RVC 09

Messmate - gum moist forests of the escarpment ranges, eastern New England Tablelands and NSW North Coast

RVC 09

Description: Tall open forest to at least 40 m tall. The most common tree species are Messmate ( Eucalyptus obliqua ) and Mountain Ribbon Gum ( E. nobilis ) with occasional New England Blackbutt ( E. campanulata ) and Silvertop Stringybark ( E. laevopinea ). Smaller trees like White ( ssp. monticola ) and Blackwood ( Acacia melanoxylon ) may be common along with occasional rainforest species such as Tree ( Lomatia arborescens ) and Black Olive Berry (Elaeocarpus holopetalus ). Shrubs like Lance- Beard Heath ( Leucopogon lanceolatus ), Rough Tree-fern ( Cyathea australis ) and Blackthorn ( Bursaria spinosa ) often form a dense shrub layer, while the ground is covered in a diverse mixture of grasses, herbs and ferns such as Snow Grass ( Poa sieberiana ), Spiny-headed Mat-rush ( Lomandra longifolia ) and Bracken ( Pteridium esculentum ).

Keith Vegetation Class: Northern Tablelands Wet Sclerophyll Forests

Equivalent Biometric Community: This RVC is a synthesis of four Biometric vegetation types, all of which included Messmate as a dominant or co-dominant species.

Distinguishing Features: RVC 9 is distinguished from other tall forest communities by the presence of Messmate which is often dominant. In addition, this RVC usually has a moister understorey than other RVCs in the Namoi with an abundance of ground ferns and occasional rainforest trees or shrubs in the midstorey.

Condition and Threats: Generally in good condition, although this RVC produces commercially valuable timber species and much of its extent has been subject to a long history of logging. Large areas have been replaced by pine plantations. The understorey is usually still intact, with a relatively high diversity of midstorey and understorey species. Possible threats include frequent burning which may damage the understorey, continued logging, weed invasion by Blackberry ( Rubus anglocandicans ) and disturbance by feral pigs. Clearing for grazing land also remains a threat.

Distribution: This RVC is restricted to the western edge of the New England Tablelands, to the east of Nundle and to the south of Walcha. It is located along the south-east boundary of the Namoi catchment. It usually occurs above about 1100 m, on relatively fertile soils.

Current extent: 4 260 ha Former extent: 8 900 ha Percent cleared: 52 % Formally reserved: 878 ha Percent reserved: 21%

Conservation status: This type is reasonably well reserved and secure, both inside and outside the Namoi catchment.

EPBC type/status: not listed TSC type/status: not listed Threatened flora: Austral Toadflax ( Thesium australe ), Barrington Tops Ant Orchid ( Chiloglottis platyptera ), Dungowan Starbush ( Asterolasia sp. “Dungowan Creek”) Thre atened fauna: Brush -tailed Phascogale, Davies Tree Frog, Eastern Pygmy -possum, Glandular Frog, Koala, Masked Owl, Olive Whistler, Powerful Owl, Sooty Owl, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Squirrel Glider, Yellow-bellied Glider

Potential Climate Change impacts: This RVC is likely to be adversely affected by climate change, particularly by increased temperature as it occupies cool moist localities. Much of it could be lost in the Namoi and probably would be replaced by RVC 13 or RVC 36. Increased fire frequency and intensity could lead to changes in the understorey composition in any remaining remnants.

Management recommendations : Reduce the use of fire as a management tool. If the RVC is to be grazed then practice periodic rather than continuous grazing. Control infestations of feral pigs and serious weeds like Blackberry. If the RVC is to be logged then this logging should be undertaken in accordance with Native Private Forestry guidelines.

Ecological Benchmarks: 50 x 20m plot 20 x 20 m sub-plot Large tree diameter (cm) 80 Native species richness (midstorey) 8 Large Callitris diameter (cm) - Native species richness (groundcover) 30 Number of large trees 3 Transect points Number of large Callitris trees - Native canopy cover (%) 35 Number of trees with hollows 3 Native midstorey (shrub) cover (%) 20 Length of coarse woody debris (m) 50 Native groundcover (%) 60 Native species richness (canopy) 3 Mosses/lichen cover (%) 5 Native species richness (canopy recruitment) 2 Organic litter cover (%) 25 Rock/bare ground cover (%) 10