NCCMA Vegetation Condition Report

758400 758600 758800 759000 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 Map 14: Rare and threatened flora and fauna recorded at

6053000 6053000 Third Lake February 2013

6052800 6052800 Legend Rare and Threatened Flora Species Herbs Callitriche brachycarpa (Short Water-starwort)

6052600 6052600 Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii (Branching Groundsel) Trees and Shrubs Atriplex lindleyi subsp. lindleyi (Flat-top Saltbush)

Duma horrida subsp. horrida (Spiny Lignum) 6052400 6052400 Rare and Threatened Fauna Species

Brown Treecreeper (south-eastern ssp.) (Climacteris picumnus victoriae)

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)

6052200 6052200 Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta)

Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)

White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) 6052000 6052000 Transportation

Highway

Sealed Arterial Road 6051800 6051800 Sealed Road Third Lake Unsealed Road

2WD Road 6051600 6051600 4WD Road

6051400 6051400 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 metres

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

6051200 6051200 Datum: GDA 1994

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA 6051000 6051000

6050800 6050800 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 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 suitability for any particular purpose Middle Lake is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs which are or may be 6050400 6050400 incurred as a result of this product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason will not be accepted. 758400 758600 758800 759000 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 758400 758600 758800 759000 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 Map 15: Spatial distribution of high threat

6053000 6053000 weeds Third Lake February 2013

Legend High Threat Environmental Weeds 6052800 6052800 Graminoids *Cyperus eragrostis (Drain Flat-sedge)

*Juncus acutus subsp. acutus (Spiny Rush)

6052600 6052600 Herbs *Echium plantagineum (Paterson's Curse)

*Phyla canescens (Fog-fruit) Trees and Shrubs

6052400 6052400 *Fraxinus angustifolia (Desert Ash)

*Lagunaria patersonia subsp. patersonia (Pyramid Tree)

*Lycium ferocissimum (African Box-thorn)

*Marrubium vulgare (Horehound) 6052200 6052200

*Salix spp. (Willows)

*Tamarix ramosissima (Tamarisk)

Patches or Infestations 6052000 6052000 *Fraxinus angustifolia (Desert Ash)

*Juncus acutus subsp. acutus (Spiny Rush)

Transportation 6051800 6051800 Third Lake Highway

Sealed Arterial Road

Sealed Road 6051600 6051600 Unsealed Road

2WD Road

4WD Road 6051400 6051400

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 metres 6051200 6051200 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994

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

6050800 6050800 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)

6050600 6050600 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 Middle Lake suitability for any particular purpose is made. Liability of any kind for any expenses, 6050400 6050400 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 758400 758600 758800 759000 759200 759400 759600 759800 760000 760200 760400 760600 760800 761000 761200 will not be accepted.

5.3 Comparison of 2006 and current vegetation mapping A comparison of mapping output for Third 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 22. Broad-scale and fine scale anomalies are itemised in the following paragraphs.

Figure 22: Histogram of total area by vegetation type at Third Lake as mapped in 2006 and 2013

Summary of broad-scale similarities and differences: • Overall slight decrease in extent of vegetation – from ~33 ha to ~32 ha is probably due to a difference in the definition of the study area. • The complete disappearance of Aquatic Herbland and Dwarf Floating Aquatic Herbland 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 Tall Marsh since 2006 (~48% down to ~34.5%), once again possibly attributable to hydrological change. Note also the finer scale resolved mapping of species dominance within Tall Marsh with nine mapping units in 2013 compared with five in 2006.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 65

• Tall Marsh/Cumbungi (colonising) has apparently completely disappeared since 2006. However, this is inconclusive because this unit was regarded as problematic to identify in the field in 2013 at this wetland. • The apparent significant increase in Intermittent Swampy Woodland (in 2006 mapped as Red Gum Swamp, Red Gum Woodland, Red Gum Woodland and non-native trees, and Native remnant) is probably due to differences in the definition of the study area or differences in the interpretation of the boundary with Tall Marsh. Examination of the 2006 imagery may help resolve this question. • The apparent reduction in extent of Lignum Swamp (mapped as Lignum Swampy Woodland in 2006) is probably attributable to differences in mapping resolution and the interpretation of the boundary with surrounding EVCs.

Summary of fine-scale similarities and differences: • A side-by-side comparison of the wetland vegetation units assigned to the south-western section of Third Lake in 2006 and 2013 is presented in Map 16. • Areas of Aquatic Herbland on the western side of the wetland around the outlet mapped in 2006 were no longer present in 2013. This is likely to be showing real change in vegetation distribution, influenced by the 2011 floods. • In 2006 Tall Marsh on the western edge of the wetland, north of the outlet channel, is 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. 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.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 66 Map 16: Comparison of wetland Ecological Vegetation Classes Third Lake 2006 (left) and 2013 (right)

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

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813) [36]

Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) [30; 42]

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

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]

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

Tall Marsh / River Club Rush and Giant Rush (EVC 821) [43]

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

Third Lake Third 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

5.4 Index of Wetland Condition

Two IWC assessments were undertaken at Third Lake (Table 10). 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 Third Lake was ‘poor’. The Physical Form scored ‘excellent’, Soils were ’good’, Water Properties were ‘good’, and Biota, Wetland Catchment and Hydrology scored ‘very poor’.

Assessment against current vegetation

If assessed against currently recognisable EVC’s, the overall condition of Third Lake was ‘moderate’. The Physical Form scored ‘excellent’, Soils and Water Properties were ’good’, Biota was ‘moderate’, Wetland Catchment 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 10: Comparison between 2009 and 2013 IWC assessments for Third Lake

Sub index 2009 2013 2013 (modified)

Wetland catchment 2 Very Poor 4 Very Poor 4 Very Poor

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 12.42 Poor 0.7 Very Poor 15.4 Moderate

Overall Score 5 Moderate 3 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 Third Lake in 2009 was 5 and in 2013 (using the non- standard scoring methodology described in section 2.3) was 6, which are both moderate. However, using the standard methodology, where wetland vegetation is scored against pre- European patterns of vegetation it scores 3, 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 68

6.0 SCOTTS CREEK

6.1 The Study Area Scotts Creek is situated to the south-east of Little Lake Charm. Prior to hydrological alteration the creek was an ephemeral drainage-line that would connect the Reedy Lakes, Stevenson Swamp and Little Lake Charm during flooding events.

Although Scotts Creek is shown as connected to Little Lake Charm in DSE’s Wetland 1994 layer, the site was assessed separately due to its large size and different vegetation patterns. Scotts Creek was not assessed during the investigation by Ho et. al (2006). This wetland has a maximum water depth of approximately 1m.

6.2 Vegetation 6.2.1 Original vegetation The vegetation of Scotts Creek has been highly modified due to alteration to the natural hydrology. Prior to its inclusion within the Torrumbarry Irrigation System, the creek probably only flowed intermittently, with occasional large flooding events. However the establishment of the Irrigation Scheme and the permanent inundation it has caused in Little Lake Charm has had a significant detrimental effect on the vegetation; killing trees and displacing natural vegetation communities.

A levee bank has been constructed along most of the length of what was originally Scotts Creek within the study site. Irrigation water is conveyed between Third Reedy and Little Lake Charm by a channel on the south west side of the “Scotts Creek area”. As a result of these changes the vegetation is now so modified that it is difficult to determine the original vegetation patterns.

The DSE Interactive Map (DSE 2013c) suggests that Scotts Creek was originally dominated by Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) fringed by Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103). The mapping of Lignum Swamp is considered to be inaccurate as numerous scattered tree stumps in the floor of the channel indicate the former occurrence of woodland. Although it is difficult to conclusively determine the original vegetation patterns, it is considered more likely that the dominant EVC of deeper sections would have been Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813). This was possibly fringed by Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823), transitioning to Riverine Chenopod Woodland on higher, infrequently flooded terraces. The predicted Pre- 1750 extent of these EVCs is displayed in Map 17. The IWC score was assessed against these vegetation patterns.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 69 755000 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 756400 756600 756800 Map 17: Predicted Pre-1750 Ecological Vegetation Classes Scott's Creek Little Lake Charm 6054200 6054200

Legend Ecological Vegetation Class and IWC Zone

Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653), Zone 1

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 1 6054000 6054000 Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 2

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 3

Lignum Shrubland (EVC 808), Zone 1

Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823), Zone 1 6053800 6053800 Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103), Zone 1

Transportation Scotts Creek Highway

Sealed Arterial Road 6053600 6053600 Sealed Road

Unsealed Road

2WD Road

4WD Road 6053400 6053400 Hydrology

Minor Creek, Channel or Drain

0 100 200 300 400 500

6053200 6053200 metres

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

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA 6053000 6053000

6052800 6052800 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

6052600 6052600 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 reason 755000 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 756400 756600 756800 will not be accepted.

6.2.2 Current vegetation 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 18.

Tall Marsh (EVC 821) Changed hydrology within Little Lake Charm and Scotts “Creek” has led to permanent inundation. This has led to the invasion of most of the creek verges with reed, rush and sedge species including Typha orientalis (Broad-leaf Cumbungi), Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (River-club Sedge) and Juncus usitatus (Billabong Rush). This vegetation has closest affinities with Tall Marsh (EVC 821). Common weeds of this vegetation included *Paspalum distichum (Water Couch) and *Juncus acutus (Spiny Rush).

Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) Remnants of what appeared to be Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) were found along the verges of the drainage-line. This vegetation was comprised of relatively dense Duma florulenta (Tangled Lignum) with a weedy understorey. It is possible that some of these areas originally supported a different wetland EVC that has been invaded by Lignum.

Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103) The banks of the levee that run along the north-eastern side of the creek supported patches of Eucalyptus largiflorens (Black Box) with an understorey dominated by Duma florulenta (Tangled Lignum) and chenopods such as Atriplex lindleyi (Corky Saltbush) and Atriplex semibaccata (Berry Saltbush). This vegetation appeared to have colonised the levee banks but had some floristic and structural affinity with Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103). The upper terraces on the southern side of the creek have been ecologically modified by increased soil salt levels caused by hydrological changes, evidenced by the large areas that have been invaded by the halophyte Tecticornia pergranulata (Black-seed Glasswort) amongst dead Black Box trees. This vegetation is likely to have been derived from Riverine Chenopod Woodland.

As this EVC is above the level of most floods at this site it was not included in the IWC assessment.

Spike-sedge Wetland (EVC 819) An extensive area on the southern side of the creek supported sedgeland dominated by Eleocharis acuta (Common Spike-sedge) and *Paspalum distichum (Water Couch) with scattered indigenous species such as Eleocharis pusilla (Small Spike-sedge) and Marsilea costulifera (Narrow-leaf Nardoo). This vegetation, which was assessed as Spike-sedge Wetland (EVC 819) appeared to have replaced the original EVC’s (probably Lignum Swamp

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 71 and Riverine Chenopod Woodland) due to increased flooding caused by over-flow from the creek. This area has supported breeding Brolgas in the past (Tom Lowe pers. comm.).

Wet Verge Sedgeland (EVC 932) Parts of Scotts Creek were fringed by a narrow band of Juncus spp. (mainly Juncus usitatus and Juncus flavidus). Although this vegetation is an artefact of altered hydrology, it has closest affinity with Wet Verge Sedgeland (EVC 932).

Figure 23: Drowned River Red Gums in Scotts Creek

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 72 755000 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 756400 756600 756800 757000 Map 18: Ecological Vegetation Classes Scott's Creek February 2013 Little Lake Charm

6054200 6054200 Legend Ecological Vegetation Classes and [Mapping Units]

Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653) [3; 4]

Chenopod Grassland (EVC 829) [48]

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813) [36] 6054000 6054000 Lignum Shrubland (EVC 808) [49]

Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) [30; 42]

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

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

6053800 6053800 Semi-arid Chenopod Woodland (EVC 98) [25; 28; 57; 60]

Spike-sedge Wetland (EVC 819) [47; 50]

Tall Marsh (Channel Bank) (EVC 821) [34]

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

Tall Marsh / Cumbungi (EVC 821) [1; 11] 6053600 6053600

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

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

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

Wet Verge Sedgeland (EVC 932) [12]

6053400 6053400 Other Vegetative Features

Black Box [9]

Red Gum [37]

Red Gum/Willow Mosaic [38]

Plantation or Vineyard [23; 20] 6053200 6053200

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

Non-vegetative Features

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

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

6053000 6053000 Open Water (Lake) [15]

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 metres

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator 6052800 6052800 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 6052600 6052600 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 6052400 6052400 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 755000 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 756400 756600 756800 757000 reason will not be accepted.

6.2.3 Flora species recorded During the survey a total of 61 vascular plant taxa were recorded at Scotts Creek (Table 11). Of these taxa, 39 were indigenous species and 22 were exotic.

Table 11: Flora species recorded at Scotts Creek March 2013 and corresponding Ecological Vegetation Classes

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name AH ISW LSW RCW TM 653 813 823 103 821 FFG EPBC DSE ADV Origin

Alternanthera denticulata s.l. Lesser Joyweed x

Common Swamp Amphibromus nervosus x x Wallaby-grass * Asphodelus fistulosus Onion Weed x

* Aster subulatus Aster-weed x x x Atriplex lindleyi subsp. k Flat-top Saltbush x x lindleyi Atriplex semibaccata Berry Saltbush x x

Azolla filiculoides Pacific Azolla x

* Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle x x x x

* Conyza bonariensis Flaxleaf Fleabane x x

* Cyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedge x x

Cyperus exaltatus Tall Flat-sedge x

Disphyma crassifolium Rounded Noon-flower x x subsp. clavellatum * Dittrichia graveolens Stinkwort x

Duma florulenta Tangled Lignum x x x

Einadia nutans Nodding Saltbush x

Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge x x

Eleocharis pusilla Small Spike-sedge x

Eucalyptus largiflorens Black Box x x

Heliotropium curassavicum Smooth Heliotrope x

* Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue x

* Hordeum marinum Sea Barley-grass x x x Juncus acutus subsp. * Spiny Rush x x x acutus Juncus usitatus Billabong Rush x x

Lachnagrostis filiformis s.l. Common Blown-grass x x

* Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce x

* Lepidium africanum Common Peppercress x x Ludwigia peploides subsp. Clove-strip x x montevidensis * Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn x

Lythrum hyssopifolia Small Loosestrife x x

Maireana brevifolia Short-leaf Bluebush x

Maireana decalvans Black Cotton-bush x

* Marrubium vulgare Horehound x

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 74

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name AH ISW LSW RCW TM 653 813 823 103 821 FFG EPBC DSE ADV Origin

Marsilea costulifera Narrow-leaf Nardoo x x

Creeping Monkey- Mimulus repens x flower Myriophyllum crispatum Upright Water-milfoil x

Osteocarpum acropterum Babbagia x var. deminutum * Paspalum distichum Water Couch x x

Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed x x

Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper x

* Polygonum aviculare s.l. Prostrate Knotweed x

Portulaca oleracea Common Purslane x

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

* Rorippa palustris Marsh Yellow-cress x

* Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock x

* Rumex crispus Curled Dock x

Rumex tenax Narrow-leaf Dock x x

* Salix babylonica s.l. Weeping Willow x Schoenoplectus River Club-sedge x tabernaemontani Sclerolaena muricata var. Grey Roly-poly x villosa Senecio cunninghamii var. r Branching Groundsel x cunninghamii Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed x

* Solanum nigrum s.l. Black Nightshade x x

Sonchus hydrophilus Native Sow-thistle x

Spergularia marina s.s. Lesser Sea-spurrey x

Tecticornia pergranulata Blackseed Glasswort x x subsp. pergranulata Typha orientalis Broad-leaf Cumbungi x

Woolly New Holland Vittadinia gracilis x Daisy Wilsonia rotundifolia Round-leaf Wilsonia x

* 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

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 75

Ecological Vegetation Class: Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653); Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813); Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823); RCW: Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103); Tall Marsh (EVC 821)

Two rare and threatened plants were recorded at Scotts Creek (Table 12). The spatial distribution of rare taxon Branching Groundsel (Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii) is depicted in Map 19.

Table 12: Rare and threatened flora species recorded at Scotts Creek

EPBC FFG DSE Advisory List Scientific Name Common Name

Poorly known Atriplex lindleyi subsp. lindleyi Flat-top Saltbush

Rare Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii Branching Groundsel

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

Four species that occur within the vicinity of Scotts Creek were deemed high threat weeds in the context of the study area. The distribution of these taxa is depicted in Map 20.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 76 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 756400 756600 756800 Map 19: Rare and threatened flora recorded at Scott's Creek February 2013 Little Lake Charm 6054200 6054200 Legend Rare and Threatened Flora Species Herbs Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii (Branching Groundsel)

Transportation

Highway 6054000 6054000

Sealed Arterial Road

Sealed Road

Unsealed Road

2WD Road

6053800 6053800 4WD Road 6053600 6053600 6053400 6053400

0 100 200 300 400 500 metres

Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994 6053200 6053200

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

Disclaimer: while every care has been taken care to ensure the accuracy of this 6052800 6052800 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 reason 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 756400 756600 756800 will not be accepted. 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 756400 756600 756800 Map 20: Spatial distribution of high threat weeds

Little Lake Charm Scott's Creek February 2013 6054200 6054200

Legend High Threat Environmental Weeds Graminoids *Juncus acutus subsp. acutus (Spiny Rush)

6054000 6054000 Trees and Shrubs *Lycium ferocissimum (African Box-thorn)

Salix spp. (Willows)

Patches or Infestations

*Juncus acutus subsp. acutus (Spiny Rush)

6053800 6053800 *Juncus acutus subsp. acutus (Spiny Rush) Mosaic

*Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu)

*Salix spp. (Willow)

Transportation

Highway

Sealed Arterial Road 6053600 6053600

Sealed Road

Unsealed Road

2WD Road

4WD Road 6053400 6053400

0 100 200 300 400 500 metres 6053200 6053200

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

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA 6053000 6053000

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 6052600 6052600 product being innacurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 756400 756600 756800 will not be accepted.

6.3 Comparison of 2006 and current vegetation mapping

Scotts Creek was not assessed by Ho et. al. (2006) and therefore no comparisons can be made with the current mapping.

6.4 Index of Wetland Condition Two IWC assessments were undertaken at Scotts Creek (Table 13). The first was assessed against the benchmarks of the original EVC’s while the second was assessed against the current EVC’s.

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

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

The discrepancies between these two assessments are explained by the biota score. If the Tall Marsh, Spike-sedge Wetland 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 Creek is considered to be mostly lost, then the wetland receives a low score.

Table 13: Comparison between standard and modified 2013 IWC assessments for Scotts Creek

Sub index 2013 2013 (modified)

Wetland catchment 13.5 Moderate 13.5 Moderate

Physical form 18.5 Excellent 18.5 Excellent

Hydrology 0 Very Poor 0 Very Poor

Water properties 7.5 Poor 7.5 Poor

Soils 7 Poor 7 Poor

Biota 9.83 Poor 12.92 Poor

Overall Score 4 Poor 5 Moderate

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 79

The overall IWC score given to Scoots Creek in 2013 (using the non-standard scoring methodology described in section 2.3) was 5, 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. No IWC assessment was made of this wetland in 2009.

6.5 Fauna An overall fauna list is provided for Scotts Creek and Little Lake Charm, as these sites are contiguous. However, threatened species observed at these sites were recorded separately. A total of 29 bird and one frog species were incidentally recorded at these sites. Threatened species observed included the endangered Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa) (Figure 24), vulnerable Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta) and Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) and the near threatened Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida). The vulnerable Brolga (Grus rubicunda) has been observed breeding in flooded vegetation beside the southern edge of the “Scotts Creek Area” in the past (Tom Lowe pers. comm.).

Figure 24: The endangered Freckled Duck (Stictonetta naevosa)

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 80

7.0 LITTLE LAKE CHARM

7.1 The Study Area Little Lake Charm is situated approximately 15 kilometres to the north-west of the Kerang township. The lake covers approximately 136 hectares and is part of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site.

Little Lake Charm would originally have filled intermittently in response to flooding events in the Loddon catchment. The lake would likely have filled irregularly and would remain 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.

7.2 Vegetation 7.2.1 Original vegetation The DSE pre-1750 mapping (DSE 2013c) suggests that the original vegetation of Little Lake Charm was dominated by Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) fringed by Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103). The mapping of Lignum Swamp 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. Although it is difficult to conclusively determine the original vegetation patterns, it is considered more likely that the dominant EVC of deeper sections would have been Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813). This was possibly fringed by Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823), transitioning to Riverine Chenopod Woodland on higher, infrequently flooded terraces. The predicted Pre-1750 extent of these EVCs is displayed in Map 21. The IWC assessment was scored against this vegetation pattern.

7.2.2 Current vegetation The inclusion of Little Lake Charm within the Torrumbarry Irrigation System greatly altered the original vegetation and habitat. The Lake has been inundated on a permanent basis, leading to displacement of the original vegetation from the centre of the Lake and the formation of different vegetation communities that can withstand permanent water. The extent of these EVCs as surveyed in February 2013 is depicted in Map 22, and a description of these EVCs is provided in the following pages.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 81 753200 753400 753600 753800 754000 754200 754400 754600 754800 755000 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 Map 21: Predicted Pre-1750 Ecological 6056200 6056200 Vegetation Classes Little Lake Charm 6056000 6056000 Legend Benjeroop - Lake Charm Rd Ecological Vegetation Class and IWC Zone

Racecourse Lake Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653), Zone 1 6055800 6055800 Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 1 Lake Charm

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 2

ParkRd Lake Ch Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813), Zone 3 6055600 a 6055600 rm E as Lignum Shrubland (EVC 808), Zone 1 t R d Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823), Zone 1

6055400 6055400 Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103), Zone 1

Transportation

Highway 6055200 6055200 Sealed Arterial Road

Sealed Road

6055000 6055000 Unsealed Road

Murray ValleyHwy

Little Lake Charm 2WD Road

4WD Road 6054800 6054800 Hydrology

Minor Creek, Channel or Drain 6054600 6054600

0 100 200 300 400 500 metres 6054400 6054400 Coordinate System: GDA 1994 MGA Zone 54 Projection: Transverse Mercator Datum: GDA 1994

2011 Aerial Imagery courtesy of the North Central CMA 6054200 6054200 Old Charm Rd

Project: Ecological Vegetation Class Assessment for Reedy Lake, Middle Lake, Third Lake, Little Lake Charm and Racecourse Lake and surrounding areas 6054000 6054000 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 6053800 6053800 Pty Ltd) and Paul Foreman (Blue Devil Consulting)

Scotts Creek Survey Period: February 2013

6053600 6053600 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 reason 753200 753400 753600 753800 754000 754200 754400 754600 754800 755000 755200 755400 755600 755800 756000 756200 will not be accepted.

Figure 25: Tall Marsh dominated by Cumbungi at Little Lake Charm. Note *Salix babylonica (Weeping Willow) in the background and *Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu) in the foreground.

Tall Marsh (EVC 821) Native vegetation at Little Lake Charm is now restricted to a narrow band of Tall Marsh (EVC 821) along the entire perimeter that is dominated by a small group of reeds, rushes and sedges. These included Typha orientalis (Broad-leaf Cumbungi) which 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).

Wet Verge Sedgeland (EVC 932) Parts of Little Lake Charm were fringed by a narrow band of Juncus spp. (mainly Juncus usitatus). Although this vegetation is an artefact of altered hydrology, it has closest affinity with Wet Verge Sedgeland (EVC 932).

Submerged Aquatic Herbland (EVC 918) The majority of the lake appeared to be open water with no vegetation. However aquatic plants (possibly Potamogeton or Vallisneria spp.) formed large mats throughout the lake in the past (Stuart Sims pers. comm.) but these appear to have declined due to the impact of European Carp. This vegetation would be referable to Submerged Aquatic Herbland (EVC 918). Mature trees of *Salix spp. (Willow) were scattered around the edge of the lake, while severe infestations of *Juncus acutus (Spiny Rush) occurred around much of the terrestrial verges.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 83 753800 754000 754200 754400 754600 754800 755000 755200 755400 755600 Map 22: Ecological Vegetation Classes Little Lake Charm

6055600 6055600 February 2013

Legend Lake Charm Ecological Vegetation Classes and [Mapping Units]

Aquatic Herbland (EVC 653) [3; 4] 6055400 6055400 Chenopod Grassland (EVC 829) [48]

Intermittent Swampy Woodland (EVC 813) [36]

Lignum Shrubland (EVC 808) [49]

Lignum Swamp (EVC 104) [30; 42]

Lignum Swampy Woodland (EVC 823) [46; 51; 53; 54] 6055200 6055200 Riverine Chenopod Woodland (EVC 103) [14; 17; 24; 35; 58]

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

Spike-sedge Wetland (EVC 819) [47; 50]

Tall Marsh (Channel Bank) (EVC 821) [34]

Tall Marsh / Common Reed (EVC 821) [27] 6055000 6055000 Tall Marsh / Cumbungi (EVC 821) [1; 11]

Tall Marsh / Giant Rush (EVC 821) [10] Little Lake Charm Tall Marsh / River Club Rush (EVC 821) [6; 7]

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

Wet Verge Sedgeland (EVC 932) [12] 6054800 6054800 Other Vegetative Features

Black Box [9]

Red Gum [37]

Red Gum/Willow Mosaic [38]

Plantation or Vineyard [23; 20] 6054600 6054600 Exotic Vegetation [2; 5; 8; 44; 45; 52; 56]

Non-vegetative Features

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

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

Open Water (Lake) [15] 6054400 6054400

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 6054200 6054200

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 753800 754000 754200 754400 754600 754800 755000 755200 755400 755600 reason will not be accepted.

7.2.3 Flora species recorded During the survey a total of 58 vascular plant taxa were recorded at Little Lake Charm (Table 14). Of these taxa, 39 were indigenous and 19 were exotic.

Table 14: Flora species recorded at Little Lake Charm March 2013 and corresponding Ecological Vegetation Classes

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name LSW 823 TM 821 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

* Aster subulatus Aster-weed x x

Atriplex lindleyi Flat-top Saltbush x

r Atriplex pseudocampanulata Mealy Saltbush

Atriplex semibaccata Berry Saltbush x

Austrostipa scabra Rough Spear-grass x

Azolla filiculoides Pacific Azolla x

* Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle x

Cressa australis Rosinweed x

* Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon Couch x Disphyma crassifolium subsp. Rounded Noon-flower x clavellatum Distichlis distichophylla Australian Salt-grass x

Duma florulenta Tangled Lignum x x

r Duma horrida subsp. horrida Spiny Lignum x

Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge x

Eremophila divaricata subsp. r Spreading Emu-bush x divaricata Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red-gum x

* Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue x

* Hordeum marinum Sea Barley-grass x

Juncus ingens Giant Rush x

Juncus usitatus Billabong Rush x

Lachnagrostis filiformis s.l. Common Blown-grass x

* Lactuca serriola Prickly Lettuce x

* Lepidium africanum Common Peppercress x

* Lophopyrum ponticum Tall Wheat-grass x

Ludwigia peploides Clove-strip x

* Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn x

Maireana brevifolia Short-leaf Bluebush x

Maireana decalvans Black Cotton-bush x

Maireana pentagona Hairy Bluebush x

Maireana rohrlachii Rohrlach's Bluebush x

* Melilotus indicus Sweet Melilot x

Myoporum parvifolium Creeping Myoporum x

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 85

Conservation Status Ecological Vegetation Class

Scientific Name Common Name LSW 823 TM 821 EPBC EPBC FFG DSE ADV Origin

Nitraria billardierei Nitre-bush x

Osteocarpum acropterum Babbagia x

* Parapholis strigosa Slender Barb-grass x

Persicaria decipiens Slender Knotweed x

Phragmites australis Common Reed x

Plantago coronopus subsp. * Buck's-horn Plantain x commutata * Polypogon monspeliensis Annual Beard-grass x

Rhagodia spinescens Hedge Saltbush x

* Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock x

* Rumex crispus Curled Dock x

* Salix babylonica Weeping Willow x

* Salix spp. Willow x x

Salsola tragus Prickly Saltwort x

Schoenoplectus River Club-sedge x tabernaemontani Sclerolaena muricata var. villosa Grey Roly-poly x

Senecio cunninghamii var. r Branching Groundsel x cunninghamii Senecio quadridentatus Cotton Fireweed x

v Sida intricata Twiggy Sida x

Sida trichopoda Narrow-leaf Sida x

Sporobolus mitchellii Rat-tail Couch x

* Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass x

* Tamarix ramosissima Tamarisk x

Tecticornia pergranulata Blackseed Glasswort x

Typha domingensis Narrow-leaf Cumbungi x

Typha orientalis Broad-leaf Cumbungi x

Wilsonia rotundifolia Round-leaf Wilsonia x

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 86

Five threatened plant species were recorded within the site (Table 15). The spatial distribution of rare and threatened taxa is depicted in Map 23. Note: rare and threatened fauna observed during the course of the field survey are also displayed.

Table 15: Rare and threatened flora species recorded at Little Lake Charm February – March 2013

EPBC FFG DSE Advisory List Scientific Name Common Name

Rare Atriplex pseudocampanulata Mealy Saltbush

Rare Duma horrida subsp. horrida Spiny Lignum

Rare Eremophila divaricata subsp. divaricata Spreading Emu-bush

Rare Senecio cunninghamii var. cunninghamii Branching Groundsel

Vulnerable Sida intricata Twiggy Sida

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

Six species that occur within the vicinity of Little Lake Charm were deemed high threat weeds in the context of the study area. The distribution of these taxa is depicted in Map 24.

Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) Assessment of the Kerang Lakes Ramsar Site Page 87