Evaluating the conservation significance of of significance conservation the Evaluating basin wetlands within the within wetlands basin Avon Natural

Susan Jones, AdrianSusanJones, Pinder, LienSim and Stuart Hal Resource Management region: region: Management Resource

StageThree Assessment Method MAY2009

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Table Table - 1 Form of wetlandinventory www.avonnaturaldiversity.org importantcontributions: acknowle to like would document this of authors The Austral SusanJones, Adrian Pinder, SimLien and Stuart Hal Western (DEC), Conservation and Environment methodologyThis Publicationdetails Evaluation Classification Delineation Identification ois f hs ouet a b vee o downloaded or viewed at website be Conservation’s can and Environment document this of Copies Figure 1. is applied be can methodology the which in area The Studyarea AllianceProgram. C Catchment Avon the by funded was methodology This Funding POBoxWanneroo,51, WA 6946 Website: 9405 (08) 5183 Telephone: WildlifeWoodvalePlace, 6946 Postal: Address: Science the contact Environmentand Conservation: please information further For eac in wetlands example two at presentedinsection 6. method this of trial Re Natural Avon the in scale wetland individual the Thispublication describes awetland evaluation and Introduction olwn te aeiig ik n h Ao Ntrl D Natural Avon the on link Baselining the following Application Methodology Formofwetland inventory • • • • • •

Executive summary: within the within Avon NaturalResource Management region: ebr o te eln Sau Wrig ru ad Wet and Group Working Status Wetland Committee the of Members ln ail n Sehn en rm h Wtad Sect Wetlands KenWallace from the DEC Nature Conservation Divisi the from Kern ConservationDivision Stephen and Daniel Glen Division G Wetlands Woodvale the from Cale David and Quinlan Mar Francis, Cara Halliday,Danielle Lizamore, John TheAvon Catchment Council MikeLyons fromthe DEC Science Division

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se(DEC). classification methodology usefor at source Management (NRM) region. A region. (NRM) Management source dge the following people for their for people following the dge the Avon NRM region as shown in in shown as region NRM Avon the garet Collins, Anna Leung, Kirsty Kirsty Leung, Anna Collins, garet Division of the Department of of Department the of Division ia. The report was written by by written was report The ia. on,Kensington ucls vnNtrl Diversity Natural Avon ouncil’s h biological wetland type is is type wetland biological h iversity Alliance website at at website Alliance iversity Stage Three Assessment roup within the DEC Science DEC the within roup from the Department of of Department the from ion of the DEC Nature Nature DEC the of ion , or alternatively by by alternatively or ,

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Table 2- Primary stages of wetland mapping identifi wetland2-Primarymapping of stages Table Stage 3 2 1 assessmentofdeep drainage proposals. decisio management resource natural inform to order n pressing the to due methodology this of focus the seasonall permanently, are that types wetland Basin identified types by SemeniukSemeniuk wetland and ( Thewetlandtypes 3 which to - Table methodolog the Theevaluation methodology isapplicable to the wet Relevantwetland types of Commit me the Coordinatingthat considers Group, Working Status Wetland Wetlands Australian Western The Wetlandmapping stage evaluationmethodology. priority setting environmental Broad wetland management,

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DRAFT Hydroperiod Individual wetlands wetlands Group of Regional Regional Scale Approach Mapping Mapping Approach Scale Field Field sampling of

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Reconnaissance assessment in information sub-set sub-set and ‘Drive by’ Individual Dampland Trough Palusplain Paluslope Palusmont Palusmont Paluslope Palusplain Trough Dampland wetland wetland Sumpland Creek Floodplain - - - - Floodplain Creek Sumpland Desktop field field Basin Channel Flat Slope Highland Highland Slope Flat Channel Basin Playa Wadi Barlkarra - - - - Barlkarra Wadi Playa Lake River ------River Lake

1:50,000 1:10,000to scale 1:25,000 1:5,000to scale photographs, topography Satellite imagery, aerial 1:250,000 100,0001: to ed inConservation and ed Environment(2 ofDepartment (stereoscopic analysis). Precise Precise or approximate approximate boundary Aerial photographs Precise Precise boundaries Aerial photograph. Map ‘centroid’ or boundaries scale scale y can be applied(shaded),fromgeomorphic the can be y 1995). 1995). landtypes highlighted inTable 3: e t udrtn ter aus in values, their understand to eed o itritnl iudtd are inundated intermittently or y thodology fulfils the requirements the fulfils thodology Landform Landform mkn, n i priua, the particular, in and making, n wetland wetland type wetland type classification Geomorphic Geomorphic Wetland vs. h ky set o a tg 3 Stage a of aspects key the e, ih h avc o its of advice the with tee, Mapped dryland Existing data conservation conservation indication of Preliminary evaluations assessment No furtherNo vlain Outcome Evaluation Detailed value value value value only only of of Quantify wetland wetlands wetlands as basis prioritisation for Identification of future detailed for protection,for evaluation and management nomination. Preliminary assessment individual individual 007). 007). values of values of resource and/or 7

DEC has nothas DEC Associateddatasets thefollowing criteriaare assessed: managem wetland three of one to region NRM Avon the ass for methodology a provide to aims document This Evaluationsummary 8 Avo the for PreparedDepartment ofEnvironment and Conservation, Perth. Method. Assessment Three Natu Stage Avon the within wetlands basin of significance A S. Halse, L.L., Sim, M., A. Pinder, M., S. Jones, Therecommended reference for this publication is: Recommendedreference WetlandsCoordinating Committee WetlandStatus Working Group DepartmentofEnvironment and Conservation the: Assessment Three Stage region: w Management basin Resource of significance conservation the Evaluating Endorsement WetlandBase. r The condition. of gradient a along basins) saline cla turbid (e.g. typeswetland differentbiological thi that wetlands The Avon. the in located w wetlands method the of trial A area. study the in wetlands

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Significance Diversity Naturalness Rarity DRAFT applied this wetland evaluation and classification and evaluation wetland this applied

ypans, freshwater basins, and naturallyand freshwaterypans,basins, esults of this trial will be available on on available be will trial this of esults . (2009). Evaluating the conservation the Evaluating (2009). .

igning inundated basin wetlands in in wetlands basin inundated igning s odce i srn 20 a 28 at 2008 spring in conducted as a Rsuc Mngmn region: Management Resource ral mto ws rald t ee of were at trialled was method s tad wti te vn Natural Avon the within etlands ent categories. To achieve this, this, achieve To categories. ent Method Cthet oni b the by Council Catchment n methodology to all of the of all to methodology a be edre by endorsed been has 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

6.4 6.3 6.2 6.1 5.1 4.2 4.1 3.1 2.1 1.3 1.2 1.1 5.4 5.3 5.2 3.2 2.3 2.2 1.4

References...... recommendations and comments Final f studies case – six methodology the of Application ...... methodology Evaluation w region Avon NRM of evaluation the to Introduction region.. Avon NRM the in wetlands of Classification Region...... AvonNRM the to Background ...... Introduction

DRAFT ubdcapn ...... claypans Turbid ...... basins Freshwater aual aiebsn ...... basins saline Naturally ...... estimates Time group...... wetland ainto wetland the Classify sources...... Information ...... process Evaluation system...... classification Geomorphic ...... Climate limitations...... Methodology ...... terms of Definition objectives...... Methodology Finalise wetland management category...... management wetland Finalise ...... Site visit evaluation...... Desktop ...... system classification Avon biological region...... NRM Avon the and Wetlands ...... hydrology and Geomorphology users...... Intended Tablecontentsof methodology for the AvonNRM region ......

......

...... o h vnNMrgo ...... 44 ...... region Avon NRM the rom ...... tad ...... etlands ...... 60...... 13...... 31...... 16...... 15...... 54...... 45...... 14...... 30...... 50...... 28...... 28...... 30...... 46...... 15...... 14...... 19...... 20...... 16...... 17...... 59...... 30...... 17...... 43...... 19...... 26.... 9

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 10 al 4 Wtad aaeet aeois n associa and categories management Wetland - 4 Table methodolog the which to types wetland The - 3 Table identifi mapping wetland of stages Primary 2- Table wetland inventory...... of Form 1 - Table Figure 1 - Map showing the area to which the Avon S Avon which the area to the showing Map 1 - Figure vegetation of categories of Description 13 Table - the richnes fauna for guidelines Scoring 12 Table - richnes the flora for guidelines Scoring 11 Table - habitat diversity for guidelines Scoring 10 Table - disturba the other for guidelines Scoring 9 - Table t modification the for guidelines Scoring - 8 Table t the modification for guidelines Scoring 7 - Table in used scale condition Vegetation 6 - Table their and criteria evaluation of Summary 5 - Table Figure 5 – Top (Dobaderry Swamp) - a freshwater bas freshwater a - Swamp) (Dobaderry Top – 5 Figure Reserv Nature Magenta Lake in (lake b a, – 4 Figure landforms wetland different of Examples 3 - Figure regi NRM Avon the extent of and Location 2 - Figure iue - o - ubd lya suh f ae Grace Lake of south claypan turbid - Top - 7 Figure basin reservoir artificial freshwater A - 6 Figure

wetland types identified by Semeniuk and Semeniuk ( Semeniuk and Semeniuk by identified types wetland (2007)...... (Environmental Protection Authority, 2008 adapted f adapted 2008 Authority, Protection (Environmental for each vegetation quadrat surveyed (excluding aqu (excluding surveyed quadrat each vegetation for pictured from the ground (left) and from aerial pho and from (left) the ground from pictured a (Lake Bottom (right). photography aerial from and aerial photography from and the ground (left) from Bejoording) of east (lake f e, conditio (right). good photography in basins saline naturally - Reserve) htgah rgt ...... (right) photography pic Claypan), (Koorda - Bottom (right). photography ...... (right) photography and aerial (left) DRAFT ...... methodology for the AvonNRM region Bush ForeverBush ...... Figures Tables indicator...... ae hmsr niao ...... indicator water chemistry o niao ...... indicator s ...... csidctr...... indicator nces connectivity...... (Kondinin Golf Club Dam) pictured from the ground ground the from pictured Dam) Club Golf (Kondinin o vegetation indicator. This table must be complete be must table This indicator. vegetation o associated indices...... associated niao ...... indicator s adapted from Semeniuk and Semeniuk (1995).....19 (1995).....19 and Semeniuk Semeniuk adapted from ed in Department of Environment and Conservation Conservation and Environment of Department in ed on...... ae3mtoooycnb ple ...... be applied can 3 methodology tage pcue fo te rud lf) n fo aerial from and (left) ground the from pictured , y can be applied (shaded), from the geomorphic geomorphic the from (shaded), applied be can y in in good condition, pictured on the ground (left) ground the on pictured condition, good in in tography (right)...... tography rgt...... (right). – a degraded naturally saline basin, pictured pictured basin, saline naturally degraded a – ) n c d paa n ae arou Nature Cairlocup Lake in (playa d c, and e) rom Hillrom ted description and management objectives objectives management and description ted atic quadrats)...... atic (adapted from Keighery, 1994)...... 32 1994)...... 32 Keighery, from (adapted n pictured from the ground (left) and aerial aerial and (left) ground the from pictured n ue fo te rud lf) n fo aerial from and (left) ground the from tured t Ongerup) – a secondarily salinised basin, basin, salinised secondarily a – Ongerup) t 1995)...... , et al., et 96)...... 26 1996a) , ...... 7 ...... 24 ...... 5 ...... 23 ...... 36 ...... 37 ...... 16 ...... 38 ...... 42 ...... 35 ...... 27 ...... 21 ...... 33 ...... 22 ...... 7 ...... 34 ...... 34 ...6 ...6 d d

Appendix D - Avon stage 3 wetland evaluation profor evaluation wetland 3 Avon stage D - Appendix ...... sheet visit field Site C – Appendix Appendix F- Bird species listed by the Australian a Australian the by listed species Bird F- Appendix ...... protocol survey E - Appendix Wetland ...... sources information B - Appendix Wetland wetlands on conducted studies Previous A - Appendix pedx - it f elns n h Ao NM region NRM Avon the in wetlands of List J- Appendix as identified were that species Flora - I Appendix (PEC) Communities Ecological Priority - H Appendix list Communities Ecological Threatened - G Appendix a wetlands of locations the showing Map - 10 Figure eva wetland basin stage 3 the of Summary 9 - Figure iue - iga smaiig h soig o prel for scoring the summarising Diagram - 8 Figure 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

nadSuhWsenAsrla...... Australia South-Western inland region...... Avon NRM ae ses...... water assets (Lyons area) (whole wetlands Wheatbelt ...... Australia ...... Australia DRAFT ...... category methodology for the AvonNRM region ...... Appendices ...... et al.,et ...... nd State governments, which have been recorded in in recorded been have which governments, State nd 2004)......

a...... ma uto rcs o h vnNMrgo..... 43 NRM region...... the Avon for process luation restricted to wetlands during the SAP survey of of survey SAP the during wetlands to restricted i h vnNMrgo ...... region Avon NRM in the t which this methodology was trialed within the the within trialed was methodology this which t that have been identified as regional or local local or regional as identified been have that iminary assignment to wetland management management wetland to assignment iminary ed for the Avon-Wheatbelt area of Western Western of area Avon-Wheatbelt the for ed listed for the Wheatbelt region of Western Western of region Wheatbelt the for listed ...... 92 ...... 91 ...... 39 ...... 99 ...... 68 ...... 44 ...... 81 ...... 66 ...... 90 ...... 94 ...... 77 ...... 64 ...... 11

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 12

DRAFT methodology for the AvonNRM region 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 1. Introduction lsiiain n eauto o wtad i Wester in 2 or 1 stage A 2007). wetlands Conservation, and Environment of evaluation and classification different at undertaken be can evaluations Wetland threate a th is management for areas is of prioritisation and 2005) region other NRM Avon purposes The for schemes). drainage considered be may assessment, improve or maintained are significance conservation strategi enables This region. the in assets wetland provi educat wetlands of evaluation and classification The scientific, include may which service ecosystem and use consumptive recreational, functions, and conservat the this methodology, of purposes the For a groups management resource natural government, of wetl of field the in professionals by undertaken be p evaluation and classification wetland The region. within wetlands basin inundated intermittently conser and the evaluating and classifying for procedure Coun Catchment Avon the by funded methodology, This uh s netbae wtrid n vgtto spec vegetation and waterbird invertebrate, as such the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC Conservation and Environment of Department the has methodology evaluation wetland 1 stage A 2004). d accurately with wetlands individual of assessment apply in collected (e.g. Wetla database data State-wide a through available that and Australia, Western w consistent broadly is it ensures endorsement This by methodology this of endorsement received has DEC legislation. under protection for nomination and/or individual of values identify to (De intended is framework 2007), the to according assessment, of level ava the to due vary also may and context regional a State NR the of regions between Avon differ may approaches the in wetlands conductin basin for inundated procedure permanently a outlines methodology This (WCC). Committee Coordinating State Wetlands photog aerial reso and and datasets (GIS) techniques system using information area, large a in wetlands DRAFT methodology for the AvonNRM region

wetlands as a basis for protection, management management protection, for basis a as wetlands and ecology. This may include staff from all levels all from staff include may This ecology. and des information that contributes to an inventory of inventory an to contributes that information des vital for the protection of wetlands in the region the in wetlands of protection the for vital rocedure outlined in this document is intended to to intended is document this in outlined rocedure the Avon Natural Resource Management (NRM) (NRM) Management Resource Natural Avon the ndBase). ndBase). ion significance of a wetland reflects its attribut its reflects wetland a of significance ion efined boundaries, using field survey techniques techniques survey field using boundaries, efined cthet lnig s ta wtad o high of wetlands that so planning, catchment c ilability of information on wetland attributes. Thi attributes. wetland on information of ilability scales, as outlined in outlined as scales, ith the approaches undertaken in other areas of areas other in undertaken approaches the ith as wetland values need to be interpreted within interpreted be to need values wetland as vation significance of permanently, seasonally seasonally permanently, of significance vation values. values. d, while those of low significance, with further further with significance, low of those while d, assessment is a regional-scale assessment of assessment regional-scale a is assessment Australian ah. sae 3 stage A raphy. ing this methodology can be made publicly publicly made be can methodology this ing e rcns assmns eg Cale (e.g. assessments richness ies nd environmental consultants. consultants. nd environmental been produced for the Avon NRM region by by region NRM Avon the for produced been the State Wetlands Coordinating Committee. Committee. Coordinating Wetlands State the partment of Environment and Conservation, Conservation, and Environment of partment urces such as remote sensing, geographic geographic sensing, remote as such urces a tg 3 stage a g ) (Jones ) M region. The framework recognises that that recognises framework The region. M ned landscape (Avon Catchment Council, Council, Catchment (Avon landscape ned cil (ACC), provides a consistent, practical practical consistent, a provides (ACC), cil ional, amenity, spiritual, philosophical, philosophical, spiritual, amenity, ional, an conservation (e.g. incorporation into into incorporation (e.g. conservation an , et al.et , ‘h faeok, eatet of Department framework’, (‘the vlain f nemtety to intermittently of evaluation , 2008), and endorsed by the the by endorsed and 2008), , assessment is a fine-scale fine-scale a is assessment A framework for mapping, mapping, for framework A e al. et , . 13 es es s ,

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 14

There are two objectives of this document: this document: of objectives are two There For the purposes of this document, the following de following the this document, of purposes the For 1.1 Methodology objectives objectives Methodology 1.1 terms of Definition 1.2 ‘Wetland’ ‘Wetland’ ‘Wetland evaluation’‘Wetland significance’‘Conservation classification’‘Wetland 200 Conservation, and Environment of it (Department wetlan a documenting and assessing of process ‘The values and functions attributes, of its improving or retaining wetland a of importance ‘The DRAFT characteristics. biological classification wetland two applies methodology This characte etc).’ characters, traits, variables, more or one on information qualitative and a above) defined (as wetlands which in procedure ‘A wetlands, of sub-set a inundated permanently or seasonally intermittently, to applies methodology This (UNE metres.’ six exceed not does tide at low which or brackish fresh, flowing, or static is that water na whether water, or peatland fen, marsh, of ‘Areas Austra Western wetlands: definition of Ramsar the uses 1997) for Policy Conservation Wetlands The   o uln a rnprn ad conal mto of method accountable and transparent a outline To into wetlands classifying for method a outline To nacmn ad utpe s) i acrac wt t with accordance in Use), Multiple and Enhancement management wetland three of one to the wetlands assign within wetlands basin inundated of significance against. is compared a site that we as region, the in groups wetland of inventory an classificati This system. classification biological Planning and Development Development and Planning

(Environmental Protection Authority, 2008). 2008). Authority, Protection (Environmental methodology for the AvonNRM region . ’ salt, including areas of marine water the depth of depth the water marine of areas including salt, finitions apply: apply: finitions , as outlined in section 3.1 of this document. document. this of 3.1 in section outlined as , tural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with with temporary, or permanent artificial, or tural SCO, 1971) 1971) SCO, its current state, assessed on a combination combination a on assessed state, current its 7).’ re placed into groups based on quantitative quantitative on based groups into placed re systems based on geomorphological and and geomorphological on based systems d’s values by considering information about about information considering by values d’s ristics inherent in wetlands (referred to as as to (referred wetlands in inherent ristics on provides information that contributes to to contributes that information provides on which have a basin landform and are are and landform basin a have which lia (Government of , Australia, Western of (Government lia ll as determining the reference ranges ranges reference the determining as ll vn R rgo. hs ehd will method This region. NRM Avon groups based on a geomorphic and and geomorphic a on based groups categories (Conservation, Resource Resource (Conservation, categories he evaluating the conservation conservation the evaluating Environmental Guidance for for Guidance Environmental

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation o in the included not were they as this methodology palusp damplands, (e.g. systems Waterlogged 2.3.1). drylan predominantly are which region, NRM Avon the Al methodology. same differ significantly are the outcrops granite affecting by assessed be to wetlands hydrolog too are they as included not were wetlands we impacting threats and should geology hydrology, wetland Personnel microscopes). compound and stereo complet to required equipment the as well as (ther level) level tha species to recommended waterbirds and is invertebrates will It personnel particular, In professi 5.3). required. co evaluations by section to needed used (see are be assessment skills to and experience intended Considerable is methodology This al. r NOID the Thi by recommended wetlands undertaken. basin for method be must assessment wetland detailed (Lizamore trialed being DEC for procedure assessment rapid A DEC. by given pr NOID the reject then can Commissioner The drain. concerni process) the administers (who Conservation provide to opportunity the with staff DEC provides p proposal (NOID) Drain to Intent of Notice a lodge A basins. receiving into areas growing agricultural wetl affect to likely most activity development the th applications development to response in wetlands methodolog this of applications intended the of One Pinder 1997; Edward, and Withers 1997; Main, outc granite on fl endemic and the diverse of terms in significance located Pools project. the of scope metho this from excluded were wetlands highland and inter to permanently to limited is methodology This

1.3 Methodology limitations limitations Methodology 1.3 1.4 Intended users users Intended 1.4

DRAFT 2008). , e al. et , 20) Wee hg evrnetl ik s anticip is risk environmental high a Where 2008). , methodology for the AvonNRM region ent to those affecting most other basin wetlands in wetlands basin other most affecting those to ent eur sil i te dniiain f vegetation of identification the in skills require 1997; (Bayly, support they species fauna and ora ands is the drainage of groundwater away from from away groundwater of drainage the is ands feedback to the Commissioner of Soil and Land Land and Soil of Commissioner the to feedback e al. et , riginal scope of the project. project. the of scope riginal ll landholders planning to drain are required to to required are drain to planning landholders ll mittently inundated basin wetlands. Flat, slope slope Flat, wetlands. basin inundated mittently e these tasks (e.g. invertebrate sampling nets, nets, sampling invertebrate (e.g. tasks these e e is an option to take invertebrates to family family to invertebrates take to option an is e rior to commencing work. This NOID proposal proposal NOID This work. commencing to rior y is to assess the conservation significance of of significance conservation the assess to is y tlands in the Avon NRM region. region. NRM Avon the in tlands at will impact them. In the Avon NRM region, region, NRM Avon the In them. impact will at ng the environmental risk associated with the the with associated risk environmental the ng ically and physically dissimilar to other basin basin other to dissimilar physically and ically rops are known to be of high conservation conservation high of be to known are rops oposal based on the information he or she is is she or he information the on based oposal dology as they were not part of the original original the of part not were they as dology lains, paluslopes etc.) were excluded from from excluded were etc.) paluslopes lains, d salinisation and acidification (see section section (see acidification and salinisation d staff to assess NOID proposals is currently currently is proposals NOID assess to staff apid assessment procedure (Lizamore procedure assessment apid s document is the detailed assessment assessment detailed the is document s mplete the site visit component of the the of component visit site the mplete also have a thorough understanding of of understanding thorough a have also 20; al, 02. oee, these However, 2002). Bayly, 2000; , so, the main anthropogenic pressures pressures anthropogenic main the so, t wetland specialists undertake any any undertake specialists wetland t onals in the wetland ecology field. field. ecology wetland the in onals ated, a more more a ated, , et , 15 ,

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 16 this in wetlands. these of hundred mapped been 2008), have Conservation, and Environment of Department outcrops granite 6,000 and Catchment (Avon extraction mineral some with lease an conservation for aside set been rel has been 8% has cleared), region NRM Avon the in land the of 63% Avon-Mortl the include to Hills Perth the from east hec million (11.8 of size twicethe almost re NRM six of one is 2) (Figure region NRM Avon The 2. Background to the Avonto the Background NRM Region 2.

months, declining to 10 – 20% in the summer months. summer the in – 20% 10 to declining months, to Thirty Cross. Southern and Trayning Rock, Bonnie boundar western the along 600mm – 500 from declines Köppen the by temperate a within falls mostly region NRM Avon The i 6ºC is is 15 - the region temperature for region maximum average the for temperature minimum average characterised is region NRM Avon the of climate The

2.1 Climate Climate 2.1 Figure 2 -Avon extent2 the Location regi of and Figure NRM DRAFT

classification system (McKnight and Darrel, 2000). 2000). Darrel, and (McKnight system classification methodology for the AvonNRM region tares (Avon Catchment Council, 2005)), extending extending 2005)), Council, Catchment (Avon tares ock, Yilgarn and Lockhart river systems. Around Around systems. river Lockhart and Yilgarn ock, d 29% is either vacant crown land or pastoral pastoral or land crown vacant either is 29% d Council, 2005). Around 12,000 basin wetlands wetlands basin 12,000 Around 2005). Council, on on 21ºC in winter and 33 - 36ºC in summer. in summer. 36ºC - 33 and winter in 21ºC and on-ground data is available for only a few few a only for available is data on-ground and gions within Western Australia. It has an area area an has It Australia. Western within gions

50% of this annual rainfall falls in the winter winter the in falls rainfall annual this of 50% by hot, dry summers and cold winters. The The winters. cold and summers dry hot, by to semi-arid area of Australia, as described described as Australia, of area semi-arid to eased for agricultural purposes (and mostly mostly (and purposes agricultural for eased y, to 300mm east of the line drawn between between drawn line the of east 300mm y,to wne ad 8 2º i sme. The summer. in 21ºC - 18 and winter n ra y E (iaoe .. o the for J.M. (Lizamore DEC by area The average annual rainfall rainfall annual average The

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 2.3 Wetlands and the Avon NRM region region Avon NRM the and Wetlands 2.3 hydrology and Geomorphology 2.2 occasio and 1967). distances greater for extends flow when drain internal local has network This system. river a roughly that network drainage open sparse, a form Zon the lies Line, Meckering the by separated zone, to thence and River Avon the to annually flow Zone zone the as to referred area an and Scarp, Darling s western the period) (Cretaceous ago years million estimat are which gneiss, and landfor granite as ancient such by rocks underlain is region NRM Avon The

rudae rcag ad ufc fo cue b the by caused flow agricultural annual shallow-rooted with vegetation surface gr and saline recharge in rise groundwater The clearing. since shallow, of rising areas slowly extensive has region NRM Avon The Dryland salinisation encompasses two threats: two threats: encompasses Dryland salinisation has 1976), Gailitis, salinisation. dryland as is known process and (Hingston rise groundwater George 1993; elns n h Ao NM ein otne o e thre be in region, the evident threats other also there are to continue region NRM Avon the in Wetlands (Sh future the in worsen to 2002). Coleman, predicted is and 1997), Commit (Select year a billion $1 to 1996) farmer Strategy, to salinity dryland of cost the of Estimates DRAFT 2.3.1              n nrae n h slnt o gonwtr ad th and groundwater, of salinity the in increase An Climate change, although a drier climate could slo could drier climate a although change, Climate activities recreational Inappropriate wetlands freshwater in waterabstraction Surface th from contamination groundwater wateror Surface disposal rubbish Inappropriate rabb (mainly animals and exotic by Invasion Mining as lakes salt natural of perception community The wet within the and adjacent vegetation of Clearing livestock by vegetation native of Grazing discharge Drainage wetlands, of regimes hydrological the in change A s cnrbtn fco t vgtto cag i af in change vegetation to 2002). Williamson, factor contributing a is inu prolonged of periods have now areas waterlogged Clarke 1999; (e.g. fauna Williams, effe devastating a had has This wetlands. dependant Threats to wetlands in the Avonthe in wetlands to Threats , et al. et , , 1997). Mobilisation of marine aerosol salts store salts aerosol marine of Mobilisation 1997). , methodology for the AvonNRM region

, et al. , 2002). , 2002). such as: as: such ages, except in years of extremely high rainfall rainfall high extremely of years in except ages, crops (Teakle and Burville, 1938; Hobbs 1938; Burville, and (Teakle crops e of Ancient Drainage. Waterways in this zone zone this in Waterways Drainage. Ancient of e this of east the To Estuary. Swan-Canning the s has ranged from $60 million (State Salinity Salinity (State million $60 from ranged has s oundwater has been attributed to increased increased to attributed been has oundwater tee Land Conservation, 1991; George 1991; Conservation, Land tee cin f h rgo ws pitd o om the form to uplifted was region the 2 of than ection More old. years billion 3 - 2 be to ed of Rejuvenated Drainage. Waterways in this this in Waterways Drainage. Rejuvenated of pproximates the paths of an ancient in-filled in-filled ancient an of paths the pproximates nally feeds into the lower Avon (Mulcahy, (Mulcahy, Avon lower the into feeds nally ms of low fertility derived from crystalline crystalline from derived fertility low of ms resulted in a salinised landscape. This This landscape. salinised a in resulted land (not as prevalent anymore) anymore) prevalent (not as land w the rise of saline groundwater groundwater saline of rise wthe atened by dryland salinisation, however, however, salinisation, dryland by atened ‘dead’ systems withoutvalue systems ‘dead’ ort and McConnell, 2001; George and and George 2001; McConnell, and ort its, cats, foxes) foxes) cats, its, saline groundwater, which have been been have which groundwater, saline e use of fertilisers and pesticides pesticides and fertilisers e of use replacement of deep-rooted native native deep-rooted of replacement ndation. It has been reported that this that reported been has It ndation. ct on wetland vegetation and aquatic aquatic and vegetation wetland on ct rfr te ae i groundwater- in water the erefore fected areas (e.g. McFarlane and and McFarlane (e.g. areas fected so that previously seasonally seasonally previously that so d in the soil profile, due to to due profile, soil the in d , et al. et , , et al.et , 17 , , , ,

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 18

data collected is shown in Appendix A. Appendix in is shown data collected (Cale biennially collected is data quality region. NRM Avon the in wetlands ten includes which also Strategy Salinity State The 2008. to 2006 from vegetat some and waterbird invertebrate, chemistry, Cou Catchment Avon the by funded was survey largest (Halse Avon region the the in conducted in wetlands 100 about at studies (no intensive Management Land and Conservation for Department Wheatbel (SAP) Plan Action Salinity The region. NRM intensities and scales various surveysof Numerous methods. relevant < and B4-3; Attachment particular, in and (2008) delineating and wetlands identifying of process the labo identifica wetland field, undertake accurately to specialised required evaluation, wetland with As work. stage 3 mapping for boundaries datase mapping mapping 1 stage 3 the in stage identified boundaries of details for 2007) Conservation, f the and 1 Table See delineated. been has boundary m evaluation 3 stage this apply to valid only is It of at a scale accurate are boundaries the that such ha region NRM da Avon the in wetlands This The hectare. 2008. one November within wetlands of in boundary and WCC location landform, State the by i 2008) endorsed Conservation, and Environment of Department DEC’s 2.3.2 2.3.2 DRAFT 2.3.3 Previous wetland field studies conducted in the reg the in conducted studies wetland field Previous Wetland delineation delineation Wetland elns f h Wetet n ohr roiie are prioritized other and Wheatbelt the of Wetlands

, et al.et , methodology for the AvonNRM region , 2004; Lyons 2004; , , et al.et , , 2004). A summary of the various projects and the the and projects various the of summary A 2004). , ethodology to a wetland once the precise wetland wetland precise the once wetland a to ethodology www.dec.wa.gov.au 1:100,000. 1:100,000. tion and delineation. For more information on on information more For delineation. and tion their boundaries, refer to Chapter B4 of EPA EPA of B4 Chapter to refer boundaries, their have been conducted at wetlands in the Avon Avon thein wetlands at conducted been have , et al. et , ratory and desktop investigation skills are are skills investigation desktop and ratory established a wetland monitoring program, program, monitoring wetland a established the Avon NRM region that are greater than than greater are that region NRM Avon the t can provide a basis upon which to refine refine to which upon basis a provide can t ion data at 92 wetlands during the period period the during wetlands 92 at data ion ramework (Department of Environment and and Environment of (Department ramework t biological survey conducted by the former former the by conducted survey biological t , and is the largest survey that has been been has that survey largest the is and , At these wetlands, biodiversity and water water and biodiversity wetlands, these At requirements. The approximate wetland wetland approximate The requirements. ve been mapped at a scale of 1:10,000, 1:10,000, of scale a at mapped been ve ncil, and involved the collection of water water of collection the involved and ncil, s a stage 1 mapping dataset that was was that dataset mapping 1 stage a s ion , 2004; Pinder 2004; , w DEC) from 1997 to 2001 involved involved 2001 to 1997 from DEC) w

as taset includes information on the the on information includes taset dataset (Lizamore J.M. for the the for J.M. (Lizamore dataset > for the latest information on on information latest the > for , et al.et , , 2004). The next next The 2004). , 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

Classification of wetlands is a procedure in which in procedure a is wetlands of Classification combined into 12 wetland groups. groups. wetland 12 into combined classifica geomorphic a document: wetlan this in presented compared of is site inventory a ranges reference an the determining produce to is classification one on information quantitative and on qualitative 3. Classification of wetlands in the Avonthe in of regio Classification NRM wetlands 3.

3.1 Geomorphic classification system classification Geomorphic 3.1 Figure 3 - Examples of different wetland landforms - landforms 3 different Examplesof wetland Figure 3.1.1 3.1.1 grap a are shown of wetland landforms different The 3). Table in highlighted (those inundated wetl landform basin addresses only methodology This DRAFT and Co Environment of (Department Plain methodology A in Western methodologies evaluation wetland other Wester 2007). Conservation, and in Environment of (Department system classification wetland primary the geomorphic The delineation. and mapping wetland in and hydroperiod on based wetlands inland d for system (1995) Semeniuk and Semeniuk and (1987), Semeniuk Basin Landform

Channel Channel methodology for the AvonNRM region Flat Flat or more characteristics inherent in them. The aim o aim The them. in inherent characteristics more or individual wetlands are placed into groups based based groups into placed are wetlands individual tion and a biological classification, and these are these and classification, biological a and tion adapted from Semeniuk and Semeniuk (1995). Semeniukadapted and Semeniuk from d groups present in the region, as well as as well as region, the in present groups d against. There are two classification systems systems classification two are There against. hically in Figure 3 below. 3 below. in Figure hically ustralia, such as the updated Swan Coastal Coastal Swan updated the as such ustralia, n Australia by DEC and the State WCC WCC State the and DEC by Australia n classification system has been adopted as as adopted been has system classification ands that are permanently to intermittently intermittently to permanently are that ands This system has been used extensively in in extensively used been has system This landform characteristics designed for use use for designed characteristics landform nservation, 2009). 2009). nservation, escribed a geomorphic classification classification geomorphic a escribed n n Slope

Highland

19 f

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 20 3.2 Avon biological classification system classification biological Avon 3.2

ulte cn e oprd o h aporae refere appropriate the wetland gr the same of representatives rich species to compared be can qualities al. and flora chemistry, water distinct of basis the on f Wheatbelt, the in conducted studies previous From wetland. th on information uses of which level system, classification extra an incorporated has methodology This 3.2.1 3.2.1

Features of naturally saline basins are: basins saline naturally of Features t those and basins’. saline naturally ‘degraded 4) Figure in photo (bottom salinisation become can wetlands These (genera lunettes). plants the especially and invertebrates aquatic endemic of especi wetlands, These wetlands. saline mildly some moder mostly are 4) (Figure basins saline Naturally DRAFT place is wetland each methodology, this In 2004). ,    naual ln iudto pro cmae t nat to compared period inundation long Unnaturally sa naturally most than 4) - 2 pH (e.g. acidic More t due vegetation the fringing of death of Evidence Naturally saline basins basins saline Naturally have a naturally acidic saline basin. Refer to sect Refer basin. saline acidic naturally have a permanently inundated. inundated. permanently Features of degraded naturally saline wetlands are: wetlands saline naturally degraded of Features          During the wet phase, naturally saline basins may may basins saline naturally phase, wet the During syst these of margins the on patterning Vegetation be the across vegetation woody of lack a Generally communities vegetation endemic highly and Diverse pres embayments crescentic associated and Lunettes a playas (i.e. inundation seasonal to Intermittent turbid become can although water, clear Generally are naturall some water, though alkaline Generally than greater be (can ppt 10 than greater Salinity aquatic species: species: aquatic flora. als communities These upslope. shrublands dominated basin. very shallow. becomes wetland io cags n lvto. hnpd omnte do communities Chenopod elevation. (typically in changes minor pH salinity, texture, soil as such factors edaphic out). Tecticornia Ruppia polycarpa, R. megacarpa R. megacarpa polycarpa, Ruppia

spp. - formerly formerly - spp. methodology for the AvonNRM region Halosarcia /or fauna attributes (Lyons attributes fauna /or oup). oup). e water quality, flora and fauna present at the the at present fauna and flora quality, water e our broad basin types have been recognised recognised been have types basin broad our ately to highly saline playas, but do include include do but playas, saline highly to ately hat are affected by this are referred to as as to referred are this by affected are hat ally the playas, support distinct communities communities distinct support playas, the ally classification by incorporating a biological biological a incorporating by classification nce ranges (i.e. near-natural, or the most most the or near-natural, (i.e. ranges nce degraded through the process of dryland dryland of process the through degraded ion 5.3. 5.3. ion o an increase in water level. level. water in increase o an d into one of these groups so that their their that so groups these of one into d lly restricted to the supra-littoral fringes, fringes, supra-littoral the to restricted lly line wetlands. However, it is possible to to possible is it However, wetlands. line ) and give way to way give and )

nd sumplands). sumplands). nd yacidic. and and 300 ppt when the wetland is drying drying is wetland the when ppt 300 and gypsum content - coupled with with coupled - content gypsum and contain the widespread salt tolerant tolerant salt widespread the contain d. urally saline basins – may be be may – basins saline urally on wetland fringes. wetland fringes. on in windy conditions or when the the when or conditions windy in ems is complex and driven by by driven and complex is ems ent on the downwind side of the of side downwind the on ent Lepilaena preissiiLepilaena o include a rich herbaceous herbaceous rich a include o minate lower elevations elevations lower minate , et al. et , Melaleuca , 2004; Pinder 2004; , . and and Acacia , et ,

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

the ground (left) from photographyground aerial (left) and the (righ conditio good Bejoording) of east (lake in f e, (right). photography basins saline Reserv naturally Nature Magenta - Lake Reserve) in (lake b a, – 4 Figure e) a) DRAFTc)

methodology for the AvonNRM region d) b) f) – a degraded naturally saline basin, pictured from pictured basin, saline naturally degraded a – t). t). n pictured from the ground (left) and aerial aerial and (left) ground the from pictured n ) n c d paa n ae arou Nature Cairlocup Lake in (playa d c, and e)

21

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 22

3.2.2 3.2.2 ‘secondarily salinised’ (pictured on the bottom in bottom the on (pictured salinised’ ‘secondarily al. (e.g. flora Lyons 2005; Hobbs, terrestrial and aquatic associated the wa hydrology, the affected has salinisation Dryland 2004). we all in found richness species invertebrate total f that indicates wetlands Wheatbelt for data survey many of cycle breeding the during habitat critical rang diverse a support 5) (Figure basins Freshwater pictured from the ground (left) from fromthe pho ground aerial pictured and Bottom (right). photography aerial from and (left) bas freshwater a - Swamp) (Dobaderry Top – 5 Figure DRAFT , 2003) of many freshwater wetlands in the Wheatbel the in wetlands freshwater many of 2003) , Freshwater basinsFreshwater Features of secondarily saline wetlands are: are: wetlands saline secondarily of Features

Features of freshwater basins are: basins freshwater of Features          Salinity greater than 3 ppt when wetland near capa near wetland when 3 ppt than greater Salinity naual ln iudto pro cmae t nat to compared period inundation long Unnaturally natural most than 4) acidic2 (pH – more Sometimes and surrounding the emergent of death of Evidence n ihr anal ra,dee fehae basins freshwater deeper areas, rainfall higher In vegetatio emergent wetlands, freshwater shallow In inte sometimes but (sumplands), seasonal Generally depths. Varied ne wetland when 3 ppt than less naturally Salinity permanently inundated.permanently April 2008). including sedges occidentalis (M. Lyons, DEC, pers. comm. April 2008). April comm. pers. DEC, Lyons, (M. Wheatb northern the In bed. the across combinations contains a suite of annuals including including annuals Centipeda of suite a contains by replaced , et al. et , p. hs lte seismy cu ars te bed the across occur may species latter These spp.

), ),

uayts aadlni vr obtusa var. camaldulensis Eucalyptus eaec strobophylla Melaleuca , 2007) and fauna (e.g. Williams, 1999; Clarke1999; Williams, (e.g. fauna and 2007) , Baumea articulata Baumea

methodology for the AvonNRM region

and and Figure 5). 5). Figure (Lake at Ongerup) – a secondarily salinised basin, salinised secondarily a – Ongerup) at (Lake waterbird species. Analysis of the SAP biological biological SAP the of Analysis species. waterbird tography (right). and and tlands surveyed in the Wheatbelt (Pinder Wheatbelt the in surveyed tlands reshwater wetlands support around 80% of the the of 80% around support wetlands reshwater Agrostis avenacea, Elatine gratioloides gratioloides Elatine avenacea, Agrostis ter chemistry (especially salinity and pH) and and pH) and salinity (especially chemistry ter ere n MFrae 19; rmr and Cramer 1995; McFarlane, and George B. arthrophylla (M. Lyons, DEC, pers. comm. comm. pers. DEC, Lyons, (M. arthrophylla B.

in in good condition, pictured on the ground the on pictured condition, good in in e of flora and fauna, particularly providing providing particularly fauna, and flora of e t. These wetlands are referred to as being being as to referred are wetlands These t. aurn obesa Casuarina ar capacity. capacity. ar city. city. . The periphery of these wetlands wetlands these of periphery The . vegetation. vegetation. wetlands (e.g. pH 6 - 8). 8). 6 - pH (e.g. wetlands rmittent inundation (playas). (playas). inundation rmittent are increasingly dominated by by dominated increasingly are ural freshwater basins – may be be may – basins freshwater ural sc a Yt ( Yate as such n elt, elt, Eucalyptus may occur in various various in occur may , et al.et ,

as the wetland dries dries wetland the as , 2002; Halse 2002; ,

occidentalis Eucalyptus Eucalyptus , et al.et , and and , et et , is is , ,

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

3.2.3 3.2.3 rvd a eue o fehae fua Atfca w Artificial fauna. be reservoirs. to considered c freshwater high for have refuge can a provide and basins, freshwater as evaluated t In consumption. human or stock for (Figure supplies water reservoirs artificial suggests, name the As

DRAFT Artificial reservoirs Artificial      

Features of artificial reservoirs are: reservoirs artificial of Features The vegetation at the periphery of these wetlands wetlands these of periphery the at vegetation The to n compared fauna and flora of diversity Reduced depths. Varied are fire-fighting or watering stock for used Dams when ppt 3 than less mostly water the of Salinity structures. Man-made drinking water are usually clear. clear. usually water are drinking salinised. secondarily including including includes often but (M. Lyons, DEC, pers. comm. April 2008). April comm. pers. DEC, Lyons, (M. the ground (left) and aerial photography aerial ground(left) and the (right) - reservoir6 Aartificial basin Figure freshwater oyoo mnpless Smhorcu subulatum Symphyotrichum monspeliensis, Polypogon

Typha methodology for the AvonNRM region and Juncus

species, and a suite of introduced taxa, taxa, introduced of suite a and species, 6) are man-made structures used to store store to used structures man-made are 6) aterbodies located on granite outcrops are are outcrops granite on located aterbodies

he assessment process, these wetlands are are wetlands these process, assessment he (KondininDam)from pictured Club Golf onservation significance as they often often they as significance onservation full, unless the reservoir has become become has reservoir the unless full, atural wetlands. wetlands. atural is variable depending on the area, area, the on depending variable is often turbid and those used for for used those and turbid often and and Rumex crispus crispus Rumex

23

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 24

3.2.4 3.2.4 Figure 7). 7). Figure difficult are they and uncommon quite are wetlands dir and runoff surface from solely derived is water s isolate sediments clay the as salinities low very claypan as identified are communities, floristic 6 faun and flora unique and sediments clay turbidity, DRAFT Gibson (Pinder assembl shrimps fairy unique and a shrimps support 7) (Figure claypans Turbid Turbid claypans Turbid

aerial photography aerial (right) Claypa (Koorda - Bottom (right). photography aerial Figure 7 - Top - turbid claypan south of Lake Grace Lake of south claypan turbid - Top - 7 Figure e al. et , Features of turbid claypans are: claypans turbid of Features         Intermittent to seasonal inundation (playas and su and (playas inundation seasonal to Intermittent water. shallow turbid, Generally water. Alkaline 1 ppt. than less generally Salinity The species of vegetation often includes includes often vegetation of species The varia is claypans turbid of composition Vegetation flows. saline surface from Isolated Clay sediments. keigheryi (M. Lyons, DEC, pers. comm. April 2008). April comm. pers. DEC, Lyons, (M. keigheryi include taxa Avon, florulenta (Gibson rainfall with increase to tends and rushes, richn species Vegetation turbidity. and hydroperiod hi mri ad cos h bd n h dyn phase drying the in bed the obesa Casuarina across and margin their 20) Tee ais r sprtd rm freshwater from separated are basins These 2005). , in lower rainfall areas rainfall lower in

and and hrznr eoi, mhbou nrou ad Eleoch and nervosus Amphibromus enodis, Chorizandra Melaleuca e al. et , methodology for the AvonNRM region 20) ad eln vgtto (Lyons vegetation wetland and 2004)] , . spp. may also be present. In the western areas of of areas western the In present. be also may spp. More typically these wetlands are herb dominated a dominated herb are wetlands these typically More

specialists (Gibson specialists

ect filling from rainfall (i.e. are perched). These perched). are (i.e. rainfall from filling ect a. In the south-west, 36 taxa, occurring in in occurring taxa, plant 36 south-west, the In a. urface water from the water table so that the the that so table water the from water urface to identify from aerial photography (as seen in in seen (as aerialphotography from identify to

n), pictured from the ground (left) and from and (left) ground the from pictured n), etcri verrucosa Tecticornia , pictured from the ground (left) and from and (left) ground the from pictured , age of aquatic invertebrates [e.g. clam clam [e.g. invertebrates aquatic of age mplands). mplands). , et al.et ,

ess, and the occurrence of sedges sedges of occurrence the and ess, ble depending on wetland depth, depth, wetland on depending ble , 2005). 2005). , , et al.et , . Scattered trees such as as such trees Scattered . Claypan basins due to their high high their to due basins , 2005). Claypans have have Claypans 2005). , Claypan or or

Muehlenbeckia Muehlenbeckia e al. et ,

, 2004; 2004; ,

aris aris the the t t

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

DRAFT lakes. occur to unlikely are groups wetland these of Some combinatio are: These 5.3.4). and 5.3.1 section (see the by us are groups created wetland These systems. classification are groups wetland Twelve             Turbid claypan playa playa claypan Turbid sumpland claypan Turbid lake claypan Turbid playa freshwater Artificial sumpland freshwater Artificial lake freshwater Artificial playa Freshwater sumpland Freshwater lake Freshwater playa saline Naturally sumpland saline Naturally lake saline Naturally methodology for the AvonNRM region in the Wheatbelt, for example turbid claypan claypan turbid example for Wheatbelt, the in ed in scoring the representativeness criteria criteria representativeness the scoring in ed n of the geomorphic and biological biological and geomorphic the of n 25

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 26 4. Avonof Introductionregio toevaluation the NRM (Environmental Protection Authority,f Protection adapted (Environmental 2008 categoriesand Wetland associa - management 4 Table Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development and Planning functi for Guidance and Environmental attributes The functions. and attributes deter is wetland a of significance conservation The Multipleuse Resourceenhancement Conservation Managementcategory Hill adapted from dr receiving categ management each of (e.g. objectives and description conservation than Multi other and purposes restoration, and/or protection future for cate Conservation enables This meth region. NRM Avon evaluation the wetland s conservation three the evaluating of stage method accountable this of aim The Wetland attributes are a characteristic, or aor combi a characteristic, are attributes Wetland Attributes Kotze from components with some eln fntos r te hscl booia o c or biological physical, including: the are functions Wetland Functions

  

DRAFT social diversity demonstrates evolutionary processes, presence of ra of presence processes, evolutionary demonstrates rare qualities that support the collection of scientific of collection the support that qualities qualities such as landscape and aesthetics aesthetics and landscape as such qualities of flora, fauna or habitats habitats or fauna flora, of , et al., functions attributesand remainingimportant Wetlandswith few andfunctions ecologicalattributes support substantial butmodified still havebeen partially Wetlandswhich may functions attributesand highsupporta level of Wetlandswhich Generaldescription , 1996a). 1996a). , et al. al. et methodology for the AvonNRM region (2005). (2005). catchmentplanning throughLandcare. ecologically of sustainable development and best ma development Use, and management shouldbe considere Protectionis recommended through numbera of mecha byrestoringwetland function, structureand biodiv potential be to restored Conservation to category. towardsimproving their conservationvalue. These w Prioritywetlands. Ultimate objective isto manage, mechanismsincluding: existingconservation values of thewetlands throug priorityHighest wetlands. Objective isto preserve Managementobjectives • • • wetlandcovenanting by landowners. protectionunder Environmental Protection Policies reservationnationalin parks, Crown reserves and land, rom Hill nation of characteristics, including: including: characteristics, of nation ple Use category wetlands to be assessed for for assessed be to wetlands category Use ple ons listed below have mainly been taken from from taken been mainly have below listed ons mined by assessing its values based on various various on based values its assessing by mined ted description and tedobjectives descriptionand management ignificance of inundated basin wetlands within within wetlands basin inundated of ignificance ory (Environmental Protection Authority, 2008 2008 Authority, Protection (Environmental ory hemical processes occurring in a wetland, wetland, a in occurring processes hemical ainage water). Table 4 below outlines the the outlines below 4 Table water). ainage gory wetlands to be identified and prioritised prioritised and identified be to wetlands gory

, et al. et , (Environmental Protection Authority, 2008), 2008), Authority, Protection (Environmental odology is to present a transparent and and transparent a present to is odology re flora or fauna) fauna) or flora re information or survival of a species (e.g. (e.g. species a of survival or information , 1996a) 1996a) , n wetlands n wetlands and protect the ersity. ersity. restore and protect Thiscan beachieved h varioush etlands haveetlands the nagementpractice nisms. Stateowned , and , d ind the context Table 5 - Summary of evaluation criteria and their Summaryandcriteria - their 5 Table evaluation of Criteria Significance Diversity Naturalness Rarity 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

that will be assessed under each of these criteria. these each of under assessed will be that significa and diversity, naturalness, rarity, used: th that so th encompass wetland. To the of values the wetlands reflects assess to aims methodology This that values into divided be can These a wetland. of declare and Wetland 2008). identified Authority, Protection (Environmental or harm; environmental of or which and process ecological relevan or function ecological is which ecosystem the healt of condition ecosystem a an means or environment); the from environm derive the of use beneficial a is value wetland A Values       

anann te oa ad einl rud n surf and ground regional and local the maintaining connectiv terrestrial and hydrological maintaining carbon absorbing by change climate mitigating flood attenuation str nutrient/pollutant/pathogen trapping, sediment DRAFT ecosystem service values beneficial to humans (e.g. humans to beneficial values service ecosystem through regulating water quality and quantity quantity and water quality regulating through ecosystems. ecosystems. or hydrological provide or species, rare/threatened values Ecosystem spe terrestrial and aquatic for corridors migration ua values Human Ecological Human Habitat Fauna Flora Habitat Otherdisturbances Otherdisturbances geology, E.g. hydrology, water chemistry vegetation Modificationto Threatened,Specially Protected &Priority fa DeclaredRare &Priority flora waterchemistry Threatened & Priority Ecological Commun Modificationto Other Communities Fauna Flora Indicator rcetoa, prta, mnt, ors, consu tourism, amenity, spiritual, recreational, – spot ih ilgcl iest ad productivi and diversity biological high support - Vegetationconnectivity value Representativenessvalue Scientific/Educational value Ecosystem servicevalue Philosophical/Spiritual value Recreationalvalue Consumptiveuse value Other Waterbirds Invertebrates Fringing Emergent Submerged State Structure invasionWeed Regenerativecapacity N Total Salinity pH Index methodology for the AvonNRM region associated indices associatedindices nce. Table 5 provides a summary of the indicators indicators the of summary a provides 5 Table nce.

benefit the ecosystem or human uses. uses. human or ecosystem the benefit e possible values, the following criteria have been have criteria following values, the e possible requires protection from the effects of emissions of effects the from protection requires ‘values’ encompass the attributes and functions functions and attributes the encompass ‘values’ ent (including social and economic values that that values economic and social (including ent cies cies d to be protected under an approved policy policy approved an under protected be to d ipping ipping t to the maintenance of ecological structure, structure, ecological of maintenance the to t h condition. An ecosystem health condition condition health ecosystem An condition. h terrestrial vegetation connectivity with other other with connectivity vegetation terrestrial e assigned wetland management category category management wetland assigned e flood attenuation). attenuation). flood ace water regimes (hydrological balance) balance) (hydrological regimes water ace ity with other natural areas, providing providing areas, natural other with ity ities una category. “MultipleUse” management valuescannot beassigned a Wetlandsthat have any of these =3 significantdiversity value no=1 significantdiversity value averageddiversitya into score. scores eachfor indicator are anindicatorinto score. Then the betweenThisand1 3. isaveraged Eachindex given ais score =3 significantnaturalness value value no=1 significantnaturalness averagednaturalnessa into score. scores eachfor indicator are anindicatorinto score. Then the betweenThisand1 3. isaveraged Eachindex given ais score eithersingle or multiple criteria. Conservationcategory by meeting Automaticassignment to Scoring mptive use, scientific or or scientific use, mptive ty, provide habitat for for habitat provide ty, 27

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 28

4.2 Information sources sources Information 4.2 process Evaluation 4.1 osdrbe ehia eprie n tm i involv is time n the will have involved personnel the that assumed and expertise technical Considerable Appendix in outlined are evaluation wetland 3 stage evalu sheet, field The vegetation. richness, the of condition invertebrate the chemistry, to water assigned on automatically gathered not is wetland the If B Appendix in provided is in the Wheatbelt wetlands informat the of summary A required. collection data al are b public general the from can acquired papers information scientific that and information reports Published of assessment. sources various are There methodo the evaluation of description A full below. conservation three of one to assigned is wetland A

4.2.1 4.2.1 rtro) ee eie b tkn te 25 the taking by derived were criterion) ‘modificati the within indices for ranges Reference data additional when are reviewed ranges that these g ranges reference narrow relatively the in evident boun region NRM calc the Avon for available data therefore type, wetland the within collected data only w the claypans, of Wheatbelt exception the of With (DEC). Project survey SAP the during collected data qua each for a calculated been have ranges reference The against measured is site a wetland. of the type for appropriate ensure to used are fa and richness flora diversity, habitat chemistry, refer this, achieve To types. between significantly indic the of diversity representatives rich species the most or natural and chemistry water the as such numbe a criteria, diversity and naturalness the For respectively. score, lowest (1) de to used was type wetland each of representatives Knowl region. the in experienced ecologists wetland diversit habitat the for given ranges reference The n water le the on depending greatly vary can wetlands for assessed not is representa index disturbed salinity The least available. the be to opinion expert ty wetland biological same the of wetlands selected DRAFT Conservati a automatically not is wetland the If determine 3. to investigation preliminary a Conduct 2. t combining by group a into wetland the Classify 1. completed. The wetland is assessed using the scorin the using is assessed wetland The completed. fu for 5 section See wetland. category Conservation See section 3 for further details. details. further 3 for See section Reference rangesReference

methodology for the AvonNRM region th n 75 and logy is given in section 5. section in is given logy una richness indicators. These reference ranges ranges reference These indicators. richness una ation sheet and sampling protocol to conduct a a conduct to protocol sampling and sheet ation ulation of reference ranges was minimal. This is is This minimal. was ranges reference of ulation ence ranges have been calculated for the water water the for calculated been have ranges ence l extremely useful sources and may reduce the the reduce may and sources useful extremely l ecessary skills. skills. ecessary significance categories using the steps outlined outlined steps the using categories significance . iven for turbid claypans and it is recommended recommended is it and claypans turbid for iven ir biological wetland type, as values can differ differ can values as type, wetland biological ir ion sources that may be useful for assessing for useful be may that sources ion C, Appendix D and Appendix E respectively. respectively. E Appendix and D Appendix C, aturally saline basins as the salinity in these these in salinity the as basins saline aturally y indicator were derived from the opinions of of opinions the from derived were indicator y on to water chemistry’ indicator (naturalness (naturalness indicator chemistry’ water to on r of indicators are evaluated. Some of these, these, of Some evaluated. are indicators of r reference ranges have been calculated using using calculated been have ranges reference Conservation category, information is then then is information category, Conservation vel. vel. on category wetland then a site visit must be be must visit site a then wetland category on becomes available. becomes th pe. The selected wetlands were deemed by deemed were wetlands selected The pe. waterbird richness, and the richness and and richness the and richness, waterbird he geomorphic and biological classifications. classifications. biological and geomorphic he , previously collected field data as well as as well as data field collected previously , ed in carrying out this protocol, and it is is it and protocol, this out carrying in ed biological wetland type using existing survey survey existing using type wetland biological edge of near natural, and highly degraded degraded highly and natural, near of edge percentile of measurements recorded at at recorded measurements of percentile tives of the wetlands for which data was was data which for wetlands the of tives ators, need to be evaluated against near near against evaluated be to need ators, emn te ags f h hget 3 and (3) highest the of ranges the termine rvee i te nta pae o the of phases initial the in reviewed e etlands (DEC) and the Avon Baselining Baselining Avon the and (DEC) etlands rther details. rther g system outlined in section 5.3. in outlined section system g dary. Turbid claypans are an unusual unusual an are claypans Turbid dary. f h wtad s uoaial a automatically is wetland the if ntitative and transparent benchmark benchmark transparent and ntitative 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

DRAFT an an fringing and vegetation submerged invertebrates, chemistry, water f favourable most during the not has but wetland capacity), 50% around made than highes the greater is has wetland assessment the when accurate spring in conducted an data and the provided, that coll ensures ranges be This existi E. must Appendix using data in outlined calculated all Conservation, are and ranges Environment reference the As this document. of taxonom of levels different for provided are dat ranges accommodate To richness project. the species to available resources invertebrate of collection The d The each group. within richness lowest to highest biol into data richness species/family the f dividing and flora the within indices for ranges Reference    bottom 25% of richness values (score = 1) (score values richness 25% of bottom = 2) (score values richness of 50% middle = 3) (score values richness of top 25% methodology for the AvonNRM region ogical wetland types, and then sorting it from from it sorting then and types, wetland ogical ic resolution. These are outlined in section 5.3 5.3 section in outlined are These resolution. ic ata was then divided into three bands: bands: three into divided was then ata nual vegetation. vegetation. nual auna richness indicators were calculated by by calculated were indicators richness auna this, three invertebrate richness reference reference richness invertebrate three this, lood conditions. This period is when the the when is period This conditions. lood collected is comparable to the reference reference the to comparable is collected a can prove difficult depending on the the on depending difficult prove can a d hence the greatest diversity of aquatic aquatic of diversity greatest the hence d t water level following winter rainfall (i.e. (i.e. rainfall winter following level water t ng data held by the Department of of Department the by held data ng ected following the sampling protocol protocol sampling the following ected I priua, ie iis ut be must visits site particular, In . 29

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 30 5. Evaluation methodology below. outlined are region Avon NRM the conserv the of assessment the in involved steps The

5.2 Desktop evaluation evaluation Desktop 5.2 group a wetland into wetland the Classify 5.1 B. Lis Appendix in available is this information of sit detailed a to subject is it for, n registered was its for I w the if However, category. significant management Conservation data. nationally unnecessary or of internationally collection the preventing by desktop- is evaluation the of initial component The on into wetland the sect (see classifications classify biological and geomorphic Secondly, that to. ranges compared reference a the geomorphic determines a into classification wetland the classify Initially,

. eiae itns otold y h Commonwealth the by controlled listings Heritage 6. . ol Hrtg Ls (ol Hrtg Convention). Heritage (World List Heritage World 5. Agricultura West (South Protection Environmental 4. Aus (Environment Important Wetlands of Directory 3. DRAFT th for sites candidate endorsed Government State 2. 1971; War (UNESCO, wetlands on Convention Ramsar 1.

many natural areas within the Avon NRM region that that region NRM Avon within t wetlands basin have which Estate, National the within areas natural many Commonw The or List Heritage National The on listed wetla basin no are there Currently, List]. Heritage Nationa The 1990), Commission, Heritage (Australian sites that include wetlands in the Avon NRM region. NRM Avon the in wetlands include that sites methodology for the AvonNRM region e visit (section 5.3). Further information on sourc on information Further 5.3). (section visit e ts or registers include: include: registers or ts based. This is to make the process more efficient efficient more the process make is to based. This ion 3). 3). ion atural values it is automatically assigned as as assigned automatically is it values atural ation significance of inundated basin wetlands in wetlands basin inundated of significance ation nd a biological wetland type. The biological biological The type. wetland biological a nd various attributes of the wetland will be be will wetland the of attributes various etland does not retain the values for which it it which for values the retain not does etland f the wetland is currently recognised as as recognised currently is wetland the f l Zone Wetlands) Policy, 1998 1998 Policy, Wetlands) l Zone e Ramsar Convention on Wetlands on Convention Wetlands e Ramsar tralia, 2001) 2001) tralia, nds within the Avon NRM region that are are that region NRM Avon the within nds e of the 12 groups by combining the the combining by groups 12 the of e hem. hem. There are currently no World Heritage Heritage World no currently are There

ealth Heritage List. However, there are are there However, List. Heritage ealth [Register of the National Estate Estate National the of [Register d and Voelz, 1994) 1994) Voelz, d and l Heritage List, The Commonwealth Commonwealth The List, Heritage l r lse o te eitr f the of Register the on listed are es es 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

5.3 Site visit Site visit 5.3 eln. l o ti dt my o b rqie i th if required be oth category. to Conservation assignment not may and data this flora of fauna, All wetland. hydrology, chemistry, water on vis site a is assessment the of component third The

5.3.1 5.3.1 If the attributes of a wetland meet only oneonly meet wetland a of attributes the If B. th in wetlands on information of sources Additional v – assignment automatic the of tiers two are There f h atiue o a eln me to r more or two meet wetland a of attributes the If category: Conservation category. Conservation to assigned DRAFT

Step 1 - Identify values for automatic assignment t assignment automatic for values Identify 1 Step - veget native has wetland the of 50% than Greater 3. 4. The wetland supports a breeding, roosting, or re or roosting, breeding, a supports wetland The 4. supp wetland the of 90% than greater or to Equal 1. . rae ta 5% f h wtad a ntv veget native has wetland the of 50% than Greater 1. veget native has wetland the of 50% than Greater 2. and the using Internal. Internal. Phil Inlet Culham Lockhart, Swan-Avon Yilgarn, Avon Avon, Main Swan-Avon Mortlock, catchments Swan-Avon boundary: seven are There B). Appendix ar (see Water representativeness Catchments – assess Catchments to Hydrographic used catchments The artificial reservoirs excludes This 5.3.5). section Threatened as the in Wheatbelt. recorded been government Australian Western the by F. Appendix in listed are legislation National and Gover Australian the by listed fauna of populations Environmenta (e.g. Government 1983). Environment, and Conservation of Department State the by endorsed the using condition better and the using 1950). Act Conservation Protected Specially or Threatened (e.g. Government 1999 Act Conservation Biodiversity and i listed are Avon-Wheatbelt in the occur that TEC’s and the using 6). Table see 2000, uprs n dniid curne f hetnd Ec Threatened of occurrence identified an supports value natural its for significant as identified is s h bs known best the is Bush ForeverBush Bush ForeverBush ForeverBush ersnaie f h wtad ru i te catchme the in group wetland the of representative scale (Government of Western Australia, 2000, see see 2000, Australia, Western of (Government scale scale (Government of Western Australia, 2000, see see 2000, Australia, Western of (Government scale see 2000, Australia, Western of (Government scale methodology for the AvonNRM region A list of rare and threatened waterbirds protected protected waterbirds threatened and rare of list A uh ForeverBush of the following criteria, it is automatically ass automatically is it criteria, following the of f h floig rtra hn t s automatically is it then criteria following the of it, which involves the collection of detailed data detailed of collection the involves which it, e wetland meets the criteria for an automatic automatic an for criteria the meets wetland e e Avon NRM region are provided in Appendix Appendix in provided are region NRM Avon e , JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA) or the State State the or ROKAMBA) CAMBA, JAMBA, , ia meeting either a single or multiple criteria. criteria. multiple or single a either meeting ia scale (Government of Western Australia, Australia, Western of (Government scale dataset produced by the Department of of Department the by produced dataset er ecological processes occurring at the the at occurring processes ecological er o Conservation categoryConservation o . fuge site, or a critical feeding site for for site feeding critical a or site, fuge s in regional or sub-regional studies studies sub-regional or regional in s n Appendix G. G. n Appendix None of the invertebrates identified identified invertebrates the of None nment (e.g. (e.g. nment orts native vegetation in ‘Good’ or or ‘Good’ in vegetation native orts ation in ‘Good’ or better condition condition better or ‘Good’ in ation ation in ‘Good’ or better condition condition better or ‘Good’ in ation condition better or ‘Good’ in ation an lse udr the under listed Fauna lips West Steere and Magenta Magenta and Steere West lips Swan-Avon Salt River, Swan- River, Salt Swan-Avon within the Avon NRM region region NRM Avon the within or Specially Protected have have Protected Specially or ological Community (TEC). (TEC). Community ological l Protection Authority and and Authority Protection l e those identified in the the in identified those e Environment Protection Protection Environment

under State State under Table 6) 6) Table Table 6) 6) Table 6) Table igned to to igned nt (see (see nt Wildlife Wildlife 31

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 32

DRAFT

Table 6 - Vegetation condition scale used in in Vegetationused - condition scale 6 Table Degraded Degraded Completely impact severely structure vegetation Basic by altered Degraded significantly structure Vegetation Good sig obvious altered, structure Vegetation disturbance intact, structure Vegetation VeryGood of orsigns no nearlyso, obvious Pristine Excellent Pristine Category 7. The wetland supports cultural values that are ba are that values cultural supports wetland The 7. . h wtad uprs bedn, osig refug roosting, breeding, a supports wetland The 6. threaten or rare regionally supports wetland The 5. . rae ta 5% f h wtad a ntv veget native has wetland the of 50% than Greater 4. veget native has wetland the of 50% than Greater 3. veget native has wetland the of 50% than Greater 2. For example, a registered Aboriginal site listed fo listed site Aboriginal a registered example, For the by listed 2 fauna 1 or Priority of populations ny nlds ais ht ae natural have that rar basins includes considered only chemi water rare attribute a is ppt) 3 other < (salinity freshwater any or geomorphology excluded). excluded). of matter a identifyi be assessment. of must this method and formal value no geoconservation is there yet As Rock. geoconservat significant nationally a of example An thorou giv is Australia in geoconservation A and geoheritage geoconservation. and geoheritage including and the using i listed are Avon-Wheatbelt the in occur that PEC’s and the using are list survey biological SAP the during Wheatbelt Prioritised and Threatened Rare, of list A species. and the using uprs nentoal, ainly r State-wide or nationally internationally, supports 1 Priority a of occurrence identified an supports Ra Declared a of occurrence identified an supports grazing. grazing. caused structure dens high at weeds aggressive very some of vegetation presence or to structure disturbance vegetation example, basic Retains disturbances. lae’ ih h foa opiig ed r rp spe shrubs. crop or weed are comprising flora areas the with These cleared’ species. native without completely intact longer no is vegetation the of structure The caused structure vegetation weeds,very partialaggressive clearing of presence witho to condition disturbance good approaching example, state a to not but grazing. and dieback, logging weeds, the fires, repeated by caused structure vegetation species. non-aggressive Bush ForeverBush ForeverBush ForeverBush scale (Government of Western Australia, 2000, see see 2000, Australia, Western of (Government scale see 2000, Australia, Western of (Government scale see 2000, Australia, Western of (Government scale methodology for the AvonNRM region BushForever water chemistry (i.e. artificial reservoirs are are reservoirs artificial (i.e. chemistry water Description Description ns of disturbance. For example, disturbance to disturbance example, For disturbance. of ns disturbance. disturbance. fetn idvda seis n wes are weeds and species individual affecting d y itrac. cp fr regeneration for Scope disturbance. by ed State Government. Government. State (adapted from Keighery, from (adapted 1994) ed natural water chemistry, hydrology, hydrology, chemistry, water natural ed r natural features. features. natural r sed on natural attributes or functions. functions. or attributes natural on sed flora that were recorded at wetlands wetlands at recorded were that flora n Appendix H. n Appendix I. Appendix in ed stry in the Avon NRM region). This This region). NRM Avon the in stry en by Brocx and Semeniuk (2007). (2007). Semeniuk and Brocx by en ion site in the Avon region is Wave Wave is region Avon the in site ion ation in ‘Good’ or better condition condition better or ‘Good’ in ation condition better or ‘Good’ in ation condition better or ‘Good’ in ation or 2 Ecological Community (PEC). (PEC). Community Ecological 2 or and the area is completely or almost or completely is area the and presence of some more aggressive more some of presence , dieback grazing. , and ey biu sgs f multiple of signs obvious very ng a site with geoheritage, or or geoheritage, with site a ng e or critical feeding site for for site feeding critical or e h vriw f h sau of status the of overview gh is ih sltd aie re or trees native isolated with cies xet pno a te ie of time the at opinion expert significant scientific values, values, scientific significant re or Priority 1, 2, 3 or 4 flora flora 4 or 3 2, 1, Priority or re ity, partial clearing, dieback and dieback clearing, partial ity, blt t rgnrt i. For it. regenerate to ability t nesv mngmn. For management. intensive ut e by expert opinion (e.g. (e.g. opinion expert by e y ey rqet ie, the fires, frequent very by y ey rqet ie, the fires, frequent very by fe dsrbd s ‘parkland as described often Table 6) 6) Table 6) Table 6) Table 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation Table t Scoring modification guidelines - 7 the for Table Final score for for score modification chemistry Final to water N Soluble Total basins) naturally saline scorenot Salinity: basins)acidic Reading naturally score pH: Index

5.3.2 5.3.2 ( readings nitrogen elevated in resulting particles clay suspended the of fr most samples eliminate to Water laboratory impossible. is field the in sample A basins. saline naturally or freshwater for given f given ranges reference nitrogen soluble total The wet of makes it whether or wetland, that for natural is salinity type which inundation, this of extent in the on recorded depending be can that salinities natural for provided been not has range reference A be. deter to difficult is it as index, pH the for score area Esperance/Norseman the from observations natural be to likely de granite or clayey sandy, in is water acidic with wet oxi iron acidic to (due yellow or brown be will seep water Naturally 5. < adjacent immediately laterite possibly or pH sandstone wat with the acidic, from t naturally dioxide in later carbon higher removing be to photosynthesis likely is and cycle diurnal regardin note to exceptions important two are There ch water All E. Appendix in outlined group. wetland their for available leas was the be to opinion expert by deemed wetlands at Refere 7). Table (see group wetland that for ranges measurement comparing by assessed is indicator This Score natural. most the 3 being and natural indicator. each for score single a produce to m indicator Each disturbances. other and vegetation mo here: scored are that indicators three are There (e.g. bird-watching). ple aesthetically to attracted be to tend wet humans as a which co pre-European of to representative are they as value degree hav the natural to close are that Wetlands as disturbance. defined is Naturalness

(donot DRAFT

1. Modification to water chemistry chemistry water to Modification 1. Step 2 - Score Naturalness criterion Naturalness Score 2 Step - (do

______µg/L _ _ ppt ______. __ B Tms Uiest o Nwate pers.comm. Newcastle, of University Timms, (B. group ranges each for wetland Reference Turbid claypan < 2325 2325 < 1900 < 0.6 – 0 claypan Turbid basin Freshwater 1.1 – 0 – 8.9 8.6 claypan Turbid basin Freshwater – 8.1 6.8 claypan Turbid basin Freshwater Naturally saline basin < 1100 1100 < basin saline Naturally N/A basin saline Naturally – 8.7 7.8 basin saline Naturally methodology for the AvonNRM region

o o water chemistry indicator has been altered as a result of salinisation. salinisation. of result a as altered been has mine what the natural acidity of the wetland would would wetland the of acidity natural the what mine Scheffer, 1998). Scheffer, s claypans are highly turbid, filtering of the wate the of filtering turbid, highly are claypans s ). Naturally acidic wetlands should not record a a record not should wetlands acidic Naturally ). des deposited by bacterial action). If a wetland wetland a If action). bacterial by deposited des rived soils or limestone then the acidity is not not is acidity the then limestone or soils rived e a de o h efcs f h poes of process the of effects the to due day he or claypans are significantly higher than those those than higher significantly are claypans or nce ranges were derived from values obtained obtained values from derived were ranges nce asing sites for relaxation and leisure activities activities leisure and relaxation for sites asing e a high ecological, scientific and educational educational and scientific ecological, high a e to the wetland, from which water seeps. The The seeps. water which from wetland, the to ly saline basins because of the great range of of range great the of because basins saline ly nditions. They also provide an amenity value, value, amenity an provide also They nditions. ay have multiple indices, which are averaged averaged are which indices, multiple have ay g the pH index. Firstly, pH changes over the the over changes pH Firstly, index. pH the g dification to water chemistry, modification to to modification chemistry, water to dification s range from 1 to 3, with 1 being the least least the being 1 with 3, to 1 from range s emistry measurements should be taken as as taken be should measurements emistry particles, as nutrients adhere to these clay clay these to adhere nutrients as particles, om claypans should be centrifuged at the the at centrifuged be should claypans om land. Salinities change greatly over time time over greatly change Salinities land. t disturbed of the wetlands for which data data which for wetlands the of disturbed t lands usually have outcrops of granite, granite, of outcrops have usually lands s recorded at a wetland against reference reference against wetland a at recorded s it difficult to determine whether recorded recorded whether determine to difficult it er. Secondly, some wetlands can be be can wetlands some Secondly, er. land is unaltered by anthropogenic anthropogenic by unaltered is land 1 = >20%=1 outside rangeref <20%=2 outside rangeref inside=3 ref range >20%=1 outside rangeref <20%=2 outside rangeref inside=3 ref range >20%=1 outside rangeref <20%=2 outside rangeref inside=3 ref range method Scoring = sum= scores

October 2006 based on on based 2006 October ÷ # indices

Score ______33 r r

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 34 each vegetation quadrat vegetation surveyedaquatic each (excluding t Scoring modification guidelines - 8 the for Table State Structure Capacity* Regenerative invasion

Weed Final Indicator Score Final

quadrat sampled at a wetland, except for aquatic qu aquatic for except wetland, a at b sampled shown quadrat is index each for score a into data raw the collec be C. Appendix in sheet field must the using and E Appendix information condition vegetation The agricul surrounding the regenerati - indices of four using is scored indicator effects side and grazing drylan as such vegetation, wetland affecting be may of some reflect can vegetation of condition The 8). the on based is system scoring this surrogate, a As community. difficult very is it circumstances many in However, judged be would vegetation to modification Ideally, Regeneration- * assessedis by thepresence of see c have descriptions the index of Some the site. for

DRAFT 2. Modification to vegetation vegetation to Modification 2. ephemeraland lower only. plants Onaverage, 5%–0 of nativethe communityare showingsignsof Regenerativecapacity intact. All Weedsare absent or comprised vegetationpresent in upperthe areas, naturalthe regenerative Alternatively,naturallyfor bare Alternatively naturallyfor bare expected growthstrata, forms andage classes are present. Structuralintegrity of native of non-aggressive of species. regenerationare doing so. vegetationveryis high. All species expectedspecies to show areasthereis nil/minimal and stratamiddle of the capacityunmodified,is vegetationstructure. Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 aua Ipce DegradedReplaced- Impacted Natural stress.

(=sum scores÷ # indices)

methodology for the AvonNRM region the upperthe and middle strataof persistsi.e. someelements of the communitythe showingsigns Naturalregenerative capacity nativevegetation present in Onaverage, 10%–5 of the Thepresence of some very enduresunder currentand aggressiveweeds at high somewhatreduced, but past past land management Structurealteredis but a stratuma are missing.

dlings o vegetation o indicator. mustbe Thistable complete practices. of of stress. density. density. quadrats) ve capacity, weed invasion, structure and state. state. and structure invasion, weed ve capacity, ome from Thackway and Lesslie (2005). Lesslie and Thackway from ome the past, as well as current disturbances that that disturbances current as well as past, the condition of the current vegetation (see Table Table (see vegetation current the of condition to determine the original wetland vegetation vegetation wetland original the determine to by comparison to some pre-European state. state. pre-European some to comparison by The decision-making process for converting converting for process decision-making The adrats d salinisation, weed invasion, feral animals, animals, feral invasion, weed salinisation, d elow. This table must be filled out for each each for out filled be must table This elow. ture (e.g. pesticides and fertilisers). This This fertilisers). and pesticides (e.g. ture ted following the procedure outlined in in outlined procedure the following ted . The index scores are then averaged averaged then are scores index The . presentwith some isolatednative comprisethe majorityof species disturbances.Rehabilitation and Naturalregenerative potential of Onaverage, >10% ofnative the Structureof native vegetation is morestrataare missingentirely vegetationpresent in upperthe significantlyaltered i.e.one or community showingsignsof restorationpossible through Weedsand/or crop species nativevegetation has been and stratamiddle of the suppressedby ongoing orhighly degraded. removal ofremoval threats. trees or trees shrubs. stress. _____ score Index ______d for d 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

Table Scoring otherguidelines - disturba 9 the for Table Naturalness score =score Naturalness

1. below score wetland cannot a at 1, so the using calculated is score naturalness final The DRAFT t way a in to theof change islikely aqua wetland composition wetland discharging drain the deep a example, of For composition. hydrology or flora fauna, wetlan the impacting disturbances major more or One present the wetland. at communities vegetation cu road a the at present a vegetation the disturb example,may wetland For composition. community flora no but wetland the of hydrology or flora fauna, the a present disturbance/s moderate one or minor few A buil a of thewetland system. affect presence the example, For wetland. the of potentially may that wetland the at disturbances No Criteria 9 below. in Table a an make to opinion expert their use must assessor wh same, the is disturbance the that so another, of w one of edge the along cut may road a example, For wetland one at minor be may disturbance a that Note occurrin processes other or hydrology flora, fauna, rated be should Disturbances drains. wast or roads dams, toxic of dumping use), boat excessive as (such are but include, may disturbances major or Moderate dump or walking) contents). rubbish and wetland bush watching, bird (e.g. activity limited not are but include, may disturbances Minor fit one size a with up come to is impossible itand v is indicator this of scoring the that authors the s the with interaction their and systems wetland of assu is It indicators. two first the of scoring the disturb any encompass to included is indicator This 4. Final naturalness score score naturalness Final 4. disturbances Other 3.

Mdfcto t wtr hmsr soe Modificati + score chemistry water disturban ‘Other for – adjustment score) vegetation to (Modification methodology for the AvonNRM region t so much as to change the fauna or fauna the change to as much so t tic fauna fauna tic flora. and med that the assessor has an adequate knowledge knowledge adequate an has assessor the that med nces indicator indicator nces affect the fauna, flora or hydrology or flora fauna, the affect ffected site but will not change the change not will but site ffected ery subjective, however, every wetland is different is wetland every however, subjective, ery s all qualitative scoring system. system. scoring qualitative all s ig s o ntrl u de not does but natural not is ding t the wetland. These may affect may These wetland. the t yesln, cdc ae it a into water acidic hypersaline, d. These significantly affect the affect significantly These d. formula below. Note that the score is truncated truncated is score the that Note below. formula g in the wetland. wetland. the in g urrounding environment. It is acknowledged by by acknowledged is It environment. urrounding a cags h community the changes hat ances to the wetland that are not reflected in in reflected not are that wetland the to ances tn truh h eg o a of edge the through tting to: presence of buildings, minor recreational recreational minor buildings, of presence to: ich is a road, but the impact is different. The The different. is impact the but road, a is ich according to the severity of the effect on the the on effect the of severity the to according not limited to: significant recreational activity activity recreational significant to: limited not djustment to the score based on the criteria criteria the on based score the to djustment ing of rubbish (depending on proximity to to proximity on (depending rubbish of ing etland, but may run right through the middle middle the through right run may but etland, but moderate or major at another wetland. wetland. another at major or moderate but e and the presence of structures such as as such structures of presence the and e ces’ to score score to Adjustment

-0.33 -0.33 -0.17 0 0 n to on 35

Table 10 - Scoring guidelines - diversity habitat for 10 Table sad Island Shallowwading zones Deepwater zones ( Leaflitter Largewoody debris Surroundingterrestrial veg. Emergentreeds / sedges Emergent shrubs/trees Submergedvegetation 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 36 habitats habitats Possible Possible wetland

5.3.3 5.3.3

DRAFT ha the and wetland extent. in change Yate) shou (e.g. species trees wetland or of shrubs comprised emergent of habitat The functi 2007). different provide therefore and assemblages, been have vegetation emergent and submerged as also such are vegetation surrounding and islands as such wat by use wetland for critical being as identified z water deep zones, wading shallow as such features i being as identified been have listed habitats The number the f summing ranges the reference against total this comparing by calculated is indicator This 3, to 1 diversity. most the indicating from range Scores indicator. each for score in wh multiple have may indicator Each richness. fauna here, scored are that indicators three are There associations species unique provide they as value, habita of diversity high a with Wetlands wetland. a is diversity methodology, this of purposes the For

1. Habitat diversity diversity Habitat 1. Step 3 - Score Diversity criterion Diversity Score 3 Step - ≥ .m 1.5m) Total

/ absent (0) (0) absent / (1) Present

group group diversity each for ranges Structural wetl reference

Turbid claypan >3 2 or 3 0 or 01 3– 0 or 23 3– 0 6– 4 >3 or 45 >6 = Score 1 = Score 2 = Score 3 >5 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin Naturallysaline basin Wetlandgroup methodology for the AvonNRM region

indicator indicator erbirds (Halse erbirds or that wetland group (see Table 10). Table (see wetland group thator at species or habitats of number the as defined ts or species have a scientific and educational educational and scientific a have species or ts and combinations. combinations. and mportant for different groups of biota. Habitat Habitat biota. of groups different for mportant dices, which are averaged to produce a single single a produce to averaged are which dices, c ae aia dvriy foa ihes and richness flora diversity, habitat are ich ons in the ecosystem (Storey and Lynas, Lynas, and (Storey ecosystem the in ons ih idctn te es dvriy n 3 and diversity least the indicating 1 with thought to be important. Habitat features features Habitat important. be to thought ones and emergent vegetation have been been have vegetation emergent and ones bitat has not been created by a sudden sudden a by created been not has bitat of habitats present at the wetland, and and wetland, the at present habitats of ld only be counted as being present if if present being as counted be only ld found to support different invertebrate invertebrate different support to found , et al. et , , 1993b), and other habitats habitats other and 1993b), , and Score Score ______3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

becaus downgrad be not wetland should a and season growing is This type). wetland on is (depending it present if scored not either is vegetation Submerged species, fringing be species. emergent be to appear to appear may species emergent submerge or emergent not is that vegetation wetland categorie fringing and emergent submerged, to equal Lyons speci that except Survey), Biological Wheatbelt SAP Lyons of 3 Appendix from taken been has list This o each with associated species vegetation of list A scor a final give to averaged are then three scores type i vegetation each These for richness 11). species Table observed (see subm richness indigenous species of vegetation measures includes indicator This Table 11 - Scoringfloraguidelines - richnes the for 11 Table

DRAFT richness for score flora native Final type Vegetation Flora richness 2. Submerged Submerged Emergent ______Emergent Fringing ______Fringing et al. al. et (2004) have been excluded. Habitats 1, 2 and 3 iden 3 and 2 1, Habitats excluded. been have (2004)

______found Sp No. group for reference wetland each range richness Species rswtrbsn 1 Noscore Noscore Noscore = Score 1 1 = Score 2 = Score 3 >0 Noscore >1 Noscore Wetlandgroup >0 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin Naturallysaline basin ubdcapn 8 <7 <2 8- 7 6- 2 0 <10 0 >8 0 >6 1016- Noscore = Score 1 = Score 2 3- 1 = Score 3 >16 >0 Turbidclaypan 1 Freshwaterbasin >3 Naturallysaline basin Wetlandgroup >1 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin = Score 1 Naturallysaline basin = Score 2 = Score 3 Wetlandgroup methodology for the AvonNRM region =sum scores scores =sum sindicator e for native flora richness. richness. flora native e for f these categories can be found in Appendix I. I. Appendix in found be can categories these f absent, or receives a score of 2 or 3 if it is is it if 3 or 2 of score a receives or absent, et al. al. et s, respectively. Fringing vegetation refers to to refers vegetation Fringing respectively. s, es classified as terrestrial (or habitat 4) by by 4) habitat (or terrestrial as classified es against the relevant reference range. The The range. reference relevant the against e its presence is highly variable over the the over variable highly is presence its e d. Note that when the water level is low, low, is level water the when that Note d. ed for its absence. its absence. ed for ndices are assessed by comparing the the comparing by assessed are ndices or during floods, fringing species may may species fringing floods, during or erged, emergent and fringing wetland wetland fringing and emergent erged, (2004, wetland flora component of the the of component flora wetland (2004, tified by Lyons Lyons by tified ÷ indices # et al. al. et

Score Score ______(2004) are are (2004)

37

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 38 Table 12 - Scoring guidelines for the fauna richnesScoringfauna guidelines - the for 12 Table Final score for fauna richness richness fauna for score Final turtles, fish,frogs) observed fauna native Other richness) scorednot for waterbird Waterbirds ______Invertebrates Fauna categoryFauna

been resolution: have invertebrates for ranges reference Three data). unpublished (DEC, b only has there date to as richness, waterbird for r relevant the against type each fauna for richness assessed are indices waterbird and invertebrate The macro n – e.g. wetland on the reliant and be native (must and micro of that fauna other any and richness species waterbird measures includes indicator This DRAFT C. Appen Appendix in outlined protocols the following collected fina the give to averaged then are scores index The tabl the of blank. is left row row this observed third the in recorded is 3 of score observe groups fauna native additional are there If

   h is tbe f eeec rne icue al f all includes ranges reference of table first The The third table of reference ranges includes only includes ranges reference of table third The h scn tbe f eeec rne icue all includes ranges reference of table second The 3. Fauna richness Fauna richness 3. ( claypansare wetland wetland groups at species at groups species Ostracoda, Rotifera, Tardigrada and Protozoa). Protozoa). and Tardigrada Rotifera, Ostracoda, at family groups invertebrate (E.g. ee (xlds h gop Aaia Caoea Cop Cladocera, Acarina, groups the (excludes level ______Otherfaunaobserved ( found found Sp No. ______level. level.

wetland group group wetland family eacrange for and reference Species richness level. level. Allspecies ubdcapn 7 <3 7- 3 <18 <3 1835- <13 >7 8- 3 <17 >35 1316- <4 1728- >8 <23 >16 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin <27 10- 4 >28 Naturallysaline basin 2329– <6 2754– >10 >29 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin 14- 6 >54 Naturallysaline basin >14 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin Naturallysaline basin Macroinvertspecies All families Wetland group Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 = Score 3 Wetlandgroup aual aiebsn 4 0 4- 1 >4 Naturallysaline basin rswtrbsn 9 <3 9- 3 >9 Freshwaterbasin methodology for the AvonNRM region =sum If presentIf then scorea of 3 isrecorded) s indicator s ative fish, frogs, turtles) (see Table 12). Table (see turtles) frogs, fish, ative eference range. Turbid claypans are not scored not are claypans Turbid range. eference d (they must be reliant on the wetland), then a a then wetland), the on reliant be must (they d een one record of a bird present at a claypan claypan a at present bird a of record one een e following. If no additional fauna groups are are groups fauna additional no If following. e may have been observed during the site visit visit site the during observed been have may dix E and using the field sheet available in in available sheet field the using and E dix l score for fauna richness. All data should be should data All richness. fauna for score l by comparing the observed species/family species/family observed the comparing by ully aquatic micro and macro-invertebrate macro-invertebrate and micro aquatic ully Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 provided for various levels of taxonomic taxonomic of levels various for provided fully aquatic macro-invertebrate groups at at groups macro-invertebrate aquatic fully Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 invertebrate species/family richness, richness, species/family invertebrate

ul autc ir ad macro- and micro aquatic fully scores scores

______epoda, Conchostraca, Conchostraca, epoda, ÷ # indices indices # h h

Score Score ______

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

5.3.4 5.3.4 t combined are below. figure the using category wetland management scores diversity and naturalness The ubr f crs Ti wl rsl i a cr betwe score diversity overall high a a indicating 3 and diversity in result will the This of scores. all of summing number first by achieved is This score. The relevant scores for habitat, flora and fauna di fauna and flora habitat, for scores relevant The category - prel the8 for summarising scoring Diagram Figure DRAFT Diversity score =score Diversity 4. Final diversity score score diversity Final 4. CONSERVATION Step 4 – Preliminary assignment to wetland manageme assignment Preliminary 4 Step – Score>2.3 = score3= & between1 average= criteriaandNaturalness Diversity scores Step 4 – Preliminary assignment to Preliminaryassignment wetland managemen – Step4

(Habitat diversity score + flora richness score + f score richness flora + score diversity (Habitat Step 2 – Score Naturalness criterion ScoreNaturalness 2 – Step tp3–ScoreDiversitycriterion 3 – Step RESOURCEENHANCEMENT = score3= & between1 = score13 & between methodology for the AvonNRM region cr . 2.31.7– Score . versity are combined into a final diversity criteri diversity final a into combined are versity iminary assignment to wetland management to wetland management iminaryassignment available scores, and then dividing by the the by dividing then and scores, available score) ÷3 en 1 and 3, with 1 indicating a low overall overall low a indicating 1 with 3, and 1 en

o place the wetland into a preliminary preliminary a into wetland the place o nt category

t category t MULTIPLEUSE Score<1.7

auna richness richness auna 39 a a

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 40

5.3.5 5.3.5 eln mngmn ctgr i se 4 I a wetland a If cannot 4. step in category management wetland that wetlands those for onlyrequired is step This prta vle Ti i nt n xasie it as list, exhaustive are projects Future realised. an been not has wetlands not is This currently value. are spiritual that region NRM Avon the documen in following wetlands The conserved. be should thus and val spiritual or philosophical high a with Wetlands DRAFT use recreational on the information provide toable 2004, Council, Reso Catchment Natural (Avon Avon Document Supporting the in identified those are value w only the Currently, community. the to significant p to important are value recreational with Wetlands equ pumping water have access. livestock generally they as assessment Such consumption. for human or used fire-fighting watering, be may recognition formal without Wetlands an NRM inAvon the PDWSA’s The Act, 1947. Supply Water Zones, Protection and 2007) Water, of Department as identified are recognition formal with Wetlands areas. water supply w Wetlands legislati future. formal under identified the are that wetlands for sources water secure and prote be should value use consumptive with Wetlands eith they as degradation further against protection with Wetlands category. Enhancement Resource the to        Municipal inventories inventories Municipal Resou Water Plan: Management Resource Natural Avon Reserve Yerecoin Water Bull Road Wellfield Area Supply Catchment Brookton Water Reserve Valley Water Brookton-Happy Reserve Bolgart Water 3. Philosophical/spiritual value value Philosophical/spiritual 3. value Recreational 2. value use Consumptive 1. Step 5 – Incorporate significance values significance Incorporate 5 Step – and regional water assets (Avon Catchment Council, Council, Catchment (Avon water assets and regional be assigned to the ‘Multiple Use’ wetland manageme Use’ ‘Multiple the to assigned be methodology for the AvonNRM region

have been determined to be in the ‘Multiple Use’ Use’ ‘Multiple the in be to determined been have on, or those that are not formally recognised as as recognised formally not are that those or on, er have a human or ecosystem significance. significance. ecosystem or a human have er etlands that are recognised for their recreational recreational their for recognised are that etlands s of the wetland being assessed. assessed. being wetland the of s ue are vital to a community’s ‘sense of place’, place’, of ‘sense community’s a to vital are ue Public Drinking Water Supply Areas (PDWSA; (PDWSA; Areas Supply Water Drinking Public the philosophical or spiritual value of many many of value spiritual or philosophical the likely to add to this list: to this add to likely rotect against further degradation as they are are they as degradation further against rotect wetlands are usually apparent at the time of time the at apparent usually are wetlands urce Management Plan: Water Resource Resource Water Plan: Management urce cted against further degradation to identify identify to degradation further against cted considered to have high philosophical or or philosophical high have to considered a variety of purposes - irrigation, stock stock irrigation, - purposes of variety a any of the following values require some some require values following the of any a ay f h floig aus hn it then values following the of any has d are covered under the Country Areas Areas Country the under covered are d ith consumptive use value can include include can value use consumptive ith region are: region s n rgses rvd lsig o the of listings provide registers and ts Appendix I). Landowners may also be be also may Landowners I). Appendix 2004). These are listed in Appendix I. Appendix in listed are These 2004). ipment nearby or obvious signs of of signs obvious or nearby ipment nt category, and should be upgraded upgraded be should and nt category, rce Supporting Document - local local - Document Supporting rce 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

hs wtad ae motn t cnev s ta th that so may value educational or with a scientific Wetlands conserve to important are wetlands These with a combination of on-ground observations and ae and observations on-ground of combination a with a be can This areas. natural or wetlands other with connecting the comparing by assessed is index This areas. fro move to species wetland-dependant for corridors with connections vegetation good have that Wetlands DRAFT down into wetlands. by performed commonly outflow are most services cleaner a in resulting sediments, the of kidneys the as work also p can wetlands water, with Along metals. trace and sediments nutrients, h after runoff as such uses, of land degrading from created end generally receiving the at are Wetlands        Wetland education by schools, universities or comm or universities by schools, education Wetland works engineering Trial to subject program, management catchment a of Part research Ongoing monitoring hydrological / Biological lo attenuation Flood

6. Vegetation connectivity value connectivity Vegetation 6. value Scientific/educational 5. 4. Ecosystem service value value service Ecosystem 4. significance in this respect respect this in significance wate sub-surface of features: following contribution the determining In function. gr inputs water surface to inputs water sub-surface veget permanent with covered well predominantly are is that 30% than greater area an have that Wetlands evc. elgcl nomto my e band fro obtained B).Appendix (see Australia Western be may is information geology Geological underlying service. and hydrology wetland the of a Moderat for the cutoffs from taken are and (2005) as the of version simplified a are guidelines These wetl the then inundated, permanently not is wetland area the across spread flows storm area, catchment Nutrient/pesticide/pathogen stripping. Nutrient/pesticide/pathogen sinuosi (e.g. NRM region Avon the in wetlands basin Kotze by listed requirements Moderat a for cutoffs the from taken are and (2005)

− − Whether the wetland has overlying geology characte geology overlying has wetland the Whether catchment, its to relative wetland the of size The linkages, such as sandstone or dolomite. dolomite. or sandstone as such linkages, sub of contribution likely the greater the wetland, . As a guideline, if the area of the wetland is 6% 6% is wetland the of area the if guideline, a As . methodology for the AvonNRM region et al. al. et

(2005) have been deleted as they are not applicable not are they as deleted been have (2005)

The following guidelines have come from Kotze from come have guidelines following The be those used for: for: those used be ssessed by comparing the figures in Table 13 13 Table in figures the comparing by ssessed system, filtering out the toxins, nutrients and and nutrients toxins, the out filtering system, vegetation patterns of the wetland of interest interest of wetland the of patterns vegetation hard surfaces and agriculture, can be full of of full be can agriculture, and surfaces hard m the wetland to other wetlands or natural natural or wetlands other to wetland the m oiig dpstr fr ag aons of amounts large for depository a roviding stream systems. The following ecosystem ecosystem following The systems. stream eavy rainfall events. This runoff, which is is which runoff, This events. rainfall eavy rial photography. In the figure, the wetland the figure, the In photography. rial other natural areas are providing habitat habitat providing are areas natural other eir purpose for education is maintained. maintained. is education for purpose eir eater than 36%, are likely to perform this perform to likely are 36%, than eater e-High to High score. A good knowledge knowledge good A score. High to e-High unity groups unitygroups ty of the stream channel). the stream of ty e-High to High score. Note that certain certain that Note score. High to e-High seasonally or permanently inundated, inundated, permanently or seasonally and performs this ecosystem service. service. ecosystem this performs and at least once every five years and the the and years five every once least at consultation with managers about its its about managers with consultation eset rsne i Kotze in presented sessment r inputs to a wetland consider the the consider wetland a to inputs r m the Atlas of Australian Soils for for Soils Australian of Atlas the m -surface water. -surface required to assess this ecosystem ecosystem this assess to required ation and a relative contribution of of contribution relative a and ation the greater the relative size of the of size relative the greater the rised by a ground-surface water water ground-surface a by rised or greater of the the of greater or t al.et et al.et 41 to to

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 42

DRAFT supp values the to context provide they as decision group wetland same the in wetlands other from data a of samp representative best been the is have interest of catchment wetland the in wetlands all Unless catchment. d and naturalness of terms (in condition known best representati have wetland to a For geomorphologies. each from of conservation the for representatives foundation good a provides of selection a Protecting Descriptioncategories - of vegetation 13 of Table be described as service. ecosystem connectivity, “High” a with wetland out black bold a by surrounded blue, is interest of 7. Representativeness value value Representativeness 7. Intermediate Intermediate

Category Description Graphical description Graphical Description Category High High Low however is mostly fragmented. mostly however is natural area, wetland other or withone isvegetation completelyBuffer connected areas. areas. wetlands connected natural or hydrologically isnotwithvegetationconnected other Buffer area. wetland and/or natural other one than with connected more completely wetland the surrounding is Vegetation methodology for the AvonNRM region connectivity line, and the connecting vegetation is green. A A green. is vegetation connecting the and line, wetland group. However, previously collected collected previously However, group. wetland orted by the wetland being assessed. assessed. being wetland the by orted a wide selection of species, communities and and communities species, of selection wide a iversity) within that wetland group, within that that within group, wetland that within iversity) veness value, it must be the wetland with the with the wetland the be it must value, veness low, is determined to be performing this this performing be to determined is low, and catchment can be used to aid in this this in aid to used be can catchment and wetland group, within each catchment catchment each within group, wetland led, it is difficult to know whether the the whether know to difficult is it led,

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation Figure 9 - Summary of the stage 3 - 3 9 eva basin Summary Figure stage wetland the of CONSERVATION 5.4 Finalise wetland management category category management Finalise wetland 5.4 proces evaluation t completed 9 complete below. in Figure summarised are visit The site category. the of management 5 to 1 steps Once

Conservation

DRAFT>2.3Score = score3between= & 1 andaverage= criteria Naturalness Diversity scores tp4–Preliminary assignment towetland managemen – 4 Step Classify group wetlandainto • • Determine the geomorphic and Determinewetland geomorphic biological the ty • Step 1 – Identify values for automatic assignmentautomatictofor values Identify 1 Step – Step 2 – Scoring of Naturalness criterion Scoringof Naturalness – 2 Step Step 3 – Scoring of Scoringof Diversity criterion– 3 Step Resource Enhancement ENHANCEMENT Conservationcategory = score3=&1 between = score between 1 & 3= score between & 1 Desktop evaluation cr . 2.3– 1.7Score RESOURCE Step 5 – Incorporate significance values significance Incorporate Step – 5 methodology for the AvonNRM region luation process for the for region.Avon process luation NRM pe t categoryt MULTIPLE USE MULTIPLE

he wetland can be assigned to a wetland wetland a to assigned be can wetland he MultipleUse Score <1.7Score s covered in sections 5.1 to 5.3 is is 5.3 to 5.1 sections in covered s DESKTOPASSESSMENT FINALISEEVALUATION CLASSIFICATION SITE SITE VISIT 43

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 44 NRM region. region. NRM showingthe10 Map - of a Figure wetlands locations 6. case studie Applicationofmethodologysix the – condition. contrasting are in wetlands example fresh basins, saline naturally of each examples two wetlands study case six present below sections The water lev adequate contained where basins therefore of Avon the of each areas to restricted were in visited sites conditions sa naturally different and claypans turbid basins/reservoirs, of Wetlands this below. which at sites of locations the showing map A document. in this ab brought has refinement This process. the improve tri this of results The assessment. the complete to usabi the testing and opinion, expert to comparable informatio e at The aimed c was trial This region. WetlandBase. on available DEC NRM methodology, Avon the this across of wetlands application the trial To

DRAFT region methodology for the AvonNRM region t which this methodology was trialed within the Avo trialed t the this methodologywithin which was al were fed back into the methodology to refine and refine to methodology theinto back fed were al that had had average rainfall in winter 2008, and and 2008, winter in rainfall average had had that line basins) were visited during the field trial. T trial. field the during visited were basins) line water basins and turbid claypans. Each of the two two the of Each claypans. turbid and basins water lity of the field sheets and duration of time taken time of duration and sheets field the of lity nsuring the assessment system provided results results provided system assessment the nsuring methodology was tested is shown in Figure 10 10 Figure in shown is tested was methodology els. els. where this methodology was applied. There are are There applied. was methodology this where out the methodology and information presented presented information and methodology the out onducted site assessments of twenty-eight twenty-eight of assessments site onducted n collected during this trial will be made made be will trial this during collected n the biological classifications (freshwater (freshwater classifications biological the s from the Avonfromthe s NRM

n n he

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 6.1 Time estimates estimates Time 6.1 and collection p 9 hour 8 – to an the refers day A full level. species in experienced are who staff two avera an are below provided guidelines The wetland. depend greatly vary will assessment as site site a complete full a of completion the for estimates Time diin o dniyn ay osbe netbae s invertebrate future. the in Protected Specially possible any identifying comple to reco ensures addition is This it undertaken. However, are identifications reduced. significantly be would lev family to identified only were invertebrates If weeks 1.5 – (1 time this of portion large A people. as site full a above, given estimates time the From DRAFT    A full day for the collection of invertebrate, wat invertebrate, of collection the for day full A Around 5 days to identify vegetation to species le species to vegetation identify to days 5 Around invertebrat identify and sort to days 3 - 2 Around results of water chemistry samples take around 2 we around 2 take samples water chemistry of results requir is time Additional pressing. plant including depending on identification experience and inverteb and experience identification on depending invertebrate identify and sort to days 5 - 2 around methodology for the AvonNRM region eriod. eriod. el, the time taken to sort and identify invertebrat identify and sort to taken time the el, ) is used to identify invertebrates to species leve species to invertebrates identify to used is ) sessment should take around 2 weeks for two for weeks 2 around take should sessment eset r gvn eo. h tm tkn to taken time The below. given are sessment pecies that may be listed as Threatened or or Threatened as listed be may that pecies ge for a small wetland (1 - 20 hectares), using using hectares), 20 - (1 wetland small a for ge dniiain f eln foa n fua to fauna and flora wetland of identification the of size and condition salinity, the on ing er chemistry, waterbird and vegetation data, data, vegetation and waterbird chemistry, er e nomto i aalbe o te ie in site, the for available is information te mmended that species level invertebrate invertebrate level species that mmended vel. es to species level from a saline site, and and site, saline a from level species to es ed to re-score vegetation quadrats. The The quadrats. vegetation re-score to ed s to species level from a freshwater site, site, freshwater a from level species to s rate diversity of wetland. of diversity rate eks to return from the laboratory. the laboratory. to from return eks 45 es es l. l.

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 46

Is the Is wetlandautomatically Conservationa categor 2 Site Photos Biological classification:Naturally basinsaline Geomorphicwetland type: Playa Personnel:SMJ,MTC, DLH,CJF DateAssessed: 1/10/2008 Longitude:117.93203 Latitude:-31.96197 SiteCode: ABP126 SiteName: Lake Mokami at Erikin RoadSouth basins saline Naturally 6.2

1 3

Doesthe wetland meet Doesthe wetland meet the Is wetlandidentified under any of the followin

• • • • • • • • • • • • DRAFT• Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat World/NationalHeritage listings Environmental Protection(South WestAgricultural Directory of Important Wetlands StateGovernment endorsed candidatesites thefor RamsarConvention on wetlands Thewetland supports culturalvalues are basethat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,refuge Thewetland supports regionally rare orthreatened Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,orrefu Equal to Equal orgreater than90% of the wetland suppor

scaleand BushForever scaleand listedby the State Government. otherrare attribute. scaleand StateGovernment. byAustralianthe or StateGovernment.     supports internationally, nationally orState-wid supportsanidentified occurrence a of Priority1 supportsanidentified occurrence Declareda of Ra best is the known representative of the wetland gr geoconservation : : supportsanidentified occurrence of Threateneda is identifiedas significantfor naturalits value scale. two one of the following criteria? of the following criteria? AutomaticConservation category criteriaevaluation

methodology for the AvonNRM region g agreements?g y( wetland ge orsitea critical feedingsite populationsfor d ond natural attributes or functions. or criticalfeeding populationsforsite of Priorit natural water chemistry, hydrology, geomorphology e significante values, includinggeoheritage and Zone Wetlands) 1998Policy, ts nativets vegetation ‘Good’in orbetter condition ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the RamsarConvention on Wetlands or2 EcologicalCommunity oupthein catchment s in regionalsin or sub-regional studies endorsed by t reor Priority1, 2, or34 flora species Ifyes,no further evaluation needed) EcologicalCommunity. summary Site

within a natureawithin reserve. Sometree deathon northe Thisgoodisa conditionnaturally salinebasin loc side of side lakethe suggestswaterlogging problems.

Vegetationand invertebrate diversity high.were

BushForever BushForever BushForever yor1 fauna2 of of faunalisted ? ? usingthe orany he

Possibly ated thern No No No No               

Final wetland managementcategory is it upgraded to Resource Enhancement category. Is the If wetland is inthe Multiple Usecategory and 1.67-2.3Resource= Enhancement,<1.67 Multiple= U Initial wetlandmanagement category Averagediversity naturalnessand score 1

3 2

fauna Final richness score flora Final richness score c Final score habitatfor diversity b a Diversity Adjustmentto score Score Final modificationfor to vegetation c Score Final modificationfor to water chemistry b a Naturalness

Significance • • • • • • • Doesthe wetland have representativenessa value? Doesthe wetland have vegetationa connectivity Doesthe wetland have scientific/educationala val Doesthe wetland perform anecosystem service? Doesthe wetland have spiritual/philosophicala va Doesthe wetland have recreationala value? Doesthe wetland have consumptivea use value? netbae 2 - 3 2 2 3 - Australian - Shelduck,Grey Teal, Silv - 3 - - 25 No -other fau 11 1 Othernative wetland fauna observed N/A Waterbirds 1 Invertebrates 3 Faunarichness fringingNo. species emergentNo. species submergedNo. species Florarichness Some - - Allexpected - structural layerspresent, diversityHabitat - Otherdisturbances 37 State 550 Structure Regenerativecapacity Modificationto vegetation Total SolubleN (µg/L) Salinity(g/L) pH Modificationto Chemistry Water edivso - speciesWeed present but not signif invasionWeed 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation value?

Finalnaturalness score average= (water chemistry, Finaldiversity score average= (habitat diversity,

DRAFT # Species # # Species # # Habitats #

Reading (averagenaturalness diversity>2.3and = Conservat species occurring.species Moderate- amountof regeneration native of vegetat .6 2 2 - 6.46 has an ecosystemhasan or human significance, then - 5 Tecticornia s e ) this applicable? Comments FinalEvaluation

ue? lue?

Comments Site Evaluation methodology for the AvonNRM region

catchment. beennot assessed in the Swan-AvonLockhart playassaline that becould goodin condition but h goodquite conditionbut thereare naturally many This-veryis hard to assess, aswetland this is i - Good- vegetation connections to nearbyareas. flat stripping orstripping flood attenuation function. submergedvegetation – performcould a nutrient aQuite- large wetland with dense stands of seissoigsgso tes 20 2.0 species showingsignsof stress. foarcns,fuarcns) 2.28 flora richness, faunarichness) vgtto)–ohrdsubne 2.50 vegetation) other– disturbances aosre. / N/A naobserved. -

cn. . 3.0 icant. wt oedah 27 2.7 with death. some

- - - - ion, rGl. 2 erGull. ion

Score Score Conservation Conservation Index Index . 2.3 n 2.5 2.00 2.50 2.50 0.00

ave 2.39

No

2.33 Indicator Indicator Possibly Possibly Score Score      

47

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 48

Is the Is wetlandautomatically Conservationa categor 2 Site Photos Biological classification:Naturally basinsaline Geomorphicwetland type: Playa Personnel:SMJ,MTC, DLH,CJF DateAssessed: 14/10/08 Longitude: Privateproperty Latitude:Private property SiteCode: ABP128 SiteName: Saline Lake at Cunderdin

1 3

Doesthe wetland meet Doesthe wetland meet the Is wetlandidentified under any of the followin

• • • • • • • • • • • • DRAFT• Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat World/NationalHeritage listings Environmental Protection(South WestAgricultural Directory of Important Wetlands StateGovernment endorsed candidatesites thefor RamsarConvention on wetlands Thewetland supports culturalvalues are basethat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,refuge Thewetland supports regionally rare orthreatened Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,orrefu Equal to Equal orgreater than90% of the wetland suppor

scaleand BushForever listedby the State Government. otherrare attribute. scaleand scaleand StateGovernment. byAustralianthe or StateGovernment.     supports internationally, nationally orState-wid supportsanidentified occurrence a of Priority1 supportsanidentified occurrence Declareda of Ra best is the known representative of the wetland gr geoconservation : : supportsanidentified occurrence of Threateneda is identifiedas significantfor naturalits value not more than50% of vegetation in “Good” orbetter scale. two one of the following criteria? of the following criteria? AutomaticConservation category criteriaevaluation

methodology for the AvonNRM region g agreements?g

y( wetland

ge orsitea critical feedingsite populationsfor d ond natural attributes or functions. or criticalfeeding populationsforsite of Priorit natural water chemistry, hydrology, geomorphology e significante values, includinggeoheritage and Zone Wetlands) 1998Policy, ts nativets vegetation ‘Good’in orbetter condition ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the RamsarConvention on Wetlands or2 EcologicalCommunity. oupthein catchment s in regionalsin or sub-regional studies endorsed by t reor Priority1, 2, or34 flora species Ifyes,no further evaluation needed) EcologicalCommunity. condition. summary Site

Thiswetland is severely degraded. Fewnative veget species remainspecies and there lowwas invertebrateand

waterbirddiversity. quality Water alsowas poor.

Priority species recorded but

BushForever BushForever BushForever yor1 fauna2 of of faunalisted ? ? usingthe orany he

No No No No ation                

Final wetland managementcategory is it upgraded to Resource Enhancement category. Is the If wetland is inthe Multiple Usecategory and 1.67-2.3Resource= Enhancement,<1.67 Multiple= U Initial wetlandmanagement category Averagediversity naturalnessand score 1 3 2

c b a Diversity c b a Naturalness Significance • • • • • • • Doesthe wetland have representativenessa value? Doesthe wetland have vegetationa connectivity Doesthe wetland have scientific/educationala val Doesthe wetland perform anecosystem service? Doesthe wetland have spiritual/philosophicala va Doesthe wetland have recreationala value? Doesthe wetland have consumptivea use value? Weed invasion - Aggressive - weed dominating.species invasionWeed aebrs - 1 1 1 - 2 - N/A - 0 - - 4 -Nootherfaun 8 1 Othernative wetland fauna observed Waterbirds 0 2 Invertebrates N/A Faunarichness fringingNo. species emergentNo. species submergedNo. species Florarichness Plants - showing moderate signsof stress. - diversityHabitat Otherdisturbances Little -recruitment of nativ 120 State 2000 Structure Regenerativecapacity Modificationto vegetation Total SolubleN (µg/L) Salinity(g/L) pH Modificationto Chemistry Water 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation value? Final faunaFinal richness score floraFinal richness score Final score habitatfor diversity Adjustmentto score ScoreFinal modificationfor to water chemistry Final ScoreFinal modificationfor to vegetation

Finalnaturalness score average= (water chemistry, Finaldiversity score average= (habitat diversity,

DRAFT # Species # # Species # # Habitats #

Reading (averagenaturalness diversity>2.3and = Conservat oohrpyia itracsa h eln. No-other physical disturbances at the wetland. vegetationheavily cleared. Upper- shrublayer stillpresent in veryare small .6 1 1 - 3.36 has an ecosystemhasan or human significance, then - - 4 s e ) this applicable? Comments FinalEvaluation

ue? lue?

Comments Site Evaluation methodology for the AvonNRM region

a lot of lot a sheep manureonwetland edge. dueLikely- to surroundingagricultural land, catchment. naturallysaline playa in the Swan-AvonMortlock Definitely- not bestthe condition representative naturalareas. No-vegetation connectivitywith other wetlands or foarcns,fuarcns) 1.50 flora richness, faunarichness) vgtto)–ohrdsubne 1.50 vegetation) other– disturbances eeainseisocrig 1 1 vegetatione occurring.species bevd observeda

1

- - - - - ion, as,

Score Score Index Index MultipleUse MultipleUse 2 2 of 1.00 1.50 1.50

1.50 No

1.50 2.00 0.00 Indicator Indicator Score Score        

49

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 50

Is the Is wetlandautomatically Conservationa categor 2 Site Photos Biological classification:Freshwater basin Geomorphicwetland type: Sumpland Personnel:SMJ,MTC, DLH,CJF DateAssessed: 11/09/2007 Longitude:116.4025 Latitude:-31.3269 SiteCode: Drummond Lake #1@ PlainsOld Road SiteName: ABP032 basins Freshwater 6.3

3 1

Doesthe wetland meet Doesthe wetland meet the Is wetlandidentified under any of the followin

• • • • • • • • • • • • DRAFT• Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat World/NationalHeritage listings Environmental Protection(South WestAgricultural Directory of Important Wetlands StateGovernment endorsed candidatesites thefor RamsarConvention on wetlands Thewetland supports culturalvalues are basethat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,refuge Thewetland supports regionally rare orthreatened Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,orrefu Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Equal to Equal orgreater than90% of the wetland suppor

scaleand BushForever listedby the State Government. otherrare attribute. scaleand byAustralianthe or StateGovernment. scaleand StateGovernment.     supports internationally, nationally orState-wid supportsanidentified occurrence a of Priority1 supportsanidentified occurrence Declareda of Ra best is the known representative of the wetland gr geoconservation : : supportsanidentified occurrence of Threateneda is identifiedas significantfor naturalits value scale. two one of the following criteria? of the following criteria? AutomaticConservation category criteriaevaluation

methodology for the AvonNRM region g agreements?g y( wetland ge orsitea critical feedingsite populationsfor d ond natural attributes or functions. or criticalfeeding populationsforsite of Priorit natural water chemistry, hydrology, geomorphology e significante values, includinggeoheritage and Zone Wetlands) 1998Policy, ts nativets vegetation ‘Good’in orbetter condition ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the RamsarConvention on Wetlands or2 EcologicalCommunity oupthein catchment s in regionalsin or sub-regional studies endorsed by t reor Priority1, 2, or34 flora species Ifyes,no further evaluation needed) EcologicalCommunity. summary Site value invalue diversitythe of vegetation andinvertebra Thiswetland is nearin pristine condition and has Community as aswell Declared Rare and Priority flo that it that supports.There ais Threatened Ecological

species occurringspecies at this wetland

BushForever BushForever BushForever yor1 fauna2 of of faunalisted ? ? usingthe orany he

tespecies particular Yes Yes Yes No                 

ra

Final wetland managementcategory is it upgraded to Resource Enhancement category. Is the If wetland is inthe Multiple Usecategory and 1.67-2.3Resource= Enhancement,<1.67 Multiple= U Initial wetlandmanagement category Averagediversity naturalnessand score 1 3 2

c b a Diversity c b a Naturalness Significance • • • • • • • Doesthe wetland have representativenessa value? Doesthe wetland have vegetationa connectivity Doesthe wetland have scientific/educationala val Doesthe wetland perform anecosystem service? Doesthe wetland have spiritual/philosophicala va Doesthe wetland have recreationala value? Doesthe wetland have consumptivea use value? Weed invasion - Few - weed presentspecies but not si invasionWeed aebrs - 1 2 2 - 3 3 - - 0 - -Tadpolesobs - 45 1 4 7 Othernative wetland fauna observed 3 Waterbirds 8 3 Invertebrates 3 Faunarichness fringingNo. species emergentNo. species submergedNo. species Florarichness No -signsof stressin vegetation.the - Allstructural - elements expected werep - diversityHabitat Species - expected be to recr Otherdisturbances 0.099 State 1000 Structure Regenerativecapacity Modificationto vegetation Total SolubleN (µg/L) Salinity(g/L) pH Modificationto Chemistry Water 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation value? Final faunaFinal richness score floraFinal richness score Final score habitatfor diversity Adjustmentto score ScoreFinal modificationfor to water chemistry Final ScoreFinal modificationfor to vegetation

Finalnaturalness score average= (water chemistry, Finaldiversity score average= (habitat diversity,

DRAFT # Species # # Species # # Habitats #

Reading (averagenaturalness diversity>2.3and = Conservat oohrpyia itracsa h eln. No-other physical disturbances at the wetland. 5.4 - pH -littleisa acidic afor freshwaterwetlan 5.4 has an ecosystemhasan or human significance, then - - 5 s e ) this applicable? Comments FinalEvaluation

ue? lue?

Comments Site Evaluation methodology for the AvonNRM region

representatives. is it likelyto beone of bestthe condition allnot wetlands in this catchment havebeen sample - anotherfreshwater wetland thein reserve. same This-wetland goodhas vegetation connections with few studies. Yes,- aisthis site that has been the subject of PDWSAorused consumption.for Although- this issite freshwater,it isnot curre foarcns,fuarcns) 2.22 flora richness, faunarichness)

This wetland This is veryin good condition and although vgtto)–ohrdsubne 2.84 vegetation) other– disturbances iigwr on o 3 3 uitingwere doing so.

nfcn. 3 gnificant. eet 3 3 resent. re. 3 erved.

- - - ion, . 2 d.

Score Score Conservation Index Index ntly ain quitea 2.00 3.00 2.67

2.53 N/A No

d,

2.67 2.00 0.00 Indicator Indicator Score Score        

51

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 52

Is the Is wetlandautomatically Conservationa categor 2 Site Photos Biological classification:Freshwater basin Geomorphicwetland type: Playa Personnel:SMJ,MTC, DLH,CJF DateAssessed: 15/09/2008 Longitude: Privateproperty Latitude:Private property SiteCode: ABP110 SiteName: Secondarily saline lake Nugadong at East

1 3

Doesthe wetland meet Doesthe wetland meet the Is wetlandidentified under any of the followin

• • • • • • • • • • • • DRAFT• Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat World/NationalHeritage listings Environmental Protection(South WestAgricultural Directory of Important Wetlands StateGovernment endorsed candidatesites thefor RamsarConvention on wetlands Thewetland supports culturalvalues are basethat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,refuge Thewetland supports regionally rare orthreatened Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,orrefu Equal to Equal orgreater than90% of the wetland suppor

scaleand BushForever listedby the State Government. otherrare attribute. scaleand scaleand StateGovernment. byAustralianthe or StateGovernment.     supports internationally, nationally orState-wid supportsanidentified occurrence a of Priority1 supportsanidentified occurrence Declareda of Ra best is the known representative of the wetland gr geoconservation : : supportsanidentified occurrence of Threateneda is identifiedas significantfor naturalits value scale. two one of the following criteria? of the following criteria? AutomaticConservation category criteriaevaluation

methodology for the AvonNRM region g agreements?g Rd y( wetland ge orsitea critical feedingsite populationsfor d ond natural attributes or functions. or criticalfeeding populationsforsite of Priorit natural water chemistry, hydrology, geomorphology e significante values, includinggeoheritage and Zone Wetlands) 1998Policy, ts nativets vegetation ‘Good’in orbetter condition ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the RamsarConvention on Wetlands or2 EcologicalCommunity oupthein catchment s in regionalsin or sub-regional studies endorsed by t reor Priority1, 2, or34 flora species Ifyes,no further evaluation needed) EcologicalCommunity.

Site summary Site salinisation,as it was confirmedby landowner that surroundingthe wetlandais thin stripof Samphire wetlandhas also been severelyaffected by secondar Thisissite verydegraded. Theonly native vegetat originally freshwater.The only sign life of were s

nesting Red-Neckednesting Avocets.

BushForever BushForever BushForever yor1 fauna2 of of faunalisted ? ? usingthe orany he

ome it was . . This No No No No ion                

y y

Final wetland managementcategory is it upgraded to Resource Enhancement category. Is the If wetland is inthe Multiple Usecategory and 1.67-2.3Resource= Enhancement,<1.67 Multiple= U Initial wetlandmanagement category Averagediversity naturalnessand score 1 3 2

fauna Final richness score flora Final richness score c Final score habitatfor diversity b a Diversity Adjustmentto score Score Final modificationfor to vegetation c Score Final modificationfor to water chemistry b a Naturalness Significance • • • • • • • Doesthe wetland have representativenessa value? Doesthe wetland have vegetationa connectivity Doesthe wetland have scientific/educationala val Doesthe wetland perform anecosystem service? Doesthe wetland have spiritual/philosophicala va Doesthe wetland have recreationala value? Doesthe wetland have consumptivea use value? Weed invasion - Aggressive - weeds present at higher invasionWeed netbae 6 1 1 2 1 - pairs2 - of nesting Red-necked Avocet - 1 1 - 6 No -other fau Highly - anoxic sediment 4 0 Othernative wetland fauna observed Waterbirds 0 Invertebrates Faunarichness fringingNo. species emergentNo. species submergedNo. species Florarichness - diversityHabitat Upper - shrublayer completely removed/re recruitmentMost - observed w Otherdisturbances 98 State 4000 Structure Regenerativecapacity Modificationto vegetation Total SolubleN (µg/L) Salinity(g/L) pH Modificationto Chemistry Water 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation value?

Finalnaturalness score average= (water chemistry, Finaldiversity score average= (habitat diversity,

DRAFT # Species # # Species # # Habitats #

Reading (averagenaturalness diversity>2.3and = Conservat the ofmiddle the wetland. There- roadisa running through whatwould have b Enchylaena .4 2 2 - 6.44 has an ecosystemhasan or human significance, then - - 3 s e ) this applicable? Comments FinalEvaluation

ue? lue?

Comments Site Evaluation methodology for the AvonNRM region

and surroundingcropping areas. Likely- thathighnitrogen levels are from wetland. Highly- saline even afor secondarily saline Tecticornia anyotherwetland ornatural area. There- isnovegetation connectingwetlandthis wi - foarcns,fuarcns) 1.11 flora richness, faunarichness) vgtto)–ohrdsubne 1.06 vegetation) other– disturbances aosre. / N/A naobserved. seisvr tesd 1 1 veryspecies stressed.

so edseis 1 1 weed of as species. lvtos 15 1.5 elevations.

lcd 1 1 placed. - - - - - ion, een . 1 s.

Score Score Index Index MultipleUse MultipleUse 1 1 1.00 1.13 1.33

th th 1.09 No

1.33 1.00 -0.17 Indicator Indicator Score Score        

53

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 54

Is the Is wetlandautomatically Conservationa categor 2 Site Photos Biological classification:Turbid claypan Geomorphicwetland type: Playa Personnel:SMJ,MTC, DLH,CJF DateAssessed: 14/10/08 Longitude:119.10227 Latitude:-32.32719 SiteCode: ABP130 SiteName: Claypan at Rocks King Rd claypans Turbid 6.4 1 3

Doesthe wetland meet Doesthe wetland meet the Is wetlandidentified under any of the followin

• • • • • • • • • • • • DRAFT• Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat World/NationalHeritage listings Environmental Protection(South WestAgricultural Directory of Important Wetlands StateGovernment endorsed candidatesites thefor RamsarConvention on wetlands Thewetland supports culturalvalues are basethat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,refuge Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Thewetland supports regionally rare orthreatened Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,orrefu Equal to Equal orgreater than90% of the wetland suppor

scaleand BushForever listedby the State Government. scaleand scaleand otherrare attribute. StateGovernment. byAustralianthe or StateGovernment.     supportsinternationally, nationally orState-wide supportsanidentified occurrence a of Priority1 supportsanidentified occurrence Declareda of Ra best is the known representative of the wetland gr geoconservation : : supportsanidentified occurrence of Threateneda is identifiedas significantfor naturalits value scale. two one of the following criteria? of the following criteria? AutomaticConservation category criteriaevaluation

methodology for the AvonNRM region g agreements?g y( wetland ge orsitea critical feedingsite populationsfor d ond natural attributes or functions. or criticalfeeding populationsforsite of Priorit natural water chemistry, hydrology, geomorphology Zone Wetlands) 1998Policy, ts nativets vegetation ‘Good’in orbetter condition significant values, including geoheritage and ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the RamsarConvention on Wetlands or2 EcologicalCommunity oupthein catchment s in regionalsin or sub-regional studies endorsed by t reor Priority1, 2, or34 flora species Ifyes,no further evaluation needed) EcologicalCommunity. summary Site Bullfrog tadpolesand has extensive vegetation conn Thisturbid claypan wetlandhas highly diverse comm of of vegetation. alsoIt supports significant numbers

with otherwithnearby wetlands.

BushForever BushForever BushForever yor1 fauna2 of of faunalisted ? ? usingthe orany he

ections Yes Yes Yes unities No of                 

Final wetland managementcategory is it upgraded to Resource Enhancement category. Is the If wetland is inthe Multiple Usecategory and 1.67-2.3Resource= Enhancement,<1.67 Multiple= U Initial wetlandmanagement category Averagediversity naturalnessand score 1

3 2

fauna Final richness score flora Final richness score c Final score habitatfor diversity b a Diversity c b a Naturalness

Significance • • • • • • • Doesthe wetland have representativenessa value? Doesthe wetland have vegetationa connectivity Doesthe wetland have scientific/educationala val Doesthe wetland perform anecosystem service? Doesthe wetland have spiritual/philosophicala va Doesthe wetland have recreationala value? Doesthe wetland have consumptivea use value? 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation value? aebrs - - - 0 - 34 Large - numbe 1 10 1 Othernative wetland fauna observed Waterbirds Invertebrates Faunarichness 3 fringingNo. species 3 emergentNo. species submergedNo. species Florarichness diversityHabitat - Allexpected - structural layerspresent. - Otherdisturbances 0.19 State 1000 Structure Regenerativecapacity Modificationto vegetation Total SolubleN (µg/L) Salinity(g/L) pH Modificationto Chemistry Water Weed invasion - Few - weed presentspecies but not si invasionWeed

Adjustmentto score ScoreFinal modificationfor to water chemistry

Final ScoreFinal modificationfor to vegetation Finaldiversity score average= (habitat diversity,

Finalnaturalness score average= (water chemistry,

DRAFT # Species # # Species # # Habitats #

(averagenaturalness diversity>2.3and = Conservat Reading the edgethe of the wetland. There- roadisa running through whatwould have b - Some- occurring. Regeneration- of upper the and middleshrublayers of of stress.

has an ecosystemhasan or human significance, then . - 2 - 8.2 7 2 s e ) this applicable?

ue? lue? Melaleuca methodology for the AvonNRM region

FinalEvaluation Site Site Evaluation Comments

Comments typical typical claypan. Many- habitatspresent compared a to turbid. This-unusualis sincethe water quitewas claypanwetland thisin catchment. Yes,- our to knowledge,isthis the best condition the largethe wetlandsaline on the southernside. Yes,- wetlandthis has good vegetation connections - a watera oursupply to knowledge. This-ais freshwater wetland notisbut currently foarcns,fuarcns) 3.00 flora richness, faunarichness) and vgtto)–ohrdsubne 2.52 vegetation) other– disturbances Tecticornia rs of rs Bullfrogtadpoles.

showing moderate signs nfcn. . 3.0 gnificant. . 3.0

- - - ion,

een

Conservation used as Score Score Index Index turbid . 2.7 . 2.0 3 3 3 3 3

3.00 2.68 2.70

with 2.76 N/A N/A

-0.17 3.00 3.00 Indicator Indicator Score Score        

55

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 56

2 Is the Is wetlandautomatically Conservationa categor Site Photos Biological classification: Turbid claypan Geomorphicwetland type: Playa Personnel: SMJ,MTC,DLH, CJF DateAssessed: 17/09/2008 Longitude: Privateproperty Latitude: Privateproperty SiteCode: ABP114 SiteName: Claypan at Ballidu 1 3

Doesthe wetland meet Doesthe wetland meet the Is wetlandidentified under any of the followin

• • • • • • • • • • • • DRAFT• Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat World/NationalHeritage listings Environmental Protection(South WestAgricultural Directory of Important Wetlands StateGovernment endorsed candidatesites thefor RamsarConvention on wetlands Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Thewetland supports culturalvalues are basethat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,refuge Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,orrefu Thewetland supports regionally rare orthreatened Equal to Equal orgreater than90% of the wetland suppor

scaleand BushForever scaleand StateGovernment. listedby the State Government. scaleand byAustralianthe or StateGovernment. otherrare attribute.     supportsanidentified occurrence a of Priority1 supportsanidentified occurrence Declareda of Ra best is the known representative of the wetland gr supportsinternationally, nationally orState-wide geoconservation supportsanidentified occurrence of Threateneda is identifiedas significantfor naturalits value : : scale. two one of the following criteria? of the following criteria? AutomaticConservation category criteriaevaluation

methodology for the AvonNRM region g agreements?g y( wetland ge orsitea critical feedingsite populationsfor d ond natural attributes or functions. or criticalfeeding populationsforsite of Priorit natural water chemistry, hydrology, geomorphology Zone Wetlands) 1998Policy, ts nativets vegetation ‘Good’in orbetter condition significant values, including geoheritage and ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the RamsarConvention on Wetlands or2 EcologicalCommunity oupthein catchment s in regionalsin or sub-regional studies endorsed by t reor Priority1, 2, or34 flora species Ifyes,no further evaluation needed) EcologicalCommunity. summary Site

agodrinkingafor watersource. It has sincegone Thissite dugwas out by propertythe owners many y

andhas changed significantlyfrom natural.

BushForever BushForever BushForever yor1 fauna2 of of faunalisted ? ? usingthe orany he

brackish No No No No ears                

Final wetland managementcategory is it upgraded to Resource Enhancement category. Is the If wetland is inthe Multiple Usecategory and 1.67-2.3Resource= Enhancement,<1.67 Multiple= U Initial wetlandmanagement category Averagediversity naturalnessand score 1 3 2

fauna Final richness score flora Final richness score c Final score habitatfor diversity b a Diversity c b a Naturalness Significance • • • • • • • Doesthe wetland have representativenessa value? Doesthe wetland have vegetationa connectivity Doesthe wetland have scientific/educationala val Doesthe wetland perform anecosystem service? Doesthe wetland have spiritual/philosophicala va Doesthe wetland have recreationala value? Doesthe wetland have consumptivea use value? Weed invasion - Some - weed presentspecies but s not invasionWeed aebrs - / N/A 2 1 - 1 3 - - 0 - - 28 1 5 Othernative wetland fauna observed 0 Waterbirds 1 1 Invertebrates Faunarichness 3 fringingNo. species emergentNo. species submergedNo. species Florarichness - Significant - area of diversityHabitat Structural - layersare as expected a for - Otherdisturbances Regeneration - of 5.3 State 1600 Structure Regenerativecapacity Modificationto vegetation Total SolubleN (µg/L) Salinity(g/L) pH Modificationto Chemistry Water 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation value? Adjustmentto score ScoreFinal modificationfor to water chemistry Final ScoreFinal modificationfor to vegetation

Finalnaturalness score average= (water chemistry, Finaldiversity score average= (habitat diversity,

DRAFT # Species # # Species # # Habitats #

Reading (averagenaturalness diversity>2.3and = Conservat resource. Landholder- historicallyexcavated claypan watfor

.5 2 2 - 9.05 has an ecosystemhasan or human significance, then - - 3 s e ) this applicable? Comments FinalEvaluation

ue? lue?

Comments Site Evaluation methodology for the AvonNRM region

nraigslnt sbsndis 3 3 increasingsalinity as basin dries. althoughappeared be to struggling due to Significant- numbers of tadpoles observed, Tecticornia - No-vegetation connectionsto other wetlands. supply, howeversupply, ceasedthis once became it brackish - was Wetland historically used as humana water foarcns,fuarcns) 2.06 flora richness, faunarichness) Tecticornia vgtto)–ohrdsubne 1.80 vegetation) other– disturbances occurring upperin slope.

showingof signs stress. ignificant. claypan.

- - - - - ion, er ResourceEnhancement ResourceEnhancement

Score Score Index Index . 2.5 . 2.0 . 3.0 . 1.5 2.50 2.25 2.00

1.93 No

. . 1.67 2.00 -0.33 Indicator Indicator Score Score        

57

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 58

DRAFT methodology for the AvonNRM region 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 7. Final comments and and comments recommendations Final 7.

     

hs ouet ulns mtoooy o assigning for methodology a outlines document This Once additional data becomes available, reference reference available, becomes data additional Once professio by undertaken be should methodology This DRAFTme this extending on focused be should work Future a captured is data evaluation the that vital is It local to respond that systems dynamic are Wetlands landforms (flat, slope highland) and waterlogged we waterlogged and highland) (flat, slope landforms th at was available that information limited to the i This possible. as representative as are they that and conserva management efficient the to contribute managed accura centrally an ensure will This details). for B a Appendix in stored then and E) (Appendix not may not if contemporaneous date of out be and may time evaluat time an Furthermore, in wetland. the point at represented one at time optimal undertaken the be evaluation to likely is this and rainfall stud this in biodiversity wetland greatest general, ecology. wetland wider the in Whea types wetland to these applicable wetla basin inundated permanently to intermittently methodology for the AvonNRM region e time of writing. writing. of e time s particularly important for turbid claypans due due claypans turbid for important particularly s o udraig n vlain Hwvr an However, evaluation. an undertaking for te and up-to-date information system that will will that system information up-to-date and te y area is evident in spring following winter winter following spring in evident is area y nds within the Avon NRM region but is also also is but region NRM Avon the within nds s outlined in the wetland survey protocol protocol survey wetland the in outlined s tlands. tlands. tbelt area.tbelt tion of Avon NRM region wetlands. wetlands. region NRM Avon of tion with the application of those evaluations. evaluations. those of application thewith climatic and anthropogenic influences. In In influences. anthropogenic and climatic ranges should be recalculated to ensure ensure to recalculated be should ranges thodology to include wetlands with other other with wetlands include to thodology ion reflects values present at a point in in point a at present values reflects ion nals who are experienced in the field of of field the in experienced are who nals database such as WetlandBase (see (see WetlandBase as such database wetland management categories to to categories management wetland reveal the full conservation values values conservation full the reveal 59

rnig ae cthet wti ec lcl governm local each within Perth. Australia, catchments water drinking 2007, Water of Department Plain Coastal Swan the 2009, Conservation and Environment of Department 2007, Conservation Australia Western in wetlands of evaluation and Environment of Department Im Use Land and Salinity Environment, of Department 2003, Environment of Department 2005c, M. Davis, 2005b, M. Davis, 2005a, M. Davis, the 545. 'Assessing 2005, thresho and J. scale of R. questions addressing framework Hobbs, and A. V. Cramer, Albany. Australia, Western ri and Report streams Final Draft Narembeen natural Davis and on K. interventions Strehlow, G., engineering B. Janicke, A., B. Cook, 93-114. pp. (1): Hatto and resear future W. and remedies, R. origins, its Australia: Bell, J., R. George, J., aq C. Clarke, waterbird, descriptions, site Australia Western Science Conservation Australia: Western ' 2004, W. C. Walker, and A. S. Halse, J., D. Cale, scale', g and 'Geoheritage 2007, V. Semeniuk, and M. Brocx, compositio 'The 1983, Australia', Western J. R. Shiel, and A. M. Brock, aquatic 'The 1983, permanence', and salinity to in relation Australia K. A. J. Lane, and A. M. Brock, McR and W the R. salinization', in Shiel, determinants A., environmental and Pinder, communities S., Halse, D., Blinn, water drainage deep saline of to disposal relation 2007, Ltd Pty Bennelongia Limnologie Vereinigung Internationale waters temporary of life 'The 2002, E. A. I. Bayly, Australia', w temporary of 'Invertebrates 1997, E. A. I. Bayly, Bas in 2005, Council Catchment Avon 5 (draft) Version document. supporting 2004, Council Catchment Avon Canberra. Commission, Heritage 1990, Commission Heritage Australian 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 60 8.

References

, Avon Catchment Council, Northam. Northam. Council, Catchment , Avon

DRAFT Australia of Western Society Royal of the Journal Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia Australia Western of Society Royal the of Journal Hydrobiologia Hydrobiologia Moningarin BioBlitz Report 2003 Report BioBlitz Moningarin Lake McDermott BioBlitz Report 2002 Report BioBlitz McDermott Lake 2004Report BioBlitz Kununoppin

Hydrobiologia Hydrobiologia , Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth Conservation, and Environment of , Department 528: pp. 229-248. 229-248. pp. 528: seset f osrain tts f elns n th in wetlands of status conservation of Assessment ulc rnig ae Suc Aes n etr Austr Western in Areas Source Water Drinking Public , Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Manageme Resource Natural in Excellence of Centre , Avon River Basin Natural Resource Management Plan. Management Resource Natural Basin River Avon The Avon Natural Resource Management Strategy for t for Strategy Management Resource Natural Avon The 105: pp. 77-84. 77-84. pp. 105: aiiy netet rmwr Itrm eot Phas - Report Interim Framework Investment Salinity 28: pp. 1-8. pp. 28: Northam. Council, Avon Catchment , methodology for the AvonNRM region 5 (1): pp. 20-135. 20-135. pp. 5 (1): rtra o te eitr f h Ntoa Estate National the of Register the for Criteria , Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth Conservation, and Environment of Department , Hydrobiologia Hydrobiologia , Bennelongia Pty Ltd, Perth. Perth. Ltd, Pty , Bennelongia ch directions', directions', ch in Australian gnammas (rock-holes)', gnammas Australian in , WWF Australia Sydney. Sydney. Australia , WWF , WWF Australia, Sydney. Australia,Sydney. , WWF Wetland monitoring in the Wheatbelt of south-west south-west of Wheatbelt the in monitoring Wetland aters in gnammas on granite outcrops in Western Western in outcrops granite on gnammas in aters n, T. J. 2002, 'Dryland salinity in south-western south-western in salinity 'Dryland 2002, J. T. n, A methodology for the evaluation of wetlands on wetlands of evaluation the for methodology A pacts Series No. SLUI 32. 32. SLUI No. Series pacts macrophyte flora of saline wetlands in Western Western in wetlands saline of flora macrophyte n of aquatic communities in saline wetlands of of wetlands saline in communities aquatic of n ld responses', responses', ld , WWF Australia Sydney. Sydney. Australia , WWF vers in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia: Australia: Western of Wheatbelt the in vers J 2007, J. , eoconservation - history, definition, scope and and scope definition, history, - eoconservation ae, J. 2004, 'Diatom and micro-invertebrate micro-invertebrate and 'Diatom 2004, J. ae, uatic invertebrate and groundwater data', data', groundwater and invertebrate uatic 90: pp. 53-87. 53-87. pp. 90: Framework for mapping, classification and and classification mapping, for Framework estern Australian Wheatbelt: a response to to response a Wheatbelt: Australian estern clgcl ik rm eodr slnt: A salinity: secondary from risk ecological n municipality ent 80 (3): pp. 167-172. 167-172. pp. 80 (3): 105: pp. 63-76. 63-76. pp. 105: Australian Journal of Soil Research Research Soil of Journal Australian Downstream ecological impacts of of impacts ecological Downstream Austral Ecology Ecology Austral , Government of Western Western of Government , . e Trayning area in in area Trayning e alia - A register of of register A - alia 30 (5): pp. 537- pp. (5): 30 nt, University of of University nt, Water resource resource Water Verhandlungen Verhandlungen he Avon River River Avon he , Australian Australian , 1 2003 1, e . 40 40 , importance of rainfall', rainfall', of importance western Australia - 1988/89. - Australia western Pear and R. D. Munro, P., R. Jaensch, A., S. Halse, sea 'Breeding 1989, P. R. Jaensch, and A. S. Halse, as, . . Pasn G B ad arc, . 1993a, S. Patrick, and B. G. Pearson, A., S. Halse, Wheatbelt', Australian Western Supplement the 2004, M. of A. Pinder, wetlands and N. M. Lyons, A., S. Halse, Australia', south-west Western of wetlands and 2003, M. A. Pinder, and K. J. Ruprecht, S., Halse, Perth. Protection, Environmental of Department waterbird use of wetlands in south-western Australi south-western in wetlands of use waterbird L and P. R. Jaensch, R., M. Williams, A., S. Halse, Yung, B., 1990/91', - Australia Western south-west in counts G. Pearson, M., 1989/90 R. Vervest, A., S. - Halse, Australia Western Perth. south-west Management, in Pearson counts R., D. Munro, M., R. Vervest, A., S. Halse, 1991/92', - Australia west Western Yu and M. R. Vervest, B., G. Pearson, A., S. Halse, Australia Western of south-west reserves 2000, Australia Western of Government 1997, Australia Perth. Australia, of Government Western Western of Government br waterbird Australia', western of 'Distribution 1990, T. J. Goodsell, wetla clay-based seasonal Biology Conservation The 2. Australia. Western isn N, egey G J, yn, . n Keighery and M. Lyons, J., G. Keighery, N., Gibson, Per Management, Land and Conservation of Department 1-21 options: practical and prospects processes, eeain n wtad' In wetlands'. and vegetation effec 'The 1995, J. D. McFarlane, and J. R. George, Perth. Commission, va wheatbelt in salinity for options commercial and menace 'Hidden 2002, M. Coleman, and J. R. George, 'Sal 1997, B. Australia', in Western ecosystems Nulsen, and D. McFarlane, R., George, Mor D., W. Williams, P., in lakes Western saline some of biota and chemistry Deckker, De C., M. Geddes, Part 6. System System, Perth. Environment, and Conservation of Department reco Darling as the o Australia 1983: Authority, Western Department for and reserves Authority Conservation Protection Environmental Guidance Statement No. 33 No. Statement Guidance Environmental Protection Authority 2008, 2008, Authority Protection Environmental Canberra. Australia, 2001, Australia Environment 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

DRAFT 67: pp. 337-364. 337-364. pp. 67: Australian Wildlife Research Research Wildlife Australian 11: pp. 287-301. 287-301. pp. 11: Emu Emu , Environmental Protection Authority Perth. Perth. Authority Protection , Environmental 89: pp. 232-249. 232-249. pp. 89: , Department of Conservation and Land Management, P Management, Land and Conservation of , Department A directory of important wetlands in Australia (Thi Australia in wetlands important of directory A enn Ntv Vgtto Tn er On Years Ten Vegetation Native Remnant Hydrogeology Journal Journal Hydrogeology CALM Science Science CALM methodology for the AvonNRM region , Department of Conservation and Land Management, P Management, Land and Conservation of , Department uh oee Vlm 2 Drcoy f uh oee Si Forever Bush of Directory 2: Volume Forever Bush niomna Giac fr lnig n Development and Planning for Guidance Environmental elns osrain oiy o Wsen Australia Western for Policy Conservation Wetlands Australian Journal of Botany of Journal Australian 17: pp. 219-29. 219-29. pp. 17: 2: pp. 1-24. 1-24. pp. 2: CALM Science Science CALM a', a', os eaie o eln slnt ad H n south- in pH and salinity wetland to relative oods 'Salinisation and prospects for biodiversity in riv in biodiversity for prospects and 'Salinisation Ascae, . . . ( a. R. V. Associates, , lleys'. In lleys'. son, G. B. 1990, B. G. son, Australia', Australia', ng, F. H. 1995, 'Annual waterfowl counts in south- in counts waterfowl 'Annual 1995, H. F. ng, sons of waterbirds in south-western Australia - the - Australia south-western in waterbirds of sons ane, J. A. K. 1993b, 'Wetland characteristics and and characteristics 'Wetland 1993b, K. A. J. ane, t of changing hydrological processes on remnant remnant on processes hydrological changing of t Records of the Western Australian Museum, Museum, Australian Western the of Records F. H. and Fuller, P. J. 1994, 'Annual waterfowl waterfowl 'Annual 1994, J. P. Fuller, and H. F.

, G. B. and Yung, F. H. 1992, 1992, H. F. Yung, and B. G. , Wildlife Research Research Wildlife , B. J. 2005, 'Threatened plant communities of of communities plant 'Threatened 2005, J. B. , Vegetation of depth-gauged wetlands in nature nature in wetlands depth-gauged of Vegetation 'Biodiversity patterns and their conservation in in conservation their and patterns 'Biodiversity or opportunity - groundwater hydrology, playas, playas, hydrology, groundwater - opportunity or inity threatens the viability of agriculture and and agriculture of viability the threatens inity nd communities of the South West', West', South the of communities nd th. I rcmedtos o seii localities specific for recommendations II, , Department of Conservation and Land Land and Conservation of Department , 5 (1): pp. 6-21. 6-21. pp. 5 (1): mmended by the Environmental Protection Protection Environmental the by mmended ton, D. W. and Topping, M. 1981, 'On the the 'On 1981, M. Topping, and W. D. ton, f Conservation and Environment 1983, 1983, Environment and Conservation f Dealing with salinity in wheatbelt valleys: valleys: wheatbelt in salinity with Dealing Hydrobiologia Hydrobiologia 1 (2): pp. 107-129. 107-129. pp. 1 (2): Annual waterfowl counts in south- in counts waterfowl Annual 20: pp. 103-126. 103-126. pp. 20: 51: pp. 673-688. 673-688. pp. 51: 82: pp. 201 - 222. 222. - pp. 201 82: eds Wlae K J ( J. K. Wallace, , rd Edition) rd ). Water and Rivers Rivers and Water ). erth. Annual waterfowl waterfowl Annual , Environment Environment , Pacific erth. eds tes ers ers 61 ). ). , , , , , , , ,

Museum Museum West of region Wheatbelt the in rivers and wetlands Shiel and M. J. McRae, A., S. Halse, M., A. Pinder, New Guineaand Australia in Del and V. Semeniuk, A., C. Semeniuk, L., A. Hill, 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 62 soi and laterites 'Landscapes, 1967, J. M. Mulcahy, Zones 'Climate Appreciation Landscape A Geography: 2000, H. Darrel, and L. T. McKnight, 29. c experimental 'Ucarro' the to related as Australia ov 'An 2002, R. D. and Williamson, J. D. McFarlane, Australia e collective A outcrops: 'Granite 1997, Y. B. Main, fr studies case Hydrobiologia landscape: salinizing a in wetlands J. D. Cale, N., Gibson, A., S. Halse, N., M. Lyons, S Lyons, wheatbelt', Australian Western and J. G. Keighery, N., Gibson, M., Lyons, the for AustraliaWestern inspections initial or assessment rapid for Prideaux and L. Mudgway, D., Cale, M., J. Lizamore, W of region Wheatbelt Perth. Conservation, and Environment of Department the in types wetland specific and Environment of Department the for J.M. Lizamore Perth. Management, Australia: south-western in wetlands of salinities Winc G., A. Clarke, B., G. Pearson, K., A. J. Lane, . L South ecos L., assessing rapidly A. for Batchelor, technique A C., Ecoservices: G. Marneweck, C., D. Kotze, Nat Drummond Australia of flora vascular and vegetation W. Muir, zone: and A. Webb, N., Gibson, J., G. Keighery, Ne (Inc.), Australia for society Western Wildflower 1994, J. B. Keighery, Smith, Society Benthological American North of the Journal in and families D. macroinvertebrate M. aquatic Scanlon, of A., tolerances S. Halse, R., W. Kay, Perth. and Conservation, Method Asessment One Av the within wetlands outcrop granite and basin of Halse, and L. L. SIM, M., A. Pinder, M., S. Jones, Accounts Reserve 1981-1985: Australia 19 J. M. Hewish, and M. R. Vervest, P., R. Jaensch, sustai towards ( D. A. Saunders, and J. Hobbs, R. landscapes: A fragmented L. Bruyn, de Reintegrating Lobry A., D. Saunders, J., R. Hobbs, geograp 'The 1976, V. Australia', Gailitis, and J. F. Hingston, an classification Protection Environmental of Department & Commission mapping, Wetland 2a: Volume Plain

DRAFT 67: pp. 7-37. 7-37. pp. 67: 80 (3): pp. 113. 113. pp. 80 (3): 63-78. pp. 4 (1): Australian Journal of Soil Research Research Soil of Journal Australian 591: pp. 147-164. 147-164. pp. 591: , Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth and Conservation, Environment of , Department uhad ln sre. gie o ln cmuiy s community plant to guide A survey. plant Bushland , Prepared for the Avon Catchment Council by the De the by Council Catchment Avon the for Prepared , , Jennings, J. N. and Mabbutt, J. A. ( Mabbutt, J. N. and J. , Jennings, Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement Museum Australian the Western of Records eds ). Springer-Verlag, New York. York. New Springer-Verlag, ). , (, , Royal Australian Ornithologists Union. Report No. Report Union. Ornithologists Australian , Royal methodology for the AvonNRM region eds ). Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. NJ. River, Saddle Upper Hall, Prentice ). 14: pp. 319-335. 319-335. pp. 14: dlands. dlands. atchment', atchment', S. A. 2008, 2008, A. S. 1977-2000 cosystem', cosystem', , Lane, J. A. K. and Mickle, D. A. 2007, 'Monitorin 2007, A. D. Mickle, and K. A. J. Lane, , Department of Environment and Conservation of of Conservation and Environment of Department 2004, R. D. Munro, and C. Y. hcombe, erview of waterlogging and salinity in southwestern in salinity and waterlogging of erview

88, 88, , R. J. 2004, 'Aquatic invertebrate assemblages of assemblages invertebrate 'Aquatic 2004, J. R. , ls in south-western Australia'. In Australia'. south-western in ls the agricultural zone of southwestern Australia', Australia', southwestern of zone agricultural the 20 (2): pp. 182-199. 182-199. pp. (2): 20 Marco, A. 1996a, 1996a, A. Marco, on Natural Resource Management region: Stage Stage region: Management Resource Natural on ern Australia', Australia', ern om the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia', Australia', Western of region Wheatbelt the om , C. 2008, 2008, C. , se srie sple b wetlands. by supplied services ystem . D. 2004, 'Wetland flora and vegetation of the the of vegetation and flora 'Wetland 2004, D. . Western over precipitated salt in variation hic P. 2002, 'A biological survey of the agricultural agricultural the of survey biological 'A 2002, P. n Tps Te öpn ytm. In System'. Köppen The Types: and ad an A R 19, Cags n it' In biota'. in 'Changes 1993, R. A. Main, and . , Perth. , Perth. sen utai: ehdlg ad outcomes and methodology Australia: estern indley, D. S. and Collins, N. B. 2005, 2005, B. N. Collins, and S. D. indley, eauto, an report main evaluation, d Waterbirds in nature reserves of south-western south-western of reserves nature in Waterbirds Conservation 2008, 2008, Conservation ure Reserve', Reserve', ure M. J. 2001, 'Distribution and environmental environmental and 'Distribution 2001, J. M. al pouto ad aue conservation nature and production nable Agricultural Water management management Water Agricultural , Department of Conservation and Land Land and Conservation of Department , Journal of the Royal Society of Western Western of Society Royal the of Journal Evaluating the conservation significance significance conservation the Evaluating Notice of Intent to Drain: Field manual manual Field Drain: to Intent of Notice eds Records of the Western Australian Australian Western the of Records ). ANU Press, Canberra. Canberra. Press, ANU). Conservation Science Western Western Science Conservation . Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Coastal Swan the of Wetlands re fr h community the for urvey Regional identification of of identification Regional partment of Environment Environment of partment , Water and Rivers Rivers and Water , Landform studies studies Landform

67: pp. 39-89. 39-89. pp. 67: 30, Perth. Perth. 30, Depths and and Depths , Pretoria, Pretoria, , 53: pp. 5- pp. 53: Physical WET- g g , , , , ,

of the world', the of f Organisation Cultural and Scientific Educational, T landscape. Australian the in condition vegetation 2005, R. Lesslie, and R. Thackway, 'Terrestrial Australia of Western Society Royal of the Journal 1997, H. D. Edward, and C. P. Withers, threat major A 'Salinisation: 1999, D. W. Williams, Diego. Ecology Groundwater fau 'Groundwater 1994, J. N. Voelz, and V. J. Ward, Service, Publishing Government 1971, UNESCO Canberra. mov 'The conditions', 1938, H. G. Burville, and H. J. L. Teakle, Austr Western of Australia region Wheatbelt ecologi the as from 'Diatoms salinity 2006, J. John, and F. Taukulis, 512. macroinverteb I, Part Australia, Western River, Ord 1996, Strategy Salinity State 2005, Murdoch, University, Murdoch Science, Environmental L. L. Sim, 2001, C. Perth. Australia, McConnell, and R. Short, Perth. LEME, CRC 2008, SystB. Degens, and P. Shand, Darling the of 'Wetlands 1987, classification', A. C. Semeniuk, a geomorphic 'A 1995, wetlands', V. Semeniuk, and C. Semeniuk, Perth. Assembly, Legislative Australian Western 1991, Conservation Land Committee Select M. 1998, Scheffer, Perth. Management, Land and Conservation 1991, A. Sanders, Australia Western for refugia and diversification of foci Australia: Storey, A. W. and Lynas, J. 2007, 'Application of t of 'Application 2007, J. Lynas, and W. A. Storey, Perth. Australia, Western Pinder, A. M., Halse, S. A., Shiel, R. J. and McRae and J. R. Shiel, A., S. Halse, M., A. Pinder, 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

DRAFT 89: pp. 17-25. 17-25. pp. 89: Vegetatio Vegetatio Journal of Agriculture of Western Australia Australia of Western Agriculture of Journal Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management Management and Research Reservoirs: and Lakes Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia Australia of Western Society Royal of the Journal Article 1, Part 1, Convention on wetlands of intern of wetlands on Convention 1, Part 1, Article 83: pp. 149-161. 149-161. pp. 83: Ecology of shallow lakes of shallow Ecology 118: pp. 103-124. 103-124. pp. 118: rl itre Dcmnig hne i Wetet Wet Wheatbelt in Changes Documenting Histories Oral rniin bten clgcl eie i salinisin in regimes ecological between Transitions Glet J, ailpl D L ad tnod J A J. Stanford, and L. D. Danielopol, J., Gilbert, , aiiy a iuto saeet o Wsen Austral Western for statement situation a Salinity: Avon Catchment acidic groundwater - geochemical ris geochemical - groundwater acidic Catchment Avon Vegetation assets, states and transitions (VAST): a (VAST): transitions and states assets, Vegetation xet n ipcs f rln salinity dryland of impacts and Extent methodology for the AvonNRM region , Chapman and Hall, London. London. Hall, and , Chapman ia rpr. eet omte it ln Conservati land into Committee Select report. Final aquatic invertebrates', invertebrates', aquatic 80: pp. 159-166. pp. 159-166. 80: to water resources in the arid and semi-arid regio semi-arid and arid the in resources water to he functional habitat concept to the regulated Lowe regulated the to concept habitat functional he , J. M. 2000, 'Granite outcrop pools in south-weste in pools outcrop 'Granite 2000, M. J. , or the Department of Foreign Affairs, Australian Australian Affairs, Foreign of Department the or na of the South Platte River system, Colarado'. In Colarado'. system, River Platte South the of na ement of soluble salts in soils under light rainfal light under soils in salts soluble of ement rate assemblages', assemblages', rate fauna of granite outcrops in Western Australia', Australia', Western in outcrops granite of fauna Western Australia. Western alia', 15: pp. 218-245. 218-245. 15: pp. a idctr i lks n sras f varying of streams and lakes in indicators cal cncl Report echnical em - a geomorphic approach to habitat habitat to approach geomorphic a - em pproach to global classification for inland inland for classification global to pproach Journal of the Royal Society of Western Western of Society Royal the of Journal 69: pp. 95-112. 95-112. pp. 69: 4: pp. 85-91. 85-91. pp. 4: ational significance ational Journal of the Royal Society of Society Royal the of Journal , Bureau of Rural Sciences, Sciences, Rural of Bureau , (. Hydrobiologia Hydrobiologia eds g wetlands, wetlands, g ). Academic Press, San San Press, Academic ). , Agriculture Western Western Agriculture , lands ia Gvrmn of Government , Dprmn of Department , , United Nations Nations United , 592: pp. 499 - - 499 pp. 592: k assessment k ccounting for for ccounting School of of School on 63 ns ns rn rn r r , , l

AppendixAPrevious - studiesconducted on wetlands Moningarin BioBlitz Davis, 2005c Davis, survey (19972001)– biological Wheatbelt Plan Action Salinity 2005b Davis, 2005a Davis, wetlands Wheatbelt in changes documenting histories Oral Western Australia chemistryOnthe and of biota somelakesinsaline MoningarinBioBlitz McDermottLake BioBlitz KununoppinBioBlitz Avon AssessmentMethod the within wetlands OneManagementStage region:ResourceNatural outcrop granite and basin of significance conservation the Evaluating ReportFinal Wheatbeltof Western Australia:Narembeen Draft interventionson natural streamsand rivers in the the Downstreamecological impacts of engineering in families of agriculturalzone of southwestern macroinvertebrate Australia tolerances environmental aquatic and Distribution region of Western Australia ofstreams varying salinity fromthe Wheatbelt Diatomsas ecological indicators in lakesand Australia:1977-2000 south- inwetlands of salinities and Depths wetlandscomponent – region NRM Avon the of diversity the Baselining geochemicalrisk assessment AvonCatchment acidic groundwater - deep drainagewater of disposal to relation in area Trayning the in wetlands of status conservation of Assessment South- in counts Australia:1988 1992– waterfowl Annual Drummond of zone: flora agricultural vascular NatureReserve the and of vegetation survey biological A StudyPaper / name 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 64

DRAFT Western western

Keighery BennelongiaPty Ltd, (Shandand Degens, Geddes Multi-agencyproject methodology for the AvonNRM region 2004;Pinder 2004;Lyons DEC(unpublished) Taukulisand John, Halse Halse Halse Jones Halse DEC(Blinn Cook Lane Kay Organisation / Sanders,1991 Reference , et al., , et al., , et al., et al., et al., , et al., , et al., , et al., 2004) 2008) 2006 7 2007 , et al., , et al., 01 ~26 2001 , , et al., , 2004 , ,1994; ,1992; ,1990; ,2007 ,et al. ,1995 , 2008 , ,et al. ,1981 , 2002 , , , , , ,

# sites#in streams 00’ 10000’s 12(incl. 4 drain4 drains lakes, Avon ay Many sites) sites) NRM NRM ~100 river/ (incl. river 3 ~36 ~27 ~38 0 107 92 78 19 1 1 1 2 in the Avon in the region NRM Inverte- brate         

Quality Water           

Datacollected

Water-bird       



Depth    

Flora 28         

salinisingwetlands Transitionsbetween ecological regimes in wetlands of Western Australia saline in communities aquatic of composition The and salinity to relation permanence in Australia Western wetlandsin saline of flora macrophyteaquatic The program(1997 – current) monitoring wetland Wheatbelt Plan Action Salinity StudyPaper / name eln caatrsis n wtrid s of use waterbird wetlandsin south-westernAustralia and characteristics Wetland south- of Australia1981-1985 reserves nature in Waterbirds reservesof the south-west Australia Western depth- of Vegetation 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

DRAFT agd elns n nature in wetlands gauged western Brock andBrock Shiel,1983 andBrock Lane, 1983 1989;Goodsell, 1990; Jaensch Halse andHalse Jaensch, methodology for the AvonNRM region Halse Halse Halse 2004;Lyons 1993a;Cale DEC(Halse Organisation / Reference Sim, 2005 Sim, , et al., et al., , et al., 2007) , et al., et ,1993b ,1993a ,1993b , et al., , et al., ,et al. , 1988; , , , , , ,

in Avon in # sites# NRM NRM ~22 ~22 1 ~18 ~7 10 1 71 3 Inverte- brate      

Quality Water           Data collected Data

Water-bird  

Depth      

Flora      65

Appendix B- Wetland informationsources 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 66 Wetland mapping

         International,national andregional significance    On-grounddata and technicalreports

tg 1 eln mpig Dprmn o Environment of (Department mapping wetland 1 Stage The following following The b run projects water various the from Publications At Data Geographic (DoW) Water’s of Department The DRAFT avail are Project Baselining Avon the from Reports Data Wetlands Australian The Western – WetlandBase A. Appendix in listed Studies vial fr h etr Ao NM ein hog DE through region NRM Avon entire the for < available ufc wtr ult dt. hs s cesd throug accessed is This data. quality water < surface Appendix I. Appendix asse water regional and Local Documents. Supporting < website Resour t ACC’s the on Water found Plan: Management on Resource Natural Avon found be th of Register the on listed which are within them, area natural many can are there However, List. Heritage These N The on listed are that NRM region Avon within the List. The < 1990), Heritage Commission, Commonwealth Heritage (Australian Estate Commonwealth. the by controlled listings Heritage websit Authority Protection Agricultural South > West (EPP) Policies Protection Environmental WA the on Z Agricultural West (South Protection Environmental website (ACC) Council’s Catchment Avon the through > Data WetlandBase. > Wetlands Wetlands Waterbirds < website DEHWA the Australia in Wetlands Important of < Directory w (DEWHA) Arts the Database. > Australian Wetlands maps and Databases and Heritage Water, Environment, wetlands on Convention Ramsar < website Program >2009 Water. < website s useful DEC very the a through is accessed and data ecological additional and with flora updated fauna, inverte Priority aquatic or waterbird, Threatened quality, water on-ground sit specific for data on-ground and mapping wetland we this on available is also which (2008), Lizamore http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/en http://portal.water.wa.gov.au http://naturemap.dec.wa.gov.au> www.environment.gov.au o Agreement between the government of Australia and Australia of government the between Agreement :

h poeto o mgaoy id i dne o exti of danger in (JAMBA). birds migratory of protection the International agreements for waterbirds and conserv and waterbirds for agreements International www.avonnaturaldiversity.org> www.environment.gov.au > Heritage > About Heritage. Currently, there are n are there Currently, Heritage. About > Heritage > > Maps, data and atlases > Geographic Data Atlas. Atlas. Data > Geographic atlases and data Maps, > www.avonnrm.org.au methodology for the AvonNRM region Ti mpig s ae o te nosd methodology endorsed the on based is mapping This . UEC, 91 wwrma.r) r h Dprmn o Department the or www.ramsar.org) 1971, (UNESCO, www.dec.wa.gov.au> > Biodiversity > Migratory Species > Migratory Migratory > Species Migratory > Biodiversity > e National Estate. Estate. National e ND001 Baselining > Wetlands. > Baselining Wetlands. ND001 y the Avon Catchment Council, are available available are Council, Catchment Avon the y bsite. bsite. Zone Wetlands. Zone Wetlands. This includes the Register of the National National the of Register the includes This ational Heritage List or The Commonwealth Commonwealth The or List Heritage ational > es across Western Australia. This includes includes This Australia. Western across es s within the Avon NRM region with basins basins with region NRM Avon the within s one Wetlands) Policy Wetlands) one NRM Information > Avon NRM Strategy Strategy NRM Avon > Information NRM vironmental/wetlands/directory.html communities. This is periodically being being periodically Rare, is Declared This communities. of records and brates ts identified in this document are listed in in listed are document this in identified ts ource of information. This database is is database This information. of ource base, maintained by DEC, contains both both contains DEC, by maintained base, able from the Avon Natural Diversity Diversity Natural Avon the from able < (Environment Australia, 2001, 2001, Australia, (Environment www.avonnrm.org.au < e a cnan a infcn aon of amount significant a contains las and Conservation, 2007) will be be will 2007) Conservation, and National Heritage List and The The and List Heritage National bie < ebsite e uprig Document Supporting ce www.epa.gov.au aaeet n Poeto > Protection and Management nction and their environment environment their and nction the government of Japan for for Japan of government the ation plans plans ation te o website DoW the h www.environment.gov.au> he DEWHA website website DEWHA he 1998 can be found found be can 1998 C’s NatureMap NatureMap C’s > Environmental Environmental > o basin wetlands wetlands basin o > Projects 2008- Projects > can be found on on found be can can be be can >) by by f

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation            ResourcesOther  GeologicalInformation 

Information on Aboriginal cultural values can be o be can values cultural Aboriginal on Information nomto o gooy goeiae n topography and geoheritage geology, on Information cultural local of list a is inventory municipal A Appendices in this document provide comprehensive comprehensive provide document this in Appendices article reference Geoconservation and Geoheritage recognitio formal for system no currently is There information for directly contacted be also can DEC on Information of lists and Information Aerial photography can be purchased from Landgate Landgate from purchased be can photography Aerial for Soils Australian of Atlas the from data Soils

DRAFT eatet f nuty n Rsucs est < website Resources and Industry of Department Maps. to > Go Info SLIP NRM > Data (DIA) Affairs Geographic Data Atlas > Inland Waters tabInland >Atlas Waters Data Geographic Development and Planning for Guidance Environmental legislation. under protected are currently which Photography. Aerial > Imagery > Services Geoscienc > WA of Centre. Survey Geological > Petroleum and < of 45 Section under required are governments Local < niomna Giac fr lnig n Development and Planning for Guidance Environmental 2007. Semeniuk, and Brocx wi Australia, in geoconservation and geoheritage of si 150 < website GSA the on approximately found be can information identified has (GSA) Australia websit (DAFWA) Food’s and Agriculture of Department 0333. < website DEC’s on available Communities Ecological Priority 1990 08. vial fo te P wbie < website EPA the from Available 2008). Catchments identified in the the in identified Catchments through the Department of Water’s website < website Water’s of Department the through www.dec.wa.gov.au www.dia.wa.gov.au to prepare such lists and may be obtained from the from obtained be and may lists such prepare to o o gemn bten h gvrmn o Asrla and Australia of government the between Agreement and Australia of government the between Agreement Republic of Korea on the protection of migratory bi migratory of protection the on Korea of Republic mi of protection the (CAMBA). environment their and extinction for China of Republic People’s brgnl eiae nur System. Inquiry Heritage Aboriginal hetnd r pcal Poetd n Pirt faun Priority and Protected Specially or Threatened > Aboriginal Site Search. Search. Site Aboriginal > > Management and protection > Plants. Plants. > protection and Management > Declared Rare, Priority and other significant flora significant other and Priority Rare, Declared Hydrographic Catchments – Catchments – Catchments Hydrographic www.dec.wa.gov.au methodology for the AvonNRM region n h Wetet ein r aalbe n E’ web DEC’s on available are region Wheatbelt the in

www.water.gov.au www.epa.wa.gov.au> www.gsa.org.au> heritage significance in the local government. government. local the in significance heritage > Management and protection > Animals. Animals. > protection and > Management on flora or fauna for a specific site (08) 9334 9334 (08) site specific a for fauna or flora on n of geoheritage. The Geological Society of of Society Geological The geoheritage. of n btained from the Department of Indigenous Indigenous of Department the from btained www.doir.wa.gov.au> hs s vial o te I website DIA the on available is This on the history, definition, scope and scale scale and scope definition, history, the on h atclr ou o etr Asrla - Australia Western on focus particular th etr Asrla s vial fo the from available is Australia Western nfcn gooia sts n A More WA. in sites geological gnificant GoIWW) s vial fo the from available is (GeoVIEW.WA) < . the

relevant local government authority. authority. government local relevant lists of fauna, flora and communities communities and flora fauna, of lists www.landgate.wa.gov.au> < e Giac Saeet o 33 No. Statement Guidance , Heritage of Western Australia Act, Act, Australia Western of Heritage e Products > Data and Software Software and Data > Products e www.agric.wa.gov.au rds (ROKAMBA). (ROKAMBA). rds > Tools > Maps and Atlases > > Atlases and Maps > Tools > Heritage. Heritage. gratory birds in danger of of danger in birds gratory udne ttmns > Statements Guidance a dataset can be assessed assessed be can dataset in Western Australia is is Australia Western in the government of the the of government the the of government the eatet f Mines of Department and Threatened and Threatened and > Maps and and Maps > rdcs & Products (EPA, (EPA, site site 67

Samples for analysis for Samples

Max. depth of invert.sample: Max.depth 50 mesh micron n sample invertebrate Plankton using invertebrate mesh using micron 250n sample Benthic frozen: nutrients – filtered sample mL 125 – unfiltered sample no preservation: 500mL cross section showing topography of wetlandand sur sketch Site Dates surveyed Dates and weather: name: Site SITECODE:______AvonStage3 site data AppendixSiteC–visit sheetfield 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 68 Approx.water level: wetland size: Estimated No.Site: – Photo Datum: Longitude: Latitude: information Site group: Wetland type: Biological wetland type: wetland Geomorphic Personnel:

DRAFT

(includeaccess details, landuse, vegetation zones

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ______& &______%__ ……………………..Ha …………………………. ______- · …………………………………………………………………………………… ______· ______

– General and aquaticand – General …………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………….. Waterlogged soil / Filling / DryingFilling soil / Waterlogged ______cm

methodology for the AvonNRM region roundingdunes) et et et

Contact Phone: Phone: Contact Name: Contact of wetland: Max.depth (1 vial/sample) (1 2L (1-2 , sample/photo , points, northarrow, majorhabitats,

Land tenure Land at measured Max.depth

□ □ □ □

(please circle) (please Salinity: pH:

In-situ (e.g. gauge) : : ______ppt ______. __

measurements : : Private Private Public ………………. ………………. ………………. ……………… ……………cm include a

Notes on any unidentifiable any birdson unidentifiable Notes observed No waterbirds ______name Waterbird AvonStage3 site data SITECODE:______SITECODE:______Sketches of unidentified birds unidentified of Sketches

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

DRAFT □ 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5

- Waterbirds- methodology for the AvonNRM region

Abundance Counts (tally) Counts Abundance ______Sketches of unidentified birds unidentified of Sketches Estimate lge lge Estimate no’s no’s

oa 5 0 Total 10 5 Total

Brood Counts Counts Brood

69

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 70

Degraded Completely Degraded Pristineornearly so,noobvious signs o Good VeryGood Excellent Pristine category). Site sketch Site Wheatbelt wetlands Wheatbelt Topographic position quadrats of Topographic Vegetation condition condition as a of Vegetation wholewetland

↑ Category SITECODE:______SITECODE:______AvonStage3 site data

N

DRAFT Thefollowing isthe scale inused

( Pleasedraw a sketchof wetlandincluding the locat

Percent cover

aggressiveweeds, partial veryclearing,dieback and gra by caused structure vegetation to i withoutdisturbance condition good approaching state a to not dis by impacted severely structure vegetation Basic weedshighdensity, at partial clearing, dieback an fires, frequent very by caused structure vegetation re to ability or structure vegetation basic Retains very by altered significantly structure Vegetation the weeds,dieback, loggingand grazing fires, repeated by caused structure vegetation dist of signs obvious altered, structure Vegetation aggressive species. affecting disturbance intact, structure Vegetation withflorathe comprisingweed orspeciescrop with are areas These species. native without intact completely longer no is vegetation the of structure The (C - Vegetation Vegetation - ircleand label position of quadratson cross secti Bush Forever methodology for the AvonNRM region

(Pleaseestimate percentagethe of wetland (Governmentof Australia, 2000)Western ionquadrats of sampledand their unique identifier Description fdisturbance. d grazing.d generate it. For example, disturbance to disturbance example, For it. generate

isolated native treesor shrubs. niiul pce ad ed ae non- are weeds and species individual the presence of some very aggressive very some of presence the zing. biu sgs f utpe disturbance. multiple of signs obvious n te ra s opeey r almost or completely is area the and rac. o eape dsubne to disturbance example, For urbance. ubne cp fr eeeain but regeneration for Scope turbance. tnie aaeet Fr example, For management. ntensive often described as ‘parkland cleared’ ‘parkland as described often rsne f oe oe aggressive more some of presence rqet ie, h peec o very of presence the fires, frequent on)

vegetation that is eachin

)

Aquatic quadrat sampled sampled quadrat Aquatic Uniqueidentifier theis quadrat ID andspecimen nu Insertplants name/working name (column unique1), speciespresence Vegetation Shrubs Unique Trees Name SITECODE:______AvonStage3 site data 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

DRAFT □

Photo numbers______Photo ID - Vegetation Vegetation - mber.Quadrat ID = SiteCode Quadrat+ number e.g. identifier(column and2), tickcolumn 3 IDwhen ha complete complete ID methodology for the AvonNRM region Name Unique Unique Name Grasses Grasses (cont.) Shrubs s been s checked ABP001_12

ID ID ______

complete complete ID

71

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 72

Vegetation speciespresence (cont.) Vegetation

Herbs SITECODE:______AvonStage3 site data DRAFT Unique Name

Vegetation - ID methodology for the AvonNRM region complete complete ID Name Unique Unique Name Additional Additional Sedges

ID ID complete complete ID

Individual Quadrat data Individual conditionin the Australianlandscape. Technical Re Tablepartly fromThackway, R. and Lesslie, R. (200 condition within Vegetation quadrat composition Vegetation Heightrange (m) Growth form Stratum____- Heightrange (m) Growth form Stratum-____ Heightrange (m) Growth form Stratum-____ beenreplaced) vegetationhas Notes Weedinvasion SITECODE:______SITECODE:______AvonStage3 site data esnfrqartlcto: ……… location: for quadrat Reason Elevation (e.g.A,ID C):Quadrat B, GPS point taken: GPSpoint Numbers: Photograph Stratum# U2the= second layer of Regenerative Structure Capacity Index State (e.g. what 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

upperstorey)

(Forexample:

(1=basin,2=beach, 3=dune)

DRAFT

………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………… expected to show regeneration are doing so. so. doing are regeneration show to expected present in the upper and middle strata of the strata middle and upper the in present On average, 0 – 5% of the native vegetation vegetation native of the 5% 0 – On average, natural regenerative capacity is unmodified, unmodified, is capacity regenerative natural very high. All expected strata, growth forms forms growth strata, expected All high. very for naturally bare areas there is nil/minimal nil/minimal is there areas bare naturally for Alternatively, present. are classes age and

Structural integrity of native vegetation is is vegetation native of integrity Structural Alternatively for naturally bare areas, the the areas, bare naturally for Alternatively Regenerative capacity intact. All species species All intact. capacity Regenerative Weeds are absent or comprised of non- of comprised or absent are Weeds community showing signs of stress. stress. of signs showing community ephemeral and lower plants only. only. plants lower and ephemeral

% Cover % (will needcopyaof pagethis for each quadratd –

vegetation structure. structure. vegetation aggressive species. species. aggressive Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 aua Ipce DegradedReplaced- Impacted Natural

…………………….. …………………….. - Vegetation Vegetation - Dominant Species …………………….. …………………….. □ ………………………………………………………………………………………

port.Bureau of Rural Sciences,Canberra. …………………………………………………………………………………… 5). Vegetation5). Assets, States,and Transitions (VAS ……………………………………………………………………………… methodology for the AvonNRM region On average, 5 – On average, aggressive weeds at high density. at high weeds aggressive somewhat reduced, but endures endures but reduced, somewhat i.e. some elements of a stratum a stratum of elements i.e. some Structure is altered but persists persists but altered is Structure vegetation present in the upper upper the in present vegetation Natural regenerative capacity capacity regenerative Natural community showing signs of of signs showing community The presence of some very very some of The presence under current / past land land past / current under and middle strata of the the of strata middle and management practices. practices. management

(list in(list order) are missing. missing. are stress. stress. 10% of the native native the of 10%

o noto need to outfill aquaticfor quadrats)

%Showing

Stress middle strata of the community showing showing community of the strata middle Natural regenerative potential of native native of potential regenerative Natural Weeds and/or crop species comprise comprise species crop and/or Weeds some isolated native trees or shrubs. shrubs. or trees native isolated some ongoing disturbances. Rehabilitation Rehabilitation disturbances. ongoing significantly altered i.e. one or more more or one i.e. altered significantly vegetation has been suppressed by suppressed been has vegetation vegetation present in the upper and and upper the in present vegetation the majority of species present with present species of the majority strata are missing entirely or highly highly or entirely missing are strata

and restoration possible through through possible restoration and

On average, >10% of the native native of the >10% On average, Structure of native vegetation is vegetation native of Structure removal of threats. threats. of removal signs of stress. of stress. signs estimatenumber seedlings of degraded. degraded. T):accounting for vegetation Recruitment? ………………………… observed) (ifpossible

Score ______

73

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 74

DRAFT This page has intentionally been left blank blank left been has intentionally page This methodology for the AvonNRM region

 Vegetation connectivity 5. ______education)?______wetland wetland used or Is for the educationa scientific 4.    stripping Nutrient/pesticide/pathogen     attenuation Flood service value: Ecosystem 3. asa bywetland community recognised Is the the 2. ______wetland informallyformally or Is recognisedthe 1. Significance ______status.______and international been agreements) under coll protected Rare,Declared Threatened, any HavePriority or 3. ______(e.g. rare byexperconsidered sediments) attribute threatened rarehavenatur or a the Doeswetland 2. ______thecommunities vegetation wetat Are this found 1. Rarity Does the vegetation of the wetland ofthevegetation to the othe connect Does relative of sub-surface contribution the Estimate istheofarea thewetland permanent is that What acrvegetation isthe percentage of permanent What this storm experience flows?__ area does Howoften ofisthe relative the rela size unit What wetland isthesizeestimated of thewetland?______What isthesizeestimated of thewetland catchmen What Low Intermediate High SITECODE:______AvonStage3 site data Category Description Graphical description Graphical Description Category fauna? Use diagram below to assign to a a category___ to belowUse assign diagram to fauna? 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

DRAFT wetlands or natural or natural areas. wetlands isnotwithconnectedvegetation other hydro Buffer however area, mostly fragmented. natural is isvegetation with one completelyBuffer connected wetland other oneand/or area. than natural wetland the surrounding iscompletely co Vegetation – Other site information information site – Other tive to thetive catchment?______% l purposes purposes (e.g. l research, catchme site, monitoring as a water resource for stock or human wateror stock asa human consumption for resource water inputs compared to to water surface inputs:_____ water compared inputs t opinion? If so, explain. explain. so, opinion? ______t If land unusual? explain.______so, unusual? If land or______% seasonal? Specially Protected flora or fauna (including (including flora Speciallyfauna migra or Protected ected or observed at the wetland? If so list theIfwetland? specie ected at so list or observed al water chemistry, hydrology, geomorphology, geomorphology, an hydrology, water or chemistry, al recreational area?______recreational methodology for the AvonNRM region t:______Hectares oss the oss bed?______% ______Hectares ______Hectares ______r therefore natural areas habitat corri provide and ______logically logically connected other wetland or wetland other or nnected with more nnected withmore

nt nt management, s, numbers s, their tory birdstory ?______?______% ______% y other dors for for dors ______75

______wetland category?- other management any reasons notes or why site general wetland Other the ______thewetlandany groups at fauna other Were observed Fauna 2. change appear undergone to theDoeswetland have 1. Naturalness ______thecatchment? in represen wetland thebest Is the known6. condition SITECODE:______AvonStage3 site data 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 76 Habitat 1. Diversity ______minor).______wetla atdisturbancesthe other the List present 2. ______Comments:______Island Island Shallowwading zones (<15cm) Deepwater zones ( Leaflitter Largewoody debris Surroundingterrestrial veg.(within 50m) Emergentreeds / sedges Emergent shrubs/trees Submergedvegetation Possible wetland habitats habitats Possible wetland

DRAFT

≥ 1.5m) – Other site information site – Other

Percent area Percent methodology for the AvonNRM region nd and the severity of impact on the wetland theandbiota ofon the impact nd severity tative (based on naturalness and diversity) of the of diversity) tativeand(based on naturalness should be automatically assigned to to assigned bethe “Conservat automatically should ? List species names ifnames possibleList ? species s to s to Yes hydrology? its ______

Total

Present (1) (0) (1) absent / Present

______No No (major or (major wetland group ion” or or ion”

Site information Site information AvonAppendix D- 3stage evaluation wetland profor Step 1. Identify values for automatic assignment to assignment automatic for values 1.Step Identify Site visit evaluation Desktop Latitude: Latitude: Personnel: name: Site Is the Is wetlandautomatically Conservationa categor Doesthe wetland meet the Is wetlandidentified under any of the followin group: Wetland type: Biological wetland type: wetland Geomorphic Catchment: category category Doesthe wetland meet SITECODE:______SITECODE:______AvonStage3 wetlandevaluation • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Thewetland supports culturalvalues are basethat Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,refuge Thewetland supports regionally rare orthreatened Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat World/NationalHeritage listings Environmental Protection(South WestAgricultural Directoryof Important Wetlands Thewetland supports breeding,a roosting,orrefu Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat StateGovernment endorsed candidatesites thefor RamsarConvention on wetlands Greaterthan50% of wetlandthe nativehas vegetat Equal to Equal orgreater than90% of the wetland suppor listedby the State Government. otherrare attribute. and the Australianthe Government. and Government. Forever and     supports internationally, nationally orState-wid supportsanidentified occurrence a of Priority1 supportsanidentified occurrence Declareda of Ra best is the known representative of the wetland gr

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation : : supports an identifiedoccurrence of a Threatened isidentified as significant itsfor natural value

DRAFTscale. two one …………………………… ……………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… of the following criteria? of the following (pleasecriteria circle)?If it so ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ………… g agreements?g ………... ………... ……… s in regionalsin or sub-regional endorsedstudies by t y( wetland ge orsitea critical feedingsite populationsfor d ond natural attributes or functions. or criticalfeeding populationsforsite of Priorit natural water chemistry, hydrology, geomorphology e significante values, includinggeoheritage and geo Zone Wetlands) 1998Policy, ts nativets vegetation ‘Good’in orbetter condition ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the ion ’Good’in orbetter conditionusing the RamsarConvention on Wetlands or2 EcologicalCommunity methodology for the AvonNRM region oupthein catchment

EcologicalCommunity. reor Priority1, 2, or34 flora species Conservation category Conservation Longitude: Period surveyed Period Ifyes,no further evaluation needed)

is automatically assigned “Conservation” to ma ma ……………………………………… : ………………….………………………… :

BushForever BushForever BushForever yor1 fauna2 of of faunalistedby he State usingthe ? ? conservation orany scale scale scale Bush ……………

…… …… …… ……

77

Step 2. Score Naturalness criterion Naturalness Score 2.Step communitiespresent at wetland.the the edgethe of wetlanda disturb may vegetationthe pr Oneor more majordisturbances impactingthe wetlan wetlandnot but so muchas to change the faunaorf few A or minor one moderatedisturbance/s present a presenceof buildinga notis natural doesbut not Nodisturbances atwetland the potentially that may Weedinvasion waterwetlanda into islikely to changethe compos wetlandwayain that changes the community composi Finalscore for modificationto vegetation = average (modification modific water chemistry, to average = NaturalnessScore Final Criteria Regenerative Composition SITECODE:______SITECODE:______AvonStage3 wetlandevaluation 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 78 • • • Finalscore for modificationto chemistrywater Total SolubleN basins) naturally score saline Labsalinity: acidicnaturally basins) pH:Field

Capacity Index State

Modification to water to water chemistryModification Modification to isthe(thisavera vegetation table Modification Other disturbances Other

DRAFT ne Reading Index (donot score (donot

is very high. All species expected at the site the at expected species All high. is very are present. Alternatively, for naturally bare naturally for Alternatively, present. are Compositional integrity of native vegetation vegetation native of integrity Compositional vegetation present in the upper and middle middle and upper the in present vegetation strata of the community are showing signs signs showing are of community the strata expected to show regeneration are doing doing are regeneration show to expected so. Alternatively for naturally bare areas, areas, bare naturally for so. Alternatively species All intact. capacity Regenerative unmodified, ephemeral and lower plants plants lower and ephemeral unmodified, Weeds are absent or comprised of non- of comprised or absent are Weeds areas there is nil / minimal vegetation vegetation minimal nil / is areas there the natural regenerative capacity is is capacity regenerative natural the On average, 0 – 5% of the native native of the 5% 0 – On average,

aggressive species. species. aggressive ______µg/L ____ ppt__ __ . __ __. __

composition. composition. Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 of stress. of stress. aua Ipce DegradedReplaced- Impacted Natural only.

affect wetlandthe system. group group Referencerangeseachfor wetland

itionof aquatic faunaand flora. Naturally saline basin < 1100 < Naturallysaline basin N/A Naturallysaline basin Turbid claypan < 2325 < 1900 < 0.6– 0 Turbidclaypan 1.1– 0 Freshwaterbasin 8.9– 8.6 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin 8.1– 6.8 8.7– 7.8 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin Naturallysaline basin affect fauna,the orflorahydrology of the wetlan esentataffected the site willbut not changethe loracommunity composition.For example, roada cut methodology for the AvonNRM region tthe wetland. These affect may the fauna, flora or d. These d. significantlyaffect the fauna, orflorah tion. Forexample, deepa drain discharging hypersa Composition of native vegetation vegetation native of Composition may have changed. Some minor minor Some changed. have may somewhat reduced, but endures endures but reduced, somewhat native vegetation present in the the in present vegetation native is altered. All major species are are species major All is altered.

ation to vegetation) Other to disturbances– ation upper and middle strata of the strata middle and upper Natural regenerative capacity capacity regenerative Natural present, although proportions proportions although present, community showing signs of of signs showing community On average, 5 – 10% of the the of 10% 5 – On average, The presence of some very very some of The presence aggressive weeds at high at high weeds aggressive species may be missing. missing. be may species under current / past land land past / current under management practices. practices. management ge of all geof quadrats)all density. density. stress. stress.

Natural regenerative potential of native native of potential regenerative Natural been entirely replaced with opportunist opportunist with replaced been entirely the site or native vegetation may have have may vegetation native or the site Weeds and/or crop species comprise comprise species crop and/or Weeds some isolated native trees or shrubs. shrubs. or trees native isolated some ongoing disturbances. Rehabilitation Rehabilitation disturbances. ongoing Significant species are missing from from missing are species Significant vegetation has been suppressed by suppressed been has vegetation vegetation present in the upper and and upper the in present vegetation the majority of species present with present species of the majority sum = scores ÷ # indices and restoration possible through through possible restoration and On average, >10% of the native native of the >10% On average, species. Loss of species affects affects species of Loss species. middle strata of the community community of the strata middle showing signs of stress. stress. of signs showing structure of vegetation. of vegetation. structure 1 = >20%=1 outside rangeref >20%=1 outside rangeref >20%=1 outside rangeref 2 = <20%=2 outside rangeref inside=3 ref range <20%=2 outside rangeref inside=3 ref range <20%=2 outside rangeref inside=3 ref range = sum= scores removal of threats. threats. of removal d. d. Forexample, the vegetation Scoring method ydrologythe of hydrology the of ting through line,acidic ÷ # indices

= = Adjustment

to scoreto -0.17 -0.33 Score ______Score ______0

• criterion Diversity Score 3.Step • • SITECODE:______SITECODE:______AvonStage3 wetlandevaluation

Vegetation type Vegetation = average (habitat fauna richness, flora diversity, average = Diversity Final Score richness fauna for score Final native Other scored for waterbirdrichness) ______Waterbirds Invertebrates ______richness for score flora native Final Fringing Emergent Submerged presentat wetland. habitatsNo of identified to be Fauna categoryFauna

observed observed Flora richness Flora Habitat diversity Habitat Fauna richnessFauna 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

(E.g. turtles,fish, frogs) (

claypansare not wetland fauna wetland DRAFT

______

found found Sp No. found found Sp No. ______Otherfaunaobserved ( ______Structural diversity reference range fordiversity each range Structural reference wetla Wetland group Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 = Score 3 Wetlandgroup Turbid claypan >3 2 or 3 0 or 01 3– 0 or 23 3–6 0 – 4 >3 or 45 >6 Turbidclaypan >5 Freshwaterbasin Naturallysaline basin

wetland group group wetland family eacrange for and reference Species richness

richness) group group for reference wetland each range richness Species

Allspecies ubdcapn 7 <3 7- 3 <18 <3 1835- <13 >7 8- 3 <17 >35 1316- <4 1728- >8 <23 >16 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin <27 10- 4 >28 Naturallysaline basin 2329– Macroinvertspecies <6 2754– >10 >29 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin 14- 6 >54 Naturallysaline basin All families >14 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin Naturallysaline basin Wetland group Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 = Score 3 Wetlandgroup rswtrbsn 9 <3 0 9- 3 1-4 >9 >4 Freshwaterbasin Naturallysaline basin Wetland group Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 = Score 3 = Score 1 Wetlandgroup = Score 2 = Score 3 = Score 1 = Score 2Wetland group = Score 3 Wetlandgroup ubdcapn 0 osoe 0 <10 0 0 1016- Noscore 3- 1 Noscore >16 >0 1 Noscore >3 Noscore Naturallysaline basin 1 >0 >1 Turbidclaypan Noscore Freshwaterbasin >1 Noscore Naturallysaline basin >0 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin Naturallysaline basin ubdcapn 8 <7 <2 8- 7 6- 2 >8 >6 Turbidclaypan Freshwaterbasin methodology for the AvonNRM region If presentIf then scorea of 3 isrecorded) Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 Score = 3 Score = 2 Score = Score 1 = Score 2 =Score 3 =sum scores =sum scores=sum ÷ indices #

______nd group Score Score ndgroup ÷ # indices #

h h

Score Score = =

Score Score ______

79

wetl this for category management wetland final The values significance 5.Step Incorporate “Multipl the to assigned been has wetland If the 4. to wetland managemen assignment Preliminary 4.Step 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 80 2. Average the naturalness and diversity scores = ( scores diversity and naturalness the Average 2. assig automatically been already wetland the Has 1. scor and diversity naturalness average Using the 3. SITECODE:______SITECODE:______AvonStage3 wetlandevaluation catchment? catchment? thebest value– wetland Is this Representativeness placeit the “High”category? into that vegetati theDoes have value – wetland Connectivity wetland Isused this value – Scientific/educational Kotze value(mostly from service Ecosystem Supporting Management Resource Plan: Resource Water localo Thesebe important in listed can places. as value wetlan or these spiritual are – Philosophical value Recreational Consumptive use value value use Consumptive appli are that the values Tick category. management than values following the of any has wetland If the 2. Nutrient/pesticide/pathogen stripping – Does stripping – the Nutrient/pesticide/pathogen 2. ar theDoes have – attenuation an wetland: Flood 1.

sub-surface to surface water >36%? to water >36%? surface sub-surface inundated permanently inundation? atareaspread that across least flows on the storm the final wetland management category and should be should and category management wetland the final wetland has been assigned to the “Conservation” or or “Conservation” to the assigned been has wetland final wetland management category and should be cir be should and category management final wetland DRAFT box, relevant the circling by categories management ______Conservation Resource Enhancement Multiple Use Use Multiple Enhancement Resource Conservation Score > 2.3 Score 1.7 – 2.3 Score < 1.7 < 1.7 Score 2.3 – 1.7 Score > 2.3 Score CONSERVATION Score >2.3Score and a vegetation, of permanent coverage predominant

RESOURCEENHANCEMENT methodology for the AvonNRM region et et al Score 1.7Score 2.3– , 2005) , 2005) ds thatformallyby commun been recognised ds have the frsinii reuainlproe? for educationalscientific purposes? or r State government documents (e.g. Avon(e.g. documents State r Natural government known representative of of inwetland knowntheits group representative on connections with other wetlands areas on or connectionswith other natural wetland have: an area wetland have: isseasonallythatan or >30% area ea 6% or 6% or areathe catchment ea greater of it cannot be assigned to the ‘Multiple Use’ wetlan Use’ ‘Multiple the to assigned be it cannot ceevery five years, Document, Municipal inventories) Municipal Document, e Use” category, continue onto Step 5. If the the 5. If Step onto continue category, e Use” cable belowcable naturalness score + diversity score) ÷ score) + 2 = diversity score naturalness e, place the wetland into one of the three three of the one into the wetland e, place t category ned to Conservation category? If so, this is the the is this so, If category? Conservation to ned and is and below: below: “Resource Enhancement” categories, this is this categories, Enhancement” “Resource cled at the bottom of this page. page. this of bottom at the cled circled at the bottom of this page. page. this of bottom the at circled (please circle) (please

and not have not have permanent MULTIPLEUSE Score <1.7Score and : : a relativeof a input and have have

ity

______

d

Appendix - EWetland survey protocol 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation particularly turbid wetlands (e.g. claypans require (e.g. claypans wetlands turbid particularly samples/da of collection inve the with The cope to necessary region. NRM Avon the in wetland basin a of Training & Experience & Experience Training Scope Stores, equipment & preparation preparation & equipment Stores, The following section outlines the equipment requir equipment the outlines section following The Personnel performing wetland surveys must have: must wetland surveys performing Personnel In conditions. winter rainfall. following spring in early occur flooded during not and d levels these water of collection the involving surveys Wetland Catc Avon A the Perth. and Conservation, Environment S. for Prepared Halse, Natu Method. Avon L.L., Assessment the Three Sim, within wetlands M., basin A. of significance Pinder, M., S. Jones, Avon the in basins th accompanies protocol wetland survey This region. inundated at data vegetation and collect the for protocol the describes section This

Water chemistry sampling equipment (quantity outlin (quantity equipment sampling chemistry Water Invertebrate sampling equipment equipment sampling Invertebrate DRAFT                Acrodisk syringe filter (0.45 filter syringe Acrodisk syringe (1) 50mL in th described methods in the experience Previous 50 250 (1) analyses chemistry general bottle for 500 mL water P filtered N, Total Total bottle for 125 mL (1) bottle Squirt water (2L) Distilled c charger, manual, including meter pH and Salinity aforeme the of collection the in training Suitable 2 L plastic pot with lids (2) (2) lids with pot 2 L plastic (2L) ethanol 100% (1) net sample plankton Vial for 250 and 50 for pole Sampling individuals individuals vial on (2) on (2) vial µ µ m net for plankton sample. Pocket of net is open wi open is net of Pocket sample. plankton for net m m net for benthic invertebrate sample (30cm long) ( (30cm sample invertebrate benthic net for m µ uo ebae2m imtr 2 (2) diameter) 25mm Supor membrane m methodology for the AvonNRM region µ m nets (2) (2) nets m more syringe filters). filters). syringe more ion of water chemistry, invertebrate, waterbird waterbird invertebrate, chemistry, water of ion ed to collect the data for a stage 3 evaluation evaluation 3 stage a for data the collect to ed ta from additional sites or collection of data at at data of collection or sites additional from ta e following wetland evaluation methodology: evaluation wetland e following the Wheatbelt, peak water levels generally generally levels water peak Wheatbelt, the ata should only be conducted during peak peak during conducted be only should ata ral Resource Management region: Stage Stage region: Management Resource ral ntory list will need to be multiplied where where multiplied be to need will list ntory Natural Resource Management (NRM) (NRM) Management Resource Natural samples (1) (1) samples ntioned data by adequately experienced experienced adequately by data ntioned . (2009). Evaluating the conservation conservation the Evaluating (2009). . hment Council by the Department of of Department the by Council hment alibration solutions solutions alibration ed in brackets includes spares) spares) includes brackets in ed is document and/or, document is 2) 2) th an attachment for screwing screwing for attachment an th 81

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 82 Procedure for wetland survey survey wetland for Procedure

Select water sampling site and record wetland detai wetland record and site sampling water Select Miscellaneous equipment sampling Vegetation equipment sampling bird Water will be located. located. will be we the of survey quick a do site, the at arrival On DRAFT                              Made-up buffered formalin fixative (just over 1Lit over (just fixative formalin buffered Made-up Disposable gloves (2 pairs) pairs) (2 gloves Disposable an benthic for labels sample invertebrate Adhesive (4) labels sample invertebrate Waterproof (2) Buckets bottle) (500mL nets washing for Detergent (2) sample plankton vials for polycarb 120 mL Waders (2) (2) Waders (1) freezing Engel for (2) 2-way radios (1) batteries) Spare GPS (incl. charger) leads, (incl. card, memory camera Digital (1) case) (Map atlas Map, road (1) Notebook (1) sheets field storing Folder for (1) Clipboard field sheet (1) Waterproof eraser leads, pens, pencils, – markers, Stationary Secateurs Trowel tags Identification bags Collecting Plant press books identification Plant tape measuring 50m (2) guide identification Waterbird (2) scope spotting for Tripod (1) scope Spotting (2) Binoculars  il n ie eal ad eea osrain o t on observations general and details site in Fill glycol, 20g Borax (sodium tetraborate), 880mL water 880mL tetraborate), (sodium Borax 20g glycol, particular: particular: − − Assign the wetland a name and unique site code. Th code. site unique and name a wetland the Assign Assign the wetland to a geomorphic wetland type by type wetland geomorphic a to wetland the Assign lnfr wl awy b bsn. t a b necessar be may It basin). his DEC for from ecologists regional or landholders be always will (landform the wetland. from collected all samples label methodology for the AvonNRM region tland to determine where the sampling sites sites sampling the where determine to tland ls s re = 125mL formalin, 20mL propylene propylene 20mL formalin, 125mL = re (1) (1) d plankton sample (2) (2) sample d plankton ) ) he first page of the datasheet, in in datasheet, the of page first he torical observations. observations. torical identifying the hydroperiod hydroperiod the identifying is site code will be used to to used be will code site is y to consult with local local with consult to y 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation Collect water quality samples samples quality water Collect Collect Collect hn olcig ae qaiy ape i i vtl n vital is particular note Take wetlands. between and wetland it samples quality water collecting When meter the of maintenance and operation the correct man the to according checked be must meter salinity collecting to Prior

Unfiltered general chemistry sample (500mL) sample chemistry general Unfiltered mdfcto t wtr hmsr’ eto o te we the of section chemistry’ water to ‘modification saliniti measurement consistent higher ensure to have Therefore, meters. Wheatbelt the in wetlands Some DRAFTNote          Do a sketch of the site including features such as such features including site the of sketch a Do o o ue usre, hmcl o soe cigarette smoke or chemicals sunscreen, use not Do u sediment the stir to not trying water, the Enter on the meter. Turn fe cleto o flee ntin smls rin samples, nutrient filtered of collection After bottle the of inside the of part any touch not Do cond and pH the place site, undisturbed an at Once Record pH and salinity measurements on page 1 of t of 1 page on measurements salinity and pH Record stabilise. to the readings for Wait : To convert from ppM to ppt divide by 1,000 (e.g. (e.g. 1,000 by ppM divide to ppt from convert : To and a cross section indicating depth of wetland and wetland of depth indicating section a cross and h major invertebrates, and quality water for points and the distilled water used for soaking changed re changed soaking for used water distilled and the so be then should equipment This site. the at water material. water samples as these chemicals can contaminate th contaminate can chemicals these as water samples a deep sediment. as otherwise possible, if 10-20cm of depth a recorded match the units specified on the datasheet on the specified units the match recorded in situ situ in − − − − − − Estimate the maximum depth of the wetland (use a g a (use wetland the of depth maximum the Estimate l by inc size wetland the estimate wetlands, small For wetland, the around points four at photos Take and wetland the of bank the on reading GPS a Take – see wetland group a final to wetland Assign the n type: wetland biological a to wetland the Assign hs ln wt te lc te esrmn ws taken was measurement the datasheet. place the with along this boundary. wetland be the and wal and GPS a onfunction p ‘track’ the using maps by size Also hectare. 1 topographic = 100m x from 100m that Note size hectares. wetland the estimate sheet. field on the numbers photo the Record degrees. in decimal the methodology. of 3.2 section biological each of cond descriptions Detailed and salinity. composition vegetation surrounding as such type original the of form degraded a be may wetland b freshwater as assessed are reservoirs (artificial water quality measurements measurements quality water in situ in water quality measurements, the calibration of the of calibration the measurements, quality water methodology for the AvonNRM region

prior to commencing observations.prior to commencing ot to cross contaminate samples within a a within samples contaminate cross to ot of the points below: below: points the of tland evaluation is a lab reading. Other Other reading. lab a is evaluation tland ual. Read the manual for instructions on on instructions for manual the Read ual. p into the water column. water column. the p into e h srne thoroughly syringe the se s are recorded, the salinity used in the the in used salinity the recorded, are s 1 ppt = 1,000 ppM).1,000 =1 ppt es than the range of most handheld handheld most of range the than es vegetation zones, land use, sampling sampling use, land zones, vegetation gularly. gularly. height of surrounding dunes. dunes. surrounding of height abitats (islands, large woody debris) debris) woody large (islands, abitats or syringe with fingers or any other other any or fingers with syringe or uctivity/salinity probes in the water to to water the in probes uctivity/salinity . aked in distilled water between sites sites between water distilled in aked he field sheet. Ensure that the units units the that Ensure sheet. field he e samples. e samples. s possible without stirring up the the up stirring without possible s s immediately prior to collecting collecting to prior immediately s section 3. section ooking at it. For large wetlands, wetlands, large For it. at ooking asins), or turbid claypans. The The claypans. turbid or asins), eln tp cn e on in found be can type wetland king around what is believed to to believed is what around king so take into account features features account into take so auge if available) and record record and available) if auge record latitude and longitude longitude and latitude record aturally saline, freshwater freshwater saline, aturally ossible to get the wetland wetland the get to ossible luding unusual features. features. unusual luding at (e.g. gauge) on the the on gauge) (e.g. at to, eln fr and form wetland ition, record the value in in value the record pH, conductivity and and conductivity pH,

with distilled distilled with

83

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 84

Filtered Total N and Total P sample:P Total N and Total Filtered DRAFT laborat the project. from requested be also may measurements nitrogen. soluble is analysing the sample to centrifuge it to elimina to it centrifuge to sample the analysing is fi th on note a claypans make and sample water 125mL turbid unfiltered sampling When difficult. becomes Note                       

Fill the 500mL sample bottle, cap and shake, then then shake, and cap bottle, sample 500mL the Fill collectio sample the of downwind wetland the Enter approp the from bottle sample water 500mL a Obtain Repeat the above step twice so that the bottle has bottle the that so twice step above the Repeat Take a few steps forward and refill the bottle by bottle the refill and forward steps few a Take Although not essential, it is recommended that the that recommended is it essential, not Although sampl the on type sample and code site the Scratch l is as there that so to capacity, bottle Fill the Rinse the syringe in distilled water by filling an water by filling in distilled syringe Rinse the Attach a disposable syringe filter and squirt into squirt and filter syringe a disposable Attach 50 m draw and filter syringe disposable the Remove th repeat and filter syringe disposable the Remove and discard. shake bottle, Cap the syringe, the to filter syringe disposable a Attach syringe. the into water wetland of 50 Draw mL twice. step above the Repeat th out pull water, wetland collected of mL 20 Draw again wetland, the from water of bucket a Collect approp the from bottle sample water 125mL a Obtain Rinse the syringe with distilled water and discard and water distilled with syringe Rinse the thein freezer bottle sample the place Immediately sampl the on type sample and code site the Scratch clo is bottle the until steps two above the Repeat water by charging in. in. charging water by walkin humans or represent animals by is disturbed been sample recently quality water the of collection before marker a permanent with bottle on the label behind you. behind down into the water column. If the wetland is less less is wetland the deep as possibl as from bottle the fill so possible If column. water the into down upright it tipping and 10-20cm, of depth a to down marker. marker. bottle has been rinsed with filtered water three ti water three filtered with rinsed been bottle has filte mL 125 the into squirt and your fingers, with out. disturbed. been before marker a permanent with bottle on the label marker. marker. freezing. during expansion liquid gap for 2cm

I te ape ae i to ubd r hr i too is there or turbid too is water sample the If : methodology for the AvonNRM region

ittle air left in the bottle as possible. possible. as bottle in left the air ittle d squirting. d squirting. te most of the sediment before measuring measuring before sediment the of most te the 125 mL sample bottle. sample mL 125 the mes. mes. bottle. sample red nutrients inserting the bottle into the water upside upside water the into bottle the inserting e without stirring up the sediment. sediment. up the stirring without e the used syringe filters. filters. syringe used the se to capacity, remembering to leave a a leave to remembering capacity, to se being careful not to touch the outlets outlets the touch to not careful being for preservation. preservation. for been rinsed three times. times. three rinsed been se samples are kept chilled. chilled. are kept samples se e syringe to capacity, swish and squirt squirt and swish capacity, to syringe e e above three steps twice so that the the that so twice steps three above e collecting the sample. sample. the collecting collecting the sample. sample. the collecting r, eedn o te ou o the of focus the on depending ory, e field sheet. Ask the laboratory that that an laboratory the Ask sheet. field collect e so impossible, is ltering L of wetland water. wetland L of previously have that areas avoiding so that the bottle fills from 10-20cm 10-20cm from fills bottle the that so ative of the wetland, and has not not has and wetland, the of ative n site. Ensure the area chosen for for chosen area the Ensure site. n much algae present then filtering filtering then present algae much riate analysis centre. Complete the the Complete centre. analysis riate riate analysis centre. Complete the the Complete centre. analysis riate e bottle and trace with permanent permanent with trace and bottle e e bottle and trace with permanent permanent with trace and bottle e than 20cm deep this will not be be not will this deep 20cm than g through it. Avoid stirring up the the up stirring Avoid it. through g empty the contents of the bottle bottle the of contents the empty 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation Collect invertebrate sample sample invertebrate Collect

Benthic sample (using 250 (using sample Benthic Plankton sample (using 50 (using sample Plankton DRAFT                Attach a clean 250 250 a clean Attach Attach a clean 50 clean a Attach sedime of amounts excessive contains sample the If t once bucket a into net the of contents the Empty net the of sweeps three sample, of each metre For to proportion in habitats major the of each Sample menta and wetland the of survey visual quick, a Do water. wetland innet Rinse the Fill pots with 100% ethanol, add lid and gently ro gently lid and add ethanol, 100% with Fill pots pots. two-litre 2, or 1 into contents net Transfer Rinse the net in wetland water. wetland innet Rinse the 250 Place o label adhesive an and inside label plastic Place Identify the major habitats available to be sample be to available habitats major the Identify ape ah f h mjr aias tee s 0 met 50 is there habitats, major the of each Sample with zooplankton and some attached rotifers: attached some and zooplankton with he aim The macrophyte). 30m water, open 20m example deep), 8m shallow, (2m litter leaf 10m macrophyte, be reduced by elutriation. This should be done with done be should This elutriation. by be reduced occa sampling one the during times bemultiple done collected be to wai to (up available depths different the including available) other habitats on (depending excessively in diversity little is withere however microhabitats, there Logically, proportions. relative their and No more than 2 pots should be required. be required. should pots than 2 No more on. 2). of 2, 2 of 1 pot (e.g. collect collected, date code, site type, sample the water and macrophyte communities. macrophyte water and dry. to leave and tap the under net the wash − − − − − − − − − −

Macrophyte – Sweep the net back and forth through through forth and back net the Sweep – Macrophyte dist to feet with motion shuffling a use Sediment: so feet with up litter leaf the stir litter: Leaf lengt the down and up scrape to nets the Logs: use Repeat the above steps until the bulk of the sedim of bulk until the steps above the Repeat sediment the minus net the through sample the Pour the bucket of contents the stir Vigorously hav they once sticks and litter leaf coarse Remove ¾ fill and clean with a bucket in sample the Place vigorou to net the of sweep first the use – Sedges bucket bucket invertebrates attached motion ani collect to column sweeps third and second the use then water column the through net the sweep and then sweep through the water column just above just water column the through sweep and then µ

m mesh net in a sealed container of dilute detergen dilute of container sealed a in net mesh m fr xml 1m ae eiet 5 salw 5 dee 5m shallow, (5m sediment bare 10m example (for µ m mesh net to the pole, ensuring that the small via small the that ensuring pole, the to net mesh m µ µ µ m mesh net to the pole. pole. to the net mesh m m mesh net): mesh m m mesh net) mesh m methodology for the AvonNRM region

Do not fill the pots more than two thirds. thirds. two than more pots the fill not Do this habitat so do not sample this habitat habitat this sample not do so habitat this tate to mix sample and ethanol. and sample ethanol. mix to tate st height), there is 50 metres of sample sample of metres 50 is there height), st he net is full or getting heavy. This can can This heavy. getting or full is net he or and if necessary the number of the of number the necessary if and or ll be more bare sediment than other other than sediment bare more be ll d. In general, there will be only open open only be will there general, In d. n the outside of the pot that contains contains that pot the of outside the n care and only when necessary: when necessary: only and care are required: required: are . 10m sedges). 10m that the animals are dislodged and and dislodged are animals the that lly note the major habitats available available habitats major the note lly sion. sion. nts, the volume of the sample can can sample the of volume the nts, e o sml t b collected be to sample of res wetland water water wetland ent is removed from the sample the sample from removed ent is hi eitne n h wetland, the in existence their urb the sediment, wait a second second a wait sediment, the urb h of the log of h re is to get a very clean sample sample clean very a get to is re sly disturb the vegetation and and vegetation the disturb sly e been visually inspected for for inspected visually been e the sedimentthe s settled in the bottom of the the of bottom the in settled s mals dislodged in the water water the in dislodged mals the vegetation in a zig-zag zig-zag a in vegetation the t. At the end of the day day the of end the At t. l is firmly screwed screwed firmly is l

p), 20m 20m p), (for (for 85

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 86

Collect waterbird data data waterbird Collect guide. Depending on the size of the wetland, waterb wetland, the of the size on guide. Depending t should binoc using birds Identify you off. them scaring site, before a at arrive you When off. scared difficul be can that species vagrant are Waterbirds When identifying waterbirds, keep the following in the following keep waterbirds, identifying When

Large, deep wetlands (>0.5m deep): (>0.5m wetlands deep Large, aroun – walk can <5km (circumference wetlands Small DRAFTwetlands: Large, shallow    carcinogen. carcinogen. Note:               Listen for clamorous reed warblers in dense reeds. in dense reed warblers clamorous for Listen Keep track of moving birds so that an individual i individual an thatso birds of moving track Keep If there are small numbers of birds, use the tally the birds, use of numbers there are small If s sotn soe o iacsil aes o larg or areas, inaccessible for scope spotting Use ak t es oe ioer aog h soeie s shoreline, the along kilometre one least at Walk gloves, Wearing it tipping by vial attached the of out fluid Drain org the ensure complete, is collection sample Once Use spotting scope for inaccessible areas areas inaccessible for scope spotting Use using wetland entire the around motor boat, a With 50 Place to mix. sample Agitate co site [with label adhesive external the Complete insit place and label sample plastic the Complete occasion rare the On empty and net sample the from vial net the Unscrew ak rud h wtad sreig l hbtt (f habitats all surveying wetland, the around Walk traversed on foot. on foot. traversed emergent vegetation, inundated trees, shorelines, o shorelines, trees, inundated vegetation, emergent vial. polycarbonate wa wetland with clean vial rinsing by the into down air so that they are easier to count. count. to easier are they airthat so and grebes) as (such birds diving and shy approach an2)] of 2, 2(e.g. 1 of number vial and collector to sort. consuming time are very materi unnecessary collect to not cautious Be used. make which should with fixative, vial sample up the the net. of sides the rewash and the net a be (should full too is vial the If vial. the into inundated trees, shorelines, open water, riparian t water, riparian open shorelines, trees, inundated dry. to leave and tap the under net the wash Always wash hands thoroughly after using formalin formalin using after thoroughly hands wash Always − − Water column - Sweep through water column in 1 met 1 in column water through Sweep - column Water Macrophytes – Very Very – Macrophytes different submerged macrophyte communities macrophyte submerged different end of each sweep. Never each sweep. of end ne lifting surface, the to back and bed the near to µ m mesh net in a sealed container of dilute detergen dilute of container sealed a in net mesh m use formalin fixative to rinse out the net vial in vial net the out rinse to fixative formalin use

ta tesml sto ag o i nooe vial, one into fit to large too is sample the that methodology for the AvonNRM region

gently touch the sediment with the net the with sediment the touch move the net through and between all of the the of all between and through net the move ulars or spotting scope and the waterbird field field waterbird the and scope spotting or ulars mind: mind: ird data is collected in different ways: different in is collected data ird t to identify from a distance and are easily easily are and distance a from identify to t ake a not of what waterbirds are present present are waterbirds what of not a ake bout 80% full), tip some water out through through out water some tip full), 80% bout against the net and flicking it back down down back it flicking and net the against system. system. d stick to 120mL sample vial. sample to 120mL d stick d in <1 hour): <1 d in s not counted more than once. than once. more counted not s ide the 120mL sample vial. vial. sample 120mL the ide rees). rees). ter. ter.

-up at least 50% of the volume. volume. the of 50% -up at least pen water, fringing wetland trees). trees). wetland water, fringing pen a combination of motoring slowly to to slowly motoring of combination a , hlo wtad ta cno be cannot that wetlands shallow e, al when sampling as these samples samples these as sampling when al urveying all habitats (for example: example: (for habitats all urveying at speed to make ducks take to the the to take ducks make to speed at or example: emergent vegetation, vegetation, emergent example: or de, sample type, date collected, collected, date type, sample de, anisms are washed from the net net the from washed are anisms

t out of water and draining at at draining and water of out t contents into a 120 mL mL 120 a into contents fixative as it is a known known a is it as fixative

re arcs from the surface surface the from arcs re t. At the end of the day day the of end the At t. to the 120 mL vial. Top Top vial. mL 120 the to two vials can be be can vials two 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation Collect vegetation data data vegetation Collect and additional annual species. species. annual additional and the beginning to middle of summer to collect any pr any collect to summer of middle to beginning the l species to vegetation wetland-related non-aquatic botanists by conducted be should survey floral The DRAFT                f hr ae ag fok o brs d mlil co multiple do birds, of flocks large are there If If a bird cannot be identified, record copious not copious record identified, be cannot bird a If chicks/juven of clutches (i.e. counts brood Record Record presence and abundance of all species on th on allof species abundance and presence Record Walk around the wetland (if feasible) and determin and feasible) (if wetland the around Walk Write any species names or temporary descriptions descriptions temporary or names species any Write descri and ID Quadrat the with specimen each Label v of species the identify area, quadrat the Within looki quadrat, the of corner each from photos Take of consists which quadrat, the of name the Record 10 x 10m normally are (these quadrat the Establish sample and established be should quadrats Ideally, o percentage the estimate opinion, expert on Based t on quadrats the of location the label and Circle quadr of location including sketch site a Complete Quadrat information Quadrat General site information (may need to be completed be completed to need (may information site General record for each vegetation species present in the q the in present species each vegetation for record co each to attached labels the to correspond should fr specimens Keep ID. with Quadrat the labelled bag flo seed heads, example best the gather to ensuring botani experienced an by site the at made be cannot sheet. field the on name quadrat the beside where onsketch the site Mark lunette). zone (e.g. even extreme in inundated flat 2 elevated = basin, 3 action, thoro wetland = a (1 provide code elevation sheet, the including field the On ARB001A). (e.g. the the of centre Mark corner. in each pickets star quadrat the measuring by zone) vegetation narrow a is this as season, growing the of end the again at on wetland (table whole the for category condition wetland. the of features vegetation-related other prominent speci aquatic the dominant encompass to established vegetation submerged is there If dunes. the on two quadrat 1 least at wetland, saline naturally an small flora of diversity the on depending established, different the of vegetation materials plant derived non-evaporite and evaporite the sample to placed be zones. vegetation structural major the identifying count. the maximum record distinctive features as well as making detailed ske detailed making as well as features distinctive

methodology for the AvonNRM region eviously unavailable seeds (e.g. (e.g. seeds unavailable eviously evel. Quadrats will need to be re-visited at at re-visited be to need will Quadrats evel. experienced in identifying both aquatic and and aquatic both identifying in experienced he cross-section of a typical Wheatbelt Wheatbelt typical a of cross-section he quadrat with a GPS. quadrat when many of the aquatics flourish. flourish. the aquatics of many when iles) of each species present. present. each species of iles) es on general shape, colouring, calls, calls, colouring, shape, general on es tches on the datasheet. datasheet. on the tches samples were collected. collected. were samples wetland. Around large playas, quadrats should should quadrats playas, large Around page 3 of the datasheet). datasheet). the 3 of page e the location of sampling quadrats by by quadrats sampling of location the e after sampling) – page 3page – sampling) after unts from different perspectives and and perspectives different from unts will be established on the beach and and beach the on established be will uadrat. uadrat. any and wetland the to relation in ats ng into it. Record the photo numbers numbers photo the Record it. into ng . Between 1 and 10 quadrats can be be can quadrats 10 and 1 Between . wers and roots (if possible). possible). and (if roots wers with dealing if 20m x 5 otherwise m, llected specimen. There should be a a be should There specimen. llected ts and 4 = terrestrial) and structural structural and terrestrial) = 4 and ts om different quadrats separated. separated. quadrats different om d size of the wetland. At a typical, typical, a At wetland. the of size d egetation present. If identifications identifications If present. egetation e second page of field sheet. field sheet. of page second e st, collect samples of each species, species, each of samples collect st, with a marking tape and banging in in banging and tape marking a with present, then a quadrat should be be should quadrat a then present, ption and place into a large plastic plastic large a into place and ption = zone of typical inundation/wave inundation/wave typical of zone = es. h st cd ad qart letter quadrat a and code site the d at the beginning of spring and and spring of beginning the at d on the field sheet. These names names These sheet. field the on substrates associated with the the with associated substrates ugh description of the quadrat quadrat the of description ugh wetland f vegetation in each each in vegetation

Tecticornia 87 ) )

3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation 88

Interferences Interferences observations Other en icse i te tg 3 eln eauto me evaluation wetland 3 stage protocol. in this detail in discussed the in c discussed the been involve sheet si and field diversity naturalness, the rarity, the regarding of pages two last The

Waterbird dataWaterbird samplesInvertebrate Water quality samplesWater In situ The interferences associated with the collection of with collection the associated interferences The of with collection the associated interferences The The interferences associated with the collection of with collection the associated interferences The DRAFT of with collection the associated interferences The                opee h vgtto cmoiin al o te l the on table composition vegetation the Complete Incorrect identification of invertebrates in the l in the invertebrates of identification Incorrect samples of collection Incorrect samples of preservation Incorrect samples of labelling Incorrect t due sites between samples of contamination Cross to: due the laboratory from results Inaccurate from: the samples of Contamination Underestimation of species numbers due to missed s due to missed numbers species of Underestimation incorrectly counts or species the Recording waterbirds of counts Incorrect waterbirds of identification Incorrect incorre (including readings of recording Incorrect calibration meter Inaccurate vege structural each major for process this Repeat uda ecp autc ones aquatic except quadrat f h sm pg. s te ecitos o cr the score to descriptions the in vegetation the of state Use and structure invasion, page. same the of vegetation the complete to used is information This stressed percent cover, percent the identify herb), are likely to have been lost from the area due to t the to area due from lost been have to are likely water quality measurementswater quality − − − − − − Laboratory error error Laboratory samples of preservation Incorrect samples of labelling Incorrect with fin bottles sample water and syringe Touching sites between at or properly equipment Not rinsing hands on chemicals other or Sunscreens

methodology for the AvonNRM region Fr ah tau (.. re upr hu, oe s lower shrub, upper tree, (e.g. stratum each For . gnificance values of the wetland. These have have These wetland. the of values gnificance invertebrate samples are: samples invertebrate are: samples water quality waterbird data are: data waterbird are: data of type this aboratory aboratory ollection of various other observations observations other various of ollection ct units) units) ct hreats. hreats. the quadrat. Also note any species that that species any note Also quadrat. the and recruitment of dominant species. species. dominant of recruitment and tation zones identified in the wetland. the in identified zones tation thodology and therefore will not be be not will therefore and thodology o ineffective washing of nets nets of washing ineffective o condition information at the bottom bottom the at information condition ightings ightings ast vegetation fieldsheet for every every for fieldsheet vegetation ast

gers or other chemicals other or chemicals gers regenerative capacity, weed weed capacity, regenerative hrub, 3Stage basin wetland classificationand evaluation

Vegetation dataVegetation DRAFT of with collection the associated interferences The     ne-apig h st s ta mjr tutrl z structural major that so site the Under-sampling sightin missed to due diversity of Underestimation specimens labeling Incorrectly vegetation of identification Incorrect enough quadrats) quadrats) enough

methodology for the AvonNRM region floral data are: data floral gs / collections of new species new species of collections / gs ones are missed (i.e. not sampling sampling not (i.e. missed are ones 89

* - previously - * recorded at wetlandsin the Avon JAMBA= Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, C Wood Sandpiper* White-wingedFairy-wren Hartog(Dirk Island), Dirk White-wingedTern Black Sharp-tailed Sandpiper* Red-necked Stint* Red-necked(Northern) Phalarope (Red-neckedPhalaro PintailSnipe (Pin-tailed Snipe) Painted Snipe Oriental Pratincole NightParrot MarshSandpiper Long-toed Stint LittleStint LittleRinged Plover LittleCurlew (Little * Whimbrel) Latham's (JapaneseSnipe Snipe) Grey(Black-bellied) Plover* Greenshank(Common Greenshank)* GreatEgret (White Egret)* HartogDirk IslandRufous Fieldwren CurlewSandpiper* CrestedTern Common Sandpiper* Cattle Egret CaspianTern Black-tailedGodwit Australia and-WhiteFairy-wren PectoralSandpiper Oriental Plover Glossy Ibis* Bar-tailedGodwit AustralasianBittern* AppendixBird F- species listed by Australianthe a framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av 90 DRAFT Commonname Hartog Black- onNRM region wetlands(2008) AMBA= China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement,RO pe)* Tringaglareola Malurus leucopterusleucopterus Chlidoniasleucopterus (Sterna leucoptera) acuminataCalidris ruficollisCalidris Phalaropuslobatus Gallinagostenura (Capella stenura) melanotosCalidris Rostratulabenghalensis Glareolamaldivarum Charadriusveredus Pezoporusoccidentalis Tringastagnatilis minutillaCalidris (including Calidris subminuta) minutaCalidris Charadriusdubius Numeniusminutus(Numenius borealis) Gallinagohardwickii (Capella hardwickii) Pluvialis squatarola Tringanebularia Egrettaalba Plegadisfalcinellus Calamanthuscampestris hartogi Calidris ferruginea Sternabergii Tringahypoleucos (Actitis hypoleucos) Bubulcusibis (Ardeola ibis) Hydropognetschegrava (Hydroprogne caspia) Limosalimosa Limosalapponica Botauruspoiciloptilus ndState governments, have which been recorded in i

cetfcnm JAMBA Scientificname

KAMBARepublic= of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird

                                                                   

CAMBA

ROKAMBA nlandSouth-Western

Vulnerable

Vulnerable Endangered Australian Status Agreement

  WAthreatened gov. species      

threatened-ecological-communities.html < Source: ofarea Western Australia AppendixThreatened G - Ecological Communities list framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av o ThreatenedEcological Community No 2006 December Dated 2 Assemblagesof organicthe moundsprings of the 12 Plantassemblages of Broomehillthe System 11 Plantassemblages of Ineringthe System(Beard 1 10 7 6 5 Herbaceousplant assemblages onBentonite Lakes 4 3 2 1 9 8 CRCritically– Endangered;EN – Endangered;VN V –

DRAFTrosellifera Eucalyptus loxophleba Clayassemblages flats of the Irwin River: Sedgelan redloam on flats the foothills. on hills; Plantassemblages of Moonaginthe System (Beard 197 Acacia summits; Allocasuarinahuegeliana ebbanoensis shallowredloam over massiveironstone on steep ro campestris Plantassemblages of Koolanookathe System(Beard 1 red/brownsoils onloamy the slopesand ridges andcreeklines; and mixedor scrub scrub dominated Eucalyptus loxophleba openover mallee mixedon scrub yellowoversand gr Allocasuarina campestris Plantassemblages of Billerangathe System (Beard 1 floristicregion. Allocasuarina campestris Heathdominated by one or more of lakethe floor. dominated Unwoodedfreshwater wetlands of southern the Wheatb standsof living Perched fresh-waterwetlands of thenorthern Wheatb floor. (Sheoak Perchedwetlands of the region Wheatbelt with exten http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/management-and-protection/ sp. on scrub granite Acacia Casuarinaobesa Eucalyptusloxophleba shrublandonbrown sand/loam over clay of flats th scrubover redon loam hill slopes;Shrubs and eme by Muehlenbeckiahorrida subsp scrub with scattered Eucalyptuscamaldulensis . ebbanoensis . and scattered woodland over sandyloam clay orrocky clay onlow thicketon clay sandsover laterite on slopesand on ridgesand slopesof the chert hills of the Coo over red andloam ironstone on upperthe slopesan ) and) Paperbark (

woodland over on scrub the footslopes; and mixed andmallee Regeliamegacephala, Kunzea praestans Eucalyptusloxophleba E. camaldulensisE. subsp. (River Red Gum) across the lake floor. > Melaleucastrobophylla abdita onNRM region wetlands(2008) Acacia ulnerable; Presumed– PD Destroyed Three Springs area EN B) EN i), EN ThreeSprings area 976) and dsand grasslands with patches of sp. scrubwith scattered cky slopes; standssive of living Swamp by avelonwestern slopes; 976): eltdominated byextensive over 976): eltof WesternAustralia, 6): Dodonaeainaequifolia Tecticorniaverrucosa and Acacia Melaleuca –filifolia Acaciaacuminata e Irwine River. Allocasuarina rgent malleeson Eucalyptusoleosa Eucalyptus scrub onred soil ) across lakethe ed Avon-Wheatbeltforthe mberdale threatened-species/wa-s- ridges; erslopes

and d across and over on A. criteria criteria undermet WA Categorythreatof and CRi);A) CR 11);CRA) C) CRi),B) CR ii) B) PD A),PD PD B) A),VN VN B) A),VN VN B) A),VN VN B) EN B)EN iii) EN B)EN ii) PD B) B) PD VN A) A) VN PD A) A) PD

91

Chinocup) GypsumDunes (Lake ( Yate ‘BeaufortRiver Flats’) alluvialflats (previously westernthe on Wheatbelt astringens Brown mallet Branch) MortlockRiver (East Assemblagesof the SaltFlats Plant transportedyellow sand lowwoodlands on Xylomelumangustifolium prionotesBanksia shrubland Tamma-Dryandra-Eremaea transcontinentalis DenseMelaleuca thicketswith emergent mallee District seeps of the AvonBotanical Naturalorganic saline sands heathlandondeep white Mottlecahdominated strobophylla Canegrassperched clay wetlands the of wheatbelt do AvonPools Wheatbelt RedMorrel of theWoodland formation) (bandedironstone vegetationcomplex HighclereHills(Mayfield) threatened-ecological-communities.html < Source: Western Australiaof AppendixPriority H- Ecological Communities (PEC) framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av 92 Community 2008 August Dated PriorityEcological

Eucalyptusoccidentalis DRAFT communitiesin http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/management-and-protection/ across lakethe floor Eucalyptus of of the WheatbeltRegion and ) dominated) alluvial claypansof the JingalupSoil Eucalyptus the clays grey on River Arthur by the dominated on and York Near herbs rich onwashlines and salinewetlands. with rises, sandy ( co communityplant The zone.agricultural SW the of d extensivebraidedsaline most the representsarea o occurs elevation by assorted communities plant of west km 8 to eastwardsMeckering from (East) River 39 stretching high) 2m to (up rises km sandy and lines 2 to (up channels braided comprises habitat The constricta. Dampiera leschenaultii, Calytrix of spec a has community The Unit. Landform Ulva the on yellowdunes(formed sands from sheetsof transport prionotes Banksia grasslandover cream sandsof the Ulva Landform Uni erythrocephala of paucifloraEremaea sands cream Unit. Landform on shrubland Tamma-Dryandra-Eremaea see saline the to upland the sandplain,2)Saline from andseep 3). Adjacentflats an bands of series a character is community this of occurrence known The proteaceoussandplain community. sands white deep on heathland dominated Mottlecah Wheatbelt AvonBotanical District. to fresh of sections braided natural and pools Deep of woodlands open Tall Threats:ironore mining. rse. t ouu ad er ablu o bon cla andsucculent (shrubs brown on Tambellup near and Kojunup At grasses. inunit which itis foundvalleyis floors,usually Wheat eastern and central the in systems lake above It understorey. little very has and woodlands Gum) with soil granitic or ironstone lateritic, on Wheatbelt Otherinformation coti capitataScholtzia rvle eisaha Mllua etsemie, V leptospermoides, Melaleuca eriostachya, Grevillea uayts salmonophloia Eucalyptus

aff. Melaleuca viminea Melaleuca incrassata pn et over heath open Eucalyptuserythronema cca lasiocalyx Acacia Melaleuca thyoides Melaleuca > , , and , , Melaleuca onNRM region wetlands(2008) minated byminated rada armataDryandra Disphyma crassifolium Xylomelum angustifolium Xylomelum Eclpu macrocarpa (Eucalyptus uayts longicornis Eucalyptus mallee overlow ongypsum scrub dunes. aff. Slo Gm, or Gum), (Salmon Eragrostisaustralasica vr egs ( sedges over spp., ercn alopecuroidea Neurachne uncinata and on margins, dwarf scrub and species and scrub dwarf margins, on , , ace preissiana Baeckea var. ae aculeata Hakea loaurn campestris Allocasuarina Eclpu macrocarpa Eucalyptus . oe seis ih eb on herbs rich species over ) ) dominate) the understorey. adjacent to saline areas. marginata listedforthe Wheatbelt region ytm Priority2 System Gahnia trifidaGahnia rd orl) on i the in found morrell) (red Low Woodlands on large on Woodlands Low ye. oeie found Sometimes types. threatened-species/wa-s- d flowlines. km along the Mortlock the along km rainage line in this partthis in rainageline edsand in the valleys) brackish rivers of the of rivers brackish mprises mixed shrubs mixed mprises

subsp. subsp. s lo on directly found also is of Tammin. A mosaicA Tammin.of n the river flats. The flats. river the n t. t. . loxophleba E. ised by vegetation in vegetation by ised belt. The landscape The belt. ies rich understoreyrich ies ie, lt, wash- flats, wide), . ) ue and Dunes 1) p. and s pre shrubs sparse ys and understorey is is understorey rioda roei, erticordia and Eucalyptus Melaleuca macrocarpa) ad bunch and ) and ey open very h Ulva the Dryandra Borya (York over over Priority1 Priority1 Priority1 Priority1 Priority1 Priority1 Priority2 Priority1 Priority1 Priority1 Priority1 Priority1 Status

WonganHills System Plantassemblages of the complexes RangeParker vegetation outcropsadjacent laterite to on the eastern slopes Allocasuarinahuegeliana lateritia shrublandsof Claypanswithdense mid community esculentum huegeliana Wheatbelt Community framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av PriorityEcological

DRAFT overherbs* Allocasuarina over fernland Melaleuca Pteridium and Lepdiospermatuberculatum acutivalvis salmonophloia scrub;and open ofmallee woodlands; salubris E. longicornis/ asper l in and slopes; scree clay/ironstone/greenstoneon campestris/Calothamnus coronicarpa Melaleuca p the below slopes on gravel over loam brown red on over Mallee Mallaterite plateaus; the of slopes the on thicket hills; a lateritic summit of on slopes ironstone on mallee over soils gravely shallow on over Mallee massivegreenstone ridges. and bre (laterites, caps); ridges on gossanous soils skeletal on thicket capillosa rises; low and ridges corrugata of base the at soils sandy sheathiana pendula Hakea aquati by characterized are lemnoides claypans These plateau. b lateritia Melaleuca dominated usually basins) (predominantly Claypans ofbase granitea inselberg. a in Occurs forbland. sparse various over fernland buxifolia over forest closed emergent Tall Otherinformation Villarsia capitata tall sparse shrubland over shrubland sparse tall subsp. and – Priority 4) and amphibious taxa (e.g. taxa amphibious and 4) Priority – and with cca acuminata Acacia erpie htlwrhaaAlcsaia campestri shuttleworthiana/Allocasuarina Petrophile Eucalyptussalmonophloia . salubris E. and A. corniculata A. and al huln i o priua significance. particular of is Shrubland Tall . transcontinentalis E. polyclada of Darlingthe Scarp. cca acuminata Acacia curn bt o te osa pan n te adjacen the and plain coastal the on both occurring . salubris E. onNRM region wetlands(2008) Eleocharis keigheryi heath on shallow red soil on scarp slopes; slopes; scarp on soil red shallow on heath woodland, alti glaucophylla Callitris E. drummondii.E. growingonthe south-western of side granite or and/or on deeper sandy soils of lateritic ridges; lateritic of soils sandy deeper on . myriadena E. low forest; forest; low woodland on broad flats; flats; broad on woodland . salmonophloia E. Pteridium esculentum Pteridium . loxophleba E. i-ih sltd re over trees isolated mid-high and/or over

hce oe red-brown over thicket - DRF).- . ebbanoensis E. woodland on broad flats; flats; broad on woodland Allocasuarinahuegeliana . eremophila E. lee over Melaleuca thicket Melaleucaover lee o oe woln on woodland open low loaurn campestris Allocasuarina Glossostigma diandrumGlossostigma ower areas: ower kwy ad massive and akaways . longicornis E. the near line drainage over

lateau; Mallee over Mallee lateau; and d lps Shrub slopes; nd a huln of shrubland a y ae pendens Hakea ( c very tall closed tall very . loxophleba E. Allocasuarina odad on woodland ale over mallee Hydrocotyle Eucalyptus Eucalyptus s s with thicket Alyxia tall E. E. A. E. , , t Priority3(iii) Priority2 Priority2 Status Priority4(a) Priority2

93

surveyWheatbelt of wetlands(whole area) (Lyons Appendix-Flora speciesI that were identified as Baumeapreissii Baumeajuncea Baumeaarticulata Baumeaarthrophylla occidentalisBanksia littoralisBanksia Baeckeauncinella Baeckeapygmaea Austrostipa vickeryana Austrostipajuncifolia Austrostipageoffreyi Atriplex semilunaris Atriplex semibaccata Atriplexprostrata Atriplexnana Atriplexhymenotheca Atriplexholocarpa Atriplex codonocarpa Astartea Astartea 2434) Astartea Astarteaaff. fascicularis Apiumannuum Angianthuspygmaeus Angianthusprostratus Angianthuspreissianus Angianthusmicropodioides Haegi) L. Angianthusgypsophilus Angianthusdrummondii Amphibromusnervosus Alternantheranodiflora Agrostisavenacea Agonisjuniperina Actinostrobuspyramidalis Callistemonphoeniceus Calandrinia Calandrinia Bromusarenarius Brachysemamelanopetalum Brachyscomehalophila Brachyscomeaff. iberidifolia Bossiaeahalophila Boroniaspathulata Boroniajuncea Boroniadenticulata Bolboschoenuscaldwellii Blennosporaphlegmatocarpa Bergiaperennis Baumeavaginalis Baumearubiginosa Habitat Status Species name

framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av 94 sp.Rivers(K. Newbey 1740) sp.Esperance (A. Fairall 2431) sp.Eastern swamps(A.G. Gunness

sp.Needilup (K.R. Newbey 4892) sp.Hyden (R.J.Cranfield 11298) DRAFT subsp. subsp. exigua laxa ms (P.S.ms 2360Short &

1 rnig Fringing* P1 1 rnig Fringing* P1 Fringing* P3 3 rnig Fringing* P3 Fringing* P2 Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious onNRM region wetlands(2008)

restricted to wetlandsduring the SAP Chordifexlaxus Cyperus congestus Cyperochloahirsuta Cynodondactylon Cyclosorusinterruptus Crenidiumspinescens natansCrassula alataCrassula Cotulacotuloides Cotulacoronopifolia Cotulabipinnata Cicendiaquadrangularis Cicendia filiformis Chorizandraenodis Chenopodiumglaucum Chamaescillagibsonii Chaetanthusaristatus Centrolepishumillima Centrolepisalepyroides Centipedacrateriformis Centipedacrateriformis Centellaasiatica Centauriumerythraea Casuarinaobesa Carexinversa Callitrichehamulata Chorizandracymbaria Chondropyxishalophila Habitat Status Species name billardiereanum Epilobiumbillardiereanum subsp. Epilobiumbillardiereanum Eleocharispusilla Eleocharis keigheryi Eleocharisacuta Elatinemacrocalyx Elatinegratioloides Dithyrostegiaamplexicaulis distichophyllaDistichlis Callitrichestagnalis Epilobiumciliatum zigzagiaDrosera Droserasalina Droseragigantea drummondiiDiuris Didymanthusroei Dichopogon Deyeuxiaquadriseta Darwiniahalophila Damasoniumminus Cytogonidiumleptocarpoides Cyperusgymnocaulos etal., 2004) aff. preissii

subsp. subsp. crateriformis compacta 3 Fringing* P3 2 Fringing* P2 Aquatic R Fringing* R Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Fringing* Fringing*

Gratiolapubescens Bremer132) Goodenia Goodeniaoccidentalis Goodeniamicrantha 41VM/1099) Goodenia Gomphrena Gnephosisuniflora Gnephosistrifida Gnephosissetifera Gnephosismultiflora Gnephosismacrocephala Gnephosiscassiniana Gnephosisacicularis Glyceriadrummondii Glossostigmadrummondii Glossostigmadiandrum Gahniatrifida Frankeniatetrapetala 2864) Frankenia Frankenia setosa/glomerata Frankeniapunctata Frankeniapulverulenta 2868) Frankeniapauciflora Frankeniaglomerata Frankeniadrummondii Frankenia conferta Frankenia cinerea/punctataspecies complex Frankenia cinerea Frankeniabracteata Frankenia Frankenia Fitzwilliaaxilliflora Eucalyptus victrix Eucalyptus sargentii Eucalyptus salicola Eucalyptusrudis Eucalyptusoccidentalis Eucalyptus camaldulensisrudis x Eucalyptus camaldulensis var.obtusa StatusEryngium Eryngiumpinnatifidum (B.J.Keighery2129) Eryngiumpinnatifidum Eryngiumpinnatifidum Eryngiumferox Eragrostisaustralasica Epitrichedemissus Epilobiumtetragonum Epilobiumhirtigerum Species name

sp. Lake Muirsp. (E. 2293)Wittwer sp.Lake King (M.Gustafsson et K. aff. sp.Scadden (C.D. Turley sp.southern gypsum (M.N. Lyons aff. aff.

sp. Nullewa sp. (M.N.LyonsLake 2914)

laxiflora cinerea framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av ms

“broadhispid” (M.N. Lyons (Barnsley1696) (M.N.Lyons 2867)

DRAFT subsp. subsp ssp. minus ms species complex palustre umbraphilus

ms

ms

2 rnig Fringing* P2 Fringing* P3 1 rnig Fringing* P1 Fringing* P1 Fringing* P1 Fringing* P3 Fringing* P1 Fringing* P2 Fringing* P2 Fign* Fringing* R Fringing* R rnig Fringing* rnig Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* rnig Fringing*

Habitat onNRM region wetlands(2008)

Isoetesmuelleri Hydrocotylehexaptera Hydrocotyle crassipes Hainardiacylindrica Juncus pallidusJuncus Gunniopsisrubra Juncus kraussii Juncus flavidus Juncus capitatus aridicolaJuncus acutusJuncus Jacksoniaarida Isotoma pusilla Isolepis stellata Isolepis setiformis productaIsolepis oldfieldianaIsolepis Isolepis cernua australiensisIsolepis aff.Isolepis fluitans Isoetesdrummondii Isoetesaustralis Hypoxis salina Hypericumjaponicum Hydrocotyle vigintimilia Hydrocotyle Hydrocotylemuriculata Hydrocotylemedicaginoides Hydrocotyle lemnoides Hydrocotyle coorowensis Hopkinsiaanoectocolea Hopkinsiaadscendens Holcussetiger Heliophila Haegiela tatei Gunniopsis septifraga Gunniopsisquadrifida Gunniopsisintermedia Gunniopsisglabra pce ae Status Species name Hemichroapentandra Hemichroadiandra Hemarthriauncinata Heliotropiumcurassavicum Gunniopsisrodwayi Juncus radulaJuncus bufoniusJuncus Isolepis fluitans Isolepis congrua sp.Gunyidi (R.G. Rees 42) sp.Truslove (M.A.Burgman 4419) ms (R.Cugley ms 89) subsp. australiensis

1 Fringing* P1 3 Fringing* P3 2 Fringing* P2 Fringing* P1 Fringing* P1 Fringing* P1 Aquatic P4 Fringing* P2 Fringing* P3 Fringing* P3 Fringing* P2 Aquatic Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Aquatic Amphibious

Habitat

95

Gibson 3844)Gibson Melaleuca Meeboldinatephrina Meeboldinascariosa Meeboldinaroycei Meeboldinakraussii Meeboldinacrebriculmis Meeboldinacoangustata Meeboldinacana Marsileamutica Marsileadrummondii Marsileacostulifera Marsileaangustifolia Maireanaatkinsiana Maireanaamoena Lythrumwilsonii Lythrumhyssopifolia (A.S.form” George 14295) Lomandramicrantha Lobelia alata Limosellaaustralis Lepyrodiamuirii Lepyrodiaglauca Lepyrodiafortunata Leptocarpustenax Lepilaenapreissii Lepilaenacylindrocarpa Lepilaenaaustralis StatusLepilaena Lepidospermalongitudinale Lemnadisperma Lechenaultiaexpansa Lawrenciasquamata Lawrenciaspicata Lawrenciaglomerata Lawrenciadiffusa Kippistia suaedifolia Juncus subsecundus Species name Melaleucathyoides Melaleucateretifolia Melaleucasubalaris Melaleucastrobophylla Melaleucastereophloia Melaleucarhaphiophylla Melaleucapreissiana Melaleucalateritia Melaleucaincana Melaleucaincana Melaleucahalmaturorum Melaleucadensa Melaleucacuticularis Melaleucabrophyi Melaleucabrevifolia Melaleucabasicephala Melaleucaatroviriis ms A framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av 96 aff.

aff. cylindrocarpa DRAFT stereophloia subsp. subsp. subsp. tenella incana

(G.J.Keighery N. &

teretifolia“robust 2 Amphibious P2 3 Amphibious P3 4 rnig Fringing* P4 rnig Fringing* Aquatic Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Fringing* Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious rnig Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing*

Habitat onNRM region wetlands(2008)

Phalarisparadoxa Muehlenbeckiahorrida Oleariatrifurcata Oleariaincondita Neosciadiumglochidiatum marinaNajas Myriophyllumlimnophilum Myriophyllumechinatum Myriocephalusgascoynensis Myriocephalusappendiculatus Myosurusminimus Muehlenbeckiaflorulenta Muehlenbeckia australasicaMontia repensMimulus Millotia steetziana Microtisorbicularis Micropterumpapulosum Mesembryanthemumnodiflorum Ranunculus sessiliflorus Ranunculuspumilio Ranunculus colonorum Puccinelliaciliata Polypogonmonspeliensis Podothecauniseta Podothecapritzelii Pimeleahalophila Myriophyllumdrummondii Myriophyllum Myriocephaluspygmaeus Myriocephalusoldfieldii Myriocephalusoccidentalis Status Melaleucaviminea Species name Puccinelliastricta Ptilotus Ptilotusfasciculatus Pseudognaphaliumluteoalbum Prasophyllumgracile Potamogetonpectinatus Potamogetonochreatus Potamogetondrummondii Potamogeton crispus Phalarisminor Persicariaprostrata Pericalymmaellipticum Pericalymmaellipticum Burbidge&A. Kanis8158) Peplidium Lyons544) Patersonia Paspalum vaginatum Paspalumdistichum Parapholis incurva Oxylobiumlineare Otteliaovalifolia sp. lakesp. salt (M. Graham 200.28)G sp.C Evol.Fl.Fauna Arid Aust.(N.T.

sp. Swamp formGibson(N. &M. aff. aff.

tillaeoides florulenta var. australis subsp. var.

ellipticum abdita

3 Aquatic P3 Fringing* P3 Amphibious P3 Fringing* P2 3 Fringing* P3 Fringing* P2 Fringing* P2 Amphibious R Fringing* R Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Aquatic Fringing* Amphibious Aquatic Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Aquatic Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Fringing*

Habitat Stylidiuminsensitivum Stylidiumguttatum Stylidium caespitosum Stylidium Stenopetalum salicola Stemodiaflorulenta Sporobolus virginicus Spergularia Spergularia Spergulariamarina Sondottiaconnata Sonchushydrophilus Sebaeaovata Sclerostegiamoniliformis Sclerostegiadisarticulata Sclerostegiaarbuscula Sclerostegia Scholtziacapitata Schoenustenellus **Schoenus Schoenusplumosus Schoenusnatans GibsonN. 6732) Schoenusnanus Schoenusloliaceus **Schoenuselegans **Schoenus capillifolius **Schoenolaenajuncea **Scaevolapulvinaris Scaevola collaris **Sarcocorniaquinqueflora Sarcocorniaglobosa **Sarcocorniablackiana Samolusrepens Samolusrepens Samolusjunceus Samolus caespitosus StatusRuppiatuberosa Ruppiapolycarpa Ruppiamegacarpa Ruppiamaritima Rumexcrispus Roycea spinescens pycnophylloidesRoycea divaricataRoycea Rhodanthepyrethrum Regelia inops Species name aff. sp.3Bullfinch (R.A. Saffrey905) sp.1Mollerin (P.G. 6078) Wilson sp.Jindong Royce(R.D. 2485) obtusatum aff. framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av disarticulata

v a r var. “dwarf(G.J.form” Keighery & . repens . DRAFT floribundus (M.N.Lyons 2819)

1 rnig Fringing* P1 Aquatic P4 Aquatic P2 Aquatic P2 Fringing* P3 Amphibious P3 Fign* Fringing* R rnig Fringing* rnig Fringing* Fringing* rnig Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Aquatic Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing*

Habitat onNRM region wetlands(2008)

Gunnessal. et OAKP4/52) Triglochin calcitrapum Trichanthodiumexile Tribonanthes violacea (M.N.Lyons2940) Triglochin calcitrapum (G.J.Keighery2477) Triglochin calcitrapum (G.J.Keighery&N. Gibson 7087) Triglochin calcitrapum 2942) Triglochin calcitrapum (M.N.Lyons2821) Triglochin calcitrapa 564)Gibson Trichocline Tribonanthesuniflora 2387)Gibson Tribonanthes Tribonanthesminuta Tribonanthes longipetala Thysanotusnudicaulis **Thysanotus Tegicorniauniflora **Tecticorniaverrucosa Tecticorniaundulata Tecticornia syncarpa Tecticornia Tecticornia LyonsS.D. 2760) Tecticornia Tecticorniapterygosperma Tecticorniapruinosa Tecticorniapergranulata xdoleiformis Tecticorniapergranulata Tecticornia lylei Tecticornia leptoclada Tecticornia indica Tecticorniahalocnemoides Tecticornia fimbriata Tecticorniaentrichoma Tecticorniadoleiformis **Tecticorniaarborea Tecticornia Tecticornia Tecticornia Tecticornia Suaedaaustralis Stylidiumroseonanum **Stylidiumlongitubum Stylidiuminundatum Tecticorniapeltata Tecticornia lepidosperma Status Symphyotrichum subulatum Stylidiumlepidum Species name

sp.Treeton (B.J. Keighery N. & sp.Lake Moore (M.N. Lyons2603) sp.Gunyidi (M.N. Lyons 2607) sp.Central Wheatbelt (M.N.Lyons & aff. aff. aff. aff.

sp.Lake Muir (G.J. KeigheryN. & aff. undulata pergranulata pergranulata doleformis nudicaulis

subsp.

“slender sessile” ms (M. N. Lyonsms 2929) “slenderpedicellate” (A.G. subsp. subsp. subsp. “fat sessile”(M.N.Lyons subsp.

bidens

(M.N.Lyons2863) incurvum calcitrapum inclusa recurvum ms

ms ms ms

4 Fringing* P4 Amphibious P4 Fringing* P3 3 Fringing* P3 Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing*

Habitat

97

threatenedby identifiable factors. These taxarequ = P4 Priorityfour Taxa-flora whichare considere = P3 Prioritythreeflora - furthersurvey. underimmediate (i.e.threatnot currentlyendanger = P2 Prioritytwo -flora Taxawhich are currently declarationas 'rareflora' arebut in urgent need fromdisease,grazing animalsferal by etc. Mayinc size,orbeing onlands under immediate threat, e.g = P1 Priorityone flora Taxa- whichare known from recommendationthe by State’s Endangered FloraCons otherwisein need of special protection, and have b not currentlynot endangered). Suchtaxa are under cons DeclaredR= rare –flora Taxa havewhich been adeq Utricularia inaequalis Utriculariagibba orientalisTypha domingensisTypha Trithuriabibracteata Triglochin turriferum Triglochin striata Triglochinprotuberans Status2833) Triglochinnana Triglochinmuelleri Triglochinmucronata Triglochinminutissima Triglochin lyonsii Triglochin linearis Triglochinhuegelii Triglochinelongatum Triglochin centrocarpa Species name introduced thearea species are to **These terrestrial, restricted to species are but *These framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av 98

DRAFT subsp. ms (M.N.Lyons ms 2855) ms (P.G. ms 8811) Wilson salina Taxa arewhich knownfrom severalpopulations, at ms (M.N.Lyonsms

offurther survey. known fromone or (generallyfewa <5)populations, d tod have been adequately surveyedand which, whils iremonitoring every- 5 10 years. lude taxa threatenedwith populations onprotected ed). Suchtaxaare under consideration declaratfor .road reserves, urban areas, farmland,active mine eengazetted as such, followingapproval by the Min one ora (generallyfew <5)populations arewhich iderationfor declarationas 'rare flora' but are i 3 rnig Fringing* P3 uately searchedfor, and are deemed be to in the wi rnig Fringing* qai Aquatic Aquatic Amphibious Aquatic Aquatic Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Fringing* Aquatic Aquatic Fringing* ultativeCommittee onNRM region wetlands(2008)

the wetland landformin etLyons 3 the (habitatal. 200 Habitat

Utricularia volubilis Xyris lacera Wurmbeadioica 4164) Wurmbea Wilsoniarotundifolia Wilsoniabackhousei Viminariajuncea Villarsia submersa Villarsiaparnassifolia Villarsia capitata Villarsiaalbiflora Vellereophytondealbatum exiguaVelleia Utricularia violacea pce ae Status Species name Wurmbeamurchisoniana Wilsoniahumilis least some of arewhich not believed to beunder im

aff.

dioica “Salt Lake” (S.D.Hopper n needn of further survey. at least some of arewhich believed be to ion as 'rareflora' arebut urgentin need of lands. Suchtaxaare under considerationfor ralleasesetc., orthe plants are under threat undereither threat, due to populationsmall ister ister for Environment,the after tbeing rare (in Australia),are not currently ldeitherrare, dangerin of extinction, or 4) 4)

mediate (i.e.threat 4 Aquatic P4 Fringing* P2 4 Aquatic P4 Aquatic Fringing* Amphibious Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Fringing* Amphibious Aquatic Aquatic Fringing* Aquatic Fringing*

Habitat Gidgeganup springs springs Gidgeganup (3 2 LakesLakes) FW lakes Freshwater Lake- Freshwater Watts water Lake Mills - Fresh Drummonds Wetlands RocksReserve Nature Dragon CowcowingLakes Reserve Corrigin Water Run Reserve Chook Water Lake Chinocup Lake Carratti Lakes Bolgart Lake Beaton Lake Baandee Lake Askew Lake Ardath graniteoutcrops All Lake Abbots Lake Wallambin System System Lake Wallambin Royston Lake Ninan Lake Moore Lake System Mollerin Lake Mears Lake System McDermott Lake Magic Lake King Lake Gulson Lake System Grace Lake Cronin Lake Cemetery Lake Campion Lake Camm Lake Bryde complex Lake Wetlands Borona Lake Baandee Lake Koojedda Wetland System Lake Kondinin/Kurrenkutten Lake Job Lake system Jilakin HarveyLake Dam Hamilton Lake Hagboom Source: Department of Environment, 2003; Avon Catch Avon 2003; Environment, of Department Source: regionalor local assetswater AppendixListof J- wetlandsAvon in the NRMregion DRAFT framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av se ae National AssetName

onNRM region wetlands(2008)                  

State ment Council, 2004 2004 Council, ment                             

Regional thathave been identifiedas            

valued Most Most         

threatened Most Most        Local Local

Iconic        

Recreation      

99

Yenyening Lake System System Lake Yenyening Lake, Yealering Nonalling Lake) Lake, (BrownSystem lake, Lake Yealering White Water Lakes Wattening Reserve Waterbidden Water Marshall Corporation in Mount reserves tanks/Water Water Lake Walyormouring Reserve Wadderin Water Exchange Lake Telephone Lakes Shakelton Lake Scotsman afterand kilometre Roadfor - of 1 lake Bullfinch south chain Salt Lakes Sachses Brook Swamp Red (Wongan) dam Rail Soak and Pinkwerring Well Lake Pink Dowerin Freshwater around Perched Wetlands Swamp Paperbark SkiLake Narembeen Rock Myarin Reserve Mt.Dam Roe Water Reserve Mt. Water Cramphorn Lake Metcalf framework A assigningfor conservation valuesto Av 100

DRAFT se ae National AssetName onNRM region wetlands(2008)

 

State                            

Regional   

valued Most Most     

threatened Most Most Local Local

Iconic      

Recreation