Vegetation Extent

AUS-ASC-FOR-VEX General High confidence

Benchmark Value

12 m²/ha

Thresholds: Lower: 12, Upper: —

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: MinimumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

"The target range is between 12 m²/ha and 16 m²/ha. Retaining below 12 m²/ha results in reduced seedling recruitment."

Metric Definition:

Basal area per hectare retained to protect regeneration.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the minimum basal area per hectare that must be retained in shelterwood systems to protect seedling recruitment in production forestry.

Justification:

Critical lower limit for seedling protection from frost and exposure.

Sources (1)

Technical Bulletin 5: Silvicultural systems for native eucalypt forests

Technical Bulletin 5: Silvicultural systems for native eucalypt forests

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Supporting Sources (5)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Australia state of the environment 2021: land, accessed May 11, 2025

Direct Evidence Journal

Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations in Victoria’s State forests

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Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations

Direct Evidence

Management Standards and Procedures for timber harvesting operations

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Monitoring Eucalyptus delegatensis in Tasmania

Direct Evidence

Monitoring Eucalyptus delegatensis in Tasmania

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Policy for Maintaining a Permanent Native Forest Estate

Direct Evidence

Policy for Maintaining a Permanent Native Forest Estate

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VNPA-Alpine-Ash-forests-of-mainland-Australia

Direct Evidence

VNPA-Alpine-Ash-forests-of-mainland-Australia

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Alpine and Subalpine Complex
Land Use Production Forestry
Assessment Shelterwood systems
Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 10 Apr 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: 12 m²/ha. No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-ASC-FOR-VEX family.