Permanent sample sites

As the site is preparing for revegetation activities, permanent monitoring sites could not be established as it would interfere with the machinery required for revegetation. To minimise the impact of this, GPS coordinates were recorded for each star picket location at every sample site. These coordinates and the photos taken at each picket will be used to establish permanent monitoring sites during the next data collection period (likely less than 12 months after baseline collection). By this time, revegetation activities will have concluded, and star pickets will not interfere with the ongoing maintenance activities.

Sample site locations

As the asset account comprises two long, narrow corridors, all sample sites were positioned within 50 metres of a fence line. At the time of baseline data collection this had minimal impact on the Econd® score, as land management practices within the asset account were largely consistent with those outside it. However, once plantings are established, sample sites may experience edge-related effects that could influence future Econd® scores. The extent of this impact cannot be determined at this stage of the project and will be monitored through future reporting periods.

Reference Benchmarks

There were limitations in the availability of reference condition benchmark data for this account. The composition benchmark data advised for use under the Method for accounts in NSW does not provide a complete dataset for all required composition indicators. The missing indicators included tree canopy height, sub-canopy height, and sub-canopy cover. To address this, alternative NSW Government data sources and expert opinion were utilised to provide appropriate benchmark scores for the missing indicators.