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NOLAN'S GULLY #2(Nolan's Road)

297-505-0001, 297-509-0001, 297-509-0002297-511-0001, 297-511-0002, 297-511-0003

INVESTIGATION REPORT

Investigation into VicForests' Compliance with Leadbeater's Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri) Habitat Management Prescriptions

AbstractVicForests scheduled logging coupes 297-505-0001, 297-509-0001, 297-509-0002, 297-511-0001, 297-511-0002 and 297-511-0003 were investigated to identify areas of Leadbeater's Possum “Zone 1A habitat” and determine planning and operational compliance with the relevant instruments of the regulatory framework designed to provide minimum protection for the habitat of the endangered Leadbeater's Possum (LBP). The instruments assessed for compliance were the Central Highlands Forest Management Plan's Leadbeater's Possum Management Prescriptions and The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Action Statement for Leadbeater's Possum #062.

The present investigation was undertaken in the context of an ongoing Victorian Supreme Court case, MyEnvironment Inc. v VicForest, whose judgment is currently in an appeal process. The subject matter is a debate over the very criteria to be used to asses forest planning and operational compliance with the LBP's management prescriptions. In addition, it is understood that the regulatory instruments themselves are to be reviewed and updated and may themselves be altered. As such, the results of this report are presented so as to be interpreted under various possible scenarios concerning the debated interpretations of and/or reviews of the relevant assessment criteria.

Large areas of Leadbeater's Possum “Zone 1A habitat” were identified during this investigation. In addition, this investigation concludes that VicForests, within scheduled coupe 297-511-0003, have “tapped out” areas of this coupe for logging in contravention of the relevant legislation and will breach their obligations under both the Central Highlands Forest Management Plan and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (FFGA) if they proceed to log coupe 297-511-0003 as is indicated by their coupe demarcation activities. The criteria for assessment used, methodology employed and the results of the investigation are detailed below.

SurveyorsAndrew LincolnMatthew Lincoln

AuthorAndrew LincolnFauna and Flora Research Collective Inc.

Date of Investigations 08/12/12; 12/12/12; 14/12/12; 18/12/12; 21/01/13; 22/01/13; 23/01/13; 29/01/13; 30/01/13; 31/01/13

Date of report 15/02/2013

Location detailsWithin and adjacent to VicForests scheduled logging coupes 297-505-0001, 297-509-0001, 297-509-0002, 297-511-0001, 297-511-0002 and 297-511-0003 between Nolan's Road and Blowhard Road in the Toolangi State Forest.

Figure A. Detail from: "Approved TRP Map (with all amendments applied) Central FMA, Toolangi, (2011 - 2016)", VicForests, October 2012

* Investigation location at center of image.

Method Zone 1A 1

Hollow bearing trees ("HBT's") are the basis for the management prescriptions designed to provide some protection for the actual or potential habitat required by the Leadbeater's Possum. This investigation considers all HBT's (trees that contain hollows/cavities) encountered within the survey site that were of the species Eucalyptus regnans and likely to be considered as at least in the “mature” growth stage.2

Each Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain Ash) tree encountered and considered mature3 was first inspected for the presence of hollows using binoculars; estimated to be greater than 6.00m in height; and measured at 1.30m above ground level around the trunk of the tree using a tape measure in order to measure the circumference and corresponding DBH measurement for each tree.

Every tree was given a unique ID corresponding to the study site; assigned a "Waypoint" using a "Garmin GPSMAP 62s" GPS at an accuracy minimum of ≤10m+/- in the position format GDA 94, UTM UPS; assessed as to the "form" of the tree corresponding to the methodology for "classification of forms of hollow-bearing trees" of Lindenmayer et. al. 19914; analysed as to the form of the hollows present on the tree; assessed against the “tree growth stages” schema of Jacobs (1955); marked with "flagging tape" containing its unique ID; and finally photographed at its base and upper branches. All of these details were noted and recorded on site.

Investigations at the site begun at various locations on each of the listed investigation dates within and adjacent to the area of forest scheduled as VicForests “clear felling” coupes 297-505-0001, 297-509-0001, 297-509-0002, 297-511-0001, 297-511-0002 and 297-511-0003. From these points the forest was searched for HBT's following the methodology described above. As each HBT was inspected and recorded the forest was searched for further HBT's and advanced towards with the above process repeated for each. By noting the topographic and other site characteristics, compass bearing and GPS "waypoint" proximity data, the area delineated in the "Study Location" section of this report was investigated in this manner until all potential HBT's meeting the relevant criteria were investigated and recorded.

Once the above process was completed the HBT location data recorded on site was later imputed into the "Garmin BaseCamp v4.0.5 - 2012" GPS mapping program. Each HBT record was assessed against the varying criteria generative of management prescriptions under either the Central Highlands Forest Management Plan or the FFGA Action Statement #062 for the Leadbeater's Possum.

Data from each HBT were imputed into separate spreadsheets depending on their relevance for meeting each of the management prescriptions, and the tables and corresponding maps presented in the results section of this report were generated.

1 Zone 1B investigations were not considered for this report.2 Jacobs M. R., Growth Habits of the Eucalypts, Forestry and Timber Bureau, 1955.3 Jacobs M. R., Growth Habits of the Eucalypts, Forestry and Timber Bureau, 1955.4 Lindenmayer, D. B., et. al.,"Characteristics of hollow-bearing trees occupied by arboreal marsupials in the montane

ash forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria, south-east Australia", Forest Ecology and Management, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam, 1991, v40, p. 292

Method (continued)"First criterion for inclusion" used in this report:Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act - Action Statement for Leadbeater's Possum #062

5

5 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement, Leadbeater's Possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri #062, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne, 2003, p. 5-6

Method (continued)"Second criterion for inclusion" used in this report:Central Highlands Forest Management Plan - Leadbeater's Possum Mangaement Prescriptions

6

6 Forest Management Plan for the Central Highlands, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 1998, p21-23

Results 1 (All HBT data)All HBT's recorded within the study locationIn total there were 324 HBT's recorded within the study location. NB: A further 84 Stags (dead eucalypt trees) were recorded on site and are listed with location details in the following table and the subsequent maps but are not included as “HBT's”.

Table 1. All Hollow Bearing Trees (dead and alive) recorded during survey [Part1/15]. All co-ordinates in GDA 94/UTM UPS.

#SEE ATTACHED APPENDIX A (Parts 1-12) FOR HBT PHOTOGRAPHS

Species Jacobs (1955)

NG001 6 1 9.22 2.93 Mature 263

NG002 7 2 8.77 2.79 Mature 250

NG003 8 1 8.16 2.60 Mature 233

NG004 9 1 5.97 1.90 Mature 171

NG005 9 1 6.28 2.00 Mature 180

NG006 9 1 6.10 1.94 Mature 175

NG007 9 1 4.62 1.47 Irregular crow n Not Mature 133

NG008 7 1 5.45 1.73 Mature 157

NG009 7 1 6.26 1.99 Mature 180

NG010 9 1 5.70 1.81 Mature 164

NG011 9 1 5.90 1.88 Mature 169

NG012 9 1 5.70 1.81 Mature 164

NG013 9 1 6.42 2.04 Mature 184

NG014 6 1 5.77 1.84 Mature 166

NG015 9 1 4.75 1.51 Mature 137

NG016 9 1 5.29 1.68 Irregular crow n Mature 152



NG019 7 2 9.40 2.99 Mature 268 ≥ J6 (Senescent)

HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point

Location/GPS Co-ordinates

GPS +/ -

Form (Lindenma

yer (1991)

Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m )

DBH (m)

Hollow s Type/ Description

Further information

recorded

Ashton Age

Class Determin

ation

Ashton AGE SUM

log(y) = 1.02

log(x) (years)

55 H 365282 5847754 E.regnans

Large hollow s; Dead top, Hollow spouts, Basal f ire

scars/hollow

Low Branching, Irregular Crow n,

Major Scars ≥ J5 (Senescent)

55 H 365279 5847718 E.regnans


scars/hollow

Low Branching, Irregular Crow n,

Major Scars ≥ J5 (Senescent)

55 H 365178 5847598 E.regnans

Hollow spouts, Basal f ire

scars/hollow sLow Branching, Irregular Crow n

≥ J3 (Mature Younger)

55 H 365190 5847551 E.regnans




55 H 365104 5847518 E.regnans


scars/hollow sIrregular Crow n,

Major Scars ≥ J3 (Mature

Younger)

55 H 365080 5847551 E.regnans




55 H 365084 5847497 E.regnans


scars/hollow s≥ J3 (Mature

Younger)

55 H 364776 5847286 E.regnans

Basal f ire scars/hollow s

Multiple leading stems, Irregular

crow n≥ J3 (Mature

Younger)

55 H 364717 5847225 E.regnans


Low Branching, Irregular Crow n


55 H 365044 5847623 E.regnans




55 H 365074 5847598 E.regnans


scars/hollow s



Younger)

55 H 365000 5847640 E.regnans


scars/hollow s



Younger)

55 H 365004 5847654 E.regnans


scars/hollow s



Younger)

55 H 365110 5847674 E.regnans


scars/hollow s



Younger)

55 H 365162 5847689 E.regnans




Younger)

55 H 364954 5847644 E.regnans



55 H 364928 5847648 E.regnans



55 H 364956 5847702 E.regnans

Large hollow s; Basal f ire


Older)

55 H 365050 5847781 E.regnans


scars/hollow sIrregular crow n;

Major Scars

Results 1 (continued)Table 1 (continued). All Hollow Bearing Trees (dead and alive) recorded during survey [Part 2/15]. All co-ordinates in GDA 94/UTM UPS.

Species Form Jacobs (1955)

NG020 5 1 5.25 1.67 Mature 151










NG030 9 2 8.60 2.74 Dead top Irregular crow n Mature 245 J6 (Senescent)

NG031 9 1 4.94 1.57 Hollow spouts Irregular crow n Mature 142



NG034 2 7.15 2.28 Dead top Irregular crow n Mature 205 J6 (Senescent)


NG036 9 2 6.52 2.08 Irregular crow n Mature 187 J6 (Senescent)











HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -

Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m )

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton Age

Class Determin

ation

Ashton AGE SUM

log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 365205 5847764 E.regnans


Irregular crow n; Major Scars


55 H 365318 5847809 E.regnans



55 H 365340 5847771 E.regnans

Large hollow s; Dead top Hollow

spouts, Basal f ire scars/hollow ≥ J5 (Senescent)

55 H 365218 5847696 E.regnans



55 H 365241 5847589 E.regnans



55 H 365165 5847586 E.regnans



55 H 365056 5847559 E.regnans



55 H 365081 5847443 E.regnans



55 H 365223 5847532 E.regnans



55 H 365143 5847470 E.regnans



Younger)

55 H 364851 5847136 E.regnans

55 H 364838 5847172 E.regnans


55 H 364818 5847186 E.regnans

55 H 364800 5847202 E.regnans

55 H 364796 5847222 E.regnans

55 H 364745 5847217 E.regnans

Large hollow s; Hol-low spouts, Basal f ire scars/hollow


55 H 364729 5847247 E.regnans


scars/hollow

55 H 364819 5847293 E.regnans


scars/hollow

55 H 364850 5847311 E.regnans


scars/hollow

55 H 364911 5847325 E.regnans

55 H 364944 5847337 E.regnans

55 H 364946 5847373 E.regnans

55 H 364987 5847369 E.regnans

55 H 364973 5847346 E.regnans

55 H 364964 5847329 E.regnans

55 H 364978 5847324 E.regnans

55 H 364957 5847307 E.regnans























NG067 7 1 3.80 1.21 Hollow s on trunk Irregular crow n Not Mature 110




NG071 9 1 4.78 1.52 Hollow s on trunk Irregular crow n Mature 138







HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -

Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m )

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton Age

Class Determ in

ation

Ashton AGE SUM

log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 364957 5847297 E.regnans

55 H 364928 5847296 E.regnans

55 H 364943 5847222 E.regnans

55 H 364963 5847207 E.regnans

55 H 364965 5847231 E.regnans

55 H 364984 5847247 E.regnans

55 H 365038 5847300 E.regnans

55 H 365014 5847328 E.regnans

55 H 365026 5847391 E.regnans

55 H 365094 5847353 E.regnans

55 H 365094 5847382 E.regnans

55 H 365104 5847386 E.regnans

55 H 365089 5847399 E.regnans

55 H 365074 5847417 E.regnans

Large hollow s; Hol-low spouts, Basal f ire scars/hollow


55 H 365084 5847447 E.regnans

55 H 365105 5847447 E.regnans

55 H 365144 5847456 E.regnans

55 H 365161 5847444 E.regnans

Basal f ire scars/hollow


55 H 365157 5847426 E.regnans

55 H 365171 5847447 E.regnans

55 H 365199 5847510 E.regnans


55 H 365249 5847527 E.regnans



55 H 365256 5847582 E.regnans



55 H 365272 5847585 E.regnans

Basal f ire scars/hollow ≥ J5 (Senescent)

55 H 365286 5847578 E.regnans


55 H 365301 5847581 E.regnans

55 H 365321 5847610 E.regnans

55 H 365303 5847623 E.regnans

55 H 365339 5847596 E.regnans



55 H 365337 5847589 E.regnans



55 H 365339 5847562 E.regnans













NG089 7 1 7.27 2.31 Mature 208

NG090 7 1 4.15 1.32 Hollow s on trunk Not Mature 120

NG091 9 1 4.25 1.35 Hollow s on trunk Not Mature 123

NG092 9 1 4.78 1.52 Mature 138




NG096 8 1 5.37 1.71 Mature 155




NG0100 8 2 4.18 1.33 Fissures; Dead Top Irregular crow n Not Mature 121








HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -

Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m )

DBH (m )


Further inform ation

recorded

Ashton Age

Class Determin

ation

Ashton AGE SUM

log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 365336 5847507 E.regnans

55 H 365334 5847498 E.regnans

55 H 365344 5847505 E.regnans

55 H 365417 5847539 E.regnans

55 H 365457 5847549 E.regnans

55 H 365369 5847611 E.regnans

55 H 364880 5847080 E.regnans

55 H 364748 5846992 E.regnans

55 H 364704 5846979 E.regnans

55 H 364654 5847296 E.regnans



55 H 364692 5847381 E.regnans




Younger)

55 H 364662 5847459 E.regnans



Younger)

55 H 364614 5847401 E.regnans



Younger)

55 H 364530 5847470 E.regnans




Younger)

55 H 364688 5847512 E.regnans



55 H 364851 5847433 E.regnans



55 H 364901 5847385 E.regnans

55 H 364883 5847492 E.regnans




Younger)

55 H 364835 5847513 E.regnans



55 H 364770 5847641 E.regnans



55 H 364732 5847587 E.regnans



55 H 364720 5847575 E.regnans ≥ J5 (Senescent)

55 H 364748 5847147 E.regnans


≥ J4 (Mature Older)

55 H 364789 5847121 E.regnans



55 H 364752 5847100 E.regnans



55 H 364762 5847082 E.regnans



55 H 364740 5847077 E.regnans


55 H 364733 5847024 E.regnans

55 H 365169 5847498 E.regnans














NG120 7 1 5.41 1.72 Irregular crow n Mature 156 ≥ J5 (Senescent)

NG121 8 1 4.54 1.45 Hollow s on trunk Irregular crow n Not Mature 131 ≥ J5 (Senescent)

NG122 8 1 6.39 2.03 Hollow s on trunk Irregular crow n Mature 183 ≥ J5 (Senescent)



NG125 4 2 9.34 2.97 Fissures Irregular crow n Mature 266 J6 (Senescent)









HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -

Form (Lindenmayer (1991)

Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation

Ashton (1976) AGE SUM

log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 365341 5847542 E.regnans

55 H 365043 5848492 E.regnans


55 H 364947 5848588 E.regnans

Large obvious hol-low s; Hollow

spouts≥ J3 (Mature

Younger)

55 H 364954 5848619 E.regnans

Hollow s on trunk; Basal f ire


Younger)

55 H 364901 5848626 E.regnans



55 H 364932 5848594 E.regnans


spouts; Basal f ire scars/hollow s


55 H 364854 5848536 E.regnans


spouts; Basal f ire scars/hollow s


55 H 364845 5848509 E.regnans



55 H 364817 5848508 E.regnans

Large obvious hol-low s; Fissures;

Dead top; Hollow spouts; Basal f ire

scars/hollow s55 H 364807

5848500 E.regnansBasal f ire


Younger)

55 H 364865 5848395 E.regnans





scars/hollow s

55 H 365015 5848772 E.regnans

55 H 365005 5848771 E.regnans

55 H 364982 5848750 E.regnans



55 H 364898 5848724 E.regnans



55 H 364677 5848483 E.regnans

55 H 364706 5848475 E.regnans

Large obvious hol-low s

55 H 364731 5848472 E.regnans


55 H 364678 5848174 E.regnans


55 H 364729 5848141 E.regnans


55 H 364749 5848195 E.regnans


55 H 364824 5848299 E.regnans


55 H 364895 5848230 E.regnans


55 H 364952 5848232 E.regnans



























HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -


Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation


log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 364976 5848212 E.regnans


55 H 364981 5848285 E.regnans


55 H 364933 5848294 E.regnans


55 H 364901 5848370 E.regnans


55 H 364997 5848349 E.regnans


55 H 365005 5848316 E.regnans

Large obvious hol-low s; Fissures; Hol-low spouts; Basal f ire scars/hollow s


55 H 365054 5848276 E.regnans


55 H 365039 5848338 E.regnans

Large obvious hol-low s; Basal f ire scars/hollow s


55 H 364988 5848400 E.regnans


55 H 365083 5848463 E.regnans



55 H 365125 5848472 E.regnans




5848419 E.regnansLarge obvious hol-

low s

55 H 365144 5848400 E.regnans

Large obvious hol-low s; Fissures; Hol-low spouts; Basal f ire scars/hollow s


55 H 365153 5848381 E.regnans


55 H 365142 5848380 E.regnans


55 H 365076 5848337 E.regnans


55 H 365205 5848280 E.regnans


55 H 365172 5848300 E.regnans


scars/hollow s

55 H 365112 5848219 E.regnans



scars/hollow s

55 H 365023 5848058 E.regnans





Younger)

55 H 364997 5848044 E.regnans



55 H 365001 5848040 E.regnans



Younger)






























HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -


Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation


log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 365049 5847997 E.regnans



55 H 365089 5847987 E.regnans






Older)

55 H 365170 5847837 E.regnans



55 H 365163 5847836 E.regnans



55 H 365148 5847834 E.regnans



55 H 365203 5847807 E.regnans



55 H 365223 5847821 E.regnans



55 H 365228 5847840 E.regnans



55 H 365120 5847844 E.regnans



55 H 365100 5847854 E.regnans



55 H 365092 5847867 E.regnans



55 H 365022 5847836 E.regnans



55 H 365011 5847902 E.regnans



55 H 364972 5847863 E.regnans



55 H 364961 5847895 E.regnans



55 H 364944 5847933 E.regnans



55 H 364941 5847959 E.regnans



55 H 364875 5847979 E.regnans



55 H 364612 5848124 E.regnans



55 H 365224 5848337 E.regnans


55 H 365223 5848506 E.regnans


55 H 365255 5848488 E.regnans


55 H 365322 5848426 E.regnans


55 H 365323 5848415 E.regnans


55 H 365233 5848393 E.regnans


55 H 365331 5848240 E.regnans


















NG198 7 2 4.02 1.28 Irregular crow n Not Mature 116 J6 (Senescent)








NG206 8 2 4.48 1.43 Irregular crow n Not Mature 129 ≥ J5 (Senescent)







HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -


Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation


log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 365274 5848188 E.regnans



55 H 365406 5848215 E.regnans


55 H 365286 5847974 E.regnans



55 H 365201 5848006 E.regnans



55 H 365346 5847919 E.regnans


55 H 365375 5847803 E.regnans


55 H 365383 5847798 E.regnans


55 H 365391 5847769 E.regnans



55 H 365423 5847781 E.regnans


55 H 365451 5847787 E.regnans


55 H 365448 5847810 E.regnans



55 H 365535 5847955 E.regnans



55 H 365743 5847975 E.regnans



55 H 365501 5847803 E.regnans

55 H 365559 5847820 E.regnans


55 H 365641 5847797 E.regnans



55 H 365659 5847795 E.regnans


55 H 365706 5847817 E.regnans


55 H 365715 5847810 E.regnans


55 H 365738 5847812 E.regnans


55 H 365797 5847830 E.regnans


55 H 365817 5847876 E.regnans


55 H 365840 5847866 E.regnans


55 H 365860 5847834 E.regnans


55 H 365888 5847862 E.regnans



55 H 365878 5847892 E.regnans



55 H 365853 5847891 E.regnans


55 H 365903 5848002 E.regnans



55 H 366107 5848019 E.regnans












NG221 5 2 4.56 1.45 Fissures; Dead Top Irregular crow n Not Mature 132



NG224 8 2 4.42 1.41 Irregular crow n Not Mature 128 ≥ J5 (Senescent)






NG230 8 2 5.77 1.84 Fissures; Dead Top Irregular crow n Mature 166 ≥ J5 (Senescent)












HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -


Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation


log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 366090 5847986 E.regnans


55 H 366090 5847971 E.regnans


55 H 366048 5847966 E.regnans


55 H 366070 5847898 E.regnans


55 H 366094 5847863 E.regnans


55 H 365961 5847921 E.regnans


55 H 365281 5848882 E.regnans

55 H 365214 5848830 E.regnans


55 H 365367 5848734 E.regnans


55 H 365259 5848716 E.regnans



Younger)55 H 365243


low s

55 H 365227 5848690 E.regnans


55 H 365221 5848715 E.regnans


55 H 365204 5848704 E.regnans


55 H 365173 5848755 E.regnans



55 H 365164 5848872 E.regnans


55 H 365156 5848885 E.regnans



Older)

55 H 365182 5848943 E.regnans

55 H 365198 5848968 E.regnans



Older)

55 H 365065 5848857 E.regnans


55 H 365112 5848855 E.regnans


55 H 365067 5848683 E.regnans



55 H 365150 5848547 E.regnans



55 H 365137 5848533 E.regnans



55 H 365148 5848526 E.regnans



55 H 365186 5848549 E.regnans

Fissures, Dead top, Basal f ire



low s55 H 365251


low s

55 H 365281 5848594 E.regnans













NG251 5 2 4.70 1.50 Hollow s on trunk Irregular crow n Mature 136 J6 (Senescent)

NG252 7 2 10.62 3.38 Fissures, Dead top Irregular crow n Mature 302 ≥ J5 (Senescent)




















HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -


Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation


log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 365296 5848596 E.regnans


55 H 365313 5848600 E.regnans


55 H 365328 5848638 E.regnans


55 H 365328 5848649 E.regnans


55 H 365337 5848660 E.regnans



55 H 365369 5848630 E.regnans


55 H 365363 5848616 E.regnans

Fissures, Dead top, Basal f ire

scars/hollow s

55 H 365389 5848623 E.regnans


55 H 365353 5848557 E.regnans


55 H 365264 5848544 E.regnans

55 H 365357 5848551 E.regnans

55 H 365359 5848487 E.regnans


55 H 365379 5848503 E.regnans


55 H 364563 5847835 E.regnans


55 H 364778 5847755 E.regnans

55 H 364849 5847751 E.regnans


55 H 364871 5847744 E.regnans



55 H 364947 5847755 E.regnans



55 H 364987 5847744 E.regnans



55 H 365007 5847806 E.regnans



55 H 364988 5847834 E.regnans



55 H 364903 5847897 E.regnans



55 H 364884 5847880 E.regnans



55 H 364768 5847905 E.regnans


55 H 364772 5847883 E.regnans



55 H 364782 5847919 E.regnans



55 H 364812 5848023 E.regnans



55 H 364787 5848039 E.regnans



55 H 364871 5848048 E.regnans



55 H 364932 5848066 E.regnans






























HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -


Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation


log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 364843 5848093 E.regnans



55 H 365023 5847244 E.regnans



55 H 365054 5847275 E.regnans


55 H 365091 5847225 E.regnans


55 H 365105 5847145 E.regnans



55 H 365167 5847168 E.regnans



55 H 365124 5847234 E.regnans


55 H 365142 5847276 E.regnans


55 H 365897 5847499 E.regnans


scars/hollow s

55 H 365908 5847520 E.regnans


scars/hollow s

55 H 365943 5847485 E.regnans


55 H 365922 5847594 E.regnans


55 H 365914 5847592 E.regnans


55 H 365917 5847596 E.regnans


55 H 365945 5847627 E.regnans



55 H 365959 5847661 E.regnans



55 H 365957 5847681 E.regnans


55 H 366018 5847656 E.regnans


55 H 365874 5847802 E.regnans


55 H 365840 5847773 E.regnans


55 H 365855 5847757 E.regnans


55 H 365834 5847706 E.regnans


55 H 365803 5847637 E.regnans



55 H 365779 5847651 E.regnans



55 H 365755 5847625 E.regnans



55 H 365708 5847618 E.regnans




























HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -


Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation


log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 365698 5847597 E.regnans


55 H 365658 5847588 E.regnans


55 H 365638 5847580 E.regnans


55 H 365637 5847660 E.regnans


55 H 365664 5847650 E.regnans


55 H 365705 5847685 E.regnans


55 H 365722 5847669 E.regnans


55 H 365738 5847778 E.regnans


55 H 365683 5847726 E.regnans

55 H 365583 5847713 E.regnans


55 H 365557 5847713 E.regnans



55 H 365485 5847683 E.regnans


55 H 365436 5847677 E.regnans


55 H 365485 5847608 E.regnans


55 H 365528 5847592 E.regnans


55 H 365519 5847570 E.regnans


55 H 365552 5847588 E.regnans


55 H 365597 5847602 E.regnans


55 H 365609 5847570 E.regnans


55 H 365567 5847551 E.regnans


55 H 365562 5847571 E.regnans


55 H 365558 5847530 E.regnans



55 H 365536 5847540 E.regnans


55 H 365506 5847546 E.regnans









NG326 8 2 6.9 2.20 Irregular Crow n Mature 198 J6 (Senescent)

HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -

Form (Lindenm ayer (1991)

Circ- umfe- rence

at 1.3m (m )

DBH (m )


Further information

recorded

Ashton (1975) Age

Class Determin

ation


log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

55 H 365482 5847529 E.regnans


55 H 365500 5847501 E.regnans


55 H 365474 5847486 E.regnans


55 H 365429 5847445 E.regnans


55 H 365508 5847756 E.regnans


scars/hollow s



0041 55 H 365208 5848805 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0051 55 H 365143 5848846 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0061 55 H 365379 5848583 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0071 55 H 365400 5848534 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0091 55 H 364605 5847853 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0111 55 H 364738 5847826 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0121 55 H 364763 5847795 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0131 55 H 364909 5847748 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0161 55 H 365119 5847206 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0171 55 H 365111 5847199 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0181 55 H 365177 5847165 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0191 55 H 365243 5847156 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0201 55 H 365149 5847311 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0211 55 H 365199 5847303 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0221 55 H 365202 5847296 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0231 55 H 365228 5847310 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0301 55 H 365727 5847582 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0311 55 H 365693 5847561 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0321 55 H 365686 5847588 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0421 55 H 365518 5847578 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0491 55 H 365605 5847517 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0582 55 H 365550 5847505 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0621 55 H 365487 5847486 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

0631 55 H 365471 5847472 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1174 55 H 365031 5847573 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1175 55 H 364994 5847573 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1176 55 H 365083 5847759 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1202 55 H 365305 5847600 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1211 55 H 364811 5847199 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1212 55 H 364890 5847229 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1213 55 H 365138 5847420 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1214 55 H 365191 5847454 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1215 55 H 364882 5847098 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1216 55 H 364779 5847491 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1217 55 H 364794 5847484 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1218 55 H 364825 5847433 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1219 55 H 364913 5847409 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1220 55 H 364908 5847434 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1221 55 H 364761 5847183 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1222 55 H 364774 5847099 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1223 55 H 364780 5847075 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1224 55 H 364795 5847076 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1225 55 H 364705 5847037 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1226 55 H 364753 5847039 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

1937 55 H 365057 5848289 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

9441 55 H 365238 5847642 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

9451 55 H 365215 5847629 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

9501 55 H 365160 5847636 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

9511 55 H 365182 5847659 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

9671 55 H 365178 5847509 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19281 55 H 364918 5848598 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19291 55 H 364870 5848430 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19301 55 H 364880 5848430 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19311 55 H 364745 5848447 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19331 55 H 364838 5848340 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -

Form (Lindenm a

yer (1991)

Circ- um fe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)

Hollow s Type/

Description

Further information

recorded

Ashton Age

Class Determin

ation

Ashton AGE SUM

log(y) = 1.02

log(x)



19341 55 H 364923 5848371 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19351 55 H 364945 5848352 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19361 55 H 364979 5848328 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19381 55 H 365057 5848326 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19391 55 H 364978 5848425 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19401 55 H 365023 5848427 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19411 55 H 365101 5848459 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19421 55 H 365092 5848388 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19441 55 H 365196 5848337 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19451 55 H 365213 5848329 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19461 55 H 365054 5848212 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19471 55 H 365062 5848156 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19481 55 H 365148 5847967 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19491 55 H 365161 5847760 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19501 55 H 365003 5847873 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19531 55 H 365272 5848255 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19541 55 H 365180 5848461 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19631 55 H 365184 5848498 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19641 55 H 365226 5848439 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19651 55 H 365278 5848333 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19671 55 H 365492 5847800 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19681 55 H 365498 5847787 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19691 55 H 365514 5847809 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19701 55 H 365524 5847801 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19711 55 H 365616 5847840 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19721 55 H 365685 5847851 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19741 55 H 365894 5847868 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19751 55 H 365907 5847874 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

19771 55 H 366004 5847885 9 ? ≥ 3 - - - Dead stag - - -

HBT Tree

ID/ Way- point


GPS +/ -

Form (Lindenma

yer (1991)

Circ- um fe- rence

at 1.3m (m)

DBH (m)

Hollow s Type/

Description

Further inform ation

recorded

Ashton Age

Class Determin

ation

Ashton AGE SUM

log(y) = 1.02

log(x)

No. Figure 1 (a-d) Figure 2 (a,b) Figure 3 (a,b) Figure 4 (a,b) Figure 5 (a,b) Figure 6 (a,b) Figure 7 (a,b)

1 NG110 NG110 NG001 NG001 NG001 See Table 1.

2 See Table 1. NG111 NG111 NG002 NG002 NG002 and Figure 1.

3 NG112 NG112 NG010 NG003 NG003

4 NG113 NG113 NG011 NG004 NG004

5 NG114 NG114 NG012 NG005 NG005

6 NG115 NG115 NG013 NG006 NG006

7 NG116 NG116 NG014 NG007 NG007

8 NG117 NG117 NG015 NG010 NG008

9 NG118 NG118 NG016 NG011 NG009

10 NG119 NG119 NG017 NG014 NG010

11 NG120 NG120 NG018 NG015 NG011

12 NG121 NG121 NG019 NG019 NG012

13 NG122 NG122 NG020 NG020 NG013

14 NG123 NG123 NG021 NG021 NG014

15 NG124 NG124 NG022 NG022 NG015

16 NG132 NG125 NG023 NG023 NG016

17 NG133 NG126 NG098 NG024 NG017

18 NG134 NG127 NG099 NG025 NG018

19 NG135 NG128 NG100 NG026 NG019

20 NG136 NG129 NG128 NG027 NG020

21 NG137 NG130 NG129 NG028 NG021

22 NG138 NG131 NG130 NG029 NG022

23 NG139 NG132 NG131 NG056 NG023

24 NG140 NG133 NG132 NG057 NG024

25 NG141 NG134 NG133 NG058 NG025

26 NG142 NG135 NG134 NG059 NG026

27 NG143 NG136 NG135 NG060 NG027

28 NG144 NG137 NG136 NG061 NG028

29 NG145 NG138 NG138 NG062 NG029

30 NG146 NG139 NG139 NG063 NG030

31 NG147 NG140 NG140 NG064 NG031

32 NG148 NG141 NG141 NG065 NG032

33 NG149 NG142 NG149 NG066 NG033

34 NG150 NG143 NG150 NG067 NG034

35 NG151 NG144 NG151 NG068 NG035

36 NG177 NG145 NG152 NG069 NG036

37 NG178 NG146 NG153 NG070 NG037

38 NG179 NG147 NG154 NG071 NG038

39 NG180 NG148 NG155 NG072 NG039

40 NG181 NG149 NG156 NG073 NG040

41 NG182 NG150 NG157 NG074 NG041

42 NG219 NG151 NG158 NG075 NG042

43 NG220 NG152 NG159 NG076 NG043

44 NG221 NG176 NG160 NG077 NG044

45 NG222 NG177 NG161 NG078 NG045

46 NG223 NG178 NG162 NG079 NG046

47 NG224 NG179 NG163 NG080 NG047

48 NG225 NG180 NG164 NG081 NG048

49 NG226 NG181 NG165 NG082 NG049

50 NG227 NG182 NG166 NG083 NG050

51 NG228 NG183 NG167 NG084 NG051

52 NG229 NG184 NG168 NG107 NG052

53 NG230 NG185 NG169 NG159 NG053

54 NG231 NG234 NG170 NG160 NG054

55 NG232 NG235 NG171 NG161 NG055

56 NG233 NG236 NG172 NG162 NG056

57 NG234 NG237 NG173 NG163 NG057

58 NG235 NG238 NG174 NG164 NG058

59 NG236 NG239 NG175 NG165 NG059

60 NG237 NG240 NG176 NG166 NG060

61 NG238 NG241 NG177 NG167 NG061

62 NG239 NG242 NG182 NG168 NG062

63 NG240 NG243 NG183 NG186 NG063

64 NG241 NG244 NG184 NG187 NG064

65 NG242 NG245 NG185 NG188 NG065

66 NG243 NG246 NG186 NG189 NG066

67 NG244 NG247 NG187 NG190 NG067

68 NG245 NG248 NG188 NG191 NG068

69 NG246 NG249 NG189 NG192 NG069

70 NG247 NG250 NG190 NG193 NG070

71 NG248 NG251 NG191 NG194 NG071

72 NG249 NG252 NG192 NG195 NG072

73 NG250 NG253 NG193 NG196 NG073

74 NG251 NG254 NG194 NG197 NG074

75 NG252 NG195 NG198 NG075

76 NG253 NG197 NG199 NG076

77 NG254 NG198 NG200 NG077

78 NG255 NG201 NG078

79 NG256 NG202 NG079

80 NG257 NG203 NG080

81 NG258 NG204 NG081

82 NG259 NG205 NG082

83 NG260 NG206 NG083

84 NG261 NG207 NG084

85 NG262 NG208 NG085

86 NG263 NG209 NG086

87 NG264 NG210 NG087

88 NG265 NG211 NG088

89 NG266 NG212 NG089

90 NG267 NG213 NG090

91 NG268 NG214 NG091

92 NG269 NG215 NG092

93 NG270 NG216 NG093

94 NG271 NG217 NG094

95 NG272 NG218 NG095

96 NG280 NG096

97 NG281 NG097

98 NG282 NG098

99 NG283 NG099

100 NG284 NG100

101 NG285 NG101

102 NG286 NG102

103 NG287 NG103

104 NG288 NG104

105 NG289 NG105

106 NG290 NG106

107 NG291 NG107

All 324 HBT's

Results 1 (continued)

Table 2. All Hollow Bearing Trees (dead and alive) recorded during survey are included in Figures 1-7. Each map within these figures contains a unique set of HBT's. The following Table 2. demonstrates which living HBT's are included in the generation of each map for Figures 1-7.

NB: There are no HBT's “NG108” or “NG109”. HBT's “NG325” and “NG326” make 324 HBT's beginning at “NG001”. Dead Stags are not included in this table.

No.

108 NG292109 NG293110 NG294111 NG295112 NG296113 NG297114 NG298115 NG299116 NG300117 NG301118 NG302119 NG303120 NG304121 NG305122 NG306123 NG307124 NG308125 NG309126 NG310127 NG311128 NG312129 NG313130 NG314131 NG315132 NG316133 NG317134 NG318135 NG319136 NG320137 NG321138 NG322139 NG323140 NG324141 NG325142 NG326

Figure 5 (a,b)

(continued)

Results 1 (continued)Figure 1. - All 324 Hollow Bearing Trees recorded during survey, as listed in Table 1. are displayed on the following map.- Each HBT is represented by a “Tree” symbol and is positioned and labeled according to its unique HBT ID and GPS location as displayed in the preceding Table 1. - The total area contained within the measured “yellow line” is 77ha representing a HBT density of >4 per hectare for 324 (living) trees included in the polygon generation. - The “red polygons” delineate the areas scheduled as coupes 297-505-0001, 297-509-0001, 297-509-0002297-511-0001, 297-511-0002 and 297-511-0003. This area is approximately 220ha in total.- Figure 1(a and c) displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program.- Figure 1(b and d) displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program and overlayed on satellite imagery.

Figure 1(a).

Results 1 (continued)Figure 1(b).

Results 1 (continued)Figure 1(c).

Results 1 (continued)Figure 1(d).

Results 2 297-505-0001Figure 2a,b. - 77 Hollow Bearing Trees recorded during survey, as listed in Table 1. and Table 2. are displayed on the following map.- Each HBT is represented by a “Tree” symbol and is positioned and labelled according to its unique HBT ID and GPS location as displayed in the preceding Table 1. - The total area contained within the measured “yellow line” is 19.25ha representing a HBT density of 4 per hectare for 77 (living) trees included in the polygon generation. - The “red polygon” delineates the area scheduled as coupe 297-505-0001. (43.2ha)- Figure 2a displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program.- Figure 2b displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program and overlayed on satellite imagery.

Results 3 297-509-0001Figure 3a,b. - 74 Hollow Bearing Trees recorded during survey, as listed in Table 1. and table 2. are displayed on the following map.- Each HBT is represented by a “Tree” symbol and is positioned and labelled according to its unique HBT ID and GPS location as displayed in the preceding Table 1. - The total area contained within the measured “green line” is 18.5ha representing a HBT density of 4 per hectare for 74 (living) trees included in the polygon generation. - The “red polygon” delineates the area scheduled as coupe 297-509-0001. (23.2ha)- Figure 3a. displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program.- Figure 3b displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program and overlayed on satellite imagery.

Results 4 297-509-0002Figure 4a,b. - 95 Hollow Bearing Trees recorded during survey, as listed in Table 1. and table 2. are displayed on the following map.- Each HBT is represented by a “Tree” symbol and is positioned and labelled according to its unique HBT ID and GPS location as displayed in the preceding Table 1. - The total area contained within the measured “purple line” is 23.75ha representing a HBT density of 4 per hectare for 95 (living) trees included in the polygon generation. - The “red polygon” delineates the area scheduled as coupe 297-509-0002. (38.1ha)- Figure 4a. displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program.- Figure 4b displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program and overlayed on satellite imagery.

Results 5 297-511-0002Figure 5a,b. - 142 Hollow Bearing Trees recorded during survey, as listed in Table 1. and table 2. are displayed on the following map.- Each HBT is represented by a “Tree” symbol and is positioned and labelled according to its unique HBT ID and GPS location as displayed in the preceding Table 1. - The total area contained within the measured “cyan line” is 35.25ha representing a HBT density of >4 per hectare for 142 (living) trees included in the polygon generation. - The “red polygon” delineates the area scheduled as coupe 297-511-0002. (32.2ha)- Figure 5a. displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program.- Figure 5b displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program and overlayed on satellite imagery.

Results 6 297-511-0003Figure 6a,b. - 107 Hollow Bearing Trees recorded during survey, as listed in Table 1. and table 2. are displayed on the following map.- Each HBT is represented by a “Tree” symbol and is positioned and labelled according to its unique HBT ID and GPS location as displayed in the preceding Table 1. - The total area contained within the measured “yellow line” is 26.75ha representing a HBT density of >4 per hectare for 107 (living) trees included in the polygon generation. - The “red polygon” delineates the area scheduled as coupe 297-511-0003. (51.4ha)- The “pink polygon” demonstrates the area marked with blue flagging tape by VicForests within which clear fell logging activities are planned.- Figure 6a. displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program.- Figure 6b displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program and overlayed on satellite imagery.

Results 7 297-511-0001Figure 7a,b. NB: The following figures (7a and b) are a detail of Figure 1a. and Figure 1b.- The “red polygon” delineates the area scheduled as coupe 297-511-0001. (35.7ha)- Figure 7a. displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program.- Figure 7b displays this data as generated in the Garmin mapping program and overlayed on satellite imagery.

DiscussionResults 1Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act - Action Statement for Leadbeater's Possum #062ZONE 1AThe first dot point for FFGA Zone 1A classification

The "First criterion for inclusion" followed in this investigation requires that; "mature ash forest (>120 years old) and mixed aged ash forest where the oldest age class is mature (>120 years old)" be protected form logging by its inclusion in "Zone 1A Special Protection Zones" ("Zone 1A SPZ").

Additional criterion; "the minimum area for assessment and establishment of Zone 1A type forest shall be 3 hectares."

- Within the 77 hectare area (the “yellow polygon”) presented in Figure 1a-d. there are 324 HBT's of varying size ranging from a Eucalyptus regnans indivdual at 1.21m DBH to a Eucalyptus regnans indivdual at 4.35m DBH (13.68m circumference at 1.3m) and includes both living and dead trees as well as younger and older HBT's.

- In Justice Osborne's Judgment in MyEnvironment Inc. vs VicForests in the Victorian Supreme Court 14 March 2012 His Honour at Paragraph 177 refers to "Smith and Lindenmayer, ‘Tree Hollow Requirements of Leadbeater’s Possum and Other Possums and Gliders in Timber Production Ash Forests of the Victorian Central Highlands’ (1988)"7 and in particular its reference to the "Ashton (1976)"8 publication of Eucalyptus regnans tree age as determined by DBH measurements accompanied by its corresponding caution:

9

- In 1975 Ashton, D. H. published the following table indicating a correlation between DBH measurements and age classification:

10

7 Smith and Lindenmayer, ‘Tree Hollow Requirements of Leadbeater’s Possum and Other Possums and Gliders in Timber Production Ash Forests of the Victorian Central Highlands’ (1988) 15 Australian Wildlife Research 347.

8 Ashton, D. H., "The Development of Even-aged Stands of Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell in Central Victoria", Australian Journal of Botany, 1976, 24, 397-414

9 ibid., p. 40210 Ashton, D. H., "The Root and Shoot Development of Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell", Australian Journal of Botany,

1975, 23, p. 868

- If the "criterion for inclusion" under consideration here is for "mixed aged ash forest where the oldest age class is mature (>120 years old)" then it must be considered whether the oldest age class within the study location is ">120 years old".

- Of the 324 HBT's recorded within the study location 280 of these had a DBH greater than 1.5m.

- According to Ashton (1975) Eucalyptus regnans trees with a DBH between 1.50m and 2.50m are considered to be "Mature" and between 100 - 300 years old.

- 280 recorded HBT's under investigation are "Mature" and within the age-class "100 - 300 years".

- Using the equation indicating a relationship between DBH and age given in Ashton (1976), “logy = 1.02 logx” where “y” is the DBH (cm) and “x” the age in years11 the minimum age of 280 trees considered under this criterion given a DBH of 1.50m is 136 years.

- 321 of the HBT's considered within this report are considered > 120 years according to Ashton (1976) with each having a DBH ≥ 1.32m.

- The oldest age class in this forest type is thus "mature (>120 years old)" and exists in an area greater than 3 hectares.

- The data presented in Table 1. and Figure 1. indicate that the forest type within the area under investigation is mixed aged ash-eucalypt forest.

- The study location indicated in Figure 1. and all possible polygons generated from the data in Table 1. must be included in the SPZ under this criterion.

The second dot point for FFGA Zone 1A classificationThe "Second criterion for inclusion" followed in this investigation requires that; "regrowth ash forest with at least 12 live hollow bearing trees per 3 ha" be protected form logging by its inclusion in "Zone 1A Special Protection Zones" ("Zone 1A SPZ").

Additional criterion; "the minimum area for assessment and establishment of Zone 1A type forest shall be 3 hectares."

- The data presented in Table 1. and in its corresponding Figure 1. within the “yellow polygon” displays an area of forest of 77 hectares present within and adjacent to the subject scheduled coupe and contains 324 living HBT's.

- 324 living HBT's over 77 hectares equates to a living HBT density ≥ 4 living-HBT's/ha which is that which is required under the present criterion (12 living-HBT's/3ha equating to 4 living-HBT's/ha).

- At least 12 live hollow bearing trees per 3 ha exist within the study location for this criterion.

- The area indicated in Figure 1. and all possible polygons >3ha generated from the data in Table 1. (excluding the dead stags) must be included in the SPZ under this criterion.

11 Ashton, D. H., "The Development of Even-aged Stands of Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell in Central Victoria", Australian Journal of Botany, 1976, 24, 397-414, p. 402

Results 1 (Continued)Central Highlands Forest Management Plan - Leadbeater's Possum Management Prescriptions

CH FMP ZONE 1A interpretationThe "Third criterion for inclusion" followed in this investigation requires that; ">12 Living trees of the species Mountain Ash, Alpine Ash or Shining Gum containing hollows per 3 ha in patches greater than 3 ha" be protected form logging by its inclusion in "Zone 1A Special Protection Zones" ("Zone 1A SPZ").

Additional criterion; considered in this investigation is that each of the HBT's considered under this "Third criterion for inclusion" be "mature and/or senescent".

- The data presented in Table 1. and it corresponding Figures 1a-d. display areas of forest of 77ha (the “yellow polygons”) that contains 324 living HBT's of the species Eucalyptus regnans within and/or adjacent to the scheduled logging coupes under consideration in this report.

- 324 living Eucalyptus regnans HBT's over 77ha equates to a density of >4 living-Eucalyptus regnans-HBT's/ha which is that which is required under the present criterion (>12 living-Eucalyptus regnans-HBT's/3ha equating to 4 living-Eucalyptus regnans-HBT's/ha).

Ashton (1975)- As already explained in the "discussion section" of this report, Ashton (1975) considers trees of DBH ≥ 1.50m to be "Mature".

- 280 of the 324 living-Eucalyptus regnans-HBT's in Results 1. have DBH measurements ≥ 1.50m indicating that they are “mature”.

- The remaining living-Eucalyptus regnans-HBT's included in each of the Results 1. and Results 2. sections of this report which are less than 1.50m DBH (to a minimum of 1.21m DBH) are addressed as follows:

Jacobs (1955)- In Justice Osborne's Judgment in MyEnvironment Inc. vs VicForests in the Victorian Supreme Court 14 March 2012 His Honour at Paragraph 246 addresses the complicated nature of characterising and identifying both "maturity" and "senescence":

246 It was submitted on behalf of MyEnvironment that the terms ‘mature’ and ‘senescing’ were so uncertain as to be meaningless. Whilst I accept that the evidence shows that a mature tree might be over 100 years old or might only be 90 years old, I do not accept this submission. It is apparent that the terms ‘mature’ and ‘senescing’ have a meaning well understood by foresters, which accords with that articulated by Jacobs in the 1955 publication to which the FMP itself refers.12 Further, they are terms deliberately adopted in the earlier section of the FMP which utilises them for the classification of forest stages. Mr Ryan reproduced in evidence Jacob’s classification. The classification is based upon the form of the crown of the tree assessed. He explained that the illustration was originally prepared with respect to Blackbutt eucalyptus pilularis. I accept that the terms are capable of ready practical application on the ground.

- Osborne J acknowledges that trees younger than those in the age class "100-300years" designated by Ashton (1975) may be "mature" due to varying interpretations of "maturity" but that given the LBP habitat prescriptions are designed not for scientists but for foresters a general interpretation of maturity based on an even more subjective view of each HBT's "crown form" was favoured.

- All of the 324 living-Eucalyptus regnans-HBT's recorded were assessed against the schemtaic

12 Mr Spencer’s evidence is that in practice VicForests applies this standard conservatively and treats the standard as being met where there are 10 mature or senescing trees per 3 hectares.

diagram of Jacobs (1955) and were found to conform to at least the third stage (“J3”) which aims to represent “Mature (younger)” trees. See the following diagram:

- All of the 324 living-Eucalyptus regnans-HBT's recorded are thus classified as “mature'' (See Table 1. “Further information recorded” sections and Appendix A HBT photogrpahs for further detail).

Maturity (General)- I. R. Ball et. al. in "A tree hollow dynamics simulation model"13 considers the questions of "maturity" and "senescing" with again another interpretation.

- This paper defines any tree characterised as "Form 1" ("mature living tree with hollows")14 or above as "senescing" due to development in its degree of decay. "Form 0" in this report is the only growth stage that classifies trees as neither mature nor senescing. "Form 0" trees do not contain hollows. By implication all HBT's of any age class or DBH are prima facie considered to be both "mature and/or senescing".

- All HBT's recorded in the course of this investigation are of "Form 1" or a greater form of senescence and under this interpretation are "mature and/or senescing".

Ashton (1976)- In addition Ball et. al. reiterate precaution in the use of DBH measurements as an indicator of age class by stipulating that the sum published by Ashton (1976) (and republished in this report as "Y = X1.02", where Y is the DBH and X the age in years) relates to the age class "before decay begins".15

- Using this equation, "Y = X1.02", where Y is the DBH(cm) and X the age in years” 16, the minimum age of trees considered under this criterion given a DBH of 1.21m is 110 years. 1 tree was recorded at this DBH size and two additional trees were recorded at 1.29m DBH (117 years) and 1.30m DBH (118 years). All of the remaining HBT's recorded were ≥ 1.32m DBH equating to an age of 120 years.

13 I.R. Ball et al., "A tree hollow dynamics simulation model", Forest Ecology and Management 123 (1999) 179-19414 ibid. p. 18215 ibid. p. 18216 ibid. p. 182

Maturity (Summary)- All 324 living Eucalytpus regnans HBT's with a DBH greater than 1.32m (120 years) or that conform to “J3” (or greater) of Jacobs (1955) as displayed in Table 1. and mapped in Figures 1a-d are of the requisite "Mountain Ash" species and meet one or more of the preceding interpretations of "maturity and/or senescence" and are arranged in a configuration of ≥ 4 HBT's per 3ha over an area >3ha.

- The areas indicated in Figures 1a-d. and all possible polygons >3ha generated from the data in Table 1. must be included in the SPZ under this criterion.

Results 2-7 - The figures contained within Results 2-7 are additional maps generated using various (partial) combinations of the 324 HBT's listed in Table 1. and Table 2. All the “yellow, green, cyan and purple polygons” within figures 2-7 display areas of forest with mature (using the above criterion) HBT densities ≥ 4/ha and are areas greater than 3.1ha.

- The areas indicated in Figures 2-7 and all possible polygons >3ha generated from the relevant data in Table 1. and Table 2. must be included in the SPZ under this criterion.

ConclusionsLarge areas of Leadbeater's Possum “Zone 1A habitat” were identified within this investigation within and adjacent to scheduled coupes 297-505-0001, 297-509-0001, 297-509-0002, 297-511-0001, 297-511-0002 and 297-511-0003. These areas must be protected from logging and the impacts of “regeneration burning”.

In addition; the "results" and "discussion" sections of this report demonstrate that VicForests within scheduled logging coupe 297-511-0003 have “taped out”, in preperation for logging, areas required under both the "Central Highlands Forest Management Plan's Leadbeater's Possum Managaement Prescriptions" and the "Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act's Action Statement for Leadbeater's Possum #062" to be protected from logging by their inclusion in "Special Protection Zone" reserves.

The scheduled area of coupe 297-511-0003 is 51.4ha. The area which VicForests have “taped out” within this coupe, indicating the area of this forest they intend to clear is 25.7ha. The area which this report (see Figures 1 and 6) identifies as LBP Z1A habitat required to be included in the SPZ reserve and which is “taped out” to be cleared is 17.2ha. (70% of the area VicForests intends to clear within coupe 297-511-0003).

In summary, these conclusions are drawn from the following;Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act - Action Statement for Leadbeater's Possum #062ZONE 1AThe first dot point - The oldest age class in the study location is "mature (>120 years old)" and exists in an area greater than 3 hectares.

- The study location indicated in Figure 1. and all possible polygons generated from the data in Table 1. must be included in the SPZ under this criterion.

The second dot point- At least 12 live hollow bearing trees per 3 ha exist within the study location for this criterion.

- The area indicated in Figure 1. and all possible polygons >3ha generated from the data in Table 1. must be included in the SPZ under this criterion, and;

Central Highlands Forest Management Plan - Leadbeater's Possum Management PrescriptionsZONE 1A- All 324 living Eucalytpus regnans HBT's with a DBH greater than 1.50m and/or conforming ≥ the “mature” classification of Jacobs (1955) as displayed in Table 1. and mapped in Figures 1-7. are of the requisite "Mountain Ash" species and meet one or more of the preceding interpretations of "maturity and/or senescence" and are arranged in a configuration of ≥ 4 HBT's per 3ha over an area >3ha.

- The area indicated in Figures 1-7. and all possible polygons >3ha generated from the data in Table 1. must be included in the SPZ under this criterion.

AuthorAndrew LincolnFauna and Flora Research Collective Inc.

15/02/2013

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