Forest Ecology and Spatial Modelling

Our research is largely concerned with current topics in forest ecology and spatial modelling of biodiversity patterns. The forest ecology research is conduced in the eastern Australian states in Eucalyptus forests and rainforests from northern NSW to Tasmania. Our approaches involve classical field techniques such as permanent plot monitoring, glasshouse experimentation, landscape level harvesting experiments and automated environmental monitoring systems. Our spatial modelling of biodiversity patterns in northern NSW is developing an integrated approach where generalised dissimilarity modelling of floristic dissimilarity is constrained with remotely derived spatially attributed vegetation patterns. Our modelling outputs are fine scale (25m grid resolution) and are routinely used by biodiversity planners in applying government funded programs for environmental incentives and restoration.

Much of the work is completed in partnership with natural resource agencies such as the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Forests NSW, the NSW Catchment Management Authorities, the Australian Government Research and Development Corporations, the Australian Government Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Populations and Communities (Caring for our Country) and the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research, NZ.

Current Members