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CHaPTeR 1
Introduction to the project
1.1 Background to the project
This publication was commissioned by the Hunter–Central Rivers Catchment Management
Authority (HCRCMA) to report on the second stage of the Hunter, Central and Lower North
Coast Vegetation Classification and Mapping Project.
The first stage involved vegetation survey and mapping using SPOT5 satellite imagery of the
study area; systematic surveys of priority areas; regionally significant vegetation mapping of
the Central Coast; and a SPOT5 Pilot Study (McCauley 2006a, 2006b; McCauley et al. 2006).
This second stage expands on the work of stage 1, with a particular focus on gap-filling surveys,
the development of a regional vegetation community classification scheme, and data inputs for
an anticipated third stage.
It is expected that stage 3 of the project will use the outputs from stages 1 and 2 in the development
of pre-clearing and extant vegetation community mapping of the Hunter, Central and Lower
North Coast of New South Wales.
1.2 Project aims and objectives
The overall aims of the vegetation classification and mapping project are to:
➜ compile baseline data
➜ develop a regional vegetation community classification scheme
➜ produce vegetation community mapping
The specific objectives of this second stage of the project were to:
➜ collate data
➜ conduct additional systematic surveys within poorly sampled environments to fill
information gaps
➜ develop a regional vegetation community classification scheme that cross-references
wherever possible to other existing schemes that have currency in the region
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