2021-06-17 OM Agenda - Item 2 - Attachment 1 - Draft Noosa Bushland Reserve Strategic Management Plan 2021-2026

     Maintain records of fire events within the reserve.
     Monitor and record response of vegetation/ fauna within the reserve from fire events.


7.4.2          Ecological Restoration Plans
Reserve-specific ecological restoration plans should contain the following:
 Site description - including location, size, tenure, geology and soils, aspect, topography,
   vegetation description, endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species and locations,
   landscape context, threats.
 Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) - BOA with map that depicts the condition ratings
   (resilience) of specific zones within the reserve.
 Restoration approach - Recommendations for the appropriate restoration approach to follow
   (i.e. Natural regeneration, assisted natural regeneration, reconstruction, fabrication) noting one
   reserve may require a number of restoration approaches. A management zone map will
   indicate these restoration approaches.
 Implementation schedule – Prioritisation of management actions and timing over 5 years.
 Monitoring and evaluation guidelines - including undertaking BOAs at 5 yearly intervals to
   evaluate management actions. The change in condition rating (both overall and within specific
   management zones) should demonstrate the effectiveness of management activities. If not
   management action should be adapted accordingly.


7.4.3          Bushland Operational Assessments
The Bushland Operational Assessment (BOA) methodology for mapping resilience-based native
vegetation condition within a patch of bushland was initially developed by the National Trust in
Sydney in the 1980’s. (McDonald 2000).

The intent of the mapping is to guide on-ground restoration works to improve ecosystem resilience.
Assessing ecosystem resilience using this method requires the following:
 Knowledge of the resilience of the site’s in-situ endemic flora species given natural disturbance
   regimes, e.g. how individual species react to fire.
 Knowledge of the impacts on the site (e.g. invasive species, nutrient pollution)
 Knowledge of how the site will respond to specific restoration treatments.

The mapping uses a set of 6 condition or resilience classes assigned to various portions of the site.

Figure 21 - BOA Condition Classes

    Condition Class                 Definition                                    Restoration approach
    0 – Excellent resilience        All strata and species (for the reference     Natural regeneration.
                                    ecosystem) are intact with evidence of
                                    recruitment. No invasive species or other
                                    threats evident. Will rapidly and fully
                                    recover from natural disturbance
    1 – Very Good resilience        All strata and species (for the reference     Assisted natural regeneration
                                    ecosystem) are intact with evidence of
                                    recruitment. Signs of degradation becoming
                                    apparent, such as slight weed infestations.
                                    Will fully recover from disturbance but
                                    invasive species may increase.
    2 – Good resilience             All strata and species (for the reference     Assisted natural regeneration
                                    ecosystem) are intact with evidence of
                                    recruitment. Invasive species or other
                                    disturbance starting to impact on native
                                    vegetation.




Noosa Bushland Reserves Strategic Management Plan 2021 – 2026                                             Page 34