This directory is framed around four questions important to people managing native vegetation at the property level. Each question has its own chapter.

Question 1 explores what native vegetation is and considers the values that property owners and the general community place on native vegetation. It recognises that in most cases, land owners and managers cannot think only of native vegetation, but must consider it in light of their principal enterprise or land use. This question also highlights the threats to native vegetation and legislation that affects its management and use.

Armed with a better appreciation of the values of native vegetation, and the pressures it is subject to, it is important to know what actions can be taken to sustainably manage native vegetation at the property scale. Question 2 covers property planning, sustainable production, techniques for management of remnant vegetation, wildlife management and revegetation. This question contains the most practical resources for managing native vegetation at property scale.

Question 3 is about knowing if management actions are making a difference. If we monitor and then evaluate changes resulting from management of native vegetation, we know we are having the desired effect or if we need to change management. Monitoring and evaluation are an essential part of the cycle of management and allow us to draw inferences from current practices and make changes in response.

Question 4 uses practical examples to show how some land managers are integrating native vegetation management with agriculture and natural resource management such as water quality, soil health and salinity. Examples where native vegetation management is an integral component of profitable and sustainable management systems helps demonstrate the options available to property managers.

Each question is split into three parts. The first begins with a brief description of why that particular question is important. The second part, forming the bulk of the content, considers useful resources that answer the question. The third part of each question recognises that our current understanding is incomplete and asks ‘Where to from here?’ It considers what current or additional research is needed to help producers manage native vegetation. ‘Research and development tips’ (R&D Tips) are highlighted in this section where relevant, directing you to useful resources, including places where updates are likely to be posted such as websites.

‘Action’ boxes appear throughout the text, suggesting action you can take to improve your understanding of native vegetation management and to gain the most benefit from the resources. To help decision-making, each ‘Action’ has a simplified estimated level of cost, time and complexity allocated to it.

Many useful resources are cited throughout the guide. These resources are referenced with numbers in the text and listed at the end of each chapter in the format Author, Date, Title (and website for electronic resources). The full references are listed alphabetically in the final chapter. In order to be included, the findings needed to be significant and potentially transferable to other regions and the research or resource completed (or largely completed). While the review of information has been extensive, some local and regional research will be missing, so take care not to overlook these. For example, it is often worth consulting local experts and resource libraries. Case study examples are provided to demonstrate advances in thinking and technology, particularly in Question 4, which explores the integration of native vegetation management with other natural resource management issues.

A ‘Where to get help’ chapter follows the checklist summary of ‘Actions’ and ‘R&D Tips’. This compiles contacts, information, products and services. It offers more than just a list of institutions but also specific services you may need to support native vegetation planning and management additional to the ‘R&D Tips’. The final chapter contains the full details of references cited, in alphabetical order.

This guide is available in hard copy and on CD-ROM. The CD-ROM provides electronic links to many reports, including summary booklets, technical reports and other electronic resources. These links, plus a ‘search’ facility on the CD-ROM, enable full exploration of these additional resources.