Measuring restoration outcomes in Kosciuszko National Park

In 2018 our scientists began work with NPWS to develop a research program to track ecosystem recovery.

We consulted with park managers to understand what restoration success meant and looked like to them.

In 2019 and 2021, we collaborated with researchers from the University of Western Sydney, University of New England, Queensland University of Technology and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Soil and Water Monitoring Laboratory to measure and collect samples for potential ecosystem indicators. The indicators ranged from soil carbon and microorganisms to plant diversity and new seedlings.

A paired-site approach was used to compare rehabilitated Snowy Hydro sites with adjacent undisturbed areas.

We started with a list of 58 indicators and discovered that 4 could provide an accurate estimate of ecosystem recovery at a reasonable cost.

These crucial 4 indicators were:

• soil biology – total bacterial biomass
• soil organic carbon – the amount of resistant organic carbon in the soil, such as charcoal, relative to the amount of more readily available carbon such as organic matter from plants
• leaf and bark litter
• diversity of plant species – shrub richness.

The cheapest and simplest indicator was the percentage of ground cover with leaf and bark litter. This project delivered a scientifically rigorous, evidence-based approach to track the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts and support management decisions in Kosciuszko National Park.

'When reinstating or reconstructing ecosystems, whether it’s for carbon or biodiversity, we need to know if the ecosystem is functioning and healthy or not,' said Dr Josh Dorrough, research ecologist and principal scientist. 

'A rehabilitated forest might look good but that doesn’t tell you what’s happening below the surface, if it’s likely to be resistant to disturbances or recover from fire.'

Research into how ecological restoration is tracking will continue in Kosciuszko National Park to monitor long-term ecosystem health.

Our scientists also support Honours and PhD students who will continue research into litter decomposition, species changes over time and adapting restoration practices for a changing climate.

We plan to build on what we have learned and expand this research to test whether the same indicators can be used to measure ecosystem recovery across a range of ecosystems.