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Associate Professor Ray Froend

Associate Professor Ray Froend

Associate Professor Ray Froend

Associate Professor

Telephone: (61 8)  6304 5563  
Mobile: 0419723015  
Facsimile: (61 8)  9400 5509  
Email: r.froend@ecu.edu.au   
Campus: Joondalup  
Room: JO19.340  

 

Current Teaching

  • SCI3122 - Natural Sciences Project Unit
  • SCM2201 - Soil and Land Processes
  • SCI3122 - Sustainable Water Resource management
  • SCI2257 - Water and Wetlands Management
  • SCI5124 - Soil Conservation and Land Management
  • SCI5126 - Environmental Water Requirements
  • SCI5108 - Water Demand Management

Background

  • 2006-present: Associate Professor, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University
  • 1999-2006: Senior Lecturer, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University
  • 2002-2004: Director, Centre for Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan University
  • 1996-1999: Lecturer, School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University.
  • 1995-1996: Senior Environmental Officer, Environmental Management Section, Water Resources Directorate, Water Authority of WA.
  • 1991-1994: Research Officer, Hydrology and Land Use Research Section, Water Authority of WA.
  • 1988-1991: Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Environmental Science, Murdoch University.

Professional Memberships

  • Ecological Society of Australia
  • International Association for Vegetation Science
  • British Ecological Society
  • Australian Society for Limnology
  • Royal Society of Western Australia

Research Areas and Interests

  • Hydroecology – Determining the water regimes required to maintain and enhance conservation values of terrestrial, aquatic and riparian ecosystems. In particular, water requirements of terrestrial phreatophytic and wetland/riparian vegetation.
  • Management of aquatic and groundwater dependent ecosystems – Allocation planning of water resources to meet environmental requirements. Development of monitoring strategies and programmes for assessing effectiveness of environmental water provisions.
  • Groundwater dependent vegetation – Impact of altered groundwater regimes on native plants at the individual, population and community level. Ecophysiology of phreatophytic vegetation and determining variability in water source partitioning. Population dynamics of phreatophytic species and response to long-term changes in groundwater regime and climate
  • Ecology and biology of wetland plants - Recruitment biology of wetland tree, shrub and emergent species. Species response to altered water quantity and quality.

Staff Qualifications

  • PhD, The University of Western Australia .
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, The University of Western Australia, 1987 .

Research

Recent Research Grants

  • Ecohydrology,  University of Western Australia,  Centre of Excellence,  2011,  $115,900.
  • Quantification of the Biodiversity of the Lake MacLeod Northern Ponds,  Dampier Salt Limited Perth Division,  Grant-Dampsalt,  2011,  $136,459.
  • Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for the Gnangara and Jandakot Mounds - Wetland Vegetation and End of Summer Monitoring,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2011,  $30,850.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2011,  $15,000.
  • Management of Brine Disposal into Inland Ecosystems,  National Centre of Excellence in Desalination,  Grant - NCED,  2011,  $15,027.
  • Ecophysiology Study of Riparian Vegetation,  Department of Environment and Conservation WA,  Grant,  2011,  $10,208.
  • Variation in morphological and physiological traits of a widespread and localised eucalypt species as a reflection of adaptive capacity in a drying climate,  Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency,  National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF),  2011,  $6,000.
  • Quantification of the Biodiversity of the Lake MacLeod Northern Ponds,  Dampier Salt Limited Perth Division,  Grant-Dampsalt(**),  2010,  $76,475.
  • Vegetation Monitoring - Swan Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant(**),  2010,  $3,224.
  • Lake Bryde EWR Project,  Department of Environment and Conservation WA,  Grant(**),  2010,  $2,739.
  • Ecohydrological Equilibrium Theory and Banksia Woodland Vegetation,  Department of Environment and Conservation WA,  Grant(**),  2010,  $31,818.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Water Corporation,  Grant(**),  2010,  $123,173.
  • Ecophysiology Study of Riparian Vegetation,  Department of Environment and Conservation WA,  Grant(**),  2010,  $22,459.
  • Vegetation Monitoring of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems on the Southern Blackwood Plateau and Eastern Scott Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant(**),  2010,  $20,738.
  • Ecohydrology,  University of Western Australia,  Centre of Excellence(**),  2010,  $112,400.
  • Eco-Hydrological Study - Gnangara Mound,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant(**),  2010,  $63,661.
  • Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for the Gnangara and Jandakot Mounds - Wetland Vegetation and End of Summer Monitoring,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant(**),  2010,  $42,144.
  • Management Framework for Groundwater Dependent Vegetation - South West,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant(**),  2010,  $65,007.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Australian Research Council,  Grant - Linkage (APAI)(**),  2010,  $13,334.
  • Vegetation Monitoring - Swan Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2009,  $10,745.
  • Ecophysiology Study of Riparian Vegetation,  Department of Environment & Conservation WA,  Grant,  2009,  $20,417.
  • Vegetation Monitoring of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems on the Southern Blackwood Plateau and Eastern Scott Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2009,  $22,398.
  • Management Framework for Groundwater Dependent Vegetation - South West,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2009,  $90,909.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2009,  $68,737.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Australian Research Council,  Grant - Linkage (APAI),  2009,  $40,570.
  • Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for the Gnangara and Jandakot Mounds - Wetland Vegetation and End of Summer Monitoring,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2009,  $44,327.
  • Establish Baseline Wetland Vegetation Monitoring for New Sites: Shallow Groundwater Systems Investigation of the Gnangara and Jandakot Groundwater Mounds,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2009,  $17,752.
  • Ecohydrology,  University of Western Australia,  Centre of Execellence,  2009,  $108,900.
  • Literature Review of the Ecophysiology of Riparian Plants,  Department of Environment & Conservation WA,  Grant,  2009,  $17,871.
  • Eco-Hydrological Study - Gnangara Mound,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2009,  $106,102.
  • Wetland Vegetation Monitoring: Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for Gnangara Mound,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2008,  $34,946.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2008,  $93,750.
  • Investigation of Yate Swamp Hydroperiod requirements within the Lake Bryde recovery catchment,  Dept of Conservation & Land Management,  Grant,  2008,  $12,621.
  • Eco-Hydrological Study - Gnangara Mound,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2008,  $42,441.
  • Management Framework for Groundwater Dependent Vegetation - South West,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2008,  $84,090.
  • EWR Framework Development,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2008,  $9,168.
  • Vegetation Monitoring - Swan Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2008,  $18,482.
  • Vegetation Monitoring of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems on the Southern Blackwood Plateau and Eastern Scott Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2008,  $47,210.
  • Fire management implications for the wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain,  Fire & Emergency Services Authority of WA,  Grant,  2008,  $19,175.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Australian Research Council,  Grant - Linkage (APAI),  2008,  $80,059.
  • Environmental water requirements of priority water resources in the South Coastal Region,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2008,  $28,928.
  • Literature Review of the Ecophysiology of Riparian Plants,  Department of Environment & Conservation WA,  Grant,  2008,  $17,871.
  • EWR Framework Development,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2007,  $12,224.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2007,  $143,397.
  • Vegetation Monitoring of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems on the Southern Blackwood Plateau and Eastern Scott Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2007,  $13,644.
  • Selection of groundwater-dependent ecosystem criteria sites in the Bunbury-Busselton-Capel groundwater areas and establishment of vegetation transects,  Dept of Environment WA,  Grant,  2007,  $23,138.
  • The cause(s) and management of the Eucalyptus gomphocephala decline epidemic in Western Australia,  Murdoch University,  Grant - Linkage (Projects),  2007,  $31,200.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Australian Research Council,  Grant - Linkage (APAI),  2007,  $91,486.
  • Wetland Vegetation Monitoring: Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for Gnangara Mound,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2007,  $29,205.
  • Phreatophytic Vegetation and Groundwater Studies (Phase 2),  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2007,  $11,349.
  • Plant water relations in rehabilitated residue areas and an analogue coastal vegetation community,  Alcoa World Alumina Australia,  Grant,  2007,  $26,542.
  • Environmental water requirements of priority water resources in the South Coastal Region,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2007,  $25,997.
  • Vegetation Monitoring - Swan Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2007,  $7,308.
  • Determination of ecological water requirements for groundwater-dependent ecosystems - Southern Blackwood and Eastern Scott Coastal Plain,  Dept of Environment WA,  Grant,  2006,  $17,107.
  • Investigation of Yate Swamp Hydroperiod requirements within the Lake Bryde recovery catchment,  Dept of Conservation & Land Management,  Grant,  2006,  $3,460.
  • Wetland Vegetation Monitoring: Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for Gnangara Mound,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2006,  $26,905.
  • The cause(s) and management of the Eucalyptus gomphocephala decline epidemic in Western Australia,  Murdoch University,  Grant - Linkage (Projects),  2006,  $49,200.
  • Fire management implications for the wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain,  Fire & Emergency Services Authority of WA,  Grant,  2006,  $39,675.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Australian Research Council,  Grant - Linkage (APAI),  2006,  $50,950.
  • Mitigation of impacts on groundwater dependent vegetation through adaptive abstraction regimes,  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2006,  $39,308.
  • Selection of groundwater-dependent ecosystem criteria sites in the Bunbury-Busselton-Capel groundwater areas and establishment of vegetation transects,  Dept of Environment WA,  Grant,  2006,  $20,000.
  • Environmental water requirements of priority water resources in the South Coastal Region,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2006,  $17,396.
  • Vegetation Monitoring of Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems on the Southern Blackwood Plateau and Eastern Scott Coastal Plain,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2006,  $13,644.
  • Phreatophytic Vegetation and Groundwater Studies (Phase 2),  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2006,  $88,297.
  • EWR Framework Development,  Dept of Water WA,  Grant,  2006,  $9,168.
  • Determination of ecological water requirements for groundwater-dependent ecosystems - Southern Blackwood and Eastern Scott Coastal Plain,  Dept of Environment WA,  Grant,  2005,  $37,380.
  • Investigation of Yate Swamp Hydroperiod requirements within the Lake Bryde recovery catchment,  Dept of Conservation & Land Management,  Grant,  2005,  $28,873.
  • Ludlow leaf water potential studies,  Cable Sands (WA) Pty Ltd,  Grant,  2005,  $9,131.
  • Phreatophytic Vegetation and Groundwater Studies (Phase 2),  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2005,  $122,125.
  • Eucalyptus gomphocephela (tuart) decline in Western Australia,  Murdoch University,  Grant - Linkage (APAI),  2005,  $46,271.
  • Seasonal and historical groundwater use by pines,  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2005,  $51,855.
  • Assessment of ecological risk associated with irrigation systems in the Ord - Phase 2 - Ecological risk assessment and the impact of irrigation return on biodiversity in the Lower Ord River.,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2005,  $5,244.
  • Study of Ecological Water Requirements on the Gnangara and Jandakot Mounds under Section 46 of the Environment Protection Act.,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2005,  $38,472.
  • Wetland Vegetation Monitoring: Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for Gnangara Mound,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2005,  $7,952.
  • End of summer assessment of condition of Gnangara & Jandakot GDEs,  Dept of Environment WA,  Grant,  2005,  $14,000.
  • Assessment of ecological risk associated with irrigation systems in the Ord - Phase 2 - Ecological risk assessment and the impact of irrigation return on biodiversity in the Lower Ord River.,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2004,  $45,000.
  • Phreatophytic Vegetation and Groundwater Studies (Phase 2),  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2004,  $123,975.
  • ECU/MURDOCH - Gnangara and Jandakot Wetland Assessment and Predictions of summer impacts,  Dept of Environment WA,  Grant,  2004,  $3,000.
  • Seasonal and historical groundwater use by pines,  Water Corporation,  Grant,  2004,  $37,032.
  • Productivity and water flow regulation in the Ord River of North Western Australia,  Dept of Environment WA,  Grant,  2004,  $8,812.
  • Wetland Vegetation Monitoring: Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for Gnangara Mound,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2004,  $2,399.
  • Eucalyptus gomphocephela (tuart) decline in Western Australia,  Murdoch University,  Grant - Linkage (APAI),  2004,  $46,271.
  • Study of Ecological Water Requirements on the Gnangara and Jandakot Mounds under Section 46 of the Environment Protection Act.,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2004,  $21,984.
  • Wetland Vegetation Monitoring: Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for Gnangara Mound,  Water & Rivers Commission WA,  Grant,  2004,  $6,952.

Recent Publications (within the last five years)

Journal Articles

  • Drake, PL., Froend, R., Franks, PJ., (2011), Linking hydraulic conductivity and photosynthesis to water-source partitioning in trees versus seedlings. Tree Physiology, 31(7), 763-773, DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpr068.
  • Sommer, B., Froend, R., (2011), Resilience of phreatophytic vegetation to groundwater drawdown: Is recovery possible under a drying climate?. Ecohydrology, 4(1), 67-82, DOI: 10.1002/eco.124.
  • Froend, R., Sommer, B., (2010), Phreatophytic vegetation response to climatic and abstraction-induced groundwater drawdown: Examples of long-term spatial and temporal variability in community response. Ecological Engineering, 36(9), 1191-2000, Amsterdam, DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2009.11.029.
  • Canham, C., Froend, R., Stock, W., (2009), Water stress vulnerability of four Banksia species in contrasting ecohydrological habitats on the Gnangara Mound, Western Australia. Plant Cell and Environment, 32(1), 64-72, United Kingdom, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3040.2008.01904.x.
  • Horwitz, P., Bradshaw, D., Hopper, S., Davies, P., Froend, R., Bradshaw, F., (2008), Hydrological change escalates risk of ecosystem stress in Australia's threatened biodiversity hotspot. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 91(1), 1-11, Australia.

Research Student Supervision

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy,  Identification Of Social Water Requirements For Water Resource Planning..
  • Water Use Of Phreatophytic Banksia, Swan Coastal Plain.
  • Doctor of Philosophy,  Drought Traits Of Eucalyptus Gomphocephala In Yalorup National Park.
  • Recruitment Of Riparian Vegetation, Ord And Blackwood.
  • Doctor of Philosophy,  The Response Of Banksia Roots To Change In Water Table Level In A Mediterranean-type Environment..

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Modelling Wetland Plant Response To Altered Water Regime.
  • Restoration Of A Wheatbelt Wetland.
  • Physiognamy And Species Richness Of Riparian Plants, Wa.
  • Environmental Correlates Of Tuart Decline.
  • Livestock Grazing In Jarrah Woodland Remnants.
  • Productivity And Development Of Peat Deposits.