All in Native Vegetation

Incorporating native vegetation management into agricultural production systems

superuser — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:40:42 +0000

This project investigated programs and policies that have been used to encourage the integration of native vegetation management into agricultural systems. The purpose of the study was to identify information that is important in enhancing the outcomes from future policies and identify principles to develop improved guidelines for future programs and policies.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Incorporating native vegetation management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

AGT10

Host Organisation:

Agtrans Research

Researchers:

Julian Prior

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

Identify and analyse the wide range of programs and methods that have been developed to promote integrated management of native vegetation by land managers
Consider some of these policies in more detail to identify the circumstances where policies are effective and produce guidelines that may be useful for the future
Collate information that identifies the role of native vegetation, and summarises the benefits to landholders of integration of native vegetation management with their farming systems

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Landscape design principles for native vegetation management: addressing multiple scales

superuser — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:40:49 +0000

This project aimed to validate landscape design principles from a previous research project (CTC9) at both the single property and larger micro-catchment scales (e.g. clusters of 5-10 properties), and identify the importance of spatial arrangements of vegetation within landscapes at those scales.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Incorporating native vegetation management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

CSE7

Host Organisation:

CSIRO

Researchers:

Neil MacLeod

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

To validate and refine landscape design principles for agricultural use of grassy woodlands at a range of scales (e.g. paddock
to micro-catchment)
At those scales, to explore the importance of spatial arrangements of vegetation for achieving conservation outcomes
To explore the relevance of the design principles to other vegetation communities in the region
To explore the likelihood that collective action will achieve better economic outcomes than if landholders act alone

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

A national framework for landscape classification

superuser — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:23:09 +0000

A national landscape framework was developed to improve classification of landscape variation and enhance landscape planning and management.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Landscape design principles and methods for biodiversity conservation

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

CSE8

Host Organisation:

CSIRO

Researchers:

Dr Sue McIntyre

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

To develop a conceptual classification of Australian landscapes that will be used to enhance the communication of information in the landscape planning and management arena through four phases:

Develop a matrix framework which classifies landscapes across Australia on the basis of simple indicators
Review this framework in consultation with experts across the regions
Set boundaries for the generalisation of management principles using the framework
Communicate the usefulness of the framework and examples of its application to a range of stakeholders

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Ecological thresholds for native vegetation management in southern Queensland

superuser — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 01:07:22 +0000

Remnant native vegetation has been greatly fragmented by land development in Australia,however there is little data available on the long-term impacts of such fragmentation on the ecological integrity of remnants.This project attempted to provide data about these long-term impacts and revise the principles behind assessment of land clearing, leading to improved prescriptions for the management of remnant native vegetation.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Landscape design principles and methods for biodiversity conservation

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

QNR28

Host Organisation:

Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water

Researchers:

Dr Chris Chilcott

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

Establish relationships between degree and patterns of fragmentation, and selected ecological indicators, as a means of assessing the long-term ecological sustainability of remnants in agricultural landscapes
Quantify thresholds for management of ecologically viable remnant vegetation
Provide tools for rapid assessment of ecological condition of remnants for use by vegetation management officers and landowners
Contribute to native vegetation management policy formulation including the development of acceptable management solutions and their associated performance requirements
Communicate major findings of the project to the wider scientific and land management communities, regional vegetation management committees and government policy advisers for adoption and application in native vegetation management

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Testing approaches to landscape design in cropping lands

superuser — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:04:05 +0000

This project evaluated currently used methods for determining where revegetation should be located in the landscape for the additional purposes of determining how much revegetation is required, and whether revegetation designed for one group of species meets the needs of other groups of species.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Landscape design principles and methods for biodiversity conservation

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

CSE9

Host Organisation:

CSIRO - Sustainable Ecosystems

Researchers:

Dr David Freudenberger

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

To provide an improved methodology, based on the focal species approach, to guide broadscale revegetation efforts to assist the longterm survival of biodiversity;
To identify thresholds of fragmentation of native vegetation beyond which existing plant and animal populations are compromised, that is, to help determine how much revegetation is required;
To evaluate whether a focal species methodology based on birds meets the needs of other taxa;
To develop guidelines and recommendations appropriate to the revegetation efforts of farmers and community groups in agricultural zones.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Improved vegetation planning for rural landscapes

superuser — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 03:01:14 +0000

This project used Landscape Function Analysis to evaluate the performance of two existing approaches to vegetation planning: the ‘Focal Species Approach’ and ‘Thresholds Approach’.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Landscape design principles and methods for biodiversity conservation

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

CTC27

Researchers:

Dr Sue McIntyre

Mr David Tongway

Dr Robert Lambeck

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

To review the broad array of factors that influence landscape function and identify the relative importance of those processes addressed by Landscape Function Analysis;
Using Landscape Function Analysis, to examine how native vegetation helps to maintain landscape processes in the wheatbelt
of Western Australia and in grazed subtropical woodlands of Queensland;
Using Landscape Function Analysis, to assess the Focal Species and Thresholds approaches to landscape planning in terms of ecosystem function;
To modify these two approaches to landscape planning in order to improve the overall functioning of the ecosystems in terms of soil, water and biotic processes.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Genetic and ecological viability of plant populations in remnant vegetation

superuser — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 01:44:12 +0000

This project quantified the genetic and ecological factors that influence the viability of plant populations in two contrasting agricultural landscapes - one in New South Wales and one in Western Australia.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Methods to assess native vegetation condition

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

CPI10

Host Organisation:

CSIRO - Plant Industry

Researchers:

Dr Andrew Young

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

Identify and quantify the genetic and demographic factors that affect the viability of plant populations in vegetation remnants;
Examine and model the relationships between key genetic and demographic factors affecting viability and remnant vegetation characteristics such as size, disturbance and landscape position;
Compare results among four target species with varied ecologies to assess how life history affects the impact of remnant characteristics on population viability;
Based on objectives 1 to 3, generate:
- specific genetic and demographic guidelines for management of remnant populations of the target species; and
- general landscape design principles for major plant life history types that maximise the probability of population persistence.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Vegetation restoration and landscape design for enhanced biodiversity conservation

superuser — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:45:06 +0000

The project explored the gaps in our knowledge of landscape design and vegetation restoration. Collecting and analysing data over a three-year period allowed the description and analysis of the effects of vegetation restoration on biodiversity, at both the farm and landscape level.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Methods to assess native vegetation condition

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

ANU34

Host Organisation:

Australian National University - Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies

Researchers:

Associate Professor David Lindenmayer

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

To generate high quality and widely applicable data to guide landscape restoration that maximises biodiversity conservation;
Estimate the effects of revegetation using native vertebrate species (birds, mammals and reptiles) and to assess whether the effects are consistent across different landscapes, farm units and regions;
Compare vertebrate abundance across a wide range of vegetation types within different landscapes and farm units to identify factors that contribute to conservation values for vertebrates.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

A landscape approach to determine the ecological value of scattered trees in South Australia

superuser — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:32:36 +0000

This project identified the ecological values of scattered trees at the landscape scale in South Australia, using geographic information systems (GIS). A practical tool was developed to aid rapid assessment of these values.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Methods to assess native vegetation condition

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

DEP11

Host Organisation:

Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation

Researchers:

Mike Hodder

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

To analyse spatial patterns of scattered trees and unmapped small remnants (less than one hectare) within two agricultural
regions in South Australia;
To develop a practical spatial model (using GIS, existing data sets, and knowledge of the habitat requirements of selected mammal and threatened bird species in each region) identifying critical areas where scattered trees and clumps of trees in cleared agricultural land contribute to biodiversity conservation;
To identify broad zones where approval for vegetation clearance is considered to be unlikely;
To undertake case studies using the model to identify, at the landscape scale, priority areas for revegetation;
To investigate, using GIS and remote sensing techniques, the contribution of scattered trees and small remnants to native vegetation cover targets within the study areas;

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Maximising woodland bird diversity in Brigalow Belt forests

superuser — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:22:33 +0000

This project, developed in partnership with Australian Bush Heritage, will provide key information to maximise the conservation value of the nationally significant Brigalow Belt woodlands.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Understanding risks and threatening processes

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

004086

Legacy (KMS) Project ID:

USQ12

Host Organisation:

University of Southern Queensland

Researchers:

Dr Martine Maron

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Project Information

Outcomes:

1. To substantially increase our understanding of biodiversity, specifically woodland bird ecology, in subtropical woodland environments by identifying the impact of extensive habitat management and noisy miner invasion on avian assemblages of Brigalow Belt woodlands.

2. To develop and refine existing strategies for improving habitat restoration for biodiversity in Brigalow Belt forests and woodlands, particularly during transition from production into conservation tenures.

3. To improve biodiversity management of the forest and woodland vegetation of Carnarvon Station and the broader Brigalow Belt woodlands through the development and communication of strategies for the minimisation of negative impacts of noisy miners and improvement of habitat quality for woodland birds.

Current Activities

Status:

Active

Restoring landscapes with confidence: an evaluation of the science, the methods and their on-ground application

superuser — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:53:49 +0000

This project documented and evaluated the contemporary approaches to landscape restoration being employed in selected regions of Australia, in cooperation with regional NRM organisations, Greening Australia, and others.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Informing policy and management

Research Type:

Research Project

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Current Activities

Status:

Active

Determining appropriate fire mosaics for biodiversity conservation in mallee ecosystems

superuser — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:48:49 +0000

The aim of this project is to identify the properties of fire mosaics that enhance the persistence and status of a broad range of taxonomic groups (birds, mammals, reptiles, key invertebrates and plants) in Eucalypt mallee habitats in the semi-arid Murray Mallee region of south-eastern Australia.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Informing policy and management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

ULA10

Host Organisation:

La Trobe University

Researchers:

Associate Professor Mike Clarke

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Keywords:

mallee ecosystems

Project Information

Outcomes:

1. To select mallee fire mosaics for study that represent gradients in extent, composition and configuration of fire-related vegetation patches

2. To systematically survey a range of taxa (birds, mammals, reptiles, selected invertebrates, selected plants) in these mosaics

3. To model the relationship between the richness and composition of faunal assemblages and landscape-level properties of fire mosaics (extent, composition, configuration)

4. To model the relationship between the incidence of selected species (e.g. fire response species) and landscape-level properties of fire mosaics

5. To incorporate these models into a GIS framework that will:

a) display spatial patterns of areas of high or low value for selected taxa and assemblages, and

b) allow managers to generate scenarios for ecological burning and predict their likely impact on the biota.

6. To communicate the new knowledge and understanding to land managers, and demonstrate the utility of the proposed GIS modelling tool for fire planning and management.

Current Activities

Status:

Active

A new ecological synthesis to improve the effectiveness of resource management and conservation research and its uptake

superuser — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:04:43 +0000

The overarching objective of this project is to increase the effectiveness of biodiversity conservation strategies for best practice natural resource management through the completion of a unique, innovative and powerful set of ecological syntheses based on five world-class, large-scale, landscape “natural experiments” established over the last 1 - 21 years.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Informing policy and management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

ANU48

Host Organisation:

Australian National University

Researchers:

Associate Professor David Lindenmayer

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Keywords:

Conservation

Project Information

Outcomes:

1.Test the validity, generality and applied management value of a wide range of ecological theories for improved biodiversity conservation using high-quality data from 5 large-scale studies.

2. Generate new knowledge and an improved understanding of biotic responses to landscape change such as native forest and plantation management, landscape fragmentation, vegetation restoration, and fire management.

3. Identify general principles and best-practice natural resource management strategies to promote the conservation of Australia’s biodiversity.

4. Highlight the generic value of the novel statistical and ecological approaches developed for the syntheses.

5. Provide the foundation and focal location for high-quality post-graduate and post-doctoral training in innovative biodiversity conservation methods and best-practice natural resource management.

6. Widely communicate the major theoretical and applied findings to the industry, State and Federal Government and private stakeholder groups.

Current Activities

Status:

Active

Building an "InCreMent"-al research base

superuser — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:59:06 +0000

This project aims to significantly increase the reach of the Australian Bush Heritage’s nationwide effort (Investment in Conservation and Resource Management - "Increment") to provide tools for assessing the effectiveness of investment in the private nature conservation sector and to report results that will increase investor confidence over all nature conservation sectors.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Informing policy and management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

ABH2

Host Organisation:

Australian Bush Heritage Fund

Researchers:

Mr Stuart Cowell

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Keywords:

InCreMent

Australian Bush Heritage

Project Information

Outcomes:

1. To improve the integration of science with operational biodiversity conservation management in the private sector as a model that has application across the wider biodiversity conservation sector.

2. To achieve more cost effective conservation outcomes at the property and bio-regional level through the use of accountable (evidence based) reporting methods for biodiversity conservation outcomes.

3. To integrate biodiversity conservation outcomes on private conservation reserves into the wider scientific research framework.

4. To increase investor confidence in the private nature conservation sector as a model for application to other sectors.

5. Provide tools for other organisations or individuals in nature conservation for effective management and reporting towards biodiversity conservation outcomes.

6. To support strategic acquisition and management of nature conservation reserves.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Molecular analysis of vegetation function in fragmented Australian biomes

superuser — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:32:27 +0000

This project aims to improve understanding of plant population viability in fragmented landscapes by providing information on the importance and spatial dependence of genetic and ecological interactions among populations.

IDs and People

Program:

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Program

Program Theme:

Understanding risks and threatening processes

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

CPI13

Host Organisation:

CSIRO Plant Industry

Researchers:

Dr Andrew Young

Subjects

Subjects:

Native Vegetation

Keywords:

Australian biomes

Molecular analysis

Project Information

Outcomes:

1. Quantify the strength, scale and temporal variation of gene flow through pollen and seed movement among vegetation patches in fragmented landscapes in SE NSW and SW WA.

2. Determine the significance of gene flow for seed production, progeny fitness and population viability.

3. Produce spatially explicit models to describe current patterns of inter-patch gene flow in relation to landscape configuration. Develop "landscape leverage" analysis to quantify the influence of different patch populations on local ecological and genetic dynamics and use "landscape leverage" maps to predict effects of landscape changes (habitat loss, altered configuration, revegetation) on species persistence.

4. Develop guidelines to:

a) maximise long-term plant population viability through coordinated management of multiple populations within landscapes at biologically appropriate scales and;

b) improve revegetation success through the strategic placement of vegetation into the landscape that will maximise gene flow and population viability.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete