Riparian Vegetation Assessment along the Estuary-River Transition Zone: Hastings River, NSW. November 2002 - January 2004

A study was undertaken of the health and condition of riparian vegetation along the estuary-river transition zone of the Hastings River after observations noted that trees and understorey species were stressed and appeared to be dying as the drought worsened in late 2002, river flows declined significantly and the river ceased to flow over short periods, and salinity concentrations increased as the salt wedge pushed upstream. The principal causal factors likely tn be involved in vegetation decline include salinity, drought and subsequent soil moisture stress.