Assessor Resource

FWPFGM5219
Undertake carbon stock sampling of forests and plantations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to assess forests and plantations for current and future carbon stocks, including the use of growth modelling techniques to estimate future stocks. Work is completed in a variety of settings including native forest environments, hardwood or softwood plantations and agroforestry and farm forestry.

The unit applies to job roles including Forest Auditor, Forest Planner, Environmental Manager, Environmental Planner Forest Sustainability Manager And Sustainability Manager.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Plan for carbon stock sampling activities

1.1 Confirm purpose, objectives and scope of sample collection activity through stakeholder discussions and consultations.

1.2 Conduct desktop study of existing forests and plantations.

1.3 Design measurement program and confirm sampling site locations and where required, obtain approval for site access.

1.4 Evaluate characteristics of sites for impact on sampling and testing method.

1.5 Determine and arrange human and physical resource requirements.

2. Prepare for carbon stock sampling activities

2.1 Locate forests and plantations using site maps and plans and identify areas for sampling.

2.2 Complete administrative requirements, arrange contractors and obtain approvals in line with organisational procedures.

2.3 Complete a risk assessment for the sample site and activities.

3. Conduct carbon stock sampling collection

3.1 Inspect and test sampling equipment to ensure operational effectiveness.

3.2 Coordinate sampling activities at sites prior to commencement of and during the work activity.

3.3 Conduct surveys and sampling in line with organisational safety procedures.

3.4 Record results of samples and surveys, in line with sampling plan.

3.5 Monitor sampling activities on a regular basis against sampling plan, and implement modifications or improvements as required.

4. Interpret results

4.1 Estimate forest carbon stocks from collected data.

4.2 Review data against assessment program in line with organisational procedures.

4.3 Analyse data to determine effectiveness of assessment.

4.4 Prepare recommendations for future programs based on analysis.

4.5 Record and report assessment processes and improvement suggestions to appropriate personnel.

5. Use growth models to predict biomass and carbon stocks

5.1 Select appropriate growth model.

5.2 Predict biomass growth and carbon stocks from data assessments and incorporate in growth model.

5.3 Analyse data to determine comparability of predicted forest carbon stocks to current available data.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and must be able to provide evidence that they can:

Design two measurement programs for two individual sites to calculate current and expected biomass and carbon stocks of:

trees above and below ground

other vegetation

litter layer

soil.

Complete survey and sampling activities for one of those sites using the measurement plan designed.

Record and analyse all data collected for the site, estimate current carbon stocks, select a growth model and predict and document biomass growth and carbon stocks.

Complete a report on survey and sampling activities recommending improvements for future processes.

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

Requirements for obtaining permits and licences for site sampling activities and the authority from whom approval must be obtained.

Characteristics and growth habits of local vegetation.

Soil characteristics and topography of local area.

Purpose, features and application of measurement programs used to calculate current and expected biomass and carbon stocks of the following:

trees above and below ground

other vegetation

litter layer

soil

wood products.

Data collection and sampling methods for estimating carbon stocks.

Statistical analysis techniques applicable to biomass and carbon assessments.

Methods used to predict biomass growth and carbon stock growth, specifically the use of growth models.

Purpose, features and operation of survey and assessment equipment and tools, including:

geographic information systems

interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photography

Organisational procedures specific to carbon stock sampling, including:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on risk assessment and control

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting sampling data.

The following resources must be made available:

topographic maps

aerial photography

geographic information systems

documents and commonly used proformas for recording sampling data

organisational procedures for carbon stock sampling.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

Hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Plan for carbon stock sampling activities

1.1 Confirm purpose, objectives and scope of sample collection activity through stakeholder discussions and consultations.

1.2 Conduct desktop study of existing forests and plantations.

1.3 Design measurement program and confirm sampling site locations and where required, obtain approval for site access.

1.4 Evaluate characteristics of sites for impact on sampling and testing method.

1.5 Determine and arrange human and physical resource requirements.

2. Prepare for carbon stock sampling activities

2.1 Locate forests and plantations using site maps and plans and identify areas for sampling.

2.2 Complete administrative requirements, arrange contractors and obtain approvals in line with organisational procedures.

2.3 Complete a risk assessment for the sample site and activities.

3. Conduct carbon stock sampling collection

3.1 Inspect and test sampling equipment to ensure operational effectiveness.

3.2 Coordinate sampling activities at sites prior to commencement of and during the work activity.

3.3 Conduct surveys and sampling in line with organisational safety procedures.

3.4 Record results of samples and surveys, in line with sampling plan.

3.5 Monitor sampling activities on a regular basis against sampling plan, and implement modifications or improvements as required.

4. Interpret results

4.1 Estimate forest carbon stocks from collected data.

4.2 Review data against assessment program in line with organisational procedures.

4.3 Analyse data to determine effectiveness of assessment.

4.4 Prepare recommendations for future programs based on analysis.

4.5 Record and report assessment processes and improvement suggestions to appropriate personnel.

5. Use growth models to predict biomass and carbon stocks

5.1 Select appropriate growth model.

5.2 Predict biomass growth and carbon stocks from data assessments and incorporate in growth model.

5.3 Analyse data to determine comparability of predicted forest carbon stocks to current available data.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and must be able to provide evidence that they can:

Design two measurement programs for two individual sites to calculate current and expected biomass and carbon stocks of:

trees above and below ground

other vegetation

litter layer

soil.

Complete survey and sampling activities for one of those sites using the measurement plan designed.

Record and analyse all data collected for the site, estimate current carbon stocks, select a growth model and predict and document biomass growth and carbon stocks.

Complete a report on survey and sampling activities recommending improvements for future processes.

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

Requirements for obtaining permits and licences for site sampling activities and the authority from whom approval must be obtained.

Characteristics and growth habits of local vegetation.

Soil characteristics and topography of local area.

Purpose, features and application of measurement programs used to calculate current and expected biomass and carbon stocks of the following:

trees above and below ground

other vegetation

litter layer

soil

wood products.

Data collection and sampling methods for estimating carbon stocks.

Statistical analysis techniques applicable to biomass and carbon assessments.

Methods used to predict biomass growth and carbon stock growth, specifically the use of growth models.

Purpose, features and operation of survey and assessment equipment and tools, including:

geographic information systems

interpretation of topographic maps and aerial photography

Organisational procedures specific to carbon stock sampling, including:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on risk assessment and control

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting sampling data.

The following resources must be made available:

topographic maps

aerial photography

geographic information systems

documents and commonly used proformas for recording sampling data

organisational procedures for carbon stock sampling.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

Hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Confirm purpose, objectives and scope of sample collection activity through stakeholder discussions and consultations. 
Conduct desktop study of existing forests and plantations. 
Design measurement program and confirm sampling site locations and where required, obtain approval for site access. 
Evaluate characteristics of sites for impact on sampling and testing method. 
Determine and arrange human and physical resource requirements. 
Locate forests and plantations using site maps and plans and identify areas for sampling. 
Complete administrative requirements, arrange contractors and obtain approvals in line with organisational procedures. 
Complete a risk assessment for the sample site and activities. 
Inspect and test sampling equipment to ensure operational effectiveness. 
Coordinate sampling activities at sites prior to commencement of and during the work activity. 
Conduct surveys and sampling in line with organisational safety procedures. 
Record results of samples and surveys, in line with sampling plan. 
Monitor sampling activities on a regular basis against sampling plan, and implement modifications or improvements as required. 
Estimate forest carbon stocks from collected data. 
Review data against assessment program in line with organisational procedures. 
Analyse data to determine effectiveness of assessment. 
Prepare recommendations for future programs based on analysis. 
Record and report assessment processes and improvement suggestions to appropriate personnel. 
Select appropriate growth model. 
Predict biomass growth and carbon stocks from data assessments and incorporate in growth model. 
Analyse data to determine comparability of predicted forest carbon stocks to current available data. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FWPFGM5219 - Undertake carbon stock sampling of forests and plantations
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Assessment Record Sheet

FWPFGM5219 - Undertake carbon stock sampling of forests and plantations

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Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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