AusPlots Woodlands Protocols Field Trial Data 2015 v1 

The dataset includes two main components: (1) Tree survey - data on the species, diameter and height of individual trees, along with a count of seedlings and saplings; and (2) Coarse woody debris - data on the size and decay class of downed coarse woody debris encountered in the plots. 

We at TERN acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians throughout Australia, New Zealand and all nations. We honour their profound connections to land, water, biodiversity and culture and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. 

The Enhancing Long-term Surveillance Monitoring Across Australia Program will enhance the breadth and depth of Australia's terrestrial ecosystem condition monitoring and reporting at national and regional scales through building on the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) AusPlots Facility. Specifically, this will be achieved by increasing the range and type of AusPlots field sites and monitoring, and through providing guidelines, protocols manuals or standards that will enhance environmental data quality. AusPlots is a plot-based surveillance monitoring program, undertaking baseline assessments of ecosystems across the country. The aim of AusPlots is to establish and maintain a national network of plots that enables consistent ecological assessment and ongoing monitoring. The AusPlots network collects a range of field data for integration with other existing data sources and current knowledge. AusPlots is one of a suite of capabilities delivered through Australia's Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), a part of the National Collaborative Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). As a whole, TERN delivers the critical research infrastructure, national and international networks of scientists, environmental managers and stakeholders that is needed to improve understanding and management of Australia's ecosystems. 

AusPlots Woodlands Survey Protocols : The AusPlots Woodlands Survey Protocols are under development, and this field trial is a key component of the project. Once reviewed and updated a manual will be available on the AusPlots website www.ausplots.org.au. In summary, a tree survey was undertaken recording species ID, alive/dead status, diameter, and height of trees in varying size of plots. A count of seedlings and saplings present for each tree species was recorded. Coarse woody debris was surveyed along line intercepts, with each piece of debris with a diameter greater than 10cm measured for diameter and length, with a decay class also recorded. Method Drift Description: The size of survey subplots was varied partway through the project, so that trees were surveyed over a smaller area. The particular method used is recorded against each datum, and a description of methods is provided in the data file.