Restoring and reconstructing ecosystems
To increase the extent and value of conservation areas in the Cumberland Plain, theme 4 priorities will drive research to help restore degraded ecosystems and determine how to successfully reconstruct functional ecosystems. Theme 4 research will also work with restoration sector stakeholders, including local Aboriginal, community and industry groups, to develop and undertake the reconstruction and restoration required by the CPCP.
Projects
Cumberland Plain Woodland Research and Monitoring Plot Network
Appin Reconstruction Site Soil Assessment and Report to NSW DPI
Exploring the Impact of Soil Depth and Planting Species Diversity on Early-Stage Restoration
Evaluating Direct Koala Benefits of Early-Stage Habitat Restoration Actions
Long-Term Successional Trajectories of Restoration Plantings for Cumberland Plain Woodland
Mapping incursions of Phytophthora and other oomycete pathogens across the Cumberland Plain
Subtheme
Knowledge gap/questions to be answered
4.1 Main barriers to success
What are the main physical, chemical and biological barriers that limit soil restoration?
What management options could overcome these barriers in the near and longer term?
4.2 Cost-effective management options
What actions could cost-effectively manage invasive or pest species?
What role does the seed bank play in bush regeneration and how do we assess when it is worthwhile to maintain it on site?
What is the role of the order in which species establish in restoration projects and how can we use it to work towards restoration goals?
4.3 Enhancing ecosystem function and resilience
What level of diversity in plants, animals and microorganisms, from genetic to species level, above-ground and below-ground, is needed to increase an ecosystem’s ability to adapt to future climate conditions?
4.4 Ensuring capacity
How do we develop and secure the capacity of the restoration sector (including Aboriginal and community groups) to undertake the reconstruction and restoration required by the CPCP? It would need to include access to seed/propagule sources, facilities to grow material and the know-how to carry it out in practice.
How can soil microbes be used to improve the production, establishment, growth and resilience of key plant species used in restoration?
4.5 Prioritising sites for restoration and reconstruction
How do we prioritise where restoration is undertaken, considering ecological constraints, spatial position, connectivity (ability of species to disperse in the landscape), local ecological and broader societal/cultural goals, Aboriginal knowledge and cost-effectiveness of management options?