Managing native vegetation with ecological thinning
The Land Management Framework gives rural landholders flexible options to manage native vegetation. It includes a range of Environmental Protection Works allowable activities that support land rehabilitation.
Ecological thinning is one of these activities. It may be suitable if you want to clear selected native vegetation in limited vegetation formations to restore the land or prevent further environmental degradation.
Before you start
To find out if ecological thinning is the right pathway for you, read:
- the guide to getting started with native vegetation management
- allowable activities for Environmental Protection Works (EPW).
Local Land Services can provide assistance and advice to help you understand what you can and cannot do when managing native vegetation on your property.
What is ecological thinning?
Ecological thinning is the selective removal of individual trees and shrubs. This selective removal improves the biodiversity and ecological function of vegetation communities.
You can use ecological thinning in some ecosystems to help manage land or support rehabilitation. It may be suitable where dense regeneration is causing environmental degradation.
Ecological thinning under the EPW allowable activity is not suitable for all sites or circumstances.
Requirements for using ecological thinning
Specific criteria must be met for works to constitute Environmental Protection Works. These are outlined in detail below, but relate to:
- Keith vegetation formation type
- species within vegetation formation
- stem diameter restrictions by genus
- minimal retained stem density according to vegetation formation.
Removal of native vegetation using ecological thinning does not need approval under the Local Land Services Act 2013. You may need other approvals. You can find a list of key legislation to consider in the Getting started with native vegetation management guide.
Set-aside and conservation agreements
If your land is under any of the following conditions, you may need to meet extra requirements for ecological thinning:
- set-aside
- biodiversity offset
- conservation agreement.
These conditions may have specific rules that differ from the general guidance on this page. Contact the relevant government agency to confirm what applies to your land.
Examples where ecological thinning cannot be used
The Environmental Protection Works (ecological thinning) allowable activity is not permitted if:
- the primary outcome is for production purposes
- the intent is to change the use of the land, for example, from grazing to cropping
- the intent is not for rehabilitation purposes towards its natural state or to protect the land from environmental degradation
- the clearing method does not meet the principles of ecological thinning
- clearing is for bushfire hazard reduction purposes
- the management actions do not result in the minimisation of erosion risk to soil and groundcover (for example, cultivation activities, mechanical removal, paddock scale spraying)
- there are impacts to adjacent native species from the clearing method
- thinning is for private native forestry, and/or any commercial harvesting.
For thinning native vegetation (or other land management activities) on rural regulated land that does not meet the intent of the Environmental Protection Works allowable activity, there may be other pathways for:
- approval under the Local Land Services Act 2013.
- managing native vegetation under the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018.
- thinning activities on Category 2 – Sensitive Regulated Land with approval from the Native Vegetation Panel.
Managing dense regrowth with ecological thinning
Land clearing, grazing and changes to fire or flood patterns, have affected the structure of many woodlands and forests. These changes have led to dense regeneration of trees and shrubs in some areas. Ecological thinning is one way to manage this. It helps control dense regrowth, especially where natural disturbances like fire and flooding are no longer occurring.
Dense regrowth, also called recruitment, is a natural response to disturbance. But when it covers large areas, it can cause problems. Dense vegetation regrowth can:
- reduce habitat variety for wildlife
- change the structure of native ecosystems
- limit the natural development of diverse forest layers.
Although regrowth does thin naturally over time, this can take decades or even centuries. Ecological thinning speeds up that process. It supports the return of more diverse and healthy vegetation structures, which improves habitat across the landscape.
Principles of ecological thinning
Ecological thinning aims to create a patchy mosaic of tree and shrub structures. This includes different densities, species and ages across the ecological thinning area.
You should retain all large and significant habitat trees.
Large trees are those with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) greater than 25cm.
Significant habitat trees have any of the following characteristics:
- the largest age-class trees in the patch
- standing dead trees, or dying trees
- contain tree hollows
- contain mistletoe
- signs of current or recent occupation by native animals (for example stick nests of birds).
Thinning should not automatically remove all trees below a size class. Some young and maturing trees should be retained to replace older trees over time.
Thinning should not occur during large flowering events.
Only thin those species displaying dense regrowth.
Avoid removing all plants of a single species during thinning. This can change the structure and makeup of the vegetation community.
Some of the target species (including various size classes of the species) are to remain within the ecological thinning area.
It is recommended to keep some felled timber on-site to provide ground habitat.
What you can thin under the EPW allowable activity
Ecological thinning under the Environmental Protection Works allowable activity is limited to certain vegetation types, methods, and planning approaches.
In addition to these limits, the following information can be used as a guide to best practice to help plan works aimed to:
- rehabilitate land towards its natural state; or
- protect land from environmental degradation.
The table below shows where ecological thinning can be applied on rural regulated land in the Coastal, Central and Western allowable activity zones in NSW according to Keith vegetation formation type.
| Vegetation formation | Ecological thinning permitted |
|---|---|
| Arid shrubland (acacia sub-formation) | |
| Dry sclerophyll forests | |
| Grassy woodlands | |
| Semi-arid woodlands | |
| Wet sclerophyll forests (grassy and shrubby sub-formations) | |
| Forested wetlands | |
| Alpine Complex | |
| Arid shrublands (chenopod sub-formation) | |
| Freshwater wetlands | |
| Grasslands | |
| Heathlands | |
| Rainforest | |
| Saline wetlands |
If you’re not sure which vegetation formation applies to your land, contact your Local Land Services office for advice.
When deciding what vegetation to clear, you should consider the following:
- Do not remove all plants of a single species from the ecological thinning area.
- Make sure there is no removal of large or significant habitat trees.
- Do not remove trees and shrubs that equal or are above the thinning stem diameters nominated for their specified vegetation type.
- Only thin trees and shrubs down to the minimum stem density per hectare for the relevant vegetation type.
- You must retain the required number of stems for each diameter class on every hectare of the treatment area.
- Stems retained should include a range of age and size classes.
- The area in which thinning is conducted should be over no more than 80% of each ecological thinning area. This will help to maintain a mosaic of vegetation densities for habitat purposes.
- Do not clear any threatened tree or shrub species. If they are present, you must keep them as part of the retained vegetation.
- Thinning should not result in the introduction of non-native persistent exotic vegetation.
- Leave some woody debris from thinning on the site, spread out evenly on-site. Only remove it if there's a legitimate reason. Keeping the debris helps:
- retain nutrients and soil structure
- prevent erosion
- support groundcover regeneration
- create habitat for wildlife.
- Make sure that retained trees and shrubs in the ecological thinning area are at least 2 meters in height and evenly spaced in the treatment area.
- Minimise any incidental damage to non-target plants.
- Thinning should not result in retained stems forming any type of narrow or linear configuration. For example, strip or alley thinning.
- Thinning should not result in the clearing of a structural layer of vegetation. For example, underscrubbing to remove the shrub layer.
How much you should thin
To meet the Environmental Protection Works allowable activity requirements, ecological thinning can be undertaken if it is to the minimum extent necessary.
Only thin trees and shrubs down to the minimum stem density per hectare for the specified vegetation formation.
You must retain the required number of stems for each diameter class on every hectare of the treatment area.
| Vegetation formation | Minimum stem retention requirement | Approximate spacing between retained stems |
|---|---|---|
| Arid shrubland (acacia sub-formation) | 150 stems per hectare | 8.2 metres |
| Dry sclerophyll forests | 300 stems per hectare | 5.8 metres |
| Grassy woodlands | 230 stems per hectare | 6.6 metres |
| Semi-arid woodlands | 150 stems per hectare | 8.2 metres |
| Wet sclerophyll forest (grassy and shrubby sub-formations) | 300 stems per hectare | 5.8 metres |
- Do not remove all plants of a single species from the ecological thinning area.
- No removal of large or significant habitat trees.
- Do not clear any threatened tree or shrub species. If they are present, you must keep them as part of the retained vegetation.
- Ensure that, as far as reasonably possible, stems retained within the ecological thinning area include a range of age and size classes.
- Thinning should not result in the introduction of non-native persistent exotic vegetation.
- Retained trees and shrubs in the ecological thinning area are, at least 2 meters in height and evenly spaced in the treatment area
- Incidental damage of non-target plants should be minimised
- Thinning should not result in retained stems forming any type of narrow or linear configuration. For example, strip or alley thinning.
- Thinning should not result in the clearing of a structural layer of vegetation. For example, underscrubbing to remove the shrub layer.
Trees and shrubs that equal or are above the thinning stem diameters in the following table should not be removed.
| Thinning genera-genus | Maximum Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) that may be thinned |
|---|---|
| Eucalyptus | 25 cm |
| Corymbia | 25 cm |
| Angophora | 25 cm |
| Melaleuca | 15 cm |
| Casuarina | 15 cm |
| Allocasuarina/Casuarina | 15 cm |
| Callitris | 15 cm |
| Acacia | 15 cm |
| Other genera | 15 cm |
Ecological thinning plan of works
Get best-practice advice before you start ecological thinning. Use this advice to create a thinning plan that suits your property and needs.
Choose the management options that work best for your situation.
In some cases, the allowable activity pathway won’t apply. If that happens, you may need a different approval before you can carry out the work.
Think about what you want to achieve through ecological thinning. Your goals might include:
- protecting sensitive environmental areas
- encouraging more wildlife
- restoring vegetation to its natural condition.
Before you start, make sure you've correctly identified the vegetation formation and genus. Take photos of the area to record its condition. If unsure, you can contact your nearest Local Land Services office.
Refer to the Keith vegetation formation descriptions listed below or use the Trees Near Me app for more information on vegetation and plant communities in your area.
Over what period do you plan to undertake ecological thinning activities? Time activities for when they will be most effective or to manage seasonal conditions.
Where possible, plan actions for when native flora and fauna will be least impacted. For example, outside of the plants’ active growing season (generally spring and early summer).
Create a map showing:
- the location where thinning will take place
- the location of native species or ecological communities
- any areas with specific control methods or constraints.
Keep clear records of your ecological thinning works and the outcomes over time. Record when and where the work was done, how it was done, and which species were thinned.
Photo points are a simple way to monitor long-term outcomes. Set up fixed spots where you take regular photos to track changes. Mark these points with something permanent and easy to see, like a stake with a yellow cap. Make sure it's safe for wildlife.
Keep track of how the vegetation responds and note any follow-up work. For example, you might see:
- regrowth of thinned species
- natural regeneration of other native plants
- weeds starting to grow in the thinned area.
Use your monitoring results to guide and improve future management.
Check how the site responds to ecological thinning. If it’s not meeting your goals, update your management plan.
You may need a second round of thinning, depending on how the vegetation grows back.
Talk to Local Land Services or other experienced professionals about adaptive management options.
Keith vegetation formations
Ecological thinning under the EPW allowable activity is only appropriate for some vegetation formations.
Check if ecological thinning is suitable for your vegetation formations and land type.
You can also read more about Keith vegetation formations in the NSW Vegetation classification framework.
Not suitable
Trees are mostly absent or present only as scattered individuals.
Vegetation is dominated by plants that tolerate long periods of snow cover.
Restricted to the alpine zone of the southern tablelands above 1600 to 1800 metres elevation.
Suitable
Dominated by drought-tolerant shrubs, mainly wattles (Acacias) and other hard-leaved shrubs up to 5 metres tall.
Includes some perennial herbs and abundant ephemeral grasses and herbs following rain, fire or flooding.
Common on various soils across the western plains with annual rainfall under 500 mm.
Ground layer may include hummock grasses such as spinifex.
Not suitable
Dominated by drought-tolerant shrubs, mainly chenopods (such as saltbushes, bluebushes and copperburrs) up to 1.5 metres tall.
Includes some perennial herbs and abundant ephemeral grasses and herbs after rain.
Widespread on a variety of soils on the western plains where annual rainfall is under 500 mm.
Ground layer may include perennial tussock grasses but never includes hummock grasses like spinifex.
Suitable
Dominated by trees in forest or woodland form (rarely taller than 35 metres).
Understorey has many hard-leaved shrubs and lacks plants that tolerate waterlogging or inundation.
Rarely dominated by box-type eucalypts.
Groundcover is typically sparse and dominated by hard-leaved sedges.
Found on infertile sandy or loamy soils on the coast, tablelands and western slopes with over 500 mm of rainfall.
Suitable
Similar to the shrubby sub-formation but with more consistent groundcover of grasses and herbs.
Variable density of hard-leaved shrubs in the understorey.
Found in similar regions and soil conditions.
Not suitable
Dominated by short to moderately tall trees (rarely taller than 35 metres) in forests or woodlands.
Understorey includes plants tolerant of periodic waterlogging or inundation, especially sedges, rushes and reeds.
Ferns and broad-leaved shrubs are uncommon.
Found in low-lying coastal areas and alongside rivers, lakes and swamps inland.
Not suitable
Trees are absent or only scattered.
Dominated by flood-tolerant plants including sedges, rushes, reeds, succulent herbs, and sometimes submerged or floating aquatic plants.
Found below 1800 metres elevation where snow is not prolonged.
Soils are typically deep, dark and rich in decomposed organic matter.
Found in swamps on humic or gleyed soils across the coast, tablelands, slopes and plains.
Not suitable
Trees are absent or scattered.
Dominated by perennial tussock grasses and herbs.
Generally lacks flood- or snow-tolerant plants.
Shrubs are rare. Sedges may be present but aquatic plants are not.
Common on clay soils in flat to gently rolling terrain across the coast, tablelands, western slopes and plains.
Suitable
Tree-dominated (typically 15 to 35 metres tall), usually in woodland form.
Understorey has few hard-leaved shrubs.
Box-type eucalypts often dominate the canopy.
Groundcover includes continuous tussock grasses and perennial herbs such as orchids and lilies.
Ephemeral species and drought-tolerant shrubs are uncommon.
Found west of the Great Dividing Range on fertile loams and clay loams, particularly on coastal lowlands, tablelands and western slopes with over 500 mm rainfall.
Not suitable
Trees are absent or sparse.
Dominated by hard-leaved but not drought-tolerant shrubs.
Includes perennial sedges, herbs and grasses. Tussock grasses are rare and never dominant.
Occurs below 1800 metres in areas not subject to prolonged snow.
Found on infertile sandy or loamy soils across the coast, tablelands and western plains where annual rainfall exceeds 800 mm.
Not suitable
Not dominated by eucalypts (although scattered individuals may be present).
Dense canopy of broad, soft-leaved trees with horizontally held leaves.
Understorey includes ferns, herbs and vines. Never absent.
Trees are not tolerant of tidal inundation.
Found mostly on fertile to moderately fertile soils in coastal lowlands, islands, escarpments and some north-western slope gorges where rainfall exceeds 1000 mm.
Not suitable
Forest or woodland not dominated by eucalypts.
Dense canopy of soft-leaved trees, tolerant of tidal inundation.
Sparse or absent understorey.
Restricted to tidal estuaries along the coast where rainfall exceeds 1000 mm.
Suitable
Tree-dominated (15 to 35 metres tall), found in woodlands or open woodlands.
Understorey includes ephemeral grasses and herbs after rain, with variable cover of tussock grasses.
Drought-tolerant shrubs, often including chenopods, are common.
Found across various soils west of the Great Dividing Range, particularly on floodplains of the western plains where rainfall is below 500 mm.
Suitable
Similar structure to grassy sub-formation but found on hills or flatlands not exposed to flooding.
Dominated by shorter eucalypts (under 15 metres).
Understorey includes drought-tolerant shrubs and a variable mix of grasses.
Suitable
Dominated by tall, straight-trunked eucalypt forests (typically taller than 30 metres).
Understorey has a continuous cover of grasses and herbs rather than shrubs.
Found in sheltered east coast escarpments on moderately fertile soils with over 900 mm rainfall.
Not suitable
Similar to the grassy sub-formation but with a shrub-dominated understorey and sparse grass cover.
Found in the same east coast escarpment regions.
Examples of using ecological thinning
These examples explain when ecological thinning may or may not be allowed under the Environmental Protection Works allowable activity on regulated rural land.
Managing thick native shrubs after grazing
Sometimes native shrubs, like Sifton Bush, grow densely after grazing stops. This can reduce the variety of native plants.
If the area is a Critically Endangered Ecological Community (CEEC), such as box gum grassy woodland, and the shrubs are treated one by one (for example, with herbicide), ecological thinning may be allowed. The aim must be to improve the environment, not for farm production.
Thick tree regrowth for pasture improvement
In some areas, native trees like White Cypress Pine grow back thickly and evenly after grazing. This can make the land less productive.
If the land is in a CEEC and mapped as Category 2 – Sensitive Regulated Land, and the clearing is for pasture improvement using machinery, this does not meet the rules for ecological thinning. The landholder will need different approvals under the Local Land Services Act 2013.
Wattle regrowth after bushfire
After fire, wattles (Acacia species) often grow back thickly across areas of Category 2 – Regulated Rural Land. A landholder may want to thin these to improve pasture.
If the goal is to increase production, and chemical methods will be used, this is not considered ecological thinning. The landholder should consider other options under the Land Management Code.
Contact Local Land Services NSW
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