Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition now available for South Australia and Tasmania

A simple and accurate assessment of the health of riparian areas in the mid-north of South Australia and Tasmania is now available, with the Rapid Appraisal of Riparian Condition (RARC) method adapted for local conditions.

Two tailored RARC’s have been produced through the Rivers & Water Quality Sub-program to take account of particular regional characteristics in South Australia and Tasmania.

Developed by Jansen et al in 2004, the RARC is designed to assess the ecological health of riparian areas using a range of indicators through the following five subjects:

* Habitat continuity and extent (HABITAT)
* Vegetation cover and structural complexity (COVER)
* Dominance of natives versus exotics (NATIVES)
* Standing dead trees, hollows, fallen logs and leaf litter (DEBRIS)
* Indicative features such as native canopy and understorey regeneration and the presence of native tussock grasses and reeds (FEATURES).

Once a RARC is completed it provides information about the health of the riparian area and possible management actions that might maintain or enhance that condition.

The Rivers Sub-program has also facilitated training for local natural resource and land management personnel on how to use the RARC method. It is hoped this training will further extend application of the RARC and highlight the tool as a useful method which can be easily modified for use in specific situations.

Copies of the South Australian RARC (product number: PX661155) and Tasmanian RARC (product number: PB061229) can be ordered through [Land & Water Australia](http://products.law.gov.au)

For further information contact: [Siwan Lovett](siwan.lovett@lwa.gov.au), Rivers Sub-program Coordinator