Tippy Gully catchment, Ada River - Ada Forest

Transcription

1 COOL TEMPERATE RAINFOREST BOUNDARY INVESTIGATION REPORT Tippy Gully catchment, Ada River - Ada Forest Investigation into VicForests' Compliance with Cool Temperate Rainforest Ecological Buffer Prescriptions under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act Action Statement #238 for the Threatened Ecological Vegetation Class Cool Temperate Rainforest Abstract VicForests scheduled and now active clear-fell logging coupe was investigated to determine planning and operational compliance with the regulatory framework relevant to the protection of rainforest during logging operations within Victorian State Forest. The rainforest boundary within the ecotone of the rainforest and sclerophyll forest within the study area was identified using the "differential species method" for identifying rainforest boundaries. All rainforest boundary and coupe demarcation location details were recorded and analysed using GPS and GIS mapping software. The results of this process demonstrate that the "ecological rainforest buffer" required to ensure protection of the rainforest stand on site has not been adequately provided and logging activities are intended to occur within this protection zone. Relevant Legislation Code of Practice for Timber Production (Section 2.2.2), Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2007 ; Central Highlands Forest Management Plan (Chapter 3, Biodiversity Conservation), DNRE, East Melbourne, 1998; Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1998) Action Statement #238 Cool Temperate Rainforest; Dry Rainforest (Limestone), Warm Temperate Rainforest (Coastal East Gippsland); Warm Temperate Rainforest (Cool Temperate Overlap; Howe Range); Warm Temperate Rainforest (East Gippsland Alluvial Terraces); Warm Temperate Rainforest (Far East Gippsland); Human activity which results in artificially elevated or epidemic levels of Myrtle Wilt within Nothofagus dominated Cool Temperate Rainforest, Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, June 2009; Management Procedures for timber harvesting, roading and regeneration in Victoria's State forests 2009, Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, October Organisations participant in breach VicForests Status of Site Logging has now commenced in coupe Date of Investigation 26/01/2014, 27/01/2014 Surveyor Andrew Lincoln Date of report 06/02/2014 Author Andrew Lincoln Fauna and Flora Research Collective Inc. asl80@hotmail.com 1

2 Location details Within VicForests scheduled logging coupe in the Tippy Gully catchment of the Ada River in the Ada State Forest. Figure A. Detail from: "Approved Timber Release Plan Map (with all approved amendments applied) Powelltown (East), ( )", VicForests, July 2013 * Investigation location within blue box. See Figure B. on the following page for further detail. 2

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4 Methodology METHOD (1) Rainforest is defined ecologically as closed (>70% projective foliage cover) broad-leaved forest vegetation with a continuous rainforest tree canopy of variable height, and with a characteristic diversity of species and life forms. Rainforest includes closed transitional and seral communities, with emergent eucalypts, that are of similar botanical composition to mature rainforests in which eucalypts are absent. Rainforest canopy species are defined as shade tolerant tree species which are able to establish below an undisturbed canopy, or in small canopy gaps resulting from locally recurring minor disturbances, such as isolated windthrow or lightning strike, which are part of the rainforest ecosystem. Such species are not dependant on fire for their regeneration. Rainforest stands are identified in the field when the tree canopy species are present and conform to the definition described above. The boundary of the rainforest and the adjoining eucalypt forest is often clear in the field. However, in circumstances where further clarification is required, the boundary can be determined by using the differential species approach (DSE 2009). Using the differential species approach, the rainforest boundary is the point where the number of rainforest differential species exceeds the number of eucalypt forest differential species. Note: Special care is required when assessing the presence and extent of rainforest where disturbance, such as fire, disease, windthrow, etc., has temporarily removed the rainforest canopy or has created temporary canopy gaps. In these cases, the differential species approach will be the best indicator of the long-term rainforest boundary. 1 METHOD (2) Where the two [forest differential species] signals are numerically equal is defined ecologically as the actual boundary between the two communities. The boundary is where the rainforest margin and the sclerophyll forest margin meet. This is the point at which the rainforest buffer commences and extends, typically upslope, into the sclerophyll forest. 1. Select the key which best fits your rainforest region, elevation range and climate zone. 2. Ensure the target forest is EITHER rainforest or a sclerophyll forest type commonly associated with rainforest in the area. 3. Avoid grossly or recently disturbed sites such as timber harvesting coupes and associated tracks, road verges, fire lines or recently burnt sites. 4. Search the immediate vicinity for differential species specified in the selected key. 5. Exclude isolated, possibly vagrant, individuals only count populations but allow for differences in size and density of each target species and the availability of suitable habitat. 6. Exclude seedlings and juveniles as these may not survive at the site. 7. Compare strength of rainforest and sclerophyll forest signals by the numerical count of differential species on each list. 8. If the signal is weak and the result unconvincing, extend area of search across the slope rather than up or down the slope. 9. Search for epiphytes on trunks of tree ferns and rainforest trees and on fallen logs, remember to look into the canopy of trees for elevated epiphytes. 10. Search for riparian species in wet or boggy sites. 11. When the signal is both strong and the result convincing decide whether you are standing on the boundary (equal strength of rainforest and sclerophyll forest signals). 12. If the rainforest signal is clearly stronger than the sclerophyll forest signal, move upslope and repeat the search until a strong signal is detected. 13. If the sclerophyll forest signal is clearly stronger than the rainforest signal, move downslope and repeat the search until a strong signal is detected. 14. Repeat the search up or down slope until a strong and clearly balanced signal is detected signalling that you are standing on the rainforest boundary. 15. Mark the elevation of the boundary and measure the horizontal distance (upslope) toward the sclerophyll forest to mark the minimum prescribed width of the rainforest buffer as required in your area. 2 1Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1998) Action Statement #238 Cool Temperate Rainforest; Dry Rainforest (Limestone), Warm Temperate Rainforest (Coastal East Gippsland); Warm Temperate Rainforest (Cool Temperate Overlap; Howe Range); Warm Temperate Rainforest (East Gippsland Alluvial Terraces); Warm Temperate Rainforest (Far East Gippsland); Human activity which results in artificially elevated or epidemic levels of Myrtle Wilt within Nothofagus dominated Cool Temperate Rainforest, Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, June Cameron, David, A Field Guide to Rainforest Identification in Victoria: Differential species keys for the delineation of rainforest boundaries, Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, 2008, p. 17 4

5 Methodology METHOD USED 1. Stands of rainforest, dominated by combinations of Myrtle Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii ) and Southern Sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum), estimated to be at least 0.1 hectares were identified within and/or adjacent to coupe The surrounding sclerophyll forest was dominated by Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans). The location was in the Powelltown district. 2. The forest surrounding the rainforest stand was observed to have been subject to past disturbance. This disturbance was evident from the presence of eucalypt stumps and deadstanding trees bearing marks of previous logging activities likely greater than 50 years old and the consequent lack of undisturbed mature wet sclerophyll forest adjacent to the rainforest stand. (See Appendix B Rainforest in the presence of disturbance ) Given the presence of disturbance identified above the following methodology was employed to assess the presence and extent of rainforest within the study location3: 3. Following the directions set out in A Field Guide to Rainforest Identification in Victoria: Differential species keys for the delineation of rainforest boundaries 4, in particular the section dealing with Central Highlands North-west Cool Temperate Forest Floristic Field Identification Key, species listed as either Differential Species for Central Highlands Cool Temperate Rainforest (CTRF) or species listed as Differential Species for Central Highlands Wet Sclerophyll Forest (WSF) were searched for on the topographical contour around the locations displayed with "green" symbols in the Results section below. 4. Rainforest inspection began within the rainforest core zones at the southern extent of the stand of Cool Temperate Rainforest shown in Figure 1 (Results 3.). From this location the rainforest boundary was identified using the differential species approach; i.e. where there was an even ratio of sclerophyll and rainforest differential species present (i.e. 4/4; 1/1 ratio of differential species), or at least one more rainforest differential species, (i.e. 3 sclerophyll forest species and 4 rainforest species present), thus mapping a line closer towards the rainforest side of the ecotone than the sclerophyll forest. The ecotone was navigated along the rainforest boundary, repeatedly applying the above methodology whilst marking waypoints along the way. 5. This rainforest extent path and coupe demarcation data were recorded as waypoints on a GPS, usually at a distance of less than 10m (and an accuracy < +-10m), and is displayed in the following Results section (Table 1 and Table 2. and Figure 1). 6. This information was analysed using GPS and GIS mapping software the results of which are detailed in the Discussion section of this report. 3 Lincoln, A., Comparison of Rainforest Regulatory Framework and VicForests Field Identification Methodology_V01 AL_FFRC, May Cameron, D.,

6 Results 1 Table A. Differential species searched for and participating in the ecotone at this location: CENTRAL HIGHLANDS NORTH-WEST COOL TEMPERATE FOREST FLORISTIC FIELD IDENTIFICATION KEY (for use in Mountain Ash forests north and west of Noojee in the Toolangi, Marysville, Alexandra and Powelltown districts) Differential species for Central Highlands Cool Temperate Rainforest Abbreviation Nc Am Gb Mp Pb Ha Ra Cv Bn Ab Tb Ut Hf Bc Bf Cap Botanical Name Nothofagus cunninghamii Atherosperma moschatum Grammitis billardierei Microsorum pustulatum Parsonsia brownii Hymenophyllum australe Rumohra adiantiformis Crepidomanes venosum Blechnum nudum Asplenium bulbiferum Todea barbara Uncinia tenella Hymenophyllum flabellatum Blechnum chambersii Blechnum fluviatile Carex appressa Participating Differential in Ecotone/ Species for CH discovered on Cool Temperate site at this Common Name Rainforest location? Myrtle Beech Southern Sassafras Common Finger-fern Kangaroo Fern Twining Silkpod Austral Filmy-fern Leathery Shield-fern Veined Bristle-fern Fishbone Water-fern Mother Spleenwort Austral King-fern NO Delicate Hook-sedge NO Shiny Filmy-fern Lance Water-fern Ray Water-fern Tall Sedge TOTAL: Differential species for Central Highlands Wet Sclerophyll Forest # Abbreviation Pe Cl Za Ca Ps Bm Op Ao Pl Hh Pa Le Botanical Name Pteridium esculentum Correa lawrenceana Zieria arborescens Cassinia aculeata Polyscias sambucifolia Billardiera macrantha Olearia phlogopappa Acacia obliquinervia Prostanthera lasianthos Hydrocotyle hirta Pimelea axiflora Lepidosperma elatius Participating Differential in Ecotone/ Species for CH discovered on Wet Sclerophyll site at this Common Name Forest location? Austral Braken Mountain Correa Stinkwood Common Cassinia Elderberry Panax Purple Apple-berry Dusty Daisy-bush Mountain Hickory-wattle Victoian Christmas Bush Hairy Pennywort Bootlace Bush Tall Sword-sedge TOTAL: 12 Various# # Most Sclerophyll Forest Differential Species were identified on site as present/participating in the ecotone but were not specifically recorded. 6

7 Results 2 (Table 1. and 2. coordinates in GDA 94/MGA zone 55) Table 1. Coupe demarcation data recorded along the eastern and southern boundaries of coupe Waypoint x y Waypoint x y Waypoint x y

8 Results 2 (continued) Table 2. Rainforest boundary data recorded from within/adjacent to coupe Waypoint y Waypoint y Waypoint 7326 x x x y

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11 Discussion 1. The area of Cool Temperate Rainforest discovered on site was > 0.4ha. (> 3.14ha) 2. The rainforest boundary is shown as the green line in Results 3. - Figure 1. generated from the data in Table An area of rainforest of 0.4ha in the Central Highlands of Victoria must be protected by a vegetated buffer of at least 40m (See Appendix A). 4. Figure 1. shows this 40m Ecological Rainforest Buffer as the blue line that extends at a distance of 40m from the rainforest boundary. 5. Figure 1., generated from the data in Table 1., shows that logging coupe demarcation tapes within coupe have been placed within this Ecological Rainforest Buffer. 6. Figure 1., generated from the data in Table 1. and Table 2., shows the area planned to be logged within the Ecological Rainforest Buffer as the red cross-hatched area. Ecological Rainforest Buffer 7. Approximately 0.45 hectares of logging activity has been planned within the 40m Ecological Rainforest Buffer. 8. This logging activity planned within the Ecological Rainforest Buffer is over a distance, running parallel with the rainforest boundary, of approximately 300m. Conclusion 1. Logging coupe demarcation within coupe mean that if logging occurs to the extent of this coupe demarcation that logging will breach the Guidelines and minimum prescriptions to protect FFG-listed rainforest communities during forestry operations on public land under Appendix 1 to the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1998) Action Statement #238 Cool Temperate Rainforest; Dry Rainforest (Limestone), Warm Temperate Rainforest (Coastal East Gippsland); Warm Temperate Rainforest (Cool Temperate Overlap; Howe Range); Warm Temperate Rainforest (East Gippsland Alluvial Terraces); Warm Temperate Rainforest (Far East Gippsland); Human activity which results in artificially elevated or epidemic levels of Myrtle Wilt within Nothofagus dominated Cool Temperate Rainforest, Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, June VicForests must not conduct logging activities and the Department of Environment and Primary Industries must restrain VicForest from logging within the Ecological Rainforest Buffer displayed in Figure 1. 11

12 APPENDIX A Exert from: Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1998) Action Statement #238 Cool Temperate Rainforest [et. al.], Victorian Government Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, June 2009, pages 19 and

13 APPENDIX A (continued) 13

14 APPENDIX B Rainforest in the presence of disturbance Figure i. Previous logging activities that have contributed to the absence of mature wet sclerophyll forest surrounding the rainforest stand on site. Location: WP: 7626, // (GDA94 MGA zone 55) 14

15 Figure ii. Previous logging activities within the rainforest stand identified on site. 15

16 APPENDIX C Figure i. View of the rainforest stand identified within coupe Figure ii. View of a rainforest stand in adjacent coupe damaged by logging activities and regeneration slash burn. 16