Effects of harvesting eucalypts for sawlogs and pulpwood in two areas in East Gippsland.  I. Changes in the composition of understorey vegetation in the first four years.  R. H. Loyn, P. C. Fagg, J. E. Piggin, A. G. Morton and K. G. Tolhurst.  November 1982.  26 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

Cover and abundance of all understorey vascular plant species were studied on permanent plots on two areas (Maramingo and Reedy Creek Pulpwood Demonstration Areas) in the foothill forests of East Gippsland. The areas were harvested for sawlogs and pulpwood in 1976, and parts were burned to assist regeneration. Plots were assessed before harvesting and at intervals afterwards.

Changes in total species composition were minimal, although there were many changes in crown cover and abundance of individual species. Total cover of understorey vegetation was reduced initially yet recovered well on both areas. By 1980, cover at Maramingo was slightly greater than the low levels before harvesting; some species were favoured by burning whereas others were not. At Reedy Creek the dense original understorey had not regenerated fully by 1980. Snig tracks had revegetated to 60% of original average cover whereas log landings were slower to revegetate. Introduced species were initially a very minor component of the vegetation on both areas; they remained so at Reedy Creek (confined mainly to tracks), but at Maramingo three species proliferated along with other small herbaceous plants.

Also published:

Loyn, R.H., Fagg, P.C., Piggin, J.E., Morton, A.G. and Tolhurst, K.G. (1983)  Changes in the composition of understorey vegetation after harvesting eucalypts for sawlogs and pulpwood in East Gippsland.  Aust. J. Ecol. 8: 45-53.