Review of Grassland Management in south-eastern ... - Parks Victoria

Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 39
Grassland Management in SE Australia
1 INTRODUCTION
This review aims to assist Parks Victoria in keeping abreast of current knowledge on the
management of lowland grassy ecosystems. The information that is contained in this review
is seen as the most up-to-date interpretation of the literature. With new and exciting insights
into the management and restoration of grassy ecosystems occurring, this is an area that
should be at the forefront of Parks implementation of adaptive management regimes. An
example of this is the recent research into the differences between slashing and grazing a
previously grazed grassy ecosystem in Tasmania, see Verrier & Kirkpatrick (2005). The
scientific rigor of the investigation is poor, as it lacks information on stocking rates, soil types
and even slash height. However, the outcomes of the practice are astounding and show how
management and research can assist in enhancing management.
The areas that this review aims to cover are the lowland grassy ecosystems or those that are
dominated by tussock forming grasses, have less than 10% tree or shrub cover, and are
below 200 m above sea level (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Estimated extent of lowland grassy ecosystems at the time of European settlement (black).
The current distribution of ‘natural’ lowland grassy ecosystems is estimated to be less than 0.5% of
this area. Mapping information was obtained from Geosciences Australia’s database using tree, shrub
and grass cover to estimate distribution of vegetation types.
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