Plot Selection and Layout Module. In 'Ecological Field Monitoring Protocols Manual using the Ecological Monitoring System Australia'

This module is one of many that form the Ecological Field Monitoring Protocols Manual using the Ecological Monitoring System Australia (EMSA), available at https://emsa.tern.org.au/documents. This module covers two protocols for plot selection and layout:

1. Plot selection protocol (desktop component).
2. Plot layout and visit protocol (field collection).

The Plot selection protocol includes procedures and guidelines for defining the project area boundary, stratifying the project area into sampling units and selecting proposed plot locations prior to field collection based on a review of aerial imagery and spatial data.

The Plot layout and visit protocol includes procedures and guidelines for selecting final plot locations in the field based on the results of the stratification process in combination with on-ground knowledge of the project area, marking out the plots and defining the plot visit, as well as defining the current plot being surveyed from the existing plots in the project area in order to work across multiple plots during a visit (e.g. recording trap captures from multiple fauna plots each morning and afternoon).

Plot types include the core monitoring plot (100 x 100 m; 1 ha) and optional paired fauna plot (100 x 100 m; 1 ha), which together form the biodiversity plot, where 2 ha bird surveys can be undertaken.