759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 761400 761600 761800 762000 Map 7: Predicted Pre-1750 Ecological Third Lake Vegetation Classes Middle Lake 6050800 6050800

Legend Ecological Vegetation Class and IWC Zone 6050600 6050600 Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653), Zone 1

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 1

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 2 6050400 6050400

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 3

Lignum Shrubland (EVC 808), Zone 1

6050200 6050200 Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823), Zone 1

Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103), Zone 1

Transportation

6050000 6050000 Highway

Sealed Arterial Road

Sealed Road 6049800 6049800 Unsealed Road

2WD Road Middle Lake 4WD Road 6049600 6049600 6049400 6049400

Pratt Rd 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 metres

6049200 6049200 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Murray Valley Hwy Datum: GDA 1994

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA 6049000 6049000

Project: Ecological Vegetation Class Assessment for Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake and surrounding areas in the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site 6048800 6048800 Client: North Central Catchment Management Authority Author: Holocene Environmental Science Pratt Rd Map Prepared: 25th March 2013 Surveyors: Damien Cook, Elaine Bayes and Karl Just (Rakali Consulting Pty Ltd) and Paul Foreman (Blue Devil Consulting) 6048600 6048600 Survey Period: February 2013

Reedy Lake Disclaimer: while every care has been taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or 6048400 6048400 suitability for any particular purpose is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs which are or may be incurred as a result of this product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 761400 761600 761800 762000 will not be accepted.

4.2.2 Current vegetation The inclusion of Middle Lake within the Torrumbarry Irrigation System greatly altered the original vegetation and habitat. The Lake has been inundated on a near-permanent basis, leading to displacement of much of the original vegetation. The deepest part of the lake was open water, with no aquatic vegetation. Much of the western portion of the lake supports an aquatic form of Tangled Lignum. Descriptions of contemporary EVCs found at this wetland and their Biota scores are provided below. The spatial extent of these EVCs is depicted in Map 8.

Tall Marsh (EVC 821) Tall Marsh occurs around the wetland perimeter and is dominated reeds, rushes and sedges. Typha orientalis (Broad-leaf Cumbungi) and Typha domingensis (Narrow-leaf Cumbungi) often formed mixed stands with Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (River Club-rush). Localised areas supported small patches of Juncus ingens (Giant Rush) and occasionally Phragmites australis (Common Reed). Associated aquatic herbs included Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis (Clove-strip), Myriophyllum papillosum (Robust Water- milfoil) and Persicaria decipiens (Slender Knotweed). Weed cover was relatively low and included *Paspalum distichum (Water Couch), and *Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy). The modified IWC biota score for this EVC at Middle Lake was 17, indicating that it was in good condition.

Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) This typically treeless shrubland supports a particularly robust growth of Duma florulenta (Tangled Lignum) to 4m tall (Figure 13). The ground layer usually includes species tolerant of low rainfall and infrequent inundation such as Senecio runcinifolius (Tall Fireweed) or species which respond to flooding such as Lachnagrostis filiformis s.l. (Common Blown- grass) and Lythrum hyssopifolia (Small Loosestrife). However, at Reedy Lake this EVC is subject to permanent inundation and the Tangled Lignum is associated with aquatic species such as Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis (Clove-strip) and Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (River Club-rush). The modified IWC biota score for this EVC at Middle Lake was 15.6, indicating that it was in moderate condition.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 37

Figure 13: Lignum Swamp at Middle Lake. The Tangled Lignum growing in relatively deep water in this EVC provides the nesting substrate for large rookeries of breeding Australian White Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis and Royal Spoonbill.

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813) Intermittent Swampy Woodland (Figure 14 and Figure 15) occupies low elevation areas on river terraces (mostly at the rear of point-bar deposits or adjacent to major floodways), and lacustrine verges (where it is sometimes localised to a narrow transitional band). Where it is relatively intact this EVC is dominated by flood-stimulated species in association with flora tolerant of inundation.

At Middle Lake Intermittent Swampy Woodland has an overstorey of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum), with an understorey including Duma florulenta (Tangled Lignum), Rhagodia spinescens (Hedge Saltbush), Cressa australis (Rosinweed), Cyperus gymnocaulos (Spring Flat-sedge) and Sporobolus mitchellii (Rat-tail Couch).

Close to the lake edge species such as Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike-rush), Amphibromus nervosus (Veined Swamp Wallaby-grass), Eragrostis infecunda (Barren Cane- grass) and Carex tereticaulis (Poong’ort) are locally dominant. In these more intact areas there are a range of herbs characteristic of seasonal inundation including Eleocharis pusilla (Small Spike-sedge), Damasonium minus (Star Fruit), Senecio runcinifolius (Tall Fireweed), the rare Asperula gemella (Twin-leaf Bedstraw) and the rare Callitriche umbonata (Winged Water-starwort). The presence of these species indicates there is still a zone where wetting and drying occurs and provides a source of species that could colonise into the wetland if a more natural water regime were restored.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 38

Figure 14: Drowned Intermittent Swampy Woodland at Middle Lake

The highest threat weeds in this EVC included *Juncus acutus (Spiny Rush), *Cyperus brevifolius (Mullumbimby Couch) and *Marrubium vulgare (Horehound). The modified IWC biota score for this EVC at Middle Lake was 16.3, indicating that it was in good condition.

Figure 15: Intact example of Intermittent Swampy Woodland at Scotties Billabong, Murray-Sunset National Park, with canopy of healthy living River Red Gums and diverse assemblage of aquatic understorey species.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 39

Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653) Aquatic Herbland occurs extensively at Middle Lake in association with Lignum Swamp in the western portion of the lake. At Middle Lake this EVC consisted of mixed rafts of Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis (Clove-strip), Myriophyllum papillosum (Robust Water- milfoil) and Persicaria decipiens (Slender Knotweed). Weed cover was relatively low and included *Paspalum distichum (Water Couch), and *Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy). The modified IWC biota score for this EVC at Middle Lake was 17, indicating that it was in good condition.

Submerged Aquatic Herbland (EVC 918) The deepest part of Middle Lake appeared to be open water with no vegetation. However aquatic plants (particularly Vallisneria americana) formed large mats throughout the lake in the past (O’Donnell 1990) but these have declined due to the impact of European Carp and possibly other factors. This vegetation would be referable to Submerged Aquatic Herbland (EVC 918). None of this EVC was observed in 2013 so it was not included in the modified IWC assessment.

Figure 16: Ibis rookery at Middle Lake in 1973, with a dense sward of Eel Grass in the foreground, representing the formerly abundant Submerged Aquatic Herbland. This EVC was not observed at Middle Lake in 2013 (photograph from DEPI archives, Kerang)

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 40 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 761400 Map 8: Ecological Vegetation Classes Middle Lake Third Lake 6050800 6050800 February 2013

Legend Ecological Vegetation Classes and [Mapping Units]

6050600 6050600 Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653) [3; 4]

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813) [36]

Lignum Shrubland (EVC 808) [49]

Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) [30; 42]

6050400 6050400 Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823) [46; 51; 53; 54]

Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103) [14; 17; 24; 35; 58]

Saltmarsh-grass Swamp (EVC A113) [61]

Semi-arid Chenopod Woodland (EVC 98) [25; 28; 57; 60] 6050200 6050200 Tall Marsh / Common Reed (EVC 821) [27]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi (EVC 821) [1; 11]

Tall Marsh / Giant Rush (EVC 821) [10]

Tall Marsh / River Club Rush (EVC 821) [6; 7] 6050000 6050000 Tall Marsh / Cumbungi and Common Reed (EVC 821) [13]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi and Giant Rush (EVC 821) [18]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi and River Club Rush (EVC 821) [16]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi, Giant Rush and River Club Rush (EVC 821) [26] 6049800 6049800 Tall Marsh / Cumbungi, Giant Rush, River Club Rush and Common Reed (EVC 821) [31]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi, River Club Rush and Common Reed (EVC 821) [41]

Tall Marsh / River Club Rush and Giant Rush (EVC 821) [43] Middle Lake Other Vegetative Features 6049600 6049600 Red Gum [37]

Plantation or Vineyard [23; 20]

Exotic Vegetation [2; 5; 8; 44; 45; 52; 56]

Non-vegetative Features

6049400 6049400 Clearing, Building, Infrastructure or Road [19; 21; 22; 29]

Channel or Dam [32; 33; 39; 40; 55]

Open Water (Lake) [15]

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 6049200 6049200 metres

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA 6049000 6049000

Project: Ecological Vegetation Class Assessment for Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake and surrounding areas in the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Client: North Central Catchment Management Authority Author: Holocene Environmental Science Map Prepared: 25th March 2013 6048800 6048800 Surveyors: Damien Cook, Elaine Bayes and Karl Just (Rakali Consulting Pty Ltd) and Paul Foreman (Blue Devil Consulting) Survey Period: February 2013

Reedy Lake Disclaimer: while every care has been taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular 6048600 6048600 purpose is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs which are or may be incurred as a result of this product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 761400 reason will not be accepted.

Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103) A remnant of Riverine Chenopod Woodland occurs on the eastern side of Middle Lake. This EVC has an open canopy of Eucalyptus largiflorens (Black Box) with an understorey dominated by Chenopodium nitrariaceum (Nitre Goosefoot), Nitraria billardierei (Nitre Bush) and Duma florulenta (Tangled Lignum) with other associated chenopods including Atriplex lindleyi (Corky Saltbush) and Atriplex semibaccata (Berry Saltbush). As this EVC is above the level of most floods at this site it was not included in the IWC assessment.

4.2.3 Flora species recorded During the survey a total of 106 vascular plant taxa were recorded at Middle Lake (Table 5). Of these taxa, 67 were indigenous, 35 were exotic and 4 were planted native species.

Table 5: Flora species recorded at Middle Lake March 2013 and corresponding Ecological Vegetation Classes

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name AH ISW LS RCW TM 653 813 104 103 821 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

# Acacia stenophylla Eumong x

Common Swamp Amphibromus nervosus x Wallaby-grass Amyema miquelii Box Mistletoe x

* Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel x

r Asperula gemella Twin-leaf Bedstraw x

* Aster subulatus Aster-weed x x x

Atriplex leptocarpa Slender-fruit Saltbush x x

Atriplex lindleyi subsp. k Flat-top Saltbush x x lindleyi Atriplex nummularia Old-man Saltbush x

Atriplex semibaccata Berry Saltbush x x

# Atriplex suberecta Sprawling Saltbush x x

Azolla filiculoides Pacific Azolla x

* Briza minor Lesser Quaking-grass x

* Bromus diandrus Great Brome x

Winged Water- r Callitriche umbonata x starwort Carex appressa Tall Sedge x

Carex fascicularis Tassel Sedge x x

Carex tereticaulis Poong'ort x

Chenopodium Nitre Goosefoot x nitrariaceum Chloris truncata Windmill Grass x

* Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle x x

* Cotula coronopifolia Water Buttons x

Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula x x

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 42

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name AH ISW LS RCW TM 653 813 104 103 821 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

Cressa australis Rosinweed x x

Cynodon dactylon var. * Couch x dactylon Cynodon dactylon var. k Native Couch x pulchellus * Cyperus brevifolius Mullumbimby Couch x

* Cyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedge x x

Cyperus gymnocaulos Spiny Flat-sedge x

Damasonium minus Star Fruit x

Distichlis distichophylla Australian Salt-grass x

* Dittrichia graveolens Stinkwort x

Duma florulenta Tangled Lignum x x x

Duma horrida subsp. r Spiny Lignum x x horrida * Eclipta prostrata False Daisy x x

Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush x x

Elatine gratioloides Waterwort x

Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge x

Eleocharis pusilla Small Spike-sedge x

Enchylaena tomentosa Ruby Saltbush x var. tomentosa Eragrostis dielsii Mallee Love-grass x x

Eragrostis infecunda Southern Cane-grass x

Eremophila divaricata r Spreading Emu-bush x(P) subsp. divaricata Eriochloa # Early Spring-grass x pseudoacrotricha Eucalyptus River Red-gum x camaldulensis Eucalyptus largiflorens Black Box x x

* Fraxinus angustifolia Desert Ash x

Helichrysum luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed x

Helminthotheca * Ox-tongue x echioides * Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog x

* Hordeum marinum Sea Barley-grass x

Juncus acutus subsp. * Spiny Rush x acutus Juncus articulatus * Jointed Rush x subsp. articulatus Juncus ingens Giant Rush x

Juncus usitatus Billabong Rush x x

Lachnagrostis filiformis Common Blown-grass x x s.s. * Lactuca saligna Willow-leaf Lettuce x

* Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce x x

Lemna disperma Common Duckweed x

* Lophopyrum ponticum Tall Wheat-grass x

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 43

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name AH ISW LS RCW TM 653 813 104 103 821 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

Ludwigia peploides Clove-strip x x x subsp. montevidensis * Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn x

Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife x

Maireana brevifolia Short-leaf Bluebush x

* Marrubium vulgare Horehound x

Melaleuca halmaturorum L v Salt Paperbark x (P) subsp. halmaturorum Melaleuca lanceolata Moonah x (P)

Mesembryanthemum * Common Ice-plant x x crystallinum # Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla x(P)

Myriophyllum papillosum Robust Water-milfoil x x x

Nitraria billardierei Nitre-bush x x

Osteocarpum acropterum var. Babbagia x x

deminutum * Paspalum distichum Water Couch x x x

Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed x x

Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper x

Persicaria lapathifolia Pale Knotweed x

Phragmites australis Common Reed x

* Phyla canescens Fog-fruit x

Polypogon * Annual Beard-grass x monspeliensis Puccinellia stricta var. Australian Saltmarsh- x x Stricta grass Ranunculus sceleratus * Celery Buttercup x x subsp. sceleratus # Rhagodia spinescens Hedge Saltbush x

* Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock x x

* Rumex crispus Curled Dock x

Rytidosperma Common Wallaby- x caespitosum grass Rytidosperma setaceum Bristly Wallaby-grass x

* Salix babylonica s.l. Weeping Willow x

* Salix cinerea s.l. Grey Sallow x

* Salix X rubens Basket Willow x

Salsola tragus Prickly Saltwort x

Salsola tragus subsp. Prickly Saltwort x tragus Schoenoplectus River Club-sedge x tabernaemontani Sclerolaena muricata Grey Roly-poly x x var. villosa Senecio cunninghamii r Branching Groundsel x x var. cunninghamii Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed x

Senecio runcinifolius Tall Fireweed x x x

* Solanum nigrum s.l. Black Nightshade x

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 44

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name AH ISW LS RCW TM 653 813 104 103 821 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

* Sonchus asper s.s. Rough Sow-thistle x

Sonchus hydrophilus Native Sow-thistle x

* Sonchus oleraceus Common Sow-thistle x

Spergularia sp. 3 Salt Sea-spurrey x

Sporobolus mitchellii Rat-tail Couch x

Tecticornia pergranulata Blackseed Glasswort x subsp. pergranulata Typha domingensis Narrow-leaf Cumbungi x

Typha orientalis Broad-leaf Cumbungi x x

Wolffia australiana Tiny Duckweed x

Conservation Status: DSE ADV – DSE Advisory list of rare and threatened vascular flora (DSE 2005) – (e) endangered; (r) rare; (v) vulnerable; (k) poorly known FFG – (L) Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 EPBC – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 – (EN) endangered; (VU) vulnerable Origin: (*) Exotic flora, naturalised in Victoria (alien plants that reproduce consistently and sustain populations over many lifecycles without direct intervention by humans (Walsh and Stajsic 2007) (#) Taxon which is both indigenous and naturalised. A taxon that has extended beyond its geographical of distribution beyond its known or suspected original distributional (P) Planted Ecological Vegetation Class: Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653); Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813); Lignum Swamp (EVC 104); Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103); Tall Marsh (EVC 821)

Six naturally occurring threatened plant species were recorded within the site (Table 6). The spatial distribution of rare and threatened taxa is depicted in Map 9. Note rare and threatened fauna observed during the course of the field survey are also displayed.

Table 6: Rare and threatened flora recorded at Middle Lake March – April 2013

EPBC FFG DSE Advisory List Scientific Name Common Name

Rare Asperula gemella Twin-leaf Bedstraw

Poorly known Atriplex lindleyi subsp. lindleyi Flat-top Saltbush

Rare Callitriche umbonata Winged Water-starwort

Poorly known Cynodon dactylon var. pulchellus Native Couch

Rare Duma horrida subsp. horrida Spiny Lignum

Rare Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii Branching Groundsel

Conservation Status as per DSE Advisory list of rare and threatened vascular flora (DSE 2005)

Eleven species that occur in close proximity to Middle Lake were deemed high threat weeds in the context of the study area. The distribution of these taxa is depicted in Map 10.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 45 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 761400 761600 Map 9: Rare and threatened flora and fauna recorded at Middle Lake February 2013

6050600 6050600 Legend Rare and Threatened Flora Species

Herbs Callitriche brachycarpa (Short Water-starwort) Ranunculus undosus (Swamp Buttercup)

6050400 6050400 Senecio campylocarpus (Floodplain Fireweed) Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii (Branching Groundsel) Graminoids Cynodon dactylon var. pulchellus (Native Couch) Eragrostis australasica (Cane Grass) Scramblers 6050200 6050200 Asperula gemella (Twin-leaf Bedstraw) Trees and Shrubs Atriplex lindleyi subsp. lindleyi (Flat-top Saltbush) Duma horrida subsp. horrida (Spiny Lignum) Myoporum montanum (Waterbush)

6050000 6050000 Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata (Black Roly-poly)

Rare and Threatened Fauna Species

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)

Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis)

Murray River Tortoise (Emydura macquarii) 6049800 6049800

Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius)

Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)

Middle Lake White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

6049600 6049600 Transportation Highway

Sealed Road

Unsealed Road

4WD Road 6049400 6049400

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 metres

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 6049200 6049200

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA

Murray Valley Hwy

Project: Ecological Vegetation Class Assessment for Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake and surrounding areas in the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site 6049000 6049000 Client: North Central Catchment Management Authority Author: Holocene Environmental Science Map Prepared: 25th March 2013 Surveyors: Damien Cook, Elaine Bayes and Karl Just (Rakali Consulting Pty Ltd) and Paul Foreman (Blue Devil Consulting) Survey Period: February 2013 6048800 6048800

Pratt Rd Disclaimer: while every care has been taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or Pratt Rd Reedy Lake suitability for any particular purpose is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs which are or may be incurred as a result of this product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 761400 761600 will not be accepted. 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 761400 761600 Map 10: Spatial distribution of high threat weeds Middle Lake February 2013

Legend 6050600 6050600 High Threat Environmental Weeds Graminoids *Cyperus brevifolius (Mullumbimby Couch)

*Juncus acutus subsp. acutus (Spiny Rush)

6050400 6050400 *Lophopyrum ponticum (Tall Wheat-grass) Herbs *Asphodelus fistulosus (Onion Weed)

*Gymnocoronis spilanthoides (Senegal Tea)

*Phyla canescens (Fog-fruit)

6050200 6050200 Trees and Shrubs *Fraxinus angustifolia (Desert Ash)

*Lycium ferocissimum (African Box-thorn)

*Marrubium vulgare (Horehound)

*Rosa rubiginosa (Sweet Briar) 6050000 6050000 *Salix spp. (Willows)

Patches or Infestations

*Asphodelus fistulosus (Onion Weed)

*Juncus acutus subsp. acutus (Spiny Rush) 6049800 6049800 *Marrubium vulgare (Horehound)

Transportation

Highway Middle Lake Sealed Arterial Road 6049600 6049600 Sealed Road

Unsealed Road

2WD Road

4WD Road 6049400 6049400

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 metres

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator

6049200 6049200 Datum: GDA 1994

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA Murray Valley Hwy

Project: Ecological Vegetation Class Assessment for Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake and surrounding areas in the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site 6049000 6049000 Client: North Central Catchment Management Authority Author: Holocene Environmental Science Map Prepared: 25th March 2013 Surveyors: Damien Cook, Elaine Bayes and Karl Just (Rakali Consulting Pty Ltd) and Paul Foreman (Blue Devil Consulting) Survey Period: February 2013 6048800 6048800

Pratt Rd Disclaimer: while every care has been taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or Pratt Rd suitability for any particular purpose is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, Reedy Lake losses, damages and/or costs which are or may be incurred as a result of this product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 761400 761600 will not be accepted.

4.3 Comparison of 2006 and current vegetation mapping A comparison of mapping output for Middle Lake in 2006 and 2013 reveals numerous similarities and differences in vegetation type and extent. Differences in the total mapped area of each vegetation unit are presented in Figure 17. Broad-scale and fine scale anomalies are itemised in the following paragraphs.

Figure 17: Histogram of total area by vegetation type at Middle Lake as mapped in 2006 and 2013

Summary of broad-scale similarities and differences: • Overall increase in extent of vegetation (from ~61 ha to ~67.6 ha) are probably due mostly to differences in extent of mapping, especially the inclusion of the eastern Lunette Riverine Chenopod Woodland. • The reduction in extent of Aquatic Herbland (including sparse form) in 2013 is possibly the result of changes resulting from recent flooding (i.e. rapid hydrological fluctuations). • There has been a net reduction on the extent of mapped areas of Tall Marsh since 2006 (~25% down to ~18%), once again possibly attributable to hydrological change. Note also the finer-scale mixes of dominant species in the 2013 mapping units.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 48

• Tall Marsh/Cumbungi (colonising) has apparently completely disappeared since 2006. However, this is inconclusive because this unit was regarded as problematic to interpret in the field in 2013 at this wetland. • The apparent significant increase in Intermittent Swampy Woodland (in 2006 mapped as Red Gum Woodland, Red Gum Woodland and non-native trees, Native remnant, Native remnant and non-native trees) is probably due to differences the definition of the study area or differences in the interpretation of the boundary with Tall Marsh.

Summary of fine-scale similarities and differences: • A side-by-side comparison of the wetland vegetation units assigned to the western section of Middle Lake in 2006 and 2013 is presented in Map 11. • Areas of Aquatic Herbland on the north western side of the wetland appear to have decreased significantly over the period between 2006 and 2013, and some appear to have been replaced by Tall Marsh. This could possibly be due to misinterpretation of aerial photography in 2006 or because of real change in vegetation distribution influenced by the 2011 floods. In 2013 there was evidence of drowned Tall Marsh being replaced by Aquatic Herbland (Figure 18).

Figure 18: Aquatic Herbland at Middle Lake. Dead stems of Cumbungi can be seen in the mid ground of this photograph, indicating a decline in the distribution of Tall Marsh.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 49

• In 2006, Tall Marsh on the western edge of the wetland was mapped as being dominated by Cumbungi. In 2013 this Tall Marsh still supported extensive stands of Cumbungi but also incorporated a large proportion of River Club-rush (Figure 19). This either indicates an expansion in the distribution of River Club-rush between 2006 and or 2013, or that the presence of River Club-rush was overlooked in 2006.

Figure 19: Tall Marsh at Middle Reedy Lake co-dominated by Cumbungi and River Club-rush

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 50 Map 11: Comparison of wetland Ecological Vegetation Classes Middle Lake 2006 (left) and 2013 (right)

Legend Ecological Vegetation Classes and [Mapping Units] Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653) [3; 4]

Aquatic Herbland (sparse) (EVC 6530 [Ho et al. unit only]

Dwarf Floating Aquatic Herbland (EVC 949) [Ho et al. unit only]

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813) [36]

Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) [30; 42]

Tall Marsh (EVC 821) [Ho et al. unit only]

Tall Marsh / Common Reed (EVC 821) [27]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi (EVC 821) [1; 11]

Tall Marsh / River Club Rush (EVC 821) [6; 7]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi and Giant Rush (EVC 821) [18]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi and River Club Rush (EVC 821) [16]

Other Vegetative Features

Exotic Vegetation / Salicaceae [2; 5; 8; 44; 45; 52; 56]

Note: only EVCs that are visible in the current map extent are displayed on the legend

Note: 2006 mapping (Ho et al., 2006) was provided by the North Central CMA Middle Lake Middle Lake

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 metres

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA

Project: Ecological Vegetation Class Assessment for Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake and surrounding areas in the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Client: North Central Catchment Management Authority Author: Holocene Environmental Science Map Prepared: 25th March 2013 Surveyors: Damien Cook, Elaine Bayes and Karl Just (Rakali Consulting Pty Ltd) and Paul Foreman (Blue Devil Consulting) Survey Period: February 2013

Disclaimer: while every care has been taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs which are or may be incurred as a result of this product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any Reedy Lake Reedy Lake reason will not be accepted.

4.4 Index of Wetland Condition Two IWC assessments were undertaken at Middle Lake (Table 7). The first was assessed against the benchmarks of the original EVC’s while the second was assessed against the currently recognisable EVC’s.

Assessment against the original vegetation Using the IWC methodology, the overall condition of Middle Lake was ‘poor’. The Physical Form scored ‘excellent’, Water Properties and Soils were ’good’, Wetland Catchment was ‘moderate’, and Biota and Hydrology scored ‘very poor’.

Assessment against current vegetation If assessed against currently recognisable EVC’s, the overall condition of Middle Lake was ‘moderate’. The Physical Form scored ‘excellent’, Soils and Water Properties were ‘good’, Biota and Wetland Catchment were moderate, and Hydrology scored ‘very poor’.

The discrepancies between these two assessments are explained by the biota score. If the Tall Marsh and open water are considered to be natural components, then the wetland receives a reasonable score. If however Tall Marsh and open water are considered to be artefacts of changed hydrology, and the original vegetation of the Lake is considered to be mostly lost, then the wetland receives a low score.

Table 7: Comparison between 2009 and 2013 IWC assessments for Middle Lake

Sub index 2009 2013 2013 (modified)

Wetland catchment 10.5 Moderate 10 Moderate 12 Moderate

Physical form 20 Excellent 20 Excellent 20 Excellent

Hydrology 0 Very Poor 0 Very Poor 0 Very Poor

Water properties 17 Good 15 Good 15 Good

Soils 20 Excellent 15 Good 15 Good

Biota 15 Moderate 3.3 Very Poor 16.15 Moderate

Overall Score 6 Moderate 4 Poor 6 Moderate

Note: all IWC sub-index scores are out of 20, except for overall score which is out of 10. Sub-indices are weighted differently; with biota being very significant in determining the overall score (see DSE 2012a and 2012b).

The overall IWC score given to Middle Lake in 2009 and 2013 (using the non-standard scoring methodology described in section 2.3) was the same - 6, which is moderate. However, using the standard methodology, where wetland vegetation is scored against pre- European patterns of vegetation it scores 4, which is poor. It is not possible to discuss the variation in scores given to particular sub-indices without the data that was used to calculate the 2009 scores.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 52

5.0 THIRD LAKE

5.1 The Study Area Third Lake is situated approximately 14 kilometres to the north-west of the Kerang township. The lake covers 230 hectares and is part of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site.

Third Lake would originally have filled intermittently in response to flooding events in the Loddon River and Wandella Creek catchments. The lake would likely have filled irregularly and would have remained dry for significant periods. However since it was included with the Torrumbarry Irrigation System in the 1920’s it has been inundated on a permanent basis. It is the shallowest wetland of the Reedy Lake system.

5.2 Vegetation 5.2.1 Original vegetation DSE pre-1750 mapping (DSE 2013c) predicts that the original vegetation of Third Lake was dominated by Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823), fringed by Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103) on its western shore and Semi-arid Chenopod Woodland (EVC 98) on the lunette on the eastern shore. The mapping of Lignum Swampy Woodland as the dominant EVC in this wetland is considered likely to be inaccurate, as based on the wetland bathymetry and assumed natural hydrology this wetland would have flooded too frequently and for too long to support this EVC. Based on their form dead trees scattered throughout the wetland are considered more likely River Red Gum than Black Box.

Although it is difficult to conclusively determine the original vegetation patterns in highly modified wetland systems it is considered more likely that the whole lake supported Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), which is evidenced by the drowned Red Gums throughout the lake and existing remnants of this EVC around its margins. The predicted Pre-1750 extent of these EVCs is displayed in Map 12. The IWC assessment was scored against this vegetation pattern.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 53 758400 758600 758800 759000 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 Map 12: Predicted Pre-1750 Ecological 6053000 6053000 Vegetation Classes Third Lake 6052800 6052800 Legend Ecological Vegetation Class and IWC Zone

Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653), Zone 1

6052600 6052600 Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 1

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 2

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 3 6052400 6052400 Lignum Shrubland (EVC 808), Zone 1

Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823), Zone 1

Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103), Zone 1 6052200 6052200

Transportation

Highway

Sealed Arterial Road 6052000 6052000

Sealed Road

Unsealed Road

6051800 6051800 2WD Road Third Lake 4WD Road 6051600 6051600

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 6051400 6051400 metres

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 6051200 6051200

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA

6051000 6051000 Project: Ecological Vegetation Class Assessment for Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake and surrounding areas in the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Client: North Central Catchment Management Authority Author: Holocene Environmental Science 6050800 6050800 Map Prepared: 25th March 2013 Surveyors: Damien Cook, Elaine Bayes and Karl Just (Rakali Consulting Pty Ltd) and Paul Foreman (Blue Devil Consulting) Survey Period: February 2013 6050600 6050600

Disclaimer: while every care has been taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or Middle Lake suitability for any particular purpose is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs which are or may be incurred as a result of this

6050400 6050400 product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason 758400 758600 758800 759000 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 will not be accepted.

5.2.2 Current vegetation The inclusion of Third Lake within the Torrumbarry Irrigation System greatly altered the original vegetation and habitat. The lake has been inundated on a near-permanent basis, leading to displacement of much of the original vegetation. The deepest part of the lake was open water, with no aquatic vegetation and dead trees scattered throughout.

A description of the EVCs observed during the field survey in February 2013 is provided in the following paragraphs. The spatial extent of these EVCs is depicted in Map 13.

Tall Marsh (EVC 821) Tall Marsh occurs around the wetland perimeter and is dominated by reeds, rushes and sedges. Typha orientalis (Broad-leaf Cumbungi) and Typha domingensis (Narrow-leaf Cumbungi) often formed mixed stands with Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (River Club- rush). Localised areas supported small patches of Juncus ingens (Giant Rush) and occasionally Phragmites australis (Common Reed). Associated aquatic herbs included Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis (Clove-strip), Myriophyllum papillosum (Robust Water-milfoil) and Persicaria decipiens (Slender Knotweed). Weed cover was relatively low and included *Paspalum distichum (Water Couch), and *Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy). The modified IWC biota score for this EVC at Third Lake was 17, indicating that it was in good condition.

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813) Intermittent Swampy Woodland occupies low elevation areas on river terraces (mostly at the rear of point-bar deposits or adjacent to major floodways), and lacustrine verges (where it is sometimes localised to a narrow transitional band). Where it is relatively intact this EVC is dominated by flood-stimulated species in association with flora tolerant of inundation.

At Third Lake, Intermittent Swampy Woodland has an overstorey of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum), with an understorey including Duma florulenta (Tangled Lignum), Rhagodia spinescens (Hedge Saltbush), Cressa australis (Rosinweed), Cyperus gymnocaulos (Spring Flat-sedge) and Sporobolus mitchellii (Rat-tail Couch).

Close to the lake edge species such as Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike-rush), Amphibromus nervosus (Veined Swamp Wallaby-grass), Eragrostis infecunda (Barren Cane- grass) and Carex tereticaulis (Poong’ort) are locally dominant. In these more intact areas there are a range of herbs characteristic of seasonal inundation including Marsilea drummondii (Common Nardoo), Senecio runcinifolius (Tall Fireweed) and the rare Asperula gemella (Twin-leaf Bedstraw). The presence of these species indicates there is still a zone

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 55 where wetting and drying occurs and provides a source of species that could colonise into the wetland if a more natural water regime were restored.

The highest threat weeds in this EVC included *Juncus acutus (Spiny Rush) and *Marrubium vulgare (Horehound). There were two distinct zones of this EVC at Third Lake. The most intact of these zones (Zone 1) had relatively low weed cover. The modified IWC biota score for this zone was 15.8, indicating that it was in moderate condition.

Figure 20: Intermittent Swampy Woodland zone 1, with a relatively intact understorey dominated by Cyperus gymnocaulos (Spiny Flat-sedge) on the eastern side of Third Lake.

The second of these zones had a higher cover of weeds, its IWC biota score was 14.1, indicating that it was in moderate condition.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 56

Figure 21: Intermittent Swampy Woodland zone 2, with a weedy understorey with a high cover of *Juncus acutus (Spiny Rush) on the western side of Third Lake.

Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653) Small, localised areas of Aquatic Herbland occurred at Third Lake in association with Tall Marsh. While relatively common, no single patch of Aquatic Herbland was larger than 10 square metres and therefore none were mapped. At Reedy Lake this EVC consisted of mixed rafts of Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis (Clove-strip), Myriophyllum papillosum (Robust Water-milfoil) and Persicaria decipiens (Slender Knotweed). Weed cover was relatively low and included *Paspalum distichum (Water Couch), and * Eclipta prostrata (False Daisy). The modified IWC biota score for this EVC at Third Lake was 17, indicating that it was in good condition.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 57 758400 758600 758800 759000 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 Map 13: Ecological Vegetation Classes Third Lake February 2013

Legend 6052800 6052800 Ecological Vegetation Classes and [Mapping Units] Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653) [3; 4]

Intermittent Swampy Woodland - IWC Zone 1 (EVC 813) [36]

Intermittent Swampy Woodland - IWC Zone 2 (EVC 813) [36] 6052600 6052600

Lignum Shrubland (EVC 808) [49]

Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) [30; 42]

Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823) [46; 51; 53; 54] 6052400 6052400 Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103) [14; 17; 24; 35; 58]

Saltmarsh-grass Swamp (EVC A113) [61]

Semi-arid Chenopod Woodland (EVC 98) [25; 28; 57; 60]

6052200 6052200 Tall Marsh / Common Reed (EVC 821) [27]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi (EVC 821) [1; 11]

Tall Marsh / Giant Rush (EVC 821) [10]

6052000 6052000 Tall Marsh / River Club Rush (EVC 821) [6; 7]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi and Common Reed (EVC 821) [13]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi and Giant Rush (EVC 821) [18]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi and River Club Rush (EVC 821) [16] 6051800 6051800 Third Lake Tall Marsh / Cumbungi, Giant Rush and River Club Rush (EVC 821) [26]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi, Giant Rush, River Club Rush and Common Reed (EVC 821) [31]

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi, River Club Rush and Common Reed (EVC 821) [41] 6051600 6051600 Tall Marsh / River Club Rush and Giant Rush (EVC 821) [43]

Other Vegetative Features

Red Gum [37]

Plantation or Vineyard [23; 20] 6051400 6051400 Exotic Vegetation [2; 5; 8; 44; 45; 52; 56]

Non-vegetative Features

Clearing, Building, Infrastructure or Road [19; 21; 22; 29]

6051200 6051200 Channel or Dam [32; 33; 39; 40; 55]

Open Water (Lake) [15]

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 metres

6051000 6051000 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA 6050800 6050800 Project: Ecological Vegetation Class Assessment for Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake and surrounding areas in the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site Client: North Central Catchment Management Authority Author: Holocene Environmental Science Map Prepared: 25th March 2013 6050600 6050600 Surveyors: Damien Cook, Elaine Bayes and Karl Just (Rakali Consulting Pty Ltd) and Paul Foreman (Blue Devil Consulting) Survey Period: February 2013

Middle Lake Disclaimer: while every care has been taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, no 6050400 6050400 representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs which are or may be incurred as a result of this product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any 758400 758600 758800 759000 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 reason will not be accepted.

5.2.3 Flora species recorded During the survey a total of 110 vascular plant taxa were recorded at Third Lake (Table 8). Of these taxa, 65 were indigenous and 45 were exotic.

Table 8: Flora species recorded at Third Lake March 2013 and corresponding Ecological Vegetation Classes

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name TM 821 ISW 813 AH 653 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

Alternanthera denticulata s.l. Lesser Joyweed x

Common Swamp Amphibromus nervosus x Wallaby-grass r Asperula gemella Twin-leaf Bedstraw x

* Asphodelus fistulosus Onion Weed x

* Aster subulatus Aster-weed x

k Atriplex lindleyi subsp. lindleyi Flat-top Saltbush x

* Atriplex prostrata Hastate Orache x

# Atriplex suberecta Sprawling Saltbush x

Austrostipa scabra Rough Spear-grass x

Azolla filiculoides Pacific Azolla x

# Boerhavia dominii Tah-vine x

* Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass x

* Bromus diandrus Great Brome x

Winged Water- r Callitriche umbonata x starwort Carex fascicularis Tassel Sedge x

Carex tereticaulis Poong'ort x

# Chamaesyce drummondii Flat Spurge x

Chenopodium glaucum Glaucous Goosefoot x

* Chenopodium murale Sowbane x

Chenopodium nitrariaceum Nitre Goosefoot x

# Chenopodium pumilio Clammy Goosefoot x

Chloris truncata Windmill Grass x

* Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle x x

Convolvulus remotus Grass Bindweed x

* Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane x

Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula x

Cressa australis Rosinweed x

* Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon Couch x

# Cyperus difformis Variable Flat-sedge x

* Cyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedge x

Cyperus gymnocaulos Spiny Flat-sedge x

Distichlis distichophylla Australian Salt-grass x

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 59

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name TM 821 ISW 813 AH 653 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

Duma florulenta Tangled Lignum x

r Duma horrida subsp. horrida Spiny Lignum x

* Echium plantagineum Paterson's Curse x

Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush x

Elatine gratioloides Waterwort x

Common Spike- Eleocharis acuta x x sedge Enchylaena tomentosa var. Ruby Saltbush x tomentosa Eragrostis dielsii Mallee Love-grass x

Southern Cane- Eragrostis infecunda x grass Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum x

* Fraxinus angustifolia Desert Ash x

Slender Carpet- Glinus oppositifolius x weed * Eclipta prostrata False Daisy x

* Heliotropium supinum Creeping Heliotrope x

* Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue x x

* Hordeum marinum Sea Barley-grass x

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Shining Pennywort x

* Juncus acutus subsp. acutus Spiny Rush x

Juncus articulatus subsp. * Jointed Rush x x articulatus Juncus flavidus Gold Rush x

Juncus ingens Giant Rush x

Juncus usitatus Billabong Rush x

Common Blown- Lachnagrostis filiformis s.s. x x grass * Lactuca saligna Willow-leaf Lettuce x

* Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce x

Lagunaria patersonia subsp. * Pyramid Tree x patersonia Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. * Hairy Hawkbit x taraxacoides Common * Lepidium africanum x Peppercress Limosella australis Austral Mudwort x

Ludwigia peploides subsp. Clove-strip x x montevidensis * Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn x

Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife x

Maireana brevifolia Short-leaf Bluebush x

* Malva parviflora Small-flower Mallow x

* Marrubium vulgare Horehound x

Marsilea drummondii Common Nardoo x

Mesembryanthemum * Common Ice-plant x crystallinum

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 60

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name TM 821 ISW 813 AH 653 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

# Myoporum insulare Common Boobialla x

Myriophyllum caput-medusae Coarse Water-milfoil x

Myriophyllum papillosum Robust Water-milfoil x x

Myriophyllum spp. Water Milfoil x

Nitraria billardierei Nitre-bush x

* Parapholis incurva Coast Barb-grass x

* Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum x

* Paspalum distichum Water Couch x x

Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed x x x

Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper x

Phragmites australis Common Reed x

* Phyla canescens Fog-fruit x

* Plantago coronopus Buck's-horn Plantain x

* Plantago lanceolata Ribwort x

* Polygonum aviculare s.l. Prostrate Knotweed x

* Polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beard-grass x

Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed x

Ranunculus sceleratus subsp. * Celery Buttercup x sceleratus # Rhagodia spinescens Hedge Saltbush x

* Rorippa palustris Marsh Yellow-cress x

* Rumex crispus Curled Dock x

Bristly Wallaby- Rytidosperma setaceum x grass * Salix babylonica s.l. Weeping Willow x

Salsola tragus subsp. tragus Prickly Saltwort x

Schoenoplectus River Club-sedge x tabernaemontani Sclerolaena muricata var. k Dark Roly-poly x semiglabra Senecio cunninghamii var. Branching r x cunninghamii Groundsel Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed x x

Senecio runcinifolius Tall Fireweed x

* Silybum marianum Variegated Thistle x

* Solanum nigrum s.l. Black Nightshade x

* Sonchus asper s.s. Rough Sow-thistle x

Sonchus hydrophilus Native Sow-thistle x

Sporobolus mitchellii Rat-tail Couch x

* Tamarix spp. Tamarisk x

Tecticornia pergranulata subsp. Blackseed x pergranulata Glasswort Trifolium fragiferum var. * Strawberry Clover x fragiferum Narrow-leaf Typha domingensis x Cumbungi

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 61

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name TM 821 ISW 813 AH 653 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

Broad-leaf Typha orientalis x Cumbungi Woolly New Holland Vittadinia gracilis x Daisy * Xanthium spinosum Bathurst Burr x

Conservation Status: DSE ADV – DSE Advisory list of rare and threatened vascular flora (DSE 2005) – (e) endangered; (r) rare; (v) vulnerable; (k) poorly known FFG – (L) Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 EPBC – Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 – (EN) endangered; (VU) vulnerable Origin: (*) Exotic flora, naturalised in Victoria (alien plants that reproduce consistently and sustain populations over many lifecycles without direct intervention by humans (Walsh and Stajsic 2007) (#) Taxon which is both indigenous and naturalised. A taxon that has extended beyond its geographical of distribution beyond its known or suspected original distributional (P) Planted Ecological Vegetation Class: Tall Marsh (EVC 821); Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813); Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653)

Six threatened plant species were recorded within the site (Table 9). The spatial distribution of rare and threatened taxa is depicted in Map 14. Note rare and threatened fauna observed during the course of the field survey are also displayed.

Table 9: Rare and threatened flora recorded at Third Lake February – March 2013

EPBC FFG DSE Advisory List Scientific Name Common Name

Rare Asperula gemella Twin-leaf Bedstraw

Poorly known Atriplex lindleyi subsp. lindleyi Flat-top Saltbush

Rare Callitriche umbonata Winged Water-starwort

Rare Duma horrida subsp. horrida Spiny Lignum

Rare Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii Branching Groundsel

Poorly known Sclerolaena muricata var. muricata Dark Roly-poly

Conservation Status as per DSE Advisory list of rare and threatened vascular flora (DSE 2005)

Ten species that occur within the vicinity of Third Lake were deemed high threat weeds in the context of the study area. The distribution of these taxa is depicted in Map 15.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 62