Modelled pre-1750 Vegetation Map of Gundagai Shire. VIS_ID 3961

Modelled pre-1750 Vegetation of Gundagai Shire.

Pre-European vegetation was modelled to show the distribution of the major vegetation types across Gundagai Shire prior to clearance activities. Estimated current extent of the extant area of each vegetation community based on canopy layer only. The estimate was generated by overlaying the pre-1750 model with a woody/non-woody layer derived from satellite photography. It is important to recognise that the models are based on extrapolations from a few hundred plot locations, at which vegetation present was matched to numerous environmental parameters. The key parameters in determining vegetation within Gundagai Shire are soils, geology, topographic position and rainfall. Thus the model and map is only as good as the soil or geological mapping available for the Shire. The models have most use in providing the extent and context of a vegetation community across the landscape. They provide a strong indication of likely vegetation types present, but should not be regarded as a definitive guide.