Strategic Tree Plan 2009-18

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS

CRANBOURNE AND MELBOURNE

STRATEGIC TREE PLAN

2009-18

FROM SEED TO SENESCENCE

Plate 1 Woodland trees at RBG Cranbourne

(Photographer: Kiah Martin)

Plate 2 Aerial view of canopy cover at RBG Melbourne

(Photographer: Kiah Martin)

DECEMBER 2008

RBG Strategic Tree Plan 2009-18 Kiah Martin, STP Project Manager ii

AUTHOR

Kiah Martin, Senior Arborist Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Project Sponsors

Richard Barley, Director, Melbourne Gardens (MG) Chris Russell, Director, Cranbourne Gardens (CG) Project Manager Kiah Martin, Senior Arborist, MG

Project Reference Group

John Arnott, Manager Horticulture, CG Bill Mallinson, Manager Land Management and Infrastructure, CG Michael McNabb, Manager Horticulture, MG

Jill Burness, Landscape Planner, CG

Dr Terry Coates, Ecologist, CG Andrew Laidlaw, Landscape Architect, MG Stephen Paterson, Manager Infrastructure, MG Peter Symes, Curator Environmental Horticulture, MG

Warren Worboys, Curator Horticulture, CG

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS CRANBOURNE AND ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS MELBOURNE

I would also like to acknowledge those other staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and Melbourne who

contributed to the project review process Expert Reference Panel (see Appendix 3)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

EXTERNAL GROUPS

External Stakeholder Group (see Appendix 3)

TITLE

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and Melbourne

Strategic Tree Plan 2009-18 From Seed to Senescence

PUBLISHER AND PUBLICATION DATE

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, December 2008

Royal Botanic Gardens

RBG Strategic Tree Plan 2009-18 Kiah Martin, STP Project Manager iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FROM SEED TO SENESCENCE.......................................................i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................ii TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................................iii LIST OF PLATES ..........................................................................iv LIST OF APPENDICES..................................................................iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................1 BRIEF..........................................................................................2

PROJECT BACKGROUND ..............................................................2 PLANNING AND ORGANISATIONAL FRAMEWORKS .....................3

SCOPE .........................................................................................3 CONFIRMATION OF SIGNIFICANCE.............................................4 ARBORICULTURAL VALUES .........................................................5 VISION, KEY THEMES, PRINCIPAL GOALS AND STRATEGIES.......6 1. OPTIMUM CANOPY STOCK .............................................................6

PRINCIPAL GOAL ...................................................................6 Strategy 1.1 .......................................................................6

Strategy 1.2 .......................................................................6 Strategy 1.3 .......................................................................6

2. PLANTING RENEWAL AND SUCCESSION PLANNING.............................6 PRINCIPAL GOAL ...................................................................6 Strategy 2.1 .......................................................................6

3. ARBORICULTURAL RISK MANAGEMENT.............................................7


4. TREE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION.............................................7 PRINCIPAL GOAL ...................................................................7 Strategy 4.1 .......................................................................7 Strategy 4.2 .......................................................................7 Strategy 4.3 .......................................................................7 Strategy 4.4 .......................................................................7

5. HABITAT AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION.........................................8


Strategy 5.2 .......................................................................8

6. RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY ..................................................8


7. OUTREACH AND DEVELOPMENT.......................................................8

PRINCIPAL GOAL ...................................................................8 Strategy 7.1 .......................................................................8 Strategy 7.2 .......................................................................8

ARBORICULTURAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ...............................9 APPENDICES ...............................................................................10

REFERENCES ...............................................................................14

RBG Strategic Tree Plan 2009-18 Kiah Martin, STP Project Manager iv

LIST OF PLATES

PLATE 1. WOODLAND TREES AT RBG CRANBOURNE ...............................i

PLATE 2. AERIAL VIEW OF CANOPY COVER AT RBG MELBOURNE ...............i

PLATE 3. AERIAL VIEW OF RBG CRANBOURNE CIRCA 2005.....................15

PLATE 4. AERIAL VIEW OF RBG MELBOURNE CIRCA 2004 ......................15

LIST OF APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS PLANNING FRAMEWORK.............10

APPENDIX 2. RBG STRATEGIC TREE PLAN ORGANISATIONAL FRAMEWORK 11

APPENDIX 3. EXPERT REFERENCE PANEL AND EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER GROUP

...................................................................................................12

APPENDIX 4. GLOSSARY OF TERMS .....................................................13

RBG Strategic Tree Plan 2009-18 Kiah Martin, STP Project Manager 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY RBG Cranbourne and Melbourne are important biological, cultural and educational assets that provide significant benefits to the community of Victoria. RBG Cranbourne offers a rare glimpse of the vegetation types that once covered vast areas of Western Port and Port Phillip. The garden is currently undergoing a transformation with the addition of Stage 2 of the Australian Garden and the recently

launched Woodland Picnic Area.

RBG Melbourne is regarded as one of the world’s finest landscaped botanic gardens, and is recognised for its cultural and heritage values in addition to its valuable living plant collections. In order to ensure the long-term health and survival of the valuable tree assets of both sites, and to appropriately manage risk-related issues, a Strategic Tree Plan (STP) has been produced. The Strategic Tree Plan is intended to provide a high-level planning framework to guide the future management and development of RBG tree assets.

The Plan includes seven key themes, designed to provide a context for the future planning and development of treescapes at both RBG sites:

1. OPTIMUM CANOPY STOCK Rationalisation of overall canopy footprint as appropriate

2. PLANTING RENEWAL AND SUCCESSION PLANNING Future-driven preparation for landscape renewal

3. ARBORICULTURAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk identification, management, mitigation and avoidance

4. TREE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION Best practice tree care, repair and protection

5. HABITAT AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION Flora and fauna habitat preservation and responsible cultural management

6. RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY Maximising absolute potential of the gardens’ trees

7. OUTREACH AND DEVELOPMENT

Community, educational and industrial liaison and capacity building arrangements It is anticipated that consequential STP planning documents, guidelines, programs, research and development projects, analyses and strategies will be undertaken throughout the next decade on a prioritised basis.


BRIEF

To develop a Strategic Tree Plan for the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) Cranbourne (RBGC) and Melbourne (RBGM) that will inform effective planning and long-term management of cultivated and natural tree populations at each site.

PROJECT BACKGROUND Following a number of concept, landscape development and master plans developed

throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s, the RBG produced a Resource Inventory (1993) and Development Plan (1995) for RBGC, with guiding principles including an emphasis on conservation, display and management of indigenous habitats and plant communities, integral to the function of the 363-hectare Garden. Additionally, the RBG published a Master Plan for RBGM in 1997. This document noted the management of the mature tree canopy as an important issue for the Gardens. Key issues were identified such as development of a mixed age tree canopy, renewal

and replacement, and succession planning.

Cranbourne Gardens will soon embark on reviewing the 1995 Development Plan and Melbourne Gardens has recently completed a 10-year review of the 1997 Master Plan. With the outcomes of the RBGM Master Plan review in hand (including formulation of a new Living Plant Collections Plan), and commencement of the Australian Garden Stage 2 at CG, the RBG Board, Risk Committee and Corporate Management Group (CMG) now seek the development of a Strategic Tree Plan to address long-term tree management issues at both RBG sites.

Major factors influencing this project have been developed into key themes. These

include optimum canopy stock (particularly at Melbourne Gardens); tree selection and succession planting plans; aspects of arboricultural risk identification, avoidance and mitigation; cyclic maintenance and tree protection; habitat and heritage conservation; resources and sustainability; and outreach and development. Developing a Strategic Tree Plan will assist with successful management of the tree population in a systematic and strategic manner, helping to realise full physical, aesthetic and environmental functionality and a safe, useful life expectancy of all trees

in the Gardens’ landscape.

This document will act as a strategic planning framework guiding future development and action in the arboriculture area and is the result of an extensive collaborative

process involving specialist consultants and key stakeholders from within and outside the organisation. Developing successful tree-resource management tools will underpin improved health and condition of RBG trees, and further enhance the significant living conservation and heritage landscapes values for visitors.


PLANNING AND ORGANISATIONAL FRAMEWORKS

Flow charts at Appendices 1 and 2 illustrate where the STP fits into the RBG planning and organisational frameworks and outline relationships between all STP stakeholders.

SCOPE This report presents a long-term plan for the conservation and continuing management of cultivated and natural tree populations at RBGC and RBGM. The scope of this report does not include natural areas at RBG Cranbourne located away from roads, tracks, visitor nodes and other facilities.

The STP provides a practical framework, and documents a number of key themes with broad principles and focussed strategies that will assist in the provision of a safe,

healthy and robust tree resource able to be sustained over the longer term. It is a strategic planning document to guide decisions and organisational priorities regarding holistic tree management processes over the next decade (2009-18). Major goals of this project are: � Close alignment with the RBG Act and Policies and with associated Strategic

Management Plans in place at Cranbourne and Melbourne Gardens � Support for appropriate risk identification, mitigation and avoidance strategies � Provision of an overarching STP incorporating systematic and strategic planning

tools for the management of trees and their growing environments

� Identification of future challenges and directions.

Based on these goals, the following principles were considered important when developing key themes, principal goals and strategies to manage RBG tree canopy: � Sustainable canopy age mix via tree canopy management and replacement � Tree planting frameworks for significant areas and planting renewal � Succession planning for significant trees, tree stands and populations � Quantitative risk assessment and management � Survey, database and information management tools � Careful staging of works using cyclic, prioritised and strategic maintenance regimes

� Conservation of biodiversity values within tree populations � Habitat conservation, heritage considerations and integrated conservation

� Recycling, reprocessing and reusing wood waste � Industry engagement and community outreach. STP project goals and components support the objectives as outlined in: � Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991 (as amended) � RBGC Resource Inventory (1993) and RBGC Development Plan (1995) � RBG Policy for Conservation and Biodiversity (2001) � RBGM Irrigation Management Plan 2002-2007

� RBGM Living Plant Collections Plan for the Melbourne Garden (v7 2006) � RBG Risk Management Plan (2007)

� RBGM Master Plan Ten-Year Review (2008) � RBG Corporate Plan 2008-11. STP development and direction were guided by the Project Manager and RBG Project Reference Group. An external Expert Reference Panel*, External Stakeholder Group* and other RBG stakeholders provided advice and comment as required (*Appendix 3).


CONFIRMATION OF SIGNIFICANCE

RBG Cranbourne and Melbourne are both award-winning, ever-evolving and widely admired Gardens of international significance. Distinctively different in their age, design, development, geographical location, size and topography, each garden has unique features, challenges and potential. RBGC, frequented by the Mayone-Balluk sub-clan prior to the 1840s, was set aside for the development and display of native vegetation in 1970. Located 55 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, the Gardens now encompasses 363 hectares and has seen mixed uses prior to acquisition, including sand and gold mining, and cattle and sheep grazing. There are many distinct vegetation types within the Gardens including wetlands, heathlands, and grassy woodlands. About two thirds of the site is remnant indigenous vegetation managed for its significant conservation value, with a number of species and vegetation communities being of national or state conservation significance. RBGC is a major work in progress with a primary focus of the last two decades being the design and development of the Australian Garden. The Australian Garden displays the flora and landscapes of Australia in a contemporary style. The first stage of the Australian Garden opened in 2006 with Stage 2 due for completion in 2011. Beyond the Australian Garden, establishment of wooded areas and restoration of indigenous vegetation has occurred over the last 30 years. Prior to European settlement, RBGM was a camping and hunting location for the

Wurundjeri tribe of the Kulin Nation. Reserved for a botanic garden in 1845 by Charles La Trobe, the site lies on the banks of the Yarra River and has a diverse and extensive collection of native and exotic vegetation. Approximately 6,000 trees and arboreal plants adorn the 38 hectares, including newly planted endemic saplings, exotic trees up to 162 years old, and remnants already mature prior to site establishment. Early tree plantings and arboricultural collection development at RBGM have now matured into the much-admired, heritage-listed landscape. Now a well-established overstorey frames vistas, screens and also enhances infrastructure, cools and envelops visitors and breathes life into the great southern city of Melbourne. RBGM is one of many fine 19th Century gardens linking green spaces across the City of

Melbourne, whilst RBGC is a vestige of native bushland rapidly being encroached upon by estate development and growth corridor expansion. Melbourne Gardens boasts a

proud Victorian landscape aesthetic and tradition, with modern components such as The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden and the Rare and Threatened Species collection. The Cranbourne Gardens aesthetic is aligned with principles of native vegetation and biodiversity conservation, with the Australian Garden and Woodland Picnic Area piquing visitor interest. Both Gardens have proven their considerable significance. Cranbourne Gardens, located at the heart of one of the fastest growing Victorian shires and along one of the

busiest tourist routes in Greater Melbourne, draws visitors to experience the delights of the Australian Garden whilst encouraging repeat visitation from locals intent on

escaping to the natural beauty of the backyard bushland. Similarly, RBGM has always played a pivotal cultural, recreational and scientific role in the growing fabric of the City of Melbourne and has proved to be a genuine, natural oasis for escaping from the built urban environment.


ARBORICULTURAL VALUES The tree collections at each RBG site establish and identify the overall landscape character that defines each Garden. Trees have played a key role throughout each site’s history in framing or screening picturesque views, delineating garden, bush and recreational areas, providing habitat for local fauna, witnessing ceremonial and cultural practices, even when challenged by a changing climate, project development pressures, increased visitor activity and differing management regimes. The living

plant collections are a valuable resource for scientific research, and hold potential to be better utilised and integrated with the RBG’s Plant Sciences activities, and through

other kindred institutions. These trees, by way of their longevity within the landscape, link RBG history with the present and provide new generations with an enduring future inheritance. Though robust in appearance, many of them are considered the most fragile components in the landscape. They are constantly exposed to elements, organisms and processes that threaten their existence, including drought and water restrictions, pest infestations and disease pathogens, gale-force winds and wildfire. Additionally, they must adapt to changing management processes and impacts, including soil disturbance, removal of root systems, mechanical damage, altered growing conditions

and visitor and feral animal pressures.

The proximity of the Gardens to cities and suburbs enhances visitor accessibility and provides a tranquil and welcome retreat from a busy city life. Conservation and rationalisation of current tree stocks and rejuvenation of collections with new and diverse species will stimulate each site, providing an opportunity to convey the importance of managing green space for the benefit of each municipality. Successful tree resource management will enhance aesthetic, cultural, environmental, financial, historical, recreational and social worth that the existing tree collections

currently offer each site. Industry engagement and community outreach will be extended, and an integrated whole-of-organisation approach to landscape

management will be viable where large trees form the bulk of the living landscape. This Strategic Tree Plan is a planning framework formulated on the existing tree populations at Cranbourne and South Yarra. It aims to assist in long-term management and facilitation of change, ensuring the future development of tree assets is wholly integrated and steered toward an agreed and enduring vision. This plan recognises, reinforces and celebrates the character of both Gardens as they

are today. Implementation of the plan will be carefully staged, as these Gardens are cherished and vital assets for the Victorian community.


VISION As our cultivated and natural landscapes evolve, we will maintain and improve our diverse tree populations at RBG Melbourne and RBG Cranbourne through ecologically sustainable and socially responsible arboricultural management.

KEY THEMES, PRINCIPAL GOALS AND STRATEGIES

This Strategic Tree Plan establishes seven arboricultural management themes. Within each of these themes, principal goals and strategies are identified. The STP is based on a perspective of continuous improvement and ongoing development. Ensuing strategies were identified and mutually developed to include key stakeholder views.

1. OPTIMUM CANOPY STOCK PRINCIPAL GOAL: Strengthen the Gardens’ landscape character through prudent establishment of a sustainable mix of tree ages. Strategy 1.1 - Document species diversity, quantity and current health, age, structural

condition and significance of trees � Develop and maintain a tree database and data-collection management tools

(including GIS capabilities), including a register of RBG significant trees � Plan and implement tree condition surveys, conducted at prescribed frequencies � Develop RBG significant tree maintenance, monitoring and succession programs. Strategy 1.2 - Develop and maintain a sustainable, mixed-age tree canopy � Develop a prioritised tree removal and replacement planting strategy with the

primary aim to develop multiple age class representation � Develop a prioritised tree maintenance and monitoring program

� Identify tree species with weed risk potential, and adopt appropriate plans for their management to minimise weed invasion risk

� Assess tree species performance over the life of the garden and appraise suitability � Where appropriate, rationalise numbers of the most common tree species by

considering replacement with climate-suited, rare and threatened, known provenance or other suitable stock.

Strategy 1.3 – Undertake a comprehensive survey of specimen tree planting

undertaken over last decade to guide future planting plans � Catalogue location, condition and performance of new specimen tree plantings

� Develop and implement commemorative tree planting policy/procedures.

2. PLANTING RENEWAL AND SUCCESSION PLANNING PRINCIPAL GOAL: Enhance and augment native and heritage landscape character with robust, viable tree species requiring minimal resource inputs. Strategy 2.1 - Identify and prioritise areas where new trees can be established and

select species according to current and future site profile, climate change projections, value to scientific research, landscape character, site elements and weed risk potential

� Develop generic guidelines for tree acquisition and plant selection methodology � Develop tree planting guidelines � Establish a replacement strategy for trees of high cultural, design, environmental,

scientific and heritage significance in line with RBGM Master Plan.


3. ARBORICULTURAL RISK MANAGEMENT PRINCIPAL GOAL: Protect public safety through systematic and prioritised tree management and planning. Strategy 3.1 - Reduce the risk of trees causing harm to people and damage to infrastructure

� Review current arboricultural risk assessment and management processes � Develop an Arboricultural Risk Management framework, including regular

inspection plans and records management for information retrieval and analysis � Develop arboriculture-specific Critical Incident Planning documents � Contribute to public communications relating to tree management � Investigate options for data-driven, evidence-based, tree-risk analysis research.

4. TREE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION

PRINCIPAL GOAL: Conserve, sustain and develop the landscape and living tree collections over the long-term.

Strategy 4.1 - Adopt a ‘best practice’ approach to tree care and repair � Identify future arboricultural management structures and needs � Develop a site-based tree canopy management program applying contemporary

arboricultural principles and practices � Where appropriate, adopt Australian Standards for all arboricultural operations � Review and maintain all arboricultural guidelines, procedures, forms and notices

(including post-fire response) and develop an arboriculture induction manual

� Develop and maintain RBG intranet Arboriculture Information and Request Portal � Ensure arboricultural training and development program meets operational needs.

Strategy 4.2 - Protect tree assets from adverse impacts resulting from site developments and use � Develop guidelines for tree protection during development works and consider tree

requirements early in project planning via inclusion in organisational templates � Develop guidelines for managing above and below-ground infrastructure impacts

on tree roots with reference to draft Australian Standards.

Strategy 4.3 – Seek to future-proof trees against climate change agents by providing healthy functional trees and soils in the natural and built environment

� Produce soil compaction, hydrology and drainage management plans for areas of identified need

� Produce maps of soil structure and known pathogen concentrations and link to relevant arboricultural programs

� Develop strategies for managing and monitoring tree performance in periods of drought or water restrictions.

Strategy 4.4 – Enhance an arboricultural Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program

� Expand IPM Plan to consider vertebrate fauna, insect and pest infestations and other pathogens, ensuring a link to generic Biosecurity Plan

� Identify potential future arboricultural threats and formulate new or adopt existing contingency plans accordingly

� Complete and apply arboricultural hygiene protocol to protect against significant threats, ie Cinnamon Dieback, Dutch Elm Disease, Fire Blight and Fusarium Wilt

� Ensure incorporation of arboriculture-related hygiene matters into Biosecurity Plan.


5. HABITAT AND HERITAGE CONSERVATION PRINCIPAL GOAL: Conserve tree habitat and heritage landscape values through integrated management.

Strategy 5.1 - Identify, maintain and safeguard tree habitat for indigenous flora and

fauna � Develop habitat assessment module for arboricultural assessments and implement

appropriate management and protection measures benefiting biodiversity. Strategy 5.2 - Maintain and increase tree species diversity to complement and enhance local habitat and heritage values � Extend rare and threatened tree representation as appropriate � Identify and retain trees that provide important scientific, aesthetic and structural

landscape elements at RBGC and RBGM � Consider links with broader (external) landscapes when planning perimeter tree

planting.

6. RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABILITY

PRINCIPAL GOAL: Waste-neutral approach to arboricultural management.

Strategy 6.1 – Develop a sustainable Timber Management Strategy � Strive to become wood-waste neutral through development of a strategy focusing

on targeted salvage and re-use, and milling and timber processing partnerships for valuable timber.

7. OUTREACH AND DEVELOPMENT

PRINCIPAL GOAL: Strengthen and extend community, institutional and industry relationships through applied research and public education, staff development and training partnership activities.

Strategy 7.1 - Develop and broaden relationships with industry and institutions � Identify and catalogue past and present arboricultural industry and institutional

associates and co-operative relationships � Formalise an annual program of practical, technical and scientific arboriculture

projects, training and partnership activities � Promote work experience and industry placement in the Arboriculture area.

Strategy 7.2 – Promote the benefits of urban forestry through community

engagement � Ensure key tree specimens within the landscape are accurately identified, labeled

(without damage) and interpreted � Promote a broader awareness and understanding of the role of Arboriculture within

the organisation and other botanic garden networks � Promote the benefits of arboriculture in areas of fauna habitat provision, climate

change mitigation and communal recreation � Identify avenues to integrate arboricultural themes into Public Programs activities � Identify opportunities to integrate RBG arboricultural management with Plant

Sciences research programs.


ARBORICULTURAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN In order to achieve the principal goals as outlined in this document, an Arboricultural Implementation Plan will be developed. This plan will capture the Key Themes and Principal Goals as documented in this Strategic Tree Plan, and prioritise each associated Strategy Action with timelines. The Arboricultural Implementation Plan will be developed within six months of finalisation of the Strategic Tree Plan.


APPENDIX 1. ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS PLANNING FRAMEWORK

The flow chart below illustrates where the STP fits into the RBG Planning Framework.

Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991

Strategic Tree Plan

2009-18

RBG

Corporate Plan

Vision

Mission Values

STP RBGC & RBGM Actions & Implementation Plan

RBG Cranbourne Development Plan (1995)

& RBG Melbourne

Master Plan (1997) &

10-year Review (2008)

Charter

RBG

Branch Plans

RBG

Business Plan

RBG Divisional Plans

RBG

Work Plans

Other RBG Management

Plans & Strategies

Royal Botanic Gardens Planning Framework


APPENDIX 2. RBG STRATEGIC TREE PLAN ORGANISATIONAL FRAMEWORK

The flow chart below depicts the RBG Organisational Framework showing the relationship of STP internal and external stakeholders.

RBG Board

Project Manager Senior Arborist

STP Reference Group

Key Stakeholders RBG: RBGM

Director Manager Horticulture

Project Manager/Senior Arborist

RBGC

Director Manager Horticulture

Manager LMI

Expert Reference Panel (non-RBG)

RBG Board

Risk Committee

RBG

Corporate Management Group

Sponsors:

Directors, RBGM & RBGC

STP Reference Group

Other Stakeholders RBG: RBGM

Landscape Architect Manager Infrastructure

Curator Environmental Horticulture

RBGC Landscape Planner

Curator Horticulture Ecologist

Other STP Stakeholders: RBGM & RBGC

Horticulture/Land Management/Infrastructure Co-ordinators, Arboriculture staff

External Stakeholder Group

RBG Strategic Tree Plan

Organisational Framework


APPENDIX 3. EXPERT REFERENCE PANEL AND EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDER GROUP

Ben Kenyon

Consultant Arborist, Homewood Consulting

David Bidwell Senior Horticulturalist, RBG Sydney

David Galwey Consulting Arborist, Principal, Tree Dimensions Dr Greg Moore

Associate Professor, University of Melbourne

Ian Shears Team Leader Tree Planning, City of Melbourne

John Hawker

Horticulturalist, Heritage Victoria

John Patrick Principal, John Patrick Pty Ltd

Karen Olsen Principal, Room Outside

Dr Michael Harper, Forest and Biodiversity Manager,

Department of Sustainability and Environment

Ted Hoare Senior Arborist, Centennial Parklands

MEMBERS OF EXPERT

REFERENCE PANEL (ERP)

Tony Kirkham Head of the Arboretum, RBG Kew

Gwen Elliot President, Friends of RBG Cranbourne

Jo Grigg

President, Friends of the Elms Pamela Jellie Chair Victorian Branch,

Australian Garden History Society

MEMBERS OF

EXTERNAL

STAKEHOLDER GROUP

(ESG)

Janet Thomson

President, Friends of RBG Melbourne


APPENDIX 4. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

ARCUE – acronym for Australian Research Centre for Urban Ecology, a division of the Royal Botanic Gardens

Arboriculture – the practice and study of the care of trees and other woody plants in the landscape

Biodiversity - the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that

sustain it

CG – acronym for Cranbourne Gardens

Canopy - The crown or upper part of a tree including all major scaffold branches and leaders, secondary branches, twigs, leaves and bark

IPM - acronym for Integrated Pest Management – a sustainable approach

to pest management by combining biological, chemical, cultural and physical tools in a manner that minimises economic,

environmental and health risks

MG - acronym for Melbourne Gardens

Overstorey - uppermost layer of vegetation, especially the trees that form a forest or urban forest canopy

RBG – acronym for Royal Botanic Gardens

RBGC – acronym for Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne

RBGM - acronym for Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Tree - a long-lived, woody perennial plant greater than, or potentially greater than, three metres in height with one or relatively few stems

Understorey - an underlying layer of vegetation, especially the plants that grow beneath a tree's canopy

Vegetation - all plant material including annuals, perennials, forbs, grasses and arboreal plants


REFERENCES

City of Melbourne. (1997). The Domain Parklands Masterplan. City of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

City of Port Phillip. (2007). Tree Policy 2007-2012. City of Port Phillip, Victoria,

Australia

City of Sydney. (2005). City of Sydney Street Tree Master Plan: Urban Tree

Management Policy: Volume 1. City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

City of Wellington. (2008). Urban Forest Policy. City of Wellington, Victoria, Australia

Context Landscape Design. (2002). TREE Master Plan for the Centennial Parklands: Volume 1. Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust, New South Wales, Australia

EDGe, Environmental Design Group. (1995). Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne: Development Plan. Royal Botanic Gardens Board, Victoria, Australia

Parks Victoria. (2008). DRAFT Tree Risk Management Policy. Parks Victoria, Victoria, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Act 1991 (as amended)

Royal Botanic Gardens. (2001). Policy for Conservation and Biodiversity. Royal Botanic Gardens Board, Victoria, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens. (2007). Risk Management Plan. Royal Botanic Gardens Board, Victoria, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens. (2008). Corporate Plan 2008-11. Royal Botanic Gardens Board, Victoria, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. (1993). Resource Inventory. Cranbourne: a native garden in the making. Royal Botanic Gardens Board, Victoria, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. (1997). Master Plan. Royal Botanic Gardens

Board, Victoria, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. (2002). Irrigation Management Plan (2002-

2007). Royal Botanic Gardens Board, Victoria, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. (2006). Living Plant Collections Plan for the

Melbourne Garden (v7). Royal Botanic Gardens Board, Victoria, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. (2008). Implementation of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Master Plan (1997) Ten-year Review. Royal Botanic Gardens Board, Victoria, Australia

Twigg, K. (1996). A vision shared: the Maud Gibson Trust, 1945-1995. The Maud Gibson Trust, Victoria, Australia

Urban, J. (2007). Up By Roots: Healthy soils and trees in the built environment. International Society of Arboriculture, Illinois, USA


Plate 3 Aerial view of RBG Cranbourne circa 2005

Plate 4 Aerial view of RBG Melbourne circa 2004

Strategic Tree Plan 2009-18

Documents

Transcript of Strategic Tree Plan 2009-18