In all questions relate your answers to the field work, use examples appropriately.

Reference correctly where library resources are used.

• Describe how the following factors (fire, climate, altitude and human activity) influence the forest types outlined below in the Arm Valley.
• Cool temperate rainforest
• Wet sclerophyll forest
• Dry sclerophyll forest
  Diagrams, maps, photos may be useful here.
  

Question 2

Indicate and describe some key representative species within each forest type that are found in the following areas:

• Canopy
• Understorey
• Ground cover
  

Question 3

List some endangered, rare or vulnerable species in the Arm River area.

Question 4

a) Explain the persistence of non forested areas, (grasslands), on fertile sites in the high rainfall area of the Upper Mersey Valley since the last Ice Age.

b) Explain the occurrence of button grass plains immediately adjacent to grassland on the Borradaile plains.

Question 5

Describe some of the practical applications of the Forest Practices Code observed on camp.

Question 6

In Tasmania, who are the major owners of forested land – give approximate figures.

Question 7

What proportion of woodchips from Tasmanian forests come from:

• Privately owned land
• Crown land managed by Forestry Tasmania

Question 8

a) What factors have prompted a change in the amount of plantation establishment on harvested native forest?

b) Indicate some factors that determine where plantations may be established by:

• Private companies
• Private land holders
• Forestry Tasmania

c) What proportion of State Forest is proposed for conversion from native forest to plantation over the next 20 years? What factors may alter this proposal?

Question 9

Explain how the time of year when a fire occurs affects the type of subsequent regrowth.

a) What successionary changes appear to occur as rainforest expands from a gully? What influences these changes? (You should refer to the influence of such things as aspect, geology, shade, pathogens, adaptations etc.)

b) Outline the successionary changes in plant communities from grassland to climax rainforest dominated by sassafras that occur in the Arm Valley. Indicate factors that may influence this process and highlight some specific adaptations of plants that enable them to be successful.

Question 11

Explain why fire is used as a management tool in the regeneration of native forest. Are all harvested forests treated in this way? Why?

a) Explore some advantages and disadvantages for native flora and fauna that arise as a consequence of timber harvesting in native forests

b) Discuss each of the following:

Hemp plantations are preferable to eucalypt plantations for pulp fibre.

Managing regrowth native forests for timber products is preferable to plantation establishment and management.

It is preferable to reserve all native forest areas and import timber to meet our own shortfalls.

Question 13

Does conservation for species and habitat diversity involve an active or passive management program? Discuss the implications.

Things you should consider:

Are fixed reserves the answer?

Should we conserve for evolution or diversity of species?

What are the consequences for species, (flora / fauna), of particular pathways?

Does the multiple age mosaic created by timber harvesting in native forests assist in maintaining ecological diversity?

Should fire have a role in any management strategy?