Hi EMSA Community,
This is the last chance to register for our final EMSA on ground training for the year! To be held in Adelaide, South Australia from the 2nd - 4th of December. If you're interested in registering, or for more information, head to the Adelaide training registration page.
EMSA Floristics module guidance document updated (DCCEEW)
Version 2 of the Floristics module guidance document has now been published on the EMSA website. It includes the following changes from version 1.1:
Species identification
- Species identification is completed by an EMSA-approved Botanist. Where there is uncertainty regarding species ID, vouchers must be sent to a herbarium.
- For more information about the role of an EMSA-approved Botanist, and how to apply, see the fact sheet and application form on the document download page (under ‘Floristics module’). Applicants will be assessed on their eligibility based on their qualifications, memberships, botanical identification experience, and contribution to herbaria.
Vouchering
- It is a requirement of the Floristics module to collect specimen vouchers of species present in the 1ha EMSA plot. These vouchers may be a physical voucher and/or photographic voucher.
- Photographic vouchers are sufficient for identification of well-known species, and species where collection is difficult (for example, tall trees) or not appropriate (such as threatened species).
- We strongly recommend against using only photographs for plant specimen vouchers. A physical voucher assists with correct species identification and provides a robust taxonomic reference.
Floristics modification
- DCCEEW have developed a floristics module modification that may be appropriate to use for flora monitoring in some projects.
- To obtain approval to use the modified protocol, you must send a request to the Long-Term Monitoring inbox (ltmp@dcceew.gov.au) with justification that the project plots and/or wider project area represents a relatively homogeneous environment containing a majority of well-known species.
- Please allow for up to 7 business days for the request to be processed.
Holidays: 🎄 Please keep in mind when scheduling your EMSA support needs over the holiday period - the EMSA Help Desk will be closed from Monday 22nd December, re-opening Monday 5th January 2026 🎄