Capital Groundcover Management Plan - Amazon...
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suite 1, 216 carp st (po box 470) bega nsw 2550 australia t 61 2 6492 8333
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bathurst nsw 2795 australia
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dunsborough wa 6281 australia
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Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover
Management Plan
MARCH 2014
suite 1, 216 carp st (po box 470) bega nsw 2550 australia t 61 2 6492 8333
www.nghenvironmental.com.au e [email protected]
room 15, 341 havannah st (po box 434)
bathurst nsw 2795 australia
0488 820 748
unit 18, level 3, 21 mary st
surry hills nsw 2010 australia
t (02) 8202 8333
suite 1, 39 fitzmaurice st (po box 5464)
wagga wagga nsw 2650 australia
t (02) 6971 9696
unit 17, 27 yallourn st (po box 62)
fyshwick act 2609 australia
t (02) 6280 5053
(po box 1037)
dunsborough wa 6281 australia
(08) 9759 1985
Document Verification
Project Title: Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
Project Number: 5404
Project File Name: Capital_Groundcover_Management_Plan_Final_v1.1.docx
Revision Date Prepared by (name) Reviewed by (name) Approved by (name)
Final v1.0 20/03/14 Dave Maynard Brooke Marshall Brooke Marshall
Final v1.1 25/03/14 Dave Maynard Brooke Marshall Brooke Marshall
nghenvironmental prints all documents on environmentally sustainable paper including paper made from bagasse (a by-
product of sugar production) or recycled paper.
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Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 i
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 THE PROJECT........................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ASSESSMENTS AND PLANS ........................................................................ 1
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THIS PLAN AND APPROACH ........................................................................................ 1
2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION .................................................................................................. 7
2.1 NATIVE GROUNDCOVER VEGETATION AND ITS CONDITION .............................................................. 7
2.2 DISTURBANCE AND WEEDS ................................................................................................................. 7
3 REVIEW OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS ............................................................................................. 10
3.1 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS ................................................................................................................. 10
3.2 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS .................................................................................................................... 10
4 GROUNDCOVER MONITORING ................................................................................................ 11
4.1 OBJECTIVES OF MONITORING ........................................................................................................... 11
4.2 MONITORING PROGRAM TIMING ..................................................................................................... 11
4.3 SURVEY PROTOCOL ........................................................................................................................... 11
4.4 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF MONITORING DATA ................................................................ 12
5 GROUNDCOVER MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS .......................................................................... 14
5.1 MINIMAL DISTURBANCE PROTOCOL ................................................................................................. 14
5.2 WEED CONTROL PROTOCOL .............................................................................................................. 15
5.3 REHABILITATION PROTOCOL ............................................................................................................. 18
5.4 GRAZING MANAGEMENT .................................................................................................................. 21
5.5 REPORTING OF ANNUAL MONITORING PROTOCOL .......................................................................... 22
5.6 RESPONSE TO ANNUAL MONITORING PROTOCOL............................................................................ 23
6 CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................... 24
7 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 25
APPENDIX A MAP OF NTG WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENT SITE AND ADJACENT OFFSET LANDS ......... A-I
APPENDIX B MONITORING DATA SHEET ....................................................................................... B-I
APPENDIX C PALERANG SHIRE COUNCIL LOCAL NOXIOUS WEEDS MANAGEMENT PLAN ................ C-I
APPENDIX D MONITORING PLOT DATA PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION ............................................... D-I
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TABLES
Table 1-1 Details of how each relevant statement of commitment and consent condition has been
addressed by this management plan. ............................................................................................................ 3
Table 2-1 Noxious weeds at the subject site and their distribution .............................................................. 8
FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Images of noxious weeds at the subject site ............................................................................... 9
Figure 2-2 Western area in November 2013 following weed control activities in February 2013 ............... 9
Figure 4-1 Monitoring plot arrangement .................................................................................................... 12
Figure 4-2 Distribution of vegetation types within the project area and indicative plot layout ................. 13
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
BA Biodiversity Assessment
CEMP Construction Environmental Management Plan
CMA Catchment Management Authority
DoE (Commonwealth) Department of Environment, formerly Department of
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
DP&I (NSW) Department of Planning and Infrastructure
DSEWPaC Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and
Communities
FFMP Flora and Fauna Management Plan
EEC Endangered Ecological Community
EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
LHPA Livestock Health and Pest Authority
NSW New South Wales
NTG Natural Temperate Grassland
OEH (NSW) Office of Environment and Heritage, formerly Department of
Environment, Climate Change and Water
PV Photovoltaic
SoC Statement of Commitment
sp/spp Species/multiple species
WFCMP White-fronted Chat Management Plan
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Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE PROJECT
The approved Capital Solar Farm is proposed in the Southern Tablelands of NSW, on farmland adjacent to
the existing Capital Wind Farm and substation, approximately 6 kilometres north-east of Bungendore and
30 kilometres east of Canberra and Queanbeyan. The project encompasses the construction and
operation of approximately 50MW of photovoltaic (PV) arrays over an area of approximately 100
hectares. It includes associated electrical infrastructure, maintenance facilities, access tracks and minor
upgrades to adjacent roads.
1.2 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ASSESSMENTS AND PLANS
A Biodiversity Assessment (BA) was completed in October 2010 as part of an environmental assessment
for the project (nghenvironmental 2010a). The BA discussed in detail the potential indirect impacts to
native groundcover within areas that would be covered by the solar arrays, due to altered microclimate.
The BA identified a paucity of published information relating to the effects of solar farms on native
groundcover within Australia. The degree of impact to vegetation composition and cover from factors
such as reduced light, altered moisture distribution and near ground wind levels following the installation
of the PV arrays cannot be predicted with certainty. Specific mitigation measures to minimise impacts to
groundcover form part of the project’s consent conditions, including the commitment to prepare a
management plan to monitor and respond to adverse groundcover impacts, as required.
The plan forms a sub-plan of the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for the project
and is linked to the Flora and Fauna Management Sub-Plan (FFMP).
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THIS PLAN AND APPROACH
This management plan has been prepared to address relevant statements of commitment made by the
proponent and the conditions of approval for the project as outlined below. It consists of a monitoring
program to identify changes in the groundcover under the arrays and a set of management measures to:
1. Maintain groundcover to resist weed invasion and erosion
2. Manage groundcover to maintain or improve its biodiversity values particularly with respect to
Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG).
Background information is included to provide context to the monitoring and management protocols.
This plan is structured as follows:
• Background information
• Groundcover monitoring methodology
• Management protocols specific to:
o Minimising disturbance
o Weed control
o Rehabilitation of temporarily disturbed areas
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o Grazing
o Responding to the results of monitoring
While the monitoring program is specific to detecting changes in groundcover vegetation within the array
area, management protocols for minimising disturbance, weed control and rehabilitation, apply to the
entire project site. Table 1-1 below identifies the statements of commitment and conditions of consent
(State and Federal) relevant to groundcover management and how they have been addressed in this
plan.
The NSW OEH has also been consulted with regard to refining the monitoring protocol (John Briggs, Unit
Head, Flora and Vegetation Management, Ecosystems and Threatened Species, South East Region).
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Table 1-1 Details of how each relevant statement of commitment and consent condition has been addressed by this management plan.
ID Commitment/condition Comment Section Reference
Statements of commitment
10 A groundcover management plan would be developed in consultation
with an agronomist that would include regular monitoring of vegetation
cover and composition and allow for adaptive management.
This plan would aim to maintain thick and continuous pasture cover
across the site including during winter and drought periods if possible
and viable.
Preference would be given to native species however, the aim of the
plan will be to ensure ground cover and may therefore require that
non-native species be considered.
Where information on establishment of groundcover under shade is
lacking, trials may be required onsite to test suitable shade tolerant
groundcover varieties for planting if required.
This management plan satisfies this commitment. It
has been developed with reference to several
botanical investigations of the site over several
years. The input of an agronomist was not
considered necessary in developing the protocols
contained herein. Consultation with an agronomist
is included within this plan’s protocols, where
rehabilitation targets are not being met.
Entire document
14 The noxious weed Serrated Tussock will require control before, during
and following the works. Soil disturbance should be minimised to
reduce germination. A herbicide strategy should be used which
minimises the potential for resistance, and minimises impacts to non-
target grasses.
The weed control protocol provided in this
document satisfies this commitment.
Section 5.2
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ID Commitment/condition Comment Section Reference
15 A weed management plan would be developed for the site including
but not limited to the following outcomes:
• The control of noxious weeds recorded on the site
• Preventative measures for the spread or introduction of
weeds, including machinery washdown and sourcing
weed free sediment control materials.
• Monitoring of control and preventative measures and
ongoing adaptive management
The weed control protocol provided in this
document satisfies this commitment.
Section 5.2 and 5.4
NSW Department of Planning Conditions of Consent
C17 b) a Ground Cover Management Plan, developed in consultation with
DECCW and an agronomist, to outline measures to ensure adequate
vegetation cover and composition beneath the solar PV array. The Plan
shall include, but not necessarily be limited to
This management plan satisfies this commitment.
The input of an agronomist was not considered
necessary in developing the protocols contained
herein. Consultation with an agronomist is included
within this plan’s protocols, where rehabilitation
targets are not being met. The NSW OEH
(previously DECCW have been consulted
throughout the preparation of this plan.
Entire document
i) procedures to minimise disturbance to ground cover not impacted by
the project particularly in the area of the native pasture in good
condition;
Section 5.1
ii) procedures for the stabilisation, rehabilitation and revegetation of
disturbed ground cover including reference to field trials where
required;
Section 5.3 and 5.4
iii) weed management measures to control and prevent the spread of
noxious weeds;
Section 5.2
iv) monitoring methods to assess the impact of the project on the ground
cover vegetation; and
Section 4
v) a procedure to review management methods where they are found to
be ineffective.
Section 5.4
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ID Commitment/condition Comment Section Reference
F8 The proponent shall implement a revegetation and rehabilitation
program for all areas of the development footprint which are disturbed
during the construction of the project but, which are not required for
the ongoing operation of the project including temporary construction
facility sites and sections of construction access roads, The Proponent
shall ensure that all revegetation measures are implemented
progressively where possible and in all cases within six months of the
cessation of construction activities at the relevant area. Unless
otherwise agreed to by the Director-General, the Proponent shall
monitor and maintain the health of all revegetated areas until such
time that the plantings have been verified by an independent and
suitably qualified expert (whose appointment has been agreed to by
the Director -General) as being established, in good health and self
sustaining.
The rehabilitation protocol provided in this
document satisfies this condition
Section 5.3
EPBC Conditions of Consent
2 To assist in mitigating the impacts of the proposal on NTG, the person
taking the action must prepare and submit a NTG Management Plan
(NTGMP) for the Minister's written approval prior to commencement of
the action. The NTGMP must include:
This Groundcover Management Plan has been
prepared in consultation with the DoE and satisfies
the requirements of the NTG Management Plan
within the Development Site. This management
plan applies to all groundcover within the array
area which includes the total occurrence of NTG
within the development site.
Entire document
a Management actions designed to improve the ecological quality of NTG
on the project area (refer to Map at Schedule 1) and offset lands and
protect it from degradation for the duration of the action's impact on
NTG
This management plan outlines four (4)
management protocols designed to protect NTG
within the project area from further degradation
and improve the quality of NTG over time. An
additional two (2) protocols ensure that this
management is adaptive for the duration of the
actions impact.
Section 5
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ID Commitment/condition Comment Section Reference
b Regeneration and revegetation strategies for NTG on the site of the
action and the proposed biodiversity offset area (refer to Map at
Schedule 1) to improve the ecological quality of these areas of NTG
The rehabilitation protocol provided in this
document satisfies this condition with regards to
revegetation on the site of the action. The minimal
disturbance, weed control and grazing management
protocols will promote ongoing regeneration and
improvements in ecological quality.
Section 5.3, 5.1, 5.2
and 5.4
c An ecological monitoring program to monitor the success of the
management actions in the NTG and define measurable targets of
management actions, performance indicators, and an adaptive
management framework for the duration of the action's impact on
NTG.
This management plan outlines a detailed
monitoring program to monitor the condition of
NTG within the site of the action. It includes
statistical analysis to demonstrate changes in
groundcover composition and protocols to report
and adaptively respond to monitoring results
Section 4, 5.5 and 5.6
Text from Environmental Assessment (page numbers provided as ID)
p20 Once the construction phase has finished, any tracks not used for
normal farming practice or PV array maintenance would be
rehabilitated, or reduced to a width of 3-5 metres, subject to
consultation with the landowner.
The rehabilitation protocol provided in this
document satisfies this commitment
Section 5.3
p25 Weed control would be undertaken seasonally and as required using a
spray unit mounted on a vehicle. Groundcover vegetation around the
panel rows would be either slashed or grazed by sheep to maintain an
effective height below the panels.
The weed control and grazing management
protocols provided in this document satisfies this
commitment.
Section 5.2 and 5.4
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2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
2.1 NATIVE GROUNDCOVER VEGETATION AND ITS CONDITION
At the time of the Biodiversity Assessment (2010), the area where the solar array is to be located was
comprised of grazed native grassland on soils derived from both granitic and metasedimentary geology.
While generally dominated by native grasses and sedges (particularly Corkscrew Grass Austrostipa scabra
ssp falcata and Curly Sedge Carex bichenoviana), the pasture supported very few native forb or woody
species.
The Biodiversity Assessment for the project (nghenvironmental 2010a) determined that the grassland
was most likely to be derived from the surrounding Snow Gum Ribbon Gum Grassland, possibly in a
mosaic with natural grassland and ephemeral wetland assemblages. Some valley floor and low-lying areas
are dominated by Swamp Tea-tree (Leptospermum myrtifolium) with a dense Curly Sedge groundcover.
Following consultation with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and the then
Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
(DSEWPaC, now the Department of Environment), further investigation by nghenvironmental
(nghenvironmental 2012) identified that much of the grassland within the western half of the project site
and a smaller area in the east could be considered to be Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG), an
Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The distribution of NTG within the development site and adjacent
offset lands is mapped in Appendix A.
As part of this investigation, extensive surveying of vegetation condition was undertaken, demonstrating
while some small areas were in good condition, the majority of the native vegetation was found to be in
relatively poor condition as a result of extensive grazing. The distribution of the vegetation types within
the project area at the time of the Biodiversity Assessment is shown on Figure 4-2.
2.2 DISTURBANCE AND WEEDS
Forests and woodlands have been cleared and thinned at the site to provide pasture. Clearing and
agriculture has produced a range of direct and indirect impacts to flora habitats, including altered
microclimate, loss of fauna responsible for pollination and dispersal, sheet erosion of soils, watercourse
bed incision and damming, localised sedimentation and elevated soil nutrients. Gully erosion in drainage
lines is widespread and active in some parts of the subject site.
Agricultural activities have also resulted in the colonisation of a range of introduced plant species, with
greatest displacement of natives occurring in moister, more fertile valley floor areas. In many areas,
grazing has reduced or eliminated selectively grazed or grazing sensitive species, such as Kangaroo Grass
(Themeda australis), terrestrial orchids, forbs, wattles and pea shrubs.
Minor pasture weed species were common across the majority of the study area. Several noxious weeds
declared for the Palerang Shire Council Area under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 were recorded at the
subject site. The status and distribution of these weeds at the site are summarised in Table 2-1. Images to
assist in identification are provided in Figure 2-1
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All of the recorded noxious weeds are listed as Class 4 weeds, meaning that the growth and spread of the
plant must be controlled according to the measures specified in a management plan published by the
local control authority.
Table 2-1 Noxious weeds at the subject site and their distribution
Weed species Status Abundance and distribution
African Boxthorn
*Lycium ferocissimum
Class 4 Central solar farm site and transmission line route
African Lovegrass
*Eragrostis curvula
Class 4 Sparsely scattered at site, some sprayed
Paterson’s Curse
*Echium plantagineum
Class 4 Uncommon in pasture across the site
Scotch Thistle
*Onopordum acanthium
Class 4 Widespread in pasture across the site
Serrated Tussock
*Nassella trichotoma
Class 4 Widespread across the site, some sprayed. Particularly
dense in parts of transmission corridor.
Sweet Briar
*Rosa rubiginosa
Class 4 Widespread in pasture across the site, particularly within
the eastern paddock of proposed solar farm site
African Boxthorn
African Lovegrass
Paterson’s Curse
Scotch Thistle
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Serrated Tussock
Sweet Briar
Figure 2-1 Images of noxious weeds at the subject site
Noxious weed control activities in February 2013 (independent of the solar farm project) resulted in
extensive modification of the western area where exotic species are now dominant (Figure 2-2). This area
comprised the majority of the Natural Temperate Grassland within the array area. In addition, surveys
conducted to collect baseline pre-construction data (refer to Appendix D) during 2013 identified that the
condition of the native grassland in the eastern area has further degraded due to continued high grazing
pressure and weed invasion, particularly by Serrated Tussock.
Figure 2-2 Western area in November 2013 following weed control activities in February 2013
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3 REVIEW OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS
3.1 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
The environmental assessment for the project estimated that around 20-22 ha of groundcover vegetation
would be removed for the construction of the solar farm. Most of this clearing will result from the
establishment of the perimeter and internal access tracks. The access tracks required during the
construction phase may need to be up to 8 metres wide (worst case scenario), but could be scaled back
to 3-5 metres width for the operational phase of the project. An additional one hectare of native
grassland may also be cleared during the construction of the transmission line access track.
Approximately 500 m2 (0.05 ha) of native groundcover within the PV array area will be removed for the
pile driven steel posts that are to support the array.
Approximately 2.7 ha of native grassland would be affected during construction for compound and
laydown areas but would be rehabilitated at the end of the construction period according to the
rehabilitation measures outlined in Section 5.3.
3.2 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS
Once construction has been completed, the solar farm will affect grassland at the site in two ways;
through microclimatic changes, particularly in terms of rainfall distribution, shading from ground covering
by the solar array and through trampling of vegetation caused by vehicle movements within the array
area required for maintenance activities. The predicted impacts are discussed further below.
Rainfall distribution
There will be a concentration of rainfall runoff in a strip below the lower edge of the solar panel
rows. This will increase rain splash intensity and soil erosion potential in this area during heavy
rainfall events. A rain shadow below the solar panel rows will also be created. Soil in this area
may be drier than surrounding soil, but this will be offset by reduced evapo-transpiration losses
due to shading and reduced air movement, variations in the angle of rainfall and lateral
movement of soil water from adjacent rain-exposed areas. The soil is known to be sandy and
free-draining which may assist to even out differences in soil moisture.
Shading
The total area of permanent shading has been modelled to be 38.44% of the area under the
array (Suntech Shading Analysis, included within the Offset Plan for the project;
nghenvironmental 2013) affecting 28.18 ha of low quality native groundcover. 61.66% (45.11 ha)
will be partially shaded depending on the season and time of day.
As discussed within nghenvironmental (2013), the shading effect is likely to lead to reduced
insolation and daytime temperatures and result in lower rates of plant growth and biological
productivity under the array. Growth may be offset by increased soil moisture in some seasons
but the shading is likely to result in some shift in species composition (favouring more shade
tolerant species).
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Vehicle movements within the array
Periodically, vehicles will be required to move between the rows of solar panels for access and
maintenance. This activity may result in compaction of the soil which may impede vegetation
growth. The risk of compaction is particularly high during periods where the soils are wet..
Vehicle, equipment and the movement of personnel also provides a vector for the introduction
and spread of weeds at the site. The current highly degraded and weedy nature of the site is
documented within the Biodiversity Assessment (nghenvironmental 2010a) and summarised
above in Section 2.2.
The groundcover monitoring protocol in Section 4 and the management measures outlined in Section 5
within this plan, will allow for adaptive management to avoid and minimise these impacts.
4 GROUNDCOVER MONITORING
4.1 OBJECTIVES OF MONITORING
The effects of the PV panel arrays on native groundcover vegetation at the Capital Solar Farm site cannot
be predicted with certainty. The primary objective of this monitoring is to determine these effects. This
information can then provide a trigger for additional management, where required, and be utilised to
tailor remedial actions. It is intended that the monitoring results will also address a paucity of research
information on this topic in Australian temperate grasslands.
4.2 MONITORING PROGRAM TIMING
Monitoring will be undertaken annually during late spring (November). This timing is considered most
suitable as the number of native forb species that are able to be detected is maximised.
The surveys require an experienced botanist and are optimally undertaken by the same person, to reduce
variations due to subjective assessments (for example in estimating percentage ground cover).
For at least the first three years, data will be collected annually by a suitably qualified person and
reported to the OEH. After three years the monitoring and reporting interval will be extended to every 3
years up to a total monitoring period of 15 years.
4.3 SURVEY PROTOCOL
Permanent 1m x 10m monitoring plots have been established throughout the array area. Plots are
grouped in threes and located in the following areas:
• Areas in permanent shade, directly beneath panels
• Areas in partial shade, located 0.5 metres south of the trailing edge of the panels
• Areas between panels that will receive the most sun, 0.5 metres north of the leading edge
of the panels
The arrangement of each group of plots is illustrated in Figure 4-1.
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Figure 4-1 Monitoring plot arrangement
Twelve groups of plots have been placed across the array area (five in the western paddock and seven in
the eastern paddock). For each group of monitoring plots a “control plot” has been established in areas
not affected by the PV arrays (within the development site, to the north of the array). Control plots
consist of a single 1m x 10m plot. The layout of the monitoring plots is provided in Figure 4-21.
For each plot the following will be recorded on data sheets as provided in Appendix A:
• Species richness using Braun Blanche or percentage cover estimates in 10% classes. Where
cover is < 5% for a species the number of individuals in the plot will be counted.
• Total biomass using the rising plate method. Measurements will be taken at one metre
intervals along the plot and then averaged to give a single figure for each plot.
In addition to the plot data recorded above, incidental records of any noxious weeds will also be recorded
across the broader site.
Data will be collected by an experienced botanist. Where possible, the same person will collect data to
minimise variation in recording.
4.4 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF MONITORING DATA
Given the high levels of recent disturbance within the western paddock, data collected for the western
and eastern paddocks will be analysed separately. The data will be analysed using ordination analysis
within statistical software to determine whether a significant change in the variables within each plot is
occurring. The data will also be used to inform the requirement for management actions such as weed
control or seeding/planting as outlined in the response to monitoring protocol. Base line data was
collected during the establishment of the plots in November 2013 and is provided in Appendix D.
1 The location of the plots was based on the concept design plans of the array area. Subsequent refinements
have been made in the preliminary design stages as shown in Figure 4-2. Following construction, the precise
location of plots will be modified to ensure placement is in accordance with the design in Figure 4-1 and that
the number of monitoring and control plots is maintained.
Panel array
Monitoring plots 4m
3.8m
3m
2m
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Figure 4-2 Distribution of vegetation types within the project area and indicative plot layout
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Vegetation types
Box-Gum Woodland
Box-Gum Woodland Derived
Grassland
Brittle Gum Dry Forest
Brittle Gum Dry Forest Derived
Grassland
Broad-leaved Peppermint
regrowth forest
Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG)
Curley Sedge dominated NTG
Myrtle Tea Tree dominated NTG
Ribbon Gum - Snow Gum
Grassy Woodland
Ribbon Gum - Snow Gum
Derived Grassland (RSDGL)
Bracken dominated RSDGL
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5 GROUNDCOVER MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS
Six protocols have been developed to manage impacts to ground cover as a result of the construction and operational phase of the Capital Solar Farm:
1. Minimal disturbance: most relevant to construction impacts
2. Weed controls: required throughout construction and operation
3. Rehabilitation: required at the end of construction
4. Grazing management
5. Reporting
6. Response to monitoring
5.1 MINIMAL DISTURBANCE PROTOCOL
OBJECTIVE: Minimise disturbance to ground cover not permanently impacted by the project
The following protocol outlines procedures to minimise disturbance to ground cover not permanently impacted by the project particularly in any areas in good condition or
those that are subject to monitoring. This protocol applies during construction and operation.
ID ACTIVITY PROTOCOL Responsibility
1 Define areas in good condition: • With input from an ecologist, areas of good condition (defined as
groundcover vegetation that scored a 10 or higher within the
Natural Temperate Grassland Comparative Quality Assessment;
nghenvironmental 2012) will be clearly marked on the ground for
avoidance (for example: flagging, paint, pegs). These areas are
additional to those areas identified as constraints within the
CEMP FFMP and do not necessarily coincide with monitoring
plots.
EPC Construction
Manager
2 Communicate about areas in good condition
and those utilised for monitoring:
• The locations of areas in good condition and monitoring plots will
be made known to all on ground staff (annotated site plans to be
displayed in lunch room or site office).
• Specific management required near areas in good condition and
monitoring plots will be discussed in environmental inductions.
EPC Construction
Manager
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 15
ID ACTIVITY PROTOCOL Responsibility
3 Activities in areas in good condition: • No spoil, rubbish or construction materials are to be placed in
areas in good condition
• No vehicles, equipment or machinery are to enter good condition
areas unless absolutely necessary for construction or to complete
maintenance or other management actions (for example weed
control).
EPC Construction
Manager
4 Activities within monitoring plots • No vehicles or heavy machinery are to enter monitoring plots
unless absolutely necessary for construction
• Post construction, any disturbance within monitoring plots would
be avoided unless it is an activity that is occurring across the
entire area of the array such as grazing or slashing. If access is
required for other maintenance or management activities, this
would be on foot and minimised where possible.
EPC Construction
Manager
5 Activities in all other areas: • Vehicle, equipment and machinery movements will be confined
to disturbed areas or formalised tracks wherever possible.
• Vehicles, equipment and machinery will not be parked in areas
outside of disturbed areas or formalised tracks for periods in
excess of 24 hours.
EPC Construction
Manager
5.2 WEED CONTROL PROTOCOL
OBJECTIVE: Treat existing weeds / minimise new infestations
The protocol below ensures that all relevant weed control mitigation measures are followed during construction works. This protocol applies to the entire
development site.
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 16
ID ACTIVITY PROTOCOL Responsibility
6 Treat existing infestations: • Treat existing weed infestations in accordance with the noxious
weed management methods outlined below this table
EXCLUDING White-fronted Chat habitat, identified within the
White-fronted Chat Management Plan (WFCMP). Control of
noxious weeds within these areas are to be undertaken
according to the recommendations that are reported as a result
of monitoring that is undertaken according the WFCMP. No
weed control activities would be undertaken in these areas prior
to the provision of the first WFCMP monitoring report.
• Herbicides will be selected to minimise impacts on non-target
species. Palerang Council or a qualified person (ecologist or
agronomist) will be consulted to determine suitable herbicides
based on the weeds present at the site prior to treatment.
•
EPC Construction
Manager
7 Minimise new infestations: • Minimise the area of disturbance by implementing the
Vegetation Clearing Protocol within the Flora and Fauna
Management Plan.
• Imported fill and hay bales, if required, will be weed free
(confirmed by supplier).
• Vehicle and machinery movements and temporary storage of
equipment/materials will be confined to disturbed areas and
defined tracks where possible.
• Vehicles and machinery will be cleaned (tyres brushed or washed
down) prior to accessing and leaving areas where noxious weeds
have been identified.
• Post works, rehabilitate all disturbed areas according to the
Rehabilitation Protocol in Section5.3.
EPC Construction
Manager
8 Reuse of weedy material: • Mulched vegetation, if non-weedy, can be used in rehabilitation
works however, weedy vegetation cannot be reused. The status
of the material will be confirmed by the environmental site
officer or ecologist.
• Weedy vegetation will be treated onsite in preference to carting
it away for disposal (mulching preferred over burning). Cartage
of weedy material carries risk of spreading infestations.
EPC Construction
Manager
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 17
ID ACTIVITY PROTOCOL Responsibility
9 Maintain records: • A map(s) will be prepared identifying the locations of existing
noxious weed infestations. Maps will be updated following the
groundcover monitoring if material changes are identified.
• Methods used for weed control and the timing of weed control
activities will be documented.
CSFPL Site Manager
Noxious Weed Management Methods
The works areas contain a number of Class 4 noxious weeds as outlined in Section 2.2. Class 4 weeds must be controlled according to the measures specified in a
management plan published by the local control authority.
The proposal is located within the Palerang Council Local Control Area. Palerang Council have produced a Noxious Weeds Policy which includes a management plan
for Class 4 noxious weeds. The most up to date policy and other relevant noxious weed information from Palerang Council can be found on their website at
http://www.palerang.nsw.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=495794:local-noxious-weeds-management-plan&catid=211&Itemid=757. A
copy of this is provided in Appendix C.
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 18
5.3 REHABILITATION PROTOCOL
OBJECTIVE: Successfully rehabilitate temporarily disturbed areas
Procedures for the stabilisation, rehabilitation and revegetation of disturbed groundcover are required as part of the project’s consent conditions. The following
protocol will be implemented to maximise the success of rehabilitation in areas that are temporarily disturbed such as the laydown area and temporary access
routes. The objective of this protocol is to rapidly re-establish stable surfaces resistant to erosion and weed ingress and to ultimately return disturbed areas to their
undisturbed state.
Activity PROTOCOL Responsibility
10 During
construction
works:
• Non-weedy top soils from excavation will be stored separately and respread prior to
rehabilitation. Trenches will be filled such that top soil is placed above subsoil in the
trench.
• Where practicable, whole sods will be removed with an excavator where these areas
are well-vegetated with dense root systems. Sods will be stored in moist, shaded
conditions and replaced following the works. Sod storage time will be minimised and
sods will be replaced in a manner that maximises the chances of re-establishment.
• Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated progressively throughout the construction phase
as outlined in the after construction work activity below.
Ecologist to identify weedy
areas where top soil is not to
be reused.
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 19
11 After
construction
works:
• In all areas, native species that were present prior to disturbance will be used for
reseeding. A mix of native species that were present prior to disturbance would be
appropriate and may include species such as Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata,
Microlaena stipoides, Themeda australis, Rytidosperma spp. and Bothriochloa macra.
Seed will be sourced from local province stock2.
• In areas with limited topsoil, hydromulch or imported non-weedy topsoil will be used.
• If rainfall is insufficient to establish the growth of vegetation, reseeded areas will be
watered weekly until plants are established and self-sufficient (evidenced by
germination and active growth of seeded species based on weekly monitoring). If
germination is not occurring within two (2) weeks of reseeding, follow-up works would
be considered as outlined below.
• In rehabilitation areas that are actively grazed, stock will be restricted until a stable
surface (70% grass cover) is achieved.
• The success of the rehabilitation works will be monitored on a monthly basis post
works to ensure stable surfaces (70% grass cover) are achieved within three (3)
months of the commencement of rehabilitation. Follow-up works would be conducted
if this is not achieved.
• Follow-up works may include, surface ripping or scarification, using additives during
watering to assist in water penetration, weed control and reseeding, as required by
monitoring.
Notes:
Additional strategies may be required to achieve 70% cover, dependent on season, amount of top soil
and species selected.
Strategies will involve an ecologist or agronomist where 70% cover has not been achieved within three
months of the commencement of rehabilitation activities.
Site Construction Manager to
ensure rehabilitation is
undertaken as soon as possible
as works progress.
Site Construction Manager to
ensure grass cover achieves
70% before ceasing
maintenance and monitoring
of these areas.
Benchmarks and indicators
2 Substantial lead time may be required to obtain appropriate seed stock. It is recommended that local seed suppliers are engaged as early as possible to ensure that seed
can be provided when required
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 20
The protocols will be adapted as required to ensure the objective is achieved. Indicators to be monitored will include:
• Percentage grass cover – 70% is the minimum required
• Weed ingress – bare ground is susceptible to weed infestation.
• Active soil erosion - bare ground is susceptible to soil erosion, further reducing the ability to re-establish ground cover
Additional resources
Restoration techniques can range from simply replacement of top soil, allowing the natural seed bank to germinate, through to importation of topsoil and planting of tube
stock. Maintenance (watering and follow-up seeding or planting) will similarly depend on the seasonal and other environmental conditions at the time of the works. The
key to effective restoration will be using strategies appropriate to the location and condition. These decisions will be made with input from an ecologist or agronomist.
If native tube stock is used, several months lead time will be required from local nurseries.
Weed control methods will be specific to the species and in line with local management plans – refer to Weed Control Protocol.
Erosion control devices work hand in hand with restoring ground cover – refer to Soil and Water Management Sub-plan.
Species lists for each vegetation type can be found in the Biodiversity Assessment, to aid the selection of native pasture species.
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 21
5.4 GRAZING MANAGEMENT
OBJECTIVE: Successfully manage grazing within the development site to maintain appropriate groundcover while reducing weeds and enhancing native species
diversity
Grazing by sheep may be utilised within the array area to control biomass. Strategic grazing can also be implemented to assist in the management and rejuvenation
of degraded native grasslands such as those within the development site. A number of strategic grazing strategies can be implemented, for example; optimised,
short-term or long-term deferred grazing or timed grazing. The strategy to be implemented will depend on the condition and composition of the grassland at the
time and should be informed by a professional agronomist. If grazing is to be utilised, the following protocol would be implemented.
ID Activity PROTOCOL Responsibility
12 Determine and
implement
suitable grazing
strategies
• Following construction, consult with an agronomist and the land owner to determine
the most suitable grazing strategies for the array area. Different strategies may be
required for the western and eastern paddocks considering their past management
and current composition.
• Document the recommended strategy and append to this GCMP.
• Not more than 7.5 sheep per hectare would be grazed within the array area at any
one time.
• Stock brought into the area would come off pastures that are free of noxious weeds or
subject to regular weed control.
CSFPL Site Manager
13 Adapt grazing
strategies to
changing
grassland
condition and
composition
• Following each monitoring event, consult with an agronomist to discuss the suitability
of existing grazing regimes and adapt if recommended.
• Document any alterations to the strategy.
CSFPL Site Manager
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 22
5.5 REPORTING OF ANNUAL MONITORING PROTOCOL
OBJECTIVE: Document the results of monitoring
Annual groundcover monitoring is to be conducted as outlined in Section 4 (annually for the first three years). The following protocol will ensure that
results of monitoring are recorded to track progress and the effectiveness of management over time.
ID Activity PROTOCOL Responsibility
14 Report on the
outcomes of
groundcover
monitoring
• Within 3 months of monitoring, the results will be written up in a report and
submitted to the OEH. The report will contain as a minimum:
o Raw monitoring plot data (similar to that included as Appendix D of this plan)
and updated maps of monitoring plot locations if they have changed
following construction.
o The results of any statistical analyses conducted
o Details of management activities carried out such as weed control and
rehabilitation.
o A discussion of the current groundcover condition relative to the results of
monitoring from previous years monitoring
o Recommendations for adaptive management
CSFPL Site Manager
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 23
5.6 RESPONSE TO ANNUAL MONITORING PROTOCOL
OBJECTIVE: Respond appropriately to annual groundcover monitoring
The following protocol will ensure that management activities are adapted to respond to the results of monitoring.
ID MONITORING RESULT PROTOCOL Responsibility
15 Noxious weeds are recorded
during monitoring.
• The noxious weed map(s) will be updated to reflect the current
distribution of noxious weeds on the site.
• Weed control activities will be undertaken as per the Weed Control
Protocol.
Ecologist conducting
monitoring to inform Site
Construction manager (or
Operations manager) and
provide advice
16 Less than 70% plant cover is
recorded within monitoring
plots.
• The OEH and an agronomist will be consulted to determine an effective
approach to maintaining groundcover greater than 70% if this target is
not being met by most plots.
Ecologist conducting
monitoring to inform Site
Construction manager (or
Operations manager) and
provide advice
17 A significant change in relative
species abundance is detected
based on statistical analysis.
• The OEH will be consulted regarding the species change.
• Additional management measures will be implemented as
recommended by the OEH, if required.
Ecologist conducting
monitoring to inform Site
Construction manager (or
Operations manager) and
provide advice
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 24
6 CONCLUSION This Groundcover Management Plan has identified the potential impacts to native grassland at the
proposed solar farm site (including NTG), developed a monitoring framework to monitor these impacts
and identified a series of protocols to adaptively manage impacts. With the implementation of this plan,
new information will be provided on the impacts of PV solar arrays on Australian temperate grasslands
and impacts to the groundcover vegetation at the site are expected to be minimised.
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 25
7 REFERENCES
nghenvironmental (2010a) Biodiversity Assessment - Capital Solar Farm, October 2010
nghenvironmental (2010b) Submissions Report - Capital Solar Farm, December 2010
nghenvironmental (2012) Natural Temperate Grassland Comparative Quality Assessment - Capital Solar Farm,
October 2012.
nghenvironmental (2013) Offset Plan - Capital Solar Farm, August 2013
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 A-I
APPENDIX A MAP OF NTG WITHIN THE
DEVELOPMENT SITE AND ADJACENT
OFFSET LANDS
Lot 1
Lot 11
Lot 5
Lot 5
Lot 1
Lot 11
Lot 5
Lot 2
Lot 2
Lot 179
Lot 1
Lot 90
Lot 22
Lot 5
Lot 11
Lot 90
Lot 1
Lot 1
Lot 75
Lot 5
Lot 52
Lot 77
Lot 5
Lot 183
Lot 5
Lot 1
Lot 70
Lot 21
Lot 9
Lot 76
Lot 1
Lot 91
Lot 10
Lot 1153 Lot 174
Lot 45
Lot 175
Lot 1
Lot 1155
Lot 1154
Lot 45
Lot 2
Lot 2
Lot 1
Lot 4
DP237079
DP658449
DP837873
DP837873
DP456698
DP237079
DP754878
DP837873
DP1039100
DP1039100
DP1039100
DP754876
DP835671
DP754876
DP237079
DP837873
DP754876
DP658449
DP754878
DP754876
DP456698
DP754894
DP837873
DP837873
DP754876
DP837873
DP835671
DP136392
DP754876
DP700607
DP754876
DP754876
DP237079
DP136392
DP136392
DP577415
DP754876
DP754876
1:25000
www.nghenvironmental.com.au
0 0.5 10.25 Kilometers
Capital Solar Farm Proposed Biodiversity Offset Area
°
A4 @ Ref: 4605 - 1Author: DM
Solar Farm
Offset Area
Cadastre
Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG)
NTG within solar farm site (not all directly impacted*)
NTG within offset area
Notes:- Aerial imagery provided by Infigen (2010)- Solar farm site boundary and offset areas supplied by Infigen and digitised by nghenvironmental (June 2013) - Cadastre layer provided by infigen (2011)* Direct impacts include all permanent infrastructure and 38.44% of the array area as discussed in the offset plan for the site.
Bungendore 8km
Tarago 16km
Bungendore Road
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 B-I
APPENDIX B MONITORING DATA SHEET
Capital Solar Farm ground cover monitoring program
General details
Recorder: Date: Vegetation type:
Plot identifier:
Bare ground coverage
score:
Flora observations
Species Coverage
score
No.
individuals
(if cover
<5%)
Native(N)/
Exotic(E)
Coverage scores
% cover Score
<5% 0
5% - 20% 1
20% - 30% 2
30% - 40% 3
40% - 50% 4
50% - 60% 5
60% - 70% 6
70% - 80% 7
80% - 90% 8
90% - 100% 9
Total number of native species:
Total number of exotic species:
Biomass observations (rising plate)
Interval (m) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Avg.
Plate height (mm)
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 C-I
APPENDIX C PALERANG SHIRE COUNCIL LOCAL
NOXIOUS WEEDS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The following information was sourced from the Palerang Council Website
http://www.palerang.nsw.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=495794:local-
noxious-weeds-management-plan&catid=211&Itemid=757 on the 1 November 2013. It is recommended
that the accuracy of this information be checked with Palerang Council on a bi-annual basis which is the
review period of the plan.
Local Noxious Weeds Management Plan
The purpose of the Local Noxious Weeds Management Plan is to specify the control measures required
for the various Class 4 noxious weeds listed in the table below.
Purpose
To specify the control measures required for the various class 4 noxious weeds listed in table below.
Control class
According to the Weed Control Order 19 under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (dated 23 December 2005),
issued by the Minister for Primary Industries. The noxious weeds listed in table below are classified as
class 4 weeds (A locally controlled weed).
Class 4 weeds are plants that pose a threat to primary production, the environment or human health, are
widely distributed in an area to which the order applies and are likely to spread in the area or to another
area.
Control Objective
The control objective for this class of weed is to minimise the negative impact of those plants on the
economy, community and environment of New South Wales.
Control Measures
As listed in table below.
Management Plan
An owner/occupier (other than a public authority) of land in Palerang Council area must control class 4
noxious weeds according to the control measure specified in the table below. The management plan will
be reviewed every two years.
Common Name Botanical
Name Specified Control Measure Weed
Class
African boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. 4
African lovegrass Eragrostis curvula The plant must be prevented from
spreading and its numbers and
distribution reduced.
4
Bathurst/Noogoora/Californian/cockle burrs Xanthium species The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. 4
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 C-II
Common Name Botanical
Name Specified Control Measure Weed
Class
Blackberry Rubus fruticosus aggregate species
The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed and plant may
not be sold, propagated or knowingly
distributed
4
Chilean needle grass Nassella neesiana The plant must not be sold, propagated or
knowingly distributed. 4
Fireweed Senecio
madagascariensis The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. 4
Harrisia cactus Harrisia species The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. Or biological
control agents introduced, maintained
and monitored
4
Hemlock Conium maculatum The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. 4
Horehound Marrubium vulgare The plant must be prevented from
spreading and its numbers and
distribution reduced. Or biological control
agents introduced, maintained and
monitored.
4
Nodding thistle Carduus nutans The plant must be prevented from
spreading and its numbers and
distribution reduced. Or biological control
agents introduced, maintained and
monitored
4
Pampas grass Cortaderia species The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. 4
Paterson's curse, Vipers bugloss, Italian
bugloss Echium species The plant must be prevented from
spreading and its numbers and
distribution reduced. Or biological control
agents introduced, maintained and
monitored.
4
Prickly pear Cylindropuntia species
The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed Or biological
control agents introduced, maintained
and monitored and the plant may not be
sold, propagated or knowingly
distributed.
4
Prickly pear Opuntia species
except O. ficus-indica The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed Or biological
control agents introduced, maintained
and monitored and the plant may not be
sold, propagated or knowingly
distributed.
4
Rhus tree Toxicodendron
succedanea The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. 4
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 C-III
Common Name Botanical
Name Specified Control Measure Weed
Class
Scotch broom/English broom Cytisus scoparius The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. 4
Scotch thistle, Stemless thistle, Illyrian thistle,
Taurian thistle Onopordum species The plant must be prevented from
spreading and its numbers and
distribution reduced. Or biological control
agents introduced, maintained and
monitored.
4
Serrated tussock Nassella trichotoma The plant must be fully and continuously
suppressed and destroyed. 4
Sweet briar Rosa rubiginosa The plant must be prevented from
spreading and its numbers and
distribution reduced.
4
Palerang Council Contact Details
Neville Plumb
Senior Environmental Services Officer (Weeds)
Phone: 02 6238 8111
Fax: 02 6238 1290
Capital Solar Farm
Development Site Groundcover Management Plan
5404 Final v1.1 D-I
APPENDIX D MONITORING PLOT DATA PRIOR TO
CONSTRUCTION
Species Exotic MP1a MP1b MP1c MP2a MP2b MP2c MP3a MP3b
Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv
Bare ground NA 2 NA NA NA 0 NA 0 NA 0 NA 2 NA NA
Acetosella vulgaris * 5 5 6 6 6 7 3 2
Aira sp. * 0 20+ 0 5 0 10 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 1
Arctotheca calendula *
Austrostipa bigeniculata
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata 0 5 0 7 0 8 0 1 0 4 0 6
Avena barbata * 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1
Bothriochloa macra
Briza minor *
Bromus racemosus * 1 1
Carex bichenoviana
Carex inversa
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Cirsium vulgare *
Conyza sp. * 0 20+ 1 0 20+ 0 2
Cynodon dactylon *
Cynosaurus echinatus *
Dichondra repens
Echium plantagineum *
Elymus scaber
Eragrostis curvula *
Erodium cicutarium * 0 5 0 5 0 2 0 7
Gamochaeta calviceps * 0 10 0 5 1 0 20+ 0 20+
Gamochaeta coarctata *
Haloragis heterophylla
Holcus lanatus *
Hordeum leporinum * 0 20+
Hypochaeris radicata * 0 3 0 15 0 20+ 0 10 0 15 0 12 0 4 0 10
Juncus ?australis
Juncus filicaulis
Juncus sp.
Lolium perrene *
Microlaena stipoides
Nassella trichotoma *
Onopodum acanthium * 0 4 0 20+ 0 1 0 5
Oxalis perrenans 0 5 0 10 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+
Panicum effusum
Paronychia brasiliana 0 2 0 5 0 5 0 1 0 2
Plantago coronopus *
Poa labillarderi
Poa sieberiana
Rytidosperma carphoides
Rytidosperma pilosum
Rytidosperma racemosum
Rytidosperma sp.
Schoenus apogon
Sonchus oleraceus * 0 5
Taraxicum officinale *
Tolpis umbellata * 0 1
Trifoilium repens *
Trifoilium sp. * 0 2
Trifoilum dubium *
Trifolium arvense * 0 10 0 5 1 1 0 15 0 2 1 1
Trifolium glomeratum *
Vulpia bromoides * 0 10 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+ 1 0 20+ 0 20+
Wahlenbergia ?communis
Species Exotic
Bare ground NA
Acetosella vulgaris *
Aira sp. *
Arctotheca calendula *
Austrostipa bigeniculata
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata
Avena barbata *
Bothriochloa macra
Briza minor *
Bromus racemosus *
Carex bichenoviana
Carex inversa
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Cirsium vulgare *
Conyza sp. *
Cynodon dactylon *
Cynosaurus echinatus *
Dichondra repens
Echium plantagineum *
Elymus scaber
Eragrostis curvula *
Erodium cicutarium *
Gamochaeta calviceps *
Gamochaeta coarctata *
Haloragis heterophylla
Holcus lanatus *
Hordeum leporinum *
Hypochaeris radicata *
Juncus ?australis
Juncus filicaulis
Juncus sp.
Lolium perrene *
Microlaena stipoides
Nassella trichotoma *
Onopodum acanthium *
Oxalis perrenans
Panicum effusum
Paronychia brasiliana
Plantago coronopus *
Poa labillarderi
Poa sieberiana
Rytidosperma carphoides
Rytidosperma pilosum
Rytidosperma racemosum
Rytidosperma sp.
Schoenus apogon
Sonchus oleraceus *
Taraxicum officinale *
Tolpis umbellata *
Trifoilium repens *
Trifoilium sp. *
Trifoilum dubium *
Trifolium arvense *
Trifolium glomeratum *
Vulpia bromoides *
Wahlenbergia ?communis
MP3c MP4a MP4b MP4c MP5a MP5b MP5c MP6a
Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv
NA 0 NA 1 NA 1 NA 0 NA NA NA 0 NA
2 7 6 6 7 7 8 0 20+
0 20+ 0 20+ 1 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 3 0 5
0 2 0 3 0 6 0 2 0 1 0 5
0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 10 0 20+ 0 10
1
0 1
0 5 0 3 0 1
3
0 20+
1 0 2 0 2 0 3 0 20+
0 3 0 20+ 0 5 0 5 0 7
0 3
0 5 0 10 0 10 0 15 0 5 0 1 0 4 1
0 10
1
0 3
0 12 0 10 0 6 0 11 0 20+ 0 11 0 20+
0 20+ 0 20+ 0 10 0 1
0 1 0 1 0 3
0 1
1
3
0 2
0 3 0 1
2 1 1 1 1 1 0 3
0 3
0 20+ 0 20+ 1
Species Exotic
Bare ground NA
Acetosella vulgaris *
Aira sp. *
Arctotheca calendula *
Austrostipa bigeniculata
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata
Avena barbata *
Bothriochloa macra
Briza minor *
Bromus racemosus *
Carex bichenoviana
Carex inversa
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Cirsium vulgare *
Conyza sp. *
Cynodon dactylon *
Cynosaurus echinatus *
Dichondra repens
Echium plantagineum *
Elymus scaber
Eragrostis curvula *
Erodium cicutarium *
Gamochaeta calviceps *
Gamochaeta coarctata *
Haloragis heterophylla
Holcus lanatus *
Hordeum leporinum *
Hypochaeris radicata *
Juncus ?australis
Juncus filicaulis
Juncus sp.
Lolium perrene *
Microlaena stipoides
Nassella trichotoma *
Onopodum acanthium *
Oxalis perrenans
Panicum effusum
Paronychia brasiliana
Plantago coronopus *
Poa labillarderi
Poa sieberiana
Rytidosperma carphoides
Rytidosperma pilosum
Rytidosperma racemosum
Rytidosperma sp.
Schoenus apogon
Sonchus oleraceus *
Taraxicum officinale *
Tolpis umbellata *
Trifoilium repens *
Trifoilium sp. *
Trifoilum dubium *
Trifolium arvense *
Trifolium glomeratum *
Vulpia bromoides *
Wahlenbergia ?communis
MP6b MP6c MP7a MP7b MP7c MP8a MP8b MP8c
Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv
NA NA 0 NA NA NA 0 NA NA NA
0 20+ 0 20+ 1 1 1 0 20+ 0 10
0 2 0 10 0 3 0 10 0 2
1 1 1 2 1 2 2 1
0 1
0 2 0 10 0 5 0 20+ 0 5
0 1 0 2
2 1 1 1 1
0 1
0 20+ 0 20+
1 1 1 1 1
0 1
0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 20+ 0 20+
0 5 0 10 0 10 0 15
0 2 0 1 0 1
0 20+ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0 2 0 2
0 15 0 6 0 5 0 3 0 2 0 2
0 5
1
0 4 0 4 0 10 0 1 0 10 0 3 1
0 1
0 1 0 2 0 3 0 10
0 1
0 20+ 2 1 1 1 1 1 1
4 3 1 1 1
1 1 2
0 3 0 3 0 10
0 5 0 1 0 10 0 1
0 1
0 6 0 2
1 1 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+ 1 1 1
0 3 0 2 0 5
Species Exotic
Bare ground NA
Acetosella vulgaris *
Aira sp. *
Arctotheca calendula *
Austrostipa bigeniculata
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata
Avena barbata *
Bothriochloa macra
Briza minor *
Bromus racemosus *
Carex bichenoviana
Carex inversa
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Cirsium vulgare *
Conyza sp. *
Cynodon dactylon *
Cynosaurus echinatus *
Dichondra repens
Echium plantagineum *
Elymus scaber
Eragrostis curvula *
Erodium cicutarium *
Gamochaeta calviceps *
Gamochaeta coarctata *
Haloragis heterophylla
Holcus lanatus *
Hordeum leporinum *
Hypochaeris radicata *
Juncus ?australis
Juncus filicaulis
Juncus sp.
Lolium perrene *
Microlaena stipoides
Nassella trichotoma *
Onopodum acanthium *
Oxalis perrenans
Panicum effusum
Paronychia brasiliana
Plantago coronopus *
Poa labillarderi
Poa sieberiana
Rytidosperma carphoides
Rytidosperma pilosum
Rytidosperma racemosum
Rytidosperma sp.
Schoenus apogon
Sonchus oleraceus *
Taraxicum officinale *
Tolpis umbellata *
Trifoilium repens *
Trifoilium sp. *
Trifoilum dubium *
Trifolium arvense *
Trifolium glomeratum *
Vulpia bromoides *
Wahlenbergia ?communis
MP9a MP9b MP9c MP10a MP10b MP10c MP11a MP11b
Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv
0 NA 0 NA 1 NA 0 NA NA NA 0 NA 0 NA
1 0 20+ 0 10 0 20+ 0 10 0 5 0 5 0 4
0 1
0 2
0 2
1 1 1
0 20+ 0 10 0 5 2 3 2 3 4
0 1
0 5
0 1 0 3 0 2
0 4 0 1
1 1 1
0 20+ 0 5 0 5 0 15 0 5 0 10
0 2 0 3 0 3
0 1 1
0 5 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 5 0 3 0 5
0 6 0 8
0 1
0 1 0 2 0 3
1 0 20+ 0 20+ 3 3
0 20+
0 2 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 4 1 0 1 0 1
0 3 0 8 0 4
0 1
0 10 0 1 1 1
0 2
4 4 5
2 2 3 2 1
0 20+ 1 20+
0 5
0 10 0 20+
1 0 5
0 2 0 1
0 10 0 20+ 0 20+ 2 1 0 20+ 0 20+
0 3
Species Exotic
Bare ground NA
Acetosella vulgaris *
Aira sp. *
Arctotheca calendula *
Austrostipa bigeniculata
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata
Avena barbata *
Bothriochloa macra
Briza minor *
Bromus racemosus *
Carex bichenoviana
Carex inversa
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Cirsium vulgare *
Conyza sp. *
Cynodon dactylon *
Cynosaurus echinatus *
Dichondra repens
Echium plantagineum *
Elymus scaber
Eragrostis curvula *
Erodium cicutarium *
Gamochaeta calviceps *
Gamochaeta coarctata *
Haloragis heterophylla
Holcus lanatus *
Hordeum leporinum *
Hypochaeris radicata *
Juncus ?australis
Juncus filicaulis
Juncus sp.
Lolium perrene *
Microlaena stipoides
Nassella trichotoma *
Onopodum acanthium *
Oxalis perrenans
Panicum effusum
Paronychia brasiliana
Plantago coronopus *
Poa labillarderi
Poa sieberiana
Rytidosperma carphoides
Rytidosperma pilosum
Rytidosperma racemosum
Rytidosperma sp.
Schoenus apogon
Sonchus oleraceus *
Taraxicum officinale *
Tolpis umbellata *
Trifoilium repens *
Trifoilium sp. *
Trifoilum dubium *
Trifolium arvense *
Trifolium glomeratum *
Vulpia bromoides *
Wahlenbergia ?communis
MP11c MP12a MP12b MP12c CP1 CP2 CP3 CP4
Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv
0 NA NA 0 NA 0 NA 3 NA 1 NA 1 NA 1 NA
0 1 0 20+ 0 20+ 1 2 2 3 2
0 20+ 0 20+ 0 5 0 4 0 5
0 1 1 0 3
2 2 1 1
3 1 0 20+ 0 5 0 20+ 0 20+
0 2
0 4 0 2
0 1
0 20+ 0 10
2 0 1
1
0 1
0 12 1 0 3
0 4 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 5 0 20+ 0 2 0 5
0 10
0 1
1 0 20+
1 0 20+ 0 10 0 3 0 1 0 7
0 7
0 1
2
0 20+ 1 1
0 8 0 10 0 12 0 2
0 5 0 20+ 0 5 0 20+
1 0 5 0 1
1 0 1
0 4
1
0 20+ 2 2 1
0 7 0 5
0 1
0 20+ 0 20+ 1
0 5 0 10 0 5 0 2
0 1
0 1 0 3 3 2
0 6
2 3 4 0 5 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 20+
Species Exotic
Bare ground NA
Acetosella vulgaris *
Aira sp. *
Arctotheca calendula *
Austrostipa bigeniculata
Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata
Avena barbata *
Bothriochloa macra
Briza minor *
Bromus racemosus *
Carex bichenoviana
Carex inversa
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
Cirsium vulgare *
Conyza sp. *
Cynodon dactylon *
Cynosaurus echinatus *
Dichondra repens
Echium plantagineum *
Elymus scaber
Eragrostis curvula *
Erodium cicutarium *
Gamochaeta calviceps *
Gamochaeta coarctata *
Haloragis heterophylla
Holcus lanatus *
Hordeum leporinum *
Hypochaeris radicata *
Juncus ?australis
Juncus filicaulis
Juncus sp.
Lolium perrene *
Microlaena stipoides
Nassella trichotoma *
Onopodum acanthium *
Oxalis perrenans
Panicum effusum
Paronychia brasiliana
Plantago coronopus *
Poa labillarderi
Poa sieberiana
Rytidosperma carphoides
Rytidosperma pilosum
Rytidosperma racemosum
Rytidosperma sp.
Schoenus apogon
Sonchus oleraceus *
Taraxicum officinale *
Tolpis umbellata *
Trifoilium repens *
Trifoilium sp. *
Trifoilum dubium *
Trifolium arvense *
Trifolium glomeratum *
Vulpia bromoides *
Wahlenbergia ?communis
CP5 CP6 CP7 CP8 CP9 CP10 CP11 CP12
Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv Cover #indiv
0 NA 0 NA 1 NA 0 NA 1 NA 1 NA 1 NA 0 NA
1 1 1 0 10 0 20+ 1 1
0 1 0 2 0 3 0 20+ 0 20+ 0 2
0 5 0 1
0 2 3 3 0 20+ 2 2
2 1
0 1 0 20+
0 10 0 20+ 2
0 20+
0 5 0 8
0 3 0 1 0 20+
1
0 20+ 0 2 0 20+
0 10 0 10 0 20+ 0 12 0 8
0 5 0 5 0 3 0 10
0 10 1 1 2 0 20+ 0 5 0 20+
0 1
0 2
0 5 0 2
1 0 5 1
0 4 1 0 2
0 1 0 1
0 1
0 1
0 20+ 0 2 0 5 0 3
0 1
2 3 2 4 5 0 10
1 1
2 0 5 0 10
1
0 20+ 1
0 4
0 20+
0 2
0 5 0 1 1
4 0 1 0 5
1 0 20+ 1 0 20+ 1 0 20+ 1 1
0 8