VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN for Bidjigal Reserve - Land

Vegetation Management Plan - Bidjigal ReserveAppendix 12: A Guide to Monitoring Progress of Works in Bushland Rehabilitation ProgramsThe setting up of a simple monitoring program at the outset of the restoration project is of highimportance. Monitoring will provide an objective measurement of progress and record the slow andoften subtle changes. A monitoring program will enable the project manager and bush regenerationcontractor to assess the performance indicators listed in this report.As many changes are not readily visible in the short-term, it is recommended that monitoring eventsbe carried out every six (6) months. However data should be collected over a number of years sothat trends can be determined. A simple generic guide to monitoring the progress of bushlandrehabilitation projects has been included below.Note that a site-specific monitoring program should be designed for each bush regeneration andrehabilitation site prior to commencement of work.Establishing Permanent Transects and QuadratsThis method is the traditional way to measure changes in vegetation community structure anddiversity. The simplest way to record changes is to count the numbers and types of seedlingsregenerating in a measured plot over a period of time.In the absence of more specific guidelines in Recovery Plans, for all Management Units, at least onepermanent quadrat will be established (as per Threatened Species Survey & Assessment GuidelinesNPWS). Sampling is to occur on at least once a year (but monthly for the first six (6) months aftertreatment).In addition to the NPWS guidelines, information recorded will include indigenous plant speciesincluding the number of naturally regenerating seedlings and cover (using the Braun- Blanquettemethod).Baseline data will be collected in each quadrat before the commencement of any ecologicalrestoration works. Sampling will allow for comparison between areas with different soil seedbanktreatments, including areas that have not been treated.Recording of all ecological restoration works will use standard NPWS/DEC recording sheets, and willinclude hours of weed control performed per bushland management zone or sub-zones.Choosing the Plot SizeThis is often the hardest decision to make: the area has to be large enough to take in the major lifeforms and small enough to be manageable. In grassland a plot of one (1) m 2 is adequate to gain arepresentative sample; for shrubs – three (3) m 2 is adequate, but in a treed area, plots of 10 m 2 orlarger may be necessary.UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd