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ATTACHMENT

How to Prepare a Vegetation Management Plan

(Version 4)

by: Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources

1. Assess the site and determine constraints: flora and fauna (previous studies, endangered species & ecological communities/existing vegetation communities, etc.); habitat and corridor values; topsoil/litter layer quality; hydrology/hydraulics (flooding, surface water runoff/drainage, velocities, water table, etc.); frost areas; fire issues; contaminants; acid sulphate soils; salinity, roads and pathways, railways, airfields, service infrastructure (water, sewerage, gas, electricity, communications); stock and herbivore access (rabbits, hares, ducks, etc.); shadow zones; drainage; topography (slope, aspect, soils, geology, erosion, deposition); weeds and weed sources, risk of vandalism, public safety issues, etc.

2. Define project tasks: describe each task necessary for the implementation of the plan, how each task will be done, the duration of each task, the priority order for each task and who will be responsible for undertaking each task.

3. Prepare a time frame (e.g. Gantt chart): address all tasks in the project.

4. Liaise: contact council Bushcare Officer, landcare or bushcare groups.

5. Provide details on seed collection and propagation: local native species only to be used - identify local native seed sources, check on any licences required - identify who will propagate.

6. Prepare maps/diagrams and plant species lists: describe existing vegetation, constraints, vegetation and natural features to be retained, proposed vegetation (species/communities, zoning from water to land, corridors/linkages, spacings, tubestock/virocells/long stems/direct seeding, etc.), sediment and erosion control, stabilisation works, etc.

7. Provide details on site preparation:

~ protection of plants to be retained

~ installation of sediment and erosion control devices

~ completion of any site works (if any)

~ weed control (techniques and sequences of removal)

~ application of herbicides

~ topsoil/litter layer storage

~ soil remediation

~ surface preparation (levelling, deep ripping, scarifying, mulching, etc.)

~ surface stabilisation - (needs to be suitable for the site/vegetation - erosion matting, mulch, brushmatting, sterile cover crops, binding sprays, etc.)

~ site drainage

8. Describe the planting program and method: detail how it will be done, staging and also consider the installation of weed mats, mulch, stakes & ties, tree guards and the use of fertiliser types (justify their need), water-retaining crystals, etc.

9. Describe site and vegetation maintenance: sediment and erosion control, watering, replacement of plant losses, weed control, disease and insect control, mulch, etc. (Note: DNR requires a minimum of two years maintenance after last plantings completed).

10. Describe the monitoring and review process: include a method of performance evaluation, assessing the need for replacing plant losses, addressing deficiencies and six-monthly reporting.

11. Address other issues: signage, relevant legislation, planning instruments/ guidelines, OH&S, community involvement, liaison with DNR and others, how other parts of the site and adjacent areas can be managed to compliment the vegetation strategy (weed control, drainage, etc.), etc.

12. Prepare a costing: for the implementation of all stages and all components of the work - show details on unit cost, materials, labour, monitoring/maintenance/ reporting, etc.

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