South East Queensland Ecological Restoration Framework: Manual

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4 Site Assessment
“Detailed site assessments are essential for all successful ecological
restoration projects as this will inform all decisions made throughout the
life of the project, including that of which restoration approach to utilise.”
As part of the site assessment process, it is important that the aims and objectives for the site are clearly
identified prior to commencement as they direct the collection of information and the restoration
activities. The establishment of aims and objectives are described in the Guidelines. Refer to the
Guidelines for additional information on site assessment.
A map of the restoration site, preferably with an aerial photograph background, will be required prior to
assessing the site. The map will be used on site to mark features such as areas of vegetation, native and
weed, access tracks, management issues and proposed work zones.
4.1 Assessment of target site
It is essential to undertake a detailed site assessment, prior to the preparation of an Ecological
Restoration Plan. The following information is intended to assist this process.
Describe the history and background of the site
E.g. was the area previously grazed, when was the area cleared, is it an old house site, was the area ever
used as a dump for industrial waste, was the area logged, what is the fire history? Knowledge of past uses
will help to identify risk factors that are likely to influence the existing native vegetation and the success
of restoration efforts. Understanding site history will help to determine realistic outcomes for the site.
Briefly describe the soils, drainage, topography and aspect
Include any issues that may impact on existing native vegetation or its restoration e.g. re-planting on
an exposed north-facing site may have a detrimental effect on the survival of the plants. The choice
of species for planting may need to be initially restricted to hardy species followed by the inclusion of
more sensitive species at a later date. A soil assessment is necessary to determine the stability of the site
and sensitivity to erosion, and will also influence the selection of plants.
Describe the native vegetation on the site
Describe existing plant community(ies) in terms of broad type and structure e.g. rainforest, tall
sclerophyll forest and, where possible, by its Regional Ecosystem (RE) classification. If minimal native
vegetation remains, describe the pre-existing plant community. (This may be determined by identifying
nearby natural areas and/or by utilising the Queensland Herbarium Pre-clearing Regional Ecosystem
mapping as a guide). Identify any threatened species listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992
or the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Identify the
presence and location of otherwise significant plants such as locally uncommon species, hollow
bearing trees and important feed resources, such as confirmed glossy black-cockatoo feed trees.
Provide a species list and where needed an accurate tree survey.
The following should be considered when assessing existing vegetation communities:
a. Is the structure of the existing native vegetation on the site typical of its forest type? For
instance, does subtropical rainforest remnant on the site have a dense and thick canopy with
trees closely spaced? Does it have native plants in the understorey, a mid-layer, lower canopy
and upper canopy? Is there evidence of regenerating plants and seedlings at ground level?
SEQ Restoration Framework
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MANUAL