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Prepared for: Parks and Conservation:Urban ReservesDate: April 2016

Jarramlee OffsetNatural Temperate Grassland and

Golden Sun Moth Habitat2015 Monitoring Report

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Natural Temperate Grassland and Golden Sun Moth Habitat | SMEC

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Title Jarramlee Offset Natural Temperate Grassland and GSM Habitat2015 Monitoring Report

Prepared for Parks and Conservation/Urban ReserveProject Ref 3002505

Name Position Signed/Approved DateOriginator Natasha Crook Graduate Scientist

Review David Moore Senior ScientistApproval Dr Robert Jessop Principal Scientist Dr Robert Jessop 23/03/2016

Details of RevisionsRev Date Description WVR No. Approved0 Draft Report

1 29/04/2016 Final Report Dr Robert Jessop

CONTACT DETAILS

SMEC Australia Pty Ltd | www.smec.com

Level 5, 20 Berry StreetNorth Sydney NSW 2060Tel: 02 9925 5555Fax: 02 9925 5566

Representative: Dr Robert JessopP: 02 6234 1924E: [email protected]

SMEC | Jarramlee Offset Monitoring| 2 | Page


TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXCUTIVE SUMMARY 5

1. INTRODUCTION 71.1 Project Overview 7

1.2 Project Objectives 7

1.3 Natural Temperate Grassland 7

1.4 Golden Sun Moth 8

1.5 Project Area 8

2. METHOD 102.1 Overview 10

2.2 Vegetation Mapping 10

2.3 Natural Temperate Grassland Monitoring 10Floristic Condition 10Vegetation Structure 11

2.4 Golden Sun Moth Habitat 11

2.5 Limitations 11

3. RESULTS 123.1 Vegetation Mapping 12Overview 12Vegetation type 1 - NTG Dry Themeda association 12Vegetation type 2 - NTG Rytidosperma association 13Vegetation type 3 - Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass 15Vegetation Type 4 - Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass 16Vegetation type 5 - Chilean Needle Grass dominant exotic 18

3.2 Natural Temperate Grassland Survey 18Overview 18Condition Assessment (Floristic Value Score) 19Vegetation Structure 19


4. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 234.1 Natural Temperate Grassland Mapping 23

4.2 Natural Temperate Grassland Monitoring 23


4.4 Compliance with the Offset Management Plan 24

REFERENCES 27

Appendices 35



EXCUTIVE SUMMARYParks and Conservation Service/Urban Reserves (Territory and Municipal Services) engaged SMEC Australia to update the Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG) and Golden Sun Moth (GSM: Synemon plana) habitat condition assessment and mapping undertaken at the Jarramlee offset site by Rowell (2013), and to establish monitoring plots and complete a baseline vegetation survey at the Jarramlee offset site.

The NTG and GSM habitat at the Jarramlee offset site was assessed and mapped on 21 and 22 December 2015. All vegetation polygons were traversed by foot, and observed changes to vegetation boundaries and GSM habitat mapped.

Monitoring locations for floristic condition and vegetation structure were established and baseline data collected in accordance with the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan (Territory and Municipal Services 2013) and the Conservation Research (2015) Monitoring of Natural Temperate Grassland method. GPS locations of quadrats and transects were recorded to permit future monitoring at the same sites. Baseline data are summarised suitable for integration into future analyses.

The key outcomes of the assessment were that:

Vegetation mapping is relatively consistent with Rowell (2013) with only a few changes to the vegetation communities

Without ongoing monitoring data, it is not possible to determine the extent to which differences in vegetation mapping between 2013 and 2015 reflect long term vegetation changes or are due to differing seasonal conditions

Baseline floristic diversity and vegetation structure data was collected at permanent quadrat and transect locations, and floristic score values reported for comparison with future monitoring data

No quadrats met Conservation Research (2015) criteria for classification as EPBC Act listed NTG, although two quadrats met Rehwinkel (2007) criteria for classification as EPBC Act listed NTG, and the low native plant diversity recorded may be partly the consequence of the late timing of the floristic survey

The extent of Golden Sun Moth habitat is relatively consistent with the previous Rowell (2013) survey with only a few changes to habitat quality.

Management priorities for the Jarramleee Offset site, to address the objectives of the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan include:

Increased weed management, particularly for African Lovegrass

Appropriate biomass management to improve GSM habitat

Active revegetation in key areas to expand NTG patches and improve GSM habitat connectivity

Monitoring of floristic condition and vegetation structure every four years in mid to late spring.



1.INTRODUCTION

1.1 Project OverviewParks and Conservation Service/Urban Reserves (Territory and Municipals Services) engaged SMEC Australia to update the Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG) and Golden Sun Moth (GSM: Synemon plana) habitat condition assessment and mapping undertaken at the Jarramlee offset site by Rowell (2013) and to establish monitoring plots and complete a baseline vegetation survey at the Jarramlee offset site.

Updating the original mapping, and establishment of monitoring plots and baseline surveys are required by the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan (Territory and Municipal Services 2013). The establishment and the monitoring of the Jarramlee offset site are specific offset requirements of the Commonwealth Department of Environment (DoE) approval decision for Block 2 Section 5 and Block 2 Section 13, Lawson ACT (EPBC 2010/5549).

This report is intended to meet the baseline monitoring requirements of the DoE approval decision offset requirements as defined in the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan (Territory and Municipal Services 2013). Future monitoring will be undertaken every four years.

1.2 Project ObjectivesThe objective of this project is to update the mapping of NTG and GSM habitat at the Jarramlee offset site, assess changes relative to the original Rowell (2013) mapping, and to collect and report baseline data relating to site conditions, vegetation quality and specific habitat characteristics for each of the monitoring plots. Analysis of trends in habitat condition over time is not included in this report, as this is the first monitoring report, and previous comparable data for monitoring plots is consequently not available. The results are briefly interpreted based on existing site information.

1.3 Natural Temperate GrasslandNTG is an endangered ecological community under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 1980 (NC Act).

NTG is typically dominated by native tussock grasses, particularly Themeda australis (Kangaroo Grass), Rytidosperma spp. (Wallaby Grasses), Austrostipa spp. (Spear Grasses) and Poa spp. (Tussock Grasses) (Department of Environment 2016). Approximately 70% of species present are native forbs including rushes and sedges such as Knob Sedge (Carex inversa), mat rushes such as Wattle Mat-rush (Lomandra filiformis) and lilies such as Early Nancy (Wurmbea dioica) and Bulbine Lily (Bulbine bulbosa) (Department of Environment 2016). Other native forbs typically present in NTG include Sheep’s Burr (Acaena ovina), Common Woodruff (Asperula conferta), Caustic Weed (Chamaesyce drummondii), Common Everlasting or Yellow Buttons (Chrysocephalum apiculatum), Australian Bindweed (Convolvulus erubescens), Austral Bears-ear (Cymbonotus lawsonianus), Slender Tick Trefoil (Desmodium varians), Billy Buttons (Craspedia variabilis), Leafy Daisy (Brachyscome rigidula), Tufted Bluebell



(Wahlenbergia communis), Blue Devil (Eryngium ovinum), Native Geranium (Geranium solanderi), Variable Plantain (Plantago varia) and Kidneyweed (Dichondra repens) (Department of Environment 2016). Trees and shrubs are usually absent from NTG and, when present, have less than 10% canopy cover (Department of Environment 2016).

The majority of NTG in Australia has been lost or degraded due to land use change, such as grazing, pasture improvement, cropping, exotic species, changes to burning regimes, tree planting and urban development, resulting in its listing as a threatened ecological community. Approximately 3% of the original extent of NTG remains in relatively good condition in the southern tablelands (ACT Government 2005).

The extent of NTG within the Jarramlee offset site and adjacent areas of West Macgregor was assessed and mapped in 2013 (Rowell 2013). At that time, the site was found to support smaller areas of NTG than identified in broad scale mapping of NTG in the ACT conducted by the ACT Government in 2005 (ACT Government 2005), with restricted patches of NTG Dry Themeda association and NTG Rytidosperma association found surrounded by extensive areas of lower quality native pasture (Rowell 2013).

1.4 Golden Sun MothGSM are listed as critically endangered under the EPBC Act and endangered under the NC Act. GSM are a day flying moth that inhabits natural and secondary grasslands dominated by Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma spp.), and is known to occur within Redleg Grass (Bothriochloa macra), Speargrasses (Austrostipa spp.) and the exotic Chilean Needle Grass (Nassella neesiana) (Richter et al. 2013; Braby & Dunford 2006).

GSM have two discrete life stages: the larval stage lasts for two to three years and is spent underground where it feeds on the roots of the preferred grass species (Braby & Dunford 2006); while adult moths emerge to breed on hot, sunny and still days between October and early January. Adult survival is approximately two days (O'Dwyer & Attiwill 2000). Male GSM fly actively within restricted areas, while female moths are predominantly flightless, but may move several metres at a time. Populations of GSM separated by more than 200 m are considered to be effectively isolated (ACT Government 2005).

Brief surveys in 2009 identified GSM in parts of the Jarramlee offset site (Rowell 2013). In 2013, the majority of the site was classified as GSM habitat, excluding only tree plantations and exotic-dominated areas without a significant component of Chilean Needle Grass (Rowell 2013).

1.5 Project AreaThe Jarramlee offset site covers 112 ha located in the ACT adjacent to the northwestern border between ACT and NSW (Figure 1). The area is surrounded by rural grazing land. The closest suburbs are West Macgregor and Dunlop to the south and east. All boundaries are fenced.

The Jarramlee offset site includes two significant drainage lines: Gooromon Ponds Creek and Ginninderra Creek. A sealed road (i.e. the Jarramlee Homestead access road) passes through the Jarramlee offset site providing access across the border to the



homestead and the Bicentennial National Trail also passes through the site. Overhead powerlines cross the area.

The ACT Government identified the site to be a suitable offset area due to its high conservation significance. It consists of small patches (i.e. 4.65 ha) of NTG and supports a population of GSM (Territory and Municipal Services 2013). It also supports habitat for other species listed as threatened under the NC Act, such as the little eagle, and uncommon grassland species such as the Canberra Raspy Cricket (Cooraboorama canberrae).

A management plan has been prepared for the Jarramlee offset site, the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan (Territory and Municipal Services 2013), and is currently being implemented. Implementation involves biomass management, riparian restoration, weed control, pest animal control, fencing and the NTG and GSM monitoring initiated under this project.

The Jarramlee offset site is currently being grazed by cattle. Over time, the Jarramlee offset site will be incorporated into the Canberra Nature Park.



2. METHOD

2.1 OverviewThe methods for field survey were undertaken using the ‘Monitoring Guidelines for Natural Temperate Grasslands’ (Conservation Research 2015).

2.2 Vegetation MappingPrevious GIS mapping of vegetation condition based on Rowell (2013) was supplied by ACT Government.

The study area was divided into vegetation polygons based on Rowell (2013) vegetation classifications. All vegetation polygons were traversed by foot on 21st December 2015 to confirm vegetation type and boundaries. Vegetation was categorised using the same method as Rowell’s (2013) floristic descriptions.

Observed changes to vegetation polygon boundaries were mapped using aerial photography and a handheld GPS while on site. The survey focussed on polygons that were classified in Rowell (2013) as NTG (i.e. NTG Dry Themeda association and NTG Rytidosperma association).

All changes to vegetation polygon boundaries were updated in GIS, and the updated mapping was used for definition of further monitoring. Vegetation polygons were mapped using the projected coordinate system GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55.

2.3 Natural Temperate Grassland MonitoringFloristic condition quadrats and step point transects were established for baseline and future monitoring. The number of quadrats and transects were determined based on the updated vegetation polygon areas according to the survey effort recommended by Rehwinkel (2007).

The vegetation survey was completed on the 21st and 22nd December 2015.

Floristic ConditionWithin each vegetation polygon, the 20 m x 20 m quadrats were placed in the areas likely to support the highest diversity of native groundcover species. The quadrat was surveyed by intersecting two 20 m tapes running north to south and east to west, with 10 m either side of the midpoint of the quadrat. A GPS recording was taken at the centre point of the quadrat.

Photographs were taken looking south from the northern end of the tape running north-south (labelled ‘_N’) and from the north-east corner looking south-west (labelled ‘_NE’). An additional photo showing groundcover condition was taken straight down at the centre of the quadrat (labelled ‘_C’).

All flora species within the quadrat were recorded along with Braun-Blanquet scale abundance scores. Specimens not readily identifiable in the field were vouchered, labelled and identified at a later stage.



A modified version of Rehwinkel (2007) was used to calculate Floristic Value Scores (FVS) from the diversity assessment for native pasture and NTG within each quadrat, consistent with ACT Government guidelines for assessing NTG (Conservation Research 2015). These scores were then compared with criteria in Rehwinkel (2007) and Conservation Research (2015) to assess whether vegetation met criteria for EPBC Act listed NTG.

The condition of NTG within quadrats was also qualitatively assessed using the NTG quality scale of Nash and Hogg (2013, Appendix A). Nash and Hogg’s (2013) criteria for the quality scale are based on criteria used for identifying NTG specified in the Commonwealth listing advice for natural temperate grassland (Australian Government 2011) and the NTG National Recovery Plan (Environment ACT 2005).

Vegetation StructureTransects were located in areas representative of the typical vegetation cover of each vegetation polygon. One-hundred points (i.e. steps) were collected along a transect using the mark on the shoe as the ‘marker’ and the observer walking in one direction. At each sample point, the dominant groundcover category (e.g. bare ground) was recorded.

The start of each transect was photographed transect in the direction of the observer was walking (labelled ‘_S’) and of the ground at the start of the transect (labelled ‘_G’). Transect start and end locations were recorded using GPS. All data was entered into an excel spreadsheet and a percentage cover for each category was calculated.

2.4 Golden Sun Moth HabitatPotential GSM habitat was mapped during the vegetation mapping and vegetation survey on 21st December 2015. Changes to boundaries were mapped using aerial photography and a handheld GPS while on site and any changes to boundaries subsequently updated using GIS using the projected coordinate system GDA 1994 MGA Zone 55. Potential GSM habitat was identified and classified according to the definitions specified in Rowell (2013).

2.5 LimitationsThis study was completed in mid-December 2015. Optimal time to conduct surveys for grasslands should occur in mid to late spring, when the greatest diversity of native forb species that comprise the NTG ecological community is detectable. The lateness of these surveys made it difficult to identify many plant species due to desiccation, and it is likely that the floristic condition assessment under-represents the native diversity of the sites as some species would no longer have been detectable.

Some specimens could not be identified to species level due to insufficient diagnostic material (e.g. flowers and fruits) and were identified to Genus level. However, in all cases, a sufficient level of identification to determine native or exotic status of individuals could be made for the assessment of quality of vegetation in each plot or transect.



3.RESULTS

3.1 Vegetation Mapping

OverviewThe revised vegetation map is presented in Figure 2. Table 1 shows the areas of each vegetation type recorded in 2015 and the equivalent areas reported by Rowell (2013).

Table 1: Vegetation community area at the Jarramlee offset site in 2015 compared to Rowell (2013).

Vegetation ID Rowell (2013) Area (ha) 2015 Survey Area (ha)

NTG Dry Themeda association 1.4 1.3

NTG Rytidosperma association 3.4 2.4

Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass 2.5 3.7

Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass 56.6 55.0

Chilean Needle Grass dominant exotic 9.6 11.0

The southern end of the offset area that is adjacent to the Bicentennial Trail was fenced off and could not be examined (Figure 3).

Figure 3. The fenced area in the southern end of Jarramlee offset site which was not accessible.

Vegetation type 1 - NTG Dry Themeda associationThe paddock east of the Jarramlee Homestead access road supports a patch of NTG Dry Themeda association (Figure 4). However, the extent of NTG Dry Themeda association appears to have decreased compared to 2013, with an area on the southern



side of the Jarramlee Homestead access road being reclassified as Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass based on a relatively lower native forb diversity.

Figure 4. NTG Dry Themeda association in the east of Jarramlee offset site.

Vegetation type 2 - NTG Rytidosperma associationThe largest patch of NTG Rytidosperma association identified by Rowell (2013) was on the western side of Jarramlee offset site (Figure 5). During the 2015 survey, approximately 0.8 ha of this patch was observed to be dominated by Spear grass (Figure 6) and reclassified as Native Pasture: Wallaby grass/ Spear grass, along with another small patch of 0.4 ha previously reported to be NTG Rytidosperma association by Rowell (2013). Other small patches from Rowell (2013) remain in the western and southern parts of the Jarramlee offset site.



Figure 5. NTG Rytidosperma association in the western section of the Jarramlee offset site.

Figure 6. Area mapped in 2013 as NTG Rytidosperma association but now dominated by Spear grass and reclassified as Native Pasture Wallaby grass / Spear grass.



Vegetation type 3 - Native Pasture: Kangaroo grassThe paddock east of Jarramlee road supports an area of Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass (Figure 7), consistent with Rowell (2013). The extent of kangaroo grass along the Jarramlee Homestead access road has increased. An increase in the extent of Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass has also occurred on the southern side of Jarramlee access road in an area that was previously reported as NTG Dry Themeda association by Rowell (2013) (Figure 8). A 0.5 ha patch on the western side of Jarramlee, which was previously mapped as Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass by Rowell (2013), is now classified as Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass (Figure 9).

Figure 7. Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass on the eastern side of Jarramlee offset site. The extent of Kangaroo grass along the access road has increased.



Figure 8. Area mapped in Rowell (2013) as NTG Dry Themeda association and reclassified as Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass.

Figure 9. The area in the west of Jarramlee offset site mapped as Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass by Rowell (2013) and reclassified as Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass.

Vegetation Type 4 - Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grassNative pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass still dominated the site (Figure 10). Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass recorded east of the Jarramlee Homestead access track in 2013 was observed to be predominantly exotic and has been removed from vegetation polygons (Figure 11). One patch of approximately 0.8 ha previously mapped as NTG Rytidosperma association was reclassified as Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass (Figure 6). Approximately 0.4 ha of Native Pasture: Wallaby grass/Spear



grass in the west of the Jarramlee offset site has been reclassified as ‘Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass’ (Figure 9).

Figure 10. Representative photograph of Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass in the west of Jarramlee offset site.

Figure 11. Area east of the Jarramlee Homestead access track mapped as native pasture in Rowell (2013) survey and reclassified as exotic pasture.



Figure 12. Chilean Needle Grass along the banks of Ginninderra Creek.

Vegetation type 5 - Chilean Needle Grass dominant exoticThe extent of Chilean Needle Grass along the banks of Ginninderra Creek (Figure 12) has increased. Other exotic grasses such as Canary Grass appear to have replaced Chilean Needle Grass adjacent to the Jarramlee Homestead access road.

3.2 Natural Temperate Grassland Survey

OverviewThe number of quadrats and transects within each vegetation polygon are presented in Table 2. These were determined based on the survey effort recommended in Rehwinkel (2007).

Table 2. Summary of number of quadrats and transects in each vegetation type.

Vegetation ID 2015 Area (ha) Quadrats Transects

NTG Dry Themeda association 1 1 1

NTG Rytidosperma association 2 2 2

Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass 3 2 2

Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass 55 5 6

Chilean Needle Grass dominant exotic pasture 10 4 4

Total 71 14 15

Quadrat locations are presented in Figure 13 and transects are presented in Figure 14. GPS coordinates for each quadrat, and the start and end points for each transect are provided in Appendix B.



Seventy flora species (i.e. 26 native species, 44 exotic species) were recorded in Jarramlee. The complete list of all plant species identified, along with abundance scores, is presented in Appendix C. Due to the timing of the surveys, i.e. late December, it is likely that many annual forbs would no longer be detectable and that the number of native species recorded, and hence floristic scores, are lower than would be recorded in early to mid-spring.

Condition Assessment (Floristic Value Score)Complete species lists and Braun-Blanquet abundance scores were recorded for each quadrat (Appendix C) and used to calculate Floristic Value Scores (FVS) (Appendix D). Table 3 presents a summary of the key vegetation quality indicators, including the quantitative floristic score calculation based on Rehwinkel (2007) and qualitative grassland quality calculated according to Nash and Hogg (2013; Appendix A).

Two quadrats (i.e. NTGR01 and NPKG01) had a FVS of four and greater, and no quadrats had a floristic score of seven or greater. If the FVS is four or greater, the grassland values are considered to be consistent with EPBC Act listed NTG according to Rehwinkel (2007) while under the Conservation Research (2015) method, if the FVS is seven or greater, the grassland values are consistent with EPBC Act and NC Act for NTG. Consequently, two quadrats (NTGR01 and NPKG01) met criteria for classification as EPBC Act listed NTG according to Rehwinkel (2007) but no quadrats met criteria for classification as EPBC Act listed NTG according to Conservation Research 2015.

The average FVS across all quadrats within Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass community is 1.4. The average FVS for Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass is 4. The average FVS for NTG Rytidosperma association is 3.5. Only one quadrat was sampled within NTG Dry Themeda association and its FVS was three. The average FVS recorded within Chilean Needle Grass dominated exotic pasture is zero.

The qualitative assessment (Table 3), based on Nash and Hogg (2013), indicated that the majority of the sites support low to moderate quality native pasture or low to moderate quality NTG. One site was classified as having a NTG score of 5A, one site met criteria for a score of 5C, two sites had a score of 4B, three sites had a score of 4C and one site had a score of 3C. Four quadrats were dominated by exotic species and did not rank on the NTG quality score

Vegetation StructureThe step-point assessment was used to assess the vegetation structure and cover within in each vegetation community. All four transects in polygons classified as NTG were dominated by native perennial grasses. The frequency of native perennial grasses in transects within polygons classified as native pasture varied between 38% and 62%. The very low detection of other native species in all transects is likely to be due to both the degraded condition of the native grassland and the late timing of the survey.

The percentage cover for each vegetation type in each transect is presented Table 4.



Table 3: Summary of the floristic assessment within each vegetation community in 2015.

Plot Vegetation polygon #Native Species

#Exotic Species

# Significant Weeds

Floristic Value Score (FVS)

Grassland Quality Score

NTG: Rehwinkel (2007)*

NTG: Conservation Research (2015)#

NTGDT_01 NTG Dry Themeda association 9 16 3 3 3B No No

NTGR_01 NTG Rytidosperma association 17 15 3 6 5A Yes No

NTGR_02 NTG Rytidosperma association 9 18 5 1 4C No No

NPKG_01 Native Pasture: Kangaroo Grass 8 17 5 3 4C No No

NPKG_02 Native Pasture: Kangaroo Grass 11 14 0 5 5C Yes No

NP_01 Native Pasture: Wallaby grass/Spear grass 13 19 3 2 4B No No

NP_02 Native Pasture: Wallaby grass/Spear grass 6 21 3 1 4C No No

NP_03 Native Pasture: Wallaby grass/Spear grass 7 24 5 1 4C No No

NP_04 Native Pasture: Wallaby grass/Spear grass 7 19 3 2 4B No No

NP_05 Native Pasture: Wallaby Grass/Spear grass 10 19 3 3 4B No No

CNG_01 Chilean Needle Grass dominant grass 2 16 3 0 N/A No No




*NTG Qualify based on Rehwinkel (2007). Any FVS of four or greater considered to be EPBC Act Natural Temperate Grassland.

#NTG Qualify based on Conservation Research (2015). Any FVS of seven or greater considered to be EPBC Act Natural Temperate Grassland.



Table 4. Summary of vegetation structure along the transects

Plot ID Vegetation polygon Cryptograms Bare Earth Rock Litter/Dead Vegetation

Annual Exotic Grass

Perennial Exotic Grass

Exotic Forbs Perennial Native Grass

Other Native

NTGDT_01 NTG Dry Themeda association 0 1 9 1 5 5 1 87 0

NTGR_01 NTG Rytidosperma association 0 2 0 1 30 1 13 50 3

NTGR_02 NTG Rytidosperma association 0 1 0 1 31 0 10 56 1

NPKG_01 Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass 0 1 0 5 17 0 0 77 0

NPKG_02 Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass 0 0 0 4 14 2 3 77 0

NP_01 Native Pasture: Wallaby grass/Spear grass 0 0 0 13 26 3 5 53 0





CNG_01 Chilean Needle Grass dominant grass 0 0 0 9 11 79 1 0 0






3.3 Golden Sun Moth Habitat

Revised GSM habitat mapping is presented in Figure 15. Table 5 provides a comparison of the areas of GSM habitat identified by Rowell (2013) relative to the revised mapping.

Table 5. The extent of GSM habitat mapped by Rowell (2013) and the 2015 assessment.

GSM habitat quality Rowell (2013) GSM habitat extent (ha)

2015 GSM habitat extent (ha)

Diff. (ha)

Low Quality 19.6 19.4 -0.2

Medium Quality 28.0 28.8 +0.8

High Quality 1.8 0.6 -1.2

The total extent of high quality habitat has decreased by 1.2 ha between the 2013 and 2015 assessments. An area mapped as NTG Rytidosperma association by Rowell (2103) was reclassified as Native Pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass, as the area is now dominated by Spear grass (refer Section 3.1).

The total extent of medium quality habitat reported has increased by 0.8 ha. While Kangaroo grass is considered to have low potential to support GSM, the area of ‘Native Pasture: Kangaroo grass’ identified in the west of the Jarramlee offset site supports both Wallaby grasses and Kangaroo grass.

The total extent of low quality habitat has decreased by 0.2 ha. The total extent of low quality habitat that changed is minimal. The largest change was the reclassification of ‘Native pasture: Wallaby grass / Spear grass’ to exotic vegetation on the eastern side of the Jarramlee offset site; it is no longer considered to be GSM habitat.



4.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

4.1 Natural Temperate Grassland MappingThe 2015 vegetation mapping across the site is largely consistent with the Rowell (2013) mapping. Both surveys were completed during summer (i.e. late December), however there is potential for variation in vegetation condition observed between 2013 and 2015, as a consequence of the variation in seasonal condition.

Future surveys should be completed in spring when conditions are more favourable for detecting native species. There is potential for monitoring surveys conducted at a more favourable time (i.e. early- to mid-spring) to identify larger areas that meet criteria for classification as Natural Temperate Grassland.

4.2 Natural Temperate Grassland MonitoringIn general, the Jarramlee offset site supports substantially modified (i.e. native pasture) to highly modified native grassland with small patches of moderately modified grassland that is considered to be EPBC Act listed NTG. The majority of native species that were identified on site are disturbance tolerance grasses, indicating degradation due to previous land use and pasture improvements. The site is currently grazed by cattle, which largely explains the absence of disturbance and grazing sensitive species.

Four quadrats were dominated by exotic species (i.e. predominately Chilean Needle Grass) and did not rank on the NTG FVS scale (Table 3). Eight sites had a floristic score of less than four. Two of the sites (i.e. NTGR01 and NPKG01) had a FVS of four and greater, thus meeting the criteria for the consideration of NTG under Rehwinkel (2007). However, under the Conservation Research (2015) method, for NTG to be considered under the EPBC Act and NCA Act, a FVS of seven or higher is required to meet the criteria. No quadrats or the overall vegetation communities had a FVS of seven or higher.

While the grassland vegetation at the site is clearly degraded, this result does not indicate that EPBC Act listed NTG is absent, as the survey was undertaken in early summer, which is not the optimal time to survey NTG. Many of the native species other than grasses (e.g. lilies, forbs, rushes and sedges) would have not been detectable during the survey, but may be detected if surveys were conducted in early-to-mid spring. Based on the qualitative NTG criteria of Nash and Hogg (2013), which takes into account vegetation structure and the presence of threatened fauna in addition to floristic diversity and abundance, the majority of quadrats support low to moderate quality native pasture or low to moderate quality NTG (Table 3).

The vegetation structure monitoring indicates the dominance of perennial native grasses, which is a key characteristic for the structure of NTG. Some disturbance tolerant annual grasses and forbs were recorded between the tussocks, and occasional bare inter-tussock spaces are present. Greater diversity is likely to be recorded during surveys conducted in early- to mid-spring. Many annual exotic species were recorded in the NTG and native pasture sites.

There is significant potential for improving the condition of NTG with appropriate management, particularly weed control and removal of grazing. Monitoring and



calculation of FVS over multiple years would permit measurement of condition change and the effectiveness of any management actions.

The increasing extent of Chilean Needle Grass along Ginninderra Creek is a potential threat to NTG in the Jarramlee offset site as the species can invade NTG and suppress native groundcover. The majority of NTG patches do not occur adjacent to the current Chilean Needle Grass infestations, and potential invasion of NTG patches by Chilean Needle Grass should be monitored on a regular basis. The identification of African Lovegrass across the site is concerning, as this species is aggressive; drought and frost tolerate and is capable of invading degraded NTG and suppressing native groundcover (Environment ACT 2005). Appropriate weed control activities are recommended to remove African Lovegrass. Detailed mapping of its distribution is recommended to facilitate targeted control of the species.

4.3 Golden Sun Moth HabitatGSM habitat quality has decreased compared to Rowell (2013) survey (Table 5) due to an increase in areas of Kangaroo grass and a decrease in the extent of Wallaby grass dominated areas. This may be due to seasonal variation and survey timing.

While Chilean Needle Grass can be suitable GSM habitat, the Chilean Needle Grass patches along Ginninderra Creek are tall and dense, reducing its suitability for GSM, which require a short grassland structure with inter-tussock spaces (Richter et al. 2013).

The composition of the grassland structure and tussock structure is important for GSM. Bare ground between tussocks may play an important role for GSM, as it may assist the females to be visible to flying males (Gibbons and Reid 2013). In all transects the proportion of bare ground cover recorded between tussocks was very low (i.e. between 0-3%). It is unclear what impact this is having on the GSM population at the Jarramlee offset site.

4.4 Compliance with the Offset Management PlanThe work undertaken fulfils the requirement under the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan (Territory and Municipal Services 2013) that NTG and GSM habitat be reassessed and to be remapped in 2015, and that monitoring plots be established. As this is the baseline survey for the monitoring plots, the requirement to interpret NTG quality and condition in relation to previous monitoring results does not apply.

The extent and quality of NTG and GSM is to be remapped every four years until the he DoE approval (ACT Government 2014) expires. NTG monitoring is to be undertaken following the ‘Monitoring Guidelines for Natural Temperate Grassland’ (Conservation Research 2015). While the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan does not specify the monitoring timeframe for floristic condition and vegetation structure, SMEC recommends that these be repeated every four years, consistent with the vegetation and GSM habitat mapping.

SMEC also recommends that future surveys be undertaken in mid to late spring to maximise the visibility of most plant species and allow detection of the highest number of species for this ecological community.



5.CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONSThe Natural Temperate Grassland (NTG) and Golden Sun Moth (GSM) habitat mapping previously undertaken by Rowell (2013) was reassessed and remapped based on current vegetation conditions.

Monitoring locations for floristic condition and vegetation structure were established and baseline data collected in accordance with the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan (Territory and Municipal Services 2013) and Conservation Research (2015) Monitoring of Natural Temperate Grassland method. Baseline data are summarised for incorporation into future trend analysis. Detailed assessment of the data in relation to the previous results was not undertaken, as this is the first year of data collection.

The key outcomes were that:

Vegetation mapping is relatively consistent with Rowell (2013) with only a few changes to the vegetation communities

Without ongoing monitoring data, it is not possible to determine the extent to which differences in vegetation mapping between 2013 and 2015 reflect long term vegetation changes or are due to differing seasonal conditions

Baseline floristic diversity and vegetation structure data was collected at permanent quadrat and transect locations, and floristic score values reported for comparison with future monitoring data

No quadrats met Conservation Research (2015) criteria for classification as EPBC Act listed NTG, although two quadrats met Rehwinkel (2007) criteria for classification as EPBC Act listed NTG, and the low native diversity recorded may be partly the consequence of the late timing of the floristic survey

The extent of Golden Sun Moth habitat is relatively consistent with Rowell’s (2013) previous survey with only a few changes to habitat quality.

The following management actions are recommended to address the objectives of the Jarramlee Offset Management Plan, and specifically to maintain and enhance the patches of NTG and GSM habitat by avoiding further degradation:

Weed management should focus on preventing the invasion of NTG and native pasture by African Lovegrass and Chilean Needle Grass. Blackberry and Sweet Briar also require management within the Jarramlee offset site.

Appropriate biomass management activities such as mowing and slashing prior to the GSM flying season should be undertaken along Ginninderra Creek in the Chilean Needle Grass patches. This would reduce the Chilean Needle Grass density, improve GSM habitat and improve connectivity with significant GSM populations along the south of Ginninderra Creek in Macgregor. Cattle grazing is likely to remain a component of biomass management activities but must occur at low intensities, and the impact on NTG monitored. Biomass management should be timed to avoid spreading weed seeds and minimise adverse impact on the flowering and seed set of native flora.



An active revegetation program, including the planting of C3 plants such as Wallaby grass, should be considered along the Bicentennial Trail to improve GSM habitat connectivity to the south. There is also significant potential to expand existing NTG patches by replanting surrounding areas. This could be completed through partnership with community groups.

Monitoring of floristic condition and vegetation structure should be repeated every four years, consistent with the vegetation and GSM habitat mapping. Future surveys should be undertaken in mid to late spring when conditions are most suitable for floristic surveys.



REFERENCESACT Government (2005). A Vision Splendid of the Grassy Plains Extended: ACT

Lowland Native Grassland Conservation Strategy. [Online]. Action Plan No. 28. Canberra: Arts, Heritage and Environment. Accessed from:

<http://www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation_and_ecological_communities/grassland_conservation_strategy>.

Australian Government (2011). Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory. Advice to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage from the Endangered Species Scientific Subcommittee (ESSS) on a proposal to add an ecological community to Schedule 2 of the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 (ESP Act). Department of the Environment, Australian Government. Accessed on 25 January 2016. Accessed from:

<http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/natural-temperate-grasslands.htm>.

Braby, M.F. and Dunford, M. (2006). Field observation on the ecology of the golden sun moth, Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Castniidae), Australian Entomology 22, 103–110.

Department of the Environment (2016). Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory in Community and Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Canberra. Available from:

<http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat>.

Environment ACT (2005). National Recovery Plan for Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands (NSW and ACT): an endangered ecological community. Environment ACT, Canberra.

Gibbons, P. and Reid, T. (2013). Managing Pasture for the Critically Endangered Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana). Consultant report to the Lachlan Catchment Management Authority as part of the Native Grasslands Recovery for Greater Landscape Resilience Project, Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University.

Nash, K. and Hogg, D. (2013). Application of EPBC Act offset assessment guide to natural temperate grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory. David Hogg Pty Ltd, Canberra, ACT. 8p.

O'Dwyer, C. and Attiwill, P.M. (2000). Restoration of a Native Grassland as Habitat for the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana Walker (Lepidoptera; Castniidae) at Mount Piper, Australia. Restoration Ecology 8, 170-174.

Rehwinkel, R. (2007). A Method to Assess Grassy Ecosystem Sites: using Floristic Information to Assess a Site's Quality. Unpublished report, Climate Change and


http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/natural-temperate-grasslands.htm

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities/natural-temperate-grasslands.htm

http://www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation_and_ecological_communities/grassland_conservation_strategy

http://www.environment.act.gov.au/cpr/conservation_and_ecological_communities/grassland_conservation_strategy


Environment Protection Group South Branch, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, Queanbeyan.

Richter, A.; Osborne, W.; Hnatiuk, S. and Rowell, A. (2013). Moths in fragments: insights into the biology and ecology of the Australian endangered golden sun moth Synemon plana (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) in natural temperate and exotic grassland remnants, Journal of Insect Conservation 17, 1093–104.

Rowell, A. (2013). Surveys of Natural Temperate Grassland and Golden Sun Moth at Lawson South Offset area, Jarramlee/West Macgregor. December 2012 to February 2013. INDESCO, Canberra

Territory and Municipal Services (2013). Jarramlee Offset Management Plan. Report, Territory and Municipal Services, ACT Government.



APPENDICES



APPENDIX A: GRASSLAND QUALITY SCALE

Score Grassland Description

10 Predominantly native groundcover with high forb diversity, including many significant species. Minimal component of exotic weeds or grasses (annual, perennial). Has high structural complexity such as rocky outcrops, a dam, a drainage area and a mixture of tussocky and tufted species with inter-tussock spaces. Supports more than one threatened species.

9 Similar to Score 10 but with one or two factors being less than optimal, e.g. only moderate to high native cover (9A), a moderate component of annual exotic grasses (9B).

8A A high proportion of native species and low abundance of exotic perennial species. Annual exotic species of moderate abundance. High diversity of forb species but a reduced number of significant species (moderate only). A wide range of habitat features and more than one threatened species are present.

8B A high proportion of native species and low abundance of exotic perennial species. Annual exotic species of moderate abundance. A reduced range of habitat features but a high diversity and significance of native forbs. Threatened species are present.

8C Similar to Score 10 but with no threatened species known to be present.

7A Moderate to high proportion of native species with moderate to low abundance of perennial species. Moderate abundance of exotic annual species. Moderate to high forb diversity and significance. A wide range of structural features and more than one threatened species are present.

7B Predominantly native with few exotic perennial or annuals. Moderate to high forb diversity and significance. Moderate range of habitat features. No threatened species present.

6A Predominantly native with few exotic perennial but a moderate abundance of annuals. Moderate forb diversity but includes significant species. Has a low range of structural features. Supports one threatened species.

6B A moderate cover of native species and moderate exotic perennials. A moderate cover of exotic annuals. High forb diversity but moderate significance. A wide range of structural habitat features. At least one threatened species present.

6C Moderate cover of native species but low incidence of annuals. Moderate forb diversity but includes significant species. Has at least a moderate range of structural features. Does not support threatened species.

5A Moderate to high native component and moderate to low exotic perennials. Moderate abundance of annual species. Moderate forb diversity and moderate significance. Has a moderate range of structural features. Does not support threatened species.

5B Moderate native component with moderate exotic perennials, but few exotic annuals. Moderate forb diversity and moderate significance. Has a moderate range of structural features but no threatened species.

5C Moderate native component with moderate exotic perennials, with moderate exotic annuals. A moderate diversity of forbs with some of moderate significance that are limited in extent. Limited range of habitat features but supports low numbers of one threatened species.



4A Moderate native component, moderate exotic perennials and annuals. Moderate forb diversity, moderate significance. Limited range of habitat features and no threatened species.

4B Moderate to high native component and moderate to low exotic perennials but high exotic annual component. Low diversity overall but high significance of forbs within a small patch. A moderate range of habitat features but no threatened species.

4C Marginal cover of native species with moderate to high component of exotic perennials and high incidence of exotic annuals. A patch with a moderate diversity of forbs that have moderate significance. Limited range of habitat features but is known to support low numbers of one threatened species.

3A Moderate native component with moderate exotic perennials. High abundance of exotic annuals. Low diversity of native forbs but moderate significance. Limited habitat features and no threatened species.

3B Marginally native with moderate to high exotic perennials. High abundance of exotic annuals. Low diversity of native forbs but a patch with high significance.Few habitat features and no threatened species.

2 Similar to Score 1 (below) but with one or two factors being more optimal, e.g. moderate native cover (2A), moderate exotic annual component (2B).

1 Only marginally native with high exotic perennial component (but still more than 50% native excluding annuals). A high proportion of exotic annual species. Relatively few forbs and those present are common species tolerant of disturbance. Limited habitat features. No threatened species.

Source: Nash, K. and Hogg, D. 2013. Application of EPBC Act offset assessment guide to natural temperate grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW and the Australian Capital Territory. David Hogg Pty Ltd, Canberra, ACT. 8p.



APPENDIX B: QUADRAT AND TRANSECT LOCATIONS

Survey ID Easting Northing

Quadrat NTGDT01 6103515 682517

Quadrat NTGR01 6102902 681442

Quadrat NTGR02 6102778 681513

Quadrat NPKG01 6103580 682532

Quadrat NPKG02 6103297 682595

Quadrat NP01 6103309 682444

Quadrat NPO2 6103302 682189

Quadrat NP03 6103118 682088

Quadrat NP04 6102856 681684

Quadrat NP05 6102553 681740

Quadrat CNG01 6103006 682513

Quadrat CNG02 6103306 682808

Quadrat CNG03 6102736 681363

Quadrat CNG04 6102480 681726

Transect NTGDT01S 682545 6103493

Transect NTGDT01E 682499 6103575

Transect NTGR01S 681321 6102722

Transect NTGR01E 681486 6102832

Transect NTGR02S 681500 6102818

Transect NTGR02E 681538 6102748

Transect NPKG01S 682538 6103594

Transect NPKG01E 682566 6103497

Transect NPKG02S 682589 6103333

Transect NPKG02E 682608 6103255

Transect NP01S 682503 6103139

Transect NP01E 682453 6103206

Transect NP02S 682449 6103180

Transect NP02E 682407 6103271

Transect NP03S 682202 6103320

Transect NP03E 682163 6103231

Transect NP04S 682104 6103119

Transect NP04E 682062 6103041

Transect NP05S 681723 6102885

Transect NP05E 681674 6102813

Transect NP06S 681744 6102568



Survey ID Easting Northing

Transect NP06E 681801 6102638

Transect CNG01S 682407 6102968

Transect CNG01E 682496 6103009









APPENDIX C: VEGETATION SURVEY 2015

Scientific name Native/ Exotic CNG01 CNG02 CNG03 CNG04 NP01 NP02 NP03 NP04 NP05 NPKG01 NTKG02 NTG01 NTGR02 NTGDT01

Acetosella vulgaris E r r

Aira sp. E 1 + 1 1 1 1 r

Avena sp. E 1 + 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1

Briza maxima E + r

Briza minor E + 1 r + + +

Bromus catharticus E + 1 2 2 r 1 + 2 1 +

Bromus hordeaceus E 2 + 1 1 1

Carthamus lanatus E r + 1 + 1 1 2 + 1

Centaurium erythraea E 1 + + 1

Chondrilla juncea E r + r + r + + 1 +

Conyza sp. E +

Cynodon dactylon E r +

Echium plantagineum E + r r r + + r r

Eragrostis curvula E + r 3 r r

Eleusine tristachya E + 1 r + 1

Festuca elatior E + 1 + + + r r r

Hirschfeldia incana E r + 1 + r r r r r

Holcus lanatus E r r r

Hypericum perforatum E r + + r r r r

Hypochaeris glabra E r

Hypochaeris radicata E r 1 + 1 1 + 1 r 2 + 2 +




Lolium perenne E r + r 1 +

Modiola caroliniana E r

Nassella neesiana E 5 4 4 4 r + r r r r

Nassella trichotoma E + r r r r

Onopordum acanthium E r

Paspalum dilatatum E 2 3 r r + 2 + r

Petrorhagia nanteuilii E 1 r + 1 1 r r +

Phalaris aquatica E 5 3 3 2 1 r 2 r

Plantago lanceolata E 1 + + r 1 1 + + 1 r 2

Poa annua E r r +

Romulea rosea E r

Rosa rubiginosa E r + r + r + r +

Rubus fruticosus E + r r r r r r r

Silene gallica E +

Sonchus sp. E r

Taraxacum officinale E + + + r +

Tolpis umbellata E +

Trifolium arvense E + + r + r + + + r 1 1

Trifolium dubium E + r +

Verbascum thapsus E r r + r

Vulpia sp. E 1 2 4 3 2 2 2 4 3 1 3 1 2 1

Acaena ovina N 1

Asperula conferta N r 1




Rytidosperma caespitosum

N r 2 3 2 2 3 3 2 3

Rytidosperma carphoides

N 3 2 1 3 2 4 2

Rytidosperma eriantha N 1 2

Rytidosperma sp. N +

Austrostipa bigeniculata

N 2 2 2 2 4 3 4 3 4 4 3 2

Austrostipa densiflora N

Austrostipa scabra N 3 2

Bothriochloa macra N 2 + 3 2 2 2 3 +

Chloris truncata N r r

Chrysocephalum apiculatum

N +

Convolvulus erubescens

N r r

Elymus scaber N r + 2 2 2 r 2 r

Eryngium ovinum N +

Euchiton sp. (native) N r r r +

Glycine tabacina N r

Juncus australis N + r r r r r +

Lomandra filiformis N 1 + + r r + r

Oxalis perennans N r

Oxalis sp. (native) N

Panicum effusum N + r 1 2 2




Poa labillardierei N + r

Poa sieberiana N r + 2

Rumex brownii N r r r r

Themeda triandra N 2 3 4 r 4 2 3

Vittadinia muelleri N r r

Wahlenbergia luteola N r r



APPENDIX D: FLORISTIC SCORE VALUE CALCULATION ACCORDING TO REHWINKEL (2007) AND CONSERVATION RESEARCH (2015)

CNG01 CNG02 CNG03 CNG04 NP01 NP02 NP03 NP04 NP05 NPK01 NPK02 NTGR01 NTGR02 NTGKG01

Number of Common Species

2 4 3 4 11 5 6 5 8 6 8 15 8 7

Number of indicator level 1 species

0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 1

Number of indicator level 2 species

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 1 1

Total number of native species

2 4 3 4 13 6 7 7 10 8 11 17 9 9

Number of exotic species

16 14 16 17 19 21 24 19 19 17 14 15 18 16

Number of significant weed species

3 3 1 3 3 3 5 3 3 5 0 3 5 3

Site value score 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 3 3 5 6 1 3


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