The operational map for Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest (SOFF) was constructed to resolve long-standing issues surrounding its identification, location and extent within the NSW State Forest estate covered by the coastal Integrated Forestry Operation Agreements. The map was constructed in two parts, with State Forests to the north of Sydney being mapped in a separate process to those to the south of Sydney. We did this to minimise the risk that relationships between regional vegetation communities and the TEC would be confounded or masked by geographical variation or other major ecological gradients, which might otherwise be a significant risk if we had treated the full latitudinal range of the TEC as a single study area. In total, we assessed 1,218,000 hectares of State Forest across coastal NSW. This consisted of 868,000 hectares of State Forest on the north coast and more than 350,000 hectares of State Forest on the south coast. In both study areas, the project’s Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Reference Panel (the Panel) preceded the assessment process by reviewing the determination for SOFF and agreeing upon a set of diagnostic parameters for its identification. The Panel found that SOFF is primarily defined by floristic plot data and that it is mostly located on coastal floodplains and associated alluvial landforms. Following on from these conclusions, we started the mapping process by mapping the distribution of floodplains and alluvial soils and thus identifying possible areas of SOFF. For both the north and the south coast we used an existing map of coastal landforms and geology in combination with several fine-scale models of alluvial landform features to determine the likely extent of floodplains and alluvial soils within our study areas. We used aerial photograph interpretation (API) to assess floristic and structural attributes of the vegetation cover on our modelled alluvial environments, and thus delineated polygons likely to contain SOFF. We also used API to modify the boundaries of the modelled alluvial areas using a prescribed list of casuarina and melaleuca species in combination with the interpretation of landform elements relevant to alluvial and floodplain environments. We then compiled floristic plot data for all State Forest areas within our modelled alluvial landforms and API polygons. For both the north and the south coast the floristic plot data was sourced from both existing flora surveys held in the OEH VIS database and from targeted flora surveys conducted specifically for this project. We compared these plots with those previously assigned to flora communities listed in the determination of SOFF. Both dissimilarity-based methods and multivariate regression methods were used for the comparison. The results of the comparison were then used to assess the likelihood that the plots in State forests belonged to one or more of the communities listed in the SOFF determination. To create the operational map, we assigned every mapped API polygon to SOFF based on the plot data, over-storey and understorey attributes, landform features and model output underlying each API polygon. In total, we mapped approximately 272 hectares of SOFF across our full study area. Operational TEC Mapping have been derived by API at a viewing scale between 1-4000 using ADS40 50 cm pixel imagery and 1 m derived LIDAR DEM grids for floodplain EECs.

Operational map for River-flat Eucalypt Forest: The operational map for River-flat Eucalypt Forest (RFEF) was constructed to resolve long-standing issues surrounding its identification, location and extent within the NSW State Forest estate covered by the coastal Integrated Forestry Operation Agreements. The map was constructed in two parts, with State Forests to the north of Sydney being mapped in a separate process to those to the south of Sydney. We did this to minimise the risk that relationships between regional vegetation communities and the TEC would be confounded or masked by geographical variation or other major ecological gradients, which might otherwise be a significant risk if we had treated the full latitudinal range of the TEC as a single study area. In total, we assessed 1,218,000 hectares of State Forest across coastal NSW. This consisted of 868,000 hectares of State Forest on the north coast and more than 350,000 hectares of State Forest on the south coast. In both study areas, the project’s Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Reference Panel (the Panel) preceded the assessment process by reviewing the determination for RFEF and agreeing upon a set of diagnostic parameters for its identification. The Panel found that RFEF is primarily defined by floristic plot data and that it is mostly located on coastal floodplains and associated alluvial landforms. Following on from these conclusions, we started the mapping process by mapping the distribution of floodplains and alluvial soils and thus identifying possible areas of RFEF. For both the north and the south coast we used an existing map of coastal landforms and geology in combination with several fine-scale models of alluvial landform features to determine the likely extent of floodplains and alluvial soils within our study areas. We used aerial photograph interpretation (API) to assess the floristic and structural attributes of the vegetation cover found on our modelled alluvial environments, and thus delineated polygons likely to contain RFEF. We also used API to modify the boundaries of the modelled alluvial areas using a prescribed list of eucalypt, casuarina and melaleuca species in combination with the interpretation of landform elements relevant to alluvial and floodplain environments. We then compiled floristic plot data for all State Forest areas within our modelled alluvial landforms and API polygons. For both the north and the south coast the floristic plot data was sourced from both existing flora surveys held in the OEH VIS database and from targeted flora surveys conducted specifically for this project. We compared these plots with those previously assigned to flora communities listed in the determination of RFEF. Both dissimilarity-based methods and multivariate regression methods were used for the comparison. The results of the comparison were then used to assess the likelihood that the plots in State forests belonged to one or more of the communities listed in the RFEF determination. Following this, we developed a predictive statistical model of the probability of occurrence of RFEF using plot data and a selection of environmental and remote-sensing variables. For the north coast, we used a Random Forest model, while for the south coast we used a Boosted Regression Tree model. To create the operational map, we assigned every mapped API polygon to RFEF if appropriate based on the plot data, over-storey and understorey attributes, landform features and modelled probabilities underlying each API polygon. We mapped 3819 hectares of RFEF on the south coast and 198 hectares of RFEF on the north coast. Operational map for Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest: The operational map for Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest (SOFF) was constructed to resolve long-standing issues surrounding its identification, location and extent within the NSW State Forest estate covered by the coastal Integrated Forestry Operation Agreements. The map was constructed in two parts, with

The extant Forest Ecosystem map for the South Coast sub-region comprises a number of different models and API data. Expert botanists developed the map within extant vegetation, by assigning API polygons to vegetation groups, determined by an ecological classification process using PATN software. The processes used were approved and signed off by a review team of expert botanists including two independents, one NPWS representative and one SFNSW representative. On cleared land, a combination of soils, GAMs modelling, and classified site data was used to assign vegetation groups to distinct topographic and soil patterns. The extant map was derived from masking the pre-1750 map to the extant vegetation. 101 distinct ecosystems have been mapped in the extant map for this sub-region. (VIS_ID 3786; ANZLIC: ANZNS0208000141)

The operational map for Montane Peatlands and Swamps was constructed to resolve long-standing issues surrounding its identification, location and extent within the NSW State Forest estate covered by the eastern Regional Forest Agreements. The project’s Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Reference Panel (the Panel) reviewed the determination for Montane Peatlands and Swamps and agreed upon a set of diagnostic parameters for its identification through aerial photograph interpretation (API). These parameters included an elevation of greater than 400m and, broadly, the presence of treeless native vegetation on poorly drained soils. Using API, we then assessed whether Montane Peatlands and Swamps is present within more than 828,000 hectares of state forests within the coastal, tableland and montane regions of eastern NSW. A number of State Forests were excluded from the assessment because they fell below the elevation threshold or were underlain by Triassic sandstone sediments, which are explicitly excluded in the determination for Montane Peatlands and Swamps. In total we identified 1729.5 hectares of candidate Montane Peatlands and Swamps across State Forests in eastern NSW. From this we constructed several operational maps showing the extent of the Montane Peatlands and Swamps TEC within the relevant State Forests. More than 60% of the total mapped areas were located in the southern tablelands. The largest areas of the candidate TEC were mapped in Bago, Glenbog and Badja State Forests in the south, and in Boonoo and Girard State Forests in the north. Patch size varied, with more than 200 patches being smaller than 0.1 hectare and around 50 patches being larger than 30 hectares. It is noted that the broad mapping criteria will have captured a wide range of floristic assemblages including swamps, bogs, marshes, fens, meadows, grasslands and herb fields. Not all of these assemblage will be Montane Peatlands and Swamps, and it is highly likely that the mapping has captured two related TECs due to their overlapping environmental gradients and similar vegetation structure. These two TECs (Upland Wetlands of the Drainage Divide of the New England Bioregion and Carex Sedgeland of the New England Tableland, Nandewar, Brigalow Belt South and NSW North Coast Bioregions) are both candidate TECs within State Forests in their own right. Operational TEC Mapping have been derived by API at a viewing scale between 1-4000 using ADS40 50 cm pixel imagery and 1 m derived LIDAR DEM grids for floodplain EECs.

This is the original extant Forest Ecosystem map for the South Coast sub-region, comprising a number of different models and API data. Expert botanists developed the map within extant vegetation, by assigning API polygons to vegetation groups, determined by an ecological classification process using PATN software. The processes used were approved and signed off by a review team of expert botanists including two independents, one NPWS representative and one SFNSW representative. On cleared land, a combination of soils, GAMs modelling, and classified site data was used to assign vegetation groups to distinct topographic and soil patterns. The extant map was derived from masking the pre-1750 map to the extant vegetation. 101 distinct ecosystems have been mapped in the extant map for this sub-region.; ; VIS_ID 3786; ; ANZLIC: ANZNS0208000141 Note that this map was superseded by VIS_IDs 3858 & 3859

Operational map: The operational map for Grey Box Grey Gum Wet Sclerophyll Forest (GBWS) was constructed to resolve long-standing issues surrounding its identification, location and extent within the NSW State Forest estate covered by the eastern Regional Forest Agreements. The project’s Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Reference Panel (the Panel) interpreted the determination for GBWS and agreed that GBWS TEC is defined from quantitative floristic analyses of systematic plot data. Based on a strong association with the determination assemblage list and documented occurrences referenced in the determination, we have interpreted GBWS to be equivalent to a community described in a recent classification study in the Northern Rivers (OEH, 2012); 1000-1665: (Grey Gum - Grey Box - Hoop Pine shrubby open forest on hinterland hills of the Richmond and Clarence catchments, South Eastern Queensland Bioregion and NSW North Coast Bioregion). We conducted plot-based floristic comparison to assess whether GBWS or the equivalent Community 1000-1665 was present within 800 000 hectares of State Forest in the North Coast area. A map was developed based on plot assignments, aerial photography interpreted map polygons delineated from overstorey and understorey patterns, and results of predictive modelling. In total, we identified approximately 2936 hectares of GBWS TEC in State forests north from Cherry Tree State Forest. Another state forest area has been identified as potentially supporting GBWS forest and is presented in a separate Indicative map. Indicative map: The indicative map for Grey Box Grey Gum Wet Sclerophyll Forest (GBWS) was constructed to resolve long-standing issues surrounding its identification, location and extent within the NSW State Forest estate covered by the eastern Regional Forest Agreements. The project’s Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Reference Panel (the Panel) interpreted the determination for GBWS and agreed that GBWS TEC is defined from quantitative floristic analyses of systematic plot data. Based on a strong association with the determination assemblage list and documented occurrences referenced in the determination, we have interpreted GBWS to be equivalent to a community described in a recent classification study in the Northern Rivers (OEH, 2012); 1000-1665: (Grey Gum - Grey Box - Hoop Pine shrubby open forest on hinterland hills of the Richmond and Clarence catchments, South Eastern Queensland Bioregion and NSW North Coast Bioregion). We conducted plot-based floristic comparison to assess whether GBWS or the equivalent Community 1000-1665 was present within 800 000 hectares of State Forest in the North Coast area. A map was developed based on plot assignments, aerial photography interpreted map polygons delineated from overstorey and understorey patterns, and results of predictive modelling. In total, we identified approximately 2936 hectares of GBWS TEC in State forests north from Cherry Tree State Forest. However, we also assigned three plots to GBWS, which are disjunct from and well outside the previously known distribution, to the south. Of the three disjunct plots, only one is in our state forest study area, in Nymboida state forest. We have no evidence that GBWS occurs south of Nymboida state forest. We identify Nymboida and Kangaroo River state forests in this Indicative Map, as plausible locations for the GBWS TEC. We recommend the GBWS TEC in these areas be diagnosed on a site-by-site basis using our field key until further survey and mapping can be completed in these forests. Operational TEC Mapping have been derived by API at a viewing scale between 1-4000 using ADS40 50 cm pixel imagery and 1 m derived LIDAR DEM grids for floodplain EECs. Indicative TEC Mapping have been generated from best available composite environmental data layers - standardised to 30 m pixels.

An environmental classification developed in conjunction with the NSW Marine Parks Authority Research Committee. The purpose of the mapping was for use in assessments to identify potential locations for marine protected areas in NSW. For more information see: Breen D.A. and R.P. Avery. (2002). Broad-scale biodiversity assessment of the Manning Shelf marine bioregion. Draft final report for the NSW Marine Parks Authority. Copies of the report may be borrowed from the library: Environment Australia, GPO Box 787, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia This coverage is intended for used in regional level marine conservation assessment. It was prepared using very low cost techniques (ie. unrectified API) and should not be relied upon for navigation purposes. THIS DATA IS NOT SUITABLE FOR NAVIGATION PURPOSES. This represents an historic dataset providing transparency on the 2002 marine park systematic planning process. This product is one of three related datasets used in the assessment process: "NSW Ocean Ecosystems 2002", "NSW Estuarine Ecosystems 2002" & "NSW Marine Habitats 2002"

An environmental classification developed in conjunction with the NSW Marine Parks Authority Research Committee. The purpose of the mapping was for use in assessments to identify potential locations for marine protected areas in NSW. For more information see: Breen D.A. and R.P. Avery. (2002). Broad-scale biodiversity assessment of the Manning Shelf marine bioregion. Draft final report for the NSW Marine Parks Authority. Copies of the report may be borrowed from the library: Environment Australia, GPO Box 787, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia This coverage is intended for used in regional level marine conservation assessment. It was prepared using very low cost techniques (ie. unrectified API) and should not be relied upon for navigation purposes. THIS DATA IS NOT SUITABLE FOR NAVIGATION PURPOSES. This represents an historic dataset providing transparency on the 2002 marine park systematic planning process. This product is one of three related datasets used in the assessment process: "NSW Ocean Ecosystems 2002", "NSW Estuarine Ecosystems 2002" & "NSW Marine Habitats 2002"

The Statewide Landcover And Trees Study (SLATS) is a scientific monitoring program which monitors, maps and reports on woody vegetation change in Queensland. Since the 1990's and up to the 2017-18 reporting period, SLATS has been monitoring woody vegetation loss due to land clearing, applying a methodology which used Landsat satellite imagery. From 2018 onwards, woody vegetation change is mapped using Sentinel-2 imagery. The vegetation change has been attributed to change classes representing human induced woody clearing or regrowth.

The operational map for Tablelands Snow Gum, Black Sallee, Candlebark and Ribbon Gum Grassy Woodland (Tableland Snow Gum or TSG) was constructed to resolve long-standing issues surrounding its identification, location and extent within the NSW State Forest estate covered by the eastern Regional Forest Agreements. The determination of TSG was reviewed by the project’s Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) Reference Panel (the Panel), and a set of diagnostic parameters for identifying the TSG TEC was agreed upon. These parameters included the bioregions in which TSG is likely to be located in, landscape features such as elevation and geology, and quantitative floristic attributes from vegetation communities explicitly listed in the determination. Using these diagnostic parameters, we defined the study area as being all IBRA subregions that cover the 600-1400m elevation range within the South Eastern Highlands, Sydney Basin, South East Corner and Australian Alps bioregions. We then compiled floristic plot data for all State Forest areas within our study area. Floristic plot data was sourced from both existing flora surveys held in the OEH VIS database and from targeted flora surveys conducted specifically for this project. We compared these plots with those previously assigned to flora communities listed in the determination of TSG. Both dissimilarity-based methods and multivariate regression methods were used for the comparison. The results of the comparison were then used to assess the likelihood that the plots in State forests belonged to one or more of the communities listed in the TSG determination. We also conducted presence-absence predictive distribution modelling to identify potential distributions of each of the primary vegetation communities cited in the determination for TSG. The modelling predicted the likelihood of occurrence for each community across State Forests in the study area based on a modelled relationship with environmental and remotely sensed variables. As such, the modelling assisted in identifying un-surveyed areas of potential TSG habitat and guiding follow-up survey efforts and aerial photography interpretation (API) work. API assessment was carried out for all State Forests where the predictive modelling identified areas with high probability-of-occurrence values. We used recent high resolution stereo digital imagery in a digital 3D GIS environment to delineate areas of potential TSG based on observable patterns in canopy species dominance, understorey characteristics and landform elements. We constructed the operational map by assigning our API polygons as being TSG based on the extent to which the floristic plots within or near to each API polygon belonged to TSG. We used a precautionary approach and assessed a mapped polygon as TSG if the map unit to which it belonged contained any TSG plot. Operational TEC Mapping have been derived by API at a viewing scale between 1-4000 using ADS40 50 cm pixel imagery and 1 m derived LIDAR DEM grids for floodplain EECs.