Habitat Restoration - Class 4

The following provides a framework for the development of your management/restoration plan

Location of site
Ownership and management
Aims
Site history - Koori and European
Site description - what is there now
Legalities, Existing plans
Topography
Geology
Flora and Fauna
Structures
Site uses
Site assessment and methodology - if you collected information yourself how did you do it
Results/findings/analysis
Strategies for restoration - what are you going to do and why, how is it to be done, by whom, when, cost
Monitoring
Appendices - existing information, lists, data collected
Bibliography - all reference material you have used or referred to

Where to find existing information

Location - aerial photos, maps e.g. melway
Site History - managing authority, Historical societies, local knowledge, reference material
Legalities - International, Federal, State or local government
Existing plans - managing authority, local or state government
Topography - existing maps, digitised from aerial photo
Geology - geological survey, water sewerage authority, councils. Do it yourself - pH kit, soil test labs
Flora and Fauna - existing surveys, Birds Aust., Mammal survey group, frog society, Society for growing Aust. Plants, Local groups/indigenous nurseries, reference material
Funding - Managing authority, Federation Grants, Work for the Dole Schemes, Parks Victoria Grants, Land Care, Local Government Community Grants, Benevolent Funds (Philanthropic Organisations)



Perhaps the most important aspect of a plan is the aims. The aims will drive the direction of the plan and guide the information that will be included. The aims need to clearly define what the implementation of the plan will achieve and will vary depending upon the characteristics of the site.

Examples of aims include:

Conserve and expand the range of one or more indigenous species of flora and/or fauna
Provide specific habitat requirement for one or more indigenous species of flora and/or fauna
Provide passive recreational opportunities e.g. bird watching, bushwalking, peaceful/tranquil environment
Provide interpretation/environmental education to enhance public understanding
Address specific environmental problem e.g. salinity, erosion, species loss
Link existing habitats e.g. wild life corridors

Often these aims are not mutually exclusive.