Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Low elevation: 0-700 m altitude range; mean altitude 200 m.a.s.l. Low to moderate exposure; varying degrees of shelter from strong winds and storms; bays particularly sheltered. Moderate maritime influence - surrounded by usually calm seas. Some ameliorating effect on temperature extremes. 3. Water Some water quality problems in lower altitude areas from septic tanks. Some streams ephemeral in dry conditions. B. The Biological Environment [Part of Sounds Ecological District] Total land area in Portage Ecosystem is 12,380 ha of which; 32% is in native forest, 51% is in shrubland (both native and exotic), 12% is in plantation forestry and 6% is in pasture and non-woody indigenous cover. (Note: Percentages based on interpretation of 1990 satellite images.) 1. Predominant Indigenous Vegetation Detailed in Table 7 Originally, predominantly forested, except for rock and beach shoreline fringes, bluffs, and estuarine embayment heads. Small areas of swamp forest on alluvium. Now, predominantly cleared of original indigenous forest although secondary forest covers significant areas in south-facing bays and headlands in Queen Charlotte Sound as well as islands. Good primary forest at eastern end of ecosystem. Generally, forest less compromised at higher elevations and steeper slopes. Fan and alluvial forest almost entirely gone. Coastal forest almost entirely gone in Kenepuru. Coastal forest well represented on headlands in Queen Charlotte Sound but lost from many bays. Freshwater wetlands naturally rare in this ecosystem however a few still remain. Swamp forest is all but gone. Regenerating shrublands of various stages are now a significant component of the landscape, especially above Kenepuru Sound. 2. Communities and Habitats Rare island communities and biotic assemblages, completely predator-free. Motuara Island is nationally important. Primary podocarp-broadleaf forest between Ship Cove and Resolution Bay distinctive and regionally outstanding; intact natural sequences from ridge top to sea floor. Primary coastal forest (eg Kumutoto Bay) regionally important. App Two - 38