Site Assessment
for Remnant Vegetation
Why assess the site?
How to do site assessment?
Site assessment
is the first step in the management of remnant vegetation.
This page outlines the main factors to take into consideration when doing
a site assessment.
Why assess the site?
In
order to manage a patch of remnant vegetation we need to know what it is
we are managing.A site assessment forms the basis of a plan of action.It
is also a useful reference for monitoring the effects of management actions.
How to do site assessment?
Site assessment is basically the recording of information about a site in
an ordered and logical format. The main areas to take into account are:
Size and shape
Connection to other remnants
Aspect and topography
Site history
Soil type
Vegetation type
Habitat potential
Management issues such as weeds and feral animals
Where to from here?
Size and shape
Estimate the size of the remnant. A small remnant may have some disadvantages
over a larger remnant in regards to its long-term viability, although a small
remnant may be easier to manage from the point of view of weed control. The
shape of a site is also important. If there is a high ratio of edges compared
to internal area then more time will be spent on boundary issues such as
maintaining fences and keeping weeds out.
Connection to other remnants
A remnant that is linked to, or near, another area of native vegetation
stands more chance of survival and enhancement than an isolated patch of
vegetation in a paddock. Planting corridors to link up remnants, is often
a crucial part of native vegetation management, as these provide cover for
the movement of native animals and seed material.
Aspect and topography
Record the aspect and the slope of the land. Aspect and topography need to
be taken into account when deciding on ways to manage an area. Also record
exposure to frost and wind.
Site history
The history of the site, such as previous logging, clearing and bushfires
will help to explain some of the present conditions of the vegetation.
Soil type
The type of soil, including parent material, texture, colour and drainage,
is useful in understanding the possible limiting factors or future potential
of the site.
Vegetation type
This is the most important part of the site assessment and should be as detailed
as possible.Canopy cover should be noted as a percentage of total
area, along with the condition and the height of the upper
canopy.The condition and diversity of the understorey including the
presence or absence of weeds species should also be recorded.
Regeneration of native
seedlings in the understorey is another area to note. The community type
, and overall diversity of the site is then worked out.
Individual species of
both plants and weeds can be written down on site and specimens taken of
those species that cannot be identified immediately.
Habitat potential
Signs of birds and animals present can be noted as well as the potential
of the area for habitat. Presence or absence of dead trees, hollows and logs
on the ground are important aspects of habitat provision.
Management issues such as weeds and feral animals
The extent and type of weeds present will dictate the actions that can be
taken in protecting a remnant vegetation site. Simply fencing off a remnant
from grazing animals may be sufficient for some sites, however those areas
wich have a high percentage of exotic species will need weed control measures
as well.
Other issues to take into account include threats from feral animals, or
from nearby development and pollution sources.
Where from here?
The next step is to draw up a map of the site, showing the different components
of the site, including the main weed areas.
The site asssessment, map and species list form the basis for constructing
a vegetation management plan, which defines the objectives and actions for
managing the site.
Written by Kathryn WOOD
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