Appendix 4 Some examples of detailed objectives (using quantifiable indicators)
| Attribute detail | Examples |
|---|---|
| Controlling threats | Nil incidence of undesirable livestock incursions |
| Climate-readiness of xx species in place | |
| Invasive plant threats under management in surrounding landscape | |
| Fox and cat populations reduced to xxha and xxha respectively in surrounding landscape | |
| Overharvesting regulated in surrounding marine area | |
| Anti-fouling pollutants prohibited in surrounding waters | |
| Physical conditions | pH of substrate is between e.g. xx.xx and xx.xx (Raupach test) |
| A minimum of XX mm of top soil (A horizon) and yy mm of subsoil (B horizon) is installed at establishment. | |
| Topsoil and subsoil are returned within 2 months of initial clearing | |
| Soil compaction reduced to <xx psi across site | |
| Nil sediment deposition in stream | |
| Site topography and hydrological flow lines reinstated | |
| Salinity level of substrate < EC Units | |
| Turbidity level = xxx | |
| Rocky outcrops cover xx% of site and remain without vegetation cover | |
| Species composition | Herbaceous exotics reduced to <xx% cover and represented by only benign species |
| >xx% canopy cover of native trees and exotic trees reduced to rare seedlings | |
| mesic shrubs reduced to <xx% cover and diversity of heathy shrubs maintained | |
| Kangaroo Grass cover between ~xx-xx% and diversity of forbs and grasses maintained. | |
| Crown of Thorns Starfish reduced to >xx% cover and coral mortality <xx% | |
| Carp reduced to < xx% of fish population and xx% of native fish species of reference present | |
| Community structure | Characteristic diversity of native plant species from each stratum established |
| Mosaic of vegetation patches reinstated | |
| All ant functional groups present | |
| All frog species present | |
| Size of area sufficient to support populations of species ‘x’ | |
| Species ‘y’ present at a density of x stems per ha | Ecosystem function | All plant functional groups regenerating after natural disturbance event |
| A diversity of genera of saprophytic insects found in all fallen timber | |
| ‘xx’ number of tree hollows per hectare | |
| Owl pair breeding in area and feeding on site | |
| Litter decomposition rate = xx | |
| Filtration rate = x% of tide residence time | |
| Appropriate fire regime reinstated for the target ecosystem | |
| Carbon sequestered at a rate of xx tonnes per year | |
| Positive change in the microbial functionality parameter ‘xx’ | |
| External exchanges | Ground dwelling faunal species can readily disperse into and out of site |
| Site is connected to surrounding floodplain and river to enable periodic flooding | |
| Fish passage reinstated | |
| Tidal flushing reinstated | |
| Pollinators can readily connect with site |
Note: The ‘indicator’ is the measure used (ideally SMART Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound)—while the ‘objective’ is the quantification adopted for the particular project. (Examples drawn from a range of different biomes.)