The approach used in this project follows the sequence of vegetation data layers described in the National NRM Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (NLWRA 2005) that is extent, type and condition. Data required to report on trend in condition are currently not available.

 A combined vegetation dataset was ‘clipped’ to the 14 GRDC Agro Ecological Zones (More information- GRDC Zone metadata). As only native vegetation was required the Integrated Vegetation dataset was limited to the native vegetation categories (Veg_cover=1, 2, 3 or 99). In addition, areas of native vegetation which were clearly not the responsibility of the grains industry, being 'protected areas' such as National Parks, were excluded from the analyses. The source of the protected areas information was the Collaborative Australian Protected Area Database (CAPAD, 2000).

Condition of vegetation was determined using the Vegetation Assets, States and Transitions (VAST) classification. The VAST classification orders native vegetation by degree of anthropogenic modification using a series of states or conditions from ‘residual’ native (baseline) (0 & 1), modified native (2 & 3), through ‘replaced’ (cultivated or non-native) (4 & 5) to ‘removed’ (non-vegetated) (5-7). The VAST classification is offered as tool that can help describe, map and account for changes in the status and condition of vegetation (for more information see Thackway and Lesslie, 2005). As this project was only assessing native vegetation, VAST Types of 4-6 were not required. Area statistics on vegetation extent, type and condition in each zone were calculated. To determine the area of native vegetation in modified to good condition VAST Types 0, 1, 2 were used, and 3 was excluded.

Table 1 shows the input/source datasets for the indicator of native vegetation.

Table 1. Input/source datasets for native vegetation.

For further metadata or explanation refer to the BRS Technical report (Thackway, and Burton, 2005).

References and source metadata

CAPAD (Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database) (2000). Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra. http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/nrs/capad/2000/  Dataset- CAPAD 2000.

DEH (2001) National Vegetation Information System- Major Vegetation Groups. Department of Environment and Heritage (2001) Version 1.0, 2001 (presmvg1k_alb).

NLWRA (National Land and Water Resources Audit). (2001). Australian Native Vegetation Assessment, 2001. National Land and Water Resources Audit, Canberra. Dataset- Major Vegetation Groups- Version 1.0, 2001 presmvg1k_alb.

Thackway, R. and Burton, K. (2005) Native Vegetation Management in Grain Growing Regions. BRS Technical Report, Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.

Thackway, R., Donohue, R., & R, Smart. (2004). Integrated Regional Vegetation Information - A compilation of vegetation types for National Action Plan and Natural Heritage Trust regions. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra. Dataset- Integrated Vegetation: Version 1.0, 2003 (veg_cov_v1).

Thackway, R. and Lesslie, R., (2005). Vegetation Assets, States and Transitions (VAST): accounting for vegetation condition in the Australian landscape. BRS Technical Report, Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra. Dataset- VAST-  vast_grid 1999. Website- http://www.daff.gov.au/corporate_docs/publications/pdf/rural_science/forest_vegetation/vast_report.pdf