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Data

Macquarie Marshes Groundcover Data, 2000–2010 

Ver: 1.0
Status of Data: completed
Update Frequency: asNeeded
Security Classification: unclassified
Dataset Published: 2025-03-31
Dataset Last Modified: 2026-08-18
Metadata viewed 4 times
Dataset accessed 1 times
Metadata Created: 2025-11-14
Metadata Last Modified: 2026-08-19
How to cite this collection:
Driver, P., Knight, C. & Kidson, R. (2025). Macquarie Marshes Groundcover Data, 2000–2010. Version 1.0. Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network. Dataset. https://dx.doi.org/10.25901/pt98-9c89 
Data can be accessed from the following links:
HTTPMacquarie_Marshes_Cover_Abundance_Data
HTTPMacquarie_Marshes_vegetationoccurrence_Data
HTTPPoint-of-truth metadata URL
HTTPro-crate-metadata.json
The Macquarie Marshes, a Ramsar-listed wetland complex in northwestern New South Wales, represent one of Australia’s most significant inland floodplain ecosystems. This study synthesizes over a decade of ecological monitoring conducted under the Integrated Monitoring of Environmental Flows (IMEF) program, established in 1998 to evaluate the ecological outcomes of environmental water allocations. The primary objective was to quantify relationships between wetland water regimes—specifically flooding and drying cycles—and the diversity, abundance, and functional composition of ground cover vegetation. 
Credit
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. 
Purpose
The purpose of this dataset is to support evaluation of how environmental water allocations influence wetland vegetation in the Macquarie Marshes. It was collected under the IMEF program to link flooding and drying cycles with plant diversity and abundance, assess the effectiveness of flow management, and provide long-term evidence for adaptive water planning and conservation of inland wetlands. 
Lineage
Data not provided. 
Method DocumentationData not provided.
Procedure StepsData not provided.
Spatial Description
The IMEF Macquarie Marshes survey sites use the GDA94 / MGA Zone 55 coordinate system. The bounding box for these sites is defined by the following extremes: the northern limit at Ginghet Swamp with a northing of 6,661,000 metres, the southern limit at Oxley Station Lagoon with a northing of 6,557,835 metres, the eastern limit at Terrigal Creek IMEF Site with an easting of 567,942 metres, and the western limit at Buckiinguy Swamp with an easting of 546,652 metres. 
Temporal Coverage
From 2000-01-15 to 2010-02-12 
Spatial Resolution

Data not provided.

Vertical Extent

Data not provided.

Data Quality Assessment Scope
The Macquarie Marshes IMEF groundcover vegetation data quality approach relied on strict standardisation and multi-level verification to ensure accuracy and consistency. Fieldwork followed Method 18, which used fixed transects and 1 m² quadrats positioned along 100 m lines to capture gradients from dry to wet zones, recording species presence, reproductive status, growth form, and percentage cover using the Braun-Blanquet scale. Unidentified plants were collected, pressed, and labeled for expert identification, supported by photographic records and GPS coordinates to guarantee site repeatability. Quality control was embedded through audit checklists, internal and external method reviews, and specimen verification against authoritative floras. Data were archived in regional technical files, entered into spreadsheets, and stored, with species lists compared across sampling occasions to detect inconsistencies. Analytical checks included ordination and indicator species analysis, while functional group classification provided an additional layer of logical validation. This integrated system of standardised protocols, rigorous documentation, specimen verification, and structured data analysis ensured high reliability of groundcover vegetation data for the Macquarie Marshes IMEF program 
Wetlands Project-Hypothesis 7-Macquarie Groundcover Vegetation
Data Quality Assessment Outcome
Please see description of QA 
ANZSRC - FOR
Environmental assessment and monitoring
Environmental management
Data Stream
Site Survey
GCMD Sciences
FLOODING
PLANTS
VEGETATION
WEATHER EVENTS - DROUGHT FREQUENCY
Horizontal Resolution
10 km - < 50 km or approximately .09 degree - < .5 degree
Parameters
animal grazing level
establishment means
plant condition
plant count
plant cover
soil moisture content
vegetation functional type presence
Platforms
ecological site
Project
Others
Temporal Resolution
Annual
Topic
environment
inlandWaters
User Defined
environmental flows
groundcover plants
Macquarie Marshes
Author
Driver, Patrick
Co-Author
Knight, Chris
Kidson, Renée
Contact Point
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, New South Wales Government
Publisher
Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network
Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network
80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland, 4068, Australia.
Contact Us
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license allows others to copy, distribute, display, and create derivative works provided that they credit the original source and any other nominated parties. Details are provided at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 
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Please cite this dataset as {Author} ({PublicationYear}). {Title}. {Version, as appropriate}. Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network. Dataset. {Identifier}.