A low altitude snow tussock reserve at Black Rock, Eastern Otago.

The Black Rock Scientific Reserve has been set aside to preserve an area of low altitude snow tussock grassland. The reserve consists of gently rolling ridges covered in a narrow-leaved snow tussock (Chionochloa rigida) association, substantially intact or in various stages of degradation, and shallow gullies containing Sphagnum bog and minor grassland communities. To enable changes in the snow tussock association to be studied, four one hectare permanent quadrats have been established and sampled by Scott's height frequency method. If the reserve is to fulfil its designated purpose, exotic brush weeds and fire must be controlled