NZQA Expiring unit standard
5874 version 4
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Title
Assess forest health in native forests
Level
5
Credits
6
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: describe the
extent, composition, values, and uses of New Zealand native
forests; describe the dynamic nature of native forests and the
main disturbance influences; describe the techniques available
to characterise the condition of the forest; plan and prepare a
general or targeted survey of native forest health; record
observations of native forest health disorders and collect
samples for evaluation; and report findings with
recommendations for future action.
Classification
Forestry > Forest Health Surveillance
Available grade
Achieved
Entry information
Recommended skills
and knowledge
Unit 5870, Demonstrate knowledge of forest health protection,
or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills.
Explanatory notes
1
The reference text for this unit standard is Halkett, J.C. The Native Forests of New
Zealand, 1991, GP Publications, Wellington, NZ.
2
Definitions
Diagnostic authority refers to the authority to which samples of tree health disorders
would be referred according to the type of disorder and/or species of tree.
The Manual refers to the Forest and Tree Health Procedures Manual available from
FITEC at http://www.fitec.org.nz, or FITEC PO Box 137067, Parnell, Auckland 1151.
Worksite policies and procedures refer to documented policies and to documented or
other directions provided to staff. These include, but are not limited to, ways of
managing health and safety, environmental considerations, quality, and production,
and must conform to legislation. Examples include standard operating procedures,
company health and safety plans, on-site briefings, and supervisor’s instructions.
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
5874 version 4
Page 2 of 4
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Describe the extent, composition, values, and uses of New Zealand native forests.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The historical and present extent of New Zealand native forest is described in
accordance with the reference text.
1.2
The way in which the composition of native forest changes from coastal to
sub-alpine environments is described in accordance with the reference text.
Range
1.3
composition includes – species, growth habit, forest structure.
The main values and uses of native forests in New Zealand are explained in
accordance with the reference text.
Range
conservation of species, habitats, and ecosystems; soil and water
conservation, timber production, cultural values, recreation and
tourism.
Outcome 2
Describe the dynamic nature of native forests and the main disturbance influences.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The natural succession of native forest vegetation is described in accordance
with the reference text.
2.2
The main abiotic factors influencing forest change are described in accordance
with the reference text.
Range
2.3
volcanism, fire, climatic factors, climatic extremes (drought, frost,
storms).
The main biotic factors influencing forest change are described in accordance
with the reference text.
Range
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
insects and fungal diseases, introduced animals, human
influences.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
5874 version 4
Page 3 of 4
Outcome 3
Describe the techniques available to characterise the condition of the forest.
Evidence requirements
3.1
The techniques used to assess forest condition from above canopy level are
described in accordance with the Manual and worksite policies and procedures.
Range
3.2
photographic, aircraft observation, vantage points.
The techniques used to assess forest condition from ground level are described
in accordance with the Manual and worksite policies and procedures.
Range
photopoints, insect and fungal sampling, transects, permanent and
temporary vegetation plots, visual assessments.
Outcome 4
Plan and prepare a general or targeted survey of native forest health.
Evidence requirements
4.1
Information resources required to plan and prepare the survey are described in
accordance with the Manual.
Range
4.2
Factors constraining the preparation of a survey plan are described.
Range
4.3
vegetation maps, photographs, relevant scientific literature and
databases, technical support.
constraining factors include but are not limited to – availability of
case histories, historical data, availability of specialist expertise,
information required, cost.
A survey plan is developed using the required information and details the
survey method and the physical, financial, and personnel resources required in
accordance with the Manual.
Outcome 5
Record observations of native forest health disorders and collect samples for evaluation.
Evidence requirements
5.1
Observations of tree condition are recorded in accordance with the Manual.
Range
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
insect, fungal, and abiotic signs and symptoms; tree species, age
class.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
5.2
5874 version 4
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Samples are collected in accordance with the Manual, and forwarded to the
diagnostic authority.
Outcome 6
Report findings with recommendations for future action.
Evidence requirements
6.1
Report includes location details, topography and aspect, site history, host
species code, findings, and action required.
6.2
Report is prepared and distributed in accordance with worksite policies and
procedures.
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by
the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
18 November 1997
31 December 2017
Review
2
29 August 2001
31 December 2017
Review
3
17 September 2010
31 December 2017
Review
4
10 December 2015
31 December 2017
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0173
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016