Stand-level management of plantations to improve biodiversity values |
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Authors: | Jason Cummings Nick Reid |
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Institution: | (1) Ecosystem Management, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia;(2) Present address: Minerals Council of Australia, P.O. Box 4497, Kingston, ACT, Australia |
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Abstract: | As conservation reserves expand, the likelihood that they will capture areas degraded by previous land use increases. Ecological
restoration of such areas will therefore play an increasing role in biodiversity conservation. On the New South Wales North
Coast, recent expansion in the conservation estate has captured over 300 softwood and hardwood plantations, many with understoreys
dominated by exotic weeds. Here we present an overview of the practices we have adopted in managing flooded gum (Eucalyptus grandis) plantations infested with lantana (Lantana camara) to enhance their biodiversity value. Experiments designed to overcome barriers limiting regeneration of native forest in
conjunction with measurement of soil and plant responses yielded insights into the management of former timber plantations
for biodiversity. Canonical Correspondence Analysis indicated that the level of canopy retention (or logging intensity) within
sites consistently explained the greatest amount of variation in plant community composition (32–38% post-treatment). Thinning
and burning stimulated regeneration of native species. Retained canopy cover was proportional to the richness or abundance
of native woody shrubs, understorey trees and native perennial herbs, indicating that management intensity can be varied to
promote a range of conservation values. A state-and-transition model summarising purported management actions and likely outcomes
for these plantations is presented. This is the first time plantations have been managed solely for biodiversity. Logging
income means that plantation restoration can be cost-neutral, and the positive influence of a cover crop of trees means that
plantation management may generally be manipulated to promote biodiversity conservation. |
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Keywords: | State-and-transition model Plantations Biodiversity conservation Restoration Eucalyptus grandis Lantana camara National park Australia |
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