Fortescue Metals Group Stage B Rail Corridor, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin, Mt Nicholas and Mindy Mindy Mine Areas Vegetation and Flora Survey

Prepared for:

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) Prepared by:

D De ec ce em mb be err 2 20 00 04 4

Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

© Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd 2004 ABN 49 092 687 119 14 View Street North Perth Western Australia 6006 Ph: (08) 9328 1900 Fax: (08) 9328 6138 Project No.:

249

Prepared by:

M. Maier

Checked by:

M. Trudgen

This document has been prepared to the requirements of the client identified on the cover page and no representation is made to any third party. It may be cited for the purposes of scientific research or other fair use, but it may not be reproduced or distributed to any third party by any physical or electronic means without the express permission of the client for whom it was prepared or Biota Environmental Sciences Pty Ltd.

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Hope Downs Additional Rail Corridor (Chichester Section) Fauna Survey

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Contents 1.0

Summary

6

2.0

Introduction

8

3.0

Survey Methodology

20

4.0

Vegetation

28

1.1 1.2 1.3

2.1 2.2 2.3

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5

5.0

Background to the Project and Location of the Study Area Geological and Physiographic Context of the Study Area Biological Context of the Study Area

Approach to the Survey Survey Timing Vegetation Survey Methodology Flora Survey Methodology Limitations of the Study

6 6 7

8 10 16

20 20 21 24 26

Vegetation Types 28 Chichester Range 29 Fortescue Valley 33 Hamersley Range 42 Correspondence of the Vegetation Types with Land Systems Mapping 46

Results of the Floristic Analysis 5.1 5.2

6.0

Background and Methods Vegetation Flora

Overview of Floristic Groupings Consideration of the FMG Stage B Floristic Community Types

48 48 51

Vegetation Conservation Significance Assessment55 6.1 6.2 6.3

Assessment Methodology Assessment of Land Systems Assessment Combining Land Systems, Floristic Units and Vegetation Types

55 57 62

7.0

Flora

68

8.0

Flora Conservation Significance Assessment

79

7.1 7.2 7.3

Overview of Flora Recorded Flora of Conservation Significance Introduced Flora

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68 69 76

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Hope Downs Additional Rail Corridor (Chichester Section) Fauna Survey

8.1 8.2

Overall Conservation Value for Flora Conservation Value for Significant Flora

79 80

9.0

Acknowledgements

81

10.0

References

82

Appendix 1 Vegetation of the FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas Mine Areas

Appendix 2 Results of PATN Floristic Analysis

Appendix 3 List of Vascular Flora Recorded from the FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas Mine Areas

Appendix 4

Floristic Quadrat Data from FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas Mine Areas

Tables

Table 2.1: Table 2.2: Table 4.1: Table 5.1:

Table 5.2: Table 5.3:

Table 6.1: Table 6.2: Table 7.1: Table 7.2: Table 7.3:

Land Systems in the FMG Stage B project area (data from Department of Agriculture 2002). 12 Distribution of Land Systems within the FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas and wider Pilbara region (data from Department of Agriculture 2002). 13 Association between Land Systems mapped within the FMG Stage B study area and vegetation types identified for this study. 47 Summary of vegetation* and broad habitat types for each of the floristic groups defined at the 14group level for the FMG Stage B PATN analysis (*based on vegetation descriptions for the component sites). 49 Summary of number of sites from each project area in the 14-groups and 100-groups of the PATN analysis. 50 Correspondence of FMG Stage B vegetation mapping units (*) with floristic groups at the 14group and 100-group level (†) identified by the PATN analysis. 54 Explanation of features and codes used in the conservation assessment matrix (see Table 6.2). 56 Summary matrix of conservation values of the individual vegetation types defined for the FMG Stage B study area. 65 Plant families with the highest number of species in the FMG Stage B project area. 68 Plant genera with the highest number of species in the FMG Stage B project area. 69 Categories of conservation significance for flora species (Atkins 2004). 70

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Hope Downs Additional Rail Corridor (Chichester Section) Fauna Survey

Table 7.4: Table 7.5:

Figures

Figure 2.1: Figure 2.2: Figure 3.1:

Plates

Plate 4.1:

Plate 4.2:

Plate 4.3:

Distribution of Priority flora within the project areas. Distribution of introduced flora within the FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas.

73 78

Location of the Stage B rail corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas study areas. 9 Land Systems of the region including the FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas. 14 Monthly rainfall for Newman from January 2003 to October 2004 and timing of the flora surveys (data supplied by Bureau of Meteorology). 21

Characteristic patterns of groved Mulga and intergrove vegetation; a) within the FMG Stage B rail corridor in the vicinity of Emu Bore, between FMR02 and FMR63; b) at the western edge of the Mt Nicholas study area; c) closer view of the Mt Nicholas Mulga groves. 34 Dense Mulga vegetation (mainly Fa10) in a drainage area arising out of the Chichester Range, east of Kondy Creek (see Appendix 1, map sheet 5). 35 Dense Mulga vegetation in broad drainage areas west of the Mt Nicholas airstrip (western stand is Fa10/Fa20, eastern stand is Fa10/Fa19) (see Appendix 1, map sheet 6). 36

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Hope Downs Additional Rail Corridor (Chichester Section) Fauna Survey

1.0

Summary

1.1

Background and Methods

Biota Environmental Sciences was commissioned to undertake a flora and vegetation survey of the proposed FMG Stage B rail corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas mine areas. Up to five botanists sampled different sections of the study area over four separate sampling trips between June and October 2004. The combined study area surveyed was larger than the area that FMG is proposing to disturb for the project, particularly with respect to the rail corridor, to allow FMG some flexibility in avoiding significant environmental constraints (see FMG 2005). A total of 206 standard 50m by 50m flora survey quadrats was assessed, along with a number of relevés (unbounded flora survey sites). Targeted searches were done in habitats likely to support rare or restricted flora (eg. creeklines and cracking clays). Vegetation types were mapped from rectified 1:20,000 scale colour aerial photography, then digitised and attributed in ArcView. A PATN analysis was run using a dataset comprising 2160 sites, including those from the current study and 18 other projects in the region.

1.2

Vegetation

A total of 81 broad vegetation types was defined for the survey areas, each comprised of a wide range of structural and floristic variants. The broad units included hummock grasslands of Triodia species with a variable shrub overstorey on low stony hills of the Chichester and Hamersley Ranges; tall shrublands of Acacia species, usually with an overstorey of Corymbia, in creeklines; open woodlands of Coolibah Eucalyptus victrix over tall shrublands of Acacia or Melaleuca spp. on river banks and beds; Mulga (Acacia aneura and associated taxa) woodlands and tall shrublands over spinifex or various grasses on the plains of the Fortescue Valley; and varied vegetation on cracking clays of the Fortescue Valley. The vegetation of the study area was mostly in at least good condition, with the exception of some creeklines that were degraded due to invasion by weeds (mainly Buffel Grass *Cenchrus ciliaris). The assessment of vegetation conservation significance considered factors such as the distribution of the associated Land System/s on which the vegetation type was found to occur, whether the floristic composition of the vegetation type was restricted in distribution, and some other attributes considered to affect conservation value. In the consideration of the floristic groups in particular, 52 of the 81 vegetation types were found to belong to floristic groups that were restricted or highly restricted in geographic distribution. A number of vegetation types of particular conservation significance were identified within the study area, including: •

Vegetation type Fa10 was considered to be of Very High conservation significance. This unit occurred between Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas and comprised Mulgadominated vegetation of seasonally-wet broad drainage areas, which is an uncommon habitat in the area. It was strongly associated with the Washplain Land System, which has a restricted distribution in the Pilbara, with the study area being located at the northern edge of this range. It occurred in group 99 of the 100-group level of the floristic analysis, which was restricted to the FMG Stage B study area.

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Hope Downs Additional Rail Corridor (Chichester Section) Fauna Survey

This vegetation was also in excellent condition, and is considered likely to support flora species of restricted distribution in the region. •

Seven vegetation types of High conservation significance were identified (Fa1, Fa13, Fa18, Fa19, Fa20, Fa25 and Fa27). These were all Mulga-dominated vegetation types that occurred mainly on restricted Land Systems (particularly Washplain and Jamindie). All six vegetation types occurred in groups 97, 98 or 99 of the 100-group level of the floristic analysis. Groups 98 and 99 were restricted to the FMG Stage B study area, while group 97 included sites from the combined FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas. These vegetation types were also in very good condition, and considered likely to support restricted flora taxa.

•

The survey also identified 20 vegetation types of Moderate to High conservation significance, 34 vegetation types of Moderate conservation significance, 18 vegetation types of Low to Moderate conservation significance and one vegetation type of Low conservation significance.

Given the very high conservation significance of one of the vegetation types identified, the high conservation significance of an additional seven vegetation types, and the apparently restricted or highly restricted geographic distribution of 44 of the remaining vegetation types, the study area is believed to have high to very high conservation value for vegetation.

1.3

Flora

A total of 599 taxa of native vascular flora from 181 genera belonging to 54 families was recorded from the survey area. In addition, 13 introduced flora species were recorded. Excluding incompletely recorded sites, species richness per quadrat ranged from 4 to 100 taxa, with an average of 45 taxa. Six Priority flora species were recorded from the project areas during the current surveys: •

Priority 1 species: Eremophila pilosa; and

•

Priority 3 species: Abutilon trudgenii ms., Goodenia nuda, Hibiscus brachysiphonius, Sida sp. Wittenoom (WR Barker 1962) and Themeda sp. Hamersley Station (ME Trudgen 11,431).

In addition, numerous undescribed flora were recorded. Some of these may have restricted distributions, however without further taxonomic work and collection it is not possible to make any conclusive statements about their status. The study area appears to have a high conservation value for overall flora (but not atypically high, given its size and location), and a moderate to high conservation value for significant flora.

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Hope Downs Additional Rail Corridor (Chichester Section) Fauna Survey

2.0

Introduction

2.1

Background to the Project and Location of the Study Area

Fortescue Metal Group (FMG) proposes to develop the Pilbara Iron Ore and Infrastructure Project, which includes development of iron ore mines as well as rail and port infrastructure. Stage A of the project involves development of a port facility at Port Hedland, and construction of a 345 km railway between Port Hedland and Mindy Mindy. Stage B of the project involves development of four iron ore mines at Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas, and construction of a 160 km railway between the Stage A railway and Mt Nicholas (Figure 2.1). The Environmental Protection Authority determined that both stages of the project would be assessed at the Public Environmental Review (PER) level. The PER for Stage A has been submitted and is currently undergoing assessment. The PER for Stage B is currently being assembled. To provide input to the environmental assessment process, Biota Environmental Sciences was commissioned to conduct biological surveys of both the Stage A and Stage B areas in 2004. 2.1.1

Purpose of this Report

This document describes vegetation and flora surveys of the FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas undertaken by Biota Environmental Sciences in 2004, and is intended as a supporting document to the Stage B PER. It contains baseline information regarding vegetation types and flora species occurring within the study area, and includes an assessment of the conservation significance of both. It does not describe potential impacts of the project or strategies to manage these; this information is presented in the PER. A description of generic impact and management strategies was provided by Biota to FMG in November 2004. This was intended as a framework for the PER’s ultimate assessment of impact and management strategies, which would utilise the results of the various completed technical documents (including this report).

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Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

Figure 2.1:

Location of the Stage B rail corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas study areas.

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Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

2.2

Geological and Physiographic Context of the Study Area

2.2.1

Geology

The study area includes a large variety of geological types. On the Geological Survey of Western Australia 1:500,000 scale map sheets (Thorne and Trendall 2001), these are: •

AFm (Maddina Formation: massive to amygdaloidal basaltic flows and breccia, andesite, dacite and rhyolite; local thin beds of sandstone and dolomite: metamorphosed), AFj (Jeerinah Formation: Carbonaceous mudstone and siltstone, thin-bedded sandstone, chert, felsic volcaniclastic rock, basalt, and dolomite: metamorphosed), AFjo (Jeerinah Formation: Carbonaceous mudstone and siltstone, thin-bedded sandstone, chert, felsic volcaniclastic rock, basalt, and dolomite: metamorphosed; Woodiana Member: quartzitic sandstone, chert (locally stromatolitic), chert breccia and argillite; metamorphosed), and AHm (Marra Mamba Iron Formation: chert, banded iron-formation, mudstone, and siltstone; metamorphosed): occurring from north to south over the Chichester Range, and dominating the western end of the rail corridor and the low hills of the Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas study areas (the latter is primarily AFj);

•

Qx (Undivided Quaternary Deposits: includes colluvium, reworked alluvium, eolian sand, and clay), and Qa (Alluvium: unconsolidated silt, sand and gravel; in river channels): dominating the clayey plains of the remainder of the rail corridor, the southern portions of the Christmas Creek and Mt Lewin study areas, and the western side of the Mt Nicholas study area;

•

Czx (Undivided Cainozoic Deposits: includes partly consolidated colluvium and alluvium, and silcrete and laterite): occurring in a band along the southern edge of the Mt Lewin study area and within the rail corridor in this area; and

•

PHb (Brockman Iron Formation: banded iron-formation, chert, mudstone and siltstone; metamorphosed) in the northern part of the Mindy Mindy study area, and PHj (Weeli Wolli Formation: banded iron-formation (often jaspilitic), mudstone, siltstone and numerous dolerite sills; metamorphosed) dominating the remainder of the Mindy Mindy study area.

2.2.2

Major Physiographic Units

Beard (1975) identified three major physiographic units within the section of the Fortescue District encompassing the study area: 1

Chichester Plateau - a plateau of mainly basalts, with included siltstone, mudstone, shale, dolomite and jaspilite; forming a watershed between numerous rivers flowing north through the Abydos Plain to the coast, and the Fortescue drainage on the southern side of the range;

2

Fortescue Valley - occupying a trough between the Chichester and Hamersley Plateaus; the eastern portion drains into the Fortescue Marsh; and

3

Hamersley Plateau - rounded hills and ranges, mainly of jaspilite and dolomite with some shale, siltstone and volcanics.

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Hope Downs Additional Rail Corridor (Chichester Section) Fauna Survey

2.2.3

Land Systems

Land System (Rangelands) mapping covering the project area has been prepared to a draft stage by Agriculture Western Australia (Department of Agriculture 2002) (see Figure 2.2). These are broad units that each consist of a series of “land units” that occur on characteristic physiographic types within the Land System. The project area includes areas of the Land System units listed in Table 2.1. All of the Land Systems occurring within the study area (comprising the Stage B rail corridor and Mindy Mindy, Christmas Creek, Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas mine areas combined) are relatively large units, with even the smallest (Turee) covering more than 58,000 ha (Table 2.2). Most of the Land Systems occurring in the study area are widespread through the Pilbara, however the Divide, Elimunna, Turee and Washplain Land Systems are more restricted in distribution (see Table 2.2). In addition, the study area is located towards the extremes of distribution of a number of the Land Systems. The area of each Land System unit within the study area is less than 3% of the total mapped for the Pilbara, with the exception of the Divide, Washplain, Jamindie and Turee Land Systems (~4%, 5.5%, 11% and 20% of the total areas respectively). In the case of the Turee Land System in particular, six of the eight polygons mapped in the vicinity of the Fortescue Marsh are intersected by the FMG Stage B study area.

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Hope Downs Additional Rail Corridor (Chichester Section) Fauna Survey

Table 2.1:

Land Systems in the FMG Stage B project area (data from Department of Agriculture 2002).

Land System

Description

Wona

Basalt upland gilgai plains supporting tussock grasslands and minor hard spinifex grasslands; occurred only at the westernmost end of the rail corridor where it joins the proposed FMG Stage A rail corridor.

Capricorn

Hills and ridges of sandstone and dolomite supporting shrubby hard and soft spinifex grasslands; occurred only at the westernmost end of the rail corridor where it joins the proposed FMG Stage A rail corridor.

McKay

Hills, ridges, plateaux remnants and breakaways of metasedimentary and sedimentary rocks supporting hard spinifex grasslands; within the rail corridor, occurred only at the westernmost end and near Mt Lewin; dominated the stony hills in the northern portion of the Mt Lewin study area and the range of hills running north-south through the Mt Nicholas study area.

Newman

Rugged jaspilite plateaux, ridges and mountains supporting hard spinifex grasslands; occurred within the rail corridor in the western third and near Mt Lewin, and dominated the Mindy Mindy area and the northern portion of the hills in the Christmas Creek study area.

Jamindie

Stony hardpan plains and rises supporting groved mulga shrublands, occasionally with spinifex understorey; occurred throughout the rail corridor from near the western end to Mt Lewin, and through the Christmas Creek and Mt Lewin study areas.

Turee

Stony alluvial plains with gilgaied and non-gilgaied surfaces supporting tussock grasslands and grassy shrublands; dominated the central portion of the rail corridor and extended north into the Christmas Creek and Mt Lewin study areas.

Boolgeeda

Stony lower slopes and plains found below hill systems supporting hard and soft spinifex grasslands and mulga shrublands; large areas occurred within the Mt Lewin study area, and there were small occurrences within the rail corridor west of Mt Lewin, in the eastern portion of the Christmas Creek study area and the central portions of the Mt Nicholas and Mindy Mindy study areas.

River

Active flood plains and major rivers supporting grassy eucalypt woodlands, tussock grasslands and soft spinifex grasslands; common throughout the Pilbara in major river systems such as the Yule, de Grey and Fortescue Rivers, and Weeli Wolli Creek; only one occurrence mapped, in the rail corridor west of Mt Lewin.

Brockman

Alluvial plains with cracking clay soils supporting tussock grasslands; occurred in the rail corridor south of the Mt Lewin study area.

Washplain

Hardpan plains supporting groved mulga shrublands; occurred within the rail corridor south of Mt Lewin; also in the eastern half of the Mt Lewin study area, the southern portion of the Mt Nicholas study area, and areas between.

Elimunna

Stony plains on basalt supporting sparse Acacia and Cassia shrublands and patchy tussock grasslands; a very small occurrence along the northern edge of the central Mt Lewin study area.

Divide

Sandplains and occasional dunes supporting shrubby hard spinifex grasslands; dominated the broad sandplain at the eastern section of the rail corridor, including the rail loop.

Rocklea

Basalt hills, plateaux, lower slopes and minor stony plains supporting hard spinifex (and occasionally soft spinifex) grasslands; small occurrences along the eastern edge of the Mt Nicholas study area.

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Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

Table 2.2:

Distribution of Land Systems within the FMG Stage B rail corridor and mine areas and wider Pilbara region (data from Department of Agriculture 2002).

Land System

General Distribution through the Pilbara Bioregion

Total Area in the Pilbara (ha)

Number of Mapping Polygons in the Pilbara

Boolgeeda

826416

487

Brockman

73529

33

Capricorn

563279

175

Divide

530170

82

Restricted to the south-eastern corner of the Fortescue Plains subregion

Elimunna

61806

26

Jamindie

207601

52

McKay

420494

127

Widespread, mainly along the Chichester Range, with fewer occurrences in the Hamersley Range

1458028

267

Relatively widespread through the Hamersley Range, also occurring as a band along the Chichester Range to the north of the Fortescue Marsh; numerous occurrences

463956

98

2428594

321

Turee

58085

10

Largely restricted to the vicinity of the Fortescue Marsh (two small areas at the southern border of the Pilbara); few occurrences

Washplain

91809

46

Restricted to the south-eastern corner of the Pilbara, associated with the eastern end of the Fortescue Valley

181709

186

Newman

River Rocklea

Wona

Area within FMG Stage B Study Area Hectares

% of total in Pilbara

4124.48

0.50%

Widespread through the Fortescue Plains sub-region, but a relatively small number of occurrences

318.23

0.43%

Widespread with a large number of occurrences, mainly through the Chichester Range sub-region

138.98

0.02%

21386.40

4.03%

Relatively restricted; occurs in two distinct areas to the north and south of the Fortescue Marsh, with relatively few occurrences

19.59

0.03%

Mainly occurs bordering the northern side of the Fortescue Marsh, with a small amount on the southern side; also areas of this land system near the southern edge of the Pilbara

22112.21

10.65%

9268.68

2.20%

14891.87

1.02%

0.61

5% cover of taxa with affinities to Mulga (ie. Acacia aneura, A. aff. aneura, A. paraneura, A. ayersiana, A. catenulata and/or A. minyura). green rows are those groups at the 100-group level with sites recorded in the current study area. site.

5(2)

EXPLANATION OF PROJECT CODES FMGA FMG Stage A rail corridor between Port Hedland and Mindy Mindy (Biota 2004c) FMGB FMG Stage B rail corridor (this study) HDRAIL Hope Downs rail corridor between Port Hedland and Weeli Wolli (Biota and Trudgen 2002) HDRAIL A/D Hope Downs rail corridor - Chichester Range Addition (Biota 2004a) and Hamersley Range Extension (Biota 2004b) MILL West Angelas Millstream Rail Segment PAN Panorama study area (Trudgen et al. 2002) WAACRD West Angelas mine access road (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WACOOWES West Angelas Coondewanna West rail corridor (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAEIMIWE West Angelas Eight Mile Well survey (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAFCBOR West Angelas Four Corners Bore rail corridor (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAFORSLO West Angelas Fortescue Slopes rail corridor (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAGEORIV West Angelas George River rail corridor (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAHAMPAR West Angelas Hamersley Parallel rail corridor (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAHAMSTN West Angelas Hamersley Station survey (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAMTHER West Angelas Mt Herbert rail corridor (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAMTLEA West Angelas Mt Leal rail corridor (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WAMTROB West Angelas Mt Robinson rail corridor (Trudgen and Casson 1998) WASA West Angelas mine area (Trudgen and Casson 1998) YANEXP Hamersley Iron Yandi Expansion area (Biota in prep.)

13(3)

15(7)

24(4)

Cc22 (FMN07); Ch33 (FML53); Fa24 (FML52, FML55); Hh14 (FMG117) Cc19 (FMR71); Ch2 (FML25), Ch16 (FML49, FML59), Ch17 (FMC01, FMC17, FML06, FML31, FML32, FML50, FML56, FML57, FMR25), Ch23 (FMR24), Ch26 (FML36), Ch27 (FMR26), Ch28 (FML58, FMN11, FMN-MB), Ch30 (FMR67), Ch31 (FML44, FML46); Fa1 (FMC18, FMR58), Fa1a (FMC09, FMC14, FMR49), Fa13 (FML35, FML45, FMR56, FMR62), Fa14 (FMR63), Fa21 (FMC07); Fc6 (FMR57, FMR-MN), Fc8 (FMR77), Fc9 (FMC03), Fc10 Cc20 (FMN26); Fa1 (FML43, FMR23, FMR53), Fa1a (FML30, FMN16, FMR05, FMR22, FMR39), Fa13 (FMC16), Fa16 (FML10), Fa18 (FMC15), Fa19 (FML48, FMN18, FMR06, FMR27, FMR51), Fa20 (FML11, FML29, FMN01, FMN05, FMN28, FMN31, FMN32), Fa21 (FML28, FMN04), Fa22 (FMN22), Fa23 (FML22, FMN15), Fa25 (FMN10, FMN12, FMN14), Fa1 (FMR21), Fa1a (FML-BA), Fa10 (FML37, FMN17, FMR64), Fa13 (FMR32), Fa14 (FMC10, FML-KF, FMR13, FMR30, FMR35, FMR37, FMR41; Fc4 (FMC11, FML27, FMR02), Fc5 (FMR01, FMR-RC), Fc6 (FMR60) Fa1a (FML33, FML41, FML47, FMR03, FMR20, FMR31, FMR33, FMR34, FMR42, FMR46, FMR52, FMR54), Fa11 (FMR17), Fa15 (FMR48), Fa17 (FML40); Fp4 (FMR10); Fx1 (FMR18, FMR61), Fx10 (FMR14, FMR15, FMR16, FMR38), Fx11 (FMR47), Fx12 (FMR12)

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

At a finer scale of consideration, the floristic groupings at the 100-group level indicate more clearly the distinct regional variation in floristic community types even across the relatively small section of the Pilbara considered by this analysis. While many of the groups at the 100-group level contained sites from various projects across the east–west geographic spread of those considered, others appear to be restricted to particular areas. Some examples are: •

While group 6 of the 14-group level contains sites spread across most project areas, and thus appears widely distributed across this section of the Pilbara, some of the component 100-groups are restricted to specific areas (eg. groups 47 and 50 comprised vegetation of major rivers and granite rockpiles respectively of the Abydos Plain);

•

Group 1 of the 14-group level again appears widely distributed, but contains floristic groups of the 100-group level that appear to be restricted to particular areas (eg. groups 1, 2 and 3, which were mainly Acacia arida, A. pyrifolia, A. inaequilatera shrublands over Triodia wiseana hummock grasslands on low stony hills, were only recorded from surveys in the George River area); and

•

Group 11 of the 14-group level similarly appears widely distributed, however it contains a number of floristic groups at the 100-group level that appear to be largely restricted to the vicinity of the West Angelas – Coondewanna Flats area (many of these sites comprise vegetation types dominated by various forms of Mulga).

A previous PATN analysis done for the Hope Downs project also found that there were very broad differences in floristic composition between different areas of the Fortescue District (Biota and Trudgen 2002).

5.2

Consideration of the FMG Stage B Floristic Community Types

Table 5.3 lists the various floristic groups identified by the PATN analysis within each of the vegetation mapping units defined for this study. As expected, there is not complete correspondence between the two approaches, since floristics (analysis of species composition) and physiognomy (description of vegetation structure) are not always strongly related. The following statements can be made, however: 1.

The 100-groups are relatively broad groups, subsuming considerable variation in vegetation. For example, Ch24 and Ch25 are vegetation types with obviously different structure and different habitat value (see Section 4.2.1), however both fall into group 55 at the 100-group level.

2.

With the exception of unit Fa24 and a single site within each of Fa14 (relevé FML-KE) and Fa16 (FML12), all of the Mulga-dominated vegetation types (Fa prefixes) identified for the Fortescue Valley portions of the FMG Stage B study area cluster into group 14 of the 14-group level. The mapping units in which Mulga or related species provide substantial cover (ie. more than 10%) are largely contained within groups 97-99 at the 100-group level. The floristic community types represented by groups 97, 98 and 99 appear restricted to the Fortescue Valley, as they comprise only sites recorded from this area during surveys for the Hope Downs rail (Biota and Trudgen 2002), FMG Stage A (Biota 2004c) and FMG Stage B (current study).

3.

All of the sites in Groups 7/55 and 7/56 were from the current study, with the exception of a single site from FMG Stage B. These sites were mainly Triodia aff. basedowii (some T. epactia) hummock grasslands with scattered tall shrubs of Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula and Hakea chordophylla on low stony hills of the Chichester Range, together with sandplain vegetation at the eastern end of the rail corridor in the Fortescue Valley, and some minor creekline vegetation types. Only a small number of sites from low stony hills of the Chichesters occurred within other groups of the PATN analysis. It would therefore appear that even vegetation types featuring relatively common dominant species, and occurring on widespread Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

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landforms, are not necessarily widely distributed in the region when their floristic composition is considered. 4.

Although there was not complete correspondence between the vegetation mapping units and the floristic community types identified at the 100-group level, there was usually a reasonable agreement between the two schemes. For example: a.

Within group 56 of the 100-group level, the sandplain vegetation types (Fp prefixes) tended to cluster out separately to the vegetation types of the stony hills (Ch prefixes) and creeklines through these areas (Cc prefixes). Site FMN02 from unit Fp4, which was a more mesic vegetation type than either Fp1, Fp2 or Fp3, was the only site not to fall within this separate cluster.

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b.

Within group 99 at the 100-group level, the three sites within vegetation type Fa10 (FML37, FMN17 and FMR64) clustered out with a grove site (FMR21; mapped as Fa1) and an intergrove site (relevé FML-BA; mapped as Fa1a), distinct from the other sites within this floristic group.

5.

A single site from the current study (relevé FML-KE) occurs in group 27 at the 100group level with sites from the FMG Stage A and Hope Downs rail corridors. This group contains sites from vegetation types in mesic areas (drainage areas and sluggishly-drained plains). Relevé FML-KE joined, albeit at a high level, with site H210 from the Hope Downs rail corridor; both were creeklines with dense infestations of *Cenchrus ciliaris and relatively few species.

6.

With the exception of the groups discussed specifically above, the remaining floristic groups at the 100-group level that include sites from the current study are widespread across the portion of the Pilbara sampled by this analysis.

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Table 5.3:

Correspondence of FMG Stage B vegetation mapping units (*) with floristic groups at the 14-group and 100-group level (†) identified by the PATN analysis.

Creekline vegetation

Low stony hills

Sandplain vegetation

Mulga-dominated vegetation

Cracking clay vegetation

Chichester Range

Hamersley Range

Fortescue Valley

Veg* Cc18 Cc19 Cc20 Cc21 Cc22

Gp14/100† 6/45 14/97 7/56 7/56 7/56; 13/96

Veg* Hc7a Hc17 Hc22 Hc23 Hc24 Hc25

Gp14/100† 8/57 8/57 6/49 8/57 7/54 8/57

Veg* Fc4 Fc5 Fc6 Fc7 Fc8 Fc9 Fc10 Fc11 Fc12

Ch2 Ch13 Ch14 Ch15 Ch16 Ch17 Ch18 Ch19 Ch20 Ch21 Ch22 Ch23 Ch24 Ch25 Ch26 Ch27 Ch28 Ch29 Ch30 Ch31 Ch32 Ch33

7/56; 14/97 4/26 7/55 4/26 4/26; 14/97 7/55,56; 14/97 3/24; 7/55 7/55 7/56 7/55 7/55,56 4/26; 14/97 7/55 7/55 14/97 14/97 14/97 7/55 7/55; 14/97 14/97 7/56 14/96

Hh4 Hh5 Hh5b Hh6 Hh14

8/57,58 7/54 7/54 1/6 13/96

Hp7

8/57

Fp1 Fp2 Fp3 Fp4 Fa1 Fa1a Fa10 Fa11 Fa13 Fa14 Fa15 Fa16 Fa17 Fa18 Fa19 Fa20 Fa21 Fa22 Fa23 Fa24 Fa25 Fa27 Fx1 Fx10 Fx11 Fx12

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Gp14/100† 6/49; 14/99 14/99 4/35; 14/97,99 3/24; 4/35; 7/56 14/97 14/97 14/97 4/35 14/97

7/56 7/56 7/56 7/56; 14/100 14/97-99 14/97-100 14/99 14/100 14/97-99 4/27; 14/97-99 14/100 7/56; 14/98 14/100 14/98 14/98 14/98 14/97,98 14/98 14/98 13/96 14/98 14/98 14/100 5/38; 14/100 5/38; 14/98,100 14/100

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6.0

Vegetation Conservation Significance Assessment

6.1

Assessment Methodology

The assessment of vegetation conservation significance considered three types of information: 1.

the Land Systems present within the study area (see Section 2.2.3), including their distribution through the Pilbara and area of extent. The location of occurrences of a Land System within the study area in relation to the distribution of that Land System as a whole was also taken into account, as the strong regionalisation in floristic composition shown by the PATN analysis carried out for the current study suggests that outlying occurrences of a Land System can be expected to support floristic types that are not typical of the overall unit. This information was used to establish the likely representation in the region of vegetation types linked strongly to particular Land Systems;

2.

the vegetation types defined for this study (see Section 4.0), including their area and frequency of occurrence within the study area, capacity to support rare or restricted flora, and condition (health); and

3.

the floristic groups identified by the PATN analysis within each vegetation type, to indicate the probable distribution of the vegetation units outside the study area. The broad nature of the groups identified even at the 100-group level was taken into account when using the floristic analysis to assess conservation value.

Using this information, two assessments are given. The first is focussed on Land Systems, an approach that has been used in earlier studies (eg. Biota and Trudgen 2002), and has been the type of assessment practical given information available previously (see Section 6.2). The second assessment (see Section 6.3) has become possible because it is now practical to present a floristic analysis for a significant part of the Pilbara bioregion. The limitations of these assessment methodologies are discussed in Section 3.5. The second assessment integrates the three types of information noted above. Each feature was assigned a particular score, and the sum of these scores was then compared to indicate the likely conservation significance of each vegetation type. The features considered most likely to influence whether the vegetation types were of restricted distribution (regional representation of the associated Land System/s and floristic groups) were assigned more weight than other attributes that were considered to impart additional value in a more general sense. The features, and the scores ascribed to each, are described in Table 6.1.

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Table 6.1: Ω

Explanation of features and codes used in the conservation assessment matrix (see Table 6.2).

Regional Representation of Land System/s R,O

R W,O

W *

Restricted, and outlier - Land System is restricted to a particular section of the Pilbara, and the FMG Stage B study area occurs within an outlying occurrence of the Land System or towards one end of the mapped distribution of the Land System

8

Restricted - Land System is restricted to a particular section of the Pilbara

6

Widespread, but outlier - Land System is widespread in the Pilbara, but the FMG Stage B study area occurs within an outlying occurrence of the Land System or towards one end of the mapped distribution of the Land System

4

Widespread - Land System occurs broadly across the Pilbara

2

Regional Representation of 100-group/s of the PATN Floristic Analysis HR

†1

Score

Score

Highly Restricted - group contains sites from only the FMG Stage B study area

6

R

Restricted - group contains sites from the combined FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas

4

W

Widespread - group contains sites from a range of the projects sampled by the floristic analysis

2

Other Key Attributes Increasing Conservation Value

Score

C

Significant physical feature (mainly moderate-sized creeklines or other drainage features, and gorges) – likely to be at the level of Land Units within a Land System

1

F

Potential habitat for restricted flora

1

M or MG

Mulga vegetation (M) or Mulga groving (or intergroves associated with such) (MG)

1

S

Small area of extent, for example due to occurrence on a minor habitat (eg. breakaways)

1

†2

Other Key Attributes Decreasing Conservation Value D

Substantially degraded (eg. by weed invasion)

Score -3

It was possible for an individual vegetation type to have more than one score for the Land System and floristic group features. Where this occurred, and where the scores were different, the following rules were applied: •

If there was a greater number of one particular score, then the mode was used. For example, sites from Fa14 occurred in floristic groups 27, 97 and 99, which were classed as Restricted (R), Restricted and Highly Restricted (HR) respectively. The score for ‘Restricted’ (+4) was therefore used for this feature for Fa14.

•

If there were equal numbers of different scores, then the scores were averaged. For example, sites from Fa20 occurred in the Boolgeeda and Washplain Land Systems, which were classed as “Widespread but an outlier” and “Restricted and an outlier” respectively. The scores for these two features (+4 and +6 respectively) were averaged for this feature for Fa20.

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Five vegetation types had no sites in the floristic analysis (Fa12, Fa26, Hc16, Hc26 and Hh13). These were allocated a score for the floristic group to which they were considered most likely to belong. The lowest possible overall score under the above rating system would be 1, which would apply to a vegetation type with the following characters: • occurs on a widespread Land System; • belongs to a widespread floristic group; • has no additional attributes increasing conservation value; and • is substantially degraded by weeds (scores of +2, +2, +0 and –3 respectively). The highest possible score would be 18, which would apply to a vegetation type with the following characters: • occurs at the edge of the range of distribution or on an outlier of a Land System which is already restricted in the region; • belongs to a floristic group which is very restricted in distribution in the region; • has all four of the additional attributes increasing conservation value; and • is not degraded by weeds (scores of +8, +6, +4 and +0 respectively). The scores for the various features were subsequently summed for each vegetation type, and the perceived significance of the individual vegetation types was subsequently ranked according to the following classes: 1. Very High Overall score 17-18; 2. High Overall score 14-16; 3. Moderate to High Overall score 11-13 4. Moderate Overall score 7-10; 5. Low to Moderate Overall score 4-6; 6. Low Overall score 1-2.

6.2

Assessment of Land Systems

6.2.1

Boolgeeda Land System

The Boolgeeda Land System occurs widely through the Hamersley Range sub-region, with scattered occurrences through the Chichester Range sub-region, mainly further towards the coast. The small occurrences within the study area are at the end of the southeastern spread of this Land System. Some 0.50% of the total area of the Boolgeeda Land System within the Pilbara occurs within the study area. The 4124 ha within the study area would represent a greater proportion of the southeastern section of this Land System, but still less than 10%. The study area therefore has low conservation value for the Boolgeeda Land System overall, and low to moderate conservation value for the southeastern section of this Land System. Fourteen vegetation types were recorded from this Land System, including units from low stony hills and plains in the Chichester Range and Hamersley Range sub-regions, and Mulga-dominated units from the Fortescue Valley (see Table 4.1). These vegetation types occurred in various floristic groups at the 100-group level, some of which appear to be restricted to the locality. This Land System therefore contains substantial variation in vegetation, some of which is restricted in distribution. 6.2.2

Brockman Land System

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System’s distribution, and is therefore likely to support vegetation types that are atypical of the main area of the Brockman Land System. The area of Brockman Land System within the study area is small (318.23 ha, or 0.43% of the total area mapped for the Pilbara). The small occurrences within the study area would also be a small proportion of the eastern section of the Brockman Land System. The study area thus has low to moderate conservation value for this Land System. The vegetation types associated with this Land System were mainly two cracking clay vegetation units (Fx11 and Fx12), along with some groved Mulga (Fa15) and intergrove vegetation (Fa1a). Sites from these vegetation types occurred mainly in group 100 of the floristic analysis, with two sites from Fx11 occurring in group 38. Group 100 of the analysis included 57 sites from the current study area, the FMG Stage A rail corridor and the Hope Downs rail corridor. These vegetation types therefore appear to be locally common but probably restricted in the region. Group 38 includes sites from as far west as Hamersley Station, and thus appears relatively widespread. 6.2.3

Capricorn Land System

The Capricorn Land System is widespread through the Chichester Range sub-region and also occurs in the Hamersley Range sub-region. An area at the westernmost end of the rail corridor is part of the southernmost occurrence of this Land System in the Chichester Range sub-region. However, it is possible that this area, or at least the section within the rail corridor, would be better mapped as the McKay Land System as it has a similar appearance on aerial photography to areas mapped as the latter. Presuming the area is appropriately mapped as the Capricorn Land System, its isolation and location near the junction of the Chichester Range and Fortescue Plains sub-regions mean that this area is likely to support atypical vegetation for this Land System. The 138.98 ha of Capricorn Land System within the study area is 0.02% of the total area of this Land System, and would represent less than 10% of the southern occurrences in the Chichester Range. The study area is therefore considered to have low conservation value for the Capricorn Land System overall, and low to moderate conservation value for the southern Chichester Range section of this Land System. The area of Capricorn Land System was mapped as vegetation type Ch24, which occurred broadly over the adjoining areas of McKay Land System. The two sites in this unit grouped with 27 other sites in group 55 of the floristic analysis, one from the FMG Stage A rail corridor and the remainder from the current study. This strongly suggests that in terms of floristic composition, the vegetation in the Capricorn Land System is not widespread but is fairly common locally. 6.2.4

Divide Land System

The Divide Land System is restricted to the eastern end of the Fortescue Plains sub-region but occurs as broad sandplains in this area. The 21386.40 ha of Divide Land System within the study area is located towards the centre of the distribution of this Land System, and is 4.03% of the total area of the Divide Land System. The study area thus has low conservation value for this Land System. The sandplain vegetation types Fp1-Fp4 were strongly associated with the Divide Land System. A single site from Fp4 occurred in group 100 of the floristic analysis, which included sites from the current study area, the FMG Stage A corridor and the Hope Downs rail corridor. The remaining nine sites from these vegetation types occurred with 21 other sites in group 56, which was only recorded from the FMG Stage B study area. The vegetation of the Divide Land System therefore appears to be relatively common locally, but not widespread in the region.

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6.2.5

Elimunna Land System

The Elimunna Land System has two centres of distribution, one north and one south of the Fortescue Marsh. Some 19.59 ha of Elimunna occurs within the study area, which is 0.03% of the total mapped for this Land System in the Pilbara, and would also represent a very small proportion of the northern occurrences of Elimunna. The study area thus has low conservation value for this Land System treated as a whole. A single vegetation type (Fa1a) was mapped for this Land System. Sites from Fa1a occurred in various groups in the floristic analysis, all of which were at least restricted to the combined FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail study areas, and some of which were restricted to the current study area alone. It is therefore likely that this Land System supports vegetation that is restricted in the region, but locally common. 6.2.6

Jamindie Land System

The main occurrence of this Land System within the Pilbara is in the Fortescue Valley, particularly on the northern side of the Fortescue Marsh but also on the southern side, with further occurrences in the south of the bioregion. As 10.65% of the total area of this Land System (and a greater proportion of the area of this unit within the Fortescue Valley) occurs in the study area, the study area has moderate to high conservation value for the Jamindie Land System. Eight Mulga-dominated vegetation types and an intergrove vegetation unit were associated with this Land System, along with six creekline vegetation types and one cracking clay vegetation type (Table 4.1). All of the Mulga-dominated vegetation types occurred in floristic groups at the 100-group level that were recorded at most from the combined FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas, and some were restricted to the current study area alone. While two of the creekline vegetation types Fc6 and Fc7 occurred in floristic groups with relatively wide distributions in the Pilbara, the remaining creekline types occurred in groups that were only recorded from the combined FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas. The cracking clay vegetation (Fx10) was similarly only recorded from these areas. The Jamindie Land System therefore supports a variety of vegetation types, most of which are not widespread in the region but are locally common. 6.2.7

McKay Land System

The McKay Land System is widespread through the Chichester Range sub-region, with fewer occurrences in the Hamersley Range. The occurrences within the study area are near the eastern end of the geographic range of this Land System, and may therefore be expected to support vegetation of different floristic composition to areas further west. The 9268.68 ha of McKay Land System within the study area comprises 2.20% of the total area of this Land System, and would comprise a small amount of the eastern section of the McKay Land System. The study area thus has low conservation value for this Land System. The main vegetation types associated with the McKay Land System were 17 units from low stony hills and plains of the Chichester Range sub-region. Four creekline vegetation types were also recorded (see Table 4.1). Several of these vegetation types occurred in floristic groups at the 100-group level that appear to be restricted to the locality. This Land System thus contains considerable variation in vegetation, some of which is restricted in distribution.

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6.2.8

Newman Land System

The Newman Land System is widespread throughout the Hamersley Range, with relatively few occurrences in the Chichester Range, including a long narrow band along the northern edge of the study area. As the latter area is well separated from the main area of the Land System by the Fortescue Valley, it is likely to support different vegetation types. The 14891.87 ha of Newman Land System within the study area is 1.02% of the total area of this Land System, but would represent approximately 10% of the area of this Land System north of the Fortescue Valley. The study area thus has low conservation value for the Newman Land System overall, but moderate conservation value for the section of this Land System north of the Fortescue Valley. Vegetation types associated with the Newman Land System included 14 units from low stony hills and plains of the Chichester and Hamersley Range sub-regions and 10 creekline vegetation types occurring in all three sub-regions. Some of these vegetation types occurred in floristic groups at the 100-group level that were restricted to the locality. The Newman Land System thus includes considerable variation in vegetation, some of which is restricted in distribution. 6.2.9

River Land System

The River Land System is widespread throughout the Pilbara bioregion in major river systems. Some 0.61 ha of this Land System is mapped within the study area, which is less than 0.01% of the total mapped for the Pilbara. Although other areas of this Land System would be expected to occur in the study area if the mapping was undertaken at a finer scale, these would still be a very small proportion of the total area. The study area thus has low conservation value for the River Land System. The single mapped occurrence of River Land System within the study area is associated with vegetation type Fc5, however some other vegetation types (particularly Cc18, Fc4 and Hc22) would probably be associated with this Land System if it was mapped at a finer scale. These vegetation types occurred mainly in floristic group 49 of the 100-group level, with occasional occurrences in groups 45 and 99. Group 45 occurs widely in the region, however group 49 has been recorded mainly from areas east of Yandi and group 99 has only been recorded from the current study area. This Land System therefore includes at least two vegetation types (Fc4 and Fc5, which were mainly in group 99) of restricted distribution in the region. 6.2.10

Rocklea Land System

The Rocklea Land System is widespread throughout the Chichester Range, and also relatively frequent in the Hamersley Range. The occurrences in the vicinity of the study area are at the southeastern end of the distribution of this Land System in the Chichester Range sub-region. Some 47.53 ha of Rocklea Land System occurs within the study area, which is less than 0.01% of the total area of this Land System, and would also represent a very small proportion of the southeastern section. The study area thus has low conservation value for the Rocklea Land System. The areas of Rocklea mapped within the study area were mainly vegetation type Ch15. The floristic group (26) at the 100-group level containing sites from unit Ch15 was relatively widespread in the region.

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6.2.11

Turee Land System

This Land System occurs predominantly in the vicinity of the Fortescue Marsh, with two small occurrences elsewhere (at the southernmost border of the bioregion). Given that one-fifth of the total area of Turee Land System mapped for the Pilbara bioregion occurs within the FMG Stage B study area, the study area has high conservation value for this Land System. The main vegetation types defined by the current study that were associated with the Turee Land System were three Mulga-dominated units (Fa1, Fa11 and Fa14), the intergrove unit (Fa1a), three cracking clay units (Fx1, Fx10 and Fx12) and two creekline vegetation units (Fc5 and Fc6.) Most of these units were recorded from more than one Land System, however Fx1 was only recorded from Turee. With the exception of a single site each from Fc6 and Fx10, the remaining sites all occurred in floristic groups that were restricted to the FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas. It therefore appears that the Jamindie Land System supports a variety of vegetation types, including several that are restricted in the region but relatively common in the local area. 6.2.12

Washplain Land System

The Washplain Land System is restricted to the southeastern section of the Pilbara, where it occurs predominantly at the eastern end of the Fortescue Valley. The study area is located along the northern margin of the distribution of this Land System. Some 5001.98 ha of Washplain Land System are mapped within the study area, which is 5.45% of the total mapped area of this Land System in the Pilbara, and would represent a substantial proportion (over 25%) of the northern sections of this Land System. The study area thus has low conservation value for the Washplain Land System overall, but high conservation value for the northern sections of this Land System. Six vegetation types were associated with the Washplain Land System (Table 4.1). Five of these were Mulga-dominated units, and all of these occurred in groups 98 and/or 99 of the floristic analysis. These floristic groups were only recorded from the FMG Stage B study area and therefore appear to be restricted to the locality. With the exception of the Mulga grove unit Fa1, these vegetation types were not recorded from any other Land Systems. The intergrove unit Fa1a occurs over various floristic groups that have also been recorded from the FMG Stage A and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas. The Washplain Land System therefore supports a number of vegetation types that are of very restricted distribution both in the region and in the local area. 6.2.13

Wona Land System

The Wona Land System occurs broadly throughout the basalt uplands of the southern section of the Chichester Range. The study area is located towards the eastern end of the distribution of this Land System. A very small area of this Land System occurred at the westernmost end of the rail corridor. This area may be better mapped as McKay as it had a similar appearance to this Land System on aerial photography. Presuming the area is appropriately mapped as the Wona Land System, the area of 17.67 ha is 0.01% of the total area of this Land System, and would be a very small proportion of the eastern section. The study area thus has low conservation value for the Wona Land System. The Wona Land System was mapped as vegetation type Ch24, which occurred broadly over the adjoining areas of McKay Land System. As discussed in Section 6.2.3, the two sites in this unit grouped with 26 other sites from the current study and one from the FMG Stage A rail corridor in the floristic analysis. This suggests that in terms of floristic composition, the vegetation in the Wona Land System is not widespread but is fairly common locally. Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

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6.3

Assessment Combining Land Systems, Floristic Units and Vegetation Types

Table 6.2 contains a summary of the various features considered to contribute to or detract from the conservation value of the individual vegetation types defined for the FMG Stage B study area. The overall scores for conservation significance of the individual vegetation type identified for the FMG Stage B study area ranged from 2 to 17. A single vegetation type (Fa10) was ranked as being of Very High conservation significance. This unit occurred between Mt Lewin and Mt Nicholas and comprised Mulgadominated vegetation of seasonally-wet broad drainage areas, which is an uncommon habitat in the area. It was strongly associated with the Washplain Land System, which has a restricted distribution in the Pilbara, with the study area being located at the northern edge of this range. It occurred in group 99 of the 100-group level of the floristic analysis, which was restricted to the FMG Stage B study area. This vegetation was also in excellent condition, and is considered likely to support flora species of restricted distribution in the region. Seven vegetation types of High conservation significance were identified (Fa1, Fa13, Fa18, Fa19, Fa20, Fa25 and Fa27). These were all Mulga-dominated vegetation types that occurred mainly on restricted Land Systems (particularly Washplain and Jamindie). All seven vegetation types occurred in groups 97, 98 or 99 of the 100-group level of the floristic analysis. Groups 98 and 99 were restricted to the FMG Stage B study area, while group 97 included sites from the combined FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas. These vegetation types were also in very good condition, and considered likely to support restricted flora taxa. Twenty vegetation types of Moderate to High conservation significance were identified: • The Mulga-dominated vegetation types Fa11, Fa12, Fa16, Fa17, Fa21, Fa22, Fa23 and the intergrove / broad plains vegetation unit Fa1a of the Fortescue Plains subregion; • Creekline vegetation types Fc8, Fc9, Fc10 and Fc12 of the Fortescue Valley; • The cracking clay vegetation type Fx1 of the Fortescue Valley; • Vegetation types Fp1, Fp2, Fp3 and Fp4 from the broad sandplain within the Fortescue Plains sub-region; and • Vegetation types Ch28 (Mulga shrubland vegetation from breakaways), Ch29 (an Acacia rhodophloia shrubland from a rocky knoll) and Ch30 (Mulga low woodland over Triodia epactia hummock grassland) of the Chichester Range sub-region. All of the vegetation types of Moderate to High conservation significance occurred within floristic groups (at the 100-group level of the analysis) that were either restricted to the current study area, or to the combined area of the FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas. Slightly more than half were recorded from Land Systems with a restricted distribution in the Pilbara (particularly Jamindie, Divide and Turee), while the remainder were from Land Systems that were widespread but for which the study area was located at one end of the distribution. Most of the vegetation types were considered likely to support flora with restricted distributions, and all were in good to very good condition. Thirty-four vegetation types of Moderate conservation significance were identified: • Mulga dominated vegetation types Fa14, Fa15, Fa24 and Fa26 of the Fortescue Plains sub-region; • Vegetation types Ch2, Ch14, Ch16, Ch17, Ch18, Ch19, Ch20, Ch21, Ch22, Ch23, Ch24, Ch25, Ch26, Ch27, Ch31, Ch32 and Ch33; and vegetation types Hh13 and Hh14 of the low stony hills and plains of the Chichester Range and Hamersley Range sub-regions respectively;

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•

•

Vegetation types Cc19, Cc20, Cc21 and Cc22; vegetation types Fc5, Fc6 and Fc7; and vegetation type Hc16 of creeklines of the Chichester Range, Fortescue Plains and Hamersley Range sub-region respectively; and The cracking clay vegetation types Fx10, Fx11 and Fx12 of the Fortescue Valley.

Most of the vegetation types of Moderate conservation significance were from Land Systems that were widespread in the Pilbara, but for which the study area occurred at one end of this distribution (particularly Boolgeeda, Brockman, McKay and Newman). However, some were also recorded from restricted Land Systems such as Turee and Jamindie. While approximately a fifth of the vegetation types were from floristic groups with an apparently widespread distribution in the Pilbara, the majority were from floristic groups that were either restricted to the FMG Stage B study area, or to the combined FMG Stage A, FMG Stage B and Hope Downs rail corridor study areas. Approximately half of the vegetation types had at least one other attribute that would be expected to increase the conservation value of the unit. Three vegetation types (Fa14, Fc5 and Fc6) were substantially degraded by weeds. Eighteen vegetation types of Low to Moderate conservation significance were identified: • Vegetation types Ch13 and Ch15 and vegetation types Hh3, Hh4, Hh5, Hh5b, Hh6, Hp5 and Hp7 of low stony hills and plains of the Chichester Range sub-region and Hamersley Range subregion respectively; • Vegetation types Fc4 and Fc11 and vegetation types Hc7a, Hc17, Hc22, Hc23, Hc24, Hc25 and Hc26 of creeklines of the Fortescue Plains sub-region and Hamersley Range sub-region respectively. Most of these vegetation types of Low to Moderate conservation significance occurred on Land Systems that were widespread in the region, but for which the study area was located at the end of this distribution (particularly Newman Land System). Virtually all occurred in floristic groups at the 100-group level of the analysis that were widespread in the region. Few had any additional attributes that would increase conservation value, and one (Fc4) was substantially degraded by weeds. A single vegetation type (Cc18) of Low conservation significance was identified. This was recorded from the widespread River Land System and occurred in a floristic group that was widespread in the region. It was also substantially degraded by weeds.

6.4

Summary of Vegetation Conservation Significance

The majority of the vegetation types of the FMG Stage B study area were in at least good condition (see Section 4.1.1). All intact native vegetation has some conservation value, and the majority of vegetation types identified by this study have been identified as being of at least moderate conservation value (only those vegetation types substantially degraded by Buffel Grass and/or grazing were considered to have low conservation value). This assessment identified a number of vegetation types that appear to represent less widespread vegetation with more restricted floristic composition (some 52 of the 81 vegetation types belong to floristic groups that are either restricted or highly restricted in distribution). These vegetation types are considered likely to be of particular conservation significance, as the size of the floristic dataset used, and the locations and areas of the component surveys, give a fairly good sample of the region. The study area therefore includes numerous vegetation types of particular conservation value, including several Mulga-dominated units. On the basis of current knowledge, these vegetation types would appear to have a limited distribution in the Pilbara, with many of the Mulga units in particular apparently restricted to this section of the Fortescue Valley and its surrounds.

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63

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

Given the very high conservation significance of one of the vegetation types identified, the high conservation significance of an additional seven vegetation types, and the apparently restricted or highly restricted geographic distribution of 44 of the remaining vegetation types, the study area must therefore be considered to have high to very high conservation value for vegetation. Further, given that there is no conservation reserve in the Fortescue Valley, it is reasonable to assume that many of these vegetation types are unprotected within the conservation estate. It should be noted that the combined study area surveyed was larger than the area that FMG is proposing to disturb for the project, particularly with respect to the rail corridor, to allow FMG some flexibility in avoiding significant environmental constraints (see FMG 2005). The extent of impact to individual vegetation types, including those of high or very high conservation value, is discussed in the main text of the PER (FMG 2005).

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

64

Table 6.2: Veg Type

Summary matrix of conservation values of the individual vegetation types defined for the FMG Stage B study area.

Description

Area Mapped within Study Area (ha)

Associated Land System/s (regional representation )

100-group/s of the floristic analysis (regional representation*)

Other Key Attributes Increasing Conservation Value †1

Other Key Attributes Decreasing Conservation Value †2

Score based on distribution of Land System/s

Score based on distribution of floristic 100-group/s

Score from other attributes that increase conservation value

Score from other attributes that decrease conservation value

Overall Score

Perceived Relative Significance ƒ

Chichester Range Sub-region Low Stony Hills and Plains Cassia spp. scattered tall shrubs over Triodia wiseana mid-dense hummock grassland Ch2

22.83 McKay (W,O)

56 (HR), 97 (R)

4

5

9

Moderate

26 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

55 (HR) 26 (W)

4 4

6 2

10 6

Low to moderate

4

3

8

Moderate

55 (HR), 56 (HR), 97 (R)

4

6

10

Moderate

24 (W), 55 (HR)

4

4

8

Moderate

mosaic: 663.60 ha with Ch13

Ch13

Triodia brizoides, T. longiceps mid-dense hummock grassland

510.11 McKay (W,O) mosaic: 663.60 ha with Ch2

Ch14 Ch15

Triodia brizoides, T. aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Acacia bivenosa, A. synchronicia scattered shrubs over Triodia longiceps mid-dense hummock grassland

816.19 Rocklea (W,O)

Ch16

Acacia aneura, A. paraneura scattered low trees over Cassia spp. scattered tall shrubs over Triodia longiceps hummock grassland

662.73 McKay (W,O), Newman (W,O)

Ch17

Acacia aneura, A. adsurgens, G. wickhamii, Cassia glutinosa, C. luerssenii scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

Ch18

Eucalyptus leucophloia, Hakea spp. scattered low trees over Acacia atkinsiana, Grevillea wickhamii scattered tall shrubs over Triodia epactia mid-dense hummock grassland

Ch19

Cassia luerssenii scattered shrubs over Triodia epactia, T. aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

329.02 Newman (W,O)

55 (HR)

4

6

10

Moderate

Ch20

Grevillea wickhamii tall shrubland over Acacia adsurgens, A. ancistrocarpa shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

310.08 Boolgeeda (W,O), McKay (W,O)

56 (HR)

4

6

10

Moderate

Ch21

Grevillea wickhamii tall open shrubland over Triodia epactia, T. aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

157.09 Newman (W,O)

55 (HR)

4

6

10

Moderate

Ch22 Ch23

Acacia arida open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

204.87 McKay (W,O)

55 (HR), 56 (HR) 26 (W), 97 (R)

4 4

6 3

10 7

Moderate

55 (HR)

4

6

10

Moderate

55 (HR)

4

6

10

Moderate

15.77 McKay (W,O)

97 (R)

4

4

8

Moderate

7.78 McKay (W,O)

97 (R)

F, M

4

4

2

10

Moderate

2.66 McKay (W,O)

97 (R)

F, M, S

4

4

3

11

Moderate to High

55 (HR)

S

4

6

1

11

Moderate to High

Cassia luerssenii scattered tall shrubs over Eremophila cuneifolia low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

Ch24

Acacia bivenosa open shrubland over Triodia wiseana mid-dense hummock grassland

Ch25

Acacia aneura low woodland to low open forest over Acacia rhodophloia scattered tall shrubs over Eremophila forrestii, E. latrobei, E. cuneifolia scattered shrubs over Triodia epactia, T. brizoides open hummock grassland

Ch26

Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia rhodophloia tall open scrub over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

Ch27

Acacia aneura low open forest over Grevillea berryana scattered tall shrubs over Dodonaea petiolaris, Eremophila exilifolia open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland

Ch28

Acacia aneura tall open shrubland over Dodonaea petiolaris open shrubland over Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus low shrubland over Eriachne mucronata, Paspalidium clementii grassland

54.00 McKay (W,O)

14122.83 Boolgeeda (W,O), McKay mosaics: 95.30 ha with Ch28; 54.56 (W,O), Newman (W,O) ha with Fa18 / Fa1a 2355.94 Newman (W,O)

22.33 McKay (W,O)

26 (W), 97 (R)

F

1

Moderate

Moderate

mosaic: 56.34 ha with Fa24 1653.86 Capricorn (W,O), McKay (W,O), Wona (W,O) 170.85 McKay (W,O)

mosaic: 95.3 ha with Ch17

Ch29

Acacia rhodophloia tall open shrubland over Eriachne mucronata tussock grassland, annual grasses and herbs

0.67 McKay (W,O)

Ch30

Acacia aneura low woodland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii scattered shrubs over Triodia epactia hummock grassland and Enneapogon polyphyllus very open annual grassland

166.15 Newman (W,O)

55 (HR), 97 (R)

F, M

4

5

2

11

Moderate to High

Ch31

Acacia aneura low woodland over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland

640.49 Boolgeeda (W,O), McKay (W,O), Newman (W,O)

97 (R)

F, M

4

4

2

10

Moderate

Ch32

Eucalyptus gamophylla scattered low mallees over Acacia ancistrocarpa shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland

118.08 McKay (W,O)

56 (HR)

4

6

10

Moderate

4

2

1

7

Moderate

2

2

1

2

Low

4

4

1

9

Moderate

56 (HR), 98 (HR)

4

6

10

Moderate

56 (HR)

4

6

10

Moderate

4

6

10

Moderate

Grevillea berryana scattered tall shrubs over Triodia melvillei hummock grassland Ch33 Creeklines Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over Melaleuca glomerata, Acacia pyrifolia tall open scrub over Cc18

19.56 McKay (W,O)

96 (W)

S

14.64 River (W)

45 (W)

C

97 (R)

S

Typha domingensis, Cyperus vaginatus open sedgeland and *Cenchrus spp. closed tussock grassland

Cc19

Corymbia candida, C. hamersleyana, Acacia aneura low woodland over Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis open scrub over Dodonaea petiolaris open shrubland over Eriachne mucronata, Triodia epactia open tussock / hummock grassland

Cc20

Corymbia spp. scattered low trees over Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens, A. ancistrocarpa, A. tenuissima tall open shrubland over Triodia epactia mid-dense hummock grassland and open tussock grasses

Cc21

Grevillea wickhamii tall open scrub over Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. bivenosa, A. adsurgens, A. tenuissima open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii very open hummock grassland and Paraneurachne muelleri open tussock grassland

Cc22

Grevillea wickhamii scattered tall shrubs over Acacia monticola closed scrub over scattered hummock grasses

Mulga-dominated Vegetation Acacia aneura open scrub to low open forest over Dodonaea petiolaris, Eremophila forrestii subsp. Fa1 forrestii, Cassia helmsii, Sida sp. unisexual open heath with very open annual grassland

Fa1a

Fa10

Acacia aneura scattered tall shrubs to low open woodland over Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Eragrostis pergracilis, Eriachne pulchella and/or Fimbristylis dichotoma closed annual grassland / sedgeland

Acacia aneura low open forest over Chrysopogon fallax very open tussock grassland over Centipeda minima herbland and open annual grassland

8.03 Newman (W,O)

212.73 Boolgeeda (W,O), McKay (W,O) 4.34 McKay (W,O)

11.35 McKay (W,O)

55 (HR), 56 (HR), 96 (W) Fortescue Plains Sub-region

163.74 Boolgeeda (W,O), mosaic: 9844.58 ha with Fa1a Jamindie (R), Turee (R), Washplain (R,O)

D

-3

97 (R), 98 (HR), 99 (HR)

F, MG

6

6

2

14

High

7029.45 Boolgeeda (W,O), 97 (R), 98 (HR), 99 Brockman (W,O), (HR), 100 (R) Elimunna (R), Jamindie (R), Turee (R), Washplain (R,O)

F, MG

6

5

2

13

Moderate to High

C, F, MG

8

6

3

17

Very High

mosaics: 9844.58 ha with Fa1; 258.62 ha with Fa10; 2035.90 ha with Fa11; 1974.28 ha with Fa12; 54.56 ha with Fa18/Ch17; 1166.15 ha with Fx11/Fx12; 1725.32 ha with Fa20

731.43 Washplain (R,O) mosaics: 679.37 ha with Fa19; 258.62 ha with Fa1a; 252.04 ha with Fa20

99 (HR)

Table 6.2:

Summary matrix of conservation values of the individual vegetation types defined for the FMG Stage B study area.

Veg Type

Description

Fa11

Acacia aneura low closed forest over Eremophila lanceolata low open shrubland over Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus open annual grassland and Goodenia prostrata very open herbland

Fa12

Acacia aneura low forest over Chrysopogon fallax, Digitaria brownii open tussock grassland and *Bidens bipinnata open herbland

Fa13

Acacia aneura low open forest over Chrysopogon fallax, Digitaria brownii open tussock grassland

Fa14

Acacia aneura low open forest to low woodland over *Cenchrus ciliaris tussock grassland

Area Mapped within Study Area (ha)

Associated Land System/s (regional representation )

Chichester Range100 Sub-region 4.8 ha Jamindie (R), Turee (R) (R)

Acacia aneura low open forest over Chloris pectinata, Eragrostis tenellula open annual grassland and Ptilotus gomphrenoides var. gomphrenoides open herbland

Fa16

Acacia aneura low open woodland over Dodonaea petiolaris, Psydrax latifolia, Acacia ancistrocarpa open shrubland over Chrysopogon fallax, Cymbopogon ambiguus, Triodia epactia open tussock / hummock grassland

Fa17

Acacia aneura tall shrubland over Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Dichanthium sericeum subsp. humilius, Iseilema eremaeum annual grassland

Fa18

Acacia aneura, A. rhodophloia low closed forest over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Indigofera georgei low open shrubland over Themeda triandra, Digitaria brownii open tussock grassland and annual grasses

Fa19

Acacia aneura low woodland over Acacia rhodophloia high shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Dodonaea petiolaris, Sida sp. unisexual open shrubland over open grassland

Fa20

Acacia catenulata, A. aneura low open forest over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Sida sp. unisexual open shrubland with open annual grassland

Fa21

Acacia catenulata, A. aneura low closed forest over Sida sp. unisexual, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Dodonaea petiolaris open heath to open shrubland

Fa22

Acacia catenulata (A. aneura) low open forest over Eriachne mucronata, Paspalidium clementii, Triodia epactia very open tussock / hummock grassland

Fa23

Acacia aneura (A. pruinocarpa, A. catenulata) low open woodland to low open forest over Acacia wanyu tall shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii shrubland over Triodia spp. very open hummock grassland

Fa24

Acacia aneura, A. ayersiana low woodland over Triodia spp. open hummock grassland

Other Key Attributes Increasing Conservation Value †1

Other Key Attributes Decreasing Conservation Value †2

Score based on distribution of Land System/s

Score based on distribution of floristic 100-group/s

Score from other attributes that increase conservation value

Score from other attributes that decrease conservation value

Overall Score

Perceived Relative Significance ƒ

F, MG

6

4

2

12

Moderate to High

Not included in analysis

F, MG

6

4

2

12

Moderate to High

97 (R), 98 (HR), 99 (HR) 27 (R), 97 (R), 99 (HR)

F, M

6

6

2

14

High

6

4

1

8

Moderate

100 (R)

F, MG

4

4

2

10

Moderate

56 (HR), 98 (HR)

F, M

4

6

2

12

Moderate to High

1.34 Jamindie (R)

100 (R)

F, M

6

4

2

12

Moderate to High

mosaic: 54.56 ha with Fa1a / Ch17 Jamindie (R)

98 (HR)

F, MG

6

6

2

14

High

98 (HR)

F, M

8

6

2

16

High

98 (HR)

F, MG

6

6

2

14

High

97 (R), 98 (HR)

F, M

4

5

2

11

Moderate to High

3.41 Boolgeeda (W,O)

98 (HR)

F, M

4

6

2

12

Moderate to High

49.80 Boolgeeda (W,O)

98 (HR)

F, M

4

6

2

12

Moderate to High

46.55 Jamindie (R)

96 (W)

F, M

6

2

2

10

Moderate

mosaic: 2035.90 ha with Fa1a mosaic: 1974.28 ha with Fa1a Jamindie (R) 663.55 Jamindie (R) 2705.70 Jamindie (R), Turee (R) mosaics: 170.18 ha with Fx10; 445.50 ha with Fc4

Fa15

100-group/s of the floristic analysis (regional representation*)

6.13 Brockman (W,O) 165.85 Boolgeeda (W,O)

534.85 Washplain (R,O) 269.70 Boolgeeda (W,O), mosaic: 252.04 ha with Fa10; Washplain (R,O) 1725.32 ha with Fa1a 247.42 Boolgeeda (W,O)

M

D

-3

mosaic: 56.34 ha with Ch23

Fa25

Acacia aneura low open woodland over Themeda triandra open tussock grassland and Eragrostis leptocarpa, E. tenellula annual grassland

433.64 Boolgeeda (W,O), Washplain (R,O)

98 (HR)

F, M

6

6

2

14

High

Fa26

Acacia aneura, A. catenulata tall open shrubland over Eremophila forrestii open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

488.26 Boolgeeda (W,O)

Not included in analysis

F, M

4

4

2

10

Moderate

Fa27

Acacia aneura, A. catenulata tall open shrubland over Aristida inaequiglumis, A. contorta grassland

161.12 Washplain (R,O)

98 (HR)

F, M

8

6

2

16

High

mosaic: 20518.35 ha with Fp2 Divide (R)

56 (HR)

F

6

6

1

13

Moderate to High

mosaic 20518.35 ha with Fp1 Divide (R)

56 (HR)

F

6

6

1

13

Moderate to High

56 (HR)

F

6

6

1

13

Moderate to High

6

5

1

12

Moderate to High

Sandy Plains Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. coriacea, A. melleodora scattered tall shrubs over Triodia schinzii closed Fp1 hummock grassland

Fp2

Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. coriacea, A. melleodora scattered tall shrubs over Triodia lanigera closed hummock grassland

Fp3

Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. coriacea, A. melleodora scattered tall shrubs over Triodia epactia hummock grassland

40.46 Divide (R)

Fp4

Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. adsurgens shrubland over Triodia epactia mid-dense hummock grassland

208.84 Divide (R)

56 (HR), 100 (R)

F

200.69 River (W)

49 (W), 99 (HR)

C

D

2

4

1

-3

4

Low to moderate

99 (HR)

C

D

3

6

1

-3

7

Moderate

D

6

4

1

-3

8

Moderate

Creeklines (not Mulga-dominated) Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens, A. aneura, Atalaya Fc4 hemiglauca low woodland over *Cenchrus ciliaris tussock grassland

mosaic: 445.50 ha with Fa14

Fc5

Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens low woodland over Hakea lorea subsp. lorea, Acacia tetragonophylla, A. pyrifolia, Atalaya hemiglauca tall open shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris closed tussock grassland

Fc6

Eucalyptus victrix low open woodland over Grevillea wickhamii, Acacia pyrifolia tall open scrub over *Cenchrus ciliaris tussock grassland and Triodia longiceps, T. epactia scattered hummock grasses

1036.76 Jamindie (R), Turee (R)

35 (W), 97 (R), 99 (HR)

C

Fc7

Eucalyptus leucophloia, Corymbia spp. scattered low trees over Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis tall open scrub over Themeda triandra, Triodia epactia scattered tussock / hummock grasses

474.20 Jamindie (R), McKay (W,O), Newman (W,O)

24 (W), 35 (W), 56 (HR)

S

4

2

1

7

Moderate

Fc8

Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low mallees over Grevillea wickhamii, Acacia tumida, A. pyrifolia tall open shrubland over Cassia luerssenii, C. glutinosa open shrubland over Triodia epactia middense hummock grassland

297.35 Jamindie (R)

97 (R)

S

6

4

1

11

Moderate to High

Fc9

Acacia aneura scattered low trees over Acacia pyrifolia, Grevillea wickhamii tall open scrub over Indigofera monophylla open heath over Enneapogon polyphyllus open annual grassland

144.20 Jamindie (R)

97 (R)

S

6

4

1

11

Moderate to High

Fc10

Acacia pyrifolia tall open scrub over Triodia longiceps mid-dense hummock grassland

76.16 Jamindie (R)

97 (R)

S

6

4

1

11

Moderate to High

Fc11

Corymbia hamersleyana, Eucalyptus leucophloia, Acacia pruinocarpa scattered low trees over Acacia atkinsiana, A. bivenosa, A. maitlandii, A. ancistrocarpa, Petalostylis labicheoides tall open shrubland to open scrub over Triodia epactia open hummock grassland

4

2

6

Low to moderate

Fc12

Acacia pruinocarpa, A. tetragonophylla, A. aneura, Atalaya hemiglauca tall shrubland over Triodia longiceps hummock grassland

Cracking Clays Acacia xiphophylla open scrub over Cassia sturtii shrubland to low open heath over Eragrostis Fx1

410.17 River (W), Turee (R)

5.00 Newman (W,O)

569.10 Jamindie (R)

97 (R)

S

6

4

1

11

Moderate to High

409.20 Turee (R)

100 (R)

S

6

4

1

11

Moderate to High

38 (W), 100 (R)

F

6

3

1

10

Moderate

xerophila open tussock grassland

Fx10

Acacia synchronicia tall open shrubland over Aristida latifolia open tussock grassland and Ptilotus gomphrenoides var. gomphrenoides, Chloris pectinata open annual herbland / grassland

35 (W)

3834.74 Jamindie (R), Turee (R) mosaic: 170.18 ha with Fa14

Table 6.2:

Summary matrix of conservation values of the individual vegetation types defined for the FMG Stage B study area.

Veg Type

Description

Area Mapped within Study Area (ha)

Associated Land System/s (regional representation )

100-group/s of the floristic analysis (regional representation*)

Fx11

Mixed herbland and annual grassland

Chichester Range38Sub-region mosaics: 1166.15 ha with Brockman (W,O) (W), 98 (HR), 100 F Fa1a/Fx12; 1070.77 ha with Fx12 (R)

4

4

1

9

Moderate

Fx12

Eragrostis setifolia closed tussock grassland

mosaics: 1166.15 ha with Brockman (W,O), Turee Fa1a/Fx11; 1070.77 ha with Fx11 (R)

5

4

1

10

Moderate

Not included in analysis

4

2

6

Low to moderate

57 (W), 58 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

1716.40 Newman (W,O)

54 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

100 (R)

Other Key Attributes Increasing Conservation Value †1

F

Other Key Attributes Decreasing Conservation Value †2

Score based on distribution of Land System/s

Score based on distribution of floristic 100-group/s

Score from other attributes that increase conservation value

Score from other attributes that decrease conservation value

Overall Score

Perceived Relative Significance ƒ

Hamersley Range Sub-region Low Stony Hills and Plains Eucalyptus gamophylla scattered low mallees over Gossypium australe, Grevillea wickhamii scattered Hh3

mosaic: 37.94 ha with Hp5 Boolgeeda (W,O)

tall shrubs over Triodia lanigera hummock grassland with Aristida holathera var. holathera annual open grassland

Hh4

Corymbia hamersleyana , Eucalyptus gamophylla scattered low trees over Acacia pachyacra, Petalostylis cassioides tall open shrubland over Triodia lanigera (T. pungens) mid-dense hummock grassland

Hh5

Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered trees over Acacia inaequilatera, Hakea chordophylla scattered tall shrubs over Acacia hilliana low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

Hh5b

Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Hakea chordophylla, Acacia bivenosa, A. pachyacra, Grevillea wickhamii scattered tall shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland

513.08 Newman (W,O)

54 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

Hh6

Acacia inaequilatera scattered tall shrubs over Triodia wiseana mid-dense hummock grassland

110.95 Newman (W,O)

6 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

Hh13

Acacia pruinocarpa low open woodland over Cassia glutinosa scattered shrubs over Eriachne mucronata, Themeda triandra, Triodia pungens open grassland /open hummock grassland

Hh14

Acacia aneura, A. pruinocarpa low woodland over Cassia luerssenii scattered shrubs over Triodia pungens mid-dense hummock grassland

Hp5

Corymbia hamersleyana, Eucalyptus gamophylla scattered low trees over Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. dictyophleba, A. pachyacra, Hakea spp. high open shrubland over Triodia pungens hummock grassland

Hp7

Corymbia hamersleyana, Eucalyptus gamophylla scattered low trees over Acacia dictyophleba, A. ancistrocarpa tall shrubland to tall open shrubland over Triodia schinzii, T. pungens mid-dense hummock grassland

Creeklines Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Acacia pyrifolia tall shrubland over Triodia pungens Hc7a

581.32 Boolgeeda (W,O), Newman (W,O)

2.34 Newman (W,O)

Not included in analysis

S

4

2

1

7

Moderate

96 (W)

F

4

2

1

7

Moderate

Not included in analysis

4

2

6

Low to moderate

137.72 Newman (W,O)

57 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

74.92 Newman (W,O)

57 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

37.44 Newman (W,O)

Not included in analysis

4

2

9

Moderate

4

2

6

Low to moderate

2

2

6

Low to moderate

53.31 Newman (W,O) mosaic: 37.94 ha with Hh3 Boolgeeda (W,O)

mid-dense hummock grassland

Hc16

Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees to low open woodland over Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis, A. bivenosa, Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula, Petalostylis labicheoides closed scrub over Triodia pungens hummock grassland and Themeda triandra open tussock grassland

Hc17

Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis (Acacia pyrifolia, Grevillea wickhamii, Gossypium robinsonii) open scrub over Themeda triandra, Triodia pungens open tussock / hummock grassland

Hc22

Eucalyptus victrix low woodland over Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis, A. pyrifolia, Grevillea wickhamii, Gossypium robinsonii tall open shrubland over Tephrosia rosea var. glabrior low open shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris, Digitaria brownii, Eriachne tenuiculmis, Triodia pungens very open tussock / hummock grassland

16.67 River (W)

49 (W)

Hc23

Corymbia hamersleyana low open woodland over Acacia dictyophleba, A. tumida var. pilbarensis tall open shrubland over Eulalia aurea, Themeda triandra tussock grassland

36.22 Newman (W,O)

57 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

Hc24

Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia monticola, Grevillea wickhamii, Sida arenicola open shrubland over Triodia pungens open hummock grassland

16.73 Newman (W,O)

54 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

Hc25

Eucalyptus gamophylla scattered low mallees over Petalostylis labicheoides shrubland over Aristida holathera var. holathera open grassland

3.56 Newman (W,O)

57 (W)

4

2

6

Low to moderate

Hc26

Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Eucalyptus gamophylla low open mallee woodland over Acacia bivenosa tall open shrubland over Eragrostis eriopoda, Parenurachne muelleri, Triodia pungens open tussock / hummock grassland

4.39 Newman (W,O)

Not included in analysis

4

2

6

Low to moderate

122.65 Newman (W,O)

C, F, S

57 (W) C, S

3

2

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

7.0

Flora

7.1

Overview of Flora Recorded

A total of 599 taxa of native vascular flora from 181 genera belonging to 54 families was recorded from the survey area (see Appendix 3). In addition, 13 introduced flora species were recorded (see Section 7.3). The families and genera with the greatest number of native taxa recorded (see Tables 7.1 and 7.2) are those that are predominant in the vegetation of the eastern Pilbara, and that usually have most representatives on flora lists from this region. Some of the families (eg. the Amaranthaceae, Malvaceae and Poaceae) are more species rich in the Northern and Eremaean floras and poorer in the Southern flora, while others, such as the Mimosaceae, are abundant in all three. In contrast to the families and genera that have many representatives, 16 families and 95 genera recorded during the survey were represented by only one taxon. These included Amyema (Loranthaceae), Byblis (Byblidaceae), Ficus (Moraceae), Haloragis (Haloragaceae), Maytenus (Celastraceae), Stylidium (Stylidiaceae), Trachymene (Apiaceae) and Typha (Typhaceae). Some of the genera, such as Ehretia and Maytenus, have northern affinities but have only a few species in the state and only one or two in the Pilbara. Others such as Haloragis have mostly southern affinities, at least in Australia, and have only a few species in the Eremaean parts of the state. The most frequently recorded species were Ptilotus exaltatus var. exaltatus (178 records), Aristida contorta (136 records), Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii (130 records), Pterocaulon sphaeranthoides (129 records), Gomphrena kanisii (128 records), Solanum lasiophyllum (127 records), Enneapogon polyphyllus (116 records), Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx (107 records), Dysphania rhadinostachya subsp. rhadinostachya (103 records, Portulaca oleracea (103 records) and Cleome viscosa (101 records). With the exception of the perennial shrub Solanum lasiophyllum and the perennial herb Evolvulus alsinoides var. villosicalyx, these species are all annual grasses and herbs with relatively wide environmental tolerances. One hundred and three taxa were recorded from only a single collection during the survey.

Table 7.1:

Plant families with the highest number of species in the FMG Stage B project area.

Family Poaceae (grass family) Malvaceae (Hibiscus family) Mimosaceae (wattle family) Papilionaceae (pea family) Amaranthaceae (mulla-mulla family) Asteraceae (daisy family) Caesalpiniaceae (Cassia family) Chenopodiaceae (saltbush, bluebush family) Euphorbiaceae (spurge family) Goodeniaceae (fan-flower family)

No. of Native Taxa 88 68 58 46 31 31 30 25 20 18

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Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

Table 7.2:

Plant genera with the highest number of species in the FMG Stage B project area.

Genus Acacia (wattle family) Sida (Hibiscus family) Cassia (Cassia family) (=Senna) Hibiscus (Hibiscus family) Ptilotus (mulla-mulla family) Euphorbia (spurge family) Abutilon (Hibiscus family) Eriachne (grass family) Indigofera (pea family) Eremophila (poverty-bush family) Goodenia (fan-flower family)

7.1.1

No. of Native Taxa 57 30 28 22 20 15 14 12 12 11 11

Species Richness of Habitat Types

Excluding incompletely recorded sites, species richness per quadrat (detailed flora recording site) ranged from 4 to 100 taxa, with an average of 45 taxa. Quadrats with the lowest species richness included FMN23 (an extremely species-poor Triodia epactia hummock grassland on a north-facing shaley hillslope; 4 species), FML53 (a Triodia melvillei hummock grassland on a south-facing shaley hillslope; 14 species) and FML60 (a minor flowline with an extremely dense cover of Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis; 15 species). While rocky hillslopes appear to retain more water than hillcrests, and often support additional species to the latter habitat, shaley hillslopes do not retain water well and are less favorable for plant growth. In minor flowlines through stony hills, a very dense shrub overstorey tends to reduce the number of species in the understorey, probably through competition for water. In contrast, dense woodland vegetation on clayey plains tends to have a high species richness, as for short periods after heavy rains these areas retain soil moisture from run-on and seepage. Sites with the highest species richness values were all located within Mulga woodlands on clayey plains or in creeklines; FMN14 (97 native taxa), FMN04 and FMN18 (91 native taxa), FMN10 (83 native taxa) and FML12 (81 native taxa). The main factor driving differences in the number of species recorded in different quadrats thus seems to be habitat type. Habitats with generally good conditions (deep soils with more readily available water) typically had more species than habitats with less favorable soils, or extreme conditions.

7.2

Flora of Conservation Significance

7.2.1

Declared Rare and Priority Flora

7.2.1.1

Legislative and Administrative Levels of Flora Protection

While all native flora are protected under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-1979, a number of plant species are assigned an additional level of conservation significance based on the limited number of known populations and the perceived threats to these populations (Table 7.3). Species of the highest conservation significance are designated Declared Rare Flora (DRF), either extant or presumed extinct. Species that appear to be rare or threatened, but for which there is insufficient information to properly evaluate their conservation significance, are assigned to one of four Priority flora categories by CALM. This is an administrative (rather than legislated) level of protection. In addition, the presence of some flora species means that it may be necessary to refer proposals to the Federal Minister for the Environment under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. In the Pilbara, only the two Declared Rare Flora species (Lepidium catapycnon and Thryptomene wittweri) are currently listed under the EPBC Act 1999. Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

69

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

Table 7.3:

Categories of conservation significance for flora species (Atkins 2004).

Declared Rare Flora - Extant Taxa. Taxa that have been adequately searched for and are deemed to be in the wild either rare, in danger of extinction or otherwise in need of special protection. Declared Rare Flora - Presumed Extinct. Taxa which have not been collected, or otherwise verified, over the past 50 years despite thorough searching, or of which all known wild populations have been destroyed more recently. Priority 1 - Poorly Known Taxa. Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally 3-4 years ago (some areas burnt >7-10 years Gompholobium polyzygum (?seral) forms low shrubland to low open heath on hillslopes; Acacia hilliana tends to be on ridge tops FMG128 Malcolm Trudgen 25-35 x 70m 15/09/200 50 743867mE, 7473432mN 743794mE, 7473436mN 743799mE, 7473467mN 743869mE, 7473454mN Sloping crest of a spur Red-brown very gravelly to shingly loam with gravel to shingle surface Banded ironstone Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula scattered tall shrubs over Goodenia stobbsiana low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Patchy; part burnt >10 years ago, part burnt ~3 ye Goodenia stobbsiana low open shrubland is likely to be fire induced (seral) FMG130 Malcolm Trudgen 20 x 100m 15/09/200 50 744066mE, 7473399mN 744163mE, 7473393mN Gently sloping colluvial fan at base of spur (E-facing) Red-brown very gravelly pebbly loam Banded ironstone Corymbia hamersleyana, Hakea chordophylla scattered low trees over Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula, Acacia pachyacra scattered tall shrubs over Acacia bivenosa scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland Excellent Burnt ~3 years ago

Condition Fire

FMG131 Brian Morgan 50 x 50m 17/09/200 50 742172mE, 7477585mN 742215mE, 7477612mN 742190mE, 7477656mN 740168mE, 7479801mN Lower colluvial spur between creeklines (gently sloping, ENE-facing) Red-brown sand to pebbly cobbly sand Ironstone Corymbia hamersleyana, Eucalyptus gamophylla scattered low trees over Acacia bivenosa, A. inaequilatera, A. pachyacra tall shrubland over Dicrastylis georgei low open shrubland over Triodia lanigera mid-dense hummock grassland. Excellent Burnt 10 years ago. Quadrat shape adjusted to fit between two flowlines

234035mE, 7498143mN 234138mE, 7498156mN

FML04 Brian Morgan 50x50m 30/06/200 51 233985mE, 7495615mN 233936mE, 7495623mN 233943mE, 7495672mN 233994mE, 7495664mN Very shallow broad, poorly defined drainage line on flood plain Red-brown gravelly (little cover) sand Ironstone Corymbia candida subsp. dipsodes, C. hamersleyana scattered low trees over Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens, A. elachantha, A. ancistrocarpa, A. tenuissima tall open shrubland over Triodia epactia mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt 3-4 years ago FML05 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 1/07/2004 51 226758mE, 7494955mN 226808mE, 7494953mN 226809mE, 7494902mN 226759mE, 7494906mN Stony clay flat Red loamy clay with ironstone pebbles on soil surface Ironstone Acacia inaequilatera scattered tall shrubs over Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt ~3 years ago or more FML06 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 30/06/200 51 222419mE, 7493465mN 222448mE, 7493406mN Stony clay flat (alluvial deposition) Red loamy clay with lots of ironstone pebbles on soil surface. Ironstone Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Possibly burnt in the last 3 years (Mulga adjacent

222466mE, 7493448mN 222402mE, 7493419mN

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Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FML10 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 28/06/200 51 233549mE, 7493293mN 233563mE, 7493241mN 233506mE, 7493268mN Low area, slight rise on south side Red-brown sandy loam/clay, setting, but not hard. No gravel or pebbles Acacia aneura var. longicarpa, A. aneura (grey bushy form; MET 15 732) low open forest over Psydrax latifolia, Dodonaea petiolaris scattered tall shrubs over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii shrubland to open heath over Triodia spp. scattered hummocks, Chrysopogon fallax scattered tussocks and Eragrostis tenellula mid-dense annual grassland and Calandrinia very open herbland Excellent Burnt >20 years ago Some adjoining areas (to east) burnt recently. More Digitaria brownii to east of quadrat FML11 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 28/06/200 51 233073mE, 7494083mN 233027mE, 7494092mN 233050mE, 7494137mN Plain; very gentle slope (to S?) Red-brown sandy clay/loam. Surface hard set but not hard below. Thin layer of coarse sand and gravel on surface (pebbly). Thin litter layer under the groves of mulga. Acacia catenulata (A. aneura (grey flat recurved tips; MET 15 828), A. paraneura) low open forest over Sida sp. unisexual, Psydrax latifolia, P. suaveolens scattered tall shrubs over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii open shrubland over Triodia epactia, T. aff. basedowii scattered hummocks and Eriachne pulchella, Dysphania kalpari annual grassland / herbland Excellent Burnt >15 years ago (?>25ya.) Trees are in bands with open areas between them FML12 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 30/06/200 51 233815mE, 7497206mN 233771mE, 7497184mN 233749mE, 7497230mN 233795mE, 7497252mN Drainage line Red alluvial fine clay. Acacia aneura (grey bushy form; MET 15 732) low open woodland over Dodonaea petiolaris, Psydrax latifolia, Acacia ancistrocarpa open shrubland over Chrysopogon fallax, Cymbopogon ambiguus, Triodia epactia open tussock / hummock grassland Very good Unburnt for more than 5 years FML13 Kelli McCreery 20-30x120m 30/06/200 51 234286mE, 7497284mN 234368mE, 7494355mN 234384mE, 7497345mN 234302mE, 7497258mN Creek in stony footslopes Red sandy clay loam - patches of clay or sand Ironstone Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula tall open scrub over Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. bivenosa, A. adsurgens, A. tenuissima open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii very open hummock grassland and Paraneurachne muelleri open tussock grassland excellent Burnt >5 years ago Quadrat size modified to fit creek

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire

FML20 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 29/06/200 51 234380mE, 7494287mN 234433mE, 7494281mN 234425mE, 7494231mN 234377mE, 7494237mN Lower hillslope Red alluvial clay with lots of ironstone pebbles on soil surface Ironstone Acacia paraneura scattered tall shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Patchily burnt in the last 2-3 years

FMGB Site Described Date

FML21 Kelli McCreery 29/06/200

50x50m

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Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

51 234570mE, 7494594mN 234518mE, 7494548mN Low stony hill Red sandy clay loam Ironstone Triodia brizoides, T. aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Patchily burnt 1-2 years ago

234567mE, 7494544mN 234521mE, 7494599mN

FML22 Brian Morgan 50x50 m 29/06/200 51 234091mE, 7495020mN 234058mE, 7495044mN 234090mE, 7495097mN 234121mE, 7495072mN Broad, flat drainage area Red-brown loam Acacia aff. aneura (long, flat, recurved; FMR 35.3) low woodland over Acacia wanyu tall shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii open hummock grassland Excellent Burnt >7-10 years ago FML23 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 29/06/200 51 234227mE, 7496785mN 234240mE, 7496737mN 234192mE, 7496726mN 234183mE, 7496775mN Hill slope (mild gradient) sloping down to drainage area (drainage line and valley) Red clay soil (?alluvial), very shallow. Over ironstone pebbles and likely to be solid ironstone beneath Ironstone Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula scattered tall shrubs to tall open shrubland over Acacia spp. open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent; although some bulldozer tracks are present Burnt 2-3 years ago. FML24 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 29/06/200 51 233921mE, 7496403mN 233971mE, 7496408mN 233975mE, 7496359mN 233926mE, 7496354mN Broad drainage Red clayey sand and patches of clay Ironstone Corymbia candida subsp. dipsodes, C. hamersleyana low open woodland over Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens open shrubland over A. tenuissima, A. ancistrocarpa shrubland over Triodia epactia mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt 2-3 years ago FML25 Brian Morgan 50x40m 29/06/200 51 233136mE, 7496430mN 233176mE, 7496417mN 233190mE, 7496463mN 233151mE, 7496477mN Gentle, west-facing slope of low rise Red-brown pebbly (shaley) sand Grey shale Acacia aff. aneura (long, flat, recurved; FMR 35.3) scattered low trees over Cassia pruinosa scattered shrubs over Corchorus lasiocarpus subsp. parvus low open heath over Triodia wiseana mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent (except recently burnt) Burnt 7-10 years ago FML30 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 1/07/2004 51 224687mE, 7493390mN 224633mE, 7493346mN Clay plain; intergrove between Mulga groves Red sandy clay; stony surface mantle Ironstone Eriachne pulchella very open grassland and mixed open herbland Excellent No evidence of recent fire

224684mE, 7493341mN 226639mE, 7493395mN

FML31 Michi Maier 50x50m 1/07/2004 51 226494mE, 7494754mN 226541mE, 7494777mN 226564mE, 7494732mN 226518mE, 7494711mN Outwash plain between low stony rises Red-brown fine sandy clay loam with continuous surface layer of angular pebbles Acacia aneura (grey bushy form; MET 15 732) scattered tall shrubs over Cassia luerssenii scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Patchily burnt ~2 years ago Stony colluvial areas (such as site) interspersed with mulga growing over Triodia aff. Basedowii FML32 Brian Morgan 50x50m 1/07/2004 51 220172mE, 7493931mN 220226mE, 2493933mN 220225mE, 7493883mN 220175mE, 7493881mN Gentle west-facing slope of low rise Red-brown gravelly, pebbly loamy sand Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Acacia tetragonophylla scattered tall shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii closed hummock grassland Excellent Burnt >7-10 years ago (large Triodia hummocks) Scattered tall shrub / low tree species variable across this area with large grassland slopes as per this site. Acacia pruinocarpa scattered on hilltop. Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

Condition Fire

FML33 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 1/07/2004 51 217550mE, 7492650mN 217498mE, 7492646mN 217498mE, 7492695mN 217548mE, 7492698mN Alluvial, stony clay flat Red clay with small amount of loam and ironstone pebbles on soil surface Ironstone Acacia paraneura scattered low trees over Eremophila cuneifolia open shrubland over Aristida contorta annual grassland Excellent Doesn't look to have been burnt for >5 years.

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes

FML34 Raimond Orifici 15x - m 2/07/2004 51 Minor drainage line heading downslope from hill Red-brown alluvial/colluvial loamy clay with a small amount of sand present assumed to be ironstone Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis closed heath Excellent; although Acacia tumida being devastated by large grasshoppers Burnt in the last year quadrat is a long thin rectangle

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FML35 Brian Morgan 40x60 m 2/07/2004 51 214001mE, 7492690mN 214962mE, 7492701mN 213980mE, 7492758mN 214018mE, 7492747mN Creek flood banks dissected by shallow dry depressions / channels Red-brown pebbly (scattered) sand Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low woodland to low open forest over Acacia tetragonophylla scattered tall shrubs over Enneapogon polyphyllus annual grassland Very good; some Buffel grass Last fire in stand >7 years ago (fire more recent site restricted to Mulga dominated area; includes flood banks (slightly elevated), not creek bed

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation

Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type

FML36 Michi Maier 100x25m 2/07/2004 51 213330mE, 7493239mN 213232mE, 7493218mN 213231mE, 7493243mN Edge of stony hill Red-brown skeletal fine sandy clay loam with continuous surface layer of ironstone Ironstone Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia rhodophloia tall open scrub over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt 2-3 years ago FML37 Brian Morgan 25x46x13x46m 4/07/2004 51 222760mE, 7492571mN 222758mE, 7492617mN 222783mE, 7492611mN 222774mE, 7492572mN Shallow depression area on a flat plain Red-brown clay Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low woodland over Chrysopogon fallax tussock grassland and Eragrostis cumingii open annual grassland Very good; some Bidens weed last fire more than 7-10 ya. the Acacia aneura over Chrysopogon grassland unit was very irregular. It was difficult to find a consistent stand 50x50m so an irregular quadrat was used to maximise the plot area. FML38 Malcolm Trudgen 30 x 70m 25/10/200 51 205415mE, 7496553mN 205483mE, 7496588mN Lower slope of low hill (S to SW facing) Red-brown gravelly pebbly clay loam with angular pebble surface Some banded ironstone outcropping

205415mE, 7496581mN 205509mE, 7496553mN

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

Condition Fire Notes

Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula tall shrubland over Cassia glutinosa scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland Very good to Excellent Burnt ~5 years ago Dry; annuals dead but still recognisable FML39 Malcolm Trudgen 5-10 x 100m 25/10/200 51 205379mE, 7496521mN 205299mE, 7496468mN Flowline between two low spurs on slopes of a low hill / ridge Red-brown gravelly pebbly clay loam with scattered cobbles; most of surface pebbly Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259), Corymbia hamersleyana, Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia monticola tall open scrub over Dodonaea petiolaris scattered low shrubs over Paraneurachne muelleri, Eriachne mucronata, Triodia aff. basedowii scattered tussock / hummock grasses Very good to Excellent Burnt > 5 years ago FML40 Malcolm Trudgen 8-10 x 70m 25/10/200 51 205431mE, 7495309mN 205459mE, 7495372mN Very gentle slope to south, at edge of plain / valley; slight flowline (has a minor channel in places) Light red-brown clay loam; pebbly in places Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) tall shrubland over Rhagodia sp. Hamersley tall scattered shrubs over Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum, Ptilotus exaltatus var. exaltatus scattered annual herbs over Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Dichanthium sericeum subsp. humilius, Iseilema eremaeum annual grassland Very good; some Buffel grass Burnt >10 (>15?) years ago Dry; annuals still recognisable; >90% of available species recorded FML41 Malcolm Trudgen 55 x 50m 25/10/200 51 205433mE, 7494594mN 205443mE, 7494654mN 205379mE, 7494648mN 205378mE, 7494600mN Very gentle southerly slopes at edge of plain / valley floor Red-brown gravelly pebbly loam clay with pebbly surface (scattered to dense) Ptilotus exaltatus, Trichodesma zeylanicum var. zeylanicum open annual herbland over Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Gomphrena kanisii open annual grassland / Very good; likely to have had long-term grazing Burnt >10 years ago Dry, but annuals recognisable FML42 Malcolm Trudgen 50 x 50m 25/10/200 51 204266mE, 7496618mN 204272mE, 7496623mN 204269mE, 7496664mN 204226mE, 7496675mN Moderate lower slope (S facing) of an east-west ridge Red-brown gravelly pebbly loam with pebble surface Acacia aff. aneura (grey flat recurved tips; MET 15,828), Hakea lorea subsp. lorea scattered tall shrubs over Grevillea wickhamii subsp. hispidula high open shrubland over Indigofera monophylla (small leaflet form), Corchorus lasiocarpus subsp. lasiocarpus open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland Very good to Excellent Burnt >5 years ago The Grevillea and Corchorus are probably seral (or at least mostly seral). FML43 Malcolm Trudgen 50 x 50m 25/10/200 51 204228mE, 7495918mN 204277mE, 7495937mN 204291mE, 7495891mN Gentle slopes below ridge at upper edge of plain / valley floor Orange-brown gravelly loam / clay with scattered gravel surface Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) high open shrubland to open scrub over Acacia rhodophloia high open shrubland over Sida sp. unisexual, Dodonaea petiolaris open shrubland to open heath over Triodia longiceps, Eriachne mucronata scattered hummock / tussock grasses over Ptilotus exaltatus open herbland and Aristida contorta, Dichanthium sericeum subsp. humilius, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii annual grassland Very good to Excellent Burnt >10 years ago (>20?) Patches of dense mulga alternating with open areas Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation

Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

FML44 Malcolm Trudgen 26/10/200 51 206549mE, 7495565mN 706501mE, 7495566mN 206499mE, 7495516mN 206558mE, 7495511mN Gentle slopes on edge of plain / valley floor Light red-brown somewhat gravelly, pebbly clay loam with thin, patchy gravel / pebble surface and some coarse sand Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259), A. pruinocarpa low open woodland over Cassia luerssenii high open shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland over Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii, Aristida contorta very open annual grassland Very good to Excellent Burnt >15 years ago Dry, but annuals still recognisable; >90% of available flora. FML45 Malcolm Trudgen 50 x 50m 26/10/200 51 208012mE, 7495920mN 207991mE, 7495878mN 208029mE, 7495861mN Open small valley floor, gentle slope; flow area (large creek?) between low rises in a ridge complex Light red-brown gravelly pebbly clay loam with some small cobbles Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259), A. pruinocarpa low woodland over Atalaya hemiglauca scattered tall shrubs over Cassia luerssenii, Rhagodia eremaea high open shrubland over Ptilotus obovatus open shrubland over Triodia longiceps, Eriachne mucronata, Eulalia aurea very open hummock / tussock grassland over Enneapogon polyphyllus, Aristida contorta, Digitaria ctenantha open annual grassland Very good. Burnt >15 years ago Dry but annuals recognisable; >90% of available flora. Buffel grass quite uncommon. FML46 Malcolm Trudgen 50 x 50m 26/10/200 51 208201mE, 7495245mN 208210mE, 7495196mN 208264mE, 7495193mN 208250mE, 7495259mN SW facing mid slope on a low ridge Red-brown very gravelly, pebbly clay loam with surface gravel / pebbles and some small cobbles Marramamba? Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259), A. pruinocarpa low open woodland over Cassia luerssenii scattered tall shrubs over Tribulus suberosus, Dodonaea petiolaris scattered low shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland over Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii, Enneapogon polyphyllus very open annual grassland Very good to Excellent Part burnt 10 years ago Dry, but annuals recognisable; >90% of available flora recorded FML47 Malcolm Trudgen 26/10/200 51 208336mE, 7493658mN 208357mE, 7493612mN 208314mE, 7493584mN 208277mE, 7493634mN Low rise between areas of mulga, with small cracking clay patches Red-brown gravelly pebbly loam / clay with patches of cracking clay Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) scattered low trees over Aristida contorta, Ptilotus aervoides open annual grassland / herbland, with patches of Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open woodland over Sida aff. fibulifera (HD200-6) low open shrubland with Eragrostis xerophila, E. aff. eriopoda scattered tussock grasses and Ptilotus gomphrenoides, Chloris pectinata, Dichanthium sericeum subsp. humilius annual herbland / grassland Very good; most of mulga is dead Burnt 15 years ago Dry, but annuals still recognisable; >90% of available species recorded. FML52 Malcolm Trudgen 5-10 x 100 m 27/10/200 51 210177mE, 7493313mN 210182mE, 7493428mN Small to medium sized creek between low ridges Light red-brown gravelly pebbly loam Eucalyptus leucophloia low open woodland over Acacia aneura (grey bushy form; MET 15 732), A. ayersiana low woodland over Petalostylis labicheoides scattered tall shrubs over Triodia longiceps, T. melvillei open hummock grassland Very good to Excellent Burnt >15 years ago Dry, but annuals still recognisable; >90% of available species recorded. FML53 Malcolm Trudgen 50 x 50 m 27/10/200 51 210547mE, 7493423mN 210500mE, 7493404mN 210495mE, 7493456mN 210547mE, 7493461mN Southerly facing slopes of a low ridge Light red-brown gravelly pebbly loam / clay White shale Grevillea berryana scattered tall shrubs over Goodenia stobbsiana low open shrubland over Triodia melvillei hummock grassland Excellent Burnt >15 years ago Dry, but annuals still recognisable; >90% of available species recorded. Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FML54 Malcolm Trudgen 27/10/200 51 210644mE, 7493080mN 210654mE, 7493043mN 210739mE, 7493110mN 210733mE, 7493130mN Lower colluvial slopes, on west side of a moderate sized ridge Red-brown very gravelly pebbly loam with packed gravel / pebble surface Colluvium Acacia aneura var. longicarpa scattered low trees over Cassia stricta scattered shrubs over Eremophila cuneifolia scattered low shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii scattered hummocks and Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii, Brachyachne prostrata open annual grassland Burnt >10 years ago Site tapers upslope to fit the habitat FML55 Malcolm Trudgen 27/10/200 51 210641mE, 7493092mN 210704mE, 7493153mN 210758mE, 7493139mN Narrow irregular flowline between low gentle colluvial spurs / slopes Light red-brown loam; setting; some gravel on surface Acacia ayersiana, A. paraneura low woodland over Acacia marramamba scattered tall shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii, T. epactia open hummock grassland Excellent Burnt >15 years ago Transect along flowline FML56 Malcolm Trudgen 27/10/200 51 210640mE, 7493885mN 210585mE, 7493881mN 210582mE, 7493831mN 210647mE, 7493817mN Gentle hill slope (WNW facing) Red-brown gravelly pebbly loam / clay with packed gravel / pebble surface Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259), Grevillea wickhamii scattered tall shrubs over Acacia aff. stowardii (linear form), Psydrax latifolia, Cassia glutinosa, C. luerssenii high open shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland Excellent Mostly unburnt Dry, but annuals still recognisable; >90% of available species recorded. Surrounding areas burnt >20 years ago. FML57 Malcolm Trudgen 34-50 x 50m 28/10/200 51 209107mE, 7495109mN 209144mE, 7495107mN 209115mE, 7495046mN 209167mE, 7495056mN Lower crest and upper slopes of a medium sized hill Red-brown very gravelly pebbly loam / clay with loose angular pebble surface ?Marramamba Acacia pruinocarpa, A. aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259), Grevillea berryana scattered large shrubs over Cassia glutinosa, C. pruinosa scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland Very good to Excellent Burnt ~ 2 years ago Dry, but annuals still recognisable; >90% of available species recorded.

Condition Fire Notes

FML58 Malcolm Trudgen 28/10/200 51 209171mE, 7495141mN 209206mE, 7495133mN 209217mE, 7495175mN 209234mE, 7495164mN Steep bouldery colluvial slope below small breakaway (SE to E facing; curved) Red-brown gravelly to cobbly loam with some boulders ?Marramamba Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) scattered low trees to low open woodland over Cassia glutinosa, Dodonaea petiolaris open shrubland over Triodia brizoides hummock grassland Excellent Burnt 2-3 years ago Dry, but annuals still recognisable; >90% of available species recorded.

FMGB Site Described Date

FML59 Malcolm Trudgen 28/10/200

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation

50 x 50 m

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

51 208611mE, 7495992mN 208674mE, 7496014mN 208618mE, 7495927mN 208683mE, 7495988mN Lower slopes of a low hill (N facing) Light brown gravelly pebbly loam with packed gravel / pebble surface Some patches of shale on surface Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) scattered tall shrubs over Triodia longiceps hummock grassland Very good to Excellent Part burnt >20 years ago; part burnt 90% of available species recorded. FML60 Malcolm Trudgen 8-15 x 70m 28/10/200 51 207399mE, 7497137mN 207466mE, 7497086mN 207352mE, 7497151mN Flowline along base of low hill / ridge Pink-brown loam / clay; pebbly in places and pebbly / gravelly on banks Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia tumida var. pilbarensis scrub over Triodia longiceps, T. epactia scattered hummock grasses Very good to Excellent Burnt ~5 years ago Dry, but annuals recognisable nearby (none in site) FML61 Malcolm Trudgen 50 x 50 m 28/10/200 51 207359mE, 7497020mN 207362mE, 7497056mN 207413mE, 7497030mN 207403mE, 7496996mN Mid and upper slope (NNE / NE facing) slopes of a moderate sized hill / ridge Red-brown gravelly pebbly loam with packed gravel / angular pebble surface ?Marramamba Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered trees over Grevillea wickhamii, Acacia spp. scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland Excellent Burnt 5-10 years ago Very dry conditions; annuals still just recognisable; >90% of available flora recorded

Condition Fire

FML-BA Brian Morgan relevé 4/07/2004 51 222701mE, 7492545mN Flat plain (intergrove area between mulga groves) Red-brown clay Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) scattered low trees over Eragrostis pergracilis closed grassland Excellent Burnt >7-10 years ago

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Vegetation

FML-KE Kelli McCreery relevé 1/07/2004 51 220423mE, 7494126mN Creek Acacia aneura var. ?aneura/intermedia low open woodland over *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Vegetation

FML-KF Kelli McCreery relevé 1/07/2004 51 220580mE, 7493763mN Low rise between two creeks Eucalyptus victrix scattered low trees over Acacia aneura var. ?aneura/intermedia low woodland over Acacia sclerosperma subsp. sclerosperma tall shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris tussock grassland Good - poor; invaded by Buffel grass

Condition FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation

FML-MA Michi Maier relevé 29/06/200 51 234451mE, 7491584mN Sandy plain Red-brown sandy loam Eucalyptus socialis, Corymbia hamersleyana low open woodland over Acacia coriacea subsp. sericophylla scattered tall shrubs over Acacia melleodora open shrubland over Triodia epactia (T. schinzii) hummock grassland Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Condition Fire Notes

Excellent Burnt ?3 years ago reasonably complete relevé; could use as a site.

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes

FML-MB Michi Maier relevé 29/06/200 51 233579mE, 7493982mN Stony plain on west side of low hill Red-brown fine sandy clay loam Eucalyptus gamophylla scattered low mallees over Acacia ancistrocarpa (A. melleodora, A. adsurgens) shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland Excellent Burnt ?3 years ago Pretty complete relevé; can use in an analysis. Area searched for ~50m around GPS

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire

FML-MC Michi Maier relevé 30/06/200 51 234772mE, 7498055mN Small rocky knoll Red-brown fine sandy clay loam Acacia rhodophloia tall open shrubland over Eriachne mucronata tussock grassland, annual grasses and herbs Very good; scattered weeds Burnt ~2 years ago

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FMN01 Brian Morgan 50x50m 26/06/200 51 240996mE, 7471845mN 240968mE, 7471887mN 241013mE, 7471913mN 241040mE, 7471871mN Flat plain Red-brown clay loam ?ironstone Acacia catenulata, A. aff. aneura (grey flat recurved tips; MET 15,828) low woodland over Sida sp. unisexual, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii open shrubland over Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii, Aristida contorta open annual grassland Excellent >7-10 ya. this area is really a mosaic of mulga groves and Eriachne pulchella / Aristida contorta grassland. This quadrat included both units.

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FMN02 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 26/06/200 51 240985mE, 7470858mN 240984mE, 7470904mN 240935mE, 7470903mN Broad flowline between the end of a low ridge and a gently undulating plain. No channel Red-brown sandy loam n/a Corymbia hamersleyana scattered low trees over Acacia ancistrocarpa scattered shrubs to open shrubland over Indigofera georgei low shrubland over Aristida contorta, Paraneurachne muelleri open grassland good - very good Burnt 5-7 y.a. FMN13 Kelli McCreery Relevé 243403mE, 7478208mN Red stony sandy clay loam Mix of Acacia aneura, A. catenulata tall open shrubland over Eremophila forrestii open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland on flats and Solanum sturtianum low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland on lower hill slope Excellent Mixed site! Do not use in analysis! FMN14 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 27/06/200 51 244011mE, 7479778mN 244008mE, 7479730mN 243957mE, 7479732mN 243959mE, 7479782mN Flats Red sandy clay ironstone Eucalyptus socialis, Acacia aneura var. longicarpa, A. catenulata low open woodland over Acacia ancistrocarpa tall open shrubland over Triodia epactia hummock grassland and open tussock grasses Excellent None evident

Condition Fire

FMN15 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 26/06/200 51 242906mE, 7479638mN 242885mE, 7479595mN 242916mE, 7479560mN Very gently undulating to almost flat plain. Possibly slight slope to the west Red/orange-brown sandy loam, setting surface and partly set. Thin sand cover in places. n/a Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) (A. pruinocarpa, A. catenulata) scattered low trees to low open woodland over Acacia wanyu tall shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii shrubland over Triodia schinzii hummock grassland Excellent Unburnt >15 ya.

FMGB Site Described Date

FMN16 Michi Maier 50x50m 26/06/200

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

51 240756mE, 7471519mN 240711mE, 7471499mN 240692mE, 7471545mN 240740mE, 7471561mN Clayey plain Red-brown clay-loam with continuous surface layer of pebbles Fimbristylis dichotoma sedgeland and Aristida contorta very open annual grassland Poor; grazed No evidence of recent fire Aristida contorta provides more cover elsewhere, but Fimbristylis is still generally dominant FMN17 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 27/06/200 51 242256mE, 7491504mN 242233mE, 7491551mN 242276mE, 7491565mN Plain; gentle slope to southeast/south Red-brown clay loam, hard set, seasonally moist (but not at present) n/a Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open forest over Chrysopogon fallax very open tussock grassland over Centipeda minima, Aeschynomene indica herbland Very good Burnt 5 y.a. (not very hot; only some mulga killed FMN18 Michi Maier 50x50m 27/06/200 51 242774mE, 7491558mN 242724mE, 7491558mN 242724mE, 7491608mN 242774mE, 7491608mN Broad flowline through clayey plain Red-brown clay loam Acacia aneura var. longicarpa low open forest over Cassia helmsii, Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii scattered shrubs over Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus low shrubland over Chrysopogon fallax, Eragrostis tenellula, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Schizachyrium fragile grassland No evidence of recent fire FMN19 Brian Morgan 40x50m 27/06/200 51 245178mE, 7481577mN 245215mE, 7481564mN 245240mE, 7481613mN 245202mE, 7481622mN Upper slopes of moderately high ridge Red-brown gravelly pebbly cobbly sand ironstone Cassia glutinosa scattered tall shrubs over Keraudrenia nephrosperma scattered shrubs over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland with Goodenia stobbsiana very open herbland Excellent Burnt 15 y.a. FMN29 Michi Maier 50x50m 28/06/200 50 249430mE, 7488773mN 249478mE, 7488757mN 249460mE, 7488710mN 249415mE, 7488726mN Stony crest of hill Red-brown Skeletal fine sandy clay loam with continuous surface layer of pebbles, stones and rocks Ironstone Grevillea wickhamii scattered tall shrubs over Acacia arida low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii middense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt ~3 y.a. FMN30 Michi Maier 50x50m 28/06/200 51 247110mE, 7486932mN 247162mE, 7486931mN 247160mE, 7486882mN 247110mE, 7486881mN Stony low footslopes of low ridges to east Red-brown loam with scatters of buckshot gravel on surface Grevillea wickhamii tall shrubland over Acacia adsurgens, A. ancistrocarpa low shrubland over Indigofera monophylla (small leaflet form) low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Very good; some disturbance from drilling Burnt ~4 y.a. FMN31 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 27/06/200 51 243091mE, 7491837mN 243073mE, 7491885mN 243031mE, 7491859mN Plain; gentle slope, southerly? - southeasterly at upper edge of Mulga stand Red-brown sandy loam, with surface setting (thin) and thin partial cover of black sand / coarse sand Acacia catenulata, A. aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low woodland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Sida sp. unisexual open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii open hummock grassland Excellent Burnt >15 y.a. The Acacia aff. catenulata and Acacia aneura are on the border between low trees and very large bushes FMN32 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 27/06/200 51 248215mE, 7489466mN 248238mE, 7489447mN 248229mE, 7489397mN Plain; very gentle slopes to flat (?slopes to southeast/south) Red-brown clayey loam, some gravel Acacia paraneura, A. catenulata low woodland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Sida sp. unisexual shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii open hummock grassland Excellent Burnt >15 y.a. Site includes one 'grove' and more evenly spread mulga. Some areas to north with more Acacia paraneura. FMN33 Michi Maier 50x50m 28/06/200 51 248735mE, 7490394mN 248719mE, 7490326mN

248762mE, 7490353mN 248693mE, 7490367mN

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

Stony undulating plain Orange-brown calcareous clay loam with continuous surface layer of angular pebbles Acacia synchronicia (narrow phyllode form), A. bivenosa, A. tenuissima open shrubland over Triodia longiceps mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent No sign of recent fire The Brachyachne prostrata and Sclerolaena spp. are mainly in discrete patches between the Triodia areas FMN-MA Michi Maier relevé 27/06/200 51 243553mE, 7481751mN Sandy plain Red sand Acacia coriacea subsp. sericophylla scattered tall shrubs over Acacia ancistrocarpa open shrubland over Triodia schinzii mid-dense hummock grassland Very good; signs of cattle Burnt 2-3 y.a. Area searched for ~50m to south of GPS point. Also some records (last 3 entered) from north. FMN-MB Michi Maier relevé 28/06/200 51 249498mE, 7488666mN 249537mE, 7488731mN Breakaway (low, to 4 m) on east side of ironstone ridge Red-brown skeletal fine sandy clay loam Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) tall open shrubland over Dodonaea petiolaris open shrubland over Ptilotus obovatus var. obovatus low shrubland over Eriachne mucronata, Paspalidium clementii grassland Very good; occasional weeds No evidence of recent fire Transect over ~80 m of breakaway and slope. At least 3 beehives over this stretch. Relevé reasonably complete - could use as a site FMR01 Michi Maier 50x50m 25/06/200 51 198275mE, 7498585mN 198226mE, 7498574mN 198216mE, 7498622mN 198264mE, 7498632mN Floodplain adjacent to moderate-sized creek Red-brown cobbly / pebbly clay loam Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens low woodland over Hakea lorea subsp. lorea, Acacia tetragonophylla, A. pyrifolia, Atalaya hemiglauca tall open shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris closed tussock grassland Very poor - poor: heavily infested with Buffel grass and grazed by cattle No evidence of recent fire FMR02 Malcolm Trudgen 100x20/25m 25/06/200 51 198316mE, 7498360mN 198233mE, 7498513mN Creek bed and edges of banks Red-brown loam / clay n/a Eucalyptus victrix, E. camaldulensis open woodland over Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens, A. aneura, Atalaya hemiglauca low woodland over *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland Poor; grazing and Cenchrus invasion >10 ya. Site is a transect along the channel of a creek with a broad flow area, but a narrow, poorly defined (moderate bank in places) channel. Heavily grazed

Condition Fire

FMR03 Michi Maier 50x50m 25/06/200 51 197968mE, 7498262mN 197919mE, 7498249mN 197905mE, 7498296mN 197957mE, 7498308mN Clayey plain Red-brown clay loam with continuous surface layer of pebbles and occasional stones Acacia victoriae, Solanum lasiophyllum scattered low shrubs over Ptilotus gomphrenoides var. gomphrenoides and Sclerolaena lanicuspis herbland Good-poor?; difficult to tell; grazed and occasional weed (Buffel grass) No evidence of recent fire

FMGB Site Described Date

FMR04 Malcolm Trudgen 25/06/200

Habitat Soil Vegetation

100x25m

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes

51 198093mE, 7498120mN 198187mE, 7498177mN Poorly defined flow line on gently undulating plain. Small shallow (bore) channel in places. Red-brown (sienna) pebbly (not a lot) loam / clay, some cracking and small potholes Acacia synchronicia, A. farnesiana scattered tall shrubs to tall shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris, Eragrostis eriopoda, Eriachne benthamii, Chloris pectinata scattered tussock grasses and Cullen cinereum, *Malvastrum americanum, Ptilotus gomphrenoides var. gomphrenoides open annual herbland Good - very good Burnt >10 y.a. The Acacias occur in patches, especially where there is a channel. Cenchrus is probably slowly invading. FMR05 Michi Maier 50x50m 25/06/200 51 201597mE, 7497133mN 201645mE, 7497152mN 201662mE, 7497108mN 201618mE, 7497088mN Stony plain Red-brown clay / loam with continuous surface layer of ?ironstone pebbles Acacia aff. aneura (long, flat, recurved; FMR 35.3), Solanum lasiophyllum scattered low shrubs over Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii annual grassland Poor; grazed, a lot of dead Mulga shrubs No evidence of recent fire FMR06 Malcolm Trudgen 25-95 m 25/06/200 51 201710mE, 7497207mN 201615mE, 7497184mN Flowline with a channel on a gentle south-westerly facing slope Red-brown gravelly, pebbly clay / loam n/a Acacia aff. aneura (long, flat, recurved; FMR 35.3) low woodland over Acacia rhodophloia tall shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii, Dodonaea petiolaris open shrubland over Gomphrena kanisii very open herbland and Enneapogon polyphyllus very open annual grassland Very good Some very small (15 y.a. Cover of Kennedia very variable; much more in slightly lower areas; varies from 10%. FMR08 Michi Maier 50x50m 27/06/200 51 240488mE, 7482800mN 240438mE, 7482800mN 240438mE, 7482850mN 240489mE, 7482849mN Sandy plain Red sand Acacia coriacea subsp. sericophylla scattered tall shrubs over Triodia lanigera, T. schinzii mid-dense hummock grassland and Kennedia prorepens lianes Excellent No evidence of recent fire; >10 years unburnt FMR09 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 27/06/200 51 242711mE, 7481572mN 242681mE, 7481611mN 242721mE, 7481641mN Gentle slope to southeast on low rise of plain Red-brown sandy loam, slightly setting with thin coarse sand surface Acacia coriacea subsp. sericophylla tall open shrubland over Bonamia rosea, Dampiera candicans, Indigofera monophylla (small leaflet form), Dicrastylis georgei low open shrubland over Triodia schinzii mid-dense hummock grassland. Very good - excellent Burnt 10-15 y.a. (charcoal on Acacia coriacea) Many small Acacia bases (burnt to 1-5 cm from ground) Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Notes

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil

FMR10 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 30/06/200 51 217119mE, 7488654mN 217162mE, 7488629mN 217136mE, 7488586mN 217094mE, 7488611mN Sandplain area - relatively flat Red fine grained loamy sand. No pebbles / rocks on soil surface. Acacia ancistrocarpa, A. adsurgens, A. aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) shrubland over Triodia epactia mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt in ~last 2-3 years. FMR11 Brian Morgan 30x80m 30/06/200 51 209369mE, 7491954mN 209324mE, 7491890mN 209300mE, 7491907mN 209347mE, 7491973mN Clay pan on flat plain (cracking clays) Red-brown gravelly (scattered) clay (cracking clays) Ptilotus gomphrenoides var. gomphrenoides, Streptoglossa liatroides herbland and Chloris pectinata, Panicum laevinode, Iseilema macratherum very open annual grassland Excellent; possibly cattle damage - hard to assess and not obvious Last burnt >7 y.a. FMR12 Michi Maier 50x50m 30/06/200 51 208085mE, 7492489mN 208135mE, 7492489mN 208136mE, 7492439mN 208086mE, 7492439mN Clayey plain Red-brown clay with occasional gilgai holes Eragrostis setifolia closed tussock grassland Good; grazed and scattered weeds Condition description and flora collections cover only the patches of Eragrostis grassland within quadrat; there are also large areas of Aristida contorta, Enneapogon caerulescens and Iseilema 80% grassland with 2-3% Streptoglossa, and occasional patches of Eriachne benthamii grassland FMR13 Michi Maier 50x50m 1/07/2004 51 215834mE, 7490308mN 215876mE, 7490275mN 215841mE, 7490238mN 215803mE, 7490271mN Broad drainage area - numerous incised channels to 1.4 m deep Red-brown loam with cobbles in channel Acacia aneura var. longicarpa low open forest over *Cenchrus ciliaris closed tussock grassland. Poor; grazed and infested with Buffel grass No evidence of recent fire Patches of cracking clay throughout plain north to access track - patches of Eragrostis ?setifolia; Chloris and Ptilotus gomphrenoides; Aristida contorta and Enneapogon polyphyllus; by 215851, 7490520 = open terete mulga over 2-3% Eremophila cuneifolia over Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus 90% grassland - as FML33 FMR14 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 5/07/2004 50 795176mE, 7512309mN 795166mE, 7512362mN 795217mE, 7512373mN 795225mE, 7512323mN Cracking clay Red clay Ironstone Acacia synchronicia tall open shrubland over Aristida latifolia, Eragrostis setifolia tussock grassland over Aristida contorta, Chloris pectinata, Dichanthium sericeum subsp. humilius very open annual grassland and Ptilotus gomphrenoides var. gomphrenoides, Cullen cinereum, Neptunia dimorphantha very open herbland Very good; some grazing No evidence of recent fire. FMR15 Kelli McCreery 5/07/2004 50 788219mE, 7515876mN 788172mE, 7515849mN Cracking clay plain Red clay

50x50m 788173mE, 7515799mN 788241mE, 7515825mN

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Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes

Ironstone Acacia synchronicia, A. tetragonophylla tall open shrubland over Chloris pectinata open annual grassland and very open herbland Excellent; although dried out No evidence of recent fire. FMR16 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 5/07/2004 50 784075mE, 7518055mN 784046mE, 7518015mN 784002mE, 7518035mN 784028mE, 7518077mN Mulga flats with cracking clay Red cracking clay ironstone Acacia synchronicia tall open shrubland over Cassia aff. oligophylla (thinly sericeus) open shrubland over Eragrostis setifolia, Aristida latifolia open tussock grassland and Aristida contorta, Chloris pectinata, Dichanthium sericeum subsp. humilius, Eragrostis tenellula open annual grassland. Good-very good; due to presence of weed species No evidence of recent fire FMR17 Kelli McCreery 15x160m 8/07/2004 50 781126mE, 7519418mN 781141mE, 7519413mN 781114mE, 7519252mN 781099mE, 7519259mN Flats - Mulga grove Red stony clay Ironstone - BIF? Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259), A. paraneura low closed forest over Eremophila lanceolata low open shrubland over Aristida contorta, Chloris pectinata, Enneapogon polyphyllus open annual grassland and Goodenia prostrata very open herbland. Very good No evidence of recent fire Narrow quadrat to fit grove FMR18 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 5/07/2004 50 773246mE, 7522659mN 773286mE, 7522628mN 773249mE, 7522587mN 773213mE, 7522623mN Alluvial stony clay flat (with snakewood) with some cracking clay patches Red alluvial clay with ironstone pebbles on surface ironstone Acacia xiphophylla tall shrubland over Cassia aff. oligophylla (thinly sericeus) open shrubland over Aristida latifolia, Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Eragrostis setifolia, Sporobolus australasicus open grassland. Good-very good; presence of Buffel grass No evidence of recent fire FMR20 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 30/06/200 51 217591mE, 7489568mN Plain Red sandy clay ironstone Acacia paraneura low woodland (tall shrubland) over Solanum lasiophyllum scattered low shrubs (low open shrubland) over Aristida contorta annual grassland Excellent - very good; some grazing No evidence of recent fire FMR21 Brian Morgan 2/07/2004 51 212707mE, 7490211mN 212798mE, 7490211mN 212791mE, 7490151mN 212701mE, 7490186mN Very shallow, long swale on flat plain Red-brown loamy clay Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open forest over Dodonaea petiolaris, Psydrax latifolia, Sida sp. unisexual (N.H.Speck 574) tall shrubland over *Bidens bipinnata herbland. Good; weed invasion Burnt >7-10 y.a. Narrow quadrat to fit swale

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type

FMR22 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 2/07/2004 51 Alluvial clay flat area Red clay with ironstone pebbles on soil surface Ironstone Acacia tetragonophylla, A. paraneura scattered tall shrubs over Solanum lasiophyllum, Maireana villosa low open shrubland over Paraneurachne muelleri, Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Eragrostis pergracilis very open grassland and Ptilotus polystachyus, Goodenia prostrata and Lepidium echinatum very open herbland Excellent Burnt >5 y.a. FMR23 Michi Maier 50x50m 2/07/2004 51 213394mE, 7490692mN 213403mE, 7490642mN 213350mE, 7490633mN 213343mE, 7490679mN Clayey plain Red-brown clay loam with scatters of angular pebbles on surface Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open forest over Dodonaea petiolaris, Sida sp. unisexual (N.H.Speck 574) open heath over Enneapogon polyphyllus, Aristida latifolia, Digitaria brownii, Chloris pectinata mixed annual grassland. Poor to good; infested with weeds (mainly *Bidens) No evidence of recent fire Appear to be two varieties of Acacia aneura - difficult to determine relative contributions of cover FMR24 Brian Morgan 40x45m 2/07/2004 51 201626mE, 7495888mN 201646mE, 7495923mN 201687mE, 7495905mN 201665mE, 7495869mN Flat to gently sloping low ridge top on edge of valley Red-brown gravelly, pebbly cobbly sand Acacia paraneura, A. pruinocarpa scattered low trees over Cassia luerssenii scattered tall shrubs over Eremophila cuneifolia low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland. Excellent Site in small area last burnt >7 y.a., with valley Small patches in site are more recently burnt FMR25 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 2/07/2004 51 202051mE, 7496179mN 202032mE, 7496225mN 202077mE, 7496246mN 202096mE, 7496199mN Stony hillslope Red skeletal clay in amongst large ironstone outcrops and ironstone pebbles on soil surface Ironstone ironstone outcrops Corchorus lasiocarpus subsp. parvus, Dampiera candicans low shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland. Excellent Probably burnt in the last year; lots of fire ephemerals FMR26 Michi Maier 50x50m 2/07/2004 51 202351mE, 7496325mN 202397mE, 7496345mN 202415mE, 7496301mN 202369mE, 7496280mN South - facing moderate slope of rocky hill Red-brown skeletal fine sandy clay loam with continuous surface scree layer Ironstone Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open forest over Grevillea berryana scattered tall shrubs over Dodonaea petiolaris, Eremophila exilifolia open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii hummock grassland Excellent No evidence of recent fire FMR27 Raimond Orifici 4/07/2004 50 807010mE, 7504298mN 807081mE, 7504318mN Seasonally flowing drainage line Red alluvial clay Ironstone?

50x50m 807035mE, 7504344mN 807055mE, 7504272mN

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

Acacia aff. aneura (long, flat, recurved; FMR 35.3), A. rhodophloia low woodland over Dodonaea petiolaris, Sida sp. unisexual (N.H.Speck 574) open shrubland over Perotis rara, Eragrostis tenellula open annual grassland. Good; lots of *Bidens bipinnata and *Malvastrum americanum Burnt >5 years ago. FMR28 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 4/07/2004 50 806904mE, 7504338mN 806955mE, 7504339mN 806955mE, 7504290mN 806905mE, 7504290mN Stony low plain Red sandy clay Ironstone Ptilotus exaltatus var. exaltatus, Gomphrena kanisii, Lepidium echinatum mixed open herbland and Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii, Aristida contorta open annual grassland. Very good; cattle use area No evidence of recent fire FMR29 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 4/07/2004 51 191461mE, 7502802mN 191488mE, 7502345mN 191532mE, 7502820mN 191501mE, 7502776mN Crest of low stony hill red skeletal red clay with lots of ironstone pebbles Ironstone Grevillea berryana scattered shrubs over Corchorus lasiocarpus subsp. parvus, Indigofera monophylla (FMR3501) low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt ~ 2 years ago FMR30 Kelli McCreery 100 x 20-30m 4/07/2004 51 193219mE, 7501659mN 193188mE, 7501658mN 193141mE, 7501723mN 193142mE, 7501743mN Creek in stony gibber plain Red sandy clay Ironstone Acacia aneura var. longicarpa low woodland over Indigofera monophylla (FMR35-01) low open shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris open tussock grassland. Very good No evidence of recent fire FMR31 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 4/07/2004 51 192774mE, 7501629mN 192802mE, 7501656mN 192828mE, 7501622mN 192799mE, 7501580mN Stony clay flat with small drainage line in it. ?Floodplain Red-brown alluvial clay with ironstone pebbles on soil surface Ironstone Acacia aneura var. longicarpa scattered low trees over *Cenchrus ciliaris very open tussock grassland and Aristida contorta, Enneapogon polyphyllus, Chloris pectinata annual grassland. Good-very good; Buffel grass is present in the drainage areas. *Malvastrum americanum also present on site. Burnt >5 years ago

Condition Fire Notes

FMR32 Michi Maier 30x80m 7/07/2004 50 794844mE, 7512143mN 794857mE, 7512221mN 794886mE, 7512222mN 794876mE, 7512142mN Flowline through broad clayey pan Red-brown clay with occasional stones Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open forest over Acacia tetragonophylla tall open shrubland over Chrysopogon fallax very open tussock grassland Good; grazed and trampled; scattered weeds No evidence of recent fire Quadrat size and shape modified to fit creekline

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FMR33 Kelli McCreery 7/07/2004 51 795882mE, 7512689mN

Habitat Soil Vegetation

50x50m 795836mE, 7512667mN

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

795815mE, 7512712mN 795859mE, 7512732mN Stony plain interspersed with small pockets of cracking clay Red clay - stony Ironstone? Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) tall open shrubland over Cassia luerssenii, C. oligophylla open shrubland over Aristida contorta (Enneapogon polyphyllus) closed annual grassland Excellent No evidence of recent fire FMR34 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 7/07/2004 50 797792mE, 7511698mN 797829mE, 7511664mN 797796mE, 7511626mN 797761mE, 7511661mN Stony flats, with patches of cracking clay Red clay with ironstone pebbles on soil surface Ironstone Acacia paraneura low open woodland over Cassia aff. oligophylla (thinly sericeus) open shrubland over Aristida contorta annual grassland Excellent No evidence of recent fire FMR35 Michi Maier 15x167 m 7/07/2004 50 798538mE, 7511001mN 798497mE, 7510840mN 798483mE, 7510842mN 798524mE, 7511003mN Creekbank Red-brown clay loam with cobbles Eucalyptus victrix low open woodland over Acacia aff. aneura (long, flat, recurved; FMR 35.3) low woodland over *Cenchrus ciliaris, *C. setigerus closed tussock grassland Poor; heavily infested with Buffel grass, grazed (close to stock watering point) No evidence of recent fire Quadrat shape modified to fit creek bank FMR36 Kelli McCreery 50x50 m 7/07/2004 50 797015mE, 7511747mN 797019mE, 7511697mN 796970mE, 7511698mN 796965mE, 7511742mN Gilgai - claypan Red clay Ironstone Eragrostis tenellula annual grassland and Cullen cinereum, Ptilotus gomphrenoides herbland Very good; grazing No evidence of recent fire FMR37 Michi Maier 100x25 m 7/07/2004 50 789833mE, 7516260mN 789750mE, 7516316mN 789767mE, 7516334mN 789842mE, 7516284mN Drainage area within clayey plain Red-brown clay Acacia aff. aneura (long, flat, recurved; FMR 35.3) low open forest over Acacia tetragonophylla tall open shrubland over Ptilotus obovatus low open shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris, Eragrostis setifolia tussock grassland and annual grasses Good to poor; grazed and quite a lot of weeds No evidence of recent fire

Condition Fire

FMR38 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 7/07/2004 50 789533mE, 7516064mN 789580mE, 7516080mN 789597mE, 7516033mN 789550mE, 7516016mN Flats of giant alluvial fan (Christmas Creek) Red clay Ironstone? Acacia synchronicia shrubland to tall shrubland over Eragrostis setifolia tussock grassland and annual grasses and herbs Very good; some grazing No evidence of recent fire

FMGB Site

FMR39

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition

Kelli McCreery 50x50m 8/07/2004 50 785150mE, 7517650mN Stony flat / low gibber plain Red sandy stony clay Ironstone Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259), A. paraneura scattered low trees over Eremophila lanceolata low open shrubland over Aristida contorta open annual grassland Excellent No evidence of recent fire Coordinates not recorded during survey; approximate only FMR40 Raimond Orifici 31x80m 8/07/2004 50 781874mE, 7519367mN 781902mE, 7519353mN 781863mE, 7519290mN 781835mE, 7519299mN creek bed; seasonal water flow Red river sand/loam; lots of ironstone pebbles on soil surface ironstone Eucalyptus victrix open woodland over Acacia coriacea subsp. pendens low open woodland over Acacia trachycarpa, A. pyrifolia tall open shrubland over *Cenchrus ciliaris tussock grassland Good; lots of Buffel grass invasion on banks and on elevated humps in the creek bed No evidence of recent fire Large proportion of quadrat is devoid of vegetation FMR41 Kelli McCreery 50x50m 8/07/2004 50 781964mE, 7519242mN 782014mE, 7519249mN 782023mE, 7519203mN 781973mE, 7519194mN Floodplain of creek Red loamy clay Ironstone Acacia aff. aneura (long, flat, recurved; FMR 35.3), A. pruinocarpa, Atalaya hemiglauca, Hakea lorea low open woodland over *Cenchrus ciliaris closed tussock grassland Poor; weeds comprise 80% cover in understorey No evidence of recent fire FMR42 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 8/07/2004 50 781298mE, 7518951mN 781339mE, 7518924mN 781312mE, 7518883mN 781270mE, 7518910mN Stony clay flat (?alluvial deposition) Red skeletal clay with lots of exposed ironstone pebbles on soil surface and below it. Ironstone Aristida contorta closed annual grassland No sign of recent fire Scattered Mulga outside the quadrat, but none in the site. FMR46 Brian Morgan 50x50m 9/07/2004 50 780582mE, 7520292mN 780612mE, 7520252mN 780572mE, 7520222mN 780542mE, 7520262mN Flat plain with very shallow depressions / undulations Red-brown gravelly pebbly clay Ironstone Acacia aneura var. ?aneura/intermedia scattered low trees over Eremophila lanceolata low open shrubland over Aristida contorta annual grassland Excellent Last burnt >7 years ago FMR47 Raimond Orifici 50x50m1 10/07/200 51 201961mE, 7494885mN 201997mE, 7494920mN 202029mE, 7494879mN 201993mE, 7494843mN Alluvial, cracking clay flat / plain. No crabholes visible in quadrat Red alluvial clay Assumed to be ironstone underneath. Small amount of ironstone pebbles on surface Mixed annual herbland and grassland Excellent; seasonal grasses and herbs starting to die back as clay dries Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Fire

No evidence of recent fire

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FMR48 Kelli McCreery 100x25m 9/07/2004 51 202155mE, 7495118mN 202143mE, 7495096mN 202078mE, 7495167mN 202095mE, 7495187mN Plain Red clay Ironstone Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open forest over Chloris pectinata, Eragrostis tenellula open annual grassland and Ptilotus gomphrenoides var. gomphrenoides open herbland Very good - good; some Buffel grass and *Bidens No evidence of recent fire

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat

FMR49 Brian Morgan 50x50m 10/07/200 51 192200mE, 7502526mN 192249mE, 7502507mN 192229mE, 7502460mN 192182mE, 7502481mN Flat plain with scattered very shallow depressions Red gravelly pebbly loam Ironstone gravel Acacia aff. aneura (grey flat recurved tips; MET 15,828), A. aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) scattered low trees over Aristida contorta annual grassland Very good-excellent Burnt >7 years ago FMR50 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 10/07/200 51 193221mE, 7502261mN 193260mE, 7502290mN 193292mE, 7502260mN 193253mE, 7502223mN Rocky hill slope Red skeletal clay over outcropping ironstone with lots of ironstone pebbles on soil surface Ironstone? (decomposed/weathered) outcropping ironstone Grevillea wickhamii scattered tall shrubs over Corchorus lasiocarpus subsp. parvus, Dampiera candicans low open shrubland over Triodia aff. basedowii closed hummock grassland Excellent Possibly burnt in the last 2 years FMR51 Kelli McCreery 20x125m 9/07/2004 51 191700mE, 7502707mN 191706mE, 7502689mN 191684mE, 7502564mN 191665mE, 7502554mN Creek - stony flowline; defined 2-3 m wide with small flood out areas Red clay on banks, bed sandy with >90% coarse fraction Ironstone? Acacia aneura (grey bushy form; MET 15 732), A rhodophloia, Corymbia hamersleyana low open forest over A. tetragonophylla tall open shrubland over Dodonaea petiolaris, Sida sp. unisexual open shrubland over very open annual grassland Excellent No evidence of recent fire FMR52 Brian Morgan 50x50m 10/07/200 51 193739mE, 7501756mN 193785mE, 7501769mN 193774mE, 7501817mN 193724mE, 7501804mN Flat gibber plain Red-brown gravelly pebbly clay Ironstone gravel Eremophila cuneifolia scattered low shrubs over Sclerolaena sp. nov. aff. densiflora, Trianthema triquetra very open to open herbland with small patches of Enneapogon polyphyllus, Chloris pectinata annual grassland Very good; evidence of horse / stock presence, scattered weeds Burnt >7 years ago FMR53 Kelli McCreery 11/07/200 50 805654mE, 7505430mN 805654mE, 7505364mN Broad plain (mulga grove)

20-30x80m 805673mE, 7505372mN 805623mE, 7505435mN

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

Red clay Ironstone Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low closed forest over Dodonaea petiolaris shrubland over Enneapogon polyphyllus, Perotis rara, Aristida contorta open annual grassland Very good; some weeds No evidence of recent fire FMR54 Raimond Orifici 50x50m 11/07/200 50 805728mE, 7505471mN 805770mE, 7505508mN 805797mE, 7505466mN 805760mE, 7505432mN Gibber plain - flat. Red fine clay with lots of ironstone pebbles on soil surface. Alluvial deposition Ironstone Lepidium echinatum open herbland and Aristida contorta very open annual grassland Excellent No evidence of recent fire FMR55 Michi Maier 50 x 50m 21/07/200 50 736975mE, 7532130mN 737027mE, 7532133mN 737035mE, 7532084mN 736984mE, 7532081mN Low stony rise Red-brown sandy clay loam with continuous surface layer of ironstone pebbles Ironstone Acacia eriopoda, Hakea chordophylla scattered tall shrubs over Cassia luerssenii scattered shrubs over Triodia epactia, T. aff. basedowii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent No evidence of recent fire; unburnt for >7 years FMR56 Malcolm Trudgen 100x25 m 50 740691mE, 7529753mN 740660mE, 7529662mN Medium sized flowline (creek) with no defined channel Red-brown clay/loam, some gravel and pebbles (more in places) Acacia aneura var. ?aneura/intermedia low open woodland over Cassia helmsii, C. glutinosa scattered shrubs over Chrysopogon fallax, Digitaria brownii, Aristida inaequiglumis tussock grassland and Triodia epactia very open hummock grassland Excellent; but is post-fire regeneration Burnt 5-8 years ago FMR57 Michi Maier 30 x 85m 21/07/200 50 744675mE, 7529156mN 744680mE, 7529071mN 744650mE, 7529075mN 744644mE, 7529160mN Creekline (Goman Creek) Red-brown clay loam with cobbles Eucalyptus victrix low open woodland over Grevillea wickhamii, Acacia pyrifolia tall open scrub over *Cenchrus ciliaris tussock grassland and Triodia longiceps, T. epactia scattered hummock grasses Good; weed invasion (Buffel grass) and signs of cattle and donkeys Burnt 3-4 years ago Site not staked

Condition Fire Notes

FMR58 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 21/07/200 50 749726mE, 7526932mN 749709mE, 7526890mN 749661mE, 7526905mN Gentle southerly-facing slope Red-brown somewhat gravelly clay/loam with gravel and pebble surface Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) (A. pruinocarpa) low woodland to low open forest (patchy) over Dodonaea petiolaris, Sida sp. unisexual tall open shrubland over Eremophila forrestii subsp. forrestii scattered low shrubs over Enneapogon polyphyllus annual grassland Very good; occasional weeds Burnt >20 years ago Has grove on slight flow line and across the slight slope

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FMR59 Michi Maier 50 x 50m 21/07/200 50 744479mE, 7529246mN

Habitat Soil Vegetation

744478mE, 7529196mN

Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas

Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes

FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition

744428mE, 7529196mN 744426mE, 7529251mN Low stony hill crest Red-brown sandy clay loam with continuous surface layer of ironstone gravel and stones Ironstone Eucalyptus leucophloia scattered low trees over Acacia acradenia, Cassia luerssenii scattered shrubs over Triodia epactia (T. aff. basedowii) mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt ~3 years ago FMR60 Malcolm Trudgen 100 m long transect 22/07/200 50 760284mE, 7524879mN 760329mE, 7524792mN Bed of a medium sized creek Light brown very mixed gravelly, pebbly, small cobbly coarse sand with little fine material. n/a; but pebbles of shale, chert?, volcanics etc. Eucalyptus victrix scattered low trees over Acacia trachycarpa, A. pyrifolia scattered tall shrubs over Tephrosia rosea var. glabrior, Indigofera monophylla (brown calyx form) scattered low shrubs over scattered herbs Good-very good in the creek bed, but drift and flood plain heavily invaded by Buffel grasses Burnt >15 years ago, but floodplain probably less (C. ciliaris and C. setigerus). The adjacent drift had an Indigofera monophylla low shrubland over Buffel grassland. Additional species included Sida aff. fibulifera, Polycarpaea longiflora, Dysphania rhadinostachya, Eriachne pulchella subsp. dominii FMR61 Michi Maier 50x50m 22/07/200 50 760533mE, 7524916mN 760572mE, 7524952mN 760605mE, 7524915mN 760569mE, 7524880mN Clayey plain Red-brown clay with continuous surface layer of pebbles and stones; occasional gilgai Acacia xiphophylla (A. aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259)) low woodland over Rhagodia eremaea open shrubland over Enneapogon polyphyllus very open annual grassland Very good-good; some weeds, signs of cattle an donkeys Unburnt for >7 years; no sign of recent fire FMR62 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 22/07/200 50 765420mE, 7522834mN 765399mE, 7522879mN 765357mE, 7522873mN Broad flow line on very gentle S-facing slope in valley; has a small shallow channel (on west side of quadrat) Bright orange - brown clay loam; surface setting and cracking n/a Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low forest over Psydrax latifolia tall open shrubland over Cassia luerssenii open shrubland over Digitaria ctenantha very open annual grassland and *Bidens bipinnata open herbland Very good; too much *Bidens to be excellent >20ya. Heavily invaded by *Bidens bipinnata FMR63 Michi Maier 50x50m 22/07/200 50 769143mE, 7522932mN 769113mE, 7522970mN 769153mE, 7522999mN 769182mE, 7522959mN Broad drainage through clayey plain Red-brown clay to clay loam with scattered pebbles and stones Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open forest over *Cenchrus ciliaris, *C. setigerus tussock grassland and Enneapogon polyphyllus annual grassland Poor; weed invasion and heavy grazing No evidence of recent fire FMR64 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 22/07/200 51 219553mE, 7489778mN 219573mE, 7489820mN 219545mE, 7489850mN Very gentle slope on plain - flow area (lower than adjoining sandplain). Bright orange brown clay/loam, setting fairly hard Acacia aff. aneura (narrow fine veined; site 1259) low open forest over Chrysopogon fallax scattered tussocks and Eragrostis tenellula, Centipeda minima, Ptilotus gomphrenoides, Rostellularia adscendens var. clementii annual grassland / herbland Excellent Cube:Current:249 (Fortescue Metals Project):Doc:Stage B:flora:StageB_flora_7.doc

Vegetation and Flora Survey of the Proposed FMG Stage B Rail Corridor and Mine Areas Fire Notes

Burnt >20 years ago. A band of Mulga over Eulalia aurea on eastern edge.

FMGB Site Described AMG Zone

FMR65 Michi Maier 50x50m 51 235569mE, 7485515mN 235570mE, 7485565mN 235621mE, 7485565mN 235620mE, 7485515mN Sandplain Red-brown sand Dampiera candicans, Newcastelia hexarrhena low open shrubland over Triodia schinzii mid-dense hummock grassland Excellent Burnt ~2 years ago

Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Rock Type Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone Habitat Soil Vegetation Condition Fire Notes FMGB Site Described Date AMG Zone

FMR66 Malcolm Trudgen 50x50m 22/07/200 51 228319mE, 7488134mN 228301mE, 7488088mN 228255mE, 7488101mN Plain, flat to very gently undulating Orange-brown silty sand n/a Acacia coriacea subsp. Sericophylla scattered low trees over Acacia ancistrocarpa tall open shrubland over Kennedia prorepens low open shrubland over Triodia lanigera, Eulalia aurea open hummock / tussock grassland Excellent Burnt 10 years ago, some burnt