p native vegetation council (nvc) scattered tree ... · 7.2 appendix 2 scattered tree assessment...

1 | Scattered Tree Assessment Manual

p

Native Vegetation Council (NVC)

Scattered Tree Assessment

Manual

Native Vegetation Management Unit

February 2017

Scattered Tree Assessment Manual | 2

Disclaimer

While every reasonable effort has been made to verify the information

in this fact sheet use of the information contained is at your sole risk.

The Department recommends that you independently verify the

information before taking any action.

Licensed under Creative Commons

Attribution 3.0 Australia License

www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au

Copyright Owner: Crown in right of the

State of South Australia 2015


Contents

1 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 4 2 INTRODUCTION 5 3 PRELIMINARY OFFICE PROCEDURE 6 4 FIELD PROCEDURE 6

4.1 Equipment 6 4.2 Description of the Vegetation under Applications 6 4.3 Completing the Scattered Tree Assessment Field Inspection 7

4.3.1 General information about the datasheet 7

5 FILLING IN THE ASSESSMENT DATA REPORT SPREADSHEET 10

5.1 Single Trees 10 5.2 Clumps of trees 14 5.3 Tree Scores 14

5.3.1 Tree score 14 5.3.2 Multiplication factor 14

5.3.3 Conservation significance 15 5.3.4 Total tree score 15

6 SUBMISSION OF ASSESSMENT DATA REPORT 15

6.1 Scattered Tree Information and Scores 15 6.2 Clearance Application or Regulation Reports 15

7 APPENDICES 16

7.1 Appendix 1 Scattered Tree Field Datasheets 16 7.2 Appendix 2 Scattered Tree Assessment Data Report Spreadsheet 17 7.3 Appendix 3 Useful Resources 19 7.4 Appendix 4 List of ‘Scattered Tree’-Using Wildlife 20 7.5 Appendix 5 Scattered Tree Height Categories 27 7.6 Appendix 6 Additional Information 30 7.7 Appendix 7 Distribution of Differing Growth Forms of Eucalypts 32 7.8 Appendix 8 Dead Trees Included as Native Vegetation 38


1 Quick Reference Guide

1. View vegetation and terrain (NatureMaps, Google Streetview) to help estimate

time for field assessment.

2. Undertake assessment. Record general information – date of inspection,

inspectors, number of trees, name of applicant, etc. Collect the following

information on each tree:

Photo

GPS point

Species – sub-species level

Height (m)

Diameter of trunk (cm) – recorded at 1.5m above the ground

Health – % of canopy dieback

Hollows – number and size (Small = <5cm, Medium = 5-15cm, Large = >15cm)

3. Complete data report. Enter information into data report Excel spreadsheet. Enter

data collected in the field as well as information on the landscape context of the

tree (i.e. density and proximity to bushland) and conservation significance (i.e.

threatened plant species, habitat for threatened fauna).

4. Submit Scattered tree Assessment data report and associated information to

the NVMU. The assessment data report must be provided to NVMU electronically.


2 Introduction

The Scattered Tree Assessment method has been derived from the report - Scattered tree clearance assessment in

South Australia: streamlining, guidelines for assessment and rural industry extension (2002) J.L. Cutten & M.W.

Hodder, Biodiversity Assessment Services.

This manual has been designed to assist accredited consultants to collect, record, and present information

correctly when preparing Data Reports for native vegetation clearance applications or regulation application for

the clearance of scattered trees.

The NVC Scattered Tree Assessment method is suitable for assessing scattered trees in the following instances:

• Individual scattered trees (i.e. canopy does not overlap). Spatial distribution of trees may vary from

approach what would be considered their original distribution (Pre-European) through to single isolated

trees in the middle of a paddock or

• Dead trees (when a dead tree is considered native vegetation – see Appendix 8) or

• Clumps of trees (contiguous overlapping canopies) if the clump is small (~<0.1 ha) and;

• For both scattered trees and clumps;

o the ground layer comprising wholly or largely of introduced species

o some scattered colonising native species may be present, but represents <5% of the ground

cover

o the area around the trees consists of introduced pasture or crops.

If the vegetation does not fit within this definition, then the Bushland Assessment or Rangeland Assessment

method should be applied.

The data required for assessment involves a scoring process referred to as the Point Scoring System (PSS). The PSS

has been developed to facilitate assessment, in a quantifiable way, of the relative biodiversity value of a tree,

providing consistency between assessments and stream-lining the process. This information assists to determine if

clearance is at variance with the principles of clearance in Schedule 1 of the Native Vegetation Act 1991. In

particular, this relates to Principle 1(b)-Wildlife habitat.

The PSS is also used in the calculation of the Significant Environment Benefit (SEB) requirements. This calculation

incorporates requirements from the Native vegetation SEB policy for the clearance of scattered trees. In particular,

this relates to the application of the multiplication factor, which provides for a greater SEB requirement for more

significant trees.

The Data Report is required as part of a clearance application to provide essential information to the Native

Vegetation Management Unit (NVMU) for its assessment of the proposed clearance against the Principles of

clearance contained in the Act. The NVMU compiles an assessment report, which is supplied to the applicant and

then submitted to the Native Vegetation Council (NVC) for a decision on whether to approve the clearance.

Information supplied in data reports on receipt to NVMU are checked for data quality and completeness; they may

also be subject to audit. If required, site inspections may be undertaken as part of this process.


3 Preliminary Office Procedure

The clearance application should be complete with aerial imagery, land tenure information (including property

boundaries) and applicant’s clearance proposal.

Prior to a site inspection, the clearance proposal should be evaluated taking into consideration the following dot

points. Consultants can contact the NVMU to obtain access to the previous clearance application files.

Alternatively, information relating to past clearance applications, SEB areas and Heritage Agreements can be found

on NatureMaps.

Assess whether there have been previous clearance applications on the property and adjacent properties

to determine:

o previous decisions

o locations of previous consent areas/trees and SEB areas

o species lists for areas of vegetation in the locality

o potential fauna of significance to look out for in the locality (e.g. Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, or

indicators that they may occur, such as feeding trees and potential nest sites)

o potential land management issues.

This will provide information about flora and fauna habitat, and may reduce the amount of work involved

in the site inspection. In addition it ensures that the integrity of previous approved vegetation

management programs/decisions is maintained.

Examine the clearance proposal to identify possible alternative clearance areas that may result in reduced

native vegetation clearance. For example shifting the centre pivot location or reducing the pivot radius.

Check in Regional Biodiversity and/or NRM Plans for whether the application is located within areas of

conservation importance such as threatened habitat areas,

Refer to information available on threatened species, recovery plans, research reports (see Appendix 3).

4 Field Procedure

4.1 Equipment

You will need this manual, datasheets, pencil, gps, camera, large scale aerial imagery and plant bag.

4.2 Description of the Vegetation under Applications

Plant data should be recorded on the scattered tree field datasheet (Appendix 1).

In general, plants should be identified to sub-species or variety level where appropriate (e.g. SA blue gum in South

East region consists of 4 different sub-species: Eucalyptus leucoxylon ssp. leucoxylon, E. leucoxylon ssp. pruinosa, E.

leucoxylon ssp. stephanaie, E. leucoxylon ssp. megalocarpa).

If a plant species is unknown, or the collector is unsure of its identity in the field, a specimen should be collected,

labelled and pressed as soon as possible in order to verify the correct identity of the plant at a later time.


4.3 Completing the Scattered Tree Assessment Field Inspection

4.3.1 General information about the datasheet

For scattered trees, certain attribute data must be collected to enable the PSS to be used. This information can be

collected using the field datasheet (Appendix 1).

Only score dead trees when they are considered to constitute native vegetation (see Appendix 8). Data recorded

on site should include:

General information – name of applicant, date of inspection, number of trees in application, observer’s

names and information on regeneration.

GPS point - record the Australian Map Grid reference (Easting, Northing and Datum) of each tree using a

GPS unit. Take the reading as close as possible to the tree trunk. Assign a waypoint number and tree

number ID, enter these in the scattered tree datasheet (Appendix 1).

Photo - photograph each tree or clump of trees under application (aim to have something in each

photograph close to the base of the tree that gives scale to the photo e.g. a person, car, or range pole). If

possible take the photo from as far away from the tree as possible to fit the whole tree in the photo. Tree

photos with object of known height at the base of the tree can be used to support height measurements,

provided the full tree is within the photo. Enter photo number on the data sheet.

Species - identify tree species to sub-species as per section 3.2 above.

Height - record tree height in metres using a reliable repeatable method, such as a clinometer. This

estimate includes the dead portions. Tree height is used in the measurement of size, and is estimated to

get an indication of wildlife habitat value (i.e. the taller the tree, generally the more resources that tree

possesses). Where a clinometer is not available the following method is reliable and efficient to use in the

field.

Using fingers/end of pen, for two-metre calibration

This method is used to estimate tree heights and involves using another person as a two-metre guide, standing

against the tree. The person measuring the tree stands back from the tree (no particular distance), calibrating

the two metre height with a distance between two fingers (or the end of a pen, etc), and then measuring the tree

in two metre intervals.

The main problem with this method, is that when measuring up the tree with the two fingers (or other

instrument), it is sometimes difficult (especially with a taller tree), to continue vertically. Further towards the top

of the tree, it is easy to start measuring in a backward curve, rather than straight upward (eg. Figure 1a below).

In this way, the estimation of the height of particularly a taller tree is likely to be less accurate. In any case,

fingers should be narrowed slightly as the calibration moves up the tree (eg. Figure 1b below).


Tree trunk diameter - measure tree trunk diameter in centimetres at 1 metres height above ground level. Use

foresters’ diameter tape, and/or estimate the diameter of the trunk. If the trunk is forked at 1m height or

multi-trunked/stemmed, record the diameter of the largest trunk. If the trunk bulges unusually at 1m height

then measure the next lowest point that best represents the actual diameter of the tree.

Health - estimate tree health by recording the per cent foliage dieback (any number between 0 and 100 –

although 100% implies dead and should only be scored when dead trees are considered native vegetation).

‘Dieback’ refers to the proportion of the total possible tree volume that is missing or is ‘dead’ due to ill health.

When estimating foliage dieback, if mistletoe is present include half of the mistletoe volume in the tree

volume and half as percent dieback estimate.

The following points, and photographs in Figure 2, help distinguish what to measure when estimating

dieback:

o When visualising the total possible tree volume, imagine the extent of the canopy if all branches/

branchlets had foliage extending to their extremities

o When estimating the % ‘dieback’, in general, only consider dieback to be that which occurs from the

tips of tree branches/branchlets - density of the foliage is generally not considered to be taken into

account when estimating % dieback, because some trees have a naturally sparse canopy cover, and

are not necessarily any less healthy than a tree with a dense canopy cover

o Lack of foliage on some lower branches/branchlets is usually considered to be normal on healthy

trees (occurs due to natural shading as tree grows older) and is generally not included within the

measurement of dieback (reliance on visual experience and judgment is necessary to differentiate

between normal levels of foliage loss and true ‘dieback’)

o If dead stags are present on the tree, these are counted as part of dieback, and are incorporated into

the height measurement of the assessment procedure.

Figure 1a) & b): Estimating tree height using fingers/end of pen, for two-metre calibration.


No dieback 20% dieback

40% dieback 60% dieback

Figure 2: Examples of trees with different percentages

of dieback

80% dieback

Figure 2: Examples of trees with varying percentages of dieback.

Hollows - Walk around the tree, and record visible hollows (using binoculars if necessary), recording their

details using the following key:

ENTRANCE SIZE: lrg = large (diameter 15cm or more)

med = medium (diameter >5cm to <15cm)

sm = small (diameter 5cm or less)


Desirable attributes - Canopy Radius (Optional): Estimate tree canopy radius (distance from trunk to

maximum canopy edge), measured in metres. This information provides data to calculate an area of

proposed clearance.

Additional information - Further information can be collected on trees that will assist with determining

the health and wildlife habitat value of scattered trees. In particular, addition information can be collected

relating to the value of hollows for habitat for trees in the South East of SA. Refer to Appendix 6 for

details.

5 Filling in the Assessment Data Report

Spreadsheet

Post field data collection, attribute data is entered into an MS Excel spreadsheet (assessment data report

spreadsheet), and formulae in the table automatically adjust each value according to the weightings. Attribute

scores are automatically summed and a formula applied that determines a final tree score – with a maximum of

100 points. The higher the score, the higher the biodiversity value of that tree. Appendix 2 provides an example of

the spreadsheet.

5.1 Single Trees

Enter data for each attribute

For most of the attributes, data is entered as an absolute value e.g. tree height in metres. However for density, data

is entered as a category value e.g. 1 for low, 2 for medium, and 3 for high value. The instructions below outline the

procedure for each attribute. Enter data into the cells in light purple in the Scattered tree assessment data report

spreadsheet -

1. Species name

Enter (select from list) species name of the tree.

Where required, select the species name based on form (shrub or tree), environment (scattered or in a

clump) or location (e.g. South East) as this influences the height category (See Appendix 5 for scattered

tree height categories).

Refer to Appendix 7 for further location information for different growth forms of the following species:

Eucalyptus leucoxylon, Eucalyptus fasciculosa, Eucalyptus behriana, Eucalyptus obliqua and Eucalyptus

willisii.

2. Height

Enter tree height (in metres).

The tree will be assigned either 1, 2 or 3 points based on the size of the tree. This is determined from the

maximum height the tree is expected to reach, this based on the species and form entered in the “Species

name” field.

The maximum score after weighting is 3.15 [Formula is: = points *1.05]

3. Diameter

Enter the tree trunk diameter (in centimetres).

The tree will be assigned either 1, 2 or 3 points based on the diameter of the tree (See Table 1 for details).

The maximum possible score after weighting is 2 [Formula is: = points *0.66]

Value


4. Health

Enter % dieback for the tree, e.g. 30 for 30% dieback.

The tree will be assigned a score based on the percent dieback that is present. The maximum possible

score for health is 4 points [Formula is: = ((100 - % dieback)*0.04)]

5. Hollows

Enter the number of hollows for each size category (sm, med or lrg).

The tree will be assigned 1, 2 or 3 points based on the number and size of hollows (See below for details).

This information also informs fauna habitat suitability of a tree.

The scores are based on Table 3 and calculated as below

- A small hollow is assigned a score of 1

- A medium hollow is assigned a score of 4

- A large hollow is assigned a score of 8

The score for all the hollows that a tree contains will be summed together and assigned points according

to below.

- A total score of 0 = 1 point

- A total score between 1 – 4 = 2 points

- A total score >4 = 3 points

The maximum possible score after weighting is 4.35 [Formula = Tree points*1.45].

6. Suitability for threatened species

Enter the number of fauna species in each category (uncommon or rare) that the tree provides suitable

habitat. Note: rare species are considered anything that is listed under the National Parks and Wildlife Act

1972 or Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

For this attribute use the latest updated conservation rating lists and other known wildlife data (e.g.

BDBSA, Nature Maps, Atlas of Living Australia – species recorded with a 5km radius) and information from

wildlife experts. Note that roosting, perching and feeding, as well as nesting, are included in the definition

of ‘use’ by wildlife. Refer to Appendix 4 for a list of ‘scattered tree’-using wildlife.

The tree will be assigned 1, 2 or 3 points based on habitat suitability (see below for details).

The scores are based on Table 3 and calculated as below.

- Habitat for each uncommon species is assigned a score of 1

- Habitat for each rare species is assigned a score of 2

The scores a summed together to provide a total for the tree for habitat suitability and assigned points

according to below

- A total score of 0 = 1 point

- A total score of 1 = 2 points

- A total score >1 = 3 points

The maximum possible score after weighting is 1.95 [Formula =points *0.65].

7. Density (i.e. distance to nearest neighbours)

Enter points (1, 2 or 3) using Table 1 as a guide. This section of the table has also been included in the

Scattered Tree Assessment data report spreadsheet for easy reference.

The maximum possible score after weighting is 1.2 [Formula = points *0.4].


8. Proximity to bushland

Enter the distance to the closest area of bushland (in metres).

The following information can be used as a guide to determine what constitutes bushland, as opposed to

clumps of scattered trees. A patch of native vegetation is considered to be ‘bushland’ if the following

apply:

o It is greater than 1 hectare in size

o It contains a good complement of understorey and overstorey species similar to the original

vegetation association – rule of thumb being 10% of the maximum potential species diversity

and/or the native species present have a total percent cover of over 10%

o It possesses an overstorey resembling the original density

o Revegetation can be referred to as bushland as long as the vegetation is mature and diverse

enough to support a diversity of animal populations.

The maximum possible score after weighting for proximity to bushland is 1.05 [Formula = points*0.35].


Table 1: Points allocated to scattered tree attributes in the Point Scoring System

Attribute Low Value (1 points) Medium Value (2points) High Value (3points)

Height

Measured in metres

See (ii) Height above or

refer to Appendix 5 & 7





Diameter

Measured in centimetres at 1 m

above the ground

Less than 20cm 20cm or more but less

than 50cm

50cm or more

Health

Based on % foliage dieback

Enter % Dieback for

each tree

(Excel formula

calculates the score)

Hollow entrances

Small - 5cm or less diameter

Medium > 5cm to <15cm

Large 15cm or more

No hollows visible = 1

point

1-4 small or 1 medium

visible

5+ small; 2+ medium;

1+ large; or 1-4 small

and 1 medium visible

Suitability for threatened

species

For feeding, roosting, nesting,

shelter etc

None (Common only) 1 Uncommon species (at

regional, state or national

level)

At least 2 Uncommon,

or 1 or more Rare

species (at regional,

state or national level)

Density

(i.e. distance to nearest

neighbours)

Distances measured from tree

canopy edge to the nearest

other tree canopy edge

(Only consider plants 2 or more

metres in height)

Widely separated

Tree more than 50

metres away from all

other trees; or

Two trees less than

50m apart, but each

more than 50m away

from all other trees

Mid-densely separated

3 or more trees each

within 5 to 50m of at

least 1 other tree in the

group; or

Two trees less than 5m

apart, with at least one

being within 5 to 50m

of at least one other

tree

Close

3 or more trees each

within 5 metres of at

least 1 other tree in

the group

Proximity to native

vegetation

Distance from tree to block of

native vegetation at least 1

hectare in area

200 metres or more

from a block of native

vegetation

Between 50 and 200m

from a block of native

vegetation

Within 50m of a block

of native vegetation


5.2 Clumps of trees

Whenever possible, information should be recorded for each individual tree, particularly where trees within clumps

have highly variable attributes or the clump is of mixed species. However on occasions it may be difficult to

distinguish between trees if they are in a dense clump. In such circumstances, information can be collected for the

clump. The same data that is required for single scattered trees are collected for clumps of scattered trees,

however “averaging” of the trees attributes is used. Data is recorded on the scattered tree datasheet. The data

required for clumps of scattered trees are:

• a GPS Point. Allocate a clump identity (label clumps A-Z to avoid confusion with tree numbering)

• estimate of the numbers of trees present (if individual trees are indistinguishable, check whether stems

join at or just below the soil surface)

• list the plant species present and approximate numbers of each

• height estimate of the tallest tree/s noting the species of the tallest tree/s

• estimate the average diameter of the trunks of all the trees

• number, sizes, and notes on types of hollows seen (using key in Table 1)

• health (i.e. dieback percentage) of canopy as a whole.

For the purposes of the PSS, a clump is treated as a single entity, i.e. the height of the largest tree is measured,

dieback is based on the entire canopy of the clump, the hollows score is based on the total number of hollows in

the clump, and by definition the density score will be 3 points. When entering “averaged” data for clumps of trees

in the PSS spreadsheet, the data should be replicated for each of trees in the clump i.e. if there are 12 trees in the

clump, 12 individual entries are required. Multiple entries are required to calculate the correct SEB score.

5.3 Tree Scores

5.3.1 Tree score

The PPS will provide a total score for each tree out of a maximum of 100 points (the total score is the sum of the

weighted values, cubed and then divided by 55.5 points).

5.3.2 Multiplication factor

This score is then increased by a multiplication factor, as required by Guidelines for a Significant Environmental

Benefit for the Clearance of Scattered Trees. This Guideline has been established under Section 29(4a) of the Native

Vegetation Act 1991.

The multiplication factor is applied as set out in the table below.

Tree Score Multiplication factor

<20 0.032

20-29 0.048

30-40 0.064

41-60 0.08

>60 0.096


Example of how the multiplication factor is applied:

Tree Score Multiplication

Factor

Example tree

scores

Tree Biodiversity

Score

<20 0.032 10 0.32

20-29 0.048 25 1.2

30-40 0.064 35 2.24

41-60 0.08 50 4

>60 0.096 70 6.72

Total SEB requirement for example trees 14.48

5.3.3 Conservation significance

If the tree is of a species listed as threatened or contains habitat for a nationally listed threatened fauna species,

then a loading will be applied. The loadings will be applied as follows (if a tree is both listed as threatened and

contains habitat for a nationally listed threatened fauna species, then only the second loading will apply):

1. If the tree is of a species listed under Schedules 7, 8 or 9 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, the

SEB score will be increased by 20%.

2. If the tree provides habitat for a nationally listed endangered or critically endangered species under the

Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1991, the SEB score will be increased by 50%.

5.3.4 Biodiversity score

Once the multiplication factor and any increases for conservation significance have been applied (this is applied on

SEB sheet of the assessment data report spreadsheet), the Biodiversity score for the tree will be obtained. It is this

score that will determine the SEB requirement.

6 Submission of Assessment Scoresheet

6.1 Scattered Tree Information and Scores

Scattered tree Assessment Scoresheet will be provided as part of an assessment report and as an electronic

version. This data will be stored within DEWNR information systems.

6.2 Clearance Application or Regulation Reports

If you are required to complete a Clearance Application or Regulation report, use NVMU’s assessment template.

The template will outline what information needs to be provided and in what format.


7 Appendices

7.1 Appendix 1 Scattered Tree Field Datasheets


7.2 Appendix 2 Scattered Tree Assessment Scoresheet

PSS sheet


SEB Scoresheet (Provides a summary of the SEB requirements)


7.3 Appendix 3 Useful Resources

BDBSA (Biological Database of South Australia) is a database that allows flora and fauna data to be displayed for individual species

or for a specified region.

NatureMaps is an initiative of the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources that provides a common access point to

maps and geographic information about South Australia's natural resources in an interactive online mapping format.

The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) contains information on all the known species in Australia, aggregated from a wide range of data

providers: museums, herbaria, community groups, government agencies, individuals and universities.

EPBC Act - Protected Matters Search Tool. The Protected Matters Search Tool generates a report that will help determine whether

matters of national environmental significance or other matters protected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 are likely to occur in your area of interest.

Regional Natural Resource Management Plans are available from DEWNR.

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Conservation/Managing_natural_resources/Policy_plans

National Recovery Plans

Recovery Plans Made or Adopted under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery.html

Draft National Recovery South-eastern Subspecies of the Plans Red Tailed Black Cockatoo (RTBC)

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/c-b-graptogyne.html

Cutten, J.L. & Hodder, M.W. (2002) Scattered tree clearance assessment in South Australia. Streamlining guidelines for assessment

and rural industry extension.

Carruthers, S, Bickerton, H, Carpenter, G, Brook, A and Hodder, M (2004) A Landscape Approach to the Ecological Value of Paddock

Trees. A Discussion Paper prepared for the South Australian Native Vegetation Council. Summary Report Years 1 & 2. Biodiversity

Assessment Services, available from Native Vegetation & Biodiversity Management Unit, Urrbrae, SA

Carruthers, S, (2005) A Landscape Approach to the Ecological Value of Paddock Trees. A Discussion Paper prepared for the South

Australian Native Vegetation Council. Biodiversity Assessment Services, available from Native Vegetation & Biodiversity

Management Unit, Urrbrae, SA

Available online.

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Knowledge_Bank/Science_research/Publications/NVC_Research_Grant_final_reports

Census of South Australian Vascular Plants. (The census is updated regularly)

http://www.flora.sa.gov.au/census.html

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Science/Information_data/Biological_databases_of_South_Australia

https://data.environment.sa.gov.au/NatureMaps/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.ala.org.au/

http://www.environment.gov.au/webgis-framework/apps/pmst/pmst.jsf

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Conservation/Managing_natural_resources/Policy_plans

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/c-b-graptogyne.html

http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Knowledge_Bank/Science_research/Publications/NVC_Research_Grant_final_reports

http://www.flora.sa.gov.au/census.html


7.4 Appendix 4 List of ‘Scattered Tree’-Using Wildlife


7.5 Appendix 5 Scattered Tree Height Categories

Table below is based on advice from Tim Croft (DEH), and/or based on maximum heights as reported by Jessop and Toelken 1986 &/or

Nicolle 1997 (Figures in Bold are those used in the Excel spreadsheet in the data report)


7.6 Appendix 6 Additional Information

There is additional information that may (although is optional) be collected in relation to scattered trees. This information is usefully in

determining the habitat value and health of the tree.

Additional data relating to hollows – South East region only

Collection of data to the key below is only if the tree in located in the Southeast Region and a large hollow has been identified.

LOCATION: br = in a branch,

Tr = in the trunk

HEIGHT: Record the height above ground level (in metres) of the hollow entrance

ORIENTATION: hor = horizontal branch (>45º from vertical),

vert = vertical branch (<45º from vertical),

POSITION: sp = spout: i.e. entrance of hollow at end of branch,

si = side: i.e. entrance of hollow along side of branch.

DIRECTION: (for vertical branches only):

high = entrance to hollow is at higher end of the branch,

low = entrance to hollow is at the lower end of branch

Note any additional information such as whether the hollows have more than one entrance. Be aware of fissures, dark patches

and depressions that look like hollows but aren’t.

Additional descriptive information

Record additional descriptive information. Note anything that may help determine what wildlife use the tree. Record the presence of

things such as:

Any evidence of wildlife use of tree, e.g. bird sightings, hollow use (i.e. animal in hollow or entrance edges well-worn), bird

dropping piles below tree, sugar glider feeding marks in bark etc,

The numbers and approximate size/shape of nests (small nests <20cm diameter, medium nests 21-50cm, and large nests

>50cm),

The number of hollows with feral bee hives in them,

The presence of native understorey species, weeds, intact soil crust etc, and

Note Aboriginally modified trees, as they are likely to have cultural heritage importance.

Mistletoe

Additional data relating to health

In addition to estimating % dieback, also record other factors that may be affecting tree health, e.g. record evidence of

damage caused by insects (borers, lerps, galls, defoliators etc), stock ring-barking, fire scars, split limbs, Mundulla Yellows,

Mistletoe or other diseases etc, and if possible estimate the % of affected leaves (e.g. for Mundulla Yellows estimate the % of

foliage affected, and whether it is the new leaves &/or old leaves, epicormic growth or non-epicormic growth that is affected).

Enter data in the appropriate data sheet column.

Dieback: Determine whether dieback is permanent or temporary (e.g. lerps, grasshoppers, fire are usually temporary) by

checking for the presence of insects, epicormic growth, and the condition of the bark etc, and subsequently record details of

the type of dieback as the NVMU assessment may use this information when deciding if the final tree score should be

modified to reflect the temporary nature of dieback. For example, an otherwise healthy tree, temporarily defoliated by

grasshoppers or fire will almost certainly recover, but would receive a low health score using the measure of foliage lost (i.e.

‘dieback’).

Epicormic growth: Record presence or absence of epicormic growth. Preferably it would be useful to record what % of the total

foliage is epicormic and the average length of any epicormic shoots (class intervals: <50cm, 50-100cm, and >100cm). Always

have normal leaves and epicormic growth adding up to 100% (unless you also record the % of dead brown leaves). Collection


of this additional information may eventually help determine whether there are better ways to reduce subjectivity and improve

the measurements of tree health, and/or amount of resources. Recording the presence of fruit also allows the option of

requiring an applicant to collect seed from those specific trees as a condition of consent.

Reproductive Performance: Score abundance in very general categories for buds (B), flowers (Fl), and fruits (Fr) where:

“0” = none

“+” = low (some amount present on only a few branchlets)

“++” = moderate (present on most branchlets but not as abundant as leaves)

“+++” = extensive (present on most branchlets and at least as numerous as leaves)


7.7 Appendix 7 Distribution of Differing Growth Forms of Eucalypts

Figure 1. Distribution of large form of Eucalyptus behriana in the South East of SA (Source: Tim Croft, DEH)


Figure 2. Distribution of different growth forms of Eucalyptus fasciculosa trees in the Mount Lofty Ranges and Lower

Lakes region of South Australia (Source: Tim Croft, DEH)


Figure 3. Distribution of different growth forms of Eucalyptus fasciculosa trees in the Southeast region of South Australia

(Source: Tim Croft, DEH)


Figure 4. Distribution of the four subspecies of Eucalyptus leucoxylon in the South East of South Australia.



Figure 5. Distribution of small form of Eucalyptus obliqua in the South East of South Australia



Figure 6. Distribution of Eucalyptus willsii ssp. falciformis in the South East of South Australia

(Source: Tim Croft, DEH).


7.8 Appendix 8 Dead Trees Included as Native Vegetation

p native vegetation council (nvc) scattered tree ... · 7.2 appendix 2 scattered tree assessment...

Documents