Following
the initial site surveys along the proposed Lismore Southern Trunk Main and the
discovery of four Threatened flora species, Blackwood Ecology were engaged to undertake additional surveys for Hairy joint grass and Thorny pea along revised sections of the proposed corridor. This project involved detailed mapping of suitable
areas of habitat along the 9.4km long corridor based upon vegetation
associations, topography, hydrology and disturbance history. Surveys involved establishing transects through mapped areas of habitat and recording locations with GPS.
Mapping of areas of suitable habitat and records of Hairy joint grass and
Thorny pea were integral to the final design of the Southern Trunk Main which
was redesigned in places to avoid impacts to these two Threatened species.
MANAGEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT FLORA, PANORAMA FARM, ST HELENA
WARDELL
ROADSIDE VEGETATION SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT OF LOWLAND RAINFOREST EEC
Ecological assessment of a rural property located on the escarpment behind Byron Bay recorded four significant plant species including the Arrow-head vine, Veiny laceflower, Mt Nardi Quassia and an old growth Durobby tree. Blackwood Ecology worked with the farm owner and representatives of the macadamia industry to ensure planned expansion of the macadamia plantation on the property allowed for the maximum yield without impacting upon these plants or large remnant fig trees on the property.
Blackwood
Ecology assisted Ballina Shire Council with an assessment of potential impacts of roadside vegetation slashing on areas of Lowland
Rainforest EEC along Wardell Road. Areas of concern were surveyed and patches
of vegetation potentially meeting the definition and condition thresholds of Lowland Rainforest EEC under the TSC Act
and Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical
Australia TEC under the EPBC Act were mapped.
