Title

Crawney Pass National Park Vegetation 2009. VIS_ID 4193

Data Quality Statement

Name: Data Quality Statement

Protocol: WWW:DOWNLOAD-1.0-http--download

Description:

DQS for vegetation map

Function: download

Download package

Name: Download package

Protocol: WWW:DOWNLOAD-1.0-http--download

Description:

Data and documents

Function: download

Code

69d7bd21-c8a1-4a85-a25b-45523ee6b50b

Name

ISO 19115

Edition

2016

Type

vector

Code identifying the spatial reference system

4283

Topic category

Title

ANZLIC Search Words

Reference date

2008-05-16

Coordinate reference system

Authority code

urn:ogc:def:cs:EPSG::

Code identifying the coordinate reference system

5711

End position

N/A

Contact info

Contact position

Data Broker

Organisation name

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Telephone number

131555

Email address

data.broker@environment.nsw.gov.au

Web address

https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dcceew

Responsible party role

pointOfContact

Lineage

Floristic survey

Vegetation survey was conducted within Murrurundi Pass NP in December 2008 and in Crawney Pass NP in January 2009. Sampling plots were surveyed across all parts of the reserves, and were selected on the basis of major observed differences in the vegetation (and recognising the existence of 15 pre-existing plots), so that all variations present could be examined. This entailed an initial reconnaissance of each reserve prior to sampling, viewing of colour aerial photographs (1:25000 scale, flown January 2005 for MPNP, January 2007 for CPNP), followed by allocation of sampling plots in representative locations and with as many replicates as possible. At least three replicates in each observed community were strived for. All sample plots were of 0.04ha (nominally 20 x 20m) and located within homogeneous stands of vegetation. Modified (1-6 scale). Braun-Blanquet cover abundance scores (Braun Blanquet 1928) were applied to all vascular plant species recorded within each quadrat. Plant nomenclature followed Harden (1990-1993) and revisions accepted by the National Herbarium of NSW. Coding of sample sites followed the regional convention of the first three consonants (if possible) of the 1:25000 map sheet on which it occurs, then the site number on that map sheet, followed by abbreviations of the parent geology, aspect, and topographical position. Aspect categories follow and are centred on the eight cardinal points of the compass, commencing with East as category 1. Data analysis & community definition Existing and newly collected plot data was stored and manipulated in a licensed copy of the NPWS “YETI” survey database held by Eastcoast Flora Survey. Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) on the dataset (including previously collected data) was performed using Primer V6 (Clarke & Gorley 2006), utilizing the group averaging strategy, the Bray-Curtis association measure and a Beta value of –0.1. The SIMPER routine was used to generate diagnostic species lists for each defined floristic group. Analysis of similarity within and between pre-defined floristic groups was undertaken with the ANOSIM routine. Comparisons of the new classification were made with existing regional classifications and other nearbyreserves, including those of Keith (2004). Additional data analysis was also undertaken using the same methods for a larger upper Hunter Valley regional dataset, to investigate how the derived floristic groups for Murrurundi Pass and Crawney Pass NPs related to other native vegetation in the region. This analysis aimed to place the Murrurundi Pass and Crawney Pass vegetation within a wider regional context, but is somewhat restricted in its interpretation due to the lack of complete regional coverage. Targeted survey Threatened species searches were conducted in concert with full floristic plot sampling, as well as through targeted searches in habitats known to support specific species elsewhere. Foot traverses in selected areas were made with a hand-held GPS unit (Garmin GPSmap 60CSx) and significant plant species recorded where encountered. GPS data was downloaded and imported into mapping layers on completion of each field search. In particular, Eucalyptus oresbia, a Vulnerable species from the Nundle area with affinities to Eucalyptus cypellocarpa (Small-fruited Mountain Gum), potentially occurs within moist forests on Tertiary Basalt outside of the known locations around Nundle (Hunter & Bruhl 1999). Eucalyptus conjuncta (Murrurundi Stringybark) is known from the area immediately around the township of Murrurundi, and although not a listed threatened species it carries a conservation risk code of 2K (Briggs & Leigh 1996). This species is morphologically intermediate between Eucalyptus eugenioides and Eucalyptus sparsifolia, which is reflected in the specific epithet “conjuncta”, from the Latin conjunctus, meaning joined (Johnson & Hill 1990). Community mapping The collection of Rapid Data Points (RDPs) is a relatively new method of vegetation mapping for accurate spatial depiction of vegetation biodiversity. Central to this method is the recognition that variability in vegetation distribution cannot yet be predicted blindly using computer GIS programs, and that documenting what actually occurs on the ground is an essential component of producing a reliable final map. Many recent mapping programs have relied heavily on GIS capabilities to predict where certain vegetation communities occur, with often disappointing results (eg: the LHCCREMS vegetation modelling, NPWS 2000). RDPs are essentially summaries of floristic information recorded at numerous points in the field. At specific and regular locations, summaries of the vegetation are noted and waypointed in a Garmin GPSmap 60CSx, and later transferred to the GIS. Information recorded includes: • Canopy layer dominant species • Shrub layer dominant species • Ground layer dominant species • Draft or field-recognised vegetation unit • Miscellaneous notes Within Mapinfo© GIS, observable photo-patterns from colour aerial photographs (1:25000 scale, supplied by NPWS) were scrutinised and compared against the Nandewar vegetation mapping supplied by NPWS. Any obvious changes were rectified on-screen and cross-referenced to RDP data collected in the field. All RDP data collected and recorded on GPS was attributed a map unit code reflecting the final floristic classification, and overlain on the base map to check and code each polygon accordingly. Results - Mapping data One hundred and thirty (130) Rapid Data Points (RDPs; 1 point per 1.7ha) were collected at Murrurundi Pass and 127 (1 point per 1.9ha) at Crawney Pass during field reconnaissance. At each of these points, information on dominant plant species in each stratum was recorded and was imported directly into the vegetation mapping process. All points were attributed a draft vegetation community code in the field, which was reviewed after classification analysis of full floristic data.

Limitations on public access

Effective date

1901-01-01

Explanation

Complete to Reserve boundaries.

Effective date

1901-01-01

Explanation

Complete to Reserve boundaries.

Effective date

1901-01-01

Explanation

Adheres to conceptual schema rules for Veg Fire datasets such as this.

Effective date

1901-01-01

Explanation

Topologically consistent at 1;25,000 scale as determined from aerial photography.

Effective date

1901-01-01

Explanation

Within range at 1:25,000 scale.

Effective date

1901-01-01

Explanation

Attributes correct as per aerial photography interpretation and sample sites.

Contact position

Data Broker

Organisation name

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Telephone number

131555

Email address

data.broker@environment.nsw.gov.au

Web address

https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dcceew

Responsible party role

pointOfContact

Contact position

Data Broker

Organisation name

NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Telephone number

131555

Email address

data.broker@environment.nsw.gov.au

Web address

https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/dcceew

Responsible party role

pointOfContact