Publication Date

1981

Series Number

Report 41

Publisher

Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Western Australia

City

Perth

Abstract

A survey method for identifying flora suitable for conservation alongside roads in south-western Australia was derived from an examination of characteristics of road verges. Two roads, from Midland to Toodyay and from Armadale to Bunbury, were examined. Width of verge, weed cover, soil disturbance, vegetation structure, presence of public utilities, evidence of fire and the type of adjoining land were measured at one mile (1.6 km) intervals on both sides of the road. Also recorded were aesthetic qualities such as stands of beautiful trees and sites of special interest, e.g. the presence of rare plants.

Three variables, percentage weed cover, width of verge and vegetation structure were associated with each other and a low percentage weed cover, wide verge and more than three types of plant forms were assumed to be indicative of long term survival of native flora.

A survey method is given based on these three variables and consideration of special attributes and aesthetic qualities of road verges. This survey method is extended to small areas of vegetation outside the verge. The method was used on the York to Bruce Rock road and the results are given along with recommendations for flora conservation along the road.

Number of Pages

57

Keywords

Flora, Rare flora, Conservation, Western Australia, Road verge

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Botany | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Natural Resources and Conservation | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Plant Biology | Plant Sciences

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