persoonia hindii management and research...

Persoonia hindii MRP‐APC

1 October 2013

PERSOONIA HINDII: MANAGEMENT AND

RESEARCH PROGRAM Research project to fulfil condition 24A Angus Place MOD 2 Determination ‐ 22 April 2013

Dr Peter Erskine1, Dr Andrew Fletcher2*, Dr Gretchen Brownstein3, Raymond Blick.4

1 Level 5, Sir James Foots Building (BLDG 47A), Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072; email: [email protected], phone +61 7 3346 4065, mobile +61 4 18711306 2* Corresponding Author email: [email protected], phone +61 7 3346 4052, mobile +61 4 00221497 3 email: [email protected] 4 email: [email protected]

A proposal to conduct research for

Centennial Coal Pty Ltd c/o Dr Bernie Kirsch

Proposal Summary This proposal addresses the requirements of Environmental Assessment titled “Environmental Assessment Angus Place Colliery, Ventilation Facility Project: Modification 2 of Project Approval 06_0021”, ‘EA–Mod 2’, that address requirements of the 22 April 2013 “Planning Assessment Commission Determination Report, Angus Place Colliery, Modification 2: Ventilation Facility”. Up to 1200 individuals of Persoonia hindii will be destroyed in the construction of infrastructure associated with the new Vent Shaft (06_0021 MOD 2) within the Newnes Plateau State Forest. The goals of this research project are to (1) undertake quantitative mapping and conservation assessment for P. hindii, (2) specifically address the growth habit of P. hindii (3) expand current propagation research being undertaken by Royal Botanic Gardens Trust, Mt Annan, Sydney to ensure viability of impacted populations through germplasm propagation. The duration of this project will be approximately 18 months from acceptance and involves research activities to meet conditions of approval. A subsequent low intensity monitoring program will be required for a further four years to address Commitment 24B regarding Mod‐2 Vegetation Offsets:

“In determining a suitable residual offset, the Director‐General will have regard to the outcomes of the Persoonia hindii Management and Research Program, particularly the success of translocation and/or regeneration, and the Proponent’s success in implementing the Rehabilitation Management Plan.”

Outcomes will include (1) provision of a means for reassessing key threatening processes and likely impacts for this species, (2) description of appropriate methods for retaining viable populations of P. hindii where development occurs, (3) expanded mapping and understanding of species population size, distribution and characteristics in the region to allow effective conservation. Further output from this project will include recommended methods for field mapping, mapped population distribution and habitat suitability, appropriate reporting format, recommendations for species management and where possible peer reviewed publications. © Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation (The University of Queensland)

Copyright protects this document. Except as provided by the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation (The University of Queensland).

This document is and shall remain the property of Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation (The University of Queensland). This proposal is confidential and may only be used by Centennial Coal Pty Ltd in accordance with the agreed terms of the commission.


2 October 2013

Table of Contents Research project to fulfil condition 24A Angus Place MOD 2 Determination ‐ 22 April 2013............ 1

Proposal Summary .................................................................................................................................. 1

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................... 2

Abbreviations and Terminology .............................................................................................................. 3

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Program Components and Outputs ........................................................................................................ 4

24A. “… prepare and implement a Persoonia hindii Management and Research Program.” ............ 4

(a) be prepared in consultation with OEH and Forests NSW by suitably qualified and experienced persons whose appointment has been approved by the Director‐General .............. 4

(b) be submitted for approval to the Director‐General prior to the commencement of construction activities for Mod – 2 that involve clearing of Persoonia hindii stems (ramets); ...... 5

(c) include a timetable to undertake surveys and mapping of Persoonia hindii to establish its distribution and population across the Newnes Plateau; ............................................................... 5

(d) include measures for the translocation of all stems of Persoonia hindii found in the area of disturbance associated with the widening of access tracks/roads to the Mod – 2 ventilation facilities, to nearby areas with similar physical and biological habitat features; ........................... 5

(e) include trials to assess whether such translocated Persoonia hindii stems can be successfully returned to their original locations as a component of the rehabilitation of these areas; ............ 6

(f) include a study of the rhizomatous habit of Persoonia hindii and how this may affect the success of the species in translocation and/or re‐colonising disturbed areas; .............................. 6

(g) include a monitoring program to study the Persoonia hindii stems before and after translocation; .................................................................................................................................. 7

(h) include a monitoring program to measure the ability of the residual Persoonia hindii population along the disturbed areas of the ventilation facilities access tracks/roads and construction site to regenerate; ..................................................................................................... 7

(i) include short and long‐term goals to measure the effectiveness of the Program; and............. 7

(j) provide for the transfer of information obtained as a result of implementing the Program to OEH, Forests NSW and the Department. ........................................................................................ 7

Literature Review and Mapping Methodology ....................................................................................... 8

Summary of Costs for Proposed Works .................................................................................................. 9

Appendix A ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Appendix B‐ Springvale Proposal .......................................................................................................... 11

Appendix C ............................................................................................................................................ 28


3 October 2013

Abbreviations and Terminology OEH Office of Environment and Heritage, New South Wales

FCNSW Forestry Corporation, New South Wales

DP&I Department of Planning and Infrastructure, New South Wales

MRP Management and Research Program

APC Angus Place Colliery

SVC Springvale Colliery

Bore 8 Springvale Colliery ‐ DA 11/92 Mod 3 Condition 19C

06_0021 MOD 2 Angus Place Colliery Modification 2 ‐ Ventilation and Trial Mining ‐ Condition 24A

Proteaceae Family of plants which includes the genus Persoonia

Ramet Individual shoot of a shrub rising separately from the soil

Cutting A small piece of vegetative shoot tissue collected for propagation

Propagation Generation of new independent plants

Germplasm Genetic resource for a species

Introduction Current literature regarding P. hindii has been reviewed in the previously accepted submission for Springvale Colliery Bore 8 Development application (Appendix B). Angus Place Collieries 06_0021 MOD 2 development activity has been approved with identical conditions to the Springvale Colliery application regarding Persoonia hindii. The proposed Angus Place Colliery 06_0021 MOD 2 Persoonia hindii Management and Research Program (MRP) should therefore be conducted to maximise research outcomes and compliance with conditions while avoiding duplication. The significant numbers of individuals being destroyed by the 06_0021 MOD 2 development require substantial investment to ensure approval conditions are met. The cumulative impacts of development activities on P. hindii across the Newnes Plateau are of specific concern to the viability of this species. Current records fail to report search intensity or extents and appear to be largely opportunistic observations along roads and access tracks (Fig 1).


4 October 2013

Figure 1. Cumulative impact areas and recorded occurrences of P. hindii on the Newnes Plateau.

Program Components and Outputs Most research questions have been previously outlined, developed and scoped in collaboration with staff from Office of Environment and Heritage, Forestry Corporation New South Wales and Royal Botanic Gardens in the proposal for Bore 8 development (Springvale Colliery ‐ Appendix B) and are reiterated below as they relate to Angus Place Colliery EA‐Mod2. Additional work specifically appropriate to Angus Place Colliery impacts regard ecology of clonal reproduction through suckering and assessment of a variety of translocation methods.

This proposal specifically addresses the requirements of EA‐Mod 2 commitment 24A seen below:

“Persoonia hindii Management and Research Program”

24A. “… prepare and implement a Persoonia hindii Management and Research Program.”

Note: The requirement to undertake a Persoonia hindii Management and Research Program may be implemented in conjunction with a similar requirement arising from approval of the Springvale Colliery Bore 8 modification (DA 11/92 Mod 3).”

This Program must:

(a) be prepared in consultation with OEH and Forests NSW by suitably qualified and experienced persons whose appointment has been approved by the Director‐General Appendix C contains the letter of approval of Dr Peter Erskine as a suitably qualified and experienced person by the Director-General. Consultation with OEH and FCNSW has been conducted in the development of the Springvale Colliery Bore 8 development proposal and


5 October 2013

will continue through the life of the Persoonia hindii research program. Primary contacts for this process are (OEH Liz Mazzer, FCNSW: Doug Binns). Our research will contribute to the priority action statement for Persoonia hindii being currently developed by Amanda Jowett (OEH).

(b) be submitted for approval to the Director‐General prior to the commencement of construction activities for Mod – 2 that involve clearing of Persoonia hindii stems (ramets); This document addresses this requirement.

(c) include a timetable to undertake surveys and mapping of Persoonia hindii to establish its distribution and population across the Newnes Plateau; The proposed mapping and survey of P. hindii applies a peer reviewed, ecologically appropriate, spatially explicit and quantitative method known as strip adaptive clustering (Appendix B ‐ Literature Review). Mapping activities have already commenced on the Newnes Plateau (three field staff 22‐30 September). It is proposed, weather and permissions allowing, to complete mapping field work by the end of the 2013 calendar year. Analyses and manuscript draft will be prepared by end March 2013.

(d) include measures for the translocation of all stems of Persoonia hindii found in the area of disturbance associated with the widening of access tracks/roads to the Mod – 2 ventilation facilities, to nearby areas with similar physical and biological habitat features;

Literature available on the translocation of mature Proteaceae indicates a high likelihood of mortality (Literature Review‐ Appendix B), so additional methods of propagation are being assessed experimentally by the Royal Botanic Gardens Trust (Mt Annan), on behalf of CMLR, of a range of propagation techniques that may be applied protect of population viability.

Seed ecology

Experimental work will include seed viability assessment, germination enhancement methods and establishment of new plants. Germinated seedlings will be used for (a) generation of additional cutting material for further propagation and (b) return to areas surrounding development activities. CMLR staff will collect mature fruit of P. hindii at the direction of RGB Sydney conservation staff to assist in this project while minimising collection costs. This approach maximises field coverage for fruit collection.

Cutting propagation

The proposed development will destroy >1000 individual plants. Development of germplasm to replace these plants will require significant effort as replacement with cuttings will require up to five cuttings for each individual destroyed. Research by RGB Sydney propagation experts at Mt Annan will be expanded from the current Springvale Colliery Bore 8 project to improve outcomes, efficiency and methods.

In conjunction with the research above and to comply with the requirements of Condition 24A translocation will also be attempted.

Translocation of stolons

Plants facing unavoidable destruction due to 06_0021 MOD 2 road development activities on the Newnes Plateau will be identified in direct consultation with Centennial Coal project management.


6 October 2013

Detailed notes and locations of plants will be collected. Ramet movement will be conducted by the minimum distance necessary to remove plants from impact zone (<20m). Individual ramets will therefore remain well within suitable habitat.

Translocation method:

1. Plants facing destruction will be identified, marked and GPS coordinates recorded 2. The limits of disturbance from development near these plants will be identified 3. Suitable habitat and conditions will be identified as close as possible beyond the impact area

for transplant sites 4. A number of translocation methods will be assessed and success reported:

a. Lifting of entire ramet and transplantation of a substantial soil ball with clean hessian to contain the soil.

b. Above ground biomass will be reduced to minimise transplant shock and ramets with a minimal amount of surrounding soil will be lifted by hand and moved

c. Anecdotal evidence of disturbance re‐establishment of P. hindii will be tested by bare rooting ramets, dramatic shoot reduction and replanting in a nearby location.

5. Fencing will be erected to prevent herbivory and inadvertent damage.

(e) include trials to assess whether such translocated Persoonia hindii stems can be successfully returned to their original locations as a component of the rehabilitation of these areas; Retranslocation relies on a number of as yet unknown sources of data and operational information. Retranslocation of Persoonia hindii will be assessed once (a) a timeframe has been established for rehabilitation of road works, (b) after propagation research has been completed by Royal Botanic Gardens research staff, (c) following assessment of outcomes of translocation methods tested in 24A‐d and (d) mapping and survey work have established population dynamics, distribution and extents of the species. Mapping and survey work will inform the most appropriate approach to reinstatement of this species within the area of disturbance by describing the distribution, habitat suitability and population dynamics of this species. Translocation experiments (24A‐d) will indicate suitable methodology for improving probability of success in movement of mature plants. Retranslocation will be conducted where viability of a population is at risk using the most effective combination of methods arising from initial transplantation and propagation research (24A d) and to locations with suitable substrates for sustainable P. hindii growth.

(f) include a study of the rhizomatous habit of Persoonia hindii and how this may affect the success of the species in translocation and/or re‐colonising disturbed areas;

Between 5 and 10 clusters of P. hindii will be identified within the impact footprint of 06_0021 MOD 2 development. A mapping grid will be established across the cluster and all individual ramets will be located within the map. Compressed air will be used to excavate the root systems of the cluster retaining root systems intact. This will allow connections between individual ramets to be mapped. Photographs and technical drawings will be collected to allow quantitative analysis of connectivity between ramets to be undertaken.


7 October 2013

(g) include a monitoring program to study the Persoonia hindii stems before and after translocation;

Plant health will be assessed by photo and observation at transplantation, after one month and seasonally for the following year. Beyond the first year, seasonal (4) monitoring events will be conducted annually for 5 years to determine long term viability. Records will include, visual assessment of plant health, evidence of active shoot growth and/or ramet establishment beyond transplanted material. As far as possible, monitoring will be non‐physical to prevent additional damage during reestablishment. It should be noted that the site occurs in state forest and therefore experiences a higher than usual level of recreational use. Acts of vandalism may result in compromised data.

(h) include a monitoring program to measure the ability of the residual Persoonia hindii population along the disturbed areas of the ventilation facilities access tracks/roads and construction site to regenerate;

Fixed transects will be established transecting clusters of P. hindii occurring in close proximity to Angus Place 06_0021 MOD 2 access road where the majority of disturbance to P. hindii will occur. Strip adaptive clustering methodology will be applied to determine maintenance of spatial coverage by P. hindii through time. Seasonal measures will be conducted in the year following road construction followed by annual monitoring for 5 years.

(i) include short and long‐term goals to measure the effectiveness of the Program; and

1. Mapping and population distribution will be deemed successful with submission of peer reviewed publication arising from this research.

2. Short term success in translocation of P. hindii is measured by survival of ramets. This is not certain given the poor transplant capability of Persoonia and Proteaceae in general.

3. In the medium term, research by Royal Botanic Gardens Trust conservation and propagation experts will inform potential of cutting and seedling propagation.

4. Long term success would be demonstrated by subsequent expansion of transplanted ramets and will be monitored over 5 years. Establishment of plants propagated through Royal Botanic Gardens Trust research would also indicate success and provide methodology for long‐term protection of this species.

(j) provide for the transfer of information obtained as a result of implementing the Program to OEH, Forests NSW and the Department.

1. Outcomes of mapping and population distribution will be provided as a draft manuscript to

all stake holders prior to submission. (first half of April 2014) 2. Outcomes of root system connectivity between ramets within a cluster of P. hindii will be

provided as a draft manuscript (June 2014). 3. Short reports will be provided to OEH, FCNSW and DP&I at commencement (number,

location, size ramet number, etc of impacted plants and sites of translocation), after 1 month and subsequently on an annual basis.

4. Monitoring results for plants in close proximity to disturbance will be provided to FCNSW, OEH and DP&I on an annual basis in conjunction with transplant monitoring.


8 October 2013

Literature Review and Mapping Methodology See Appendix B.


9 October 2013

Summary of Costs for Proposed Works

Stage Resources Units

Cost $/unit Sub‐totals

Stage and project totals

Project Timeframe

1‐ Translocation Ramets ***

Field Ecologists ‐ Field (days) 11 1180

$12,980

October 2013‐December 2013

Ecologists ‐ Office prep and report (days) 6 1180

$7,080

Transport ‐ vehicle (4WD) 5 150 $750Accommodation/meals (days) 10 180

$1,800

Airfares 2 400 $800Field Equipment ‐ Consumables

$400

Field Equipment ‐ Electronics

$830 $24,640

2‐ Propagation cuttings (RBG Sydney Mt Annan, conservation)

Botanists Field (days) 4 1150 $4,600

October 2013‐ June 2015

Botanists Glasshouse (days) 20 800 $16,000 Botanists office (days) 0 750 $0Glasshouse ‐Consumables 2 1500 $3,000 Glasshouse ‐ Space (weekly) 26 25 $650

$24,250

3‐ Propagation Seed (RBG Sydney Mt Annan, conservation)

Botanists Glasshouse (days) 15 800 $12,000

October 2013 – June 2015 Botanists Office (days) 10 750 $7,500Glasshouse ‐Consumables 1 1500 $1,500 Glasshouse ‐ Space (weekly) 26 25 $650

$21,650

4‐ Regional population and conservation assessment

Field Ecologists ‐ Field (days) 11 1180 $12,980

October 2013 – March 2014

Ecologists ‐ Office (days) 6 1180 $7,080Transport‐ vehicle (4wd days) 10 150 $1,500 Accommodation/meals (days) 10 180 $1,800 Field consumables $1,000 $24,360

5‐ Vegetative reproduction ecology

Field Ecologists ‐ Field (days) 11 1180 12980

October 2013 – December 2013

Ecologists ‐ Office (days) 5 1180 $5,900Field Equipment $200 $19,080

6‐ Monitoring and reporting‐ establish (2013)

Field Ecologists ‐ Field (days) 9 1180 $10,620

November 2013 – February 2014

Ecologists ‐ Office (days) 18 1180 $21,240Transport ‐ vehicle (4WD) 4 150 $600Accommodation/meals (days) 8 180 $1,440 Airfares 4 400 $1,600Field consumables $1,600Field Electronics $1,680 $38,780

7‐ Project management

Review of four reports (days) 3 1400 $4,200

To August 2015

Sub‐contract management (days) 5 950 $4,750

$8,950 Life of Project

UQ Overheads $6,190 $6,190

*** Assumes field resources ‐ backhoe, personnel, fencing and translocation consumables are provided by CEY as required.

Project Total

$167,900

Sect 2&3 effective propagation method is yet to be determined. The program is divided approximately equally between seed and cutting

propagation and costed for generation of ~ 2000 individual plants or five plantlets per destroyed ramet. As propagation method requires

research, this cost represents gross expenditure on the part of CMLR for propagation.


10 October 2013

Appendix A Payment Schedule

25% of total funding on 16 November 2013; 25% on 16 January 2014; 25% on 16 June 2014; with the

final 25% being invoiced by 16 December 2014, on submission of report.

All Payments are in Australian Dollars ($AUD).

All Rates and Pricing shown in this document are GST exclusive quantities.

PhMMRP‐SVC

11 October 2013

Appendix B- Springvale Proposal

PERSOONIA HINDII: SPECIES, DISTRIBUTION

AND SECURITY ON THE NEWNES PLATEAU - SPRINGVALE

Dr Peter Erskine1, Dr Andrew Fletcher2*, Dr Gretchen Brownstein3, Raymond Blick.4

1 Level 5, Sir James Foots Building (BLDG 47A), Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072; email: [email protected], phone +61 7 3346 4065, mobile +61 4 18711306 2* Corresponding Author email: [email protected], phone +61 7 3346 4052, mobile +61 4 00221497 3 email: , phone: +61 7 4 email: , phone: +61 7

A proposal to conduct research for

Centennial Coal Pty Ltd c/o Bernie Kirsch

Proposal Summary A variation to the existing CMLR/Centennial Coal research program (GR556) is proposed to address the requirement for research of the protection and management options for the endangered shrub, Persoonia hindii. A number of individuals of this species may be destroyed in the construction of Bore 8 on Springvale Colliery lease within the Newnes Plateau State Forest. The goals of this research are (1) quantitatively describe the distribution, population characteristics and habitat range of P. hindii, (2) collaborate with NSW Botanic Gardens to assess capacity to propagate and transplant plants from disturbed areas for germplasm preservation (3) based on population understanding identify potential cumulative impacts of development and other activities at a species range. The duration of this project will be approximately 12 months from acceptance and involves, field ecological surveys, field experimental work, desktop data collation and glasshouse propagation experimentation. A subsequent low intensity monitoring program will continue for a further four years. The outcomes will (1) provide a means for reassessing key threatening processes and likely impacts for this species, (2) describe appropriate methods of retaining viable populations of P. hindii where development occurs, (3) expand mapping and understanding of species population size, distribution and characteristics in the region to allow effective conservation.

© Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation (The University of Queensland)

Copyright protects this document. Except as provided by the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation (The University of Queensland).

This document is and shall remain the property of Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation (The University of Queensland). This proposal is confidential and may only be used by Centennial Coal Pty Ltd in accordance with the agreed terms of the commission.

PhMMRP‐SVC

12 October 2013

Table of Contents Proposal Summary ................................................................................................................................ 11

Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................. 12

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 14

Research Questions .............................................................................................................................. 15

What is the population size, spatial distribution and clustering of Persoonia hindii? ................. 15

What are the extents of suitable habitat and vegetation associations for Persoonia hindii? ...... 15

Does this species reproduce via seed and if so under what conditions? ..................................... 15

Can individuals of this species be rescued through cutting collection or transplantation to prevent genetic loss? .................................................................................................................... 15

For identified at risk populations/clusters what are appropriate monitoring methods for ensuring population protection? .................................................................................................. 15

Literature Review .................................................................................................................................. 15

Experimental Design ............................................................................................................................. 16

Habitat mapping and population description (Condition 19C c&j) .................................................. 16

Data collection method ................................................................................................................. 16

Data analysis ................................................................................................................................. 17

Method Development and Field Testing ...................................................................................... 17

Field work and knowledge dissemination (Condition 19C j) ........................................................ 18

Propagation and Germplasm Rescue ................................................................................................ 19

Seed ecology (Not included in Condition 19C) ............................................................................. 19

Cutting propagation (Not included in Condition 19C) .................................................................. 20

Translocation of stolons (Condition 19C d&e) .............................................................................. 20

Population Viability Assessment in Proximity of the Development (Condition 19C h) ................ 21

Output and measures of program success ................................................................................... 21

Publication of Results ............................................................................................................................ 21

Industry Reports ................................................................................................................................ 21

Site Specific – Confidential ............................................................................................................ 21

Regulatory ‐ Compliance ............................................................................................................... 21

Strategic or Industry...................................................................................................................... 22

Scientific Publications ....................................................................................................................... 22

Peer Reviewed Papers .................................................................................................................. 22

Conference Presentations ............................................................................................................. 22

References ............................................................................................................................................ 22

Related Publications of Proposal Authors ........................................................................................ 22

Summary of Costs for Proposed Works ................................................................................................ 23

Appendix A: Payment Schedule ............................................................................................................ 24

Appendix B: Communication with Daniel Bishop – RBG Sydney, Mt Annan: 18 April 2013 ............. 24

PhMMRP‐SVC

13 October 2013

Communication with Daniel Bishop – RBG Sydney, Mt Annan: 18 April 2013 ................................. 24

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PhMMRP‐SVC

15 October 2013

Research Questions

What is the population size, spatial distribution and clustering of Persoonia hindii? To date, mapping of P. hindii appears to be largely opportunistic with recorded sightings largely restricted to roads, fire trails and common foot and recreational access pathways on the Newnes Plateau. Recent surveys for development applications have identified many P. hindii clusters related to development footprints. To date all recordings are point data provided with assumed handheld GPS accuracies and varying estimates of stolon number. In addition, search intensity and extents have been unreported preventing an assessment of distribution, density and population structure for this species. (Condition 19C.c)

What are the extents of suitable habitat and vegetation associations for Persoonia hindii? The small size and clustering habit of P. hindii will be explored using ancillary data collected with mapping data from the previous research question. An assessment of shrubs and ground cover species positively and negatively associated with P. hindii will be recorded for each sampling location. Sampling intensity and distribution will improve knowledge of vegetation associations with P. hindii dramatically improving the habitat suitability assessment of this species. (Condition 19C.c)

Does this species reproduce via seed and if so under what conditions? A large number of P. hindii were observed to be carrying fruit in the fieldwork for the development of this proposal. The significance of sexual reproduction in the maintenance of this species will be explored in conjunction with NSW Botanical Gardens. (Not included in 19C.c)

Can individuals of this species be rescued through cutting collection or transplantation to prevent genetic loss? Individuals facing destruction from development activities and small/individual plants from large clusters will be sampled in collaboration with NSW Botanic Gardens to determine cutting propagability and potential for translocation of plants. This work will aim to establish plants in greenhouse/nursery conditions and may extend to reintroduction activities dependent on result. (Conditions 19C. d‐h)

For identified at risk populations/clusters what are appropriate monitoring methods for ensuring population protection? Quantitative methods are required that allow application of statistical principles with known confidence and sensitivity.

Literature Review Conventional methods such as random meander, quadrats or point intercept method are not appropriate for detecting rare plants such as Persoonia hindii. To determine the population size and distribution, it is necessary to collect data regarding local clustering, which is common for P. hindii, over wider geographic ranges including ridge tops, slopes, seepage points and shrub swamp boundaries (including locations where P. hindii is absent). Ignoring simple demographic information and search intensity undermines all population estimates made to‐date. The strip adaptive cluster method (SAC) was designed over two decades ago to collect data for single rare species (Magnussen et al. 2005, Turk and Borkowski 2005, Khan 2008). Therefore SAC is a valuable survey tool to record the distribution of P. hindii. Application of SAC provides distinct advantages in quantifying time efficiency and search effort during the development of large scale demographic surveys. In this proposal we demonstrate application of SAC to, evaluate a ridgeline between Sunnyside East and West Carne in proximity to Bore 8 construction.

PhMMRP‐SVC

16 October 2013

Propagation by cutting may be difficult for the genus Persoonia for a range of possible reasons including season and age (Bauer et al, 1999). Traditional cutting hormone treatments may yield result in reduced survival of cuttings (Ketelhohn et al, 1995). Propagation is listed as a key knowledge deficiency in the conservation of P. hindii (Weston and Johnson, 1997). Persoonia cutting propagation varies by species but may be improved by the application of synthetic auxins and the use of young shoots (Ketelhohn et al, 1995).

Field observations on 26‐27 March indicated a large number of mature plants carrying fruit. While Persoonia have also been found to have seed dormancy mechanisms that reduce germination rates, these may be overcome (Bauer et al 2004). Demonstrable and practical methods for effectively propagating P. hindii urgently require research.

Ramet transplant is the focus of Conditions 19C.c‐h, but, no peer reviewed literature exists on transplantation of the genus Persoonia. Conference abstracts and websites maintained by native plant enthusiasts indicate that potential for transplantation of mature Persoonia plants is low (eg: http://www.gardensonline.com.au/GardenShed/PlantFinder/Show_1593.aspx (24 April 2013), http://www.pubhort.org/ipps/31/49.htm (24 April 2013)). While this will be attempted in the current proposal it would be imprudent to attempt retranslocation (Condition 19C e) given the nature of the impact is trenching (complete destruction of soil profile), the number of impacted plants is <10 (Springvale Colliery Project Manager pers. Comm.) and opportunity for disease or damage to destroy plants is doubled.

Experimental Design

Habitat mapping and population description (Condition 19C c&j)

Data collection method SAC can detect local clustering and landscape level distribution of P. hindii. Start points for transects are generated randomly and spaced to prevent overlap and therefore resampling errors. A bearing for each transect is generated randomly at 1 degree level. This process eliminates observer bias from transect placement and propagation. Due to the circular nature and random placement of this method there will be a proportion of the total landscape that is excluded from potential sampling.

The transect line defined as start and bearing was then followed for 100m using one meter ‘subplots’. If P. hindii was detected within a subplot, the existing design was modified and surrounding areas inspected (Figure 2; ref). To ensure this method was rapid and sampled evenly, we restricted the maximum search area to 1100m2 (i.e. five meters either side of each central subplot).

In this design, abundance and density are determined by counting the number of subplots that P. hindii occupies in the landscape. As P. hindii is multi‐stemmed, suckering shrub with extensive stolon‐like rhizomes (Weston and Johnson 1997) determining what constitutes an individual ramet is difficult. Here, rather than counts of ‘primary stems’, we consider the frequency of occupied space in subplots as an accurate measure of local populations and spatial distribution. The current accepted ecology for P. hindii considers rooted stems that are greater than one metre apart to be separate ramets, while this remains to be tested, we use this as a starting point for population mapping. Frequency is then interpreted using mapping tools and probability sampling to evaluate the size and density of different populations in the landscape.

Dominant shrub and ground cover species encountered in each transect will be recorded to provide vegetation assemblage information for presence of P. hindii.

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19 October 2013

Figure 3. Results of SAC method at 20 transects showing random start location, bearing and potential search area. Significance of P. hindii observations shown as transect line colour.

Propagation and Germplasm Rescue

Seed ecology (Not included in Condition 19C) In collaboration with NSW Botanic Gardens (Mt Annan) seed collected from local P. hindii populations on the Newnes Plateau will be examined for viability and germination characteristics

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including potential dormancy. This will assist the knowledge of this species reproduction and distribution. This work will be restricted by conditions of collection that will be determined through Botanic Gardens to minimise risk of negative impacts on species viability.

Cutting propagation (Not included in Condition 19C) Plants that face destruction through development activities or isolation and selected plants within large identified clusters will have shoot tissue collected to conduct propagation experiments. Traditional plant hormone applications and media type will form the basis of this research to determine if P. hindii propagation is possible to rescue plants for future reintroduction to local habitat.

Translocation of stolons (Condition 19C d&e) Plants facing unavoidable destruction due to Bore 8 development activities on the Newnes Plateau will be identified in direct consultation with Centennial Coal project management. Detailed notes and locations of plants will be collected. Ramet movement will be conducted by the minimum distance necessary to remove plants from impact zone (<20m). Individual ramets will therefore remain well within suitable habitat. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Persoonia are intolerant of transplantation so plants will be translocated with the root zone retained intact as far as possible. Due to the small footprint of the proposed activity and sensitivity of this genus to transplant, retranslocation will not be attempted following trenching as this effectively doubles the risk of plant loss.

Translocation method:

6. Plants facing destruction will be identified, marked and GPS coordinates recorded 7. The limits of disturbance from development near these plants will be identified 8. Suitable habitat and conditions will be identified as close as possible beyond the impact area

for transplant sites 9. A hole will be dug to contain the transplanted ramet at the chosen location 10. A trench will be dug around the target ramet and the root zone wrapped with clean hessian

to contain the soil. 11. The ramet will be lifted and carried to the pre‐dug hole and backfilled to surface level and

watered to field capacity. 12. Fencing will be erected to prevent herbivory and inadvertent damage.

Monitoring of transplanted material:

The small number of plants to be disturbed (<10 total pers. comm. Tony King, Springvale Coal) will allow a simple monitoring design. Plant health will be assessed by photo and observation at weekly intervals for the first month and monthly for the following year. Beyond the first year, seasonal (4) monitoring events will be conducted annually for 5 years to determine long term viability. Records will include, visual assessment of plant health, evidence of active shoot growth and/or ramet establishment beyond transplanted material. As far as possible, monitoring will be non‐physical to prevent additional damage during reestablishment. It should be noted that the site occurs in state forest and therefore experiences a higher than usual level of recreational use. Acts of vandalism may result in compromised data.

Knowledge transfer:

Short reports will be provided to OEH, FCNSW and DoPI at commencement (number, location, size ramet number, etc of impacted plants and sites of translocation), after 1 month and subsequently on an annual basis.

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Population Viability Assessment in Proximity of the Development (Condition 19C h) Fixed transects will be established transecting clusters of P. hindii occurring in close proximity to Bore 8 development. SAC methodology will be applied to determine maintenance of spatial coverage by P. hindii through time. Seasonal measures will be conducted in the year following bore development activities followed by annual monitoring for 5 years. The results of this monitoring will be provided to FCNSW, OEH and DoPI on an annual basis in conjunction with transplant monitoring.

Output and measures of program success The primary goal of this research is the protection of viable P. hindii populations on the Newnes Plateau. The project addresses conceptually achievable goals of the conditions set out in 19C for Bore 8 approval.

1. Condition 19C a: Demonstrated in the iterative nature of the proposal and inclusion of comments and collaboration with RBG Sydney.

2. Condition 19C b: NA 3. Condition 19C c: Peer reviewed publication describing P. hindii population characteristics 4. Condition 19C d: Translocation experiment and subsequent monitoring of P. hindii survival

and reproduction. 5. Condition 19C e: This requirement is imposes unnecessary disturbance on plants through (a)

retranslocating surviving individuals and (b) returns these individuals to a substrate that is unlikely to be suitable for growth (completely destroyed soil profile due to trenching).

6. Condition 19C f: This requirement will require sacrifice of P. hindii clumps in order to study the below ground growth habit of this species. It is imprudent to attempt this given the current paucity of information regarding this species. A rational and sensitive design will be proposed in 2014 dependent on outcomes of Condition 19C c.

7. Condition 19C g: Addressed in 4. above. Due to the limited number of plants affected, monitoring is simple and complete.

8. Condition 19C h: Fixed transects monitored using SAC methodology provide a quantitative assessment of distribution of P. hindii through time without requiring invasive or opinion based assessment of ramet number.

9. Condition 19C i: Short term success in translocation of P. hindii is measured by survival of ramets. This is not certain given the poor transplant capacity of Persoonia and Proteaceae in general. Long term success would be demonstrated by subsequent expansion of transplanted ramets and will be monitored over 5 years. Mapping and population distribution will be deemed successful with acceptance of peer reviewed publication arising from this research.

10. Condition 19 j: Communication with DoPI, FCNSW and OEH are explicitly outlined in plan above.

Publication of Results

Industry Reports

Site Specific – Confidential Title‐ Update on P. hindii research program, submitted to B. Kirsch monthly from acceptance.

Regulatory ‐ Compliance Reports:

1. Location, ramet number and translocation method for Persoonia hindii ramets (FCNSW, OEH, DoPI)

2. Transplant assessment (images and assessment) 1 month after transplant

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3. Short report: Assessment of transplant success and local population viability 1 year 4. Short reports: annual per point 3.

Strategic or Industry None planned at this stage

Scientific Publications

Peer Reviewed Papers Journal: Austral Ecology Title: Application of Strip Adaptive Clustering to population estimation of an endangered plant species. Corresponding Author: R. Blick

Journal: Telopea Title: Population distribution, habitat range and extents of Persoonia hindii. Corresponding Author: To be determined

Journal: TBD Title: Reproductive ecology of Persoonia hindii Corresponding Author: TBD

Conference Presentations None planned at this stage

References Bauer L.M., Johnston M.E. and Williams R.R. (1999) Plant genotype, juvenility and mechanisms of inhibition of rooting Persoonia virgata R. Br. Cuttings. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 39, 1029‐34

Ketelhohn L.M., Johnston M.E. and Gage J. (1995) Propagation of Persoonia species by seeds and cuttings. International Plant Propagators' Society: Combined Proceedings 44, 72‐76

MOP SPV (2012) Mining Operations Plan Springvale Colliery: Variation December 2012, Attachment C.

NSW DEH a (2013) Persoonia hindii: Endangered Species Listing (link as at 13 March 2013) http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/determinations/PersooniaHindiiEndSpListing.htm

RPS (2012) Appendix A: Flora and Fauna Impact Assessment July 2012 http://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/450885/INW12‐49661‐Angus‐Place‐Colliery‐REF‐for‐Ventilation‐Shaft‐and‐Service‐Boreholes‐Appendix‐A‐Flora‐and‐Fauna.pdf (Accessed 28 March 2013)

Weston P.H. and Johnson L.A.S. (1997) Persoonia hindii (Proteaceae), a new species from the Newnes Plateau, New South Wales. Telopea 7 (3) 199‐203

Related Publications of Proposal Authors

Fletcher A.T. and Erskine P.D. (2012) Mapping of a rare plant species (Boronia deanei) using hyper‐resolution remote

sensing and concurrent ground observation. Ecological Management and Restoration 13, 195‐198

Blick R.A.J. and Burns K.C. (2011) Liana co‐occurrence patterns in a temperate rainforest. Journal of Vegetation Science 22,

868‐77

Brownstein G., Steel J.B., Porter S., Gray A., Wilson C., Wilson P.G. and Bastow J. (2012) Chance in plant communities: a

new approach to its measurement using the nugget from spatial autocorrelation. Journal of Ecology 100, 987‐996

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Summary of Costs for Proposed Works


24 October 2013

Appendix A Payment Schedule

25% of total funding on 16 September 2013; 25% on 16 December 2013; 25% on 16 June 2014; with

the final 25% being invoiced by 16 December 2014, on submission of report.

All Payments are in Australian Dollars ($AUD).

All Rates and Pricing shown in this document are GST exclusive quantities.

Appendix B

Communication with Daniel Bishop – RBG Sydney, Mt Annan: 18 April 2013

Request for cost estimates of collaborative research program ‐ Conservation of Persoonia hindii

Contacts: Dr Peter Erskine (C.I.), Dr Andrew Fletcher (correspondence), Dr Gretchen Brownstein and Raymond Blick. Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation‐ University of Queensland. [email protected], 0400221497

Background We wish to request a cost estimate to undertake two experiments investigating the endangered species Persoonia hindii.

Propagation of P. hindii Location:

Newnes Plateau State Forest/Centennial Coal Springvale, Angus Place and Clarence Collieries (Figure 1)

Activities: Collect cutting material from field Test common cutting types and treatment methods to assess the ability to propagate P. hindii. Provide report detailing results of treatments against control with regard cutting strike proportions and analysis of suitability for cutting propagation or subsequent research options.

Material: A selection of shoot material, plant hormone treatments, glasshouse space and consumables Personnel time (Field, glasshouse and reporting)

Outcomes: Short collaborative publication detailing methods tested and an assessment the use of cuttings for propagation of P. hindii.

Reproductive biology of P. hindii

Location: Newnes Plateau State Forest/Centennial Coal Springvale, Angus Place and Clarence Collieries

Activities: Collect fruit from field Test seed viability using x‐ray and/or microscopic techniques as appropriate.


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Germination experiment if sufficient material is available. Provide report detailing results and analysis of seed viability for this species.

Material: Reproductive material from Newnes Plateau, Laboratory consumables, glasshouse space and consumables Personnel time (Field, Laboratory, Glasshouse and reporting)

Outcomes: Short collaborative publication detailing methods tested and an assessment of seed ecology and reproductive potential of P. hindii.

Figure 1. Current recorded locations of P. hindii and access roads on the Newnes Plateau


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Appendix C


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persoonia hindii management and research...

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