Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
Prepared by: Yilgarn Traders 333 David Road, Waggrakine, WA 6530 Golden Grove - Flora survey and Vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint - Site B&D and northern areas.
Prepared for OZ Minerals Ltd, PMB 7, Geraldton 6530 February 2009
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
Reliance on Data & Environmental Conditions
The author has made every effort to interpret data correctly based on prior knowledge of flora and vegetation associations, earlier vegetation reports of the area and individual plant specimen identification. While this report has relied on data gathered throughout April to September and has captured the majority of flora, it may not represent 100% of flora present.
Scope or Services The scope of work has been limited to data collection, interpretation, analysis and a report, it has been agreed that OZ Minerals Ltd transfer GIS mapping co-ordinates into their internal system to produce the final maps to accompany the report. The report and mapped associations are prepared and supplied to OZ Minerals in a digital format.
Other Limitations The author will not be liable to update or revise the report due to any changing events, facts occurring or becoming apparent after the report date.
Dryland Permaculture Nursery & Research Farm T/as Yilgarn Traders 333 David Road Waggrakine, Western Australia Ph: 08 99381628 Email: [email protected]
ABBREVIATIONS The following abbreviations have been used throughout this report:
var. Variety spp. Multiple species - used when genus is known sp. Species - used when genus is known ssp. Subspecies (Genus) ? (species) Genus is known and unsure of species identification
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
SUMMARY
OZ Minerals Golden Grove Ltd are investigating site options for a new ‘life of mine’ Tailings Storage Facility No.3 (TSF3) as the capacity of the current Tailings Storage Facility No.2 (TSF2) is diminishing. Three locations have been analysed against environmental, economic and anthropological factors. Site B and D are two of these locations and have been examined within this survey. The sites are 136 and 122 hectares respectively. Note: Site A is located to the south west of these sites in an area west of TSF1 and not in the scope of this report.
Yilgarn Traders was commissioned by OZ Minerals Ltd to undertake vegetation mapping and a flora survey of 630 hectares of their leases at Golden Grove situated between Paynes Find and Yalgoo.
An initial autumn survey (Yilgarn Traders, June 2008) of Site B & D was conducted after heavy rains. A second survey during spring also spanned into areas north of these sites in order to put Site B & D into context with the northern flora (630 hectares). To the west of this site lies a Banded Iron formation (BIF) hill, this area was outside of the survey area.
Two priority taxa as defined by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (2008); Acacia speckii and Calytrix uncinata were located within both Site B and D. These species are currently Priority 3 taxa. A third annual Priority 3 species; Gunniopsis rubra was located in the northern survey area outside of Site B and D.
Sites B and D overlapped and contained the same population of Calytrix uncinata consisting of 78 individuals. Calytrix uncinata commonly occurs throughout Golden Grove’s leases with 18 populations recorded, estimated to contain thousands of plants. Impacting this population would have a low effect on this taxon’s local conservational significance. Impacting Acacia speckii would remove 13% of Golden Grove’s four known populations in Site B and 18% in Site D. Ascertaining Acacia speckii’s conservational significance regionally is recommended.
Site D abuts a BIF hill and adverse effects to the BIF vegetation such as dust accumulation from the surface of the Tailings Storage Facility 3 should be taken into account and adequate management strategies ensured.
Over the entire survey site 19 different vegetation associations were recorded with 219 vascular plants identified; half of these are only apparent during winter and spring. The mapped associations consisted of 80% Acacia shrublands located mainly throughout the plains and drainage lines. Thryptomene heaths with emergent shrubs were found growing on low ridges and hardpans. Chenopod heaths with salt tolerant shrubs occurred throughout the lower plains in depressions. The associations mapped were strongly connected to their topography and soil type. Twelve different vegetation associations were mapped within Site B and D.
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
CONTENTS
SUMMARY ...... 3 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 6 1.1. Background ...... 6 1.2. Scope of Works ...... 6 2. METHODS ...... 7 2.1. FLORA ...... 7 2.1.1. Rare and Priority Flora ...... 7 2.2. VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS ...... 7 3. RESULTS ...... 8 3.1. FLORA ...... 8 3.1.1. Rare and Priority Flora ...... 8 3.2. VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS ...... 11 3.2.1. D1 – Drainage line 1 ...... 12 3.2.2. D4 – Drainage line 4 ...... 13 3.2.3. D5 – Drainage line 5 ...... 14 3.2.4. D6 – Drainage creekline 6 ...... 15 3.2.5. HS – Hillslope ...... 16 3.2.6. P8 – Plains 8 ...... 17 3.2.7. P9 – Plains 9 ...... 18 3.2.8. P10 – Plains 10 ...... 19 3.2.9. P11 – Plains 11 ...... 20 3.2.10. P13 – Plains 13 ...... 21 3.2.11. P14 - Plains 14 ...... 22 3.2.12. P15 - Plains 15 ...... 23 3.2.13. R2 – Ridge 2 ...... 24 3.2.14. R3 – Ridge 3 ...... 25 3.2.15. S3 – Salt flat 3 ...... 26 3.2.16. S5 – Salt flat 5 ...... 27 3.2.17. S6 – Salt flat 6 ...... 28 3.2.18. UP1 – Upper plains 1 ...... 29 3.2.19. UP4 – Upper plains 4 ...... 30 4. DISCUSSION ...... 31 5. RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 33
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 33 7. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ...... 33 8. REFERENCES ...... 34 9. APPENDICES ...... 35 9.1. APPENDIX A: Vegetation Association Map Key ...... 35 9.2. APPENDIX B: Table of Flora within Vegetation Associations ...... 37 9.3. APPENDIX C: Priority Three Flora Populations ...... 45
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. BACKGROUND OZ Minerals Golden Grove mine site and pastoral leases are located between Paynes Find and Yalgoo. Yilgarn Traders was commissioned by OZ Minerals Ltd to undertake a flora survey and vegetation mapping of 630 hectares on Muralgarra and Badja pastoral leases situated predominantly on mining tenements on M59/89, M59/90 and M59/003 with the balance of the survey area extending into the edges of M59/227 and M59/363.
OZ Minerals Golden Grove Ltd are investigating site options for a new ‘life of mine’ Tailings Storage Facility No.3 (TSF3) as the capacity of the current Tailings Storage Facility No.2 (TSF2) is diminishing. Three locations have been analysed against environmental, economic and anthropological factors of which this survey area includes Site B and D. Site A is located to the south west of these sites in an area west of TSF1 and is in a separate report. (Yilgarn Traders, December 2008.) The purpose of the survey was to broaden OZ Minerals personnel’s knowledge of the area and to help with their assessment of these sites.
An autumn survey of Site B & D (Yilgarn Traders, June 2008) was conducted after heavy (200mm) summer rains. (Rolling Data, 2008) A second survey undertaken in spring, re-examined Site B and D and spanned into areas north of these sites in order to put the Site B & D into context with the northern flora. To the west of this site lies a Banded Iron formation (BIF) hill, this area was outside of the survey area.
Sites B and D are 136 and 122 hectares respectively, although as these sites overlap the combined area of the survey was 172 hectares which represents 27% of the total survey area. These sites are situated on the outer eastern edge of the Golden Grove’s leases and abut the northern aspect of the existing Tailings Storage Facility TSF2. They represent the southern sector of the survey area.
The autumn survey (Yilgarn, June 2008) initially located one Priority 3 taxon as defined by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (2008); Acacia speckii.
1.2. SCOPE OF WORKS The requirements for this project were to: i) Update, identify and record flora and vegetation associations. ii) Map and photograph vegetation associations. iii) Record any Gazetted Rare or Priority Flora within and nearby the area and map population extents. iv) Produce a report and recommendations on findings.
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
2. METHODS
Field studies of the area were untaken by a consultant and a field assistant from Yilgarn Traders between April and September 2008.
2.1. FLORA Flora was manually recorded and photographed. Unknown species were collected for identification. Collected specimens had their data noted; were scanned, photographed, pressed and dried and then sent to the Western Australian Herbarium for identification. A prolonged 2008 summer rainfall event produced a heavy flower and seed set allowing good specimens to be collected for plant identification.
2.1.1. Rare and Priority Flora
Where Priority Flora were noted, searches were conducted on foot to find the extent of populations. Populations have been defined by plants occurring within 500m of each other. These were recorded and overlaid onto an aerial map. They are named by location, abbreviated genus and species name, population number and suffixed with a lowercase letter when the population is located in more than one area, e.g TSF2_Cu02a.
2.2. VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS The survey area was transversed by vehicle via gridlines and by foot where vehicle access was inhibited. Information was gathered using a combination of spot species surveys within and around differing plant communities (initially selected from Aerial photographs) and by recording changes in species, ground condition, vegetation structure and topography between areas.
All survey area coordinates and transversed areas were logged as ‘waypoints’ and ‘tracks’ on a hand held GPS. GPS data was recorded with a Garmin Etrex and a TDS Nomad (accuracy to approximately 5m). All co-ordinates were taken in Aus geo 84, Zone 50J. These were overlaid onto digital aerial photos [dated 2006] provided by OZ Minerals, showing vegetation densities, contours and landscape forms using GIS software.
This information was cross referenced with the field data and used to identify similar patterns in vegetation composition and their extents across the survey area. Existing vegetation associations from earlier surveys throughout the Golden Grove Leases (Yilgarn Traders, 2008) were compared and new associations were constructed where necessary.
During the spring survey some of the vegetation associations’ boundaries were redefined and maps updated accordingly.
Vegetation associations were strongly connected to the area’s topography, hence originally named according to their ‘positions in the landscape’ which were photographed and put into the report to enable easy referencing when used in the field. In order to help OZ Minerals personnel familiarize themselves with vegetation associations, the flora has been tabled to show the plants that are visible ‘Year round’ and those only apparent in the ‘wet season’ such as winter annuals. Vegetation associations are tabled and separated into dominant, common and occasional flora in Appendix B.
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3. RESULTS
3.1. FLORA Nineteen different vegetation associations were recorded with 219 vascular plants being identified. Half of these species were only apparent during the winter and spring. The presence of these species in each association are summarised in the vegetation association table in Appendix B. Four species remain undetermined and are referred to as ‘(Genus) sp.’ in the table.
Nine introduced species were noted in the survey; they were annuals and mainly occurred along a dry creek bed within the Golden Grove lease area. They are indicated with an asterisk in Appendix B. Emex australis (Doublegee) was identified and is listed as a Declared Plant (DP) under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976, but not listed for the Shire of Yalgoo.
3.1.1. Rare and Priority Flora
No rare flora was found. Three priority taxa were located in the surveyed area; all of which held a Priority 3 conservation status (P3) as defined by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) 2008. These were Acacia speckii, Calytrix uncinata, Gunniopsis rubra. Positive identification of Gunniopsis rubra by the Western Australian State Herbarium cannot be confirmed as a further material is required. This taxon is referred to throughout the balance of this report as Gunniopsis ?rubra.
The following extracts are from the DEC and the Western Australian Herbarium Database ‘Florabase’ (2008) regarding this taxa:
“P3: Priority Three - Poorly Known: taxa which are known from several populations, at least some of which are not believed to be under immediate threat (i.e. not currently endangered). Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as ‘rare flora’, but are in need of further survey.”
GPS points for Priority flora are listed in Appendix C. Boundary extents of these populations are shown on the attached maps.
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
Acacia speckii (P3) This species is a 3m shrub with bright green foliage through most of the year allowing it to be easily distinguished from surrounding Acacia species. It occurs in a both mixed low shrublands on ridges and in open Acacia shrublands on the plains. It is often dominant in the P8 (Plains 8) vegetation association. It tends to favour growing in open hard pan clays, gravels and stony areas.
Two populations were found within the survey area. Site B contained 209 plants (16% of population TSF2_As02) and Site D contained 300 plants (23% of the population TSF2_As02).
Population Population Size Area (hectares) Vegetation Association TSF2_As01 49 11.6 R3 - Ridge 3, P8 - Plains 8, P10 – Plains 10
TSF2_As02 1305 174.1 D1- Drain slopes, HS-Hill Slope, P8 - Plains 8, P9 - (60% in survey Plains 9, P10- Plains 10, R2- Ridge 2, R3- Ridge 3, area) UP1- Upper Plains 1
TSF1_As01 130 9.5 N/A – Outside of survey area - South east of TSF1 TSF2_As03 163 14.1 N/A – Outside of survey area - North east of Scuddles minesite
Calytrix uncinata (P3) One population (TSF2_CU02) of 78 Calytrix uncinata individuals was located in two areas covering 1.7 hectares where Site B and Site D overlap. These summer flowering plants were growing on a hard gravel pan and a rocky ridge. Two populations outside of the immediate survey area were also recorded and mapped.
Population Population Size Area (hectares) Vegetation Association TSF2_Cu01 28 3.3 N/A - east of survey area TSF2_Cu02 78 1.7 R2 - Ridge 2, P9 - Plains 9 TSF2_Cu03 5 0.5 N/A - south west of survey area on the BIF hills
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
Yilgarn Traders’ 2008 surveys found Calytrix uncinata (P3) to be common throughout the hills on the Golden Grove leases. Appendix C lists GPS co-ordinates of the 15 populations found throughout the TSF3 - Site A, Open Pit Project, Southern Leases and Far Southern Leases. A further three populations are also noted in Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2004), one of which was located 478 individuals on water tank hill 300m south TSF2.
Gunniopsis ?rubra (P3) This plant was identified after the survey. Taxonomic botanists required more material in order to confirm this identification. GPS locations have been recorded for future collections as this plant is a September flowering annual and it was too late in the season to collect more material. As it had not been identified during the time of the survey, no population searches were conducted. No plants were noted in Sites B and D and the closest occurrence was 2km north of these sites.
This plant was also collected in a second location in the Far Southern leases survey. See Appendix C for GPS location.
Population Population Size Area (hectares) Vegetation Association TSF1_Gr01 Not counted N/A D6 - Drainage creekline 6
Photo: Far Southern Leases, September 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2. VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS Nineteen vegetation associations were defined and mapped. Twelve of these areas were dominated by Acacia shrublands; these were mainly located throughout the plains.
Low ridges and rocky areas on the plains contained three associations of low mixed species with emergent taller shrubs. Plains association (P9) only occurred within Site B & D. It was an unusual vegetation association in terms of it being located on very open plains on hardpan gravel. Floristically, it contained part of the Calytrix uncinata (P3) and Acacia speckii (P3) populations but did not possess any unique species to the Golden grove Leases. This association seemed to represent a merging zone of several associations and contained species usually associated with Stony flats (P8) and rocky ridges (R2, R3) areas. These were common throughout the northern survey area.
Three associations in clay depressions with mainly chenopods heath and occasional stands of salt tolerant shrubs also occurred on the plains and have been referred to as Salt Flats.
A significant dry creek line cuts through the northern part of the survey site and contained a mixed variety of species including the only occurrence of Eucalyptus species and Gunniopsis? rubra noted throughout the survey.
The presence of species in each association are listed and illustrated on the following pages. Appendix B contains a tabled list for comparison of individual species identified in each vegetation association. These vegetation associations are overlaid onto the attached aerial maps.
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.1. D1 – Drainage line 1
Association Structure: Dense to mid dense Acacia shrublands < 6m over mixed shrubs <1m with dense annuals located along drainlines. Groundcovers: Annuals < 90%
Soil surface Soil: Red clays
Vegetation Priority Flora: Acacia speckii (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia burkittii Brachyscome ciliocarpa Acacia ramulosa Cephalipterum drummondii Acacia sibina Erodium cygnorum Acacia tetragonophylla Erymophyllum ramosum Eremophila clarkei Goodenia pinnatifida Eremophila eriocalyx Haloragis odontocarpa Eremophila georgei Schoenia cassiniana Grevillea pityophylla Velleia rosea Hakea recurva Ptilotus obovatus
Spring Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.2. D4 – Drainage line 4
Association Structure: Open Acacia shrublands < 2.5m with open understory of mixed species < 1.5m and scattered annuals located along base of rocky ridges. Groundcovers: Annuals < 20%
Soil surface Soil: Red silty clays covered in scattered white quartz stones and terracotta coloured pisolite pebbles.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia burkittii Erymophyllum racemosum Acacia tetragonophylla Maireana carnosa Acacia umbraculiformis Maireana pyramidata Dodonaea inaequifolia Rhagodia drummondii Eremophila georgei Eremophila oppositifolia Scaevola spinescens Senna sp. Austin
Photo taken: Autumn 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.3. D5 – Drainage line 5
Association Structure: Dense to mid-dense Acacia shrublands < 5m with an understory of mixed species < 2m and dense annuals located along a drainlines. Groundcovers: Annuals < 80%
Soil surface Soil: Red silty clays with occasional patches of terracotta coloured pisolite pebbles.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia aneura Bellida graminea Acacia exocarpoides Brachyscome ciliocarpa Acacia ramulosa Erodium cygnorum Acacia sibina Myriocephalus guerinae Bursaria occidentalis Trachymene ornata Eremophila forrestii var. forrestii Velleia rosea Grevillea obliquistigma Waitzia acuminata Hakea recurva Psydrax suaveolens
Photo taken: Autumn 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.4. D6 – Drainage creekline 6
Association Structure: Dense to mid-dense Acacia shrublands < 5m with an understory of mixed species < 2m and dense annuals located along creek floodways. Groundcovers: Annuals < 90%
Soil surface Soil: Pink red washed sands over hardpan clays.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Gunniopsis ?rubra (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia burkittii Brachyscome ciliata Acacia sp. Wondinong Centaurea melitensis* Dodonaea inaequifolia Goodenia pinnatifida Eremophila pantonii Hedypnois rhagadioloides* Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. supralaevis Schoenia cassiniana Exocarpos aphyllus Sclerolaena densiflora Pittosporum phylliraeoides Sclerolaena eriacantha
* = introduced flora
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.5. HS – Hillslope
Association Structure: Open Acacia shrublands <4m with mixed shrubs < 1.5m with sparse annuals located on the rising slopes of ridges. Groundcovers: Annuals < 20%
Soil surface Soil: Red hard clays with scattered stones and patches of lichen coloured rocks.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Acacia speckii (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia ramulosa Calotis multicaulis Acacia tetragonophylla Cephalipterum drummondii Persoonia manotricha Erymophyllum ramosum Philotheca brucei Goodenia havilandii Prostanthera patens Maireana planifolia Ptilotus obovatus Scaevola spinescens
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.6. P8 – Plains 8
Association Structure: Open to very open scattered Acacia shrublands <3m with mixed shrubs < 1m and annuals mainly grasses located on the plains. Groundcovers: Annuals < 50%
Soil surface Soil: Yellow brown hard clays with scattered terracotta coloured pisolite pebbles and small brown stones.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Acacia speckii (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia burkittii Aristida contorta Acacia ramulosa Cephalipterum drummondii Acacia speckii (P3) Erodium cygnorum Acacia tetragonophylla Lobelia winfridae Eremophila punicea Velleia rosea Grevillea pityophylla Philotheca brucei Ptilotus obovatus
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.7. P9 – Plains 9
Association Structure: Very open to mid-dense mixed shrublands < 1.5m with scattered emergent Acacia species <2.5m and sparse annuals located on the plains on rocky areas or hard gravel plains. Groundcovers: Annuals <5%
Soil surface Soil: Patches of beige coloured angular rocks <200mm, hard pan gravel and sand filled flood channels.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Calytrix uncinata (P3), Acacia speckii (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals /Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia grasbyi Calandrinia primuliflora Acacia ramulosa Goodenia havilandii Acacia umbraculiformis Borya sphaerocephala Mirbelia bursarioides Philotheca brucei Ptilotus obovatus Thryptomene costata
Photo taken: Autumn 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.8. P10 – Plains 10
Association Structure: Open Acacia shrublands <3m with shrubs <1.5m and mixed mid dense annuals located along on the plains. Groundcovers: Annuals < 60%
Soil surface Soil: Red silty clay covered with scattered terracotta coloured pisolite pebbles and patches of stones <100mm.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Acacia speckii (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia burkittii Aristida contorta Acacia ramulosa Brachyscome ciliata Acacia tetragonophylla Erymophyllum ramosum Eremophila clarkei Goodenia havilandii Eremophila eriocalyx Hyalosperma glutinosa ssp. venustum Hakea recurva Maireana carnosa Ptilotus obovatus Podolepis lessonii Senna charlesiana Ptilotus gaudichaudii var. parviflorus
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.9. P11 – Plains 11
Association Structure: Open Acacia shrublands scattered with mixed species <4m and mid dense annuals located on the plains. Groundcovers: Annuals <50%
Soil surface Soil: Red silty clay covered with maghemite pebbles and dark brown stones.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia grasbyi Maireana carnosa Acacia ramulosa Velleia rosea Acacia tetragonophylla Eremophila oldfieldii Grevillea obliquistigma Persoonia manotricha Ptilotus drummondii Ptilotus obovatus Senna sp. Austin
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.10. P13 – Plains 13
Association Structure: Very open Acacia shrublands < 3m with scattered shrubs < 500mm and scattered annuals located on the plains. Groundcovers: Annuals < 20%
Soil surface Soil: Red hard clays with patches of scattered dark maghemite pebbles and white quartz stones.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia aneura Aristida contorta Acacia grasbyi Calandrinia primuliflora Acacia tetragonophylla Goodenia havilandii Hakea preissii Lobelia winfridae Ptilotus drummondii Maireana carnosa Ptilotus obovatus Sclerolaena densiflora Scaevola spinescens Sida calyxhymenia
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.11. P14 - Plains 14
Association Structure: Open Acacia shrublands < 4m with scattered understory shrubs <1m with mid dense mixed annuals on the plains. Groundcovers: Annuals <50%
Soil surface Soil: Red silty clays with patches scattered gravel <5mm.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia aneura Brachyscome ciliocarpa Acacia craspedocarpa Calandrinia pumila Acacia effusifolia Cephalipterum drummondii Acacia ramulosa Dichopogon tyleri Acacia sibina Goodenia havilandii Acacia tetragonophylla Myriocephalus guerinae Ptilotus obovatus Schoenia cassiniana
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.12. P15 - Plains 15
Association Structure: Open Acacia shrublands < 4m with mid dense Eremophila shrubs < 1.5m and scattered annuals located on the plains. Groundcovers: Annuals <30%
Soil surface Soil: Hard red clay with scattered brown stones < 50mm.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia grasbyi Maireana carnosa Acacia ramulosa Ptilotus gaudichaudii var. gaudichaudii Eremophila clarkei Eremophila forrestii var. forrestii Grevillea obliquistigma Ptilotus obovatus Santalum spicatum Thryptomene decussata
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.13. R2 – Ridge 2
Association Structure: Very open to open mixed shrublands <3m with understory shrubs <1.5m and mixed sparse annuals located on rocky ridges. Groundcovers: Annuals <20%
Soil surface Soil: Scattered white quartz stones and siltstone over hard clays and bedrock.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Calytrix uncinata (P3), Acacia speckii (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia aulacophylla Austrostipa trichophylla Acacia burkittii Calotis multiflorus Acacia speckii (P3) Cephalipterum drummondii Acacia umbraculiformis Goodenia pinnatifida Eremophila glutinosa Hyalosperma glutinosum ssp. venustum Eremophila latrobei Lobelia winfridae Hakea preissii Thyridolepis multiculmis Philotheca brucei Velleia rosea Thryptomene costata Waitzia acuminata Thryptomene decussata
Photo taken: Autumn 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.14. R3 – Ridge 3
Association Structure: Very open mixed shrublands < 1.5m with emergent Acacia species < 3m and scattered annuals located along gentle rocky rises. Groundcovers: Annuals < 10%
Soil surface Soil: Scattered rocks < 200mm and siltstones amongst pink brown clays.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Acacia speckii (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia burkittii Aristida contorta Acacia grasbyi Calandrinia primuliflora Acacia speckii (P3) Dielitzia tysonii Acacia umbraculiformis Euphorbia boophthona Borya sphaerocephala Goodenia havilandii Eremophila punicea Lobelia winfridae Ptilotus drummondii Thyridolepis multiculmis Thryptomene costata Velleia rosea Verticordia interioris
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.15. S3 – Salt flat 3
Association Structure: Open heath of chenopods < 500mm with scattered emergent shrubs <2.5m and scattered annuals. Groundcovers: Annuals < 2%
Soil surface Soil: Pink brown silty clays sometimes covered with quartz rocks <50mm and dark maghemite pebbles.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia burkittii Atriplex semilunaris Acacia grasbyi Calandrinia glandulifera Acacia sp. Wondinong Eragrostis pergracilis Enchylaena lanata Gnephosis arachnaea Eremophila pantonii Gunniopsis septifraga Frankenia setosa Maireana carnosa Maireana georgei Mesembryanthemum nodiflora* Ptilotus obovatus Sclerolaena eriacantha Rhagodia drummondii Pogonolepis muelleriana Sclerolaena drummondii Zygophyllum eremaeum * = introduced flora
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.16. S5 – Salt flat 5
Association Structure: Dense annual succulent heath < 500mm with occasional shrubs <6m located on the plains in depressions. Groundcovers: Annuals < 20%
Soil surface Soil: Silty yellow brown clays with scattered maghemite pebbles and terracotta coloured pisolite pebbles.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia burkittii Asteridea athrixioides Acacia ligulata Calandrinia eremaea Acacia synchronicia Cephalipterum drummondii Grevillea nematophylla ssp. supraplana Gunniopsis septifraga Hakea preissii Maireana carnosa Pittosporum phylliraeoides Mesembryanthemum nodiflora* Ptilotus obovatus Salsola australis
* = introduced flora
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.17. S6 – Salt flat 6
Association Structure: Open mixed shrublands < 3m with open patches of shrubs <1m and scattered annuals located on the plains in shallow depressions. Groundcovers: Annuals < 20%
Soil surface Soil: Yellow brown clays with scattered maghemite pebbles and brown gravel.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia grasbyi Calandrinia primuliflora Acacia ramulosa Cephalipterum drummondii Eremophila oldfieldii Lawrencia glomerata Eremophila oppositifolia Maireana carnosa Eremophila pantonii Ptilotus airoides Exocarpos aphyllus Ptilotus exaltatus Ptilotus obovatus Ptilotus gaudichaudii var. parviflorus Rhagodia drummondii Santalum spicatum Maireana thesioides
Photo taken Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.18. UP1 – Upper plains 1
Association Structure: Open to mid dense Acacia shrublands <5m with a mid dense understory of Eremophila species <1.5m with dense annuals on gentle slopes below ridges. Groundcovers: Annuals < 70%
Soil surface Soil: Red clays with scattered small rocks and pisolite pebbles.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Acacia speckii (P3)
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia aneura Brunonia australis Acacia craspedocarpa Erodium cygnorum Acacia effusifolia Haloragis odontocarpa Eremophila forrestii var. forrestii Monachather paradoxus Grevillea obliquistigma Myriocephalus guerinae Philotheca brucei Podolepis canescens Prostanthera althoferi ssp. althoferi Thyridolepis mitchelliana Thryptomene costata
Photo taken: Spring 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
3.2.19. UP4 – Upper plains 4
Association Structure: Mid-dense Acacia shrublands and mixed species < 3.5 m with emergent Melaleuca species <5m and open Aluta heath patches of <1.5m. Sparse annuals located along gentle slopes along ridges. Groundcovers: Annuals < 10%
Soil surface Soil: Red silty clays with scattered stones < 50mm and terracotta coloured pisolite pebbles.
Vegetation Priority Flora: Nil
Typical Flora:
Perennials (Apparent all year) Annuals/Grasses/Others (Wet season apparent)
Acacia grasbyi Cheilanthes adiantoides Acacia ramulosa Haloragis odontocarpa Acacia umbraculiformis Velleia rosea Aluta aspera ssp. Hesperia Grevillea extorris Grevillea obliquistigma Melaleuca hamata Persoonia manotricha Philotheca brucei Thryptomene costata
Photo taken: Autumn 2008
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
4. DISCUSSION
These surveys throughout autumn, winter and spring allowed many flowering plants to be observed that normally would not be seen in a single survey. It has allowing a greater knowledge of flora to be passed onto OZ Mineral personnel helping with priority flora management and identification throughout the year.
The vegetation mapping has also identified natural drainage lines more precisely than can be read off contour maps which can also be of assistance in planning. The vegetation associations are strongly connected to the soil type and may also aid in the location of specific clay types throughout the area if needed in construction.
The only occurrence of P9 - Plains 9 in the survey area is in Site B & D. While this is an unusual association in terms of structure and soil type to other associations, its flora also occurs in R2- Ridge 2, R3 - Ridge 3, and P8 - Plains 8 associations of which are common throughout the survey area and will not be impacted.
Site B This site is set back from the BIF hills and it is unlikely that dust accumulation from the TSF3 would be a concern to BIF vegetation. It contains two Priority 3 taxa; Acacia speckii and Calytrix uncinata.
Searches found 209 Acacia speckii (P3) plants in Site B. These formed part of a larger population of 1305 individuals and represents 16% of the overall population. Other searches throughout the area at the time of the survey found 3 further populations within 3km containing 342 additional individuals. See details of GPS locations in Appendix C. If Site B is selected, 13% of these combined populations will be impacted.
One population of Calytrix uncinata (P3) was also located in the centre of Site B. This contained 78 individuals on a hard pan gravel area and a rocky ridge. While 18 populations on the Golden Grove leases have been surveyed by Yilgarn Traders (December, 2008) and Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2004), the largest populations of Calytrix uncinata (P3) known to date are in the Southern Leases (approximately 9km south east of TSF2) on Warriedar & Badja Pastoral stations. Located along a string of ranges, they have not been counted but are estimated to contain thousands of plants. It is likely that further populations exist in the BIF hills adjoining and running southwest from Site D as two significant populations have already been located 300m south east of the site (478 individuals, Mattiske Consulting, 2004) and another 1.2km south (160 individuals, Yilgarn Traders, Dec 2008). Further survey work in these areas would be needed to confirm the presence of any additional populations.
Site D To the west of Site D lies a BIF hill, the value of these types of land formations have been investigated in Markley and Dillon (2008) “Flora and vegetation of the Banded Iron Formation of the Yilgarn Craton: Yalgoo” report. They state the following:
“BIF ranges in the Yilgarn are biodiversity hotspots (Gibson et al. 2007), and although the Yalgoo survey area did not have as many restricted communities and endemic and uncommon taxa as
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
the central Tallering Land System (Markey & Dillon 2008a), these BIF ranges still harbour taxa of conservation significance and distinctive floristic communities.”
A small section of the western edge of Site D sits below the BIF Hill on the Upper Plains and encroaches into an association (UP1) that merges with the BIF vegetation and Acacia shrublands below. Acacia speckii (P3) was the only priority species noted within this area, only a few plants were seen here as it grew mainly in lower areas hence disturbing this association would impact less than five Acacia speckii (P3) plants.
Three hundred Acacia speckii (P3) individuals were located in Site D forming part of a population of 1305 which represents 23% of the population. Other searches throughout the area at the time of the survey found 3 further populations within 3km containing 342 additional individuals. If Site D is selected, disturbance will impact 18% of these combined populations.
One population of Calytrix uncinata (P3) was also located in the centre of Site D. This contained 78 individuals on a hard pan gravel area and a rocky ridge. As discussed for Site B (previous page), 18 populations have been mapped on the Golden Grove leases and further populations are likely to occur throughout the adjoining BIF hills.
The close proximity of the TSF3 to the BIF hills should also consider any adverse effects from dust blown from the surface of the TSF3 and accumulating on the BIF vegetation.
Conclusion Construction of TSF3 will pose a similar impact on the numbers of Priority flora in Site D and Site B. Both sites will remove a Calytrix uncinata (P3) population and impact an Acacia speckii (P3) population. Site B will have 7% less impact on the immediate Acacia speckii (P3) population.
These Priority taxa are not unique to these sites and are both found throughout the Golden Grove leases. Acacia speckii (P3) searches show its occurrence mainly on the northern side of the Scuddles minesite. Limited surveys have been conducted throughout these areas and it is likely that more populations could be found with further searches around low ridges and stony areas. As the known impact to Acacia speckii (P3) locally is moderate to low, it would be worth investigating its Regional conservational significance. Calytrix uncinata (P3) has been found extensively throughout Golden Grove’s Southern Leases and impacting this population will have a low effect on its local conservation significance.
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations as a result of his survey area are: • Determine the regional conservational significance for Acacia speckii (P3) as Site B and D will impact >13 % of the population. • Ensure management strategies are in place to stop potential dust accumulation on the BIF vegetation from the top of the Tailings Storage Facility 3 from Site D. • If Site B or Site D are selected, employ the following techniques within an appropriate rehabilitation strategies for revegetation of Priority Flora: - Collecting any available seed from Priority Flora for revegetation if available prior to clearing. - Using brush from impacted areas for mulching rehabilitation sites of similar soil type. - Ensure topsoil from areas where Acacia speckii (P3) is impacted, is reused as topsoil to re-establish these plants. • Minimise impacts to the Banded Iron Formation hill if Site D is selected by: - Restricting unnecessary traffic on the range and keeping traffic movement to existing gridlines and roads where possible.
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author thanks the following people from OZ Minerals Ltd for their assistance. Environment: Javier Brodalka, Kelly Frazer and Claire McCamish. Geology: Marcel van Eck and Shaun Neal.
7. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
The following personnel from Yilgarn Traders have participated in the field study, map interpretation and report preparation. Consultant and author: Julie Firth Field and administrative assistant: Johnny Barber
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
8. REFERENCES
Bennett Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd., (2007) Gossan Hill Open Cut Project Mining Proposal - Flora and Vegetation Assessment. February 2007. Unpublished report for Oxiana Golden Grove Pty Ltd.
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) (2008). Western Australia Herbarium Florabase. [On-line] Available WWW: http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/science/florabase.html [Accessed February 2009]
Golden Grove Weather Station records - 080321-OXGG Rolling Weather Data 2008
Markley A.S. & Dillon S.J., (2008) Flora and vegetation of the Banded Iron Formations of the Yilgarn Craton: The Central Tallering Land System. Unpublished (draft) report for Department of Environment and Conservation.
Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd., (2004) Priority Flora Search - Gossan Hill and Surrounds. February 2004. Unpublished report prepared for Newmont Golden Grove Operations
Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd., (1996) Flora and Vegetation of the Golden Grove Project. Murchison Zinc Company Pty Ltd. Unpublished report prepared for Murchison Zinc.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd., (2007) Gossan Hill Open Cut Project Mining Proposal Flora and Vegetation Assessment. January 2007. Unpublished report for Oxiana Golden Grove Pty Ltd.
Yilgarn Traders, (2008) Golden Grove – Flora Survey & Vegetation Association Mapping for TSF3 footprint – Site A. December 2008. Unpublished report prepared for OZ Minerals Ltd.
Yilgarn Traders, (2008) Golden Grove – Flora Survey & Vegetation Association Mapping for Far Southern Leases. December 2008. Unpublished maps prepared for OZ Minerals Ltd. Report in review.
Yilgarn Traders, (2008) Golden Grove – Updated Flora Survey & Vegetation Association Mapping for Southern Leases. December 2008. Unpublished maps prepared for OZ Minerals Ltd. Report in review.
Yilgarn Traders, (2008) Flora Survey and Vegetation Association Mapping for TSF3 Footprint. June 2008. Unpublished report prepared for Oxiana Golden Grove Pty Ltd.
Yilgarn Traders, (2008) Flora Survey and Vegetation Association Mapping for TSF3 Footprint - Site B & D. June 2008. Unpublished report prepared for Oxiana Golden Grove Pty Ltd.
Yilgarn Traders, (2008) Golden Grove – Flora Survey and Vegetation Mapping for the Open Pit Project. July 2008. Unpublished report prepared for OZ Minerals Ltd.
Yilgarn Traders, (2008) Addendum to: Golden Grove - Southern Leases Vegetation Association Mapping. April 2008. Unpublished report prepared for Oxiana Golden Grove Pty Ltd.
Yilgarn Traders, (2007) Golden Grove - Southern Leases Vegetation Association Mapping. December 2007. Unpublished report prepared for Oxiana Golden Grove Pty Ltd.
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
9. APPENDICES
9.1. APPENDIX A: VEGETATION ASSOCIATION MAP KEY
D1 - Drainage lines 1 Dense to mid-dense Acacia shrublands < 6m mainly Acacia burkittii or Acacia sibina with Acacia ramulosa and Acacia tetragonaphylla over shrubs <1m incl. Eremophila georgei and Teucrium racemosum. Dense annuals mainly Erodium cygnorum and Haloragis odontocarpa
D4 - Drainage line 4 Open Acacia shrublands <2.5m incl. Acacia burkittii, Acacia umbraculiformis, Acacia tetragonaphylla with Eremophila oppositifolia over shrubs < 1.5 m incl. Scaevola spinescens and Senna sp. Austin. Open annuals incl. Erymophyllum racemosum and Maireana carnosa.
D5 - Drainage line 5 Open to mid dense Acacia shrublands <5m mainly Acacia aneura, Acacia ramulosa and Acacia sibina with shrubs <2m incl. Eremophila forrestii var. forrestii with dense annuals mainly Erodium cygnorum and Myriocephalus guerinae.
D6 – Drainage creek 6 Open to mid dense shrublands <4m incl. Acacia burkittii, Acacia sp. Wondinong and Dodonaea inaequifolia with occasional Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. supralaevis <8m. Dense mixed annuals incl. Goodenia pinnatifida with introduced species incl. Hedypnois rhagadioloides and Centaurea melitensis.
HS – Hill Slope Open Acacia shrublands < 4m incl. Acacia ramulosa and Acacia tetragonaphylla with Persoonia manotricha over open mixed shrubs < 1.5m incl. Philotheca brucei, Prostanthera patens and Ptilotus obovatus. Sparse annuals mainly Goodenia havilandii.
P8 - Plains 8 Open to very open scattered Acacia shrublands <3m incl. Acacia ramulosa, Acacia tetragonaphylla and Acacia speckii (P3) with scattered shrubs < 1m mainly Eremophila punicea with Philotheca brucei and Grevillea pityophylla. Scattered annuals incl. Aristida contorta grass.
P9 - Plains 9 Very open to mid-dense mixed shrublands < 1.5m incl. Thryptomene costata, Mirbelia bursarioides, Borya sphaerocephala, Ptilotus obovatus with occasional emergent Acacia grasbyi and Acacia umbraculiformis <2.5m. Sparse annuals incl. Goodenia havilandii and Calandrinia primuliflora.
P10 - Plains 10 Open Acacia shrublands <3m mainly Acacia burkittii, Acacia ramulosa and Hakea recurva with shrubs <1.5m incl. Eremophila clarkei, Eremophila eriocalyx and Senna charlesiana. Mixed mid dense annuals incl. Hyalosperma glutinosa ssp. venustum and Erymophyllum ramosum. P11 - Plains 11 Open Acacia shrublands <4m mainly Acacia ramulosa and Acacia grasbyi with scattered Persoonia manotricha, Eremophila oldfieldii and Ptilotus obovatus. Scattered annuals incl. Maireana carnosa and Velleia rosea.
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Golden Grove –Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and February 2009 northern areas.
P13 – Plains 13 Very open Acacia shrublands < 3m mainly Acacia aneura, Acacia grasbyi and occasional Hakea preissii with scattered shrubs < 500mm mainly Ptilotus obovatus. Scattered annuals incl. Ptilotus drummondii and Aristida contorta grass.
P14 - Plains 14 Open Acacia shrublands < 4m mainly Acacia sibina with Acacia ramulosa, Acacia tetragonaphylla with scattered Acacia craspedocarpa and Acacia effusifolia and Ptilotus obovatus. Mid dense mixed annuals incl. Schoenia cassiniana and Myriocephalus guerinae. P15 - Plains 15 Open to mid dense Acacia shrublands < 4m mainly Acacia grasbyi and Acacia ramulosa with shrubs < 1.5m mainly Eremophila forrestii var. forrestii and Ptilotus obovatus. Scattered annuals incl. Maireana carnosa and Ptilotus gaudichaudii var. gaudichaudii.
R2 - Ridge 2 Very open to open mixed shrublands <3m incl. Thryptomene decussata and Acacia umbraculiformis with understory shrubs <1.5m on rocky ridges incl. Thryptomene costata, Hakea preissii and Philotheca brucei. Mixed sparse annuals incl. Thyridolepis multiculmis.
R3 - Ridge 3 Very open mixed shrublands < 1.5m incl. Eremophila punicea, Thryptomene costata and patches of Verticordia interioris with emergent Acacia umbraculiformis and Acacia burkittii < 3m. Scattered annuals incl. Lobelia winfridae and Aristida contorta grass.
S3 - Salt Flat 3 Open heath of chenopods < 500mm incl. Frankenia setosa and Rhagodia drummondii with scattered emergent shrubs <2.5m incl. Acacia sp. Wondinong, Eremophila pantonii and Acacia grasbyi. Scattered annuals incl. Maireana carnosa and Sclerolaena drummondii.
S5 - Salt Flat 5 Dense annual succulent heath < 500mm mainly Maireana carnosa and Cephalipterum drummondii with Ptilotus obovatus and occasional shrubs <6m incl. Hakea preissii and Grevillea nematophylla ssp. supraplana.
S6 - Salt Flat 6 Open mixed shrublands < 3m incl. Acacia ramulosa, Acacia grasbyi with Eremophila oppositifolia and Eremophila pantonii with open patches of shrubs <1m incl. Ptilotus obovatus and Rhagodia drummondii. Scattered annuals incl. Lawrencia glomerata and Maireana carnosa.
UP1 – Upper Plains 1 Open to mid dense Acacia shrublands <5m mainly Acacia aneura, Acacia effusifolia and Grevillea obliquistigma with mid dense shrubs <1.5m of Eremophila forrestii var. forrestii. Dense annuals mainly Haloragis odontocarpa and Brunonia australis.
UP4 – Upper Plains 4 Mid dense Acacia shrublands < 3.5 m incl. Acacia ramulosa, Acacia grasbyi with Grevillea obliquistigma with emergent Melaleuca hamata < 5m with open heath patches of <1.5m Aluta aspera ssp. Hesperia and Thryptomene costata. Sparse annuals incl. Haloragis odontocarpa and Velleia rosea.
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Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and northern areas. February 2009
9.2. APPENDIX B: TABLE OF FLORA WITHIN VEGETATION ASSOCIATIONS Flora Key: # = Dominant, x = Common, o = Occasional, Y = Apparent year round, W = Wet season apparent *Denotes introduced species Species Apparent D1 D4 D5 D6 HS P8 P9 P10 P11 P13 P14 P15 R2 R3 S3 S5 S6 UP1 UP4 Abutilon cryptopetalum Y x x x x x x x x
Abutilon oxycarpum subsp. prostratum Y x x
Acacia aneura Y x x x x x x # # x x x # x
Acacia aneura x craspedocarpa Y x x x x o x o
Acacia aulacophylla Y x o o x x o o x
Acacia burkittii Y # # o # x # # x o x # o x # x o x
Acacia craspedocarpa Y x x x o x x
Acacia effusifolia Y o x # #
Acacia exocarpoides Y x x x o x x o o o x o x x
Acacia grasbyi Y o x x o # # o # x # # o # o #
Acacia ligulata Y o x x
Acacia longispinea Y x x
Acacia masliniana Y x
Acacia microcalyx Y o o o
Acacia murrayana Y x x o x o
Acacia ramulosa Y # x # x # # # # # o # # # x o x # x # Acacia sibina Y # # o o o o # x x x
Acacia sp. Wondinong Y o # o x #
Acacia speckii (P3) Y o x # x x x x o
Acacia synchronicia Y x
Acacia tetragonophylla Y # # x x # # x # x # # x o x x # x x
Acacia umbraculiformis Y x x x o # o x # o #
Actinobole uliginosum W x
Allocasuarina acutivalvis Y x
Aluta aspera ssp. Hesperia Y x o o x o #
Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea* W o x
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Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and northern areas. February 2009
Species Apparent D1 D4 D5 D6 HS P8 P9 P10 P11 P13 P14 P15 R2 R3 S3 S5 S6 UP1 UP4 Aristida contorta Y o # x x # x x # x x x
Asteridea athrixioides W x
Atriplex codonocarpa W x
Atriplex hymenotheca Y x x
Atriplex semilunaris W x x
Austrostipa elegantissima Y o x x x
Austrostipa scabra W o o x x
Austrostipa trichophylla W o x x x x x x x x x
Bellida graminea W x x x x x
Borya sphaerocephala Y x o x
Brachychiton gregorii Y o x
Brachyscome ciliocarpa W # x x x x x x x x x
Brunonia australis W o #
Bulbine semibarbata* W x
Bursaria occidentalis Y o x o x
Calandrinia ?translucens W x x
Calandrinia creethae W x x x x x x x x
Calandrinia eremaea W x x x x
Calandrinia glandulifera W x x
Calandrinia papillata W x x x o x x x
Calandrinia primuliflora W x x x x x x x x x
Calandrinia pumila W o x x x
Calandrinia remota W x
Calandrinia sp. Blackberry W x
Callitris canescens Y o
Calotis hispidula W x x x
Calotis multicaulis W x x x x x
Calotis multiflorus W x x x x o x x x x x
Calytrix uncinata (P3) Y x x
Centaurea melitensis* W o x
Cephalipterum drummondii W # x o x # x x # x x # x
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Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and northern areas. February 2009
Species Apparent D1 D4 D5 D6 HS P8 P9 P10 P11 P13 P14 P15 R2 R3 S3 S5 S6 UP1 UP4 Chamaexeros micranthera Y o
Cheilanthes adiantoides W o x x x
Cheilanthes sieberi W o x
Cheiranthera filifolia W x
Chenopodium murale* W x
Comesperma integerrimum W o x x x o
Cryptandra imbricata W o o
Cuscuta planiflora* W o x o X x x
Dianella revoluta Y x o o x x
Dichopogon tyleri W x x x x x x
Dielitzia tysonii W x x x x x
Dodonaea inaequifolia Y o x # o x
Dodonaea petiolaris Y o
Dysphania glandulosa W x x o x
Emex australis* W o
Enchylaena lanata Y x x x x
Eragrostis pergracilis W x x
Eremophila clarkei Y # x x o x x x x x x x x o o x
Eremophila eriocalyx Y # x o x x x x
Eremophila forrestii var. forrestii Y x x # x x o x x x # x o # x
Eremophila georgei Y # x x x x x x o o
Eremophila glutinosa Y o x x o x x
Eremophila granitica Y x x o x
Eremophila latrobei Y x x x o x x x
Eremophila oldfieldii Y x x x o x x x
Eremophila oppositifolia Y x o x x x o
Eremophila pantonii Y # # x x
Eremophila punicea Y x x x x # x x o o x # x x
Eremophila serrulata Y x x x
Eremophila sp. Y o
Eriachne sp. W x
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Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and northern areas. February 2009
Species Apparent D1 D4 D5 D6 HS P8 P9 P10 P11 P13 P14 P15 R2 R3 S3 S5 S6 UP1 UP4 Eriochiton sclerolaenoides W x x x x x
Erodium cygnorum W # # x # x x x x x o # x #
Erymophyllum ramosum W # x x x x x # x x x
Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. supralaevis Y x
Euphorbia boophthona W x
Euphorbia drummondii W x
Euphorbia sp. W x
Euphorbia tannensis W x
Exocarpos aphyllus Y o x x x
Feldstonia nitens W x x x x
Frankenia setosa Y x
Gilruthia osbornei W x x x
Gnephosis arachnaea W x x x
Gnephosis brevifolia W x x x x x x x
Gnephosis tenuissima W x x x x
Gonocarpus nodulosus W x
Goodenia havilandii W x x x x x # x x # x
Goodenia pinnatifida W # # x x x x x x x
Goodenia pusilliflora W x x
Grevillea berryana Y x
Grevillea extorris Y x x x x x x x
Grevillea nematophylla ssp. supraplana Y o x
Grevillea obliquistigma Y x x x o o x x o x x o o # x
Grevillea pityophylla Y # x x x x x x o x
Gunniopsis ?rubra (P3) W x
Gunniopsis septifraga W x x x x x x
Hakea preissii Y x o o x x x x x # o
Hakea recurva Y # x x x x x x x o x x x x
Haloragis odontocarpa W # x x x # x
Haloragis trigonocarpa W x x x
Hedypnois rhagadioloides* W x
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Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and northern areas. February 2009
Species Apparent D1 D4 D5 D6 HS P8 P9 P10 P11 P13 P14 P15 R2 R3 S3 S5 S6 UP1 UP4 Hemigenia sp. Edah W x x
Hemigenia sp. Paynes Find W x
Hemigenia sp. Yalgoo W x
Hyalosperma glutinosum ssp. venustum W x x x x # x
Hypoxis glabella W x
Lachnagrostis filiformis W o x
Lawrencia diffusa W x
Lawrencia glomerata W x o x
Levenhookia leptantha W x x
Lobelia winfridae W o o o x o x o x # x
Maireana brevifolia W o
Maireana carnosa W x x x x x x x x x x # # x x
Maireana georgei W x x x
Maireana glomerifolia W x
Maireana integra W x
Maireana planifolia W x x x x x x
Maireana pyramidata W x x x x o o x x x x
Maireana sp. W x
Maireana thesioides W x x x x x x x x x x
Maireana triptera W x o x
Marsdenia australis W x o
Melaleuca hamata Y x
Mesembryanthemum nodiflora* W x x o x x
Mirbelia bursarioides W o x # o x x x
Monachather paradoxus Y o x o o x o x #
Myriocephalus guerinae W x # x x o x x
Myriocephalus oldfieldii W x x x x x
Nicotiana occidentalis W x x x
Olearia sturtii W x x x
Persoonia manotricha Y o x x x x o x o x o x
Philotheca brucei Y x o # x x x x
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Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and northern areas. February 2009
Species Apparent D1 D4 D5 D6 HS P8 P9 P10 P11 P13 P14 P15 R2 R3 S3 S5 S6 UP1 UP4 Philotheca sericea Y x o o
Pittosporum phylliraeoides Y o x x x
Plantago drummondii W x
Podolepis canescens W o x x x x
Podolepis capitellatus W o x x
Podolepis kendallii W x x x x
Podolepis lessonii W x x x x x x x
Podotheca gnaphalioides W o
Pogonolepis muelleriana W x x x x x x x x
Prostanthera althoferi ssp. althoferi W x x x
Prostanthera patens W o x x
Psydrax latifolia Y x o
Psydrax suaveolens Y o x o
Ptilotus airoides W x x x
Ptilotus divaricatus W x x x x x x
Ptilotus drummondii Y x x x o x # x x # x o
Ptilotus exaltatus W x x
Ptilotus gaudichaudii var gaudichaudii W x
Ptilotus gaudichaudii var. parviflorus W x x x x x x x x x
Ptilotus helipteroides W x x x x
Ptilotus macrocephalus W x x x x x
Ptilotus obovatus Y # x x x # # # x x # # x x # # # x x
Ptilotus polystachya W x o
Ranunculus pumilio W x
Rhagodia drummondii Y o x x o x x x
Rhodanthe chlorocephala ssp. splendida W x x
Rhodanthe citrina W x x
Rhodanthe maryonii W x x
Rhodanthe stricta W x o
Rhyncharrhena linearis W x
Salsola australis W x x
42 Yilgarn Traders
Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and northern areas. February 2009
Species Apparent D1 D4 D5 D6 HS P8 P9 P10 P11 P13 P14 P15 R2 R3 S3 S5 S6 UP1 UP4 Santalum acuminatum Y x x x o x x x
Santalum spicatum Y x x o x x x x o x x x x x
Sarcozona praecox Y x
Scaevola spinescens Y x # x x x x x o x x x x x x x x x
Schoenia cassiniana W # x x x x x # x x
Sclerolaena burbidgeae W x x
Sclerolaena densiflora W o x x x x x x x
Sclerolaena diacantha W x
Sclerolaena drummondii Y x x
Sclerolaena eriacantha W x
Sclerolaena eurotioides W x x x
Sclerolaena gardneri W o x x x x
Senecio glossanthus W x
Senna charlesiana Y x x x x x x x x o o x x o x x o x
Senna glutinosa Y x x x o o
Senna sp. Austin Y x # x x x o x x o o x o x
Sida calyxhymenia Y x x x x x x x
Silene gallica* W x
Solanum lasiophyllum Y x x x o x x x x x x x x
Solanum nigrum* W x
Solanum nummularia Y o x x
Solanum orbiculatum Y x x x x
Sonchus oleraceus* W x
Swainsona perlonga W x
Tecticornia disarticulata Y x x
Teucrium racemosum Y x o o
Thryptomene costata Y o # o x # x #
Thryptomene decussata Y x o x o x o x
Thyridolepis mitchelliana W x
Thyridolepis multiculmis W x x x x x x x x x
Thysanotus manglesianus W x x x x x x
43 Yilgarn Traders
Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- Site B&D and northern areas. February 2009
Species Apparent D1 D4 D5 D6 HS P8 P9 P10 P11 P13 P14 P15 R2 R3 S3 S5 S6 UP1 UP4 Thyridolepis multiculmis W x x x x x x x x x
Thysanotus manglesianus W x x x x x x
Thysanotus rectantherus W x x x x x
Trachymene ceratocarpa W x
Trachymene ornata W x x x x x x x x
Velleia hispidula W x o x
Velleia rosea W # x x # x # x x x # x x
Verticordia interioris Y o x o #
Wahlenbergia tumidifructa W o o
Waitzia acuminata W x x x x x x x x x
Wurmbea densiflora W x
Zygophyllum eremaeum W x x
44 Yilgarn Traders
Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- February 2009 Site B&D and northern areas.
9.3. APPENDIX C: PRIORITY THREE FLORA POPULATIONS Populations within the survey area are shown on the attached maps. Datum: AMG84 Zone 50J, Pop. = Population Name, Ha.- Hectares
Acacia speckii (P3) 50% within northern Survey area 16% within Site B, 23% within Site D (cont.) Pop. (plant count) Area Boundary extents Pop. (plant count) Area Boundary extents TSF2_As01 (49) 11.6Ha Easting Northing TSF2_As02c – (cont.) Easting Northing 492198 6825084 492908 6822556 491848 6824674 492886 6822692 491614 6824576 492848 6822922 491854 6824579 492627 6822910 491914 6824491 492731 6822954 491964 6824702 492895 6823052 492233 6824996 492987 6823008 493044 6822831 16% within Site B, 23% within Site D 492924 6822743 TSF2_As02 (1305) 174 Ha Easting Northing 493028 6822613 TSF2_As02a (305) 24.8Ha 492889 6823954 493186 6822601 493015 6823844 493413 6822443 493198 6823904 493586 6822389 492930 6823560 TSF2_As02d (12) 1.1Ha 492460 6822455 492775 6823563 492567 6822402 492630 6823472 492472 6822402 492542 6823733 TSF2_As02e (1) 0.1Ha 493312 6821943 492621 6823860 493402 6821943 TSF2_As02b (140) 14.7Ha 493356 6823150 493392 6821891 493460 6823178 493310 6821889 493501 6822872 TSF2_As02f (300) 87.4Ha 492488 6822010 493842 6822784 492719 6821884 493798 6822635 492474 6821285 493388 6822689 492340 6821485 493302 6822907 492952 6821152 TSF2_As02c (414) 36Ha 492264 6823071 492665 6821677 492564 6823083 492528 6821824 493438 6822149 493055 6821529 492599 6822702 493176 6821449 492495 6822777 493235 6820990 493302 6822149 493189 6820919 493274 6822269 492895 6821064 493091 6822301 493059 6820564 492971 6822443 492895 6820360 493018 6822537 492676 6820726 492223 6821075
45 Yilgarn Traders
Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- February 2009 Site B&D and northern areas.
Acacia speckii (P3) Calytrix uncinata (P3) Within Site B & D (cont.) Within Site B and D Pop. (plant count) Area Boundary extents Pop. (plant count) Area Boundary extents TSF2_As02g (50) 2.9Ha Easting Northing TSF2_Cu02 (78) 1.7 Ha Easting Northing 493325 6821528 TSF2_Cu02a (5) 0.8 Ha 492990 6821595 493457 6821666 493085 6821512 493533 6821562 492979 6821524 493418 6821446 TSF2_Cu02b (73) 0.9 Ha 492936 6821340 TSF2_As02h (83) 7.1Ha 493765 6821916 492993 6821251 493867 6821971 492930 6821245 494033 6821786 492900 6821281 493995 6821636 493768 6821701 650m east of survey area 493847 6821734 TSF2_Cu01 (28) 3.3 Ha Easting Northing 493848 6821843 493383 6823088 493597 6822971 2km south east of survey area 493582 6822810 TSF2_As03 (163) 14.1Ha Easting Northing 493478 6822855 495137 6820889 493487 6822981 495251 6820526 495289 6820248 1.2 km south of survey area 495068 6820485 TSF1_Cu01 (160) 1.4 ha. Easting Northing 494986 6820652 493050 6819214 494812 6820702 493134 6819188 493167 6819251 3km south of survey area 493197 6819186 TSF1_As01 (130) 9.5 Ha Easting Northing 493219 6819115 495068 6818777 493192 6819077 495377 6818733 493126 6819159 495273 6818373 493039 6819167 495134 6818358 495122 6818481 650m west of survey area 495182 6818550 TSF2_ Cu03 (5) 0.2Ha Easting Northing 495106 6818610 492209 6820964 492247 6820959 492246 6820911 492203 6820909
46 Yilgarn Traders
Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- February 2009 Site B&D and northern areas.
Calytrix uncinata (P3) (cont.) Far Southern Leases Southern Leases (cont.) Pop. (plant count) Area Boundary extents Pop. (plant count) Area Boundary extents FSL_Cu01 (13) 0.4Ha Easting Northing SL_CU02 (-) 0.8 Ha Easting Northing 504659 6808490 SL_Cu02a (-) 0.3Ha 499984 6811924 504690 6808439 500024 6811878 504754 6808351 499965 6811889 504687 6808410 499980 6811861 SL_Cu02b (-) 0.5Ha 500001 6811740 FSL_Cu02 (70) 0.2Ha Easting Northing 500026 6811701 505662 6807659 500103 6811596 505683 6807622 499999 6811696 505658 6807629 505698 6807592 SL_CU03 (-) 1.8 Ha Easting Northing 500695 6810735 FSL_Cu03 (145) 0.7Ha Easting Northing 500844 6810723 504924 6807449 500964 6810667 505190 6807394 500995 6810616 505196 6807370 500872 6810665 504924 6807430 500803 6810632
FSL_Cu04 (13) 0.3Ha Easting Northing 500701 6810711
504880 6806931 SL_CU04 (-) 7.8 Ha Easting Northing 504970 6806934 SL_Cu04a (500+) 1.0Ha 501709 6810849 504976 6806904 501611 6810865 504887 6806899 501594 6810830 501650 6810779 Southern Leases 501714 6810776 SL_CU01 (-) 8 Ha Easting Northing 501742 6810797 SL_CU01a (-) 7.5Ha 499429 6813199 SL_CU04b (-) 1.0Ha 501584 6810678 499463 6813216 501655 6810685 499591 6813082 501550 6810609 499705 6812874 501612 6810564 499665 6812812 501581 6810518 499601 6812781 501624 6810455 499548 6812911 501647 6810554 499316 6812964 501608 6810604 499342 6813053 501586 6810661 SL_Cu01b (-) 0.5Ha 499470 6812578 SL_Cu04c (-) 1.1Ha 501846 6810479 499463 6812634 501936 6810428 499532 6812576 501872 6810387 499534 6812639 501828 6810323
501802 6810381 501815 6810444
47 Yilgarn Traders
Golden Grove – Updated Flora survey & vegetation mapping for TSF3 footprint- February 2009 Site B&D and northern areas.
Calytrix uncinata (P3) Gunniopsis ?rubra (P3) Southern Leases (cont.) Within survey area
Pop. (plant count) Area Boundary extents Pop. (plant count) Area Boundary extents SL_Cu04d (-) 1.1Ha Easting Northing TSF2_Gr01 (-) Easting Northing continued. 502278 6810283 492313 6824057 502408 6810168 492345 6824057 502365 6810100 492342 6824033 502310 6810169 492313 6824033 502263 6810234 502252 6810275 Far Southern Leases SL_Cu04e (-) 0.7 Ha 502857 6809717 FSL_Gr01 (-) Easting Northing 502731 6809821 505193 6807492 502895 6809633 505247 6807492 502880 6809631 505245 6807444 502832 6809709 505189 6807446 SL_Cu04f (-) 0.4Ha 502267 6809644 502275 6809593 502324 6809596 502316 6809655 SL_Cu04g (-) 0.2Ha 502262 6809364 502321 6809363 502331 6809325 SL_Cu04h (-) 0.4Ha 502940 6809372 502973 6809403 503021 6809336
SL_Cu04i (-) 1.5Ha 503140 6809094
503200 6809094
503296 6809155 503381 6809204 503425 6809202 503470 6809184 503380 6809171 503291 6809128 503229 6809034 SL_Cu04j (-) 0.4Ha 503052 6808845 503082 6808803 503085 6808769 503031 6808814
48 Yilgarn Traders