Brackish Sedgeland Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh/Estuarine Flats Grassland mosaic EVC name & number EVC descriptions, including likely species present Swampy Woodland 937 Swampy Woodland is a poorly-known vegetation type of poorly drained, seasonally waterlogged heavy soils. The label applies to at least seasonally waterlogged vegetation of wet flats, not subject to direct flooding from major streams, but receiving water through seepage or surface run-off. The canopy of this vegetation type is dominated by Eucalyptus ovata (Swamp Gum) with shrubs including Allocasuarina paludosa (Swamp She-oak) Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood), Acacia verticillata (Prickly Moses) and Ozothamnus ferrugineus (Tree Everlasting). The ground layer is dominated by large tussocks including Gahnia trifida (Chaffy Saw-sedge) and Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock-grass) with associated herbs including Eryngium vesiculosum (Prickfoot) and Ranunculus glabrifolius (Shining Buttercup). Heathy Woodland 48 Occurs on infertile sands. A range of stringy-barked Eucalypts dominate the overstorey, locally including Eucalyptus baxteri (Brown Stringybark) and Eucalyptus obliqua (Messmate Stringybark). The lower storey is extremely diverse, supporting a range of small hard-leaved shrubs (notably peas), Grass-trees and sedges. Grasses are sparse due to the infertility of the soils. This EVC is common throughout southern Victoria. It is not generally associated with estuaries, and its occurrence in the study area is peripheral, being only recorded around the Anglesea estuary. Estuarine Reed Bed 952 Occurs in permanently or semi-permanently inundated areas with moderate salinity levels, and is dominated by dense stands of Phragmites australis (Common Reed). This EVC resembles Tall Marsh (EVC 821) which may also be comprised of dense stands of Phragmites australis, but differs in that it may include herbs more tolerant of saline conditions. Generally, where Phragmites australis had a cover of greater than 50% the EVC was referred to as Estuarine Reedbed. Estuarine Reedbed appears to be the result of a combination of particular inundation periods and water chemistry. It is the water chemistry which prevents many of the other species associated with Tall Marsh from establishing within this EVC, while it is the extended periods of inundation which exclude the species that are typically associated with Estuarine Wetland, which often occurs in adjacent areas. Estuarine Scrub 953 Occurs on brackish, waterlogged flats, often at the edge of estuarine water bodies. Estuarine Scrub is similar in appearance to Swamp Scrub, the difference being in the composition of the understorey of herb and grass species, which is restricted to those tolerant of brackish conditions. In western Victoria, the overstorey is usually dominated by Leptospermum lanigerum (Woolly Tea-tree), while understorey species include Selliera radicans (Shiny Swamp-mat), Schoenoplectus pungens (Sharp Club-sedge), Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike-sedge), Centella cordifolia (Centella), Hemarthria uncinata (Mat Grass), Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock-grass) and Hydrocotyle pterocarpa (Wing Pennywort). In some instances, Estuarine Scrub is dominated by Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah), particularly on calcareous substrates, such as occur around the edges of the marsh at Anglesea and Breamlea. When the overstorey has been cleared, this EVC may be difficult to distinguish from other EVCs (including Estuarine Flats Grassland and Brackish Wetland). Coastal Alkaline Scrub 858 This EVC occurs in sheltered, near-coastal areas, on soils which contain limestone/calcrete. The overstorey is generally dominated by Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah), while the mid-storey contains numerous shrub, herb and sedge species, including Pimelea serpyllifolia subsp. serpyllifolia (Thyme Rice-flower). This EVC is closely related to some variants of Estuarine Scrub, which may also be dominated by Moonah. In some areas (notably Anglesea and Spring Creek) these two EVCs occur together, and can be difficult to distinguish. Estuarine Wetland 10 Estuarine Wetland occurs on anaerobic/waterlogged clays and silts on the edges of estuarine water bodies. Salinity varies over time, and these areas receive fresh to brackish inundation, and occasional saline inundation. This EVC is often bordered by Swamp Scrub on the landward side, and Estuarine Reedbed or Tall Marsh on the seaward side. This EVC is usually overwhelmingly dominated by swards of Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis (Sea Rush), with other species including Phragmites australis (Common Reed), Distichlis distichophylla (Austral Salt-grass), Baumea juncea (Bare-twig Sedge), and herbs such as Samolus repens (Creeping Brookweed), Leptinella reptans (Creeping Cotula), Mimulus repens (Creeping Cotula) and Selliera radicans (Shiny Swamp-mat). It is generally susceptible to only mild invasion by weeds. Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh 1115 (prov.) Estuarine Flats Grassland 914 These two EVCs were mapped as both separate EVCs (both <1 Ha), and combined as a mosaic (2 Ha). Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh is dominated by robust tussocks (1-2m), growing in less frequently inundated zones of coastal saltmarshes, generally on well drained soils. It is visually similar to several other EVCs from which it can be distinguished by its lack of glycophytic species, and its position in the intertidal zone. It is locally dominated by Gahnia filum (Chaffy Saw-sedge), and occasionally by Austrostipa stipoides (Prickly Spear-grass). Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Glasswort) is often present. It is generally relatively free from weed invasion. It has been recorded also at Painkalac and Thompson Creeks. Estuary Flats Grassland occurs on estuarine flats and associated dune swales, which are above normal tidal inundation. The soils within this EVC are quite saline, and are often waterlogged by either high tides or surface runoff. Only recorded in small patches. Generally dominated by Poa labillardieri (Common tussock grass), with other species such as Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club-sedge), Juncus krausii subp. australiensis (Sea Rush), and Distichlis distichophylla (Austral Salt-grass) occurring to a lesser extent. Indicative herb species include Apium prostratum subsp. prostratum (Sea Celery), Selliera radicans (Shiny Swamp-mat), Leptinella reptans (Creeping Cotula) and Samolus repens (Creeping Brookweed). Swamp Scrub 53 Occurs on poorly-drained sites, with high nutrient availability and consistent fresh water; inundation is typical during the wet winter months. Locally, Leptospermum lanigerum (Woolly Tea-tree) is the dominant overstorey species, with occasional Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood) and Melaleuca squarrosa (Scented Paper-bark). The understorey of this EVC varies depending on soil type, duration of soil saturation, and water source. Understorey in locallty variable, depending on both peat content and soil fertility. It supports Carex gunniana var. gunniana (Swamp Sedge), Baumea laxa (Lax Twig-sedge), Hydrocotyle pterocarpa (Winged Pennywort), Triglochin striata (Streaked Arrow-grass), Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike-sedge), Carex gaudichaudiana (Fen Sedge) and Selliera radicans (Shiny Swamp-mat), Gahnia clarkei (Tall Saw-sedge), with a diversity (at low levels) of ferns such as Blechnum minus (Soft Water-fern), Dicksonia antarctica (Soft Tree-fern), Pteridium esculentum (Austral Bracken), and herbs such as Urtica incisa (Scrub Nettle), and Lobelia anceps (Angled Lobelia), Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock-grass) and Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass). Occasionally, as at Anglesea, this EVC supports dense thickets of Leptospermum continentale (Prickly Tea-tree). EVC Number of assessments Mean site score (area weighted) Highest site score Lowest site score Total area within mapping area (52 Ha) Brackish Sedgeland 1 75 - - <1 Coastal Alkaline Scrub 4 27 49 3 3 Coastal Dune Scrub 0 - - - <1 Estuarine Flats Grassland 2 60 60 44 <1 Estuarine Reed Bed 1 71 - - 5 Estuarine Scrub 6 46 64 0 5 Estuarine Wetland 1 63 - - 3 Heathy Woodland 5 53 59 36 7 Saline Aquatic Meadow 0 - - - <1 Swamp Scrub 1 53 - - 1 Swampy Woodland 4 46 54 31 18 Wet Saltmarsh Herbland 0 - - - <1 Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh 0 - - - <1 Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh/Estuarine Flats Grassland mosaic 0 - - - 2 Vegetation Field Guide for Anglesea River estuary Including habitat hectare scores (condition reporting) by EVC for Anglesea River This informative fact sheet is designed to be used as a field guide in association with the Anglesea River estuary management plan. The information included will allow field inquiry with expert guided comment. The technical information, including habitat hectare scores (below), EVC descriptions (back page) and salinity tolerances (large map), is the result of research commissioned by the Corangamite CMA by the Australian Ecosystems and Arthur Rylah Institute and Water Technology Pty Ltd between 2009 and 2011. An Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) is a component of a vegetation classification system, grouping vegetation communities based on floristic, structural, and ecological features. An EVC consists of one or a number of floristic communities that appear to be associated with a recognisable environmental niche. They can be characterised by a number of their adaptive responses to ecological processes that operate at the landscape scale level. The field based survey method to assess vegetation quality and quantity is called ‘habitat hectare’ assessment (DSE 2004), measuring habitat quality and quantity for Net Gain Assessments. The habitat hectares approach is site based. Each site, or patch, consists of one Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) and one vegetation condition class referred to as a ‘habitat zone’. Habitat hectare score = habitat condition score* (0-100) x area in hectares *extensive intact vegetation having a theoretical score of 100 - ten components: large trees, tree canopy cover, understorey, weediness, recruitment, organic litter, logs, patch, size, neighbourhood context and distance to core area. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/conservation-and-environment/ native-vegetation-groups-for-victoria For further information, Section 3 of the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (2009) Native Vegetation and Weed Management Plan provides a very thorough and easily understood explanation of determining the conservation significance of certain EVCs. Design and production GSDM 10987 ANGLESEA RIVER Estuary Management Plan 2012-2020
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Brackish Sedgeland
Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh/Estuarine Flats Grassland mosaic
EVC name & number
EVC descriptions, including likely species present
Swampy Woodland
937
Swampy Woodland is a poorly-known vegetation type of poorly drained, seasonally waterlogged heavy soils. The label applies
to at least seasonally waterlogged vegetation of wet flats, not subject to direct flooding from major streams, but receiving water
through seepage or surface run-off. The canopy of this vegetation type is dominated by Eucalyptus ovata (Swamp Gum) with
shrubs including Allocasuarina paludosa (Swamp She-oak) Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood), Acacia verticillata (Prickly Moses)
and Ozothamnus ferrugineus (Tree Everlasting). The ground layer is dominated by large tussocks including Gahnia trifida (Chaffy
Saw-sedge) and Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock-grass) with associated herbs including Eryngium vesiculosum (Prickfoot) and
Ranunculus glabrifolius (Shining Buttercup).
Heathy Woodland
48
Occurs on infertile sands. A range of stringy-barked Eucalypts dominate the overstorey, locally including Eucalyptus baxteri (Brown
Stringybark) and Eucalyptus obliqua (Messmate Stringybark). The lower storey is extremely diverse, supporting a range of small
hard-leaved shrubs (notably peas), Grass-trees and sedges. Grasses are sparse due to the infertility of the soils. This EVC is common
throughout southern Victoria. It is not generally associated with estuaries, and its occurrence in the study area is peripheral, being
only recorded around the Anglesea estuary.
Estuarine Reed Bed
952
Occurs in permanently or semi-permanently inundated areas with moderate salinity levels, and is dominated by dense stands of
Phragmites australis (Common Reed). This EVC resembles Tall Marsh (EVC 821) which may also be comprised of dense stands of
Phragmites australis, but differs in that it may include herbs more tolerant of saline conditions. Generally, where Phragmites australis
had a cover of greater than 50% the EVC was referred to as Estuarine Reedbed.
Estuarine Reedbed appears to be the result of a combination of particular inundation periods and water chemistry. It is the water
chemistry which prevents many of the other species associated with Tall Marsh from establishing within this EVC, while it is the
extended periods of inundation which exclude the species that are typically associated with Estuarine Wetland, which often occurs
in adjacent areas.
Estuarine Scrub
953
Occurs on brackish, waterlogged flats, often at the edge of estuarine water bodies. Estuarine Scrub is similar in appearance to
Swamp Scrub, the difference being in the composition of the understorey of herb and grass species, which is restricted to those
tolerant of brackish conditions. In western Victoria, the overstorey is usually dominated by Leptospermum lanigerum (Woolly
Tea-tree), while understorey species include Selliera radicans (Shiny Swamp-mat), Schoenoplectus pungens (Sharp Club-sedge),
Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike-sedge), Centella cordifolia (Centella), Hemarthria uncinata (Mat Grass), Poa labillardierei (Common
Tussock-grass) and Hydrocotyle pterocarpa (Wing Pennywort). In some instances, Estuarine Scrub is dominated by Melaleuca
lanceolata (Moonah), particularly on calcareous substrates, such as occur around the edges of the marsh at Anglesea and Breamlea.
When the overstorey has been cleared, this EVC may be difficult to distinguish from other EVCs (including Estuarine Flats Grassland
and Brackish Wetland).
Coastal Alkaline Scrub
858
This EVC occurs in sheltered, near-coastal areas, on soils which contain limestone/calcrete. The overstorey is generally dominated
by Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah), while the mid-storey contains numerous shrub, herb and sedge species, including Pimelea
serpyllifolia subsp. serpyllifolia (Thyme Rice-flower). This EVC is closely related to some variants of Estuarine Scrub, which may also
be dominated by Moonah. In some areas (notably Anglesea and Spring Creek) these two EVCs occur together, and can be difficult
to distinguish.
Estuarine Wetland
10
Estuarine Wetland occurs on anaerobic/waterlogged clays and silts on the edges of estuarine water bodies. Salinity varies over time,
and these areas receive fresh to brackish inundation, and occasional saline inundation. This EVC is often bordered by Swamp Scrub
on the landward side, and Estuarine Reedbed or Tall Marsh on the seaward side.
This EVC is usually overwhelmingly dominated by swards of Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis (Sea Rush), with other species
including Phragmites australis (Common Reed), Distichlis distichophylla (Austral Salt-grass), Baumea juncea (Bare-twig Sedge),
and herbs such as Samolus repens (Creeping Brookweed), Leptinella reptans (Creeping Cotula), Mimulus repens (Creeping Cotula)
and Selliera radicans (Shiny Swamp-mat). It is generally susceptible to only mild invasion by weeds.
Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh
1115
(prov.)
Estuarine Flats Grassland
914
These two EVCs were mapped as both separate EVCs (both <1 Ha), and combined as a mosaic (2 Ha).
Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh is dominated by robust tussocks (1-2m), growing in less frequently inundated zones of coastal
saltmarshes, generally on well drained soils. It is visually similar to several other EVCs from which it can be distinguished by its
lack of glycophytic species, and its position in the intertidal zone. It is locally dominated by Gahnia filum (Chaffy Saw-sedge),
and occasionally by Austrostipa stipoides (Prickly Spear-grass). Sarcocornia quinqueflora (Beaded Glasswort) is often present.
It is generally relatively free from weed invasion. It has been recorded also at Painkalac and Thompson Creeks.
Estuary Flats Grassland occurs on estuarine flats and associated dune swales, which are above normal tidal inundation. The soils
within this EVC are quite saline, and are often waterlogged by either high tides or surface runoff. Only recorded in small patches.
Generally dominated by Poa labillardieri (Common tussock grass), with other species such as Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club-sedge),
Juncus krausii subp. australiensis (Sea Rush), and Distichlis distichophylla (Austral Salt-grass) occurring to a lesser extent. Indicative
herb species include Apium prostratum subsp. prostratum (Sea Celery), Selliera radicans (Shiny Swamp-mat), Leptinella reptans
(Creeping Cotula) and Samolus repens (Creeping Brookweed).
Swamp Scrub
53
Occurs on poorly-drained sites, with high nutrient availability and consistent fresh water; inundation is typical during the wet winter
months. Locally, Leptospermum lanigerum (Woolly Tea-tree) is the dominant overstorey species, with occasional Acacia melanoxylon
(Blackwood) and Melaleuca squarrosa (Scented Paper-bark). The understorey of this EVC varies depending on soil type, duration of
soil saturation, and water source.
Understorey in locallty variable, depending on both peat content and soil fertility. It supports Carex gunniana var. gunniana (Swamp
Sedge), Baumea laxa (Lax Twig-sedge), Hydrocotyle pterocarpa (Winged Pennywort), Triglochin striata (Streaked Arrow-grass),
Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike-sedge), Carex gaudichaudiana (Fen Sedge) and Selliera radicans (Shiny Swamp-mat), Gahnia
clarkei (Tall Saw-sedge), with a diversity (at low levels) of ferns such as Blechnum minus (Soft Water-fern), Dicksonia antarctica
(Soft Tree-fern), Pteridium esculentum (Austral Bracken), and herbs such as Urtica incisa (Scrub Nettle), and Lobelia anceps (Angled
Lobelia), Poa labillardierei (Common Tussock-grass) and Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass). Occasionally, as at Anglesea, this
EVC supports dense thickets of Leptospermum continentale (Prickly Tea-tree).
EVCNumber of
assessmentsMean site score (area weighted)
Highest site score Lowest site scoreTotal area within
mapping area (52 Ha)
Brackish Sedgeland 1 75 - - <1
Coastal Alkaline Scrub 4 27 49 3 3
Coastal Dune Scrub 0 - - - <1
Estuarine Flats Grassland 2 60 60 44 <1
Estuarine Reed Bed 1 71 - - 5
Estuarine Scrub 6 46 64 0 5
Estuarine Wetland 1 63 - - 3
Heathy Woodland 5 53 59 36 7
Saline Aquatic Meadow 0 - - - <1
Swamp Scrub 1 53 - - 1
Swampy Woodland 4 46 54 31 18
Wet Saltmarsh Herbland 0 - - - <1
Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh
0 - - - <1
Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh/Estuarine Flats Grassland mosaic
0 - - - 2
Vegetation Field Guide for Anglesea River estuary Including habitat hectare scores (condition reporting) by EVC for Anglesea River
This informative fact sheet is designed to be used as a field guide in association with the Anglesea River estuary management plan. The information included will allow field inquiry with expert guided comment. The technical information, including habitat hectare scores (below), EVC descriptions (back page) and salinity tolerances (large map), is the result of research commissioned by the Corangamite CMA by the Australian Ecosystems and Arthur Rylah Institute and Water Technology Pty Ltd between 2009 and 2011.
An Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) is a component of a vegetation classification system, grouping vegetation communities based on floristic, structural, and ecological features. An EVC consists of one or a number of floristic communities that appear to be associated with a recognisable environmental niche. They can be characterised by a number of their adaptive responses to ecological processes that operate at the landscape scale level.
The field based survey method to assess vegetation
quality and quantity is called ‘habitat hectare’ assessment
(DSE 2004), measuring habitat quality and quantity for
Net Gain Assessments. The habitat hectares approach is
site based. Each site, or patch, consists of one Ecological
Vegetation Class (EVC) and one vegetation condition class
referred to as a ‘habitat zone’.
Habitat hectare score = habitat condition score*
(0-100) x area in hectares
*extensive intact vegetation having a theoretical score
of 100 - ten components: large trees, tree canopy cover,
understorey, weediness, recruitment, organic litter, logs,
patch, size, neighbourhood context and distance to
core area.
http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/conservation-and-environment/
native-vegetation-groups-for-victoria
For further information, Section 3 of the Great Ocean
Road Coast Committee (2009) Native Vegetation and
Weed Management Plan provides a very thorough
and easily understood explanation of determining
the conservation significance of certain EVCs.
Des
ign
and
prod
uction
GSD
M 1
0987
ANgLEsEA RiVER Estuary Management Plan 2012-2020
ANGLESEA RIVER ESTUARY EVCs INDICATING SALT ToLERANCES
Estuarine Reed Bed
Estuarine ScrubCoastal Alkaline Scrub
Coastal Tussock Saltmarsh
Estuarine Wetland
Swampy Woodland with Estuarine Reed Bed
Reference: Investigation of Anglesea River Estuary Mouth Dynamics, (2010), Water Technology Pty Ltd for Corangamite CMA
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