AusPlots

AusPlots is a series of replicated continental-scale surveillance plots implemented in rangelands and forest biomes, to be monitored at low intensity via standardised methodologies. AusPlots activities will be aligned with ongoing jurisdiction responsibilities and biodiversity survey programs (e.g. rangelands and forestry monitoring programs run through the respective state and territory agriculture, environment and forestry agencies, and also in partnership with Bush Blitz).

AusPlots reference plot network and the environmental parameters measured

AusPlots reference plot network and data collection

AusPlots–Rangelands Activities

The rangelands cover 81% of Australia and are under stress from the impact of grazing activity by domestic and feral animals, weed invasion, high soil erosion and salinity impacts, and are thought to be susceptible to a disproportionate share of the impact of future climate change.

AusPlots-Rangelands is establishing a network of scientific reference plots across the interior of Australia, building on and enhancing previous monitoring by state and territory governments, as well as pre-existing inter-jurisdictional collaborative structures (e.g. the Australian Collaborative Rangelands Information System – ACRIS). The methodology used to survey these plots is standardised, repeatable, and suitable for each broad vegetation community being studied, and survey location will be stratified on the basis of 'condition', historical disturbance, bioregional coverage and vegetation community type.

AusPlots–Rangelands will provide an excellent basis for understanding arid zone flora and fauna community dynamics and interactions with their environment in the face of increasing anthropogenic disturbances, as well as broad-scale climate change and other disturbances. Understandings gained will provide the basis for sound policy development for the management of this large part of Australia in the face of increasing threats to this system.

AUSPLOTS RANGELANDS BROCHURE

AusPlots-Rangelands Coordinator:

Andrew White
University of Adelaide
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AusPlots–Forests Activities

Forest vegetation covers approximately 21% of Australia. Most of the estimated native forest area (147 million hectares) is dominated by eucalypt (79%) and acacia (7%) forest types. Native forest vegetation is an important contributor to Australia’s biological diversity, soil, carbon and water resources and provides multiple socioeconomic benefits to Australian society. These forests are managed for multiple uses including conservation, recreation and timber production. Key threatening processes to forest vegetation include clearing for cropping and grazing, timber harvesting, the impact of invasive species, altered fire regimes, and the myriad implications of climate change.

AusPlots-Forests will provide the infrastructure and data needed to develop a detailed understanding of baseline forest condition in terms of biodiversity, carbon stocks, soil resources and forest productivity. A series of monitoring plots will be established across the Australian continent. Plot locations will target high priority forest types and draw on a pre-existing network monitoring plots with a particular emphasis on land tenures that ensure long-term maintenance of these plots. The standardised methodology will be based on AusPlots-Rangelands protocols and long-term forest monitoring protocols developed internationally, which ensures that this information can be placed in both a national and global context.

AusPlots-Forests will provide national and international synthesis, assessment of baseline condition and management impact within these forest ecosystems with respect to biodiversity, soils, forest productivity and carbon. This will assist in ensuring the long-term sustainable management of Australia’s forest resources.

Read the feature article about TERN's AusPlots facility in the October 2011 issue of the TERN e-Newsletter.

AusPlots-Forests Coordinator:

Professor David Bowman
University of Tasmania
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If you are in Adelaide on Tuesday 27 March, you might be interested in attending The ACEAS Great Debate as a prelude to the TERN Symposium.

Registration to the 3rd TERN Annual National Symposium is now open. Program and registration information are on the symposium webpage.

TERN's AusCover Facility is holding a Data Users Workshop in Brisbane on 8 March. Visit the web page for links to the program and information on how to register.

TERN's AusPlots Sub-Facility is holding a Field Method Training workshop at the Renmark and Calperum Station Supersite in South Australia, 4-9 March. Limited places available, so get in quick!

In our December newsletter the TERN Director summarises — and celebrates — the huge effort that has gone into creating the TERN network so far. We introduce you to the complex world of the Australian Supersite Network. At workshops in Adelaide and Perth, TERN facilities work with various collaborators; we invite you to get involved in TERN; and there's some wild talk. You'll have to read the newsletter to find out more.

New research supersite will tell woodlands climate story (media release)

What would it take to get you to share (both deposit and use) data in TERN facility portals? If this question interests you join our discussion on LinkedIn.