ATLAS IRON LIMITED
WELD RANGE DSO PROJECT
FLORA AND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT
MAY 2009
A.C.N. 088 055 903
Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
DOCUMENT REVISION HISTORY
Revision Description Originator Reviewed Date A Released to the client for DC CG 7/4/09 review B Client comments incorporated DC Brendan 31/04/09 Bow 0 Final Report DC Brendan 22/5/09 Bow
WEC REF: Atlas08-10-02
DISCLAIMER
This document is prepared in accordance with and subject to an agreement between Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd (“Woodman Environmental”) and the client for whom it has been prepared (“Atlas Iron Limited”) and is restricted to those issues that have been raised by the Client in its engagement of Woodman Environmental and prepared using the standard of skill and care ordinarily exercised by Environmental Scientists in the preparation of such Documents.
Any organisation or person that relies on or uses this document for purposes or reasons other than those agreed by Woodman Environmental and the Client without first obtaining the prior written consent of Woodman Environmental, does so entirely at their own risk and Woodman Environmental denies all liability in tort, contract or otherwise for any loss, damage or injury of any kind whatsoever (whether in negligence or otherwise) that may be suffered as a consequence of relying on this document for any purpose other than that agreed with the Client.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... i 1. INTRODUCTION...... 1
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION...... 1 1.2 AIMS ...... 2 2. BACKGROUND...... 3
2.1 CLIMATE...... 3 2.2 SOILS AND LANDFORMS...... 4 2.3 FLORA AND VEGETATION SURVEYS ...... 4 2.3.1 Sources of Information...... 4 2.3.2 Flora...... 5 2.3.3 Vegetation...... 8 3. METHODS...... 12
3.1 LICENCES AND TIMING OF SURVEY ...... 12 3.2 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY INTERPRETATION ...... 12 3.3 FIELD SURVEY ...... 12 3.4 PLANT COLLECTION AND IDENTIFICATION...... 13 3.5 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS ...... 13 3.6 DESCRIPTION OF FLORISTIC COMMUNITY TYPES...... 14 3.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF FLORA AND VEGETATION...... 15 3.7.1 Significance of Flora Taxa...... 15 3.7.2 Significance of Vegetation ...... 15 4. RESULTS...... 17
4.1 FLORA ...... 17 4.1.1 Conservation-Significant Flora Taxa ...... 17 4.1.2 Other Flora of Interest...... 19 4.1.3 Conservation Significance of Flora Taxa...... 19 4.2 FLORISTIC COMMUNITY TYPES ...... 21 4.2.1 Weld Range DSO Project area Floristic Community Types...... 23 4.2.2 Significance of Vegetation ...... 30 5. DISCUSSION ...... 33 6. RECOMMENDATIONS...... 34 7. REFERENCES...... 35 TABLES
Table 1: Conservation-Significant Taxa Recorded by Markey & Dillon (2006) from the Weld Range
Table 2: DRF and Priority Flora Potentially Found Within or in the Vicinity of the Project area
Table 3: Description, Pre-European Extent, Current Extent and Reservation Status of Vegetation Associations Related to Physiognomy in the Project area
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Table 4: Significance of Local Populations to the Overall/Regional Conservation of Species
Table 5: Descriptions of Conservation Significance Rankings of Floristic Community Types
Table 6: Conservation Significance of Flora Taxa Populations within the Project area
Table 7: Conservation Significance of FCTs Described within the Project area FIGURES
Figure 1: Average Maximum and Minimum Temperatures (oCelsius) and Average Rainfall (mm) for Cue
Figure 2a: Project area Floristic Community Types and Significant Flora Taxa
Figure 2b: Project area Floristic Community Types and Significant Flora Taxa showing aerial photography PLATES
Plate 1: FCT 5 - Quadrat WR11 (Woodman Environmental)
Plate 2: FCT 6a - Quadrat WR12 (Woodman Environmental)
Plate 3: FCT 6b - Quadrat WR15 (Woodman Environmental)
Plate 4: FCT 8 - Quadrat WR03 (Woodman Environmental) APPENDICIES
Appendix A: Definitions of Conservation Status Codes
Appendix B: Definitions, Categories and Criteria for Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities
Appendix C: Vascular Plant Taxa Recorded Within the Project area, 2008
Appendix D: Vascular Plant Species Recorded in Each Floristic Community Type in the Project area, 2008
Appendix E: Raw Quadrat Data from the Project area
Appendix F: Taxa amalgamated for the Project area Quadrat Analysis
Appendix G: Summary Dendongram of Floristic Community Types of the W Project area
Appendix H: Summary Matrix of Species Presence within Quadrats in the Project area
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix I: Significant Indicator Species of the 7-Group Classification of the Project area
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Atlas Iron Limited (Atlas) is currently conducting preliminary exploration drilling for iron ore, with the view of mining the ore depending on the results of drilling, within tenement M20/118, as part of its Weld Range Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) Project. The Weld Range DSO Project area (‘Project area) is located within the Mid-West Region, approximately 60 km north north-east of Cue, in the Weld Range. Atlas initially commissioned Woodman Environmental Consulting (Woodman Environmental) in 2007 to conduct a desktop flora and vegetation study of the Project area. Following the completion of this study, Atlas commissioned Woodman Environmental in 2008 to undertake a detailed flora and vegetation survey of the Project area. The level of Flora and Vegetation survey for the Project area has been defined as a Level 2 Survey, which consists of background research/desktop study and reconnaissance survey, followed by either a detailed or comprehensive survey. The level of survey required has been determined from Table 2 of the Environmental Protection Authority’s Guidance Statement No. 51, where the Bioregion Group is defined as Group 2, and the nature of the potential impact is considered to be moderate.
A total of 17 permanent 20 m by 20 m vegetation assessment quadrats were established over the Project area. All types of vegetation units discernable from aerial photographs (scale 1:10,000) were surveyed with at least one quadrat. Opportunistic recordings of other species were also noted in areas adjacent to quadrats, and when traversing between quadrats. Statistical analysis using PATN was undertaken to describe Floristic Community Types (FCTs) present in the Project area, utilising data from both Woodman Environmental and Department of Environment and Conservation quadrats, which were established in 2005 across the Weld Range. Indicator species analysis was also undertaken. Mapping of populations of taxa of known conservation significance was also undertaken.
A total of 135 discrete vascular flora taxa, from 38 families and 70 genera, were recorded from the Project area. Of these taxa, two introduced (weed) taxa were recorded. The families with the highest number of taxa were Chenopodiaceae (13), Myoporaceae (11), Mimosaceae (12) and Poaceae (9 taxa). No DRF taxa were recorded within the Project area; however six Priority Flora taxa were recorded: Micromyrtus placoides, Prostanthera petrophila, Stenanthemum patens (all P1), Acacia speckii, Dodonaea amplisemina (both P3) and Grevillea inconspicua (P4). A collection of an entity likely to represent a new species of Acacia was also recorded (Bruce Maslin pers. comm.); this entity has recently been given the phrase name Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03- Opp 1). The conservation status of this taxon has been recommended as Priority 1.
Of these taxa, the Project area populations of Stenanthemum patens and Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) are both ranked as highly significant in terms of the overall conservation of each taxon, as both are known from less than five populations of unknown size, none of which are in secure conservation tenure. A. sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) is also currently only known from the Weld Range. The Project area populations of Micromyrtus placoides, Prostanthera
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd i. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment petrophila and Dodonaea amplisemina are ranked as moderately significant, while the populations of Acacia speckii and Grevillea inconspicua are of low significance.
The floristic classification of the quadrats within the Project area and across the Weld Range defined nine FCTs and sub-types. Of these FCTs, five are present within the Project area. Most FCTs consisted of open tall shrublands dominated by Acacia aneura on banded ironstone and banded ironstone derivative soils, however one FCT consisted of an open tall shrubland dominated by Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994) and Acacia speckii on dolerite-influenced soils. The FCTs within the Project area were not restricted to the DSO Project area, with most being found across the length of the range. However, these FCTs are unlikely to be found outside of the Weld Range, and are therefore of high conservation significance. The FCTs within the Project area are included as part of the Weld Range vegetation complexes (banded ironstone formation) PEC, which is listed as Priority 1.
As no mining has yet been proposed within the Project area, no assessment of the impacts of any such proposal to significant flora and FCTs has been undertaken. It is of high importance that this be undertaken if mining is proposed, particularly given the high conservation significance of particular Priority flora and the FCTs present within the Project area.
The following recommendations are given:
• Utilise areas of existing disturbance for drilling operations where possible; • Survey of any proposed drilling in remnant vegetation within the Project area by an experienced botanist if drilling occurs within the vicinity of known Priority flora locations, or within likely habitat of Priority flora; and • Additional regional survey for Priority flora taxa if impacts to populations of such taxa within the Project area as a result of clearing for drilling or mining operations are likely to be significant.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd ii. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Description
Atlas Iron Limited (Atlas) is currently conducting preliminary exploration drilling for iron ore, with the view of mining the ore depending on the results of drilling, within tenement M20/118, as part of its Weld Range Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) Project. The Weld Range DSO Project area (‘Project area) is located within the Mid-West Region, approximately 60 km north north-east of Cue, in the Weld Range. Exploration and mining for minerals including iron ore has historically been undertaken in the Weld Range area, with the abandoned Hercules mine located nearby. Historic mining for iron oxide has been undertaken in the Project area. In 2000, 9,800 tonnes of ore was mined from a single open pit, and in August 2007 Alliance Contracting Pty Ltd under instruction from Unimin Pty Ltd mined approximately 13,000 tonnes from ore from the existing open pit. All ore mined was crushed through a mobile plant and stockpiled onsite. Atlas acquired the tenement through its acquisition of Weld Range Iron Ore Pty Ltd in September 2007.
Recently there has been renewed interest in mining iron ore within the Weld Range, with Midwest Corporation Limited proposing the Weld Range Iron Ore Project, located near the Project area (Midwest Corporation Limited 2009).
The Mid-West Region is currently attracting considerable interest with regard to proposed mining projects on Banded Ironstone Formation (BIF) ranges. This includes existing and proposed mines at Koolanooka, Mt Gibson, Minjar, Golden Grove (including Gossan Hill), Karara-Mungada and Jack Hills. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) has recently conducted a series of vegetation assessments concentrating on BIFs throughout the Mid-West Region in response to these proposals, to enhance knowledge regarding the flora and vegetation on these formations, and develop management objectives for these formations.
Atlas initially commissioned Woodman Environmental Consulting (Woodman Environmental) in 2007 to conduct a desktop flora and vegetation study of the Project area (Woodman Environmental 2008). Following the completion of this study, Atlas commissioned Woodman Environmental in 2008 to undertake a detailed flora and vegetation survey of the Project area. This survey was undertaken in conjunction with a detailed survey of Atlas’ Mount Gould DSO Project area, located approximately 130 km north of the Project area, the results of which have been presented in a separate report.
The level of Flora and Vegetation survey for the Project area has been defined as a Level 2 Survey, which consists of background research/desktop study and reconnaissance survey, followed by either a detailed or comprehensive survey. The level of survey required has been determined from Table 2 of the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) Guidance Statement No. 51 (EPA 2004), where the Bioregion Group is defined as Group 2, and the nature of the potential impact is considered to be moderate.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
1.2 Aims
The aim of this study was to ascertain flora and vegetation values that may be impacted by the proposed drilling and future mining operations (if any) within the Project area. This included survey for Declared Rare Flora (DRF) and Priority Flora species that may be present within the Project area, and establishment of survey quadrats in all vegetation units. The information collected during the survey will assist Atlas in their decision-making with regard to minimising the potential impacts of drilling and mining-related activities to the flora and vegetation values of the Project area.
The tasks required to meet this aim were:
• Establish a series of 20 m x 20 m permanent vegetation quadrats within all vegetation units in the Project area; • Undertake statistical analysis to define Floristic Community Types (FCTs) within the Project area; • Produce a FCT map of the Project area; • Search for flora species, particularly DRF and Priority Flora species that may be present within the Project area; • Provide a report detailing FCTs and flora species present within the Project area; and • Identify management measures to minimise the impact of any proposed disturbance on the flora and vegetation of the Project area.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 2. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
2. BACKGROUND 2.1 Climate
The Project area is located close to the south-western boundary of the desert bioclimatic region, which is characterised by low and erratic rainfall that can occur in both summer and winter (Beard 1976). Figure 1 displays average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures, and average monthly rainfall, recorded for Cue, the nearest meteorological station to the Project area (Bureau of Meteorology 2009).
The average daily maximum temperature at Cue peaks in January, and lowest average minimum temperatures are experienced in July. The average annual rainfall for this station is 231.2 mm. Average monthly rainfall peaks in both summer and winter. The summer rainfall is influenced by tropical cyclones, which generally form between December and April, while during winter strong cold fronts from the south produce some rainfall.
Ave. Max. Temp (°C) Ave. Min. Temp. (°C) Ave. Monthly Rainfall (mm)
40
35 ) m 30 (m l l fa n
i 25 a
20 C); R e (°
r 15 atu r
e 10 p m e
T 5
0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month
Figure 1: Average Maximum and Minimum Temperatures (oCelsius) and Average Rainfall (mm) for Cue (Bureau of Meteorology 2009)
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 3. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
2.2 Soils and Landforms
The Project area is located in the Murchison Bioregion (Austin Botanical District), which is formed of Archaean granite with infolded volcanics and meta-sediments of like age, which form the Yilgarn Block (Beard 1990). This region is generally undulating, with occasional ranges of low hills, and extensive sandplains in the eastern half.
Beard (1976) termed the central northern part of this region (where the Project area is situated) the Upper Murchison sub-region, which contains the Murchison River basin. This area has been strongly dissected, resulting in most of the Tertiary plateau surface being removed, and sandplains exist as small remnants. Most of the country is hilly and undulating, with shallow soils and exposures of granite in the hills, but also extensive plains at the lower levels (Beard 1976). The principle ranges are the Weld Range and Jack Hills, the former being the location of the Project area.
Beard (1976) divided the Upper Murchison into eastern and western portions when describing dominant soil types; only the western portion is relevant to the Project area. Beard (1976) described five principal soil units in the western portion of the Upper Murchison; these are listed below:
1. Shallow, stony, earthy loams on hills and ranges, with extensive portions without soil cover; 2. Earthy loams overlying red-brown hardpan at shallow depth, on undulating pediments; 3. Shallow acid red earths and shallow earthy loams, often occurring in intimate micro-association and overlying red-brown hardpan within 75 cm of the surface, on extensive flat and gently-sloping plains with a scatter of surface gravels; 4. Hard alkaline and neutral red soils on alluvial flats that are frequently saline and flank river courses; and 5. Deep earthy loams in recent alluvia of river floodplains.
It is likely that the soils of the Project area consist primarily of soil unit 1; however units 2 and 3 could potentially occur. 2.3 Flora and Vegetation Surveys
2.3.1 Sources of Information
Very few flora and vegetation surveys carried out to date have encompassed the Project area, and those have been conducted mainly at State and Regional levels. They have mainly been conducted by J. S. Beard, in his mapping and description of vegetation systems on a State wide level (Beard 1976; 1990), which was further expanded by Shepherd et. al. (2002). An inventory and rangeland condition survey of the Murchison River catchment and surrounds, which includes the Weld Range, has also been undertaken (Curry et al. 1994). The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) also undertook a survey of the Weld Range as part of a series of vegetation assessments
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 4. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment concentrating on BIFs throughout the Mid-West Region, however this did not sample the entire Project area area.
Applicable DEC databases were interrogated as part of the initial desktop survey of the Project area in 2007 for the presence of known DRF and Priority Flora species, and Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) and Priority Ecological Communities (PECs). The GIS tool NatureMap (DEC 2009a) was then used to determine any additional records of DRF and Priority Flora taxa that may have been added to DEC databases since the initial interrogation. Commonwealth Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEWR) databases were also interrogated for factors of environmental significance. Appendix A presents the definition of DRF and Priority Flora codes (Atkins 2008), and Appendix B presents definitions and criteria for TECs and PECs (Department of Environment and Conservation 2007a).
2.3.2 Flora
Markey & Dillon (2006) undertook a regional flora survey of the Weld Range, where the Project area is located, during August 2005, as part of a wider series of flora surveys of BIFs throughout the Mid-West for the DEC. A total of 52 permanent 20 m x 20 m quadrats were established, covering the major geographical, geomorphologic and floristic variation found in the study area; however quadrat locations were restricted to areas where road access was adequate, as much of the range was inaccessible due to heavy rains and poor track conditions.
A total of 243 vascular plant taxa from 52 families were recorded from the quadrats and adjacent areas. The most well-represented families were Asteraceae, Poaceae, Mimosaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Myoporaceae, Amaranthaceae and Goodeniaceae. No DRF taxa were located during this survey; however seven Priority taxa were recorded (Table 1). Taxon names have been updated to reflect current nomenclature.
Table 1: Conservation-Significant Taxa Recorded by Markey & Dillon (2006) from the Weld Range Taxon Conservation Status Dodonaea amplesemina P3 Micromyrtus placoides P1 Phyllanthus baeckeoides P1 Prostanthera petrophila P1 Sauropus sp. Woolgorong (M. Officer s.n. 10/8/94) P1 Stenanthemum patens P1 Acacia speckii P3 Prostanthera ferricola P3
Meissner & Caruso (2006) undertook a regional flora survey of the Jack Hills, located approximately 110 km north of the Project area, during August 2005, as part of a wider series of flora surveys throughout the Mid-West for the DEC. A total of 50 permanent 20 m x 20 m quadrats were established, covering the major geographical, geomorphologic and
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 5. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment floristic variation found in the study area. A total of 209 plant taxa from 98 genera and 43 families were recorded from the quadrats and adjacent areas. The most-well represented families included Asteraceae, Poaceae, Mimosaceae, Malvaceae and Myoporaceae. No DRF taxa were located during this survey, however the Priority taxa Acacia sp. Jack Hills (R. Meissner & R. Meissner & Y. Caruso 4) (initially referred to as Acacia cockertoniana ms) (P1), Gunniopsis propinqua and Prostanthera ferricola (initially referred to as Prostanthera sp. Murchison (G. Byrne 239)) (both P3) were recorded. They also identified the new taxon (at the time of survey) Lobelia heterophylla subsp. Pilbara (R. Meissner & Y. Caruso 1), however this taxon is not considered to be of conservation significance. Additionally, five taxa were identified that currently require further collections and/or taxonomic review to determine whether they are conservation significant and represent distinct entities, as listed below:
• Abutilon sp. (R. Meissner & Y. Caruso 136) • Glycine sp. (R. Meissner & Y. Caruso 110) • Gunniopsis aff. divisa (R Meissner & Y. Caruso 125) • Hibiscus sp. (R. Meissner & Y. Caruso 123) • Indigofera aff. australis
Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2005) undertook a detailed flora and vegetation survey of the proposed iron ore mining area and associated infrastructure facilities at Murchison Metals Ltd’s Jack Hills project area, located approximately 110 km north of the Project area, between 2004 and 2005. A total of 215 plant taxa from 185 genera and 36 families were recorded during the survey. The most well-represented families included Mimosaceae, Myoporaceae, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae and Asteraceae. No DRF taxa were located during this survey; however three Priority taxa were located: Calytrix verruculosa (P1), Gunniopsis divisa (P1) and Verticordia jamiesonii (P3).
A search of the DEC Threatened Flora Databases (Threatened Flora Database; Western Australian Herbarium (WAHerb) Specimen Database; Declared Rare and Priority Flora List) for the Project area was previously undertaken in 2007 (DEC 2007b). The search co- ordinates used were:
North-west corner: -26o 43' 117o 22' South-east corner: -27o 11' 118o 02'
The WAHerb Specimen Database and the Declared Rare and Priority Flora Database provided information on DRF and Priority Flora species over the area covered by the search co-ordinates. The GIS tool NatureMap (DEC 2009a), which utilises the Threatened Flora Database and WAHerb Specimen Database, was then used to determine any additional records of DRF and Priority Flora taxa that may have been added to DEC databases since the initial interrogation. Information resulting from the database searches is presented in Table 2. These species may potentially occur within the Project area.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 6. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Table 2: DRF and Priority Flora Potentially Found Within or in the Vicinity of the Project area (DEC 2007b; DEC 2009a) Taxon Conservation Status
Acacia burrowsiana P1 Acacia speckii P3 Baeckea sp. Mount Barloweerie (J.Z. Weber 5079) P1 Beyeria sp. Murchison (B. Jeanes s.n. 7/7/2005) P2 Calytrix verruculosa P1 Dodonaea amplisemina P3 Eremophila rhegos P1 Grevillea inconspicua P4 Homalocalyx echinulatus P3 Micromyrtus placoides P1 Petrophile pauciflora P3 Phyllanthus baeckeoides P1 Prostanthera ferricola P3 Prostanthera petrophila P1 Ptilotus beardii P3 Sauropus sp. Woolgorong (M. Officer s.n. 10/8/94) P1 Stenanthemum patens P1 Verticordia jamiesonii P3
A search of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) database, with regard to taxa of significance as listed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, was performed for the Project area (DEWHA 2009). No threatened flora taxa were returned, however the invasive taxa Carrichtera annua, Cenchrus ciliaris and Prosopis spp., were listed as potentially occurring in the Project area (DEWHA 2009). Prosopis spp. are classified as P1 Declared Plants for the whole of Western Australia under the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976 (Department of Agriculture and Food 2009), meaning movement of plants or their seeds within the state, including on contaminated machinery and produce, is prohibited. Prosopis spp. are also listed as Weeds of National Significance (Thorp & Lynch 2000), and are under national management for the purpose of restricting their spread, and eradicating them from parts of Australia. Carrichtera annua and Cenchrus ciliaris are not listed as Declared Plants in Western Australia (Department of Agriculture and Food 2009) but are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to biodiversity (DEWHA 2009).
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 7. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
2.3.3 Vegetation
The Project area is located within the Murchison IBRA Region (Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia) (Environment Australia 2000), and specifically within the MUR2 – Western Murchison Sub-region (Desmond, Cowan and Chant 2001). The subregion forms the northern part of the Murchison Terrains of the Yilgarn Craton and contains the headwaters of the Murchison and Wooramel Rivers which drain west towards the coast. Pastoralism occupies approximately 96% of the region and there are numerous mining interests.
The Project area is located within the Austin Botanical District within the Murchison Region, as defined by Beard (1990). The vegetation of district is predominantly mulga low woodland (Acacia aneura) on plains with scrub on hills. There is also tree steppe of Eucalyptus spp. and Triodia basedowii on the sand plains. Vegetation within the Murchison Region was broadly mapped and described by Beard at a scale of 1:1,000,000 (Beard 1976). Shepard et. al. (2002) mapped and described vegetation associations related to physiognomy, based on the original Beard mapping. The Project area encompasses a 2 vegetation types which are summarised in Table 3.
Curry et al. (1994) described the Weld Range as belonging to the Weld Land System, which consists of rugged ranges and ridges of Archaen metamorphosed sedimentary rocks, with vegetation on the ranges dominated by mixed tall shrublands of Acacia aneura and A. aff. citrinoviridis, with midshrubs including Eremophila spp. and Dodonaea viscosa. Footslopes and interfluves were dominated by a stony mulga mixed shrubland consisting of scattered mixed shrublands dominated by Acacia ramulosa and Ptilotus rotundifolius, while valley floors were described as creekline shrublands consisting of tall shrublands dominated by A. ramulosa on sandy floors or A. grasbyi on creek margins. The Jack Hills, approximately 110 km north of the Weld Range, were also mapped as the Weld Land System.
The DEC TEC and PEC database was interrogated upon request (DEC 2007c). There are no occurrences of TECs within the search area. However, the Project area is included as part of the Weld Range vegetation complexes (banded ironstone formation) PEC, which is listed as P1 (DEC 2008). There is the potential that this PEC may be listed as a TEC in the future.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 8. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Table 3: Description, Pre-European Extent, Current Extent and Reservation Status of Vegetation Associations Related to Physiognomy in the Project area (Shepard et al. 2002) (Areas in hectares unless indicated) Vegetation Description Current % Remaining IUCN Other DEC Association Extent Since Pre – Class 1-4 Reserves pastoral European Reserves (%) leases Extent) (%) 18 Low woodland; mulga (Acacia aneura) 24,659,110 99.9 2 0.3 2.5
202 Shrublands; mulga & Acacia 405,532 98.1 0 1.1 1.5 quadrimarginea scrub
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 9. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Markey & Dillon (2006) identified eight FCTs within the Weld Range survey area, where rocky hillslopes, banded ironstone outcrops, footslopes and colluvial fans were targeted. None of the described FCTs appeared to be geographically restricted within the Weld Range, however it appears that the FCTs are distinctly different to that observed in nearby the Jack Hills area (Meissner & Caruso 2006). Brief descriptions of the FCTs described in the Weld Range by Markey & Dillon (2006) are listed below:
Community 1a: Dominated by Acacia aneura, Acacia ramulosa and/or Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994) over sparse shrub cover of Eremophila spp., mainly on mid-upper slopes
Community 1b: Open shrubland of Acacia aneura, Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994) and Grevillea berryana over shrub cover of Eremophila spp. on gentle-moderates slopes
Community 2: Open Shrubland of Acacia cf. aneura var. microcarpa and/or Acacia cf. aneura var. aneura, over Thryptomene decussata, Philotheca brucei subsp. brucei and Eremophila spp. on BIF on moderate-steep slopes
Community 3: Depauperate Shrubland dominated by Acacia aneura on scree slopes
Community 4: Open Shrubland of Acacia aneura with Acacia pruinocarpa over shrublands of Philotheca brucei var. brucei and Eremophila spp. on steep rocky hillslopes
Community 5a: Open Shrubland of Acacia aneura and Acacia ramulosa with emergent Acacia pruinosa), mainly on lowerslopes and outwash areas
Community 5b: Open Shrubland of Acacia aneura or Acacia effusifolia over Senna spp. and Tribulus suberosus on lowerslopes
Community 6: Sparse Shrubland of Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994), Acacia aneura and Acacia speckii over Shrubland of Eremophila macmilliana, Eremophila mackinleyi subsp. spathulata and Senna spp. on dolerite.
Meissner & Caruso (2006) identified six FCTs within the Jack Hills area. None of the FCTs defined are found within conservation reserves. FCT 6 (Shrublands of Acacia sp. Jack Hills (R. Meissner and Y. Caruso 4), Philotheca brucei subsp. cinerea, Eremophila spp. over hummock grasslands of Triodia melvillei) is believed to be a relictual FCT with high perennial species richness. This FCT is known from high altitudes between Mt Matthew and Mt Hale, and is believed to be different to superficially similar FCTs found on Mount Gould and in the Robinson Range (Meissner et al. 2007).
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 10. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
A total of 18 plant communities were defined for the Jack Hills project area by Mattiske Consulting (2005) during surveys in 2005. The project area encompassed a number of major and minor flowlines, rocky ridges, breakaways, gravel slopes and plains. Plant communities were described based on dominance of species within a vegetation unit. The majority of the project area was dominated by Low Open Woodlands of Acacia aneura, Acacia kempeana, Acacia rhodophloia and Grevillea berryana on broad plains and flats interspersed with minor flow lines dominated by Low Woodlands of Acacia aneura, Acacia citrinoviridis, Acacia tetragonophylla, Acacia rhodophloia, Acacia pruinocarpa and Psydrax latifolia. Two Spinifex communities described within the Jack Hills project area were observed on Mt Gould, however, this contradicts Meissner et al. (2007), who determined that communities located in the Jack Hills and Mount Gould are significantly different in terms of species composition, despite their geographical proximity (20 km apart). None of the plant communities described were considered to be Threatened Ecological Communities (Mattiske 2005).
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 11. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
3. METHODS 3.1 Licences and Timing of Survey
Field surveys were undertaken from the 4th to 8th August and from the 29th September to 3rd October 2008. The timing of surveys was designed to sample the Project area area over two seasons, as stipulated by the EPA Guidance Statement No. 51 (EPA 2004). Plant collections were taken under the following license numbers:
• Greg Woodman: SL008043 • David Coultas: SL008065 • Kim Kershaw SL008034
3.2 Aerial Photography Interpretation
Aerial photography of the Project area was supplied to Woodman Environmental by Atlas at a scale of 1:10 000. Preliminary vegetation boundaries in the Project area were transcribed onto the aerial photography based on patterning and landforms. All vegetation patterns were targeted for establishment of flora quadrats to ensure that each identifiable vegetation unit and landform feature received survey effort. 3.3 Field Survey
A total of 17 permanent 20 m by 20 m vegetation assessment quadrats were established over the Project area. Each quadrat was established and assessed in accordance with the methods contained in procedures as presented by the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) (2006a, b). All types of vegetation units discernable from aerial photographs (scale 1:10,000) were surveyed with at least one quadrat. The quadrats were established in the least disturbed vegetation available.
All quadrats were oriented to the four cardinal points, with a star picket used to mark the north-west corner, and fence droppers used to mark the remaining corners. Aluminium tags were used to mark the north-west corner with the quadrat number. GPS locations for each quadrat were taken using a Garmin GPS 72 (accurate to approximately 5 m) at the north-west corner. All co-ordinates were taken in GDA94, Zone 50. A photograph of each quadrat was also taken facing south-east from the north-west corner. No soil samples were collected for analysis during this survey.
The following data was recorded at each quadrat:
• Personnel • Date • GPS Location (GDA 94; Zone 50) • Topography
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 12. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
• Soil Type and Colour • Slope • Condition of Vegetation (Government of Western Australia 2000) • Vascular Plant Species Height and Cover • Photograph facing south-east from star picket
Opportunistic recordings of other species were also noted in areas adjacent to quadrats, and when traversing between quadrats.
A number of Priority flora taxa are known from the Weld Range. When populations of any taxa were identified, the spatial distribution of each population was defined by recording GPS co-ordinates around the edge of the populations. Estimates of the number of individuals within each population were also recorded. This was undertaken to attempt to discern the complete spatial distribution of Priority taxa within the Project area. 3.4 Plant Collection and Identification
All vascular plant species present within each quadrat were recorded during the field work in 2008. Specimens of unknown taxa were collected and pressed for identification at the W.A. Herbarium. All plant identification work was conducted by Frank Obbens and David Coultas. Species nomenclature follows Packowska & Chapman (2000), with all names checked against the MAX database to ensure their currency. The MAX database is a database maintained by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) containing the current names of all plant taxa in Western Australia. The conservation status of each species was checked against conservation status codes presented on Florabase (DEC 2009b).
Specimens of significant flora species collected and Rare Flora Report Forms (RFRF) (as required by the DEC) will be submitted to the W.A. Herbarium and the DEC respectively upon the conclusion of this project. 3.5 Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis and determination of FCTs was conducted using quadrat data only. Statistical analysis of the quadrat-derived data was conducted using methods similar to those used by Markey & Dillon (2006). In the DEC studies quadrat data was analysed statistically using three separate statistical packages and following a method utilised in previous regional floristic surveys (Gibson 2004 and references therein). This survey sought to expand upon the Markey & Dillon (2006) Weld Range dataset and identify FCTs across the entire Project area, utilising both Woodman Environmental data and the Markey & Dillon (2006) dataset, and thereby characterising the vegetation of the Project area and also providing a basis for comparison with the Markey & Dillon (2006) study area outside of the Project area.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 13. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Classification and ordination analyses were conducted on a data matrix compiled from the quadrat data from this and Markey & Dillon’s (2006) survey, with introduced, annual and singleton (taxa occurring once in the dataset) taxa omitted prior to analysis. Only collections identifiable to at least species level were used in the analysis. Various taxa were amalgamated within the data matrix for the analyses where taxonomy was unclear or where different infra-taxa were identified within the dataset and not correlated to community type. Taxa where nomenclature had been updated between Woodman Environmental data and Markey & Dillon (2006) datasets were aligned for the analysis.
Pattern analysis was conducted using PATN (V3.03) (Belbin 1989). The Bray-Curtis coefficient was used to generate an association matrix for classification and ordination analyses. Within PATN the agglomerative hierarchical clustering method using flexible UPGMA (ß=-0.1) was used to generate a species by site classification (Sneath and Sokal 1973) and two-way tables. Indicator species analysis (INDVAL) was conducted using PC- Ord (McCune and Mefford 1999) using the method of Dufrene and Legendre (1997). The INDVAL measures were used to determine the indicator species for each FCT and a Monte Carlo permutation test was used to test for the significance of the indicator species. 3.6 Description of Floristic Community Types
The description of FCTs in the Project area generally follows the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) model. This model follows nationally-agreed guidelines to describe and represent vegetation types, so that comparable and consistent data is produced nation-wide. With reference to the NVIS Hierarchy in Table 1 of the NVIS Australian Vegetation Attribute Manual (ESCAVI 2003), a FCT is the equivalent of a Sub- Association. Similar methods of describing FCTs have previously been used in the description of the vegetation of the Ravensthorpe Range (Craig et al. 2008).
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 14. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
3.7 Significance of Flora and Vegetation
3.7.1 Significance of Flora Taxa
The local distribution of flora taxa is defined as their known distribution within the Project area. The regional distribution refers to the known regional distribution of each taxon throughout Western Australia, in particular within the Murchison-Gascoyne Regions.
The regional significance of the local populations of conservation-significant flora taxa is determined by the location of the Project area with regards to the regional distribution of the taxa, and previously known records of these taxa either within or in close proximity to the Project area (Table 4).
Table 4: Significance of Local Populations to the Overall/Regional Conservation of Species Ranking Description High • Known range of taxa either entirely located within the Project area area, or within the Project area area and to a radius of <5km of the Project area area; and/or • Taxa known from <10 discrete populations, including within the Project area area; and/or • Project area area on boundary of known regional distribution Moderate • Known range of taxa extends <50km; and/or • Taxa known from >10 discrete populations; and/or • Project area area may be on boundary of known regional distribution Low • Known range of taxa extends >50km; and/or • Taxa known from >20 discrete populations; and/or • Project area area not on boundary of known regional distribution
3.7.2 Significance of Vegetation
Woodman Environmental have developed conservation significance descriptions for FCTs in the Project area. The criteria used to determine conservation significance for each FCT is described in Table 5. Please note that potential impacts to FCTs are not used in the determination of conservation significance of FCTs.
Factors used to determine conservation significance included the numbers and types of Priority Flora and other significant flora species known from within the FCT, and the inferred extent of the preferred soil type, substrate and topographical position within the region, where known. The mapped area of each FCT within the Project area was also considered in addition to the criteria presented in Table 5, with FCTs comprising a mapped area less than 10 % of the total area mapped (<11 ha) considered to be locally restricted.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 15. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Table 5: Descriptions of Conservation Significance Rankings of Floristic Community Types Conservation Description Significance Ranking 1 • The FCT is likely to be widespread through the region as identified in the regional quadrat dataset (Markey & Dillon 2006), and/or the FCT occurs on landforms that are widespread and not restricted within the region; • Priority flora species/significant flora species are: • unlikely to occur; • are known to occur in limited amounts in the FCT; or • are relatively widespread through the Project area area 2 • The FCT is likely to be widespread through the region as identified in the regional quadrat dataset, and/or the FCT occurs on landforms that are widespread and not restricted within the region; • Priority flora species/significant flora known to occur in the FCT 3 • The FCT is possibly restricted in the region (regional quadrat data may not be available); • The FCT occurs on landforms that are restricted in the region; • Priority flora species/significant flora species may occur in the FCT. 4 • The FCT is represented within the regional quadrat dataset outside of the Project area; • The FCT occurs on landforms that are not widespread and are restricted within the region; • Priority flora species (including P1)/significant flora species are known to occur in the FCT. 5 • The FCT is not represented or represented poorly within the regional quadrat dataset; • The FCT occurs on landforms that are restricted in the region; • Priority flora species (including P1 species)/significant flora species are known to occur in the FCT.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 16. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
4. RESULTS 4.1 Flora
A total of 135 discrete vascular flora taxa, from 38 families and 70 genera, were recorded from the Project area. Of these taxa, two introduced (weed) taxa were recorded. The families with the highest number of taxa were Chenopodiaceae (13), Myoporaceae (11), Mimosaceae (12) and Poaceae (9 taxa). Mean taxa richness per quadrat was 21.9 ± 5.8, with a range of 13 – 37 taxa per quadrat. Appendix C presents a full list of taxa recorded within the Project area, while Appendix D presents a list of taxa (recorded in quadrats only) sorted by FCT. Appendix E presents the raw data from each quadrat. The number of taxa recorded during this survey is just over half that recorded from the Weld Range by Markey & Dillon (2006), who recorded 243 taxa from 52 quadrats, with a mean taxa richness. The discrepancy in the number of taxa relates to the difference in the number of quadrats assessed by both surveys, and the range over which the surveys were conducted.
4.1.1 Conservation-Significant Flora Taxa
No DRF taxa were recorded within the Project area; however six Priority Flora taxa were recorded: Micromyrtus placoides, Prostanthera petrophila, Stenanthemum patens (all P1), Acacia speckii, Dodonaea amplisemina (both P3) and Grevillea inconspicua (P4). A collection of an entity likely to represent a new species of Acacia was also recorded (Bruce Maslin pers. comm.); this entity has recently been given the phrase name Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1). All recorded locations of these taxa are presented on Figure 2, including records from the survey of the Weld Range by Markey & Dillon (2006), and historical records from the DEC’s threatened flora database and the W.A. Herbarium specimen database. Collections of conservation-significant flora taxa will be lodged at the W.A. Herbarium at the conclusion of the project.
Micromyrtus placoides (P1) is an erect, sometimes widely spreading shrub to 2.3 m high, and is known from Mt Narryer on Meeberrie Station in the north to near Tallering Peak in the south-west and Cue in the south east. Its range is approximately 190 km north-south and 220 km east-west (DEC 2009a). No populations appear to be within conservation estate. It has previously been collected in the Weld Range by Markey & Dillon (2006), who recorded it along the length of the range, and noted that it formed moderately dense populations in some areas. Rye (2006) notes that this species is likely to be more common than current collections suggest, given that it is distributed widely in a poorly collected area of the state. This species was recorded from one area in the south-eastern corner of the Project area on a steep banded ironstone slope, with eight locations recorded (Figure 2). It is estimated that more than 100 individuals occur in this population.
Prostanthera petrophila (P1) is a dense, spreading shrub to 1.5 m high, and is known from Woolgorong Station in the west to the Weld Range in the east over a range of approximately 230 km (DEC 2009a). At least two populations appear to be within conservation estate. It has previously been collected in the Weld Range by Markey & Dillon (2006), who recorded it along the length of the range. This species was recorded
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 17. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment during this survey with Micromyrtus placoides (P1) in the south-eastern corner of the Project area on a steep banded ironstone slope, consisting of one population with two locations recorded (Figure 2). It is estimated that approximately 50 individuals occur in this population.
Stenanthemum patens (P1) is a low, rounded shrub to 0.5 m high, and is known from the Weld Range in the north-west to Leonora in the south-east, a range of approximately 400 km (DEC 2009a). No populations appear to be within conservation estate. It has previously been collected in the Weld Range by Markey & Dillon (2006), who recorded it at two locations in close proximity to each other. The collection during this survey therefore represents a new locality in the Weld Range for this species. It was recorded at a single location near the north-east corner of the Project area, on a rocky dolerite upper slope (Figure 2). It is unknown how many individuals occur within this population; however it was noted as being uncommon.
Acacia speckii (P3) is a bushy, rounded shrub or tree to 3 m high, and is known from the Yalgoo area in the south-west to Meekatharra in the north-east, a range of approximately 320 km (DEC 2009a). No populations appear to be within conservation estate. It has previously been collected in the Weld Range by Markey & Dillon (2006), who recorded it along the length of the range. It was recorded at eight locations across the northern half of the Project area during this survey, and was generally restricted to rocky dolerite slopes, where it was uncommon (Figure 2). It is unknown how many individuals occur within the Project area.
Dodonaea amplisemina (P3) is a low, dense, intricately-branched shrub to 1 m high, and was until recently known as D. sp. Ninghan (H. Demarz 5121). This species has a relatively wide distribution, from Mount Gibson in the south to the Weld Range (north- west of Cue) in the north, with an outlying location near Doolgunna Station north of Meekatharra, a range of approximately 450 km (DEC 2009a). At least one population appears to be within conservation estate. It has previously been collected in the Weld Range by Markey & Dillon (2006), who recorded it at a few scattered locations across the range. It was recorded at five locations across the northern half of the Project area during this survey, and was restricted to rocky dolerite slopes, where it was generally uncommon (Figure 2). It is unknown how many individuals occur within the Project area.
Grevillea inconspicua (P4) is a spreading, intricately branched shrub to 2 m high, and is widely distributed between the Weld Range in the west to east of Leinster in the east, a range of approximately 400 km (DEC 2009a). A number of populations appear to be within conservation estate. It is known from the Weld Range (DEC 2009) however was not collected there by Markey & Dillon (2006). It was recorded at a single location near the north-west corner of the Project area, on a rocky dolerite slope. (Figure 2). Only a single individual was recorded.
Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) is likely to represent a new species, and potentially has affinities to A. kochii and A. imitans, which are known only to occur approximately 250 km south of the Project area. Further material,
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 18. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment particularly fruiting material, is required to accurately assess the taxonomic status of potential new species (B. Maslin pers. comm.). It appears to be restricted to the Weld Range, and has reportedly been collected from elsewhere in the range during recent surveys (Bruce Maslin pers. comm.); however no collections are currently lodged at the W.A. Herbarium. It has been recommended that this taxon receive a Priority 1 conservation ranking (B. Maslin pers. comm.). This taxon was recorded at three locations in the northern half of the Project area during this survey, and was restricted to rocky dolerite slopes, where it was generally uncommon (Figure 2). It is estimated that less than 100 individuals occur within the Project area.
4.1.2 Other Flora of Interest
A collection of Amaranthus ?interruptus would represent a significant extension of the known range of this species, with the nearest records near Karijini National Park, approximately 550 km to the north. However, this identification could not be confirmed at this time due to the poor material. Further collections of this taxon are required to confirm the identity of this taxon.
4.1.3 Conservation Significance of Flora Taxa
Three of the six Priority flora taxa recorded within the Project area are listed as Priority 1, and are therefore all of high conservation concern, given that Priority 1 flora are taxa that are known generally from less than five populations which are under threat, either due to small population size, or being on lands under immediate threat such as mineral leases, or are under threat from disease or grazing (Atkins 2008). Such taxa are under consideration for gazettal as DRF, but are in urgent need of further survey. The potentially undescribed species Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) is also of high conservation concern, as little is known of its distribution or abundance, and hence this taxon has been recommended for P1 status. The remaining Priority flora taxa are listed as P3 or P4, and are considered to be rare but generally have at least some populations which are not currently threatened. Table 6 presents a summary of conservation significance rankings of flora within the Project area.
Table 6: Conservation Significance of Flora Taxa Populations within the Project area Taxon Conservation Conservation Significance Status Ranking (From Table 4) Micromyrtus placoides P1 Moderate Prostanthera petrophila P1 Moderate Stenanthemum patens P1 High Acacia speckii P3 Low Dodonaea amplisemina P3 Moderate Grevillea inconspicua P4 Low Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. n.a. High Woodman AW03-Opp 1) Note: n.a. indicates that this taxon has yet to be listed as a Priority Taxon, however has been recommended for listing.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 19. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Micromyrtus placoides (P1) is known from one population within the Project area, in the south-eastern corner. The regional distribution of this species is relatively widespread, with numerous populations known from the Weld Range and elsewhere. However, none of these populations appear to be within conservation estate. The significance of the Project area populations of M. placoides in terms of the overall conservation of the species is ranked Moderate (Table 4), as greater than 10 populations of this species are currently known (DEC 2009a), and the local population is near the boundary of its known range.
Prostanthera petrophila (P1) is known from one population within the Project area, in the south-eastern corner. The regional distribution of this species is relatively widespread, with numerous populations known from the Weld Range and elsewhere. At least two of these populations appear to be within conservation estate. The significance of the Project area population of P. petrophila in terms of the overall conservation of the taxon is ranked Moderate (Table 4), as greater than 10 populations of this species are currently known (DEC 2009a), and the local population is near the boundary of its known range.
Stenanthemum patens (P1) is known from a single population within the Project area, in the north-west corner. The regional distribution of this species is widespread, however very few (approximately five) populations are known, and none appear to be within conservation estate (DEC 2009). The significance of the Project area populations of S. patens in terms of the overall conservation of the species is ranked High (Table 4); as less than 10 populations of this species are currently known, and the local population is on the boundary of its known range.
Acacia speckii (P3) was recorded from a number of locations through the northern half of the Project area. This species is known from numerous populations over a wide distribution; however no populations appear to be in conservation estate. The significance of the Project area populations of A. speckii in terms of the overall conservation of the species is ranked Low (Table 4); as more than 20 populations of this species are currently known, its range is greater than 50 km, and the local population is not on the boundary of its known range.
Dodonaea amplisemina (P3) was recorded from a number of locations through the northern half of the Project area. This species is known from numerous populations over a wide distribution, with at least one population apparently in conservation estate. The significance of the Project area populations of Dodonaea amplisemina in terms of the overall conservation of the species is ranked Moderate (Table 4); as more than 10 populations of this species are currently known, its range is greater than 50 km, and the local population is not on the boundary of its known range.
Grevillea inconspicua (P4) was recorded from a single location within the Project area. This species is known from numerous populations over a wide distribution, with a number of these within conservation estate. The significance of the Project area populations of G. inconspicua in terms of the overall conservation of the species is ranked Low (Table 4); as more than 20 populations of this species are currently known, its range is greater than 50 km, and the local population is not on the boundary of its known range.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 20. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) is known from a handful of locations within the Project area, all from areas of dolerite. This taxon is thought to be restricted to the Weld Range, however no data is currently available concerning populations outside of the Project area area. The significance of the Project area populations of this taxon in terms of the overall conservation of the species is ranked High (Table 4); as based on current available data it is only known from less than 100 individuals within the Project area area. 4.2 Floristic Community Types
A total of 100 perennial taxa were used during statistical analysis to determine FCTs within the Project area, including taxa recording during this survey and during the survey by Markey & Dillon (2006). A number of taxa were amalgamated in the analysis because of taxonomic issues. A list of all taxa amalgamated in the analysis is presented in Appendix F. A summary dendogram of relationships between each quadrat is presented in Appendix G, with a summary matrix of species presence within quadrats presented in Appendix H. Appendix I presents significant indicator species for each FCT.
The floristic classification of 69 quadrats (52 from Markey & Dillon (2006); 17 from Woodman Environmental) initially defined 10 FCTs and sub-types (Appendix G). However, one FCT was represented by a single quadrat, and was combined with a very closely related FCT to form a single FCT (FCT 7), resulting in nine FCTs and sub-types being defined. The quadrats established by Woodman Environmental largely grouped into two FCTs (FCTs 6 and 8), with a single quadrat grouping into FCT 5. The groupings of Markey & Dillon (2006) quadrats generally remained similar to those in their original analysis. All quadrats grouped in Markey & Dillon FCTs 2, 4, 5b and 6 grouped together into Woodman Environmental equivalent FCTs 3, 7, 6 and 8 respectively. Quadrats grouped in Markey and Dillon FCT 5a were split between Woodman Environmental FCTs 4 and 5; however the summary dendogram indicates that these FCTs are very closely related.
The most notable changes in quadrat groupings between this analysis and that of Markey & Dillon (2006) involved quadrats originally grouped into Markey & Dillon FCTs 1a, 1b and 3. Most quadrats grouped in these Markey & Dillon FCTs remained grouped together to comprise Woodman Environmental equivalent FCTs 1 and 2. A single quadrat originally grouped in Markey & Dillon FCT 1a migrated to group with those originally in 1b, and 2 quadrats originally grouped in Markey & Dillon FCT 1b migrated to group with quadrats originally in Markey & Dillon FCT 2. This re-grouping is not considered to be significant, as Markey & Dillon FCTs 1a, 1b and 2 were very closely related. However, a single quadrat originally grouped in Markey & Dillon FCT 1a has now migrated to group with a number of Woodman Environmental quadrats within Woodman Environmental FCT 6b. This is a result of this quadrat having a greater similarity to these quadrats established by Woodman Environmental than to quadrats grouped into the Markey & Dillon FCT 1a.
The two quadrats that originally comprised Markey & Dillon FCT 3 were also split, with one migrating to group with quadrats originally grouped in Markey & Dillon FCT 1a to
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 21. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment comprise Woodman Environmental FCT 1, and one migrating to group with quadrats originally grouped in Markey & Dillon FCT 4 to comprise Woodman Environmental FCT 7. The latter quadrat could be considered to represent a distinct FCT as shown on the summary dendogram (Appendix G); however this was considered to have occurred because of its low perennial species richness, and as it appears closely related to quadrats in FCT 7, was grouped in this FCT.
Of the nine FCTs and sub-types recognised following analysis of the quadrat data, five are present within the Project area: FCTs 5, 6a, 6b, 7 and 8 (Appendix G). These are described in detail in Section 4.2.1, with Figure 2 showing the spatial distribution of each FCT within the Project area. The remaining FCTs (FCTs 1, 2, 3, 4) are not described in this report. The summary dendrogram shows that the first major division separates FCTs 7 and 8 from the remaining FCTs. This main division appears to distinguish quadrats with greater representation from species group 1, as shown in the summary matrix in Appendix H. The next division then separates all quadrats on dolerite-related substrates.
Generally the vegetation in the Project area was in Excellent condition, with little to no evidence of grazing. A number of disturbed areas exist within the Project area as a result of previous mining and pastoral activities (Figure 2), including an old pit and waste dump area, and a stockpiling area.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 22. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
4.2.1 Project area Floristic Community Types
FCT 5: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura with emergent low trees of Acacia pruinocarpa over open mid shrubland of Thryptomene decussata, Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei over sparse low shrubland of Sida sp. excedentifolia (J.L. Egan 1925) over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba, Goodenia macroplectra and Monachather paradoxus
The following common species were recorded:
Trees: Acacia pruinocarpa Tall Shrubs: Acacia aneura, Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla Mid Shrubs: Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei, Thryptomene decussata Low Shrubs: Sida sp. excedentifolia (J.L. Egan 1925), Ptilotus schwartzii, Solanum ashbyae Forbs: Goodenia tenuiloba, Goodenia macroplectra, Erodium cygnorum, Euphorbia drummondii subsp. drummondii, Euphorbia boophthona Grasses: Monachather paradoxus
Landforms: Lower slopes, flats and outwashes, occasionally upper and mid slopes
Soils: Red-brown clay-loam soils with banded ironstone and quartz fragments, occasionally with exposed banded ironstone outcropping.
FCT 5 was represented by a total of seven quadrats (six Markey & Dillon, one Woodman Environmental), with a single quadrat located within the Project area. This FCT was mapped on a single small rocky outcrop on a lower slope of the Weld Range, in the south- west corner of the Project area (Figure 2). Other quadrats in this FCT were generally located on lower slopes and flats, and were not restricted to any particular part of the range. Mean species richness per quadrat was 24.3. This FCT is closely related to FCT 4 (Appendix G), which does not occur in the Project area. FCT 4 appears to be distinguished by its poorer perennial species richness. FCT 6a occupies similar topographical positions, but is distinguished by a greater representation of species group 1 (Appendix H). The sole indicator species for this FCT is Rhyncharrhena linearis (Appendix I).
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 23. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Plate 1: FCT 5 - Quadrat WR11 (Woodman Environmental)
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 24. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
FCT 6a: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura and Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla over sparse mid shrubland of Senna glaucifolia and Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii over sparse low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba and Monachather paradoxus
The following common species were recorded:
Tall Shrubs: Acacia aneura, Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla, Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994) Mid Shrubs: Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Senna glaucifolia, Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii, Hibiscus sturtii var. forrestii Low Shrubs: Solanum ashbyae, Ptilotus obovatus, Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260), Ptilotus schwartzii, Tribulus suberosus Forbs: Goodenia tenuiloba Erodium cygnorum Grasses: Monacather paradoxus
Landforms: Lower slopes, flats and outwashes, occasionally upper and mid slopes
Soils: Red-brown clay-loam soils with banded ironstone and quartz fragments, occasionally with exposed banded ironstone outcropping.
FCT 6a was represented by a total of nine quadrats (five Markey & Dillon, four Woodman Environmental), with five quadrats located within the Project area. This FCT was mapped throughout a large, relatively flat section of the Project area between major hills and ridges (Figure 2). Other quadrats outside the Project area in this FCT were generally located on lower slopes and flats, and were not restricted to any particular part of the range. Mean species richness per quadrat was 28.7. This FCT is closely related to FCT 6b (Appendix G), with FCT 6a distinguished by its topographical position, and a greater representation of species groups 1 and 7 (Appendix H). It is possesses a sub-set of species in species group 6 that is poorly represented in FCT 6b. This sub-set includes a number of Eremophila species common to rockier habitats. It is also similar to FCT 5 (see above). Indicator species for this FCT are Acacia aneura var. tenuis, Hibiscus sturtii var. forrestii, Ptilotus obovatus and Senna glaucifolia (Appendix I). The Priority flora taxon Acacia speckii (P3) was also recorded in this FCT.
Plate 2: FCT 6a - Quadrat WR12 (Woodman Environmental)
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 25. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
FCT 6b: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura and Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla over open mid shrubland of mixed Eremophila spp. over open to sparse low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus over open low forbland of Cheilanthes sieberi, Goodenia tenuiloba and Monachather paradoxus
The following common species were recorded:
Tall Shrubs: Acacia aneura, Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla Mid Shrubs: Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei, Eremophila georgei, Eremophila glutinosa, Psydrax latifolia Low Shrubs: Solanum ashbyae, Ptilotus obovatus, Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260), Ptilotus schwartzii Forbs: Goodenia tenuiloba Erodium cygnorum Grasses: Monacather paradoxus Climbers: Marsdenia australis
Landforms: Upper and mid slopes, occasionally lower slopes
Soils: Red-brown clay-loam soils with banded ironstone and quartz fragments, usually with exposed banded ironstone outcropping.
FCT 6b was represented by a total of nine quadrats (one Markey & Dillon, eight Woodman Environmental), with eight quadrats located within the Project area. This FCT was mapped on a large ridge in the south-east corner of the Project area, as well as on a smaller ridge in the north-west corner, and on a lower slope near the southern boundary (Figure 2). The remaining quadrat in this FCT outside the Project area was located on a slightly rocky mid to lower slope approximately 13 km east of the Project area, and therefore FCT 6a appears restricted to the eastern end of the Weld Range. Mean species richness per quadrat was 22.8. This FCT is closely related to FCT 6b (Appendix G); this relationship is discussed under the description of FCT 6a. Indicator species for this FCT are Acacia aneura var. tenuis, Cheilanthes sieberi, Psydrax latifolia and Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous (H.N. Foote 32) (Appendix I). The Priority flora taxa Micromyrtus placoides, Prostanthera petrophila (both P1) and Acacia speckii (P3) were also recorded in this FCT.
Plate 3: FCT 6b - Quadrat WR15 (Woodman Environmental)
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 26. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
FCT 7: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura with emergent low trees of Acacia pruinocarpa, over low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus and Eremophila spp. over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba, Lepidium oxytrichum and Enneapogon caerulescens
The following common species were recorded:
Trees: Acacia pruinocarpa Tall Shrubs: Acacia aneura Mid Shrubs: Ptilotus obovatus, Dodonaea pachyneura, Solanum ashbyae, Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei Forbs: Goodenia tenuiloba, Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya, Dysphania melanocarpa, Erodium cygnorum, Euphorbia drummondii subsp. drummondii, Euphorbia boophthona, Lepidium oxytrichum Grasses: Enneapogon caerulescens, Paspalidium basicladum
Landforms: Steep upper slopes, hill crests
Soils: Skeletal red-orange clay-loam soils over massive exposed banded ironstone outcropping.
FCT 7 was represented by a total of four quadrats, with a single quadrat located within the Project area. All quadrats representing this FCT were established by Markey & Dillon (2006). This FCT was mapped on a single rocky upper slope and crest in the Project area (Figure 2). Other quadrats in this FCT outside of the Project area were restricted to steep, rocky hillslopes and crests, and were not confined to any particular part of the Weld Range. Mean species richness per quadrat was 29. FCT does not appear to be closely related to any other FCT; however this may be a function of the small sample size. Indicator species for this FCT are Abutilon oxycarpum and Ptilotus obovatus (Appendix I).
No photograph of FCT 7 is available.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 27. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
FCT 8: Open tall shrubland of Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994) and Acacia speckii over open mid shrubland of Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. spathulata and mixed Senna spp. over open low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus and Heliotropium ovalifolium over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba, Velleia glabrata and Ptilotus helipteroides
The following common species were recorded:
Tall Shrubs: Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994), Acacia speckii Mid Shrubs: Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. spathulata, Senna artemesioides subsp. helmsii, Senna glaucifolia Low shrubs: Ptilotus obovatus, Heliotropium ovalifolium, Tribulus suberosus, Maireana georgei, Dodonaea amplisemina Forbs: Cheilanthes brownii, Goodenia tenuiloba, Velleia glabrata, Ptilotus helipteroides, Erodium cygnorum Grasses: Aristida contorta
Landforms: Generally mid and lower slopes, occasionally upper slopes to crests, creeklines and colluvial fans
Soils: Red-brown clay-loam soils with dolerite and banded ironstone fragments, occasionally with exposed dolerite or banded ironstone outcropping.
FCT 8 was represented by a total of 10 quadrats (six Markey & Dillon, four Woodman Environmental), with six quadrats located within the Project area. This FCT was mapped on three ridge areas along the northern boundary of the Project area (Figure 2). The quadrats in this FCT outside the Project area are located on mid to lower slopes, a crest and a colluvial fan, and are not restricted to any part of the Weld Range. Mean species richness per quadrat was 41. All quadrats within this FCT are influenced to some extent by the presence of dolerite soils and outcropping, and as a result, FCT 8 is not closely related to any other FCTs. FCT 8 also contained the most Priority flora taxa of all FCTs, with Prostanthera petrophila Stenanthemum patens (P1), Acacia speckii, Dodonaea amplisemina (both P3) and Grevillea inconspicua (P4) recorded within the Project area in this FCT. The new taxon Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) was also only located in this FCT. Indicator species for this FCT are Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994), Acacia speckii, Dodonaea amplisemina, Enneapogon caerulescens, Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. spathulata, Heliotropium ovalifolium, Maireana georgei, Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii, Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260) and Ptilotus obovatus (Appendix I).
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 28. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Plate 4: FCT 8 - Quadrat WR03 (Woodman Environmental)
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 29. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
4.2.2 Significance of Vegetation
There are no occurrences of TECs within the Project area. However, the FCTs within the Project area are included as part of the Weld Range vegetation complexes (banded ironstone formation) PEC, which is listed as Priority 1 (DEC 2008). While it was historically believed that the Weld Range and the Jack Hills belonged to the same geomorphological land system, and therefore would share the same plant communities, studies by Markey & Dillon (2006) and Meissner & Caruso (2006) have revealed that the two ranges are floristically distinct, and that FCTs on each range are not likely to occur elsewhere (Markey & Dillon 2006). Because of this, there is the potential that this PEC may be listed as a TEC in the future.
While all of the FCTs described within the Project area are likely to be restricted to the Weld Range, none appear to be restricted to the Project area. The majority of FCTs described within the Project area were recorded over the length of the range by Markey & Dillon (2006). However, FCT 6b may be restricted to the eastern end of the range. All but one of the quadrats that grouped into this FCT are located within the Project area, with the remaining quadrat located approximately 13 km east of the Project area. However, it is expected that with further sampling of similar topographical areas within the range this FCT would likely be proven to be more widespread. Table 7 presents the conservation significance rankings (as defined in Section 3.6.2) given to each of the FCTs mapped over the Project area.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 30. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Table 7: Conservation Significance of FCTs Described within the Project area FCT Mapped Comments Significant Flora Species Conservation Significance Ranking Area (ha) 5 3.5 (<10 % FCT 5 mapped on lower slopes NA 4: Distribution of FCT 5 restricted to Weld Range regionally, and the of Project and flats which are not south-west corner of the Project area area; area area restricted to the Project area Soil, substrate and topographical positions all restricted in region. mapped) area, however are restricted in the region; FCT 5 present elsewhere in the Weld Range based on previous studies (Markey & Dillon 2006); Part of a Priority 1 PEC. 6a 35.9 FCT 6a mapped on lower slopes Acacia speckii (P3). 4: Distribution of FCT 6a restricted to Weld Range regionally, and flats which are not widespread within Project area; restricted to the Project area Soil, substrate and topographical positions all restricted in region; area, however are restricted in Presence of significant flora taxa with P3 ranking; the region; Significant flora not restricted to FCT. FCT 6a present elsewhere in the Weld Range based on previous studies (Markey & Dillon 2006); Part of a Priority 1 PEC. 6b 37.7 FCT 6b mapped on mid and Micromyrtus placoides 4: Distribution of FCT 6a restricted to Weld Range regionally, upper slopes which are not (P1); potentially only on the eastern section of the range, widespread within restricted to the Project area Prostanthera petrophila Project area; area, however are restricted in (P1); Soil, substrate and topographical positions all restricted in region; the region; Acacia speckii (P3). Presence of significant flora taxa with P1 ranking; FCT 6a present elsewhere in the Significant flora species restricted to FCT 6b in Project area. Weld Range based on previous studies (Markey & Dillon 2006); Part of a Priority 1 PEC.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 31. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Table 7: Conservation Significance of FCTs Described within the Project area FCT Mapped Comments Significant Flora Species Conservation Significance Ranking Area (ha) 7 3.2 (<10 % FCT 7 mapped on steep upper NA 4: Distribution of FCT 7 restricted to Weld Range regionally, restricted of Project slopes and crests which are not within Project area; area area restricted to the Project area Soil, substrate and topographical positions all restricted in region. mapped) area, however are restricted in the region; FCT 7 present elsewhere in the Weld Range based on previous studies (Markey & Dillon 2006); Part of a Priority 1 PEC. 8 29.8 FCT 8 generally mapped on Stenanthemum patens (P1); 4: Distribution of FCT 8 restricted to Weld Range regionally, widespread mid and upper slopes which are Acacia speckii (P3); within Project area; not restricted to the Project area Dodonaea amplisemina Soil, substrate and topographical positions all restricted in region. area, however are restricted in (P3); Presence of significant flora taxa with P1 ranking; the region; Grevillea inconspicua (P4); Significant flora taxa of moderately restricted distribution; FCT 8 present elsewhere in the Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Significant flora taxa restricted to FCT 8 in Project area. Weld Range based on previous Coultas & G. Woodman studies (Markey & Dillon AW03-Opp 1). 2006); Part of a Priority 1 PEC.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 32. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
5. DISCUSSION
Six Priority Flora taxa and one taxon of interest were recorded within the Project area by Woodman Environmental: Micromyrtus placoides, Prostanthera petrophila, Stenanthemum patens (all P1), Acacia speckii, Dodonaea amplisemina (both P3), Grevillea inconspicua (P4) and Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1). Of these taxa, the populations of S. patens and A. sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) within the Project area are ranked as highly significant in terms of the overall conservation of each taxon (Table 6). S. patens has a wide distribution, however is known from a very small number of populations (approximately five), of which size and condition data is limited. A. sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) is a potential new species that appears to be endemic to the Weld Range, with information collected from the Project area the only data currently available, however it is known to have recently been collected in other parts of the range. If significant numbers of individuals of these taxa are proposed to be impacted as a result of clearing for drilling or mining operations, additional survey may be required both within and outside of the Project area area, to assess the size and condition of any known populations, and to search for additional populations in likely habitat areas. The populations of the remainder of the Priority flora within the Project area are ranked as being of moderate or low regional conservation significance; however, impacts to these taxa should be avoided wherever possible.
A total of five FCTs and sub-types were mapped in the Project area. These FCTs are not restricted to the Project area, however FCT 6b is restricted to the eastern end of the Weld Range based on current information. However, these FCTs are likely to be restricted regionally to within the Weld Range, and consequently were considered to be of High conservation significance (ranking 4; Table 7). The entire Weld Range is considered to be a Priority 1 PEC, and therefore may be listed as a TEC in the near future. It is therefore important in the meantime that any clearing within the Project area is minimised as much as is feasible.
As no mining has been proposed for the Project area, no assessment of the impacts of any such proposal to significant flora and FCTs has been undertaken. It is of high importance that this be undertaken if mining is proposed, particularly given the high conservation significance of particular Priority flora and all FCTs present within the Project area.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 33. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are given:
• Utilise areas of existing disturbance for drilling operations where possible; • Survey of any proposed drilling in remnant vegetation within the Project area by an experienced botanist if drilling occurs within the vicinity of known Priority flora locations, or within likely habitat of Priority flora; and • Additional regional survey for Priority flora taxa if impacts to populations of such taxa within the Project area as a result of clearing for drilling or mining operations are likely to be significant.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 34. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
7. REFERENCES
Atkins, K.J. (2008) Declared Rare and Priority Flora List for Western Australia, 26 February 2008. Department of Conservation and Land Management. Como, W.A.
Beard, J.S. (1976) Vegetation Survey of Western Australia, Murchison 1:1 000 000. Map and Explanatory Notes to Sheet 6. University of Western Australia Press, Perth.
Beard, J.S. (1990) Plant Life of Western Australia. Published by Kangaroo Press, NSW.
Belbin. L. (1989) PATN Technical Reference. CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology, P.O. Box 84, Lyneham, ACT, 2602.
Bureau of Meteorology, Western Australia (2009) Climate Averages for Australian Sites – Cue. www.bom.gov.au/climate. Sourced March, 2009
Craig, G.F., Hickman, E.J., McQuoid, N., Newell, J., Rick, A.M. & Sandiford, E.M. (2008) Vegetation of the Ravensthorpe Range, Western Australia: Mt Short to Kundip, 1:10 000 Scale. Department of Environment and Conservation and South Coast Natural Resource Management Inc, Albany, Western Australia.
Curry, P.J., Payne, A.L., Leighton, K.A., Henning, P. & Blood, D.A. (1994) An Inventory and Condition Survey of the Murchison River Catchment and Surrounds, Western Australia. Technical Bulletin No. 84, Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.
Department of Agriculture and Food (2009) List of Declared Plants. Publicly available listing on http://www.agric.wa.gov.au.
Department of Conservation and Land Management (2006a) Recommended Interim Protocol for Flora Surveys of Banded Ironstone Formations (BIF) of the Yilgarn Craton. Unpublished survey methodology.
Department of Conservation and Land Management (2006b) Procedures for establishing quadrats for flora and plant community studies. Unpublished survey methodology.
Department of Environment and Conservation (2007a) Definitions, Categories and Criteria for Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities. Available: www.naturebase.net
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 35. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Department of Environment and Conservation (2007b) Interrogation of DEC Threatened Flora Databases (DEFL), and WAHerb Specimens Records, performed 10th July 2007.
Department of Environment and Conservation (2007c). Interrogation of DEC Threatened and Priority Ecological Communities database, performed 10th July 2007.
Department of Environment and Conservation (2008) Priority Ecological Communities For Western Australia, 27 August 2008. Available: www.naturebase.net
Department of Environment and Conservation (2009a) NatureMap. Sourced March 2009. Available: http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au./
Department of Environment and Conservation (2009b) Florabase. Sourced March 2009 available listing: http://florabase.dec.wa.gov.au./
Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2009) Environmental Reporting Tool. Sourced March, 2009. Available: http://www.environment.gov.au/erin/ert/index.html
Desmond. A, Cowan. M. & Chant. A. (2001) A Biodiversity Audit of Western Australia’s 53 Biogeographical Subregions in 2002. Murchison 2 (MUR2 - Western Murchison Subregion). Unpublished report prepared by the Department of Conservation and Land Management.
Dufrene, M. & Legendre, P. (1997) Species Assemblages and Indicator Species: The need for a flexible asymmetrical approach. In: Ecological Monographs 67: 345-366.
Environment Australia (2000) Revision of the Interim Biogeogrpahic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) and Development of Version 5.1 Summary Report. Published by Environment Australia.
Environmental Protection Authority (2004) Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors – Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia, No. 51, June 2004. Unpublished report produced by the Environmental Protection Authority, Western Australia.
Executive Steering Committee for Australian Vegetation Information (ESCAVI) (2003) Australian Vegetation Attribute Manual: National Vegetation Information System, Version 6.0. Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 36. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Gibson, N. (2004) Flora and Vegetation of the Eastern Goldfields Ranges: Part 7. Middle and South Ironcarp, Digger Rock and Hatter Hill. In: Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia: 87; 49-62.
Government of Western Australia (2000) Bush Forever Volume 2 Directory of Bush Forever Sites. Published by the Department of Environmental Protection, Perth.
Markey, A.S. & Dillon, S.J. (2006) Flora and Vegetation of the Banded Ironstone Formations of the Yilgarn Craton: the Weld Range. Unpublished report (draft) prepared for the Department of Environment and Conservation, 1st August 2006.
Mattiske Consulting Pty Ltd (2005) Flora and Vegetation on the Jack Hills Project Area. Unpublished report to Murchison Metals Ltd.
Meissner, R. & Caruso, Y. (2006) Flora and Vegetation of the Banded Ironstone Formations of the Yilgarn Craton: Jack Hills. Unpublished report (draft) prepared for the Department of Environment and Conservation, 1st August 2006.
Meissner, R., Owen, G. & Bayliss, B. (2007) Flora and Vegetation of the Banded Ironstone Formations of the Yilgarn Craton: Jack Hills. Unpublished report (draft) prepared for the Department of Environment and Conservation, 1st August 2006.
McCune, B. & Mefford, M.J (1999) PC-Ord. Multivariate Analysis of Ecological Data, Version 4. MjM Software Design, Glenden Beach, Oregon USA.
Midwest Corporation Limited (2009) Official Website. Available: http://www.midwestcorp.com.au/index.php
Paczkowska, G., & Chapman, A.R. (2000). The Western Australian Flora: A Descriptive Catalogue. Published by The Wildlife Society (Inc.), Western Australian Herbarium (CALM) and Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority, Perth.
Rye, B.L. (2006) A partial revision of the south-western Australian species of Micromyrtus (Myrtaceae: Chamelauciae). Nuytsia 16(1): 117-147.
Shepherd, D., Beeston, G & Hopkins, A. (2002)
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 37. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Native Vegetation in Western Australia. Extent, Type and Status. Resource Management Technical Report 249. Department of Agriculture, South Perth.
Sneath, P.H.A, & Sokal, R.R. (1973) Numerical Taxonomy: The Principles and Practice of Numerical Classification. Published by Freeman, San Francisco.
Thorp, J.R. & Lynch, R. (2000) The Determination of Weeds of National Significance. National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee, Launceston.
Woodman Environmental Consulting (2008) Wilgie Mia Tenement Flora and Vegetation Assessment Desktop Review. Unpublished report prepared for Atlas Iron Limited.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd 38. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix A: Definitions of Conservation Status Codes (Atkins 2008)
R: Declared Rare Flora – Extant Taxa
Taxa which have been adequately searched for and are deemed to be in the wild either rare, in danger of extinction, or otherwise in need of special protection, and have been gazetted as such.
X: Declared Rare Flor a – Presumed Extinct Taxa
Taxa which have not been collected, or otherwise verified, over the past 50 years despite thorough searching, or of which all known wild populations have been destroyed more recently, and have been gazetted as such.
1: Priority One – Poorly Known Taxa
Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) populations which are under threat, either due to small population size, or being on lands under immediate threat, e.g. road verges, urban areas, farmland, active mineral leases, etc., or the plants are under threat, e.g. from disease, grazing by feral animals, etc. May include taxa with threatened populations on protected lands. Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as ‘rare flora’, but are in urgent need of further survey.
2: Priority Two – Poorly Known Taxa
Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) 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 urgent need of further survey.
3: Priority Three – Poorly Known Taxa
Taxa which are known from several populations, and the taxa are not believed to be under immediate threat (i.e. not currently endangered), either due to the number of known populations (generally >5), or known populations being large, and either widespread or protected. Such taxa are under consideration for declaration as ‘rare flora’ but are in need of further survey.
4: Priority Four – Rare Taxa
Taxa which are considered to have been adequately surveyed and which, whilst being rare (in Australia), are not currently threatened by any identifiable factors. These taxa require monitoring every 5-10 years.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd A1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix B: Definitions, Categories and Criteria for Threatened Ecological Communities and Priority Ecological Communities (Department of Environment and Conservation 2007a)
DEFINITIONS, CATEGORIES AND CRITERIA FOR THREATENED AND PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES
1. GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Ecological Community A naturally occurring biological assemblage that occurs in a particular type of habitat.
Note: The scale at which ecological communities are defined will often depend on the level of detail in the information source, therefore no particular scale is specified.
A threatened ecological community (TEC) is one which is found to fit into one of the following categories; “presumed totally destroyed”, “critically endangered”, “endangered” or “vulnerable”.
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria are added to DEC’s Priority Ecological Community Lists under Priorities 1, 2 and 3. Ecological Communities that are adequately known, are rare but not threatened, or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list, are placed in Priority 4. These ecological communities require regular monitoring. Conservation Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5.
An assemblage is a defined group of biological entities.
Habitat is defined as the areas in which an organism and/or assemblage of organisms lives. It includes the abiotic factors (eg. substrate and topography), and the biotic factors.
Occurrence: a discrete example of an ecological community, separated from other examples of the same community by more than 20 metres of a different ecological community, an artificial surface or a totally destroyed community.
By ensuring that every discrete occurrence is recognised and recorded future changes in status can be readily monitored.
Adequately Surveyed is defined as follows: “An ecological community that has been searched for thoroughly in most likely habitats, by relevant experts.”
Community structure is defined as follows: “The spatial organisation, construction and arrangement of the biological elements comprising a biological assemblage” (eg. Eucalyptus salmonophloia woodland over
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd B1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment scattered small shrubs over dense herbs; structure in a faunal assemblage could refer to trophic structure, eg. dominance by feeders on detritus as distinct from feeders on live plants).
Definitions of Modification and Destruction of an ecological community:
Modification: “changes to some or all of ecological processes (including abiotic processes such as hydrology), species composition and community structure as a direct or indirect result of human activities. The level of damage involved could be ameliorated naturally or by human intervention.”
Destruction: “modification such that reestablishment of ecological processes, species composition and community structure within the range of variability exhibited by the original community is unlikely within the foreseeable future even with positive human intervention.”
Note: Modification and destruction are difficult concepts to quantify, and their application will be determined by scientific judgement. Examples of modification and total destruction are cited below:
Modification of ecological processes: The hydrology of Toolibin Lake has been altered by clearing of the catchment such that death of some of the original flora has occurred due to dependence on fresh water. The system may be bought back to a semblance of the original state by redirecting saline runoff and pumping waters of the rising underground watertable away to restore the hydrological balance. Total destruction of downstream lakes has occurred due to hydrology being altered to the point that few of the original flora or fauna species are able to tolerate the level of salinity and/or water logging.
Modification of structure: The understorey of a plant community may be altered by weed invasion due to nutrient enrichment by addition of fertiliser. Should the additional nutrients be removed from the system the balance may be restored, and the original plant species better able to compete. Total destruction may occur if additional nutrients continue to be added to the system causing the understorey to be completely replaced by weed species, and death of overstorey species due to inability to tolerate high nutrient levels.
Modification of species composition: Pollution may cause alteration of the invertebrate species present in a freshwater lake. Removal of pollutants may allow the return of the original inhabitant species. Addition of residual highly toxic substances may cause permanent changes to water quality, and total destruction of the community.
Threatening processes are defined as follows: “Any process or activity that threatens to destroy or significantly modify the ecological community and/or affect the continuing evolutionary processes within any ecological community.”
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd B2. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Examples of some of the continuing threatening processes in Western Australia include: general pollution; competition, predation and change induced in ecological communities as a result of introduced animals; competition and displacement of native plants by introduced species; hydrological changes; inappropriate fire regimes; diseases resulting from introduced microorganisms; direct human exploitation and disturbance of ecological communities.
Restoration is defined as returning an ecological community to its pre-disturbance or natural state in terms of abiotic conditions, community structure and species composition.
Rehabilitation is defined as the re-establishment of ecological attributes in a damaged ecological community although the community will remain modified.
2. DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR PRESUMED TOTALLY DESTROYED, CRITICALLY ENDANGERED, ENDANGERED AND VULNERABLE ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES Presumed Totally Destroyed (PD) An ecological community that has been adequately searched for but for which no representative occurrences have been located. The community has been found to be totally destroyed or so extensively modified throughout its range that no occurrence of it is likely to recover its species composition and/or structure in the foreseeable future.
An ecological community will be listed as presumed totally destroyed if there are no recent records of the community being extant and either of the following applies ( A or B):
A) Records within the last 50 years have not been confirmed despite thorough searches of known or likely habitats or
B) All occurrences recorded within the last 50 years have since been destroyed
Critically Endangered (CR) An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major contraction in area and/or that was originally of limited distribution and is facing severe modification or destruction throughout its range in the immediate future, or is already severely degraded throughout its range but capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated.
An ecological community will be listed as Critically Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is found to be facing an extremely high risk of total destruction in the immediate future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information, by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C):
A) The estimated geographic range, and/or total area occupied, and/or number of discrete occurrences since European settlement have been reduced by at least 90% and either or both of the following apply (i or ii):
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd B3. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
i) geographic range, and/or total area occupied and/or number of discrete occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is imminent (within approximately 10 years);
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially rehabilitated.
B) Current distribution is limited, and one or more of the following apply (i, ii or iii):
i) geographic range and/or number of discrete occurrences, and/or area occupied is highly restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely to result in total destruction throughout its range in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years);
ii) there are very few occurrences, each of which is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes;
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is very small and each occurrence is small and/or isolated and extremely vulnerable to known threatening processes.
C) The ecological community exists only as highly modified occurrences that may be capable of being rehabilitated if such work begins in the immediate future (within approximately 10 years).
Endangered (EN) An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and found to have been subject to a major contraction in area and/or was originally of limited distribution and is in danger of significant modification throughout its range or severe modification or destruction over most of its range in the near future.
An ecological community will be listed as Endangered when it has been adequately surveyed and is not Critically Endangered but is facing a very high risk of total destruction in the near future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B, or C):
A) The geographic range, and/or total area occupied, and/or number of discrete occurrences have been reduced by at least 70% since European settlement and either or both of the following apply (i or ii):
i) the estimated geographic range, and/or total area occupied and/or number of discrete occurrences are continuing to decline such that total destruction of the community is likely in the short term future (within approximately 20 years);
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd B4. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
ii) modification throughout its range is continuing such that in the short term future (within approximately 20 years) the community is unlikely to be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated.
B) Current distribution is limited, and one or more of the following apply (i, ii or iii):
i) geographic range and/or number of discrete occurrences, and/or area occupied is highly restricted and the community is currently subject to known threatening processes which are likely to result in total destruction throughout its range in the short term future (within approximately 20 years);
ii) there are few occurrences, each of which is small and/or isolated and all or most occurrences are very vulnerable to known threatening processes;
iii) there may be many occurrences but total area is small and all or most occurrences are small and/or isolated and very vulnerable to known threatening processes.
C) The ecological community exists only as very modified occurrences that may be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated if such work begins in the short-term future (within approximately 20 years).
Vulnerable (VU) An ecological community that has been adequately surveyed and is found to be declining and/or has declined in distribution and/or condition and whose ultimate security has not yet been assured and/or a community that is still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the near future if threatening processes continue or begin operating throughout its range.
An ecological community will be listed as Vulnerable when it has been adequately surveyed and is not Critically Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high risk of total destruction or significant modification in the medium to long-term future. This will be determined on the basis of the best available information by it meeting any one or more of the following criteria (A, B or C):
A) The ecological community exists largely as modified occurrences that are likely to be capable of being substantially restored or rehabilitated.
B) The ecological community may already be modified and would be vulnerable to threatening processes, is restricted in area and/or range and/or is only found at a few locations.
C) The ecological community may be still widespread but is believed likely to move into a category of higher threat in the medium to long term future because of existing or impending threatening processes.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd B5. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
3. DEFINITIONS AND CRITERIA FOR PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES PRIORITY ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY LIST
Possible threatened ecological communities that do not meet survey criteria or that are not adequately defined are added to the Priority Ecological Community Lists under Priorities 1, 2 and 3. These three categories are ranked in order of priority for survey and/or definition of the community, and evaluation of conservation status, so that consideration can be given to their declaration as threatened ecological communities. Ecological Communities that are adequately known, and are rare but not threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list, are placed in Priority 4. These ecological communities require regular monitoring. Conservation Dependent ecological communities are placed in Priority 5.
Priority One: Poorly-known ecological communities
Ecological communities with apparently few, small occurrences, all or most not actively managed for conservation (e.g. within agricultural or pastoral lands, urban areas, active mineral leases) and for which current threats exist. Communities may be included if they are comparatively well-known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements, and/or are not well defined, and appear to be under immediate threat from known threatening processes across their range.
Priority Two: Poorly-known ecological communities
Communities that are known from few small occurrences, all or most of which are actively managed for conservation (e.g. within national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, State forest, unallocated Crown land, water reserves, etc.) and not under imminent threat of destruction or degradation. Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from one or more localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements, and/or are not well defined, and appear to be under threat from known threatening processes.
Priority Three: Poorly known ecological communities
(i) Communities that are known from several to many occurrences, a significant number or area of which are not under threat of habitat destruction or degradation or: (ii) communities known from a few widespread occurrences, which are either large or within significant remaining areas of habitat in which other occurrences may occur, much of it not under imminent threat, or; (iii) communities made up of large, and/or widespread occurrences, that may or not be represented in the reserve system, but are under threat of modification across much
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd B6. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Flora and Vegetation Assessment
of their range from processes such as grazing by domestic and/or feral stock, and inappropriate fire regimes.
Communities may be included if they are comparatively well known from several localities but do not meet adequacy of survey requirements and/or are not well defined, and known threatening processes exist that could affect them.
Priority Four: Ecological communities that are adequately known, rare but not threatened or meet criteria for Near Threatened, or that have been recently removed from the threatened list. These communities require regular monitoring.
(a) Rare. Ecological communities known from few occurrences that are considered to have been adequately surveyed, or for which sufficient knowledge is available, and that are considered not currently threatened or in need of special protection, but could be if present circumstances change. These communities are usually represented on conservation lands.
(b) Near Threatened. Ecological communities that are considered to have been adequately surveyed and that do not qualify for Conservation Dependent, but that are close to qualifying for Vulnerable.
(c) Ecological communities that have been removed from the list of threatened communities during the past five years.
Priority Five: Conservation Dependent ecological communities
Ecological communities that are not threatened but are subject to a specific conservation program, the cessation of which would result in the community becoming threatened within five years.
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd B7. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix C: Vascular Plant Taxa Recorded From the Weld Range DSO Project Area, 2008 note *denotes introduced species
Family Species Conservation Code
Adiantaceae (007) Cheilanthes brownii Cheilanthes sieberi
Poaceae (031) Aristida contorta Austrostipa trichophylla Cymbopogon ambiguus Enneapogon caerulescens Eragrostis ?eriopoda Eriachne ?helmsii x mucronata Eriachne pulchella subsp. pulchella Monachather paradoxus Paspalidium basicladum
Anthericaceae (054F) Arthropodium sp. ?Thysanotus manglesianus
Colchicaceae (054J) Wurmbea ?densiflora
Proteaceae (090) Grevillea berryana Grevillea inconspicua P4 Grevillea ?striata Hakea preissii
Santalaceae (092) Santalum lanceolatum Santalum spicatum
Loranthaceae (097) Amyema ?nestor Amyema preissii
Chenopodiaceae (105) Atriplex codonocarpa ?Chenopodium gaudichaudianum *Chenopodium murale Dysphania melanocarpa Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya ?Enchylaena lanata Maireana georgei Maireana melanocoma ?Maireana sp. Maireana triptera Sclerolaena densiflora
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd C1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Family Species Conservation Code Chenopodiaceae (105) cont. Sclerolaena eriacantha Sclerolaena fusiformis
Amaranthaceae (106) Amaranthus interruptus Ptilotus exaltatus Ptilotus helipteroides Ptilotus obovatus Ptilotus polystachyus Ptilotus roei Ptilotus rotundifolius Ptilotus schwartzii
Nyctaginaceae (107) Boerhavia ?coccinea
Portulacaceae (111) Calandrinia eremaea
Brassicaceae (138) Lepidium oxytrichum
Mimosaceae (163) Acacia aneura var. ?aneura Acacia aneura var. ?fuliginea Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis Acacia craspedocarpa x aneura Acacia exocarpoides Acacia pruinocarpa Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla Acacia rhodophloia Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994) Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) Acacia speckii P3 Acacia tetragonophylla
Caesalpiniaceae (164) Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii Senna artemisioides subsp. petiolaris Senna artemisioides subsp. x artemisioides Senna artemisioides subsp. x sturtii Senna glaucifolia Senna ?glutinosa Senna ?sp. Meekatharra (E. Bailey 1-26)
Papilionaceae (165) Chorizema genistoides Glycine canescens Indigofera ?brevidens Swainsona kingii
Zygophyllaceae (173) Tribulus suberosus
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd C2. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Family Species Conservation Code Zygophyllaceae (173) cont. Zygophyllum iodocarpum
Rutaceae (175) Philotheca brucei subsp. brucei
Polygalaceae (183) Polygala ?isingii
Euphorbiaceae (185) Euphorbia australis Euphorbia drummondii Phyllanthus erwinii
Sapindaceae (207) Dodonaea amplisemina P3 Dodonaea pachyneura
Rhamnaceae (215) Stenanthemum patens P1 Stenanthemum petraeum
Malvaceae (221) Abutilon cryptopetalum Abutilon oxycarpum Hibiscus burtonii ?Hibiscus sp. Hibiscus sturtii var. forrestii Sida ectogama Sida sp. Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260) Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous (H.N. Foote 32)
Sterculiaceae (223) Brachychiton gregorii
Myrtaceae (273) Aluta aspera subsp. hesperia Calytrix desolata Micromyrtus placoides P1 Thryptomene decussata
Haloragaceae (276) Haloragis odontocarpa
Apiaceae (281) Daucus glochidiatus Trachymene ornata
Asclepiadaceae (305) Marsdenia australis
Cuscutaceae (307A) *Cuscuta ?planiflora
Boraginaceae (310) Halgania cyanea var. cyanea Heliotropium ovalifolium Omphalolappula concava
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd C3. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Family Species Conservation Code Boraginaceae (310) cont. Trichodesma zeylanicum
Lamiaceae (313) Prostanthera althoferi subsp. althoferi Prostanthera petrophila P1 Spartothamnella teucriiflora
Solanaceae (315) Nicotiana cavicola Nicotiana occidentalis subsp. obliqua Solanum ?ashbyae
Acanthaceae (325) Harnieria kempeana subsp. muelleri
Myoporaceae (326) Eremophila exilifolia Eremophila foliosissima Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii Eremophila forrestii x latrobei Eremophila fraseri subsp. parva Eremophila georgei Eremophila glutinosa Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. spathulata Eremophila macmillaniana Eremophila oppositifolia subsp. angustifolia
Plantaginaceae (329) Plantago debilis
Rubiaceae (331) Psydrax latifolia Psydrax rigidula Psydrax suaveolens Synaptantha tillaeacea var. tillaeacea
Campanulaceae (339) Wahlenbergia ?gracilenta
Goodeniaceae (341) Goodenia macroplectra Goodenia tenuiloba Scaevola spinescens Velleia glabrata
Asteraceae (345) Calotis hispidula Calotis multicaulis Olearia stuartii Rhodanthe maryonii
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd C4. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix D: Vascular Plant Taxa Recorded in Each Floristic Community Type Within the Weld Range DSO Project Area, 2008
Note *denotes introduced species Floristic Community Type Taxon 5 6a 6b 8 Abutilon cryptopetalum XX Acacia aneura var. ?aneura XXXX Acacia aneura var. ?fuliginea X Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis XXXX Acacia exocarpoides XX Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla XXX Acacia rhodophloia X Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994) XXX Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) X Acacia speckii XX Amaranthus interruptus X Aristida contorta XXX Boerhavia ?coccinea X Calotis multicaulis X Cheilanthes brownii X Cheilanthes sieberi X Chorizema genistoides X *Cuscuta ?planiflora X Cymbopogon ambiguus XXX Dodonaea amplisemina X Dodonaea pachyneura X Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya X ?Enchylaena lanata XX Enneapogon caerulescens XX Eragrostis ?eriopoda X Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii XXX Eremophila fraseri subsp. parva X Eremophila georgei XXX Eremophila glutinosa XXX Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei XX Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. spathulata X Eriachne ?helmsii x mucronata XX
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd D1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix D: Vascular Plant Taxa Recorded in Each Floristic Community Type Within the Weld Range DSO Project Area, 2008
Note *denotes introduced species Floristic Community Type Taxon 5 6a 6b 8 Eriachne pulchella subsp. pulchella XX Euphorbia australis X Euphorbia drummondii X Glycine canescens X Goodenia macroplectra XX Goodenia tenuiloba XXXX Grevillea inconspicua X Halgania cyanea var. cyanea X Haloragis odontocarpa X Harnieria kempeana subsp. muelleri XX Heliotropium ovalifolium XX Hibiscus burtonii X ?Hibiscus sp. XX Hibiscus sturtii var. forrestii XX Indigofera ?brevidens X Maireana georgei XXX ?Maireana sp. XXXX Marsdenia australis XXX Micromyrtus placoides X Monachather paradoxus XXX Paspalidium basicladum XXX Philotheca brucei subsp. brucei X Phyllanthus erwinii XX Polygala ?isingii X Prostanthera althoferi subsp. althoferi X Psydrax latifolia X Psydrax suaveolens XX Ptilotus exaltatus X Ptilotus helipteroides XXX Ptilotus obovatus XXX Ptilotus polystachyus XX Ptilotus roei X
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd D2. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix D: Vascular Plant Taxa Recorded in Each Floristic Community Type Within the Weld Range DSO Project Area, 2008
Note *denotes introduced species Floristic Community Type Taxon 5 6a 6b 8 Ptilotus schwartzii XXX Rhodanthe maryonii X Santalum spicatum X Sclerolaena eriacantha X Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii XXX Senna artemisioides subsp. x artemisioides X Senna artemisioides subsp. x sturtii X Senna glaucifolia XXX Senna ?glutinosa X Senna ?sp. Meekatharra (E. Bailey 1-26) XX Sida ectogama XX Sida sp. X Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260) XXX Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous (H.N. Foote 32) XX Solanum ?ashbyae XXX Spartothamnella teucriiflora X Stenanthemum patens X Stenanthemum petraeum X Swainsona kingii XX Synaptantha tillaeacea var. tillaeacea X Thryptomene decussata XX ?Thysanotus manglesianus XX Tribulus suberosus XXX Velleia glabrata X Wurmbea ?densiflora XX Zygophyllum iodocarpum X
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd D3. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix E: Raw Quadrat Data from the Weld Range DSO Project Area
Note:
Cover Classes:
D: > 70 % cover M: 30-70 % cover S: 10-30 % cover V: < 10 % cover I: Isolated plants L: Isolated clumps
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR01 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 567924 7019576 6b Silty clay loam with Red-brown Upper slope Moderate BIF stones and some BIF outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?aneura 1 I Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 2.5 S Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 3 V Cheilanthes sieberi 0.1 I Eremophila georgei 2 V Eremophila glutinosa 1.5 V Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 1.1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Harnieria kempeana subsp. 0.3 I muelleri ?Hibiscus sp. 0.1 I ?Maireana sp. 0.1 I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 I Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Psydrax latifolia 0.1 I Ptilotus ?exaltatus 0.1 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.3 I Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Senna ?sp. Meekatharra (E. Bailey 1 I 1-26) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.1 I Spartothamnella teucriiflora 0.5 I ?Thysanotus manglesianus I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E2. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR02 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 567914 7019640 6b Silty clay loam with Red-brown Upper slope Steep BIF stones and some BIF outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 3 V Amaranthus interruptus 0.1 I Dodonaea pachyneura 0.3 I Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. 0.1 I rhadinostachya Eremophila glutinosa 0.4 I Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 0.1 I Eriachne pulchella subsp. pulchella 0.1 L Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 V ?Maireana sp. 0.1 I Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Phyllanthus erwinii 0.1 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.4 I Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous 0.1 I (H.N. Foote 32) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.3 I Tribulus suberosus 0.1 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E3. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR03 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 568136 7019831 8 Silty clay loam with Red-brown Mid slope Gentle BIF, quartz and dolerite stones
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 S & S. Dillon 2994) Aristida contorta 0.1 L Chorizema genistoides 0.3 I Enneapogon ?caerulescens 0.1 L Eremophila glutinosa 1.8 I Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. 0.8 V spathulata Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Haloragis odontocarpa 0.1 I Heliotropium ovalifolium 0.3 I Indigofera ?brevidens 0.1 I Maireana georgei 0.3 I Marsdenia australis I Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Phyllanthus erwinii 0.1 I Polygala ?isingii 0.1 I Ptilotus helipteroides 0.2 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.3 V Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 0.5 V Senna glaucifolia 0.5 I Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.1 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.4 I Velleia glabrata 0.1 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E4. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR04 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 568225 7019972 8 Silty clay loam with Red-brown Upper slope Moderate dolerite stones and some dolerite outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Abutilon ?cryptopetalum 0.3 I Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas 0.3 I & G. Woodman AW 03-Opp 1) Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 M & S. Dillon 2994) Acacia speckii (P3) 2.5 I Aristida contorta 0.1 L Cheilanthes brownii 0.1 I Cymbopogon ambiguus 0.3 L Dodonaea amplisemina (P3) 2.5 I Enneapogon ?caerulescens 0.1 L Eremophila glutinosa 1.8 I Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. 0.3 I spathulata Glycine canescens I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Halgania cyanea var. cyanea 0.1 I Haloragis odontocarpa 0.1 I Heliotropium ovalifolium 1 I Indigofera ?brevidens 0.3 I Phyllanthus erwinii 0.1 I Ptilotus helipteroides 0.1 I Ptilotus obovatus 1 V Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 1 I Senna artemisioides subsp. x 0.3 I artemisioides Senna ?sp. Meekatharra (E. Bailey 1.5 I 1-26)
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E5. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.3 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.5 I Stenanthemum patens (P1) 0.4 I ?Thysanotus manglesianus I Tribulus suberosus 0.4 I Velleia glabrata 0.1 I Zygophyllum iodocarpum 0.1 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E6. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR05 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 568272 7019675 6b Silty clay loam with Red-brown Crest to upperslope Steep BIF stones and outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?aneura 3 I Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 3 S Aristida contorta 0.2 I Cheilanthes sieberi 0.1 I Dodonaea pachyneura 1 I Eremophila glutinosa 1 V Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 1 V Eriachne pulchella subsp. pulchella 0.1 L Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 V ?Maireana sp. 0.1 I Marsdenia australis I Micromyrtus placoides (P1) 0.5 I Monachather paradoxus 0.1 L Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Philotheca brucei subsp. brucei 1 I Psydrax latifolia 0.5 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.3 V Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Senna artemisioides subsp. x sturtii 0.3 I Sida ectogama 1 I Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous 0.2 I (H.N. Foote 32) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.2 I Stenanthemum petraeum 0.1 I Thryptomene decussata 2 S
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E7. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR06 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 568280 7019460 6b Silty clay loam with Brown Lower slope Moderate BIF stones and outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 4 S Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 3 V Cheilanthes sieberi 0.1 I Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 1.5 V Eremophila georgei 0.2 I Eremophila glutinosa 1.5 I Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 0.5 I Eriachne ?helmsii x mucronata 0.2 L Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I ?Hibiscus sp. 0.3 I Marsdenia australis I Micromyrtus placoides (P1) 0.3 I Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 I Psydrax suaveolens 0.1 I Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous 0.3 V (H.N. Foote 32) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.8 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E8. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR07 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 567881 7019263 6b Silty clay loam Red-brown Lower slope Gentle
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 3 V Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 3 S Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 V & S. Dillon 2994) Cheilanthes sieberi 0.1 I Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 1.8 V Eremophila georgei 0.2 I Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I ?Maireana sp. 0.1 V Marsdenia australis I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 L Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Psydrax suaveolens 1.5 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.5 I Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Senna ?sp. Meekatharra (E. Bailey 1 I 1-26) Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous 0.2 I (H.N. Foote 32) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.1 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E9. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR08 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 567724 7019473 6b Silty clay loam with Red-brown Crest Moderate BIF stones and frequent outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 3 V Acacia exocarpoides 2 I Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 2.5 I Boerhavia ?coccinea 0.1 I Cheilanthes sieberi 0.1 I Cymbopogon ambiguus 0.3 L Dodonaea pachyneura 1 I ?Enchylaena lanata 0.1 I Eremophila georgei 1 V Eremophila glutinosa 1.5 I Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 1 I Eriachne pulchella subsp. pulchella 0.1 L Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Maireana georgei 0.2 I Maireana ?georgei 0.4 I ?Maireana sp. 0.2 I Marsdenia australis I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 I Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.5 S Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 0.1 I Senna ?glutinosa 0.3 I Sida sp. 0.1 I Solanum ?ashbyae 0.1 I Thryptomene decussata 2 I Tribulus suberosus 0.4 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E10. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR09 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 567402 7019441 8 Silty loam with BIF Red-brown Creekline Very gentle and dolerite stones and some BIF outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Abutilon cryptopetalum 0.1 I Acacia aneura var. ?aneura 4 S Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 3 V Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 I & S. Dillon 2994) Aristida contorta 0.1 L Calotis multicaulis 0.1 I Cheilanthes brownii 0.1 I Chorizema genistoides Cymbopogon ambiguus 0.3 V Dodonaea amplisemina (P3) 0.4 I Enneapogon caerulescens 0.1 L Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 1.3 V Eremophila georgei 0.2 I Eremophila glutinosa 1.8 I Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. 1 V spathulata Eriachne pulchella subsp. pulchella 0.1 L Euphorbia drummondii 0.1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Heliotropium ovalifolium 0.3 I Hibiscus sturtii var. forrestii 0.4 I Indigofera ?brevidens 0.3 I Maireana georgei 0.2 I ?Maireana sp. 0.1 I Marsdenia australis I Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Phyllanthus erwinii 0.1 I Ptilotus helipteroides 0.1 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E11. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Ptilotus obovatus 0.5 V Rhodanthe maryonii 0.1 I Santalum spicatum 3 I Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 1 I Senna artemisioides subsp. x 0.5 I artemisioides Senna glaucifolia 0.4 I Sida ectogama 0.3 I Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.2 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.3 I Swainsona kingii 0.1 I Synaptantha tillaeacea var. 0.1 I tillaeacea
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E12. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR10 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 567373 7018955 6a Silty clay loam with Red-brown Lower slope Gentle BIF pebbles
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?aneura 4 I Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 4 S Acacia exocarpoides 0.3 I Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 2 I Aristida contorta 0.1 L ?Enchylaena lanata 0.1 I Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Harnieria kempeana subsp. 0.4 V muelleri Hibiscus burtonii 0.3 I Maireana georgei 0.3 I ?Maireana georgei 0.5 I Marsdenia australis I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 I Psydrax suaveolens 0.1 I Ptilotus helipteroides 0.2 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.4 I Ptilotus roei 0.1 I Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 1.5 I Senna glaucifolia 1 I Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.1 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.3 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E13. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR11 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 566994 7018830 5 Silty clay loam with Brown Crest Gentle BIF stones and some BIF outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?aneura 3 V Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 4 S Acacia rhodophloia 3 I Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 1 I Eriachne ?helmsii x mucronata 0.3 L Goodenia macroplectra 0.1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 V ?Maireana sp. 0.1 I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 L Ptilotus schwartzii 0.2 I Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous 0.2 V (H.N. Foote 32) Thryptomene decussata 2 V Wurmbea ?densiflora 0.1 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E14. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR12 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 567173 7019377 6a Silty clay loam with Red-brown Lower slope Gentle BIF stones
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?aneura 5 V Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 5 V Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 2.5 V Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 2.5 I & S. Dillon 2994) Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 1.5 V Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 L Prostanthera althoferi subsp. 0.2 I althoferi Ptilotus obovatus 0.2 I Ptilotus polystachyus 0.1 I Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 0.1 I Senna glaucifolia 0.5 I Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.3 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.2 I Tribulus suberosus 0.5 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E15. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR13 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 566989 7019300 8 Silty clay loam with Red-brown Mid slope Moderate BIF and dolerite stones
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Abutilon cryptopetalum 0.3 I Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas 1.5 I & G. Woodman AW 03-Opp 1) Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 3 I Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 2.5 I Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 S & S. Dillon 2994) Acacia speckii (P3) 0.5 I Aristida contorta 0.1 L Cheilanthes brownii 0.2 I Enneapogon ?caerulescens 0.2 L Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. 0.5 V spathulata Euphorbia australis 0.1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Grevillea inconspicua (P4) 1.2 I Heliotropium ovalifolium 0.3 I Maireana georgei 0.3 I Ptilotus helipteroides 0.1 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.5 I Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 0.5 I Senna glaucifolia 0.5 I Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.2 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.5 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E16. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR14 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 566759 7019168 6a Silty clay loam with Red-brown Mid slope Moderate BIF stones
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?aneura 3 I Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 3 I Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 2 V Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 V & S. Dillon 2994) Aristida contorta 0.2 L Cymbopogon ambiguus 0.2 L Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 1 I Eremophila georgei 1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Heliotropium ovalifolium 0.3 I Hibiscus sturtii var. forrestii 1 I Maireana ?georgei 0.5 I Maireana georgei 0.3 I ?Maireana sp. 0.2 I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 L Ptilotus helipteroides 0.1 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.3 V Senna glaucifolia 1 I Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.2 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.1 I Tribulus suberosus 0.2 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E17. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR15 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 566718 7019202 6b Silty clay loam with Red-brown Crest Steep BIF stones and some BIF outcropping
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 3 S Acacia exocarpoides 2 I Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 2.5 V Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 I & S. Dillon 2994) Acacia speckii (P3) 3 I Cheilanthes sieberi 0.1 I *Cuscuta ?planiflora I Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 0.3 I Eremophila georgei 0.8 I Eremophila glutinosa 1.5 V Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei 0.5 I Goodenia macroplectra 0.1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I Marsdenia australis I Monachather paradoxus 0.1 L Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Psydrax latifolia 0.5 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.4 I Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Senna glaucifolia 1.5 I Sida ectogama 0.5 I Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.3 I Leeuwen 2260) ?Thysanotus manglesianus 0.1 I Wurmbea ?densiflora 0.2 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E18. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR16 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 566900 7019000 6b Silty clay loam with Red-brown Lower slope Gentle BIF gravel
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Abutilon cryptopetalum 0.3 I Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 4 V Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 3 S Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 V & S. Dillon 2994) Aristida contorta 0.1 L Cheilanthes sieberi 0.1 I Enneapogon caerulescens 0.1 L Enneapogon ?caerulescens 0.1 L Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 2 V Eremophila georgei 1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I ?Hibiscus sp. 0.3 I ?Maireana georgei 0.3 I Maireana georgei 0.2 I Marsdenia australis I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 L Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Psydrax latifolia 0.1 I Ptilotus helipteroides 0.1 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.3 V Ptilotus polystachyus 0.1 I Sclerolaena eriacantha 0.1 I Senna glaucifolia 0.5 I Sida ectogama 0.5 I Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.1 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.1 I Swainsona kingii 0.1 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E19. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Site Site Establishment FCT Name Type Dimensions Date Datum Zone Easting Northing Code Soil type Soil Colour Topography Slope WR17 Quadrat 20m x 20m 26/08/2008 GDA94 50 567692 7019578 6a Silty clay loam with Red-brown Mid slope Moderate BIF stones
Species Name Av. Cover Height Class Acacia aneura var. ?aneura 4 V Acacia aneura var. ?fuliginea 3 V Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis 4 V Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla 2 I Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey 3 V & S. Dillon 2994) Eragrostis ?eriopoda 0.3 L Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii 1 V Eremophila glutinosa 1 I Goodenia tenuiloba 0.1 I ?Hibiscus sp. 0.2 I Monachather paradoxus 0.2 L Paspalidium basicladum 0.1 L Ptilotus helipteroides 0.1 I Ptilotus obovatus 0.3 I Ptilotus schwartzii 0.3 I Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii 1 I Senna glaucifolia 1 V Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van 0.2 I Leeuwen 2260) Solanum ?ashbyae 0.5 I Tribulus suberosus 1.5 I
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd E20. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix F: Taxa amalgamated for the Weld Range DSO Project Area Quadrat Analysis
Abutilon cryptopetalum Abutilon ?cryptopetalum
Abutilon oxycarpum Abutilon oxycarpum subsp. prostratum ms
Acacia aneura var. ?aneura Acacia aneura var. aneura
Acacia aneura var. tenuis Acacia aneura var. ?tenuis
Boerhavia ?coccinea Boerhavia coccinea
Cheilanthes sieberi Cheilanthes sieberi subsp. sieberi
Crassula aff. tetramera (A. Markey & S. Dillon 3107) Crassula tetramera
Enneapogon caerulescens Enneapogon ?caerulescens
Eriachne helmsii Eriachne helmsii x mucronata Eriachne ?helmsii x mucronata Eriachne mucronata
Euphorbia drummondii Euphorbia drummondii subsp. drummondii
Halgania cyanea var. Allambi Stn (B.W. Strong 676) Halgania cyanea var. cyanea
?Maireana georgei Maireana georgei Maireana ?georgei
Polygala ?isingii Polygala isingii
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd F1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Ptilotus ?exaltatus Ptilotus exaltatus
Ptilotus obovatus Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus
Ptilotus polystachyus Ptilotus polystachyus var. polystachyus
Senna sp. Meekatharra (E. Bailey 1-26) Senna ?sp. Meekatharra (E. Bailey 1-26)
Sida aff. sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260) Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260)
Solanum ashbyae Solanum ?ashbyae
Thysanotus manglesianus ?Thysanotus manglesianus
Wahlenbergia ?gracilenta Wahlenbergia gracilenta
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd F2. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix G: Summary Dendrogram of Floristic Community Types of the Weld Range DSO Project Area Note: Quadrats labeled WR are Woodman Environmental, WELD are Markey & Dillon (2006)
Row Fusion Dendrogram 1 4 8 1 4 901 354 808 261 714 090 835 580 326 071 0 8 5 3 0 . . . . . 1 0 0 0 0 1. 0. 0. 0. 0.
WELD01 FCT 1 WELD17 WELD19 WELD20 WELD22 WELD04 FCT 2 WELD24 WELD05 WELD10 WELD07 WELD26 WELD18 WELD28 WELD30 WELD23 WELD50 WELD39 WELD48 FCT 3 WELD13 WELD43 WELD51 WELD46 WELD47 WELD52 WELD14 WELD29 WELD34 WELD44 FCT 4 WELD03 WELD27 FCT 5 WELD06 WR11 WELD09 WELD25 WELD16 WELD21 WELD36 FCT 6a WELD12 WELD32 WELD33 WR12 WR17 WR14 WELD35 WELD42 WR10 WELD49 FCT 6b WR01 WR06 WR07 WR15 WR16 WR02 WR05 WR08 WELD02 FCT 7 WELD08 WELD11 WELD38 WELD15 WELD31 FCT 8 WELD41 WR13 WR03 WR09 WR04 WELD37 WELD45 WELD40
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd G1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix H: Summary Matrix of Species Presence within Quadrats in the Weld Range DSO Project Area Note: Quadrats labeled WR are Woodman Environmental, WELD are Markey & Dillon (2006) Le g e n d 0.2 Tw o-way Ta ble 0.4 2 1 0.6 1 1 L S M 1 F 1 1 X X H A S L A L P N F C N 1 Y A L C T R A A T EA3 EM U ET EA1 T W M T O I O F R U A2 T I A C P O N U N I N S N N U L M A E A 0.8 T H F UF B E I US AC AC MB N I O L R U AN L EO L O X L A E M H AM E I AE1 EU O R YE V E AT AT A R I YAA A EN E L I O UL L RA C BO F CT RUB T EL RE O C U PAR PET A G SP AR SPI G L SP2 O ST AR AR L CUR CF C HUM ASH D M T ASPH C E D O D P V G 1.0 P A H SP2 SP6 SP3 B S P S O N S AAF I RA I I L EC EBER DP DP DA UCRY AM O SSC AG I ESI T AR AAN UM L AAN APR EL EG EG AR EF ST AAN AEF AEXO ASP AAN I RK EEXI EM ASPE AKO L SN L O YER L EM N L L MA ESI EAD EBR YL EPET I I I EPAT E EST Y YM I U CS C D D DE D D B URDE I A O URV L R L I H NCL LLA B H H A H Y HRDE ? H NDB SAU RHY SI AC PR AU ST M MA NE MI SI CA ST TH AC ER PSYSU PSYL S W ER O AR SEN AC PT AC M SI AC AC G PT ER T ER C DO ER T AC M P ER HA C AU CHO SI SO AC A AC SAN AC E DO MA AC SEN SW AC PT CHE M BO AL O SAN CHE SEN SPAT ABU ER SEN ER I AC DO AC H HE HI ST AU SC SEN MA PR CA PH C SC TR ER SEN C EN A
W ELD01 FCT 1 W ELD17 W ELD19 W ELD20 W ELD22 W ELD04 W ELD24 FCT 2 W ELD05 W ELD10 W ELD07 W ELD26 W ELD18 W ELD28 W ELD30 W ELD23 W ELD50 W ELD39 W ELD48 W ELD13 FCT 3 W ELD43 W ELD51 W ELD46 W ELD47 W ELD52 W ELD14 W ELD29 W ELD34 FCT 4 W ELD44 W ELD03 W ELD27 W ELD06 WR11 FCT 5 W ELD09 W ELD25 W ELD16 W ELD21 W ELD36 FCT 6a W ELD12 W ELD32 W ELD33 WR12 WR17 WR14 W ELD35 W ELD42 WR10 W ELD49 FCT 6b WR01 WR06 WR07 WR15 WR16 WR02 WR05 WR08 FCT 7 W ELD02 W ELD08 W ELD11 W ELD38 W ELD15 FCT 8 W ELD31 W ELD41 WR13 WR03 WR09 WR04 W ELD37 W ELD45 W ELD40 Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd H1. Atlas Iron Limited Weld Range DSO Project Area Flora and Vegetation Assessment
Appendix I: Significant Indicator Species of the 9-group classification of the Weld Range DSO Project Area, 2008 Note: Shading denotes highest indicator values per taxon. Indicator values (%) are shown only for taxa shown only for taxa which were significant at p < 0.05 (Monte Carlo permutation tests: * = p < 0.05; ** = p < 0.01; *** = p < 0.001)
Floristic Community Type Taxon 123456a6b78 Prostanthera petrophila * 3961000000 Santalum spicatum* 4004000001 Austrostipa trichophylla* 0424000002 Cheilanthes adiantoides** 0357000000 Philotheca brucei subsp. brucei* 2638011100 Ptilotus obovatus*** 1 1417 0 0 17101717 Acacia grasbyi* 0063600000 Acacia pruinocarpa* 0 0 4 41 13 0 0 10 0 Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii* 610350111101 Eremophila simulans subsp. simulans* 0104300000 Grevillea berryana* 01812200001 Olearia humilis * 0104300000 Ptilotus polystachyus* 04047020120 Ptilotus schwartzii* 1 15 2 26 5 5 15 0 0 Rhyncharrhena linearis * 0710240000 Acacia aneura var. tenuis* 010613262621 Hibiscus sturtii var. forrestii* 00100230011 Senna glaucifolia*** 02080332221 Cheilanthes sieberi* 15440103400 Psydrax latifolia* 0050022600 Sida sp. Golden calyces glabrous (H.N. Foote 32)** 0000303400 Abutilon oxycarpum** 0110000551 Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Dillon 2994)* 192100063024 Acacia speckii * 0040001048 Dodonaea amplisemina ** 0020000042 Enneapogon caerulescens* 00001212832 Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. spathulata*** 0000000080 Heliotropium ovalifolium*** 0000010070 Maireana georgei* 0000044043 Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii*** 00000121447 Sida sp. dark green fruits (S. van Leeuwen 2260)*** 02900164037
Woodman Environmental Consulting Pty Ltd I1. 567000mE 568000mE LEGEND Floristic Community Types 5: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura with emergent low trees of Acacia pruinocarpa over open mid shrubland of Thryptomene decussata, Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei over sparse low shrubland of Sida sp. Excedentifolia (J.L. Egan 1925) over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba , Goodenia macroplectra and Monachather paradoxus on lower slopes, flats and outwashes
7020000mN 6a: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura and Acacia ramulosa var. Da linophylla over sparse mid shrubland of Senna glaucifolia and Sp AW As Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii over sparse low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba and Monachather paradoxus on lower slopes, flats and outwashes 8 Da AW 6b: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura and Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla over open mid shrubland of mixed Eremophila spp. over 0 100m As open to sparse low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus over open low As Da forbland of Cheilanthes sieberi, Goodenia tenuiloba and Da Scale Monachather paradoxus on mid and upper slopes on banded ironstone Mp MGA94 Zone 50 As As Mp 7: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura with emergent low trees of Mp Acacia pruinocarpa , over low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus and Eremophila spp. over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba , Pp Mp Lepidium oxytrichum and Enneapogon caerulescens on steep Pp upper slopes and crests on banded ironstone
8: Open tall shrubland of Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Mp As Dillon 2994) and Acacia speckii over open mid shrubland of 8 6b Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. spathulata and mixed Senna spp. Mp over open low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus and Heliotropium ovalifolium over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba , Velleia Da glabrata and Ptilotus helipteroides on mid, lower and upper slopes Mp on dolerite and banded ironstone Mp Recording Sites Woodman Environmental quadrat Gi As DEC quadrat AW Priority DEC WEC 6b Rare Pp Declared Rare and Priority Flora Species As: Acacia speckii P3 1 As 8 AW:Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) - 2 Da: Dodonaea amplisemina P3 3 Gi: Grevillea inconspicua P4 7 Mp: Micromyrtus placoides P1 4 Pp: Prostanthera petrophila P1 6a Sp: Stenanthemum patens P1 Other 7019000mN 6b As
Weld Range DSO Project Area Floristic Community Types and 5 Significant Flora Taxa
PO Box 50, Applecross W.A. 6953, A.C.N.088 055 903 Tel: (08) 9315 4688 ~ Fax: (08) 9315 4699
Author: D CoultasWEC Ref: ATLAS08-10-02 Scale: 1:10,000 Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Figure: Tel: (08) 9246 3242 ~ Fax: (08) 9246 3202 CAD Ref: g1627_WM_f01.dgnDate: Apr 2009 Rev: A A4 2a 567000mE 568000mE LEGEND Floristic Community Types 5: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura with emergent low trees of Acacia pruinocarpa over open mid shrubland of Thryptomene decussata, Eremophila latrobei subsp. latrobei over sparse low shrubland of Sida sp. Excedentifolia (J.L. Egan 1925) over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba , Goodenia macroplectra and Monachather paradoxus on lower slopes, flats and outwashes
7020000mN 6a: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura and Acacia ramulosa var. Da linophylla over sparse mid shrubland of Senna glaucifolia and Sp AW As Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii over sparse low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba and Monachather paradoxus on lower slopes, flats and outwashes 8 Da AW 6b: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura and Acacia ramulosa var. linophylla over open mid shrubland of mixed Eremophila spp. over 0 100m As open to sparse low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus over open low As Da forbland of Cheilanthes sieberi, Goodenia tenuiloba and Da Scale Monachather paradoxus on mid and upper slopes on banded ironstone Mp MGA94 Zone 50 As As Mp 7: Open tall shrubland of Acacia aneura with emergent low trees of Mp Acacia pruinocarpa , over low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus and Eremophila spp. over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba , Pp Mp Lepidium oxytrichum and Enneapogon caerulescens on steep Pp upper slopes and crests on banded ironstone
8: Open tall shrubland of Acacia sp. Weld Range (A. Markey & S. Mp As Dillon 2994) and Acacia speckii over open mid shrubland of 8 6b Eremophila mackinlayi subsp. spathulata and mixed Senna spp. Mp over open low shrubland of Ptilotus obovatus and Heliotropium ovalifolium over open low forbland of Goodenia tenuiloba , Velleia Da glabrata and Ptilotus helipteroides on mid, lower and upper slopes Mp on dolerite and banded ironstone Mp Recording Sites Woodman Environmental quadrat Gi As DEC quadrat AW Priority DEC WEC 6b Rare Pp Declared Rare and Priority Flora Species As: Acacia speckii P3 1 As 8 AW:Acacia sp. Wilgie Mia (D. Coultas & G. Woodman AW03-Opp 1) - 2 Da: Dodonaea amplisemina P3 3 Gi: Grevillea inconspicua P4 7 Mp: Micromyrtus placoides P1 4 Pp: Prostanthera petrophila P1 6a Sp: Stenanthemum patens P1 Other 7019000mN 6b As
Weld Range DSO Project Area Floristic Community Types and 5 Significant Flora Taxa Showing Aerial Photography
PO Box 50, Applecross W.A. 6953, A.C.N.088 055 903 Tel: (08) 9315 4688 ~ Fax: (08) 9315 4699
Author: D CoultasWEC Ref: ATLAS08-10-02 Scale: 1:10,000 Drawn: CAD Resources ~ www.cadresources.com.au Figure: Tel: (08) 9246 3242 ~ Fax: (08) 9246 3202 CAD Ref: g1627_WM_f02.dgnDate: Apr 2009 Rev: A A4 2b