Adrienne Nicotra
Bryant, Callum; Dawson, Hilary Rose; Brown, Zachary
Abstract/Description
Around the world forest ecosystems are exhibiting dieback events that are likely to herald widespread species turnover. These changes are particularly impactful in systems, like the Australian sub-alpine, where the forest canopy is largely monospecific. Decline or loss of the dominant canopy species in such systems will alter the ecological, hydrological and cultural values of the system, and in the case of snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora group) stands to impact state and national water-supply and power-generation systems. Our multi-disciplinary investigation draws together collaborators across institutions and disciplines to: 1) assess the future geography of snow gum dieback in the high country and identify priority locations for pro-active management, 2) quantify the impact of snow gums on high country water and carbon budgets and thus the socio- economic and biodiversity values, and 3) determine options for mitigation across the sub-alpine and montane snow gum taxa. Our research is developing solutions including spatially predictive tools, candidate seedstocks for pro-active restoration, and scenario analyses to assess value propositions. Together we are building understanding of the diverse values of a treed ecosystem and supporting evidence-based examination of what, where and whether mitigation or restoration is warranted. These outputs will enable up-scaling for high country management efforts that are co-designed with conservation and management partners and supported by knowledge and tools that maximise the prospect for long term success.
