Regional ecosystem details for 11.3.20
| Regional ecosystem | 11.3.20 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 37, 35, (38), (6.1) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 46000 ha; Remnant 2021 25000 ha |
| Short description | Atalaya hemiglauca, Flindersia maculosa, Acacia spp. low open woodland with scattered forb and/or grassland on alluvial plains |
| Structure code | Low Open Woodland |
| Description | Atalaya hemiglauca and other low tree species such as Flindersia maculosa +/- Acacia cambagei and occasionally A. omalophylla low open woodland. Occasionally, where canopy trees are sparse, this may grade into a open forbland or open tussock grassland. Eremophila mitchellii may form a shrub layer. The ground layer is usually sparse and dominated by Sclerolaena spp., other forbs or grasses such as Astrebla lappacea and Aristida spp. Occurs on elevated levees and infrequently flooded alluvial plains formed from Quaternary alluvial deposits. Usually associated with deep solodic soils with thin sandy or loamy surface horizons over strongly alkaline clay subsoils and frequent scalding. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 27a). |
| Supplementary description | Galloway et al. (1974), LU66; Neldner (1984), 22d (38) |
| Protected areas | Culgoa Floodplain NP |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Late wet to early dry season when there is good soil moisture. Implement storm burning when there is sufficient fuel. INTENSITY: Will be difficult to burn owing to sparse ground layer. Likely to be low intensity fires only. INTERVAL: Likely to be >3 years, but will be dependent on fuel availability. Monitor accordingly. INTERVAL_MIN: 3. INTERVAL_MAX: 50. STRATEGY: Undertake small patch burns (<30% annually) in a natural mosaic (as determined by availability of ground fuel) with good soil moisture. ISSUES: Thickening of woody-stemmed plants (Acacia/Atalaya) through over-grazing and lack of burning may be a problem. Eremophila mitchellii is a facultative resprouter and will recover after fire >1 year interval. |
| Comments | 11.3.20: This regional ecosystem is restricted to the Culgoa and Narran River floodplains in the south-western part of the bioregion (mainly in subregion 35 and 37). Associated with hard setting soils that are subject to extensive wind and water erosion with scalding and removal of surface soil in some areas (Galloway et al. 1974). |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
