The response of fauna and flora to landscape mosaics and implications for land clearing policy.
Report to Land and Water Australia. Dept. of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, Darwin. Griffiths, A.D. et al., 2009
Project TRC07 - Managed through Tropical Savanna CRC
"To investigate the relationship between fragmentation, habitat loss and terrestrial biodiversity we conducted extensive surveys in the Douglas Daly region of the Top End of the Northern Territory in 2007 and 2008. This study shows that the impacts of land clearing on biodiversity are substantial at the scale of individual properties (represented as “landscapes” in this study), even if they retain some areas of native vegetation."
Copy available : NRETAS and DPI Library.
Showing posts with label land clearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label land clearing. Show all posts
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sediment sources and channel dynamics, Daly River, Northern Australia
R.J. Wasson, L. Furlonger, D. Parry, T. Pietsch, E. Valentine and D. Williams, 2009.
Geomorphology doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.06.022
The Daly River occupies a mainly undisturbed large catchment in the Australian wet-dry tropics. Concerns about possible increased sediment input to the River from clearing and cropping has motivated this study of fine sediment sources.
Available through Science Direct
Geomorphology doi:10.1016/j.geomorph.2009.06.022
The Daly River occupies a mainly undisturbed large catchment in the Australian wet-dry tropics. Concerns about possible increased sediment input to the River from clearing and cropping has motivated this study of fine sediment sources.
Available through Science Direct
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The extent of developed and undeveloped agricultural land in the Douglas Daly Region and the application of stream buffers
J. Hill
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Natural Systems Division
The extent of arable land both developed and undeveloped in the Douglas Daly Region has been calculated from land resource mapping originally published by Aldrick and Robinson (1972). All land surveyed was allocated an agricultural capability rating from A to E. The extent of these classes both developed and undeveloped on selected portions has been calculated as well as the total across the study area. In accordance with the land clearing guidelines of the Northern Territory, native buffers have been allocated to various watercourses according to stream order and recommended width. The results are presented in a series of tables with interpretative comments.
This report provides useful information on the amount of area that has the potential to be developed into agricultural lands, which could be used to determine the future land-uses in the area.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on the vertebrate fauna of tropical woodlands, Northern Territory
B. R. Rankmore and O. F. Price
in Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna, 2nd ed. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 2004
Fauna surveys were conducted in cleared areas, remnants of eucalyptus woodlands of various size and degree of isolation, and undisturbed 'continuous' woodland at Litchfield NT and Tipperary NT to determine the effects of clearing and habitat fragmentation on vertebrate fauna populations and distributions. The surveys identified 75 species of birds, mammals, frogs and reptiles of sufficient frequency to analyse. Only 25% of the species used modified land, but most (69%) were recorded in corridors. No species could be confidently classified as an edge specialist. The area or size of remnant vegetation, the total amount of woodland within a four km radius of the fragment, and connectivity all had a strong positive influence on animals occurring within a fragment. Fire regimes and density of trees also had an important influence on animals in remnant woodlands.
in Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna, 2nd ed. Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, 2004
Fauna surveys were conducted in cleared areas, remnants of eucalyptus woodlands of various size and degree of isolation, and undisturbed 'continuous' woodland at Litchfield NT and Tipperary NT to determine the effects of clearing and habitat fragmentation on vertebrate fauna populations and distributions. The surveys identified 75 species of birds, mammals, frogs and reptiles of sufficient frequency to analyse. Only 25% of the species used modified land, but most (69%) were recorded in corridors. No species could be confidently classified as an edge specialist. The area or size of remnant vegetation, the total amount of woodland within a four km radius of the fragment, and connectivity all had a strong positive influence on animals occurring within a fragment. Fire regimes and density of trees also had an important influence on animals in remnant woodlands.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Sedimentation on the Daly River
L. Furlonger
Charles Darwin University
The thesis addressed the important issue of identifying the sources of sediment which could be contributing to the apparent increased sedimentation in the Daly River, which is currently being considered for future large scale agricultural development. For several years, environmentalists and recreational anglers have been raising concerns about increasing levels of sedimentation in the Daly River, leading to speculation about the effects of land clearing in the area. Lillian's research focussed on sourcing the fine sediment in the river and also contributed to quantifying sedimentation rates. Her work has provided valuable scientific input into the debate about sedimentation in the Daly River.
Charles Darwin University
The thesis addressed the important issue of identifying the sources of sediment which could be contributing to the apparent increased sedimentation in the Daly River, which is currently being considered for future large scale agricultural development. For several years, environmentalists and recreational anglers have been raising concerns about increasing levels of sedimentation in the Daly River, leading to speculation about the effects of land clearing in the area. Lillian's research focussed on sourcing the fine sediment in the river and also contributed to quantifying sedimentation rates. Her work has provided valuable scientific input into the debate about sedimentation in the Daly River.
Dynamics in tropical eucalypt forests
J. Woinarski and B. Hill
Land and Water Australia
This fact sheet presents the key findings from the Land & Water Australia managed project: Defining successional patterns and biodiversity values of north Australian eucalypt forests. This study provides major new insights into the dynamics of tropical eucalypt forests, allowing comparison with the dynamics of temperate eucalypt forests. It also provides guidelines for clearing of new re-growth forest versus old growth.
http://products.lwa.gov.au/products/pn21601
Land and Water Australia
This fact sheet presents the key findings from the Land & Water Australia managed project: Defining successional patterns and biodiversity values of north Australian eucalypt forests. This study provides major new insights into the dynamics of tropical eucalypt forests, allowing comparison with the dynamics of temperate eucalypt forests. It also provides guidelines for clearing of new re-growth forest versus old growth.
http://products.lwa.gov.au/products/pn21601
Water Quality in the Daly River - A multi-disciplinary management approach
D. Wilson, P. Cook, L. Hutley, S. J. Tickell and P. Jolly
Department of Natural Resources the Environment and the Arts
The aim of this project was to predict the effects of land clearing on groundwater recharge to the Oolloo aquifer and therefore to spring flows in the Daly River. The current work attempted to understand the physical processes related to recharge. This will provide further scientific basis for the development of land and water management practices and assist in preventing adverse impacts on the ecosystems sustained by spring flows into the Daly River.
This is a summary report, listing the main findings, limitations, and results of the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.
Department of Natural Resources the Environment and the Arts
The aim of this project was to predict the effects of land clearing on groundwater recharge to the Oolloo aquifer and therefore to spring flows in the Daly River. The current work attempted to understand the physical processes related to recharge. This will provide further scientific basis for the development of land and water management practices and assist in preventing adverse impacts on the ecosystems sustained by spring flows into the Daly River.
This is a summary report, listing the main findings, limitations, and results of the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality.
Effects of Land Use on Evapotranspiration and Recharge in the Daly River Catchment
D. Wilson, P. Cook, L. Hutley, S. J. Tickell and P. Jolly
Department of Natural Resources the Environment and the Arts
This project measures components of the water balance under native savannah vegetation and cleared land within the Daly catchment. In particular, the project provides preliminary estimates of evapotranspiration and groundwater recharge beneath these different land uses. A comparison of drainage rates under native and cleared conditions was made using two techniques: (i) a surface water balance, (ii) subsurface water chemistry.
The results of this study must be treated as preliminary, only. This report indicates potentially significant consequences of land clearing. Further work is required to develop and test hypotheses using several years’ of data. Additionally, further work should incorporate a dynamic model of surface and subsurface hydrology to better understand the workings of the system.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Predicting the effects of Clearing on Groundwater Discharge to the Daly River
A. Knapton
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Land and Water Division,
In this study the impacts of changes due to clearing and extraction for irrigation on spring flows have been predicted using analytical and numerical models of groundwater flow. The emphasis of this work was to understand the processes occurring and hence guide the development of land and water practices that will prevent adverse impacts on the ecosystems sustained by spring flows into the Daly River. This report presents the extension of a numerical groundwater model developed by NRETA to assess the likely impacts of development, due to clearing, on the groundwater system and the flows in the Daly River.
Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Land and Water Division,
In this study the impacts of changes due to clearing and extraction for irrigation on spring flows have been predicted using analytical and numerical models of groundwater flow. The emphasis of this work was to understand the processes occurring and hence guide the development of land and water practices that will prevent adverse impacts on the ecosystems sustained by spring flows into the Daly River. This report presents the extension of a numerical groundwater model developed by NRETA to assess the likely impacts of development, due to clearing, on the groundwater system and the flows in the Daly River.
The Daly Report: Part one. An assessment of the terrestrial conservation values of the Daly River Catchment and the threats posed by land clearing and
S. Kennedy
Environment Centre Northern Territory and The Wilderness Society,
This assessment is a review of current existing published and unpublished knowledge of the conservation values of the Daly Basin, and the potential effects of broad scale land clearing on these values. The effects of land clearing on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem processes are investigated, including those that extend beyond the extent of the clearing itself (“ripple effects”). Flora and fauna that could be affected by the clearing are highlighted. Various approaches to landscape conservation and the possible consequences of applying these are investigated.
This assessment covers the effects of land-clearing and the flow on effects of changing the ecosystems, this is very important when considering basin/catchment scale environments. Also included is a critique of the Daly conservation plan with some recommendations.
Environment Centre Northern Territory and The Wilderness Society,
This assessment is a review of current existing published and unpublished knowledge of the conservation values of the Daly Basin, and the potential effects of broad scale land clearing on these values. The effects of land clearing on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem processes are investigated, including those that extend beyond the extent of the clearing itself (“ripple effects”). Flora and fauna that could be affected by the clearing are highlighted. Various approaches to landscape conservation and the possible consequences of applying these are investigated.
This assessment covers the effects of land-clearing and the flow on effects of changing the ecosystems, this is very important when considering basin/catchment scale environments. Also included is a critique of the Daly conservation plan with some recommendations.
Clearing Moves North: A Review of Land Clearing in the Northern Territory
J. Brock
The Environment Centre of the Northern Territory, Major agricultural ventures are proposed for the Katherine and Daly River region (Daly Basin), the Ord River Irrigation Scheme Stage 2, the Sturt Plateau and the Point Stuart/Wildman River area. Clearing of native vegetation for forestry is being undertaken on the Tiwi Islands, with interest in large areas elsewhere in the Top End of the NT. In the greater Darwin and rural area, urban expansion, infrastructure development and expansion of the horticulture industry account for significant vegetation clearing and recent increased rates of clearing.
The Environment Centre of the Northern Territory, Major agricultural ventures are proposed for the Katherine and Daly River region (Daly Basin), the Ord River Irrigation Scheme Stage 2, the Sturt Plateau and the Point Stuart/Wildman River area. Clearing of native vegetation for forestry is being undertaken on the Tiwi Islands, with interest in large areas elsewhere in the Top End of the NT. In the greater Darwin and rural area, urban expansion, infrastructure development and expansion of the horticulture industry account for significant vegetation clearing and recent increased rates of clearing.
Defining successional patterns and biodiversity values of north Australian eucalypt forests
J. Woinarski
NRETA Parks and Wildlife, Land and Water Australia
The objectives of this study are to: evaluate biodiversity and conservation values of tropical eucalypt forest re-growth across a time series; to evaluate biodiversity and conservation values of "mature" eucalypt forests, with specific reference to hollow formation and other attributes that may be useful in definition of "old growth"; and to apply both sets of knowledge to the development of enhanced management of these eucalypt forests, in particular to how re-growth vegetation should be assessed in clearing applications and whether "old growth" is a useful categorisation for these tropical eucalypt forests, whether it can be operationally defined , and whether this can be used in clearing assessments and other management. Management of eucalypt forests in northern Australia is currently hampered by lack of definition and knowledge of the forest dynamics and conservation values.
http://products.lwa.gov.au/products/pn21601
NRETA Parks and Wildlife, Land and Water Australia
The objectives of this study are to: evaluate biodiversity and conservation values of tropical eucalypt forest re-growth across a time series; to evaluate biodiversity and conservation values of "mature" eucalypt forests, with specific reference to hollow formation and other attributes that may be useful in definition of "old growth"; and to apply both sets of knowledge to the development of enhanced management of these eucalypt forests, in particular to how re-growth vegetation should be assessed in clearing applications and whether "old growth" is a useful categorisation for these tropical eucalypt forests, whether it can be operationally defined , and whether this can be used in clearing assessments and other management. Management of eucalypt forests in northern Australia is currently hampered by lack of definition and knowledge of the forest dynamics and conservation values.
http://products.lwa.gov.au/products/pn21601
Landscape design for maintaining ecosystem services in tropical agricultural landscapes
J. Woinarski, Tony Griffiths
NRETA, Tropical Savannahs Management CRC
In Australia's monsoonal tropics, understanding of relationships between vegetation pattern and quality of ecosystem services is rudimentary. As part of a larger and longer-term suite of studies including water availability and quality, this project will examine relationships between designed configurations of retained native vegetation and the protection of local and sub-regional biodiversity, as well as the management challenges and costs created by different approaches to vegetation clearing and retention. Over the medium term, it will also contribute to studies of relationships of vegetation pattern and land use practice with other ecosystem services, including water availability and quality, and the maintenance of cultural values, including Indigenous cultural values.
NRETA, Tropical Savannahs Management CRC
In Australia's monsoonal tropics, understanding of relationships between vegetation pattern and quality of ecosystem services is rudimentary. As part of a larger and longer-term suite of studies including water availability and quality, this project will examine relationships between designed configurations of retained native vegetation and the protection of local and sub-regional biodiversity, as well as the management challenges and costs created by different approaches to vegetation clearing and retention. Over the medium term, it will also contribute to studies of relationships of vegetation pattern and land use practice with other ecosystem services, including water availability and quality, and the maintenance of cultural values, including Indigenous cultural values.
Best practice for sustainable land use in the Northern Territory
T. West
NTHA, Northern Territory Agricultural Association, NHT
Identify indicators of sustainable land use practice, develop guidelines and increase uptake of farming practices that minimise impact on or improve condition of agricultural landscapes. Guidelines have been developed through research and collation of world’s best practice sustainable land use / sustainable agriculture. The draft guidelines framework and content has been formulated through consultation with stakeholders and is presently being trialled with growers in the Top End, Katherine and Arid Zone regions.
Baseline Survey Report - Nov 2005
Best Practice Data Report - June 2006
Identification of Critical Indicators - June 2006
Guidelines published
Initial project completed, follow-on projects commenced.
NTHA, Northern Territory Agricultural Association, NHT
Identify indicators of sustainable land use practice, develop guidelines and increase uptake of farming practices that minimise impact on or improve condition of agricultural landscapes. Guidelines have been developed through research and collation of world’s best practice sustainable land use / sustainable agriculture. The draft guidelines framework and content has been formulated through consultation with stakeholders and is presently being trialled with growers in the Top End, Katherine and Arid Zone regions.
Baseline Survey Report - Nov 2005
Best Practice Data Report - June 2006
Identification of Critical Indicators - June 2006
Guidelines published
Initial project completed, follow-on projects commenced.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Adaptive management of ecologically sustainable development of the Douglas-Daly Region
S. Kenny and B. Freeland
NTCA
Examining issues of concern to landholders in achieving sustainable use of resources in the Daly River region and responses to challenges.
http://www.ntca.org.au/_assets/DouglasDaly_brochure.pdf
http://www.ntca.org.au/douglasdaly/adaptive_mgmt.html
NTCA
Examining issues of concern to landholders in achieving sustainable use of resources in the Daly River region and responses to challenges.
http://www.ntca.org.au/_assets/DouglasDaly_brochure.pdf
http://www.ntca.org.au/douglasdaly/adaptive_mgmt.html
Develop frameworks for irrigation management through case studies and development of a range of indicators of sustainability and associated tools.
J. Camkin and K. Bristow
CSIRO; CRC for Irrigation Futures,
Working with stakeholders to identify and consider issues affecting sustainability of irrigated agriculture. Daly River one study site.
http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/technical2005/tr1-05.pdf
http://www.clw.csiro.au/naif
CSIRO; CRC for Irrigation Futures,
Working with stakeholders to identify and consider issues affecting sustainability of irrigated agriculture. Daly River one study site.
http://www.clw.csiro.au/publications/technical2005/tr1-05.pdf
http://www.clw.csiro.au/naif
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Annual Report on Interim Development Control Order No.12 and Land Clearing Guidelines 2002
L. C. Branch
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment,
An annual report to discuss the Land Clearing Guidelines, which were released in February 2002. Public consultation, meetings and briefings on the guildelines and new controls has encouraged feedback, and the issues raised through this consultation are listed. Also noted are the clearing control operations, compliance and enforcement and the key issues for 2004.
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment,
An annual report to discuss the Land Clearing Guidelines, which were released in February 2002. Public consultation, meetings and briefings on the guildelines and new controls has encouraged feedback, and the issues raised through this consultation are listed. Also noted are the clearing control operations, compliance and enforcement and the key issues for 2004.
Productivity Commission Inquiry into Impacts of Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Regulations
Australian Conservation Foundation, 2003
Most of this report is an overview of the whole country, it is then split into states and territories. Under the Northern Territory section the only area metioned is the Daly River and the amount of land clearing that has occured in the past and the amount that has the potential to be cleared in the furture. This report provides background information into the controls for land clearing, past and present for the Daly River region. It also voices the concerns of the ACF about the continued clearing in the Daly River.
Most of this report is an overview of the whole country, it is then split into states and territories. Under the Northern Territory section the only area metioned is the Daly River and the amount of land clearing that has occured in the past and the amount that has the potential to be cleared in the furture. This report provides background information into the controls for land clearing, past and present for the Daly River region. It also voices the concerns of the ACF about the continued clearing in the Daly River.
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