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Aerial photographs and satellite imagery provided by Google Earth (2009) and the Queensland Herbarium’s mapping data (accurate to the end of 2006) were examined to determine broad vegetation patterns within the boundaries of the SERF study site. These patterns were used to stratify seven 50m by 10m transects.

A vegetation survey was carried out for each transect based on the guidelines outlined in the ‘Methodology for Survey and Mapping of Regional Ecosystems and Vegetation Communities in Queensland’ (Neldner et al. 2005). Once a transect location was determined, two parallel 50m tapes were laid down at a 10m interval. General plot information was first recorded. Data included site number, survey date, recorders’ names and survey level.

Site numbers were recorded as SERF1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. All transects were assigned a secondary level classification. Secondary level sites provide a detailed description of the regional ecosystems and vegetation communities being surveyed (Neldner et al. 2005). Location information was recorded, including a locality description, source of location data (GPS), transect coordinates (the centre point of each transect), and the precision of the GPS recording. A site description was provided, noting the dominant species comprising the upper and lower strata.

Landform information was recorded. Broad classes of landform based on HERBRECS (The Queensland Herbarium’s floristic records database) divisions, and landform element, erosion pattern, and landform pattern derived from Speight (1990) were entered. Slope data, including slope type sourced from Speight (1990), slope angle derived from a laser range finder, slope aspect and slope elevation calculated by GPS, were recorded.

Soil and geological information were collected so as to confirm the land zone, and therefore the RE, as described by the Queensland Herbarium’s mapping data. A soil core was extracted by hand auger at each transect. Broad soil type was derived from a HERBRECS code, and soil colour and texture was sourced from Neldner et al. (2005). Geology type was derived from a HERBRECS code.

Ground cover measurements were determined by observational estimate. A percentage was assigned to leaf litter, rock, bare ground and cryptogam (mosses, algae, fungi) cover. Disturbance levels were recorded. Storm damage, road works, fire and salinity levels were noted, as were logging effects, ringbarking and thinning, extensive clearing, grazing, feral digging, flood effects, weed presence and erosion levels. Remnant status was assigned to the vegetation community based on the site’s level of representativeness.

A Specht Structure Code was sourced from Neldner et al. (2005), reflecting the transects’ broad vegetation type (e.g. open forest, woodland). A line estimate of the crown cover of the upper stratum, or T1 layer, was recorded. This was achieved by noting the intersection points of the T1 species along each 50m tape measure. The median height, height range, total percentage cover, and key species percentage cover were recorded for each stratum. Heights were measured using a laser range finder, and crown covers were determined from visual estimates.

A complete species list by full botanical name was compiled for each transect. Those species that could not be identified in the field were collected and identified at the Queensland Herbarium. A stem count by strata was carried out for each tree and shrub species. Percentage covers of species by strata were recorded. Basal area was recorded by species and stratum using a single, 360º sweep of a Bitterlich stick. A basal area factor of 1 from the 25m mark was used, attributing each tree counted with a basal area of 1m²/ha (Neldner et al. 2005). Botanical specimens were collected from each transect. Specimens were pressed, dried, mounted and collated as part of a botanical reference collection.

Those vegetation areas not containing representative transects (i.e. notophyll vine forest and creek communities) due to topographical and/or biological constraints (i.e. excessive ‘weediness’ or dense understorey) were sampled by a methodical walk-through. Species not identified in previous transects were collected and their location (GPS coordinates), elevation and habitat were recorded (Appendix 3). Specimens were pressed, dried, mounted and collated as part of a botanical reference collection.

A final walk-through of the entire SERF study site was conducted in order to detect any species that were not identified in previous transects, the notophyll vine forest and creek community areas. Specimens were collected and their location (GPS coordinates), elevation and habitat were recorded. Specimens were pressed, dried, mounted and collated as part of a botanical reference collection.