shoreline vegetation

Those sections of forest along the Te Anau lake shore, resting on unconsolidated material and within ca. 3m of the maximum natural lake level (204.3m above mean sea level), could be threatened by the predicted water table effects (Mark et al. 1972) of lake manipulation required for hydroelectric development. The floristics and structure of this forest were investigated. Five forest associations have been recognised, apparently related to differences in soil moisture conditions.

Approximately 44 per cent of the forested mainland shoreline of Lake Te Anau appears to be vulnerable to high water tables maintained for unnaturally long periods. Results of 22 traverses across representative sites suggest a delicate ecological balance between natural lake level variation, shoreline relief and vegetation.