Kleinfelder was contracted by a large mining company to revegetate offset areas of woodland and forest communities in the Greater Hunter area with the aim of achieve consent conditions.

Reduction of Biomass to Ensure Plant Survival

The offset areas, of approximately 1200ha across 2 sites, are former pasture lands and are covered mainly by exotic grasses. The offset areas required the biomass to be reduced to ensure survival of new plants. The areas required the recreation of four separate vegetation communities providing a logistical challenge to the planting team.

Controlled Burns, Slashing, and Seed Planting

Kleinfelder implemented a combination of controlled burns and slashing as an effective means of reducing biomass and preparing the area for seeding. In order to ensure optimum revegetation, Kleinfelder worked with local contractors for seed collections as well as sourcing from commercial seed suppliers. Planting and seeding was performed during favourable seasons to ensure the best results. Kleinfelder’s team also used GIS and on-ground mapping to ensure areas that were prone to flooding were not planted with species unable to cope with the extreme conditions.

Project Results

To improve nutrient intake and drought resistance and reduce the need for fertilizer, Kleinfelder inoculated all tubestock and seed with mycorrhizal fungi. Canopy and shrub species were successfully introduced in the required densities and diversity to achieve consent conditions.

Project Details

Location:
Greater Hunter Region, NSW

Owner:
Confidential Client