Appendix Two Upland forests, bluff systems and estuaries are still largely intact. Lowland hillslope forest intact in upper reaches of some main valleys (eg; Waitohi, Graham and Stace Rivers), but severely compromised on most slopes facing the coast, especially north faces. Scrub (with extensive wilding pines) and second growth forest covering much of lowland hill slopes. Some coastal shrublands still existing. Almost no coastal forest remaining; few alluvial communities and estuarine margins remaining. Stace River alluvial remnants still relatively large. 2. Communities and Habitats Upland forest tracts intact (some exceptionally so) and vital habitats for nationally threatened species. Distinctive stunted, windshorn forests on exposed ridges and summits. Good understorey structure in places. Tracts of primary lowland hill slope forests still quite extensive - regionally important. Nationally important where they are a vital habitat for nationally threatened species. Remaining alluvial, estuarine, and freshwater communities uncommon, distinctive, vulnerable and regionally significant. Although relatively small in extent, they contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Alluvial forest and shrubland communities are some of the most extensive in the Sounds; almost extinct in Marlborough and support regionally threatened species - regionally outstanding. Coastal shrublands, distinctive Sounds vegetation, which reach their southern limit at Rarangi. Biotic patterns largely intact at higher altitudes and partially so at lower altitudes. Coastal natural patterns largely lost and difficult to interpret. Intact altitudinal sequences gone. Natural process functioning and dynamics generally healthy for upland and some lowland areas but largely broken down for coastal and alluvial areas. Also, ongoing wild animal and weed threats; major in places. Natural biodiversity moderate; enhanced by coastal, non-forest and alluvial communities. Overall natural productivity moderate. Low productivity at high altitudes. High estuarine and alluvial productivity. Extremely high freshwater values in southern catchments (eg; Stace River). Excellent access and extensive low gradient stretches provide vital habitat for a very diverse native fishery, including threatened species. 3. Plants Pimelea gnidia (r); Hoheria angustifolia (r); Euphrasia cuneata , swamp maire (r); Hohe opulnea var. lanceolata (r); Melicytus obovatus ; pingao; Ileostylis riap micran thus (r); Cyrto stylis reniformis (r); Pseudopanax colensoi. (r)=rare in the Marlborough Sounds, or nationally threatened. App Two - 61