Ecological Surveys & Planning was engaged by EMM Consulting to undertake flora surveys in Kosciusko National Park as part of the large ecological assessment of the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project. I worked with EMM staff and other consultants to sample a large number of vegetation survey plots in and near areas that would be affected by clearing or other works associated with installation of heavy infrastructure, as well as doing brief site assessments for short-term impacts such as geological sampling (core drilling). Team members also collected observations of ecological damage done by feral animals, as this was of interest to the NSW NPWS who manage this large and complex reserve. Damage caused by rabbits was the most widespread but impacts from horses and pigs was also locally severe.
I generated new records of threatened plant species, as well as contributing some advice to planned updates of the vegetation map. Some new weed species for NSW were detected and brought to the attention of authorities and herbaria. A few incidental sightings of threatened animal species were also contributed. The vegetation survey data will be used to determine the ecological offset requirements of Snowy Hydro 2.0 in relation to clearing that is necessary for construction of the substantial body and extent of infrastructure. It will also assist the NSW DCCEEW and NPWS in better documenting and managing the vegetation in this part of the Park, as previously, sampling was relatively sparse in what was sometimes fairly remote or steep terrain.
