland Sparse heathland Isolated heath shrubs

Chenopod shrub * Closed chenopod shrubland

Chenopod shrubland

Open chenopod shrubland

Sparse chenopod shrubland

Isolated chenopod shrubs

Samphire shrub * Closed samphire shrubland

Samphire shrubland

Open samphire shrubland

Sparse samphire shrubland

Isolated samphire shrubland

Hummock grass * Closed hummock grassland

Hummock grassland

Open hummock grassland

Sparse hummock grassland

Isolated hummock grasses

Tussock grass * Closed tussock grassland

Tussock grassland

Open tussock grassland

Sparse tussock grassland

Sparse tussock grasses

Other grass (inc. sod) * Closed grassland Grassland Open grassland Sparse grassland Isolated grasses

Sedge * Closed sedgeland Sedgeland Open sedgeland Sparse sedgeland Isolated sedges

Rush Closed rushland Rushland Open rushland Sparse rushland Isolated rushes

Forb * Closed forbland Forbland Open forbland Sparse forbland Isolated forbs

Fern Closed fernland Fernland Open fernland Sparse fernland Isolated ferns

Bryophyte Closed bryophyteland

Bryophyteland Open bryophyteland

Sparse bryophyteland

Isolated bryophytes

Lichen Closed lichenland Lichenland Open lichenland Sparse lichenland Isolated lichens

Vine Closed vineland Vineland Open vineland Sparse vineland Isolated vinelands

Aquatic Closed aquatic bed

Aquatic bed Open aquatic bed Sparse aquatic bed

Isolated aquatics

Seagrass Closed seagrass bed

Seagrass bed Open seagrass bed

Sparse seagrass bed

Isolated seagrasses

* Specht (1970) recognises only the broad growth form categories of Trees, Shrubs, Hummock Grasses, Graminoids, Sedges and Herbs.

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 4: Height Class Comparison for Common Classification Systems

Height Description

Walker & Hopkins NVIS Specht

Trees, vines (U & M), palms (single stemmed) Trees*

Extremely Tall > 35.01 NA NA Very Tall 20.01 - 35 NA NA Tall 12.01 - 20 > 30 Mid High 6.01 - 12 10 - 30

10 – 30 ** closed forest, open forest, woodland, open woodland

Low 3.01 - 6 < 10 5 -10 Dwarf 1.01 - 3 NA < 5 *** Very Low Tree Mallee, Mallee Shrub Shrubs* Extremely Tall 6.01 - 12 NA NA Very Tall 3.01 - 6 NA NA Tall 1.01 - 3 10 - 30 > 2 Mid High 0.51 - 1 < 10 1 – >2 ** closed shrubland

shrubland, open shrubland, sparse shrubland

Low 0.26 – 0.5 < 3 < 2

Dwarf < 0.25 NA NA

Shrub, Heath Shrub, Chenopod Shrub, Ferns, Samphire Shrub, Cycad, Tree-fern, Grass-tree, Palm (multi-

stemmed)

Shrubs*

Extremely Tall 6.01 - 12 NA NA Very tall 3.01 - 6 NA NA Tall 1.01 - 3 > 2 > 2 Mid High 0.51 - 1 1 - 2 1 – >2 ** closed shrubland,

shrubland, open shrubland, sparse shrubland

Low 0.26 – 0.5 < 0.5 - 1 < 2

Dwarf < 0.25 NA NA Tussock Grass, Hummock Grass, Other Grass, Sedge, Rush, Forbs and Vine (G) Extremely Tall 3.01 - 6 NA NA Very Tall 1.01 - 3 NA NA Tall 0.51 - 1 > 2 NA Mid High 0.26 – 0.5 0.5 - 1 NA Low < 0.25 < 0.5 NA

Bryophyte, Lichen, Seagrass, Aquatic Extremely Tall 0.51 - 1 NA NA Tall 0.26 – 0.5 0.5 - 1 NA Low < 0.25 < 0.5 NA

* Specht (1970) - a tree is defined as a woody plant usually with a single stem. A shrub is usually a woody plant with many stems arising within 2m of the base. ** Specht (1970) - does not specify a height class against these structural formations (i.e. tall or mid high are not used to describe forests, woodlands, or shrublands within these height ranges). *** Specht (1970) - applies ‘very low’ to this height category.

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 5: Comparison of Classification Systems Codes and Descriptions


NVIS Code NVIS Description Walker &

Hopkins Code Walker & Hopkins

Description

TREE

NVIS Equivalence

T8d Tall closed forest VTCF Very tall closed forest T8d/T7d T7d Mid closed forest TCF Tall closed forest T7d Closed Forest T6d Low closed forest T8c Tall open forest VTOF Very tall open forest T8c/T7c T7c Mid open forest TOF Tall open forest T7c Open Forest T6c Low open forest T8i Tall woodland VTW Very tall woodland T8i/T7i T7i Mid Woodland TW Tall woodland T7i T6i Low woodland MHW Mid high woodland T7i/T6i

Woodland

LW Low woodland T6i T8r Tall open woodland VTOW Very tall open woodland T8r/T7r T7r Mid open woodland TOW Tall open woodland T7r T6r Low open woodland MHOW Mid high open woodland T7r/T6r

Open Woodland

LOW Low open woodland T6r

SHRUB

S4c Tall shrubland VTS Very tall shrubland S4c S3c Mid shrubland TS Tall shrubland S4c/S3c S2c Low shrubland MHS Mid high shrubland S2c Shrubland

S1c Low shrubland LS Low shrubland S1c S4i Tall open shrubland VTOS Very tall open shrubland S4i S3i Mid open shrubland TOS Tall open shrubland S4i/S3i S2i Low open shrubland MHOS Mid high open shrubland S2i

Open Shrubland

S1i Low open shrubland LOS Low open shrubland S1i S4r Tall sparse shrubland VTVS Very tall sparse

shrubland S4r

S3r Mid sparse shrubland TVS Tall sparse shrubland S4r/S3r S2r Low sparse shrubland MHVS Mid high sparse

shrubland S2r

Sparse Shrubland

S1r Low sparse shrubland LVS Low sparse shrubland S1r

HUMMOCK GRASS

H3d Tall closed hummock grassland

TCHG Tall closed hummock grassland

H3d/H2d

H2d Mid closed hummock grassland

MHCHG Mid high closed hummock grassland

H2d/H1d Closed Hummock Grassland

H1d Low closed hummock grassland

LCHG Low closed hummock grassland

H1d

H3c Tall hummock grassland

THG Tall hummock grassland H3c/H2c

H2c Mid hummock grassland

MHHG Mid high hummock grassland

H2c/H1c Hummock Grassland

H1c Low hummock grassland

LHG Low hummock grassland

H1c

H3i Tall open hummock grassland

TOHG Tall open hummock grassland

H3i/H2i

H2i Mid open hummock grassland

MHOHG Mid high open hummock grassland

H2i/H1i Open Hummock Grassland

H1i Low open hummock grassland

LOHG Low open hummock grassland

H1i

APPENDICES


TUSSOCK GRASS

G3d Tall closed tussock grassland

TCG Tall closed grassland G3d/G2d

G2d Mid closed tussock grassland

MHCG Mid high closed grassland

G2d/G1d Closed Tussock Grassland

G1d Low closed tussock grassland

LCG Low closed grassland G1d

G3c Tall tussock grassland TG Tall grassland G3c/G2c G2c Mid tussock grassland MHG Mid high grassland G2c/G1c Tussock Grassland G1c Low tussock

grassland LG Low grassland G1c

G3i Tall open tussock grassland

TOG Tall open grassland G3i/G2i

G2i Mid open tussock grassland

MHOG Mid high open grassland G2i/G1i Open Tussock Grassland

G1i Low open tussock grassland

LOG Low open grassland G1i

FORB

F3c Tall forbland TF Tall forbland F2c F2c Mid forbland MHF Mid high forbland F2c/F1c Forbland F1c Low forbland LF Low forbland F1c F3i Tall open forbland TOF Tall open forbland F2i F2i Mid open forbland MHOF Mid high open forbland F2i/F1i Open Forbland F1i Low open forbland LOF Low open forbland F1i F3r Tall sparse forbland TVF Tall sparse forbland F2r F2r Mid sparse forbland MHVF Mid high sparse forbland F2r/F1r Sparse Forbland F1r Low sparse forbland LVF Low sparse forbland F1r

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 6: Vegetation Survey Report Formats

Example from: ‘Darwin Harbour Mangrove Survey’ (Brocklehurst & Edmeades, 1995). Map Unit 2 Rhizophora stylosa/Camptostemon schultzii closed-forest/open-forest (Tidal

creek forests) Rhizophora stylosa, Camptostemon schultzii and Bruguiera parviflora are characteristic species on the tidal creek bank and may be co-dominant or locally dominant. The Rhizophora stylosa is generally lower, many trunked and often leaning in comparison to the main forest form (map unit 1). The Camptostemon schultzii forms thickets on the lowest side of the creek bank (seaward fringe) with many leaning across the water. Thickets of Aegiceras corniculatum to two metres and scattered low Aegialitis annulata commonly occur on the seaward side of the mud banks and on creek shoals. The fibrous matted nature of their roots tends to consolidate and firm the mud. This vegetation is generally completely submerged by the higher tides. Scattered Avicennia marina and Xylocarpus mekongensis are common and may be emergents. Bruguiera gymnorhiza may occur where freshwater input is more regular. In the upper sections of the tidal creeks and tributaries, Avicennia marina may replace Rhizophora stylosa and Camptostemon schultzii as the dominant species. Other Species include (<5% frequency): Bruguiera exaristata, Ceriops decandra, C. tagal

and Excoecaria ovalis. Area: 5965 ha Tidal Level: Mean sea-level to Mean High Water Neaps Stand Basal Area (Average): 25.8 m2 Mean stand diameter: 7.7cm diameter at breast height over bark (dbhob) Top height: 13.92 m Average Stocking: 7592 stems ha-1 Average biomass: 64 tonnes/ha-1 - 56% stand basal area Geomorphic unit: Tidal creek, Tidal creek bank, Tidal creek shoal Table. Mean Structural Formation

Stratum Growth Form %Canopy Cover Median (range)

FPC Canopy Median (range)

Canopy Height (m) Median (range)

U1 Upper tree 65 (2-100) 53 (1.6-90) 8.8 (5-12)

M1 Mid small tree 32 (20-75) - 3 (2-6)

G1 Ground small tree (regen) 4.5 (1.0-45) - 0.7 (0-1)

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 6 (continued) Distribution and habitat notes: Found in all regions of the harbour. Creek bank vegetation is found between mean sea level and mean high water neaps (4-6 metres tidal level - Port Darwin Datum). Tidal cover occurs at least once daily, often twice. Slopes are steep to moderate (10-300) on the lower creek bank and less inclined where vegetated (50). Tidal creeks are formed from marine erosion of the tidal flat by drainage incisions and may contain small islands and very intricate drainage patterns. The habitat surface is maintained by erosion. The creek shoal and exposed hummocky creek mud support vegetation at mean sea-level and to mean low water neaps (3-4 metres tidal level – Port Darwin Datum). Thickets of Aegiceras corniculatum at these low tidal levels form dense root mats which consolidates mud. Soil salinity is approximately 33-400/00 at mean sea-level and 41±40/00 mid-zone (Semeniuk, 1985). Soils are generally bioturbated, root structured mud where vegetation is present or homogeneous mud, bare of vegetation, near the creek bottoms and creek shoals (generally at the tide level less than 3 metres - Port Darwin Datum). The steep banks and bio-turbation ensure rapid drainage. Soils not waterlogged all the time. Associated Vegetation types: Occupies a similar tidal level to the Rhizophora forests (map unit 1) but occupies a different geomorphic unit. Pockets of Rhizophora forests (map unit 1) may occur within the tidal creek zone. A narrow fringe (unmappable) of Sonneratia alba (map unit 8), along the tidal creeks is common. Similarly, due to the mapping scale areas of transition forests (map unit 3) may be included in the tidal creek community. At the creek mouths scattered Sonneratia alba and thickets of Aegiceras corniculatum and low Aegialitis annulata are characteristic.

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 6 (continued)

Example From: ‘Stray Creek Catchment Vegetation Survey’ (Lewis, 2005).

Community 3 T7i (T7r, T6r) Eucalyptus tetrodonta woodland with Heteropogon triticeus and annual Sorghum sp. tussock grassland Upper 1: Mixed woodland dominated by Eucalyptus tetrodonta (fq 100%). Associated species include Erythrophleum chlorostachys (fq 50%) and Corymbia foelscheana (fq 33%). Mid 1: Shrubs and trees, Erythrophleum chlorostachys (fq 50%), C. foelscheana (fq 50%), Terminalia ferdinandiana (fq 39%) and Petalostigma pubescens (fq 33%) exist in the tall sparse shrubland. Ground 1: Frequent species occurring in the tussock grassland are Heteropogon triticeus (fq 89%), annual Sorghum sp. (fq 72%), Sehima nervosum (fq 67%) and Chrysopogon latifolius (fq 61%).

Plate 3. Vegetation community 3 (site 120). No. of sites: 18 13, 26, 33, 56, 64, 72, 83, 84, 120, 131, 137, 152, 159, 162, 170, 172, 199, 205 OTHER COMMON SPECIES: Upper stratum (U1) – Terminalia grandiflora (fq 28%), Corymbia polysciada (fq 11%), Eucalyptus miniata (fq 6%), C. latifolia (fq 6%), E. patellaris (fq 3%), Buchanania obovata (fq 3%), Erythroxylum ellipticum (fq 3%), Brachychiton diversifolius (fq 3%). Mid stratum (M1) – Planchonia careya (fq 33%), Terminalia grandiflora (fq 33%), Corymbia polysciada (fq 28%), Eucalyptus tetrodonta (fq 28%), Brachychiton megaphyllus (fq 22%), Grevillea decurrens (fq 17%), E. tectifica (fq 17%), Acacia lamprocarpa (fq 11%), B. diversifolia (fq 11%), Buchanania obovata (fq 11%), Hakea arborescens (fq 11%), Persoonia falcata (fq 11%), T. canescens (fq 11%), A. mimula (fq 6%), A. oncinocarpa (fq 6%), Ampelocissus frutescens (fq 6%), Bridelia tomentosa (fq 6%), Cayratia trifolia (fq 6%), Cochlospermum fraseri (fq 6%), Acacia douglasica (fq 6%), Corymbia latifolia (fq 6%), Gardenia schwarzii (fq 6%), Livistona humilis (fq 6%), Bauhinia cunninghamii (fq 6%), Owenia vernicosa (fq 6%), Premna acuminata (fq 6%), Stenocarpus acacioides (fq 6%), Tinospora smilacina (fq 6%).

APPENDICES



Ground stratum (G1) – Erythrophleum chlorostachys (fq 61%), Brachychiton megaphyllus (fq 56%), Corymbia foelscheana (fq 56%), Grewia retusifolia (fq 50%), Eucalyptus tetrodonta (44%), Evolvulus alsinoides (fq 44%), Buchanania obovata (fq 39%), Pachynema dilatatum (fq 39%), Sebastiania chamaelea (fq 39%), Sorghum plumosum (fq 39%), Thaumastochloa major (39%), Yakirra majuscula (39%), Alloteropsis semialata (fq 33%), Cartonema spicatum (fq 33%), Chrysopogon fallax (fq 28%), Eriachne obtusa (fq 28%), Mnesithea formosa (fq 28%), Murdannia graminea (fq 28%), Petalostigma quadriloculare (fq 28%), Setaria apiculata (fq 28%), Terminalia grandiflora (fq 28%), Uraria lagopodioides (fq 28%), Ampelocissus frutescens (fq 22%), Aristida holathera (fq 22%), Digitaria gibbosa (fq 22%), Distichostemon hispidulus (fq 22%), E. avenacea (fq 22%), Flemingia trifoliastrum (fq 22%), Grevillea mimosoides (fq 22%), Indigofera linifolia (fq 22%), Schizachyrium fragile (fq 22%), Tacca leontopetaloides (fq 22%), Triodia bitextura(fq 22%), Vigna lanceolata (fq 22%), Whiteochloa semitonsa (fq 22%). LANDFORM: Dominant community on plains and rises. SOILS: Kandosols. DRAINAGE: Well drained. Table 5. Community 3 structural summary.

Strata Modal Growthform Mean Cover % Mean height (m) NVIS Code

Upper U1 Tree 25.4 (5-40) 14.8 (11.5-17.5) T7i

Mid M1 Shrub 3.6 (2-5.5) 3.6 (1.5-6.1) S4r

Ground G1 Tussock Grass 50.1 (15-80) 0.7 (0.1-1.4) G2c

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 7: Metadata Attributes

Attribute Description Example State State or Territory NT

Custodian Government/Private Agency who has ownership of the data

Biodiversity Conservation: Darwin (DIPE)

Official Contact

Custodial contact person [email protected] 08 8944 8451

Date Beginning

Year of commencement of survey -

Date End Year of Finish of survey -

Compilation Date

Site vegetation data is present and correct as of what year

1995

Vegetation Survey Name

Title of Survey Mitchell Grasslands Survey

Site Purpose

Site data was collected for what specific purpose (eg. vegetation mapping, flora survey)

Flora Survey

Number of Sites

Approximate number of sites for the particular survey

107

Site Detail The amount of information recorded at a site

Species cover and height for the dominant stratum

Geo-referenced

Are the sites geo-referenced Yes

Spatial Accuracy

Radius of error (eg. ± 200 metres). An estimate of the horizontal accuracy of the site in the real world

30 meters

Data Storage

How is the data stored (eg. paper, digital)

Digital

Database Manager

Database manager of the particular organisation holding the data

[email protected] 08 8944 8456

Historical Contact

Person who undertook the survey or who is familiar with the data

[email protected] 08 8944 8454

Geographical Extent

List of bio regions (abbreviations as per IBRA) or locality

Top End wide - black soil plains

Quality An estimate of the utility of the data Good

Transfer Ease of data transfer Requires work

Digital Data Storage

If sites are digital what software do they reside in

USER DATABASE/Foxpro-Access

COMMENTS

Any pertinent comments Standard Biodiversity Conservation Vegetation Proforma: trees/shrubs by BA and BA size class, canopy ht/cover, total ground layer % cover, ground species by cover, full/partial species lists, stratum cover/ht, however not all species linked directly to strata (mid)

Digital Mapping Exists

Does digital polygon mapping exists - see metadata link (eg. ANZLIC number)

No

NVIS Level Estimate of data detail in relation to the NVIS Information Hierarchy

NVIS IV – Sub-Formation

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 8: Preliminary NT Vegetation Condition Indicators for Forests and Woodlands

Indicator Measure Score Method SITE Trees 30 Tree canopy cover Canopy cover and health 4 Line transect1 Dead standing basal area 5 Large tree count & hollows No of trees/ha >40 dbh 8

Basal wedge quadrat2

No of trees/ha >1.5m ht and < 5 dbhob

5 Quadrat 100x50 metres either side of line transect

Regeneration count canopy species

Proportion 3 Medium tree diversity/ or cohorts/ diameter class distribution

No of diameter classes + distribution within

5 Basal wedge quadrat2

Shrubs 8 Broad leaved cover-shrubs only below 2 metres

%cover 5

Broad leaved richness No of species 3

Line transect1

Grasses 15 Total Grass Cover % cover 6 Sorghum Cover as a % of total grass

% cover 6

Species richness No of species 3

Line transect1

Perennial Herbs 7 Perennial Cover % cover 4 Perennial Richness No. of species 3

Line transect1

Weeds 10 Weed cover % cover 10

Line transect1

Fallen woody material 10 logs count 5 Litter * % cover 5

Line transect1

LANDSCAPE 20 Fire Diversity CV of fire history in 4km radius 5 Fire history Fire history at site 5 Land clearing % native veg within 4km radius 5 Vegetation type diversity* No. of veg types or cover types

in 4km radius 5

GIS Using ancillary spatial data sets such as fire frequency. Not measured in the field

* possible indicator line transect1 - one to three 100 metre line transects, measured at 1 metre intervals, categories below Overstorey US Green leaf or branch of shrub GL Green leaf of canopy tree GT Green leaf or branch of tree not canopy tree CT Sky within periphery of canopy crown or branch S Sky Understorey TrLit Tree litter/organic litter, including leaves, twigs, branches <10cm diameter GrLit Annual Grass or litter of-if annual Sorghum mark with S PGrLit Perennial Grass or litter of BA Bare soil or rock GS Broad leafed Shrub or plant not Tree P Palm or Cycad H Perennial herbs and forbs TR Tree regeneration on ground W Weed Number of logs along transect is tallied basal wedge quadrat2 – basal sweep at 25 and 75 metres along transect

NOTE: These are preliminary vegetation condition indicators for forests and woodlands in the NT and are subject to change.

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 9: Example of Eucalyptus Open Forest Synthetic Benchmark

Conceptual Diagram: perceives the effect of fire on forest in the NT. In terms of condition, Stage 4 is where the majority of the forest in the Top End currently is. The best practical outcome of management would be Stage 2 or 3. Stage 1 is not practical for broad areas of the NT. Indicators should be developed around Stage 2 or 3. A diameter class distribution diagram for each type is to be developed.

Mature uneven aged forest ←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←←→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→→ Mature /senescing even aged forest

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5

Long undisturbed mature forest 20+ years

Relatively undisturbed 5-20 years unburnt

Relatively undisturbed 3-5 years unburnt

Frequently disturbed forest Burnt annually or every two years

Frequently disturbed forest

Thick shrubby/tree mid-layer Trees and shrubs in mid-layer Some trees and shrubs in mid-layer

Mid-layer +/- absent Mid-layer absent

Few grasses or herbs. Thick litter layer in ground-layer

Low shrubs, grasses and herbs Low shrubs, grasses and herbs Grasses and herbs Grasses and herbs

VAST State 1 VAST State 1 VAST State 2 VAST State 2 VAST State ?

All growth stages Juvenile growth stage, small trees present. Regeneration present

Some juvenile growth stages and small trees. Regeneration present

Juvenile growth stage, smaller trees absent. Regeneration present

Juvenile growth stage, smaller trees absent. Canopy trees senescing. Regeneration present

Occurrence of this type in the NT very restricted. Urban/rural areas

Restricted to fire protected areas, managed areas.

Areas under fire management, areas that have missed more frequent fires for some reason.

This represents the most common type in NT. The current trajectory is →→

Areas of this in NT. The current fire regimes will lead to this

This an un-natural state Difficult to manage for this over whole NT under present conditions

This is probably what would be desired as a result of management

Stand structure types for Eucalyptus open forests

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 10: Definitive Vegetation Types Database Attributes - Example FIELD EXAMPLE ID Number Example 2. Formation *L Other Forests and Woodlands. Common Name Grevillea pteridifolia, Banksia dentata low open woodland with Eriachne grassland

understorey. Characteristic Species

Grevillea pteridifolia, Banksia dentata, Melaleuca viridiflora.

Characteristic Sp. Qualifiers

Quantitative and qualitative estimate.

Authorities Group 5e: Brocklehurst (1998): Group 7: Griffiths et al. (1997); Group 7: Wilson & Fensham (1994); *Unit 19 Brocklehurst & Cowie (1992); *Unit 51a Wilson et al. (1990); Mixed Shrubland: Schodde et al. (1987); Grevillea Woodland: Wilson & Bowman (1987); Grevillea Low Open Woodland: Wood & Sivertsen (1984); Banksia Woodland: Henshall & Mitchell (1976); Mixed Scrub: Story (1969 & 1976); Lophostemon-Grevillea-Banksia Low Woodland: Perry (1970); Lophostemon-Grevillea-Banksia Association: Specht (1958b); Lophostemon-Grevillea-Banksia Low Woodland: Christian & Stewart (1953).

Authority Qualifiers

Combination of expert opinion and quantitative data.

Adequacy of Plot Sampling*L

Unknown.

InterState Equivalent(s)

Confidence Level?*L

Medium.

NVIS Level of Classification*L

Association – V.

Rainforest Sub-formation

NA.

N.F.I. Forest Type*L Structural Formation Dominant Strata*L

Low Open Woodland (r ).

Height Class Dominant Strata*L

Low (6).

Vegetation Description

The upper layer is generally a low open woodland to tall shrubland dominated by Banksia dentata (50%) and Grevillea pteridifolia (59%) and smaller shrubs such as Jacksonia dilatata (36%), Verticordia cunninghamii (24%), and Acacia spp. Emergent tree species such as Corymbia polycarpa, (23%), C. ptychocarpa (14%), Melaleuca viridiflora (41%), Melaleuca nervosa (32%) and Lophostemon lactifluus (13%) are common. The ground layer is dominated by a mixture of mid height grasses, mainly Eriachne spp., sedges and forbs. This community occurs from north of Katherine but is generally more common in coastal and sub coastal regions from the Victoria Highway in the west, to south of the Roper River in the east. It typically occurs on poorly drained areas with coarse sandy soils.

Vegetation Data Canopy layer/upper: (U1) Ht. 9.9 (7-13)m; CC. 15 (8-15)% Dominant species (frequency %): Grevillea pteridifolia (59%), Banksia dentata (50%), Melaleuca viridiflora (41%), Melaleuca nervosa (32%), Livistona humilis, Pandanus spiralis (27%), Corymbia polycarpa, Eucalyptus tetrodonta (23%), C. ptychocarpa, Syzygium eucalyptoides ssp. bleeseri (14%), Lophostemon lactifluus (13%), Xanthostemon paradoxus (< 10%). Middle layer: U2 or M1

APPENDICES


Ht. 4 (2-6)m; CC. 17 (5-28) % Dominant species (frequency %): Melaleuca viridiflora, Grevillea pteridifolia, Jacksonia dilatata (36%), Livistona humilis, Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa (27%), Verticordia cunninghamii, (24%), Acacia difficilis, A. oncinocarpa, C. ptychocarpa (18%), A. torulosa, E. tetrodonta, Persoonia falcata (13%), Lophostemon lactifluus, Grevillea heliosperma, Choriceras tricorne (< 10%). Lower layer: G1 Ht. 1m; CC. 72 % Dominant species (frequency %): Eriachne triseta (70%), Xyris complanata (45%), Eriachne burkittii, Dapsilanthus spathaceus (40%), Eriachne avenacea, Fimbristylis spp., Grevillea pteridifolia (30%), Melaleuca nervosa, Sorghum intrans, Schizachyrium fragile, Germainia grandiflora, Drosera petiolaris, Cartonema spicatum (25%), Arthrostylis aphylla (15%). Other reported species: Calytrix exstipulata, C. brownii, Hibbertia dealbata, Owenia vernicosa, Petalostigma pubescens, Schoenus sparteus, Syzygium suborbiculare. Basal Area: Unknown Comments: Quantitative data from Wilson et al. (1990), Brocklehurst & Cowie (1992).

Map Sources Mapped at 1:1000 000 by Wilson et al. (1990). Preliminary map at 1:50 000 of the treeless communities on Melville Island is contained in Wilson & Fensham (1994).

NVIS Map Code IBRA *L (Commonwealth Bioregion)

Victoria Bonaparte, Darwin Coastal, Daly Basin, Pine Creek, Tiwi-Coburg, Arnhem Coast, Arnhem Plateau, Central Arnhem, Gull Fall and Uplands, Gulf Coastal.

NT sub-bioregions*L

Victoria Bonaparte VB1, VB2 , VB3, Darwin Coastal, Daly Basin, Pine Creek, Tiwi-Coburg P1, P2, Arnhem Coast P1, P2, P3, P4, Arnhem Plateau P1, P2, Central Arnhem P1, P2, Gulf Fall and Uplands P1, P2, Gulf Coastal, P1.

Botanical Division*L (NT)

Darwin and Gulf Region, Victoria River District.

River Catchments*L Victoria, Fitzmaurice, Moyle, Daly, Finniss, Adelaide, Mary, Wildman, South Alligator, East Alligator, Goomadeer, Liverpool, Blythe, Goyder, Buckingham, Koolatong, Walker, Roper, Towns, Limmen Bight, McCarthur, Robinson Rivers.

Substrate*L

(W&H 1990) Not restricted to any particular substrate.

Soil Texture*L (W&H 1990)

Sands.

Landform Patterns*L

PLA, PLT, RIS.

Landform Elements*L

DDE, STC, VLF.

Main Land Use*L 1. Conservation and Natural Resources, 2. Production from relatively natural environments.

Impacts Euro Settlement

Minimal to date.

Pre-European Extent

Unknown but assumed to be similar to extent as of 2003.

Pre-European Qualifiers

Subjective judgement.

Pre-European Information

Current Extent Unknown. Current Extent Qualifiers*L

Current Extent Information

Mapped as part of map unit 51 mosaic (5 277 km2) in Wilson et al. (1990).

Percent Remaining > 70. Degree of Fragmentation

Naturally highly fragmented occurring as patches in the landscape.

Average Condition Threatening Process

Modified fire regime.

Threatening *L Process List

APPENDICES


Disturbance, Succession, adjoining veg.

Generally adjoins Eucalyptus or Melaleuca open forests and woodlands.

Fire Regime Probably patch burnt by Aboriginal groups prior to European settlement. Carbon Biomass Conservation Reserves-Major*L

Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, Djukbinj National Park, Nitmiluk National Park.

Area in Major Reserves

Estimated at < 30%.

No of Reps in Reserves

Explanation of Reserved Areas

Minor Reserves- Protected areas or other reserve categories

Area in Minor reserves

Protected Pre-Euro Extent

30%.

Protected Current Extent

30%.

Common pre-E (>10000 ha)

NA.

Restricted pre-E (1000-10000 ha)

NA.

Rare pre-E (<1000 ha)

NA.

Key Sites for Protection

NA.

Threat Category L* Near Threatened (NT). Threat Criteria L* 4. Threat Reserve Code L*

NT/4.

Planning Control Planning Explanation

Under Legislation Recovery Plan Yes Recovery Plan No References L* • Brocklehurst, P. (1998) Vegetation Communities: The History and Natural

Resources of the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory. Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory;

• Griffiths, A.D., Woinarski, J.C.Z., Armstrong, M.D., Cowie, I.D., Dunlop, C.R. & Horner, P.G. (1997) Biological Survey of Litchfield National Park. Technical Report No. 62. Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory;

• Wilson, B.A. & Fensham, R.J. (1994) A Comparison of Classification Systems for the Conservation of Sparsely Wooded Plains on Melville Island, Northern Australia. In: Australian Geographer 25 (1): 18-31;

• Brocklehurst, P. & Cowie, I. (1992) A Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Gemco Mining Lease Area on Groote Eylandt, Northern Territory. Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory;

• Wilson, B.A., Brocklehurst, P.S., Clark, M.J. & Dickinson, K.J.M. (1990) Vegetation Survey of the Northern Territory, Australia. Technical Report No. 49 pp 222. Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory Australia;

• Schodde, R., Hedley, A.B., Mason, I.J. & Matensz, P.N. (1987) Vegetation Habitats in Kakadu National Park, Alligator River Region, N.T. Australia. Unpub. Report presented for ANPWS by Division of Wildlife and Rangelands Research, CSIRO, Canberra;

APPENDICES


• Wilson, B.A. & Bowman, D.M.J.S. (1987) Fire, Storm, Flood and Drought: The Vegetation Ecology of Howard Peninsula, Northern Territory, Australia. In: Aust. J. Ecol. 12: 165-174;

• Wood, B.G. & Sivertsen, D. (1984) The Lands Systems and Erosion on Part of Humbert River Station. Technical Report No. 3. Land Conservation Unit, Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, Darwin;

• Henshall, T.S. & Mitchell, A.S. (1976) Vegetation Survey of the Keep River Study Area. NT. Bot. Bull. 2: 15-26. Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission, Darwin;

• Story, R. (1976) Vegetation of the Alligator Rivers Area: Lands of the Alligator

Rivers Area, Northern Territory. Land. Res. Ser. No. 38: pp 89-111, CSIRO, Melbourne;

• Story, R. (1969) Vegetation of the Adelaide-Alligator Area, Northern Territory. Land. Res. Ser. No. 25: pp 114-130. CSIRO, Melbourne;

• Perry, R.A. (1970) Vegetation of the Ord-Victoria Area and Pasture Lands of the Ord-Victoria Area: Lands of the Ord-Victoria Area, WA & NT. Land Res. Ser. No 28: pp 104-125. CSIRO, Canberra;

• Specht, R.L. (1958b) The Climate, Geology, Soils and Plant Ecology of the Northern Portion of Arnhem Land. In: Botany and Plant Ecology (eds R.L. Specht & C.P. Mountford). Records of the American-Australian Scientific Expedition to Arnhem Land Vol. 3. pp 333-414. Melbourne University Press;

• Christian, C.S. & Stewart, G.A. (1953) General Report on Survey of Katherine-Darwin Region 1946. Land Res. Ser. No. 1, CSIRO, Melbourne.

Source: Brocklehurst and Gibbons (2003)

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 11: IUCN Red List Categories

IUCN Category Criteria

Extinct (EX)

A taxon is Extinct when there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. A taxon is presumed extinct when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon’s life cycle and life form.

Extinct in the Wild (EW)

A taxon is Extinct in the Wild when it is known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalised population (or populations) well outside the past range. A taxon is presumed Extinct in the Wild when exhaustive surveys in known and/or expected habitat, at appropriate times (diurnal, seasonal, annual), throughout its historic range have failed to record an individual. Surveys should be over a time frame appropriate to the taxon’s life cycle and life form.

Critically Endangered (CR)

A taxon is Critically Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Critically Endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

Endangered (EN)

A taxon is Endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Vulnerable (V)

A taxon is vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for Vulnerable, and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Near Threatened (NT)

A taxon is Near Threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

Least Concern (LC)

A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and abundant data are included in this category.

Data Deficient (DD)

A taxon is Data Deficient when there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population status. A taxon in this category may be well studied, and its biology well known, but appropriate data on abundance and/or distribution are lacking. Data Deficient is therefore not a category of threat. Listing of taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility that future research will show that threatened classification is appropriate. It is important to make positive use of whatever data are available. In many cases great care should be exercised in choosing between DD and threatened status. If the range of taxon is suspected to be relatively circumscribed, and a considerable period of time has elapsed since the last record of the taxon, threatened status may well be justified.

Not Evaluated (NE)

A taxon is Not Evaluated when it has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Source: IUCN (2001)

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 12: Directions for the Collection of NT Weeds

PLEASE FILL IN THE WEED DATA COLLECTION SHEET USING THE BLUE TEXT

20 50

100

SIZE_DIA_M What is the DIAMETER of the weed infestation area in metres? Select one of these sizes.

Example of a weed infestation area.

Stand in the centre, if possible, to record the

GPS location

SIZE

Diameter 20m

DENS_CAT Select one of these Density Categories. This describes the quantity of plants as a percentage of the total area (not the canopy cover) small medium large very small

3 4 5 2

Category 2≤1%

Category 3>1 - 10%

Category 4>10 - 50%

Category 5>50%

STAGE OF GROWTH % Seedlings + % Juveniles + % Adults = 100% plants in the site

0

25

50 75 100

• Have the plants seeded? • Is there evidence of soil disturbance?

(eg. from cattle, feral animals, machinery) • Is there evidence of vegetation disturbance?

(eg. From fire, flood damage, machinery)

Yes No

SEEDED

Yes No

SOIL DIST

Yes No

VEG DIST

Basal Bark Biological Control Cut Stump Foliar Spray Hand Pull Ground Application Mechanical

TREAT_TYPE

2-4D Access Brush-off Glyphosate Graslan Starane

TREAT_CHEM

Yes No

TREATED COMMENTS (not essential, can be left blank)

1. Aerial spray work is required 2. Contact Weeds Officer for advice 3. Difficult site to access 4. Follow-up inspection required 5. First known recording of species in

catchment 6. Mechanical work is required 7. No chemical available, control required 8. No control work possible 9. URGENT Follow-up control required

Weed Management Branch, 9 December, 2006 Dept Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 13: NT Weeds Data Collection Sheet Name: Project Name: Date:

Group: Project No: Purpose: Amount chemical:

SET YOUR GPS TO WGS84 AS DECIMAL DEGREES

(d.ddddo) COMMON NAME

20, 50, 100

2,3,4,5 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 (3 columns add up

to 100%)

Yes No See list See list Yes

No Yes No

Yes No

Yes No See list

LAT_G94 LONG_G94 WEED_NAME SIZE DIA_M

DENS CAT

% S

% J

% A TREAT TREAT_TYPE TREAT_CHEM TREAT

MON SEED SOIL DIST

VEG DIST COMMENTS

-14.553456 132.45322 Bellyache Bush 20 5 25 25 50 Yes Foliar Spray Brush-off Yes No No Yes Follow-up control work needed

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 14: Landform Element and Pattern Codes and Descriptions

LANDFORM ELEMENT LANDFORM PATTERN Code Type Code Type BAN Bank (stream bank) ALF Alluvial fan BAR Bar (stream bar ALP* Alluvial plain BEA Beach ANA Anastomotic plain BRI* Beach Ridge BAD Badlands BEN Bench BAR Bar plain BER Berm BEA Beach ridge plain BOU Blow-out CAL Caldera BRK Breakaway channel CHE Chenier plain CBE Channel bench COR Coral reef CIR Cirque COV Covered plain CLI Cliff DEL Delta CFS Cliff-foot slope DUN Dunefield CON Cone (volcanic) ESC* Escarpment CRA Crater FLO* Floodplain CUT Cut face HIL* Hills COS Cut-over surface KAR Karst DAM Dam LAC Lacustrine plain DOL Doline LAV Lava plain DDE* Drainage depression LON Longitudinal dunefield DUN* Dune LOW* Low hills DUC Dunecrest MAD Made land DUS Duneslope MAR Marine plain EMB Embankment MEA Meander plain EST* Estuary MET Meteor crater FAN Fan MOU Mountains FIL Fill-top PAR Parabolic dunefield FLD Flood-out PED Pediment FOO Footslope PEP Pediplain FOR* Foredune PNP Peneplain GUL Gully PLA* Plain HCR* Hillcrest PLT* Plateau HSL* Hillslope PLY Playa plain ITF Intertidal flat RIS* Rises LAG Lagoon SAN* Sand plain LAK Lake SHF Sheet-flood fan LDS Landslide STA Stagnant alluvial plain LEV* Levee TER Terrace (alluvial) LUN Lunette TEL Terraced land (alluvial) MAA Maar TID* Tidal flat MOU Mound VOL Volcano OXB* Ox-bow PED Pediment PIT Pit PLA* Plain PLY Playa PST* Prior stream

Source: Speight (1990) * Commonly described across the NT

APPENDICES



LANDFORM ELEMENT CONT.. Code Type REF Reef flat RFL Rock flat RPL Rock platform SCD Scald SCA* Scarp SFS Scarp-foot slope SCR Scroll SRP Scroll plain STB* Stream bed STC* Stream channel SUS Summit surface STF* Supratidal flat SWL* Swale SWP* Swamp TAL Talus TEF Terrace flat TEP Terrace plain TDC* Tidal creek TDF* Tidal flat TOR Tor TRE Trench TUM Tumulus VLF Valley flat Source: Speight (1990)

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 15: Common Soil Orders in the NT

Soil Order Description

Kandosols Massive and earthy (formerly red, yellow & brown earths). Throughout the NT, widespread across the Top End, Sturt Plateau, Tennant Creek regions and Central Australia.

Rudosols Shallow soils or those with minimal soil development. Includes very shallow rocky and gravely soils across rugged terrain such as the Arnhem Plateau and also the sands of the Simpson Desert.

Tenosols Weakly developed or sandy soils. Commonly shallow (slightly more developed than Rudosols), although they can include the deep sand dunes of beach ridges, granitic soils and sand dunes of deserts. Soils show some degree of soil profile organisation.

Hydrosols Seasonally wet soils. Throughout the NT on floodplains, swamps, drainage lines but more common in higher rainfall areas. Includes mangrove and salt marsh environments.

Chromosols Soils with an abrupt increase in clay content below the top soil. Restricted to small occurrences across plains and relict alluvial plains.

Dermosols Soils with highly developed structural characteristics. Common across the Tindal area and also the Daly River Basin.

Calcarosols Soils with calcium carbonate often formed on limestone. Restricted to small pockets in Central Australia, Victoria River District including Gregory National Park and Katherine and Mataranka Districts.

Ferrosols Iron rich soils generally formed on basalt. Restricted to volcanic landscapes of the Victoria River District and to a smaller extent the Roper River Catchment.

Vertosols Cracking clay soils which may or may not be poorly drained. Common across coastal floodplains of the Top End, the Barkly Tableland and alluvial plains of the Victoria River District.

NOTE: Not to be used for classification purposes.

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 16: Field Data Proforma - Habitat Sheet

VEGETATION SITE SHEET: Habitat Information Survey:

Date: Site#:

Observers: Comments:

NVIS Code:

NVIS Structural Classification & Description:

Site Type: Dimensions: Estimated Patch Size: <.04Ha / 0.04Ha - 1Ha / 1Ha - 5Ha / 5Ha - 100Ha / >100Ha Location:

Easting: Northing: MGA Zone: 52 53 Lat: Long:

Datum: Geo Source: GPS / Map / AP Geo Precision (m): Elevation Source: Map / GPS / DEM Elevation (m ASL): Slope:

Film# Photo# Aspect Description Dig#

Site Disturbance % Frequency Nearest Water None Current disturbance Swamp Limited Clearing Single recent 1-10yrs spring Extensive clearing Few recent 1-10yrs permenant ck Cultivation disturbs all >10yrs ephemeral ck Gravel pit disturbs <10yrs permenant pool Mining other ephemeral pool

Map Unit/Community ID

Exotic weeds tidal Climate Salinity Site Drainage bore 1 = Dry,plant stress Flood 1 = Well to imperfect dam

2 = Dry, plants not stressed

Pig rooting 2 = Imperfect 3 = Recent rain, no impact on veg

Die-back 3 = Poor 4 = Recent rain, veg response

Other 4 = Very Poor Distance km

5 = Wet

Grazing Grazing Type Fire Frequency Fire Intensity Nil Cattle Nil No damage

Light Horses < 1 yr minor impact scars on some

trees/shrubs

Moderate Native Herbivore 1 -2 yrs

minor impact scars on most trees/shrubs

Heavy Pigs 2 - 5 yrs some trees/shrubs killed Other > 5 yrs most trees/shrubs killed pebbles <.6cm % Soil depth: gravel 0.6 - 2cm % 1 = 0.0m stones 2 - 6 cm % 2 = <0.25m

Munsell Colour: DRY Munsell Colour: MOIST

sm rocks 6 - 20cm % 3 = 0.25 - 1.0m rocks 20 - 60cm % 4 = > 1.0m

Surface Texture: Surface pH:

lge rocks 60cm -2m % boulders >2m %

Geology Element Pattern

Lithology 1: prop'n rock: Av size class: Specimen: Y / N Lithology 2: prop'n rock: Av size class: Specimen: Y / N

Microrelief % Cover Number Erosion Status (A,P,S) % Site Notes

Zero sCald Gilgai Sheet Melonhole Rill Debil debil Gully sWamp hummock Tunnel Termite beds streamBank Veg root mounds Mass movem. Other Other

APPENDICES



VEGETATION SITE SHEET: Habitat Information (cont'd)

Survey: Stratum T1 T2 S1 S2 G1 G2 other:

Collector(s): % Cover

Ht range (m)

Date:

Av Ht (m)

Crown Density: CSR (if used)

% cover in upper and mid generally canopy cover: Cover in ground generally percentage cover.(heights measured, cover an estimate or use CSR)

% Litter: % Bare: % Crust:

%Veg (Ground layer): % Exposed rocks: % Gravel:

Growth Form Table Other Growth forms

Code Average height Cover % Code Av Hgt Cover %

Tree >10m T Y Mallee shrub

Tree 2-10m T Z Heath shrub

Tree < 2m T U Samphire shrub

Tree Mallee M R Rush

Palm P D Tree fern

Shrub >2m S B Bryophyte

Shrub <2m S E Lichen

Chenopod C K Epiphyte

Cycads A X Grass tree (Xanth.)

Tussock grass G J Sea grass

Hummock grass H

Sedge V Forb F Vine L Fern E Aquatic Q Other Additional Comments:

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 17: Field Data Proforma - Flora Sheet

Survey Name: Date: Site#:

VEGETATION SITE SHEET: FLORISTICS Classification Dominant Stratum = √ Coll: tic (√ ) if plant collected Basal area generally occurs across stratum: measure on species basis at dbh 1.3m ht

Heights (m) %Cover BA Fac:

Species Col: Range Ave T1 T2 S1 S2 G1 G2 BA L BA D Sum

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28 Woody species outside site

a b c

Note: If < 1% then abc, where a = v. few individuals (1-5 plants), b = occasional (6-50 plants) and c = common (>50 plants). Record species height info only where cover >1%.

APPENDICES



Floristics (cont'd) Survey Name: Date: Site#:

Coll: tic (√ ) if plant collected Basal area generally occurs across stratum: measure on species basis at dbh 1.3m ht

Heights (m) %Cover BA Fac:

Species Col: Range Ave T1 T2 S1 S2 G1 G2 BA L

BA D Sum

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

58

59

60

Note: If < 1% then abc, where a = v. few individuals (1-5 plants), b = occasional (6-50 plants) and c = common (>50 plants). Record species height info only where cover >1%.

APPENDICES



Floristics (cont'd) Survey Name: Date: Site#:

additional sheet Heights (m) %Cover BA Fac:

Species Col: Range Ave T1 T2 S1 S2 G1 G2

BA L

BA D Sum

Note: If < 1% then abc, where a = v. few individuals (1-5 plants), b = occassional (6-50 plants) and c = common (>50 plants). Record species height info only where cover >1%.

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 18: Field Data Proforma - Vegetation Foliage Projective Cover Transect # _____of_____ Survey ______________________Date:_____________ Site #

Start: Easting________ Lat: __________ End Easting__________ Lat: _________ Northing_______ Long ______________ Northing__________ Long: ________ Direction From: To: Average Canopy Cover:

OVERSTOREY UNDERSTOREY Totals OVERSTOREY UNDERSTOREY Totals

GL DL BR SK CC GL DL Tr Lit

Gr Lit

BA SH TTL GL

GL/SH GL DL BR SK CC GL DL Tr Lit

Gr Lit

BA SH TTL GL

GL/SH

1 51

2 52

3 53

4 54

5 55

6 56

7 57

8 58

9 59

10 60

11 61

12 62

13 63

14 64

15 65

16 66

17 67

18 68

19 6920 70

21 71

22 72

23 73

24 74

25 75

GL DL BR SK CC GL DL Tr Lit

Gr Lit BA SH TTL

GL GL/SH GL DL BR SK CC GL DL Tr Lit

Gr Lit BA SH TTL

GL GL/SH

26 76

27 77

28 78

29 79

30 80

31 81

32 82

33 83

34 84

35 85

36 86

37 87

38 88

39 89

40 90

41 91

42 92

43 93

44 94

45 95

46 96

47 97

48 98

49 99

50 100

G D B S CC G D Tr Gr B Sh G D B S CC G D Tr Gr B Sh

Tot

Grand Totals

APPENDICES


APPENDIX 19: NT Site Procedure and Equipment List

• Walk around the outside of the potential site to acquaint yourself with it. Avoid too much

traffic within the area to be sampled to reduce disturbance on the ground layer before

measuring and recording;

• Make photographic records from standard locations, plus any subsidiary photos, recording

relevant data about the photos onto the field data sheets.

• Mark out quadrat boundaries, or locate centre or end point if using plot-less sampling;

• Make any general notes about the site (quality, condition, exceptional aspects etc.);

• Record site location (GPS & mark location on aerial photograph/map);

• Record the stratum summary table first (overall cover & heights for each stratum) to make it

easier when estimating species covers. Heights should be measured by clinometer for anything

over 5 metres, anything under 5 metres can be estimated;

• Record basal information by basal sweep from centre of quadrat.

• Measure and record cover, height and species in all recognised strata/sub strata (i.e.

upper, mid & lower). Collect and label unidentified plant species and/or data deficient species

for vouchering.

• Record landform, soil and other environmental information (i.e. disturbance, fire).

• Re-check field data sheets to ensure all fields are completed.

• Ensure specimens have been collected, labelled and pressed.

• Place permanent marker(s) if sites are to be re-assessed.

• Check all equipment has been packed for return to vehicle.

APPENDICES



Field Equipment for General Vegetation Surveys Equipment Quantity Purpose

Back pack 1 Store and carry field equipment

Field data sheets Adequate for field survey (habitat, flora & FPC)

Record data

Clinometer (direct reading) 2 Measure height and slope

GPS 1 Record coordinates

Slope gauge 1 Measure slope or heights (if no direct reading clinometer is available)

Compass 2 Assist in marking quadrat boundary and determine aspect

Basal wedge 2 Determine basal count and species dominance

Camera 1 Taking site photos

Telescope or Crown densitometer

1 Measure crown density/crown type or for FPC transect

100 metre tapes 1 Mark quadrat boundary or transect

50 metre tape 1 Divide quadrat into smaller quadrats if necessary

Diameter tape 1 Measure tree diameters if required

Small calculator 1

Water bottle Adequate for field survey Maintain fluids

Hand lens 1 Assist in identifying species

Field press, day press, adequate newspaper, dryer

1 of each Collecting and drying specimens

Adequate supplies of pencils/pens, batteries, film

Adequate for field survey Data recording, GPS, cameras, calculator

Voucher books 2 Voucher data deficient species

NT Vascular Plant Checklist

1 Assist in species recognition

Field Guides Appropriate for area of survey

Assist in the field identification of species

‘Yellow Book’ 1 Record landform and soil

Munsell chart 1 Record soil colour

Modified from Hnatiuk et al. (2006)

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