207-317 Applied Native Forest Ecology

202-201 Plant Function, 207-275 Processes in Forest Ecology (or equivalent).

The subject examines the need for managers of native forests on both public and private land to understand the environmental, social and economic issues that are involved in native forests being manipulated to achieve a range of outcomes. These outcomes include production of timber and other resources, rehabilitation of cleared or damaged areas and enhancement of habitat and biodiversity.

The content includes:

• environmental, social amd economic inputs; relevant forest policies and legislation;

• an overview of Australian forests; Australian forests and environmental gradients; natural disturbance; pre-settlement forests and presnt condition; silvicultural systems;

• regeneration processes and sources of regeneration; phenology of important genera; seed collection, extraction, testing and storage; seedling establishment; seedbed preparation; seed treatment and application; monitoring of success;

• competition and stand thinning, shade tolerance and species competition, management of pests and diseases, treatment after fire and coppice management; and

• adaptations and management of selected native forest types.

One three-hour examination (60% of final marks); and assignments and reports on practical work (totalling 40% of final marks).