Ground Cover - Tree Canopy

AUS-TGP-FOR-TCC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

10 %

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. The scoring engine uses 9 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 8 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary OptimalRange Guard LowerThreshold Guard UpperThreshold Guard OptimalRange Guard Point Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard

Evidence & Context

The Victorian EVC benchmarks define the lower bound of a healthy Grassy Woodland at 10% TCC.

Metric Definition:

Tree Canopy Cover (TCC) as the percentage of ground covered by tree canopy in Temperate Grassy Woodlands.

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark marks the minimum tree canopy cover below which the woodland loses its ecological function and character.

Justification:

Below 10% TCC, the system loses its woodland character and ecological function.

Sources (1)

Preview of Bioregions and EVC benchmarks - Environment, accessed August 5, 2025,

Bioregions and EVC benchmarks - Environment, accessed August 5, 2025, Government

TASVEG VCA Manual: A manual for assessing vegetation condition in Tasmania, Version 2.0. Natural and Cultural Heritage, Department of

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Temperate Grassy Woodlands & Plains
Land Use Production Forestry
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 10 Jun 2026

Notes

This threshold marks the transition from woodland to open pasture or scattered trees, indicating degradation. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-TGP-FOR-TCC family.