VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN for Bidjigal Reserve - Land

2.3 Step 3. Calculate the Weed ClassThe weed class is calculated from the recorded scales of each division (Step 2),to give an overall rating.This calculation takes into account the impact the weeds have on the vegetationcommunity. Weeds in the upper division can strangle and destroy the dominantnative species. Weeds in the middle division generally compete with nativespecies whilst weeds in the lower division can significantly alter the groundconditions, preventing the regeneration of native species. Therefore a weightingfactor is applied to each division to represent the relative impact on thevegetation community.The equation:Division Scale Weighting FactorUpper x 0.5 = +Middle x 0.2 = +Lower x 0.3 = +Calculated(total)ClassTo determine the Weed Class, round off the Calculated class to the nearestinteger, (eg.1.5 = 2).For example:A weed cover scale of 1/3/2 is calculated as demonstrated below.Division Scale Weighting FactorUpper 1.00 x 0.5 = 0.5+Middle 3.00 x 0.2 = 0.6+Lower 2.00 x 0.3 = 0.6+1.70Weed Class = 2When recording the weed class, each scale should also be indicated:"(Upper Scale / Middle Scale / Lower Scale) Weed Class".For example: "(1/3/2) 2."KMC Bushland Weed Assessment Guidelines 7