Appendix 4 Some examples of detailed objectives (using quantifiable indicators)
Attribute detail | Examples |
---|---|
Controlling threats | Nil incidence of undesirable livestock incursions |
Climate-readiness of xx species in place | |
Invasive plant threats under management in surrounding landscape | |
Fox and cat populations reduced to xxha and xxha respectively in surrounding landscape | |
Overharvesting regulated in surrounding marine area | |
Anti-fouling pollutants prohibited in surrounding waters | |
Physical conditions | pH of substrate is between e.g. xx.xx and xx.xx (Raupach test) |
A minimum of XX mm of top soil (A horizon) and yy mm of subsoil (B horizon) is installed at establishment. | |
Topsoil and subsoil are returned within 2 months of initial clearing | |
Soil compaction reduced to <xx psi across site | |
Nil sediment deposition in stream | |
Site topography and hydrological flow lines reinstated | |
Salinity level of substrate < EC Units | |
Turbidity level = xxx | |
Rocky outcrops cover xx% of site and remain without vegetation cover | |
Species composition | Herbaceous exotics reduced to <xx% cover and represented by only benign species |
>xx% canopy cover of native trees and exotic trees reduced to rare seedlings | |
mesic shrubs reduced to <xx% cover and diversity of heathy shrubs maintained | |
Kangaroo Grass cover between ~xx-xx% and diversity of forbs and grasses maintained. | |
Crown of Thorns Starfish reduced to >xx% cover and coral mortality <xx% | |
Carp reduced to < xx% of fish population and xx% of native fish species of reference present | |
Community structure | Characteristic diversity of native plant species from each stratum established |
Mosaic of vegetation patches reinstated | |
All ant functional groups present | |
All frog species present | |
Size of area sufficient to support populations of species ‘x’ | |
Species ‘y’ present at a density of x stems per ha | Ecosystem function | All plant functional groups regenerating after natural disturbance event |
A diversity of genera of saprophytic insects found in all fallen timber | |
‘xx’ number of tree hollows per hectare | |
Owl pair breeding in area and feeding on site | |
Litter decomposition rate = xx | |
Filtration rate = x% of tide residence time | |
Appropriate fire regime reinstated for the target ecosystem | |
Carbon sequestered at a rate of xx tonnes per year | |
Positive change in the microbial functionality parameter ‘xx’ | |
External exchanges | Ground dwelling faunal species can readily disperse into and out of site |
Site is connected to surrounding floodplain and river to enable periodic flooding | |
Fish passage reinstated | |
Tidal flushing reinstated | |
Pollinators can readily connect with site |
Note: The ‘indicator’ is the measure used (ideally SMART Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound)—while the ‘objective’ is the quantification adopted for the particular project. (Examples drawn from a range of different biomes.)