606-305 Vegetation Management and Conservation

50 points of 200-level subjects in a relevant discipline.

This subject provides a detailed knowledge of vegetation structure and natural values of Victorian plant communities, including environmental limiting factors, threats due to land use, development and fragmentation, and management issues related to environmental impact assessment and conservation of native vegetation. The subject will be based around short excursions to examine different vegetation types in the Melbourne region, and a series of special lectures by scientists, managers and consultants from both the government and private sectors. Topics will include:

• ecology and natural history of Victorian plant communities;

• environmental impacts and vegetation assessment;

• conservation and management issues (e.g., revegetation, rare species, faunal habitat, weed invasions);

• biodiversity legislation and government agencies;

• consulting services and client focus.

At the completion of the subject students should be able to:

• determine the structure, composition and significance of Victorian native plant communities;

• develop an environmental assessment and vegetation management plan;

• understand the legislative requirements and governmental structure for managing native vegetation in Victoria.

Three 1000 word written reports on practical work due during the semester (10% each); project practical work up to 3000 words due at the end of the semester (40%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (30%).