Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan for carbon stock sampling activities
   • 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.
2. Prepare for carbon stock sampling activities
   • 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.
3. Conduct carbon stock sampling collection
   • 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.
4. Interpret results
   • 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.
5. Use growth models to predict biomass and carbon stocks
   • 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.

Performance Evidence

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.

---

Knowledge Evidence

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.

---