Western River Region Pest Management Strategy 2008-2011

Western Rivers Region

Pest Management Strategy 2008-2011

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 1

Back of Title Page

© Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, 2008. You may copy, distribute, display, download and otherwise freely deal with this work for any purpose, provided that you attribute the Department as the owner. However, you must obtain permission if you wish to (1) charge others for access to the work (other than at cost), (2) include the work in advertising or a product for sale or (3) modify the work.

Published by: Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 59–61 Goulburn Street PO Box A290 Sydney South 1232 Ph: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Ph: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Ph: 1300 361 967 (national parks information and publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY: (02) 9211 4723 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

DECC 2008/249 ISBN 978 1 74122 830 4 www.npws.nsw.gov.au

For further information contact: Regional Operations Coordinator Western Rivers Region Western Branch Parks and Wildlife Group Department of Environment and Climate Change 200 Yambil Street PO Box 1049 Griffith NSW 2680 Telephone: 02 6999 8100

Cover photos: 1. Boxthorn control using hydraulic puller at Yanga National Park. 2. Blackberry Infestation at Winburndale Nature Reserve. 3. Boxthorn cutting using pneumatic shears at Oolambeyan National Park. 4. Fox management using the bait station technique at Weddin Mountains NP. This plan should be cited as follows:

Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW. (2008). Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008-2011. DECC, Sydney, NSW

The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is now part of the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC). Throughout this strategy, references to “NPWS” should be taken to mean the NPWS carrying out functions on behalf of the Director General of DECC and the Minister of the Environment.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 2 Table of Contents Western Rivers Region...... 1 Back of Title Page...... 2 Table of Contents ...... 3 1 Introduction...... 4 2 Purpose of the Strategy...... 4 3 Legislation and Policy...... 5 National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974...... 5 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995...... 5 Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 ...... 5 Noxious Weeds Act 1993...... 6 Pesticides Act 1999...... 6 Game and Feral Animal Control (Game) Act 2002...... 6 Other Relevant Legislation...... 7 Park Management Program and policies...... 7

4 Regional overview ...... 8 Macquarie and Lachlan Area:...... 8 Griffith and Hay Areas:...... 8

5 Pest Distribution Tables...... 11 Table 1 Pest Animals by Reserves...... 11 Table 2 Pest Plants by Reserve...... 13

6 Pest Management Objectives...... 16 7 Pest Management Principles...... 16 8 Pest Program Priorities...... 17 Critical Priority...... 17 High Priority...... 18 Medium Priority ...... 18 Lower Priority ...... 18

Table 3 Prioritisation of Pest Programs in the Western Rivers Region...... 20

9 Pest Program Recording and Monitoring ...... 22 10 Regional coordination and support of pest control programs...... 23 Chart 1 Western Rivers Region – Operation Support and Coordination Unit (OSCU) .... 23

11 Pest Program Overviews...... 24 PEST ANIMAL MAJOR PROGRAM SUMMARY ...... 24 European Fox Vulpes vulpes...... 24 Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus...... 25 Feral Goat Capra hircus...... 27 Feral Pig Sus scrofa...... 28 NOXIOUS WEED MAJOR PROGRAM SUMMARY...... 29 African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum...... 29 Blackberry Rubus fruticosus...... 30 St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum...... 31 Serrated tussock Nassella trichotoma...... 32

Table 4 Pest Animal Action Summary Table...... 33 Table 5 Environmental Weed Action Summary Table...... 37 Appendices ...... 41 REFERENCES: ...... 42

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 3

1 Introduction Pest species are animals (including invertebrates) and plants that have negative environmental, economic and social impacts. In this document they are collectively referred to as pests. Pests are most commonly introduced species, though native species can become pests. In parks, pests may have impacts across the range of park values, including impacts on biodiversity, cultural heritage, catchment and scenic values. Pests are among the greatest threats to biodiversity throughout Australia. In New South Wales, they have been identified as a threat to 657 of 945 (70%) species, populations and communities listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995; which is more than any other process except for the destruction and disturbance of native vegetation. Minimising the impacts of pests on biodiversity is thus the main objective of NPWS pest management. Pests can also have significant impacts on economic values of neighbouring lands. The NPWS seeks to address these impacts when setting management priorities and significant resources are committed towards landscape based pest programs, including wild dogs. The control of pests outside of parks is the responsibility of private landholders and other agencies such as rural lands protection boards, local councils, the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Lands. The NSW Invasive Species Plan provides the framework for the coordinated management of weeds and pests that occur over varying land tenure. NPWS is a committed partner to the implementation of this plan. Many pests are distributed widely across Australia and eradication is not possible in the foreseeable future. They occur in most environments and across all land tenures. Pests often spread quickly and have high reproductive rates, allowing them to re-establish rapidly following control. In recognising that eradication of widespread pests across large areas is an unrealistic goal, NPWS prioritises control effort to focus on areas where impacts are greatest. Resources can then be directed to ensure that the resultant control programs are effective in reducing these impacts. It is the responsibility of all land managers to work together to control pests where significant impacts have been identified. In New South Wales, the main pest management priorities for the conservation of biodiversity are focussed on threatened species and endangered ecological communities, and are identified in the Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement (PAS), individual threat abatement plans (TAPs) and reserve plans of management. Pest programs are also integrated with other park management programs such as fire management. 2 Purpose of the Strategy The development of Regional Pest Management Strategies (RPMS) provides NPWS with a strategic approach to pest management across NSW. The Strategy developed for each region provides a tool to broadly identify pest distribution and their associated impacts across the park system. It details priorities for each Region, including actions listed in the PAS and TAPs as well as other actions such as wild dog and feral pig control to protect neighbouring properties and site-based weed control and allows resources to be allocated to high priority programs. The RPMS also identifies the requirement for other plans or strategies, such as Wild Dog Plans or Bush Regeneration Plans to be prepared, that provide a more detailed approach.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 4 New pest species continue to establish in the environment either through the importation of new species into Australia or the escape of domestic plants and animals. Prevention and early detection followed by eradication is the most cost- effective way to minimise the impacts of new pests. The NPWS works with other agencies to prevent the introduction of new pests into the wild and shall respond rapidly when new incursions occur. The response of NSW government agencies to new pests will be coordinated through the NSW Invasive Species Plan. In this strategy, the generic term “parks” is used to refer to any lands managed by NPWS including national park, nature reserve, aboriginal area, historic site, state conservation area and regional park amongst others. This strategy has a four year life span. In the final year of the strategy, it is intended that the strategy will be reviewed and updated. 3 Legislation and Policy The NPWS has a number of statutory responsibilities in relation to pest management. National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) vests the care, control and management of national parks, nature reserves, historic sites and Aboriginal areas with the Deputy Director-General of the NPWS. Key management objectives include conservation, provision of appropriate scientific and educational opportunities, and management of fire and pest species. These are achieved through the preparation and implementation of plans of management for each reserve, which identify pest species present, control strategies and priorities for that reserve. Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) lists threatened species, endangered populations and endangered ecological communities. The TSC Act also lists key threatening processes (KTPs), which are identified as having significant impacts on the conservation of native flora and fauna. As of August 2006, 18 pests have been listed as KTPs e.g. Predation by the Red Fox, Invasion of Native Plant Communities by Bitou Bush and Boneseed. The NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement (PAS) outlines the strategies for ameliorating threats listed under the TSC Act including the preparation of threat abatement plans. For each of these strategies the PAS lists one or more detailed actions which aim to protect threatened species by reducing the impact of listed threats. Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 The pest animal provisions of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998 (RLP Act) outline the conditions under which animals, birds and insects are "declared" pests and provides for the control of such pest species. Gazettal of pest species occurs through Pest Control Orders that allow the Minister for Primary Industries to specify pest species on a state wide or local basis and the conditions or factors that apply to the control of each pest. Rabbits, wild dogs and feral pigs have been declared pest animals throughout NSW. The RLP Act binds the Crown for the control of pest animals declared under the Act. Public land managers such as the NPWS are required to eradicate (continuously suppress and destroy) pest animals "…to the extent necessary to minimise the risk of the pest causing damage to any land" using any lawful method or, if the Order specifies a method to be used, by the method specified. An approach to balance the conservation of dingoes with the need for wild dog control has been incorporated into the RLP Act through the Pest Control Order for Wild Dogs. This order allows for the general destruction obligation for lands listed in

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 5 Schedule 2 of the order to be satisfied through wild dog management plans with both control and conservation objectives. Noxious Weeds Act 1993 The Noxious Weeds Act 1993 provides for the identification, classification and control of noxious weeds in New South Wales. The Act aims to identify noxious weeds and their respective control measures, as well as the roles and responsibilities for their control for both public and private land managers/owners. Amendments to the Noxious Weeds Act in 2005 repealed the NSW Seeds Act 1982 and introduced a new classification system of weed control classes based on the degree of threat and the distribution of the introduced plant within the state. These new control classes are: Control Class 1 – State Prohibited Weeds Control Class 2 – Regionally Prohibited Weeds Control Class 3 – Regionally Controlled Weeds Control Class 4 – Locally Controlled Weeds Control Class 5 – Restricted Plants. Under this new classification system, Control Classes 1, 2 and 5 noxious weeds are referred to as notifiable weeds. Pesticides Act 1999 The Pesticides Act 1999 and the Pesticides Regulation 1995, regulate the use of all pesticides in NSW, after point of sale, and includes specific provisions for record keeping, training and notification of use. Specific requirements have been included under the Pesticides Regulation in relation the following. Pesticide Record Keeping: Records must be kept by all people who use pesticides for commercial or occupational purposes such as on farm or as part of their occupation or business. There are also specific record keeping provisions for persons who aerially apply pesticides under both the Act and regulations. Pesticides Training: People who use pesticides in their business or as part of their occupation must be trained how to use these pesticides. Any person employed or engaged by NPWS to use pesticides must also be trained. Pesticide Notification: Notification requirements apply to pesticide applications by public authorities in public places (including NPWS managed park lands). The NPWS Pesticide Use Notification Plan sets out how the Department will notify the community about pesticide applications it makes to public places. (The plan can be located on the NPWS web site). Pesticide Control Orders are orders that: prohibit or control the use of a pesticide or a class of pesticide, or authorise the use or possession of a restricted pesticide eg. 1080. Use of a pesticide must be in accordance with the Control Order where such exists. Current Control Orders can be found at: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/pesticides/pco.htm. Game and Feral Animal Control (Game) Act 2002 The major aim of the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002 (Game Act) is to promote responsible and orderly hunting of game animals and certain pest animals. The public lands that are covered by this Act do not include any national park estate land.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 6 Other Relevant Legislation • Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 2000 (Australian) • Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Act 1994 • Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 • Firearms Act 1996 • Heritage Act 1977 • Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 • Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 • Wilderness Act 1987 • Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

Park Management Program and policies The Park Management Program is a series of guides which are being developed to define the values and objectives for park management and to integrate park policy, planning, operations, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The aims of the guides are to improve the way we go about park management by: • providing clear and consistent management objectives and operational procedures, and • introducing a system to achieve consistent standards in park management and reporting on performance. The Park Management Program comprises a Policy Guide, a Planning Guide, an Operating Procedures Guide and a Monitoring and Evaluation Guide. The Policy Guide describes the goals and objectives for park management and the key principles which are applied to guide the achievement of these objectives. Some specific policies relating to the management of weeds and pest animals, one operational policy is mentioned below. Policy 2.6 Wild Dogs acknowledges the complexities inherent in the need to conserve native dingoes (and their hybrids) together with the need to control wild dogs. The NPWS Firearms Management Manual brings together the policy, procedural and technical information required for staff regarding the safety, security and legal procedures for keeping and using firearms. The manual replaced the NPWS Firearms Policy and provides policy and procedures for all aspects of firearms use and management including: • possession and use of firearms by NPWS staff and other approved users, • firearms administration and record keeping, • location and storage of firearms, • planning and risk management for firearms operations, • maintenance and modification of firearms, • animal welfare issues related to shooting pest animals and euthanasing native animals, and • firearms training. A statewide policy directive requires conservation risk assessments for the application of pesticides on park to ensure that an appropriate level of environmental assessment is carried out prior to application.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 7

4 Regional overview Macquarie and Lachlan Area: The Macquarie and Lachlan Areas, cover 58,061 square kilometres, including 98,368 hectares of protected area managed by the NPWS. This comprises, 10 Nature Reserves, 4 National Parks, 3 Historic Sites and 2 State Conservation Areas (SCA), 1 Karst Conservation Area and 1 Aboriginal Area. The operational management is undertaken from Bathurst (Macquarie Area) and Forbes (Lachlan Area). The central west is one of the oldest and most disturbed, European dominated agricultural regions in Australia with European settlement commencing in 1815. The magnitude and intensity of this occupation has resulted in the present form of the landscape. Land clearing has accounted for the following losses of vegetation, Central Tablelands 50%, Central Slopes 86% and Central West Plains 82%. Consolidation and adjustment brought extensive permanent changes to the natural environment. Feral species, along with cultivation, fertilizers and extensive use of fire for pasture improvement led to reductions of habitat and the reduction or extermination of indigenous species (Goldney 1987).

With these considerations in mind, what remnant reserves remain within the landscape are extremely important for the continued conservation of biodiversity for the Central West. Essentially, the vegetation types of the region fall into three main groupings: The sandstone complex, which has its western boundary in the region of Lithgow, and the Bathurst-Orange-Carcoar-Portland area together comprise the Central Tablelands portion of the region; further west lie the Central Western Slopes; and a small area which forms part of the western plains division of the State (Cardale 1987). The Central West can be considered a disturbed natural ecosystem with agricultural dominated land use being the principle industry. The Region has been described as “an archipelago of woodland and forest islands in a sea of agriculture” (Goldney 1987). This has created a park system represented by a mosaic of fragmented reserves which emphasises the importance of both on and off park conservation. It is recognised that the impacts from pest species ie; the actions of feral animals and invasion of noxious/ environmental weeds, can significantly threaten the conservation values of smaller fragmented reserves. Hill End Historic Site and Mount Canobolas SCA attract over 100,000 visitors annually and are major Regional features, providing important outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities to the Central West and Sydney area.

Griffith and Hay Areas: Griffith and Hay Areas cover approximately 155,000 hectares of Service estate including seventeen nature reserves, five national parks, two State Conservation Areas and one Historic Site. The National Parks managed by the Areas are Willandra NP (19,386ha), Oolambeyan NP (21,980ha) Cocoparra NP (13,005ha), Kalyarr NP (16,398 ha) and Yanga NP (75,873ha). The Griffith and Hay area occupy the NSW south-western slopes bioregion and nearly all of the Riverina Bioregion, these being some of the most disturbed landscapes affected by agricultural development. As a result of this impact many of the nature reserves are quite small remnants of uncleared bush in an otherwise agricultural landscape. Some of the more notable reserves include Ingalba Nature Reserve (4012ha), Narrandera Nature Reserve (71ha), which protects koalas in a

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 8 red gum forest; and The Rock Nature Reserve (347ha), a prominent peak popular with visitors and walkers. Griffith Area also manages Koonadan Historic Site (22ha) near Leeton, an important Aboriginal burial place. As with many reserves in Western New South Wales, goats are a particular problem, especially in the rugged ranges of Cocoparra National Park. Rabbits are also widespread in the Riverina and require on-going attention. The Areas also contains large populations of endangered species requiring sensitive management practices. For example, Oolambeyan NP contains populations of the endangered Plains wanderers, and requires intensive fox control programs to protect these birds. These two Areas are within the Riverina Bioregion and are characterised by vast flat plains of alluvial soils. These plains have been extensively developed for agriculture, with varying levels of modification from the original vegetation. The newer reserves such as Oolambeyan NP, Kalyarr NP, Kalyarr SCA and Yanga NP and Yanga SCA were recently extensive pastoral and cropping properties and contain modified pastures, and areas developed for irrigated cropping. These modified landscapes have high levels of weed and feral animal intrusion. Griffith and Hay Area reserves contain a number of rivers and wetland environments and provide habitat to a large diversity of wetland species. These areas are also prone to invasion by feral pigs

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 9 Map 1 Department of Environment and Climate Change - Western Rivers Region

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 10

5 Pest Distribution Tables The following pest distribution tables give an overview of priority pest species for each reserve within the Region. The data has been derived from a combination of systematic surveys, consultation with staff and other agencies as a part of a cooperative planning process. The tables are not a comprehensive lists of all pest species within the Region. z Denotes established widespread populations throughout a reserve { Denotes scattered populations throughout a reserve ~ Denotes isolated populations restricted to a small geographic area of a reserve ? Denotes emergening pest animal

Table 1 Pest Animals by Reserves.

Pest Animal Distribution Table Cat Fox Goat Deer Pests Horse Rabbit Rodent Feral Pig Wild Dog MACQUARIE AREA Barton NR { { { ? { Borenore Caves KCA z ~ ~ ? { Copperhannia NR { { { z ~ { Eusdale NR z z z z ? { Freemantle NR { ~ { ? { Girralang NR { ~ z ~ { Hill End Historic Site { { { { { { { { { Maynggu Gannai HS { { { Mount Canobolas SCA z z ~ ~ ? { Mullion Range SCA z { { ? { Wambool NR ~ ~ ~ { Winburndale NR { z z ~ z ? { Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave HS { { {

LACHLAN AREA Conimbla NP { ~ { ~ ? { Eugowra NR { { Goobang NP { z ~ ~ { ? { Nangar NP z ~ { { Snake Rock Aboriginal Area { ~ { Tollingo NR z ~ { ~ { Weddin Mountains NP z ~ ~ { Woggoon NR z ~ { ~ {

GRIFFITH AREA Boginderra Hills NR z ~ ? ? { Big Bush NR z ~ { ? { Buddigower NR z ~ { ? { Cocoparra NP z ~ { { ? { Cocopara NR z { { ? { Gubbata NR z { { Ingalba NR z { ? { Jerilderie NR ~ ~ ~ Koonadan Historic Site z { { Lake Urana NR z { { Langtree NR z {

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 11 Pest Animal Distribution Table Cat Fox Goat Deer Pests Horse Rabbit Rodent Feral Pig Wild Dog

Loughnan NR z { { Narrandera NR z { Oolambeyan NP z { { ~ Pucawan NR z Pulletop NR z { { The Charcoal Tank NR z { { The Rock NR z { { ? { Willandra NP z ~ { { { ~

HAY AREA Goonawarra NR z ~ ~ ~ ~ Kalyarr NP - Darcoola z z ~ ~ Kalyarr SCA - Norwood z { { ~ ? ~ ~ Yanga NP / SCA / NR z z z { ~ ~ ~

(Jerilderie NR 35 ha of grassland, would have occasional foxes and cats, and probably domestic dogs, as it is located beside the town)

Table Key: z Denotes established widespread populations throughout a reserve { Denotes scattered populations throughout a reserve ~ Denotes isolated populations restricted to a small geographic area of a reserve ? Denotes emergent pest animal

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 12 Table 2 Pest Plants by Reserve. (Quick reference table) z Denotes established widespread infestation throughout a reserve { Denotes scattered infestation throughout a reserve ~ Denotes isolated infestation restricted to a small geographic area of a reserve (encompassing new weed incursions)

Noxious and Environmental Weed Distribution Table. (This list has been determined from the control operations of previous control plans, seven noxious weed declaration and WONS lists that cover the WRR administrative area.) Cytisus sp. sp. Cytisus CLASS 4 of Other weeds opportunity Blackberry CLASS 4 Serrated tussock CLASS 4 Bridal Creeper CLASS 5 Gorse CLASS 3 African Boxthorn CLASS 4 Horehound CLASS 4 Xanthium species CLASS 4 Weed Parthenium CLASS 1 Dodder Golden CLASS 4 Opuntia species CLASS 4 Tree of Heaven CLASS 4 Spiny Emex CLASS 4 Khaki Weed CLASS 4 Wort St Johns CLASS 4 Thistle sp. CLASS 4 Sweet Briar CLASS 4 Willow sp CLASS 4 MACQUARIE AREA Barton NR { { { { { { { Borenore Caves KCA { { { { { { { { { { Copperhannia NR { ~ { ~ Eusdale NR z z z z ~ { z z z z Freemantle NR { { { { { Girralang NR ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Hill End Historic Site ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Maynggu Gannai HS { Mount Canobolas SCA z z z z Mullion Range SCA ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wambool NR ~ ~ ~ Winburndale NR ~ { z ~ ~ ~ ~ Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave HS {

LACHLAN AREA Conimbla NP ~ Eugowra NR ~ Goobang NP ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Nangar NP ~ ~ ~ { ~ ~ Snake Rock Aboriginal Area ~ Tollingo NR ~ Weddin Mountains NP ~ ~ Woggoon NR ~

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 13

GRIFFITH AREA Boginderra Hills NR ~ { Big Bush NR ~ Buddigower NR ~ ~ Cocoparra NP ~ ~ ~ ~ Cocoparra NR ~ ~ ~ ~ Gubbata NR ~ { Ingalba NR ~ { { ~ Koonadan Historic Site ~ { ~ Lake Urana NR ~ { { Langtree NR ~ { Loughnan NR ~ { { { { Narrandera NR { ~ { Oolambeyan NP ~ { { { { { { { Pucawan NR ~ { Pulletop NR ~ The Charcoal Tank NR ~ { The Rock NR ~ { { Willandra NR ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 14 Noxious and Environmental Weed Distribution Table. (This list has been determined from the control operations of previous control plans, seven noxious weed declaration and WONS lists that cover the WRR administrative area.) Cytisus sp. sp. Cytisus CLASS 4 of Other weeds opportunity Blackberry CLASS 4 Serrated tussock CLASS 4 Bridal cReeper CLASS 5 Gorse CLASS 3 African Boxthorn CLASS 4 Horehound CLASS 4 Xanthium species CLASS 4 Weed Parthenium CLASS 1 Dodder Golden CLASS 4 Opuntia species CLASS 4 Tree of Heaven CLASS 4 Spiny Emex CLASS 4 Khaki Weed CLASS 4 Wort St Johns CLASS 4 Thistle sp. CLASS 4 Sweet Briar CLASS 4 Willow sp CLASS 4

HAY AREA Goonawarra NR ~ { { Kalyarr NP - Darcoola ~ { { { { { { Kalyarr SCA - Norwood ~ { { { ~ { { { Yanga NP / SCA / NR ~ z { { ~ { ~ ~ { {

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 15 6 Pest Management Objectives The overriding objective of NPWS pest management programs is to minimise adverse impacts of pests on biodiversity and other park values whilst complying with legislative responsibilities. Programs also aim to: • manage pest populations to minimise their impact on neighbours, • increase community understanding of the adverse impacts of pests on biodiversity and Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage, and • support cooperative approaches and participation in pest management programs with the community and other agencies. 7 Pest Management Principles Wherever possible, NPWS adopts an integrated approach to pest management, where more than one control technique is used, across the landscape. Integrated pest management is likely to be more effective because it avoids selecting for herbicide resistant weed biotypes or bait-shy animals. Targeting more than one pest species is important as the control of one species may benefit another eg. control of foxes may benefit rabbits, control of bitou bush often leads to an increase in other weeds. Also, control is usually undertaken at particular times of the year when pests are most vulnerable (eg. translocation of herbicides to growing points is usually greater when weeds are flowering). So that pest management undertaken by the NPWS is carried out effectively and efficiently, the following principles are generally applied. • Pest control is targeted to species/locations where benefits will be greatest. • Development of control priorities are set by clearly defining the problem to be addressed ie. specific impacts are identified so that the purpose of control is clear. • Where relevant, pest control is collaborative and is, undertaken on the basis of a landscape approach across tenure. • Early detection of new incursions and rapid response is considered a high priority as this is the most cost-effective form of pest control. • Priority is given to mitigating the impacts on biodiversity of a pest that has cultural significance, whilst minimising impacts on cultural values. • The aim of most pest control programs is to minimise the adverse impacts of pests, as many exotic pests are already widespread (eg. foxes, blackberries) and for these species eradication is not possible. • The focus of control programs is directed towards the values to be protected, because killing pests, by itself, does not necessarily minimise their impacts due to the fact that ecological processes are complex and can be affected by a range of factors. • Risk assessments are undertaken prior to pest control, where required. • Pest management strives to strike a balance between cost efficiency, target specificity and animal welfare. • Where appropriate, pest control employs a combination of control methods and strategies (integrated pest management).

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 16 • Pest control programs take a holistic approach, given that the control of one pest may benefit other pests, in that they attempt to control all significant pest threats at a site. • Pesticide use complies with relevant legislation and is employed in a manner that minimises impacts on the environment. • Pest management programs are often integrated with other land management activities such as fire management and recreation management. • Monitoring is being implemented, at varying levels, to demonstrate and improve the ongoing effectiveness of control programs. 8 Pest Program Priorities NPWS prioritises its pest control programs to focus on those areas where the impacts of pests are likely to be greatest. Resources can then be directed to ensure that the resultant control programs are effective in reducing these impacts. The availability of suitable control techniques and resources (both financial and physical), as well as the practicality and cost effectiveness of control, also influence which programs can be implemented. Where new pest incursions occur, early detection and eradication is the most cost- effective way to minimise the impacts. The NPWS will work with other agencies to prevent the introduction of new pests and to respond rapidly when new incursions occur. The following key factors are considered when determining priorities for pest management within the Region. Critical Priority 1. Programs targeting pests which are, or are likely to have a, significant impact on biodiversity, as largely identified in the NSW Threatened Species Priorities Action Statement eg. undertake fox control at Oolambeyan NP priority sites for ground nesting Plains-Wanderer as identified in the Fox Threat Abatement Plan (Fox TAP) and noxious weed impacts including Weeds of National Significance like Blackberry and Gorse within Winburndale NR; 2. Programs that target pests which impact significantly on human health or are part of a declared national emergency eg. outbreak of foot and mouth disease or control of feral pigs in the catchment area of a domestic water supply reservoir; 3. Programs targeting pests that impact significantly on agricultural production eg. wild dog control where there is potential for significant stock losses as identified in Wild Dog Management Plans; programs to control State Prohibited or Regionally Prohibited Noxious Weeds (Control Class 1 and 2 weeds); 4. Programs addressing new occurrences of highly invasive pest species with potential for significant impacts on park values (subject to risk/feasibility assessment) eg. control of serrated tussock and spiny burr grass in an area previously free of the weed;

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 17 High Priority 5. Programs that target pests (other than those covered in priorities above) that impact significantly on World Heritage or international heritage values, eg. control of rabbits impacting on World Heritage values of Mungo NP; pest control in RAMSAR wetlands; 6. Programs targeting pests that impact significantly on important cultural heritage values eg. control of feral goats where they are inhabiting an area containing Aboriginal rock art; control of rabbits undermining an historic building; Medium Priority 7. Programs that target pests (other than those covered in priorities above) that impact significantly on Wilderness, Wild Rivers, national heritage values or other important listed values eg. control of willows along a declared Wild River or within a Wilderness area; 8. Programs that target pests that impact significantly on recreation, landscape or aesthetic values, eg. control of blackberry on the margins of camping areas; control of weeds in an area of natural beauty that is visited frequently; 9. Community or cooperative programs targeting pests that impact significantly on park values or agricultural production and that have ongoing, proven effectiveness and participation, eg. control of willows with the assistance of an established community group; control of Regionally Controlled Noxious Weeds (Control Class 3 weeds); 10. Community or cooperative programs that are implemented as part of an endorsed state or regional plan (and not covered above in higher priorities), eg. control of bitou bush across boundaries as part of a regional control plan prepared by a regional weeds advisory committee and supported by NPWS. Lower Priority 11. Community programs targeting pests that have localised impacts on natural ecosystems or agricultural lands and that promote community education and involvement with parks, eg. participation in a new bush regeneration project with a local community group; control of Locally Controlled and Restricted Noxious Weeds (Control Class 4 and 5 weeds); 12. Previous programs targeting pests that have localised impacts on native species and ecosystems, and that can be efficiently implemented to maintain program benefits, eg. the maintenance of areas treated previously for serrated tussock to continue keeping them weed free. In some circumstances, new programs may be introduced, or priority programs extended to target pests where a control “window of opportunity” is identified e.g. where burnt areas become more accessible for ground control of weeds; where drought makes control of feral pigs and feral goats more efficient because they congregate in areas where water is available; or when a new biocontrol agent becomes available. Future priorities for pest control will need to reflect changes in the distribution, abundance or impacts of pests that may occur in response to environmental changes including climate change. NPWS is supporting research to understand the interaction between climate change, pests and biodiversity.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 18 After the application of a broad decision criteria to pest management activities is applied, Regional prioritisation will be established in consultation with the integrated pest control on conservation estate model. This model will allow park and project fine tuning of individual reserve pest management activities. This model can assist with where to concentrate control efforts for return against listed values, such as the Threatened Species Priority Action Statements, Fox Threat Abatement Plan priorities.

Western Rivers Region acknowledges that the conservation reserve system is not an island complex when pest management is considered. For most pests, there is a shared pressure placed on the conservation reserves and the surrounding landscapes, as new pest incursions through immigration, dispersal and naturalisation cannot be controlled.

The Region’s pest management objectives should remain flexible and where ever possible support landscape scale pest management activities. These objectives should incorporate the cooperative efforts of community stakeholders such as neighbours and other agencies.

If co-ordinated pest control on and off park can be achieved the noticeable benefits will be experienced by both NPWS in a decrease of damage of biodiversity values in its conserved lands and neighbours may experience representative increase in agricultural productivity.

If pest management goals are successfully implemented into individual reserve plans, the strategic control of pest species within the Region will greatly improve when set against long term Region conservation management goals.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 19 Table 3 Prioritisation of Pest Programs in the Western Rivers Region. Prioritisation Criteria and Classes Critical High Medium Low Pest Program 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Area / Reserve/s Fox control to protect recorded Oolambeyan, Willandra, Weddin Mts & Yanga NP Threatened Species Fox control to protect Landscape All other reserves as planned Biodiversity Values Winburndale NR / Goobang NP / Wilandra NP Fox control to protect Agricultural All other reserves as planned Production. Fox control to promote cooperative All other reserves as planned management Fox control to protect Cultural All other reserves as planned landscape values Goat control to protect Recorded All other reserves as planned Threatened Species Goat control to protect Landscape All other reserves as planned Biodiversity Values Goat control to protect Agricultural All other reserves as planned Production. Goat control to promote Griffith Area - Cocoparra NP / NR cooperative management Goat control to protect Cultural All other reserves as planned landscape values Feral Pig control to protect Macquarie Area - Winburndale NR & MCSCA Recorded Threatened Species Feral Pig control to protect Willandra, Yanga, Goobang NP / Macquarie Area Landscape Biodiversity Values Feral Pig control to protect All other reserves as planned Agricultural Production. Feral Pig control to promote All other reserves as planned cooperative management Feral Pig control to protect Cultural All other reserves as planned landscape values Rabbit control to protect Recorded Lachlan / Griffith / Hay Areas Threatened Species Rabbit control to protect Lachlan / Griffith / Hay Areas Landscape Biodiversity Values

Rabbit control to protect Lachlan / Griffith / Hay Areas

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 20 Agricultural Production. Rabbit control to promote Lachlan / Griffith / Hay Areas cooperative management Rabbit control to protect Cultural Lachlan / Griffith / Hay Areas landscape values Control programs targeting All Areas as issues are identified problem Wild Dogs Wild Deer control to protect Macquarie / Griffith & Hay Areas Landscape Biodiversity Values Feral Cat control to protect All Areas as issues are identified Landscape Biodiversity Values Weed control to address declared All other reserves as planned Noxious Weeds. Weed control to address All other reserves as planned environmental weeds Weed control to address emergent All other reserves as planned weed issues Weed control to promote All other reserves as planned cooperative management Weed control to protect Cultural All other reserves as planned landscape values Yuranigh's Grave HS / Snake Rock AA Weed control to manage visitation All other reserves as planned nodes and infrastructure Control of pest animals / Insects - All Areas as issues are identified compliance with legislation

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 21

9 Pest Program Recording and Monitoring Measuring the response of biodiversity (or other values) to pest control is necessary in order to: • demonstrate the degree of impacts and hence justify priorities for management, and • measure the effectiveness of ongoing control and direct resources to those programs with the greatest effect. Measuring the response of biodiversity can be difficult because populations of native species can vary in space and time so that differentiating the effects of pest control from other sources of variation is often complex. Where populations cannot be counted directly, measurement is dependent on using indices of abundance. Rigorous attempts to measure population responses need to consider experimental design (eg. treatment and non-treatment sites, replication, time scale for measurable responses to occur), sampling design (because the entire population can rarely be measured) and standardisation of population measures to allow data to be collated across NPWS (across sites, times and land tenure where appropriate). As a result, measuring the response to pest control is expensive and can be afforded for only a small sub-set of control programs. Where native populations are rare, cryptic or dispersed, or where a suite of species is predicted to be affected, indicator species, or other indices of relative abundance, can be used to provide an indirect measure of effectiveness. For example, while fox control may benefit a broad range of ground dwelling mammals, monitoring may focus on a particular “indicator” species which may be easy to capture. The monitoring of response of pest species distribution and abundance provides an interim measure of effectiveness essential to: • aid comparison between control effort and biodiversity response; • provide useful data where biodiversity, other park values or agricultural responses are too difficult to measure or there is insufficient resources to make proper measurement; • provide an interim measure where native species may take some time to respond to pest control. Where pest incursions have occurred recently, or where their distribution is otherwise limited, the objective of control is usually to eradicate the incursion completely or to contain its spread. In these situations, monitoring is required to confirm eradication or containment and should focus on the pest species rather than the response of native species to control. Such an approach may require methods that are capable of detecting populations at very low densities and prolonged monitoring will be required to ensure that containment or eradication has been achieved. Where appropriate, monitoring programs should also include measures to verify the results of research being undertaken to gain a better understanding of the interaction between pests and climate change. Systems and databases are being developed for the consistent and systematic collection, collation, storage and analysis of data as part of the Monitoring and Evaluation component of the Park Management Program.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 22

10 Regional coordination and support of pest control programs Pest control programs are coordinated by the local NPWS Operations Support and Co-ordination Unit for Areas and Regions in order to ensure that resources are utilised to achieve the best possible outcomes. Area and Regional assistance is also required to efficiently work with neighbours, community groups and other agencies. Education of staff and the broader community are essential requirements in integrated pest management and are also best achieved by centralised coordination. The Regional OSCU unit and its branches are outlined below. The pest management positions are identified within this below organisational chart. Chart 1 Western Rivers Region – Operation Support and Coordination Unit (OSCU)

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 23

11 Pest Program Overviews

PEST ANIMAL MAJOR PROGRAM SUMMARY

European Fox Vulpes vulpes.

Distribution and abundance Foxes occur in most environments in Australia, however, they are probably most abundant in agricultural areas with patches of uncleared vegetation, because these areas provide abundant food, cover and denning sites. In contrast, foxes appear to be rare in closed forest areas distant from cleared land. Foxes occur throughout the Western Rivers Region, in both urban areas and bushland reserves. Impacts The introduction of foxes into Australia has had a devastating impact on native fauna, particularly among medium-sized (450-5000g) ground-dwelling and semi-arboreal mammals, ground-nesting birds and freshwater turtles. Recent studies have shown that predation by foxes continues to suppress remnant populations of many such species. Foxes have also caused the failure of several attempts to reintroduce native fauna into areas of their former range. Predation by foxes has been listed as a key threatening process in the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act. Foxes are also significant predators of domestic stock including lambs and poultry; predation by foxes has the potential to reduce lambing rates significantly. The native species most likely to be impacted at the population level in Western Rivers Region include ringtail and brushtail possums, swamp wallabies, Plains Wander, Bush stone Curlew and other ground-nesting birds such as superb lyrebirds near Winburndale NR.

Priorities for control Many of the WRR reserve systems have strategic and cooperative fox management programs. Priority sites within the Region include, threatened species recovery programs for Plains Wanderer and Bush stone Curlews at Oolambeyan and Weddin Mountains NP. Other priorities which exist are the Region’s concerted efforts in its landscape approach to fox management through multi-agency and landholder involvement with the Winburndale NR and Palmers Oaky Pest Animal Committee, the Mullion Range SCA and community group, and the large ground baiting activities occurring at Yanga NP.

Control Fox control will be undertaken along the following guidelines supported within the Fox Threat Abatement Plan. • The majority of fox control programs occur within Autumn and Spring with some programs opting for a more intense baiting regime of six baitings per year at Oolambeyan NP (for Plains-Wanderer Recovery project). • For eastern parts of the region adopting a ground baiting strategy using the accepted bait station technique incorporated with a bait replacement weekly

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 24 over three consecutive intervals of a week duration. Other sites have single baitings at fixed sites

Monitoring Fox populations are indirectly assessed by recording bait take. The impact of fox predation on Plains-wanderer and Bush stone Curlew is poorly known, but the populations of each species is monitored at Oolambeyan NP and Weddin Mountains NP (and immediate vicinity) respectively. This will lead to the effectiveness of the control program being assessed through long-term monitoring of Plains Wander and Bush stone Curlew and fox populations. Bushbird populations are being measured by established surveys through joint projects with the Mid Lachlan Catchment Management Authority Office at Grenfell. Data is collated and analysed by the WRR OSCU and project reports will be prepared on results.

Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus.

Distribution and abundance Rabbits are found in most habitats throughout Australia south of the tropic of Capricorn, except for the densest forests, above 1500m or on black soil plains. Rabbit populations are essentially contiguous throughout Western Rivers Region, finding their highest density in the south-west of the region, and they are present in all Western Rivers Region parks and reserves.

Impacts Rabbits have significant impacts on native vegetation. Selective grazing and browsing of more palatable species leads to changes in species composition and habitat structure and even at low densities, rabbits can prevent the regeneration of species through consumption of seed and seedlings. During drought, rabbits will also consume the bark and roots of native species, resulting in the death of large numbers of plants. Their digging activities also scratch out seedlings and damage root systems and combined with the damage they cause to both above and below ground vegetation, can lead to increased soil erosion. The resultant habitat degradation in turn affects native fauna, which may also be impacted by rabbits through competition for food and shelter. Rabbits also provide a food source for feral cats and foxes, maintaining high numbers of these introduced predators, which in turn hunt native prey species.

Competition and grazing by feral European rabbits has been listed as a key threatening process under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and rabbits are declared a pest animal under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998. In Western Rivers Region, there are 20 species listed as endangered or vulnerable under the TSC Act affected upon by rabbits, including birds, mammals, reptiles and plants, as well as three endangered ecological communities. Rabbits can also cause damage to Aboriginal heritage sites, compete with neighbouring livestock and impact on forestry operations. The impact of rabbits has been reduced since the release of myxomatosis and more recently rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD).

Priorities for control The highest priority sites in Western Rivers Region are Yanga, Kalyarr, Oolambeyan, Goobang and Nangar National Parks. These parks have a high density of rabbits and a high number of threatened species vulnerable to rabbit impacts.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 25 Lake Urana, Tollingo and Woggoon Nature Reserves, Cocoparra, Willandra and Weddin Mountains National Parks and Koonadan Historic Site are medium priority sites, having a high density of rabbits at localised sites but a lower number of threatened species vulnerable to rabbit impacts.

Snake Rock Aboriginal Area, Hill End Historic Site, Ingalba and Winburndale Nature Reserves have a lower density of rabbits, and few threatened species vulnerable to rabbit impacts and are considered low priority sites for rabbit control. Although it doesn’t contain any threatened species vulnerable to rabbit impacts, Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave Historic Site is also a low priority site for rabbit control due.

Control Effective control of feral rabbits requires an integrated approach using several complementary control techniques. In Western Rivers Region, the main control techniques are warren ripping, warren fumigation and blasting, 1080 and Pindone baiting and the dispersal of bait delivered Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (previously refered to as RCD, Rabbit Calicivirus disease).

Monitoring During field inspections, GPS will be used to collect raw data, such as the location of warrens and above ground harbours where rabbits are seen to shelter. This data will be incorporated into management maps generated using GIS.

Depending on locality, rabbit population abundances may be monitored using spotlight counts, walk transect counts, counts of warrens and counts of active entrances.

Changes in their level of impact will be documented through a photo record library of vegetation recovery, from coloniser species establishment immediately post control through to site regeneration with native flora endemic to the immediate reserve.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 26 Feral Goat Capra hircus.

Distribution and abundance Feral goats occur across a wide range of habitats in all states of Australia. Feral goat populations are essentially contiguous within the arid and semi-arid pastoral lands of Western NSW They are also found in native vegetation remnants in hilly to mountainous areas of both public and private lands of the Region in various population sizes and park locations.

Feral goats are present in medium densities throughout some reserves of the Macquarie Area, prominently in Copperhannia and Winburndale Nature Reserves. Within the Lachlan Area the four National Parks have had high populations, however the commitment to annual control programs has reduced this population to medium to low densities. Within Griffith and Hay Areas feral goat issues are restricted to a few reserves, most notably Cocoparra and Willandra National Parks with only low occurrences of feral goats occurring within Yanga or Kaylarr NP’s in the Hay Area.

Impacts Grazing and browsing by feral goats has a significant impact on native vegetation. It can lead to changes in species composition as more palatable species are eaten and removed, as well as changes in vegetation structure. Areas with a high density of feral goats have a conspicuous browse line, as all foliage within their reach is consumed. Feral goats can survive on highly fibrous, low nutrient herbage, provided sufficient water is available and will consume litter, fruit fall, bark and sticks. This can lead to a decrease in overall cover and increase in bare ground, which, combined with trampling and soil surface damage caused by their hooves, may result in significant increases in soil erosion. These habitat changes in turn affect native fauna, which may also be affected by feral goats through competition for food and shelter.

Competition and habitat degradation by feral goats has been listed as a key threatening process under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act. Feral goats also cause damage to Aboriginal heritage sites, especially Rock Art sites, compete with neighbouring livestock and are potential vectors of livestock diseases. However, harvesting of feral goats has become an important income source for many landholders, and this view of goats as a potential resource needs to be taken into consideration when conducting control programmes given some terrain constraints. Commercial harvesting of feral goats may be considered as part of an integrated control approach.

Priorities for control Feral goats occur throughout a wide variety of habitats within the Region. Control programs will continue to occur within Winburndale, Copperhannia and Eusdale NR’s, Conimbla, Goobang, Nangar Weddin Mountains Cocoparra and Willandra NP’s and periodically at Yanga NP.

Control Effective control of feral goats requires an integrated approach using several complementary control techniques. Control techniques currently implemented include aerial and ground shooting and where possible mustering/trapping programs. In addition, landholders adjacent to park boundaries are being encouraged to reduce feral goat numbers through mustering and trapping at watering points.

Monitoring Changes in the relative abundance of feral goats are assessed during successive aerial shoots and animal removal programs by comparing numbers culled or captures per unit effort (time). At selected locations during each quarterly survey,

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 27 driving transects are planned to be conducted to assess the abundances of feral goats and native herbivores, and walking transects will be conducted to assess changes in vegetation, dung counts and native bird abundances in prime habitat area within key parks.

Feral Pig Sus scrofa. Distribution and Abundance Within Australia feral pigs are widely distributed in Queensland, the Northern Territory, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory and only isolated populations occur in the other states. The most critical factors affecting their distribution are the needs for daily water and dense shelter. Provided these requirements are met, the density of populations is largely dependent upon the availability of preferred foods (Choquenot et al 1996). Impacts Feral pigs cause habitat degradation through selective feeding, trampling damage and rooting for underground parts of plants and invertebrates. They can also impact on a number of native species through either predation or aggressive competition. They eat newborn lambs, reduce crop yields, damage fences, foul water sources and compete with stock for feed. Feral pigs are a potential carrier of a number of endemic and exotic parasites and diseases (Choquenot et al 1996). Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs is listed as a key threatening process under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act. Feral pigs are a declared pest under the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998. Land managers such as the NPWS are required to eradicate (continuously suppress and destroy) declared pest animals to the extent necessary to minimise the risk of the pest causing damage to any land.

Priorities for control Many of the region’s reserves are impacted by the activity of feral pigs. This issue is a landscape scale issue as the surrounding landholder experiences a similar level of damage causing lost production country through “rooting” and predation of lambs. Impact on environmental areas can also be as also devastating on a different scale. Habitat is affected, waterholes fouled through wallowing and defecation and direct competition for resources. Priority control sites within the Western Rivers Region include, Winburndale and Eusdale and Woggoon NR’s, Mount Canobolas SCA, Goobang, Cocoparra, Wilandra, Kalyarr and Yanga NP’s. These priorities should not be viewed as the only locations for feral pig control activities as during the ideal environmental triggers, feral pig activity can be a significant problem in many WRR parks. Control programs will be build to accommodate best fit management model and concentrate efforts where the greatest regional needs and chance of success are high. Control Effective control of feral pigs requires an integrated approach using several complementary control techniques. Control techniques currently implemented include aerial and ground shooting by qualified and experienced staff and where possible, strategic poisoning and live trapping programs. In addition, landholders adjacent to park boundaries are being encouraged to reduce feral pig numbers through trapping at watering points.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 28 Monitoring

The impacts and monitoring of feral pigs within conservation areas can be a challenging task. Monitoring regimes of vegetation / waterhole threshold damage give the most useable index of feral pig activity.

Photo reference points can be recorded with associated GPS points to establish a long term monitoring framework to assess current feral pig impacts and vegetation recovery post control activities. Other monitoring techniques that can be activated to provide an indices of abundance include Aerial surveys, catch per unit effort results, bait-take rates, dung counts & spotlight counts along set transects and direct visual assessment of floral and fauna impacts.

NOXIOUS WEED MAJOR PROGRAM SUMMARY

African Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum.

Distribution and abundance African boxthorn is a spiny shrub from South Africa. Introduced to Australia in the mid 1800s as a hedge plant, it has since spread into pastures, neglected areas, roadsides, railways and waterways. It produces a dense thicket in excess of 2.0 metres tall and armed with larger than 3 centimetre spines that can form an impenetrable barrier to domestic stock and native fauna. African boxthorn is a perennial shrub up to a maximum of 5 m in height with a deep and extensive root system. The main branches are drooped, widely spreading and carry numerous branchlets, each of which ends in a spine.

African boxthorn prefers subhumid and semi-arid subtropical regions where it occurs on drier soils. It grows on all soil types, but establishes best on lighter soils, particularly along dry creek beds. (Parsons and Cuthbertson 1992).

Impacts

African boxthorn has established dense thickets in many areas and impedes native revegetation recovery and can form solid masses surrounding watering points. African boxthorn also has the ability to dominate the shrub layer excluding native regrowth through shading and establishment of a mono-culture undergrowth where establishment of juvenile daughter plants of boxthorn can be prolific.

Priorities for control

Primarily the Griffith and Hay Areas have significant infestations of this weed within Oolambeyan and Yanga National Parks. The extent and scale of these infestations warrant significant control efforts as this shrub will dominate and exclude native flora establishing within these environments, provide a harbour for rabbits and as a result will change the park’s biodiversity.

Control

African boxthorn control requires the implementation of a variety of strategically timed techniques to address the various plant sizes, from established thickets to regenerating seedlings. The control techniques to be implemented will be the most innovative combination of mechanical and chemical techniques available using heavy plant through to pneumatic shears and spot chemical applicators.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 29 Monitoring

The monitoring techniques to be implemented, includes the establishment of photo reference points, vegetation survey transects and GIS abundance / distribution and density indices for major infestations.

The management of this weed needs to be addressed over multiple years, which requires annual monitoring. Monitoring will record the removal of the boxthorn, and the recovery of native flora to the control areas.

Blackberry Rubus fruticosus.

Distribution and abundance

Blackberry has managed to establish extensive infestations within many conservation reserves of the Macquarie Area, most prominently occurring within Winburndale and Eusdale Nature Reserve and well-established thickets at Mount Canobolas State Conservation Area and Borenore Caves Karst Conservation Area. This weed causes significant problems for both agricultural production and conservation lands.

Impacts

Blackberry is a highly visible and invasive species which rapidly invades disturbed lands by forming massive thickets from underground suckers. It has the capacity to move into open forests and along creeklines, and hence is a serious concern for the management of a catchment as it covers large areas with a dense canopy that excludes light from the soil surface. Few plants can compete with Blackberry, and the regeneration of native plants are seriously impeded. This plant can also provide habitat and feeding opportunity for feral animals. At Winburndale NR near Bathurst one site Blackberry threatens habitat of the Purple Copper Butterfly; a listed Threatened Species.

Priorities for control

Currently many of the reserves of the Region have Blackberry control programs. This commitment must be maintained to minimise the potential for reinfestation. Priorities include; Winburndale and Eusdale NR, Mt Canobolas SCA, Borenore Caves KCA and Goobang NP.

Control

Strategic herbicide application is the most effective, efficient and cost effective method to control infestations of Blackberry within the protected area system. As robust biological control agents are approved and available the Region will consider establishing biological control agents in the correct locations and individual reserves.

Monitoring Reduction in the infestation area, both in density and size of the weed within identified reserves will be mapped through GIS tools. A weed management database will be developed to record annual progress with staged removal of the weed population and ranked against the establishment of more desirable native regeneration at control locations.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 30

St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum.

Distribution and abundance This weed is widespread and common throughout the Local Government Areas of the Central West and of lesser importance in the Griffith and Hay areas. The majority of reserves within the Macquarie and Lachlan areas have infestations of this weed as do the adjoining agricultural lands and lands of other agencies. Active control programs for the management of St John’s Wort occur within 13 of the Region’s 21 reserves (62% of the Region’s reserves under control programs for this weed, eight (8) reserves require no major noxious weed management).

Impacts St John’s Wort invades disturbed areas with the capacity to move into open forest and along creeklines, which causes problems for both the quality of conservation reserves and the viability of agricultural production. St John’s Wort is poisonous to livestock and native fauna and exhibits a ‘photosensitisation chemical effect,’ on exposed skin of stock and native fauna. This leads to the development of cancerous tumours on the animals. St John’s Wort has the potential to initiate irritation to humans that can result in mild skin redness to rashes, adjuration and respiratory discomfort in small cases. St John’s Wort competes throughout the year with other species for light and nutrients, and can eliminate almost all other plants. This weed also has the ability to have multiple germinations within a single growth year.

Priorities for control Treat St John’s Wort in highly accessible and or recreational areas. Implement control and strategic herbicide application to isolated infestations in coordination with other projects as they are identified. Continue existing programs for all infested areas within the Region’s protected area system and liaise with local control authorities and NSW Agriculture. Investigate the potential to strategically release biological control agents throughout the Region subject to appropriate approval and environmental impact determination processes.

Control The Region will consider, on a site specific basis, the release, when available of multiple biological control agents within the infestation zones within each park location. The primary control and containment strategy for infestation of St John’s Wort for small to large infestations will be physical removal or herbicide application in appropriate areas of the park.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 31 Monitoring Reduction in the infestation area both in density and size of the weed within identified reserves.

Serrated tussock Nassella trichotoma.

Distribution and abundance Serrated tussock is primarily restricted to the Macquarie Area and is distributed widely within this area. Infestations within reserves are light to medium in densities, scattered over cleared lands that have either been disturbed by agriculture, historic mining activities or have broken canopies where shading has not played a role in control of this grass weed. Impact Once established in conservation areas serrated tussock greatly decreases biodiversity by dominating the grass layer and being a very competitive grass species, with little (if any) nutritional value for native herbivores. Priorities for control Implement control and strategic herbicide application to isolated infestations in coordination with other projects as they are identified. Control Strategic ground applied herbicide techniques are the most effective, efficient and cost effective method to control infestations of serrated tussock within the protected area system. Aerial application of herbicide may be considered where appropriate controls can be assessed and implemented for an overall positive environmental outcome. Monitoring Reduction in the infestation area, both in density and size of the weed within identified reserves will be mapped through GIS tools. A weed management database will be developed to record annual progress with staged removal of the weed population and ranked against the establishment of more desirable native regeneration at control locations.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 32 Table 4 PAAST – Pest Animal Action Summary Table. (Proposed timetable of program activity – indication of survey works and control programs) January February March April May June July August September October November December MACQUARIE AREA Barton NR

Borenore Caves KCA

Copperhannia NR

Eusdale NR

Freemantle NR

Girralang NR

Hill End Historic Site

Maynggu Gannai HS

Mt Canobolas SCA

Mullion Range SCA

Wambool NR

Winburndale NR

Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave HS

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 33 January February March April May June July August September October November December LACHLAN AREA Conimbla NP

Eugowra NR

Goobang NP

Nangar NP

Snake Rock AA

Tollingo NR

Weddin Mts NP

Woggoon NR

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 34 January February March April May June July August September October November December GRIFFITH AREA

Boginderra Hills NR Big Bush NR Buddigower NR

Cocoparra NP

Cocoparra NR Gubbata NR

Ingalba NR Koonadan HS

Lake Urana NR Langtree NR Loughnan NR Narrandera NR

Oolambeyan NP Pucawan NR Pulletop NR Charcoal Tank NR The Rock NR

Willandra NP

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 35 January February March April May June July August September October November December HAY AREA

Goonawarra NR

Kalyarr NP – Darcoola

Kalyarr SCA –

Norwood

Yanga NP

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 36 Table 5 EWAST – Environmental Weed Action Summary Table. (Proposed timetale of program activity – indication of survey and control programs) MACQUARIE AREA January February March April May June July August September October November December

Barton NR

Borenore Caves KCA

Copperhannia NR

Eusdale NR

Freemantle NR

Girralang NR

Hill End Historic Site

Maynggu Gannai HS

Mt Canobolas SCA

Mullion Range SCA

Wambool NR

Winburndale NR

Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave HS

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 37 LACHLAN AREA January February March April May June July August September October November December

Conimbla NP

Eugowra NR

Goobang NP

Nangar NP

Snake Rock AA

Tollingo NR

Weddin Mts NP

Woggoon NR

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 38 GRIFFITH AREA January February March April May June July August September October November December

Boginderra Hills NR

Big Bush NR Buddigower NR

Cocoparra NP

Cocoparra NR

Gubbata NR Ingalba NR Koonadan HS Lake Urana NR Langtree NR

Loughnan NR Narrandera NR

Oolambeyan NP

Pucawan NR

Pulletop NR Charcoal Tank NR The Rock NR

Willandra NP

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 39 January February March April May June July August September October November December HAY AREA

Goonawarra NR

Kalyarr NP – Darcoola

Kalyarr NP – Norwood

Yanga NP

KEY: Weed operations which include survey and operational program across a suite of noxious and environmental weeds.

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 40 Appendices

Emerging Pest Issues: This category relates pest species which are currently and have the potential to expand their impact on the biodiversity of the Regions reserve system. Noxious Weeds Class Area Locations: Potential Establishment: Parthenium Weed Griffith and Hay Likely 1

St John’s Wort Macquarie / Lachlan / Likely 4 Griffith Willow sp All Likely 5

Alligator Weed Griffith Unlikely 2

Athel Pine Griffith and Hay Unlikely 5

Bridal Creeper Griffith Likely 5

Mesquite Hay Likely 2

Tamarix Hay Likely 5 ramosissima Boxthorn Hay Likely 4

Vertebrate Pests – Species of importance regarding economic, environmental and social impacts. The following species lists are listed pest species that have the potential to establish or re-establish new populations of particular significance with Reserves throughout Western Rivers Region. Vertebrate Pest: Area Location: Potential Establishment: European rabbit All Likely Red fox All Likely Feral goat All Likely Wild deer Macquarie Likely European starling All Likely House mouse All Likely Feral livestock All Likely Indian palm squirrel - Unlikely Feral pig All Likely Feral cat All Likely Wild dog / dingo Macquarie Unlikely Indian myna - Unlikely Hare Lachlan / Griffith Likely Cane toad - Unlikely Feral horse - Unlikely Red-eared slider turtle Griffith Unlikely

Invertebrate Pests Australian Plague Locust Lachlan / Griffith / Hay Likely Feral Bees All Likely Fire Ants Lachlan Unlikely

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 41 REFERENCES:

10th Australian Vertebrate Pest Control Conference- Proceedings Hobart, Tasmania - May 1995.

Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries. Anon 1995. Snowy Mountain Region- Pest Species Status Report. September,1995. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Beukers P 1995. DRAFT: Options for Conserving Biodiversity in Bathurst District. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Braysher M 1993. Managing Vertebrate Pests: Principles and Strategies. Australian Government Publishing Service Canberra.

Braysher,M (1993) Principles and Strategies - Managing Vertebrate Pests. Commonwealth of Australia

Breckwoldt R 1983. Wildlife in the Home Paddock, Nature conservation for Australian farmers. Angus and Robertson Publishers.

Central West District 1995/ 96 Operational Plan NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Cooke et al (1995) Weeds of Conservation Concern. Seminar Papers 5-6th April 1995.

Goldney, DC and Bowie IJS 1987. The National Trust of Australia (NSW) Scenic and Scientific Survey of the Central Western Region: A Report to the Australian Heritage Commission. Mitchell College of Advanced Education Bathurst (now Charles Sturt University).

Harden B, 1997. A Survey of Vertebrate Pests in the Service Estate. Biodiversity. Survey and Research Division, National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Hone J, O’Grady J, Pedersen H, 1980. Decisions in the Control of Feral Pig Damage.NSW Department of Agriculture AG bulletin.

Howling G M, 1997. Remnant Vegetation in the Central West Catchment - Issues and Options for the Future.Central West Catchment Committee.

Kirkpatrick, J (1994) A Continent Transformed - Human Impact on the Natural Vegetation of Australia, Oxford University Press

Low, T (2000) Feral Future – The untold story of Australias Exotic Invaders, Viking

Mahon.P (2000) Draft Fox Threat Abatement Plan, NPWS

Norton GA, and Pech RP 1988. Vertebrate Pest Management in Australia, CSIRO Division of Wildlife and Ecology.

NPWS Corporate Plan 1995- 96 to 1997- 98 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

NSW Agriculture (1993)NSW Noxious Weed Legislation. Agnote

NSW Agriculture (1996) Vertebrate Pest Control Manual

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 42

NSW Agriculture (April 2008) NSW Noxious weeds List

Pandit R 1995. REPORT: Impacts of Major Vertebrate Pests on Conservation Reserves in NPWS Central and Metropolitan Regions. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Parsons and Cuthbertson 1995. Noxious Weeds of Australia. Inkata.

Recher et al (1995) A Natural Legacy - Ecology in Australia. 2nd Ed, SNP Printing

Rigby N 2000. Central West Region Operation Plan 2000/ 2004 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Sindel, B.M ed. (2000) Australian Weed Management Systems. (R.G. and F.J. Richardson, Melbourne) 506 pp.].

Western Rivers Region Pest Management Strategy 2008 - 2011 Page 43