The Ecology, Classification, and Manipulation of Roadside Vegetation in the Armidale Region, NSW

Abstract

Roadside reserves are extremely variable land units, which are influenced by a broad range of natural and anthropogenic processes, have a multiplicity of functions, and are administered by a range of government and community authorities. One of the most important issues associated with roadside reserves at present, however, is an increasing public awareness of their environmental values, particularly with respect to native vegetation. A project was undertaken with the main objective of developing revegetation and management strategies for roadside vegetation along rural roads. The aims of the project were as follows: 1. To classify roadside environments in the vicinity of Armidale according to the vegetation, landscape features, geomorphology, width of the roadside reserve, and other relevant features. 2. To set goals in terms of the desired native vegetation for each class of roadside site identified. 3. To develop strategies and investigate methods for manipulating existing conditions to achieve the desired goals.