Excerpt from quote for monitoring from Alison Rowell
Block 3, Section 22 Barton, ACT:
 5-year monitoring event for Golden Sun Moth
 Condition assessment of Natural Temperate Grassland
I attach my quote for monitoring and assessment of the Natural Temperate Grassland and
Golden Sun Moth for the above site, as requested by Department of Finance & Deregulation
(Finance), and as prescribed in the Maintenance Plan for the site prepared by PB Australia in
2007. The project will be supervised by Alison Rowell (targeted curriculum vitae attached),
who will undertake the vegetation assessments and some of the GSM survey, and prepare the
report. Subconsultants Dr Will Osborne, Mr Tom O’Sullivan and
will be
involved in marking of moths and statistical analysis.
1. Background
The site contains a population of the Golden Sun Moth (GSM), which is listed as Critically
Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999, and Endangered under the ACT Nature Conservation Act 1980.
GSM habitat on the site is ‘Natural Temperate Grassland of the Southern Tablelands of NSW
and the Australian Capital Territory’ which is listed as an endangered community under the
EPBC Act 1999 and the Nature Conservation Act 1980.
The aim of the Maintenance Plan for this site is to ‘conserve native plant diversity while
maintaining the structure and species composition thought to be favourable to the survival of
the Golden Sun Moth’. The success of the Plan is to be gauged by regular monitoring of plant
diversity, vegetation structure and the GSM population.
2. Scope
Finance now requires:
1. an NTG condition assessment of Block 3, Section 22 Barton that maps the extent and
condition of vegetation associations on the site and compares the results with the
vegetation mapping conducted in 2007. The condition assessment is to assess and
comment on the composition of native flora species, status of exotic weeds, the
effectiveness of weed control and biomass management.
2. a 5 yearly monitoring event for the GSM population on Block 3/Block7, Section 22
Barton using personnel experienced in the use of the nested sampling structure that is
referred to in the Natural Temperate Grassland Maintenance Plan.
3. Tasks and methods
3.1 Natural Temperate Grassland assessment
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all plant species on the subject site will be recorded on the cumulative species list, and
the results will be compared with previous assessments to measure changes in species
richness and site condition over time
vegetation associations across the site will be mapped using the categories defined in
the NTG Maintenance Plan
two step-point transects will be measured in November/December and the results
compared to previous survey results
Excerpt from quote for monitoring from Alison Rowell
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plant cover and species diversity will be measured in November/December in a 20 x
20 m quadrat and compared to previous survey results. A survey for GSM pupal cases
will be undertaken at the same time
any damage to vegetation on the site will be documented
the status of exotic weeds across the site and the effectiveness of weed control
measures to reduce exotic weed cover and manage biomass will be assessed, and
recommendations made
a photographic record will be made from the points indicated in Figure 4.2 of the
NTG Maintenance Plan to give a general indication of vegetation structure on various
parts of the subject site.
3.2 Golden Sun Moth population estimate
A mark-recapture survey using a nested structure method will be used for the population
estimate. There will be four to five primary sampling sessions (depending on the length of the
flying season), each covering two days and with a break of six to eight days between primary
sessions. The population experiences mortality (and potentially immigration) between
primary sessions, allowing application of open population models. In each primary session
there will be four one-hour mark-recapture sampling sessions, undertaken between 1030 and
1330 hours (i.e. two per day). This secondary level of sampling provides a short markrecapture study within each primary session. Closed population models are used at this stage
to estimate the animal abundance at each primary session.
Observational surveys of the site will be undertaken weekly from late October to determine
the beginning of the flying period. The site will be marked into 9 sections using flagging tape
on the boundary fences, so that locations of captures can be recorded. Moths will be captured
with a standard butterfly net. They will be removed from the net by a qualified and
experienced ecologist, and marked on the hindwing with a fast-drying pen. Marked moths
will be put in cloth-covered mesh holding cages and released at the end of each one hour
survey.
Analysis will be carried out using the software package MARK, which allows the estimation
of total population size of closed and open populations, and provides estimates of daily
survival rates and recapture probabilities.
4. Report
A draft report with vegetation assessments and GSM population estimate will be provided by
14 January 2012, with a final report incorporating Finance’s comments by 14 February 2012.
Excerpt from quote for monitoring from Alison Rowell
CURRICULUM VITAE for Alison Rowell, Project Manager
Biologist and Environmental Consultant
Registered Business Name in the ACT:
ABN:
Ph :
Email:
Alison Rowell is a self-employed consultant, with 28 years' experience in surveys and studies of flora
and fauna, specialising in survey, mapping and management of threatened native species and
communities. Most of her recent work has been in woodlands and grasslands in south-eastern NSW
and the ACT.
She has carried out many surveys of the Golden Sun Moth (GSM) and its habitat, assessing the size
and significance of populations and habitat, including qualitative and quantitative vegetation studies.
Sites assessed vary from less than one hectare to larger than 100 hectares. GSM Survey methods used
include walked transect and fixed point surveys for flying males, pupal case surveys, mark-releaserecapture surveys, and broad and fine-scale habitat measurement.
Alison undertook a mark-release-recapture study at Block 3 Section 22 Barton in 2006. Over 400
male moths were netted and numbered and the total population estimated. She prepared an impact
assessment of the development proposed for part of this block and wrote a management plan for the
GSM habitat in 2007.
Her clients for recent GSM and Natural Temperate Grassland projects include ACT Plannning and
Land Authority, National Capital Authority, ACT Territory and Municipal Services, Department of
Defence, Department of Finance, Canberra Airport, SMEC, AECOM, ERM, URS, and Eco Logical.
Recent Golden Sun Moth projects:
2011:
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2010:
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2009:
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Mapping of GSM habitat at Symonston-Jerrabomberra ACT for broad-acre planning
GSM population monitoring at three Defence sites in the ACT
Transect surveys and habitat assessments at Throsby, Curtin and Yarralumla
GSM population monitoring at Canberra Airport, Lawson, Bonner, Throsby (large sites) and
Campbell, Curtin, Yarralumla (small sites)
2008:
 GSM population monitoring at Majura Training Area, Campbell Park, Belconnen Naval
Station, HMAS Harman (large sites)
 Input to University of Canberra community GSM monitoring project
 Intensive monitoring at Canberra Airport, with vegetation assessments and four week pupal
case survey
2007:
 GSM population monitoring at Bonner, Campbell, Lawson and Belconnen Naval Station,
ACT
 Preparation of Management Plan for GSM site at Block 3 Section 22 Barton, ACT
2006:
 Population study (mark-release-recapture) of GSM at Block 3 Section 22 (York Park) Barton,
ACT
 GSM population monitoring at Canberra Airport and Majura Training Area
Excerpt from quote for monitoring from Alison Rowell
 Vegetation surveys of GSM habitat at West Macgregor, ACT
 Assessment of significance of GSM populations and habitat in Deakin and Yarralumla, ACT
2005/06:
 Surveys for GSM in Deakin and Yarralumla, ACT
2004/05:
 GSM population monitoring at HMAS Harman, ACT
2003:
 GSM population monitoring at Canberra Airport
 Survey for GSM at ‘Tralee’, NSW
 Vegetation surveys of GSM habitat at Belconnen Naval Station and Lawson ACT
Selected reports and publications relating to Golden Sun Moth and grasslands:
Crawford, I. and Rowell, A.M. 1995. Vegetation and Fauna Habitat Survey of the Belconnen Naval Station,
ACT. Stages 1 and 2. Reports to the Department of Defence.
Crawford, I. and Rowell, A.M. 1996. Survey for uncommon or declining plants of lowland native grasslands of
the ACT. Report to Wildlife Research Unit, ACT Parks and Conservation Service.
Nash, K., Hogg, D.McC and Rowell, A. M. 2008. Bonner Residential Estate, Golden Sun Moth survey. Report
to ACT Land Development Agency and David Hogg Pty Ltd.
Rowell, A.M. 1996. A Study of the Native Grasslands of the Monaro District. Report to the NSW National
Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Environment, Land and Planning.
Rowell, A.M. 1999. Majura Valley Transport Corridor. PALM Planning Study. Ecological Issues. Report to
Gutteridge Haskins and Davey for ACT Department of Planning and Land Management.
Rowell, A.M. 2001. Lawson Residential Estate Study: Ecological Issues. Report to Maunsell McIntyre Pty Ltd.
Rowell, A.M. 2002. Horse Park Drive – Gundaroo Drive to Federal Highway: Ecological Issues. Report to
Maunsell McIntyre.
Rowell, A.M. 2003. Beatty Hill, Yarrowlumla Shire, NSW. Targeted flora and fauna surveys of site proposed
for subdivision. Report to Northrop Consulting Engineers for Kenoss Pty Ltd.
Rowell, A.M. 2003. Survey for Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana at ‘Tralee’ NSW, December 2003. Report
prepared for URS Australia Pty Ltd
Rowell, A. M. 2005. Species Impact Statement For Proposed 9 Lot Rural Subdivision. Lots 4 & 5 Dp830430,
Micalago Road, Cooma Monaro Shire, Parish Of Michelago, County Of Beresford. Report to Horseshoe
Pty Ltd.
Rowell, A.M. 2005. Turallo Nature Reserve fauna survey: January 2004 to May 2005. Unpublished report to
NPWS South West Slopes Region, Queanbeyan Area.
Rowell, A. M. 2005. Macgregor West: Vegetation Mapping and Assessment of Golden Sun Moth Habitat.
Report to Purdon and Associates Canberra, for ACT Planning and Land Authority.
Rowell, A. M. 2006. Stage 2 assessment of ecological values in Section 67 and Section 80 Deakin, and Section
66 Yarralumla. Report prepared for National Capital Authority.
Rowell, A .M. 2006. Monitoring and mapping of threatened fauna at HMAS Harman, 2004-2006. Report
prepared for GHD Pty Ltd, for Resolve FM and Department of Defence
Rowell, A. M. 2007. Survey and impact assessment at Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana site, Blocks 3 and 7,
Section 22 Barton (York Park). Report prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff and Dept of Finance.
Rowell, A. M. 2007. Survey for Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana at Majura Training Area, ACT, NovemberDecember 2006. Report to ERM and Department of Defence.
Rowell, A. M. 2007. Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana monitoring at Canberra International Airport December
2006. Report to Capital Airport Group.
Rowell, A. M. 2007. Maintenance Plan: Natural Temperate Grassland and Golden Sun Moth habitat at Blocks
3 & 7, Section 22, Barton. Prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia and Dept of Finance.
Rowell, A. M. 2009. Clarrie Hermes Drive Extension, ACT. Surveys for rare and threatened invertebrates,
December 2008. Report prepared for SMEC Australia Pty Ltd, January 2009.
Rowell, A. M. 2009. Majura Parkway: surveys for Golden Sun Moth, Perunga Grasshopper, Canberra Raspy
Cricket and their habitats. December 2008. Prepared for SMEC Australia, March 2009.
Rowell, A. M. 2010. Brief survey of Throsby for Golden Sun Moth, December 2009. Report to Territory and
Municipal Services, ACT Government.
Rowell, A. M. 2010. Brief survey for Golden Sun Moth at AMTECH site, Symonston ACT. Report to ACT
Government, Territory and Municipal Services.
Rowell, A. M. 2010. Golden Sun Moth survey of Campbell Section 5 Block 1, Constitution Avenue. Report to
David Hogg Pty Ltd and ACT Land Development Agency.
Excerpt from quote for monitoring from Alison Rowell
Rowell, A. M. 2010. Golden Sun Moth survey at Lawson ACT, December 2009. Report to David Hogg Pty Ltd
and ACT Land Development Agency.
Rowell, A. M. 2010. Survey for Golden Sun Moth at East Bonner, December 2009. Report to David Hogg Pty
Ltd and ACT Land Development Agency.
Rowell, A. M. 2010. Canberra Airport: Input to Golden Sun Moth community monitoring project, 2008-2009.
Report to Capital Airport Group, 2010.
Rowell, A. M. and Bishop, N. 2004. Grassland mapping and threatened fauna surveys. Canberra International
Airport, 2003-2004. Rreport to Capital Airport Group.
Education:
Bachelor of Science (Honours I), Australian National University, 1971-74, Botany and Zoology.
Employment/experience:
1992-2011: Biologist and Environmental Consultant, self-employed.
1982-91: Laboratory Scientist, Bird Hazard Investigation Unit, Civil Aviation Authority. Studies of
bird diet and behaviour at airports, advice on bird and habitat management to reduce birdstrike risk.
1979-81: Australian National Herbarium, CSIRO Plant Industry. Taxonomic work on native plants.
1976-78: Department of Population Biology, Research School of Biological Sciences, ANU.
Population genetics of wild rabbit populations in southern and western NSW.
Insurance
Professional Indemnity Insurance with CGU Professional Risks Insurances. ($2million).
Public Liability Insurance with CGU Professional Risks Insurances ($20 million).
All insurance until 15/04/2012.
Ecological projects with GSM component undertaken by Tom O’Sullivan, 1995 – 2011:
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Flora and fauna habitat assessment for the proposed DNOC extension HMAS Harman
ACT
Vegetation and habitat assessment for the proposed Brumbies redevelopment
(including GSM surveys), Griffith ACT
Review of Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana report and referral advice
Systematic surveys for Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana, West Macgregor ACT
Terrestrial flora and fauna impact assessment for the Murrumbidgee River to
Googong Dam Water transfer pipeline
Flora & fauna impact assessment for the Googong Foreshore Residential
Development
Systematic monitoring surveys for Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana Canberra Airport
Flora and Fauna Surveys of ‘Tralee Station’, NSW
Flora and Fauna Surveys of ‘The Poplars’, NSW
Provision of expert advice on the Golden Sun Moth Synemon plana at St John’s
Church, Reid ACT.
Recent projects with a GSM component undertaken by Dr Will Osborne:
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Undertaking visual-based counts of GSM populations over the past five years (point
counts, line intersect and strip counts)
Capture and release of emerging GSM adults captured in mesh traps set at ground
level
Supervising
PhD research on GSM ecology
Jointly running, with Friends of Grassland, a community participation training and
monitoring program (MOTH COUNT) for the species in Canberra.
Excerpt from quote for monitoring from Alison Rowell
GSM survey experience, David Wong:
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Participation in the Moth Count program, conducting GSM counts over a period of
three years.
Regularly assisted
with her GSM field work.