,. . t. I
THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF THE PERSEVERANCE CORPORATION LIMITED MINE LEASE AREA, NAGAMBIE, VICTORIA
Prepared by: A.RG. McMahon and G.W. Carr Ecological Horticulture Pty. Ltd.
and
Charles Meredith Biosis Research Pty. Ltd.
for: R.W. Corkery and Co. Pty. Ltd. i I ~ . Orange, NSW
10
~logical Horticulture Pry. Ltd. PERSEVERANCE MINING :
13iosis Research Pty. Ltd. 6 MONTH-REPORT TABLE OF CONTENTS
.~.
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1
FLORA
2.0 METHODS 2.1 Date collection...... 1 2.2 Data storage and analysis ...... 2 2.3 Vegetation terminology...... 2 2.4 Limitations ...... 2
3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Vascular plant species ...... 3 3.2 Vegetation communities and summary sheets ...... 3 3.3 Significance of vegetation 3.3.1 Significant plant species ...... 6 3.3.2 Significant vegetation communities ...... 8
FAUNA
4.0 INT'RODUCTION ...... 10 5.0 MEIBODS ...... 10 6.0 RESULTS 6.1 Birds ...... 10 6.2 Mammals ...... 11 6.3 Reptiles and amphibians ...... 13 6.4 Habitat value ...... 13
7.0 OPTIONS FOR LAND PURCHASE...... 13 8.0 REVEGETATION AND HABITAT RECONSTRUCTION ... 14 9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 15 10.0 PIA1ES AND CAPTIONS ...... 16 11.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 16 12.0 REFERENCES ...... 16 13.0 APPENDICES 1.0 INTRODUCTION Perserverence Corporation Limited propose a gold mining operation some 7 kilometres east of Nagambie in central Victoria. The lease covers an area of approximately 5 x 6 kilometres with the proposed mining activity centred on a Bushland Reserve (LCC 1981) located in the middle of the lease area. The geology is predominantly Quaternary alluvium with scattered outcrops of Silurian or Devonian sediments (LCC 1978). The latter includes the Bushland Reserve. The lease area has been largely cleared for agriculture, with the notable exceptions of remnant River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) swamps occupying some of the areas of lowest relief, and the surviving tree canopy of Yell ow Box (E. melliodora) and Grey Box (E. microcarpa) on the Bushland Reserve. Ecological Horticulture Pty. Ltd. has been commissioned to describe the vegetation of the lease area, assess its significance and to suggest suitable species from the regional flora for revegetation programs. As the Bushland Reserve would be eliminated by the proposed development, recommendations are made as to appropriate sites supporting native vegetation that could be purchased to satisfy the requirements of the Department of Conservation Forests and Lands. Biosis Research Pty. Ltd. has been commissioned to assess the fauna of the lease area and alternate purchase sites.
FLORA 2.0 METHODS 2.1 Data collection Field work was carried out on 2~3 August 1988. Quadrat data were collected at 9 sites located in areas which would be directly affected by the proposed development,.. or in immediately adjoining areas supporting native vegetation. Quadrat data were also collected from nearby areas that were considered suitable for purchase by Perseverance Corporation Limited. Sampling was carried out in areas carrying discrete, visibly homogeneous stands of vegetation and care was taken to avoid ecotones or vegetation boundaries. At each site a circular quadrat (30m diameter, 717 m2) was delineated, or in the case of narrow zones of vegetation the shape of the quadrat was adjusted to a rectangle of appropriate dimensions. All vascular plant species in each quadrat were assigned a visually-assessed cover/abundance value from the modified Braun-Blanquet scale (Gullan 1978) as follows: + cover 5%, few individuals 1 cover 5%, any number of individuals 2 cover 5-20%, any number of individuals 3 cover 20-50%, any number of individuals 4 cover 50-75%, any number of individuals 5 cover 75-100%, any number of individuals
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I , ~----~~~~~~~--JI ,.. I _, ...... I e5· ·. > I '""" I I I '- - - - RO- l OCXSuY - - Notes were made on features of biological or ecological interest at the quadrat site (e.g. geology, effects of grazing, weed invasions, soil type, hydrological regime) as well as the locality and other relevant information. All quadrat sites are marked on Map 1. .t-. 2.2 Data storage and analysis All quadrat data have been stored permanently on magnetic disc at the Flora Survey Group, Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Melbourne. Analysis was in the form of a computer·based numerical classification procedure, coupled with a hand-sorting procedure of the type outlined by Gullan (1978). This produces a two-way table which contains all species that occurred in > 10% of quadrats and arranges them according to quadrat similarity as well as plant groups commonly found growing together. The two-way table (Table 1) is set out in the following manner: the numbers across the top represent quadrat sites; each vertical column of figures represents a list of the species found at one site, and each horizontal row of figures represents all the sites at which the given species has been recorded. If a species occurred in < 10% of quadrats but its occurrence was significant, it was also included in the two-way table.
2.3 Vegetation terminology The terminology used for the vegtation classification follows Gullan et al. (1981) viz: Sub-community: Defined as a group of quadrats sharing a similar floristic composition. Community: A collection of one or more sub-communities with floristic and environmental affinities. The communities may represent highly discrete vegetation types with sharp boundaries, or more-or-less arbitrary divisions drawn for convenience along a floristic continuum to delimit sub-communities. Character species: A character species is one that occurs frequently and consistently in the quadrats of a sub-community. It is often a useful indicator species of that sub-community alone or when considered with a suite of other character species. Depending upon the size of the data set, character species occur in upwards of 35% of quadrats (Gullan et al. 1981).
2.4 Limitations Field work was carried out at a sub-otpimal time of the year to record seasonal species (e.g. annuals, orchids), thus a percentage of the flora will have been overlooked. Taxonomic authorities and nomenclature in this report follow Forbes and Ross (1988).
Page 2 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Vascular plant species A total of 56 vascular plant species were recorded from the Bushland Reserve and the River Redgum Swamps. Of these 38 ( 68%) were indigenous species and 18 (32%) were introduced species. Ml species are listed in Appendix 1 with family and common names.
3.2 Vegetation communities and sub-communities Two vegetation communities have been recognised for the study area on the basis of the data from the 9 quadrats. Their distribution is given on Map 1. TI1ey are as follows: Community LO : Yellow Box - Grey Box Degraded Open Forest Community 2.0 : River Red Gum Swampland
Community summary sheets The following information has been amalgamated to produce a summary sheet for each of the two communities and sub-communities. These surnrnal)' sheets constitute the primary means for describing each vegetation type.
Character species tables These tables summarise information from the two-way table and list the character species of each sub-community in order of their frequency. They indicate the frequency and the mean cover/abundance of character species. In contrast with the two-way tables in which species are arranged to demonstrate relationships l:retween sub cornmunities, these tables have the species arranged to show their relative importance within an individual community.
Sub-community descriptions and annotations Each community is described according to its distribution, altitude, structure, floristic richness and weed composition.
Page 3 Yellow Box - Grey Box Degraded Open Forest : Community 1.0
CHARACTER CHARACTER *· SPECIES C/A SPECIES C/A
Eucalyptus milleodora 2 *Hypochoeris radicata 1 Eucalyptus microcarpa 2 *Cotula a:ustralis 1 *Arctotheca calendula 3 Oxalis perennans 1 *Romulea rosea 3 Danthonia spp. 1 *T1ifolium repens 2 Microlaena stipoi.des 1 *Lolium sp. 2 Stipa scabra +
Structure: Open Forest Quadrat Numbers: 01 Distribution: Confined largely to the Bushland Reserve in the lease area, with other scattered, severely degraded remnants along road reserves. Environment: Occupies hilly outcrops of Devonian or Silurian sediments arising from lowland plains of Quaternary geology. Sites are well drained, and soils are dark brown gJ:avelly clay· loams of moderate fertility. Altitude: 140m Floristic richness: 25 species Weed composition: 13 species, 90% cover of ground stratum. Ecological Notes: The Bushland Reserve supports a degraded remnant of a vegetation type that was formerly widespread on the lowland plains of north central Victoria (Frood and Calder 1987). The apparent fertility of the upper soil horizons, and in particular the presence of Yellow Box, suggests that the site is more typical of the surrounding Quaternary landscape rather than the ancient Devonian/Silurian parent material. The original vegetation undoubtedly had close floristic and structural affinities with the adjoining lowland open forests that were manifestly grassy, with understorey dominates including Wallaby-grass (Danthonia spp.), Spear-grass (Stipa spp.) and Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra). This contrasts markedly with the sclerophyllous shrubby understories characteristic of the open fore ts on Silurian sediments within the region. There is evidence of historic mining activities within the Reserve, but prolonged grazing appears to be the single most important factor contributing to the degradation of the understorey (Plate 1). In addition, grazing pressure has prevented any recent recruitment among the eucalypt populations.
Pagc4 COMMUNITY 2.0 DDDDDDDO 00000000 OUADRATS 222222222 SPECIES . riooooooo 3456789
3963 RurnP..>< tenax +. + +1 + 7211 Juncus sp. "O" 12223 578 *Ca 11 "it:riche hamulata 111 +1 5 51 Car ex ter'eticaulis 21 234 ·+ 1 139 Eleccharis acut:a 12121 34 1258 Eucalypt us cam~ ldulensis 14323322 3448 Tr·iglochin prccer~ !l-4322211 7280 Myriophyl l u:n spp. ~3211212 7517 Amphibrcrr:u::z spp . +2'2++12 2693 Potarrr-:iget:on tricarinatus 213 182'1 J uncus holoschoenus + 2 '1 ++ 3435 *TrifoHum repens 38 Acac "ia genistifol i a 239 *Aohan2s arvens·is 2,...,... ::l ::l )!{Arctot:heca c a le:tdula 495 *S r"i z~ maxim::! 718 *Cerastium font:anum i 846 Cotula ~ustralis 1 860 *-Crassula de curnbens 1029 Di ane lla r evoluta ., 7023 Da:-i thon"ia spp. ' 1298 Eucalyptus micrccarP
CHARACTER FREQ. MEAN CHARACTER FRE Q. MEAN
.~. SPECIES (%) C/A SPECIES (%) CfA
Eucalyptus camaldulensis 100 3 Carex tereticaulis 66 2 Triglochin procera 100 3 Juncus sp. 'O' 50 2 Eleocharis acuta 100 2 Potamogeton tri.carinatus 50 2 Amphibromus sp. 100 2 Juncus holoschoenus 50 + *Callitri.che hamulata 783 1
Structure: Open Forest Quadrat numbers: 02, 03, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09. Distribution: The most intact examples of this vegetation type in the study area are located in a drainage system that flows north from the eastern boundary of the proposed development area (Map 1). Environment: Seasonal to semi-permanent swamps on organically enriched alluvium in drainage systems of low relief. Water depth at time of sampling was 20p30cm. Main altitude: 125 m l\1ean floristic richness: 12 species per site Mean weed composition: 2 species per site, 2-5% to cover. Ecological Notes: Community 2.0 is the dominant vegetation type of the three swamps sampled during the present study. It however encompasses considerable structural variation, and some variability in species composition between sites. The community has not been split into sub-communities as insufficient physical site data are available to accurately determine its influence on species composition and structure. In addition these areas when dry are grazed by stock, and the effects of this on the vegetation are largely unknovm. Some general comments however can be made about the variability in structure, which pertain to all three swamps. As the period and/ or depth of inundation increases the ground stratum grades from a sedgeland dominated by Rush Sedge (Carex tereticaulis) and Rush (luncus sp. 'O') - see Plate 3, to an aquatic herbfield dominated by Water Ribbons (Triglochin procera), Common Spike-sedge (Eleocharis acuta), Water Millfoil (Myriophyllum sp.) and Swamp-wallaby Grass (Amphibromus sp.) - Plate 2. This sequence is characteristic of Swamps Nos. 1 and 2, however Swamp No. 3 is somewhat atypical. At this latter site there is little or no sedgeland development and the respective species are of scattered occurrence only (Plate 4 ). In addition Floating
Pag~ 5 absent from the former two swamps. The floristics at swamp No. 3 would suggest that this is the more permanent of the three, however the influence of grazing or other disturbances (e.g. mechanical removal) should not be discounted as factors contributing to low abundance of sedges. A significance feature of these swamps is the uneven-aged nature of the eucalypt canopy. Old specimens of River Red Gum (ca. 150-200 years) are scattered throughout these swamps and provide excellent faunal habitat (see faunal section). The dominant age classes appears to be in the order of 60-80 years and there is also a substantial population of approximately 20 year-old saplings. River Red Gum in this region provides a classic example of a plant species dependant upon seasonal flooding for its long-term surviaL Dexter (1977) discusses the many factors that influence the satisfactory recruitment of this species including seed supply, incidence of flooding, time of flood recession and herbivory, and alludes to the causes of the generally very poor regeneration of River Red Gum since the 1890s. River Red Gum Swamps similar to that described here would have originally occupied extensive low-lying tracts of land in the northern plains region of the state. Clearing, drainage and long-term grazing has dramatically altered the status of these communities - from widespread to isolated remnants of varying size (Frood and Calder 1987). The most substantial remaining River Red Gum Swamps occur along the Murray River, where, in the Barmah Forest for example, Chesterfield et al. (1984) described nine River Red Gum vegetation units. Carr (1984) has also described River Red Gum dominated riverine woodlands for the Wimrnera region.
3.3 Significance of vegetation 3.3.1 Significant plant species Significant species or populations are those which are uncommon, rare or of restricted distribution, or those which are taxonomically, biogeographically or ecologically interesting or unusual. Significance was assessed according to published sources (Beauglehole 1982, Gullan et al. in press), our knowledge of the Victorian flora and by personal communication with other botanists. A total of 5 significant plant species has been identified~ with one exception they were recorded from the River Red Gum Swampland community. Other significant species are assumed to occur in the study area (especially in the River Red Gum Swamps) but are likely to have been overlooked because of the earliness of the season. The significant species are listed in Table 2 and categorised according to the various significance criteria.
Pagc6 PLATE 1
PLATE 2 PLATE 3
PLATE 4 ------·- ....,.:::-
TABLE 2. Significant vascular plant species recorded from the Perseverance Corporation mine lease area, Nagambie, Victoria, August 1988.
TiotaniClllName CommonNume Vegetation Community Significance Category Notes and References
Craspedia globosa Billy-buttons Degraded roadside vegetation Regional Regarded by 13eaugleholo(l 982) as a significant species north of Bushland Reserve, in the Norlh Central study area of Victoria. The species on Avenel Road however is markedly depleted in Victoria (D. Frood pers. comm.). - "'- - ···- - . ------··· ··-- ·------·------· - -- -- " ·- - - . - - · - ··- -· ·-- - - ·- -- - -· Craspedio sp. Billy-buttons River Red Gum Regional A taxonomic revision of Craspedio is in progress and Swampland 2.0 or State it is not yet possible to apply a name to this species. lt is likely to have regional or state significance because of its habitat Joss.
Junetts sp. 'O' Rush River Red Gum Regional Beauglcholc (1982), P. Albre~ht(pers. comm.) Swa.mpland 2.0
Ranunculus i11u11datus River Buttercup River Red Gum Regional Deauglehole (1982) .... 0.. Swampland 2.0
Rumex ? tentIX Dock River Red Gum Regional? The identity of this species is uncertain. ft resembles Swampland 2.0 R. tena.x vegetatively and the swampy habitat is rig.ht for that species. If R. tenox, a species only recently recognised for Victoria (Rechinger 1984) this occurrence is regionally significant. (0. Albrecht pets. comm.). 3.3.2 Significant vegetation communities The significance of the two vegetation communities identified during this study has been assessed according to the following criteria: distribution and abundance in the study area, in the region and in Victoria; their conservation status - representation in biological reserves; degree of disturbance; vulnerability to weed invasion; number and ranking of significant species occurring in the community. The results are summarised in Table 3.
Pagc8 TABLE 3. The significance of the two vegetation cornmunHies described for the Perseverance CorpQrntion mine lease area, Nagambie, Vicloria, August I 988
Vegetation Pre-Europe!IJl Current distribution & condition Nmber an Yellow Box - Widespread in a uncommon, common, uncommon - moderate lo very high very poor local Grey Box regional context mostly mostly mostly high Open Forest degraded degraded degraded River Red Gum Wi " ·rCon servation status refers to the level of representalion of the community in biological reserves. C:r> <>- FAUNA 4.0 INTRODUCTION The faunal study concentrated on assessing the faunal significance of the Bushland Reserve in the centre of the lease area and on identifying other suitable sites for purchase in order to satisfy the-.requirements of the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands. Outside the Bushland Reserve, the lease area mainly contains farmland of low faunal significance. However, several areas of red gum swamp occur and these were assessed also. 5.0 METHODS Bird lists were compiled by ground survey and by spotlighting for nocturnal species. Observations were made in the Bushland Reserve on the proposed mine site between 11:10 and 13:00 on 2/8/88 and between 09:20 and 10:10 on 3/8/88. The site was spotlighted between 18:40 and 19:35 on 2/8/88. Observations were made in Swamp No.1 between 14:40 and 16:10 on 2/8/88, in Swamp No.2 between 17:00 and 17:20 on 2/8/88 and between 10:30 and 11:20 on 3/8/88. Observations were made in Swamp No.3 between 12:50 and 14:10 on 3/8/88. No spotlighting was carried out in the swamps. Arboreal mamma1s were surveyed in the Bushland R eserve by spotlighting between 18:40 and 19:35 on 2/8/88. A further 20 minutes was then spent spotlighting along roadsides elsewhere in the lease area. Small ground mammals were surveyed by setting out 40 Elliot traps overnight on 2/8/88 in the Bushland Reserve. Evidence of larger mammals (e.g. footprints, scats) was also recorded if present. Reptiles were not surveyed due to the cold weather. Amphibians were present at all sites but were not surveyed. 6.0 RESULTS 6.1 Birds The results of the bird survey are shown in Table 1. Overall, 30 species were recorded, all native species. On a site-by-site basis, 13 species were recorded from the Bushland R eserve, 14 from Swamp No.1, 12 from Swamp No.2 and 20 from Swamp No.3. All sites support a generally similar number of species, except for Swamp No.3, which is somewhat richer, most probably as a consequence of its relatively larger size. The number of bird species an isolated block of habitat can support is strongiy correlated with the area of the block. As this survey covered only a brief point in time, it will underestimate the number of bird species likely to be recorded over a full year as some migratory and vagrant species will be missed. This is particularly true for the swamp sites due to their greater diversity of habitat, the variability of wetland environments over time and the high level of movement typical of waterbirds. In terms of the Bushland Reserve, I do not consider that it is likely to be a significant habitat for migratory or vagrant birds. Page 10 The bird species recorded from the Bushland Reserve are, with one exception, common and widespread and their survival locally is not dependant on the habitat in the Reserve. Although there are a large number of hollow branches in trees within the Reserve which are undoubtedly used as breeding hollows by parrots and other hollow nesting species, such breeding sites~re also widespread in the district. Nests of ·white winged Choughs were also noted in the Reserve. This species is widespread and breeds throughout the district. One species of significance, the Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatastomu.s temporalis ), was recorded in the Bushland Reserve. This species has declined in Victoria over the last 30-40 years due to habitat loss (Emison et al. 1987) and is listed in the Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands' list of threatened wildlife (DCFL 1987) as "Category E - Requiring careful monitoring". The Grey-crowned Babbler almost certainly breeds in the Reserve as there are a number of old babbler nests in the Reserve. Babblers form communally breeding small groups that are basically sedentary. The population in the Reserve appears to represent only a single group. Their occurrence in the Reserve is unusual as they are normally found in areas with a distinct (although often open) understorey. There is no understorey at all in the reserve at present. Grey-crowned Babblers were not recorded at any of the red gum swamp sites. As these sites were flooded and as babblers forage extensively on the ground, this is not surprising. The present occurrence of Grey-crowned Babblers in the Bushland Reserve is of high local interest, but the longterm survival of such a small and isolated population is very doubtful. 6.2 :tvfammals .. Spotlighting recorded a high density of arboreal mammals from the Bushland Reserve, with 11 Ringtail Possums (Pseudocheirns peregrinus) and 6 Brushtail Possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) recorded within the Reserve. This high density is probably due at least in part to the abundance of tree hollows. Both species are extremely common and widespread and spotlighting outside the Reserve indicated they occur widely throughout the local district. It is possible that Sugar Gliders (Petaurus breviceps) or Squirrel Gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis) occur in the Reserve but I consider it unlikely, and, if they did occur, there is equally suitable or better habitat for these species locally along roadsides and in some of the red gum swamp areas. No other native mammals were recorded. Trapping produced only one introduced house mouse (Mus musculus). No bats were seen or heard but they would undoubtedly be present in warmer weather conditions. Page 11 f TAB LE 4. Birds recorded from the Nagambie Gold Project lease area and surrounds. Key to sites: B - Bushland Reserve; 1 - Swamp No.1; 2- Swamp No.2; 3 - Swamp No.3. Common Name Scientific Name Site: B I 2 3 Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos * * White-faced H eron Ardea novaehollandiae * Black Swan Cygnus atratus * Australian Shelduck Tadoma tadornoides * Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa * * * Grey Teal Anas gibberifrons * "' Maned Duck Clzenonetta jubata * * * Galah Cacatua roseicapilla * * * * Sulpur-crested Cockatoo Cactua galerita * * * * Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla * * "' Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius * * Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus * Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae * Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae * * Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena * Tree Martin Cecropis nigricans ... * Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea * Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta * * * Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatastomus temporalis * Superb Fairy-wren M alurus cyaneus * * Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus * Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata * Noisy Miner Manorina melancephala * * * * White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus * * * Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus * White-winged Chough Corcorax melanoceplzala * Australian Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca * Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen "' * * * Pied Currawong Strepera graculina * Australian Raven Corvus coronoides * * * Page 12 6.3 Reptiles and Amphibians Although reptiles and amphibians were not surveyed, it is most unlikely that any significant species occur in the Bushland Reserve. The heavy grazing and resulting disturbance mitigate against the presence _of reptiles other than the more common snakes and lizards typical of pastures, while amphibian habitat on the generally dry site is restricted to a very small artificial pool. 6.4 Habitat Value The habitat value of the Bushland Reserve is generally low due to the complete loss of the understorey and the almost wholly unnatural field layer caused by a long history of grazing. The eucalypt canopy has some habitat value, particularly as it provides many breeding and roosting hollows. However, its longterm value is low under current management as grazing has prevented any eucalypt regeneration. The Bushland Reserve is of low local significance for bird habitat and of no significance for other faunal habitat. The pasture land in the lease area is not of significance for fauna. The habitat value of the three swamps is high as they are relatively undamaged and show abundant evidence of successful natural regeneration. They also provide a more diverse range of habitats compared with the Bushland Reserve. 7.0 OPTIONS FOR PURCHASE OF FREEHOLD NATIVE VEGETATION This section examines the alternatives for the purchase of freehold native vegetation by Perseverance Corporation to compensate for the loss of the Bushland Reserve. Two broad options would seem to be appropriate: firstly, the purchase of land with similar vegetation to the existing Bushland Reserve, but in a less disturbed condition; secondly, to consider a range of vegetation types for purchase that would best augment the regional conservation of plant conununities. The major problem with option one is that the vast majority of the grassy open forests of the northern plains dominated by Yellow Box and/ or Grey Box have been cleared outright for agriculture or degraded through long~term grazing. The far more common vegetation alliances in the region occur in areas where the predominant geology is either Ordovician, Silurian or Devonian sediments. As part of the present study a sizable area of Silurian sediments to the west of Murchison was briefly surveyed for comparison with the Bushland Reserve. However as discussed in Section 3.2 the understorey of these forests are typically shrubby with co~on species including Drooping Cassinia (Cassinia arcuata), Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha}, Gold-dust Wattle (A. acinacea), Mueller's Bush-pea (Pultenaea muelleri), Tangled Guinea-flower (Hibbertia exutiacies), Cranberry Heath (Astroloma humijusum) and Wallaby-grass (Chionochloa pallida). Although Grey Box is often a dominant or co-dominant eucalypt of these vegetation types, Yellow Box is generally only found in these areas along drainage lines or on flats that have either alluvial or colluvial deposits. Grey Box Page 13 dominated open forests of this type are common on both private and public land throughout the region (McMahon 1988, McMahon and Carr in prep, Frood and Calder 1987). Option two provides considerably more scope, particularly in regard to improving the regional conservation.. status of some communities. Within the Nagambie area the most obvious examples are the River Red Gum Swampland communities. N3 previously discussed (Section 3.2) these vegetation types have been severely depleted in the region as elsewhere in Victoria, and remnant stands of high conservation value are often located on freehold land. The three River Red Gum Swamps sampled during the present study are cases in point. The vegetation is relatively intact, the communities contain species of at least regional significance, similar vegetation is inadequately reserved on public land in the region (D. Frood pers. comm.), and these areas are considered to be of high regional botanical significance. It is beyond the scope of the present study however to provide specific recommendations about which areas of freehold native vegetation to purchase. Consideration should however be given to the size and configuration of the area of native vegetation, as this has important ramifications for the following reasons: (i) Edge effects. These are important in the study area, particularly in terms of weed invasions. Larger and more circular·shaped reserves have less edge effects - see for example Williams (1975) and Higgs (1981). (ii) Species-area relationships. In general the larger the area the greater number of species present (Diamond 1975, Margules et al. 1982). This however should be verified with field investigations. (iii) The importance of remnant native vegetation as biological corridors (Kitchener et al. 1980, Middleton 1980). (iv) The location of the various areas in relation to the proposed development. For example, the three River R ed Gum Swamps sampled during the present study are within the catchment, and downstream of the proposed mine. In general, the following suggestions are made for nature reserve design: reserves sbould be (1) large, (2) circular, (3) undivided, but if divided, (4) connected by dispersal corridors or (5) close to one another (Diamond 1975, Diamond and May 1976, Pickett and Thompson 1978). A very useful discussion on assessing the conservation value of remnant habitat 'islands' is given by Margules and Nicholls ( 1987). 8.0 REVEGETATION AND HABITAT RECONSTRUCTION It is beyond the scope of the present study, and somewhat premature, to detail revegetation methodologies. However, it should be emphasised at this stage that the biological impacts of the proposed development would best be minimised in the long term, by a revegetation scheme based wholly on indigenous species. Such a scheme would satisfy the following objectives: (i) long-term soil stabilisation, (ii) habitat reconstruction, (iii) restoration of landscape quality, Page 14 (iv) minimisation of weed invasion, (v) a relatively low maintenance requirement. The following table gives a preliminary list of mainly tree and shrub species fro m the local flora that would be suitable for revegetation. Species Common Name Life Form Propagation Method(s) Eucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box tree s E. microcarpa Grey Box tree s E. camaldulensis River Red Gum tree s E. leucoxylon Yellow Gum tree s Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle tall shrub s A. paradoxa Hedge Wattle erect shrub s A. acinacea Goldust Wattle spreading shrub s A. genistifolia Spreading Wattle erect shrub s Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria tall shrub s Pultenaea muelleri Mueller's Bush-pea erect shrub s Cassinia arcuata Drooping Cassinia erect shrub s Daviesia leptophylla Narrow-leafBitter-pea erect shrub s Helichrysum obcordatum Grey Everlasting erect shrub S,C H. semipapposum Clustered Everlasting tufted herb s.c.. H. viscosum Everlasting tufted herb s Hibbertia e11..'Utiacies Guinea-flower spreading shrub c Propagation methods: S = seed (nursery grown stock or direct seeding) C = cutting 9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS Swamps No.I and No.2 in the lease area are of high regional significance for flora and of high local significance for fauna. Every care should be taken to prevent damage to them during mining operations. If possible, one or both should be purchased and reserved, with grazing excluded. Swamp No.1 is the more important of the two due to its larger size. Swamp No.3, north of the lease area, is of high regional significance for flora and of moderate regional significance for fauna. We strongly recommend its purchase and reservation. Grazing should be excluded. Page 15 10.0 PLATES AND CAPTIONS Plate 1. The Bushland Reserve - the overstorey is Yellow Box and Grey Box, with a largely exotic herbaceous ground stratum. Plate 2. River Red Gum Swamp No. 1. An excellent example of a once widespread vegetation type on th~. riverine plains of northern Victoria. This swamp contains a mosaic of areas dominated by the aquatic species Water Ribbons and Water Millfoil, and areas of amphibious vegetation characterised by Rush Sedge and Rush. There is a good representation of River Red Gum age classes ranging from ca. 20 to 200 years. Plate 3. A well developed sedgeland of Rush Sedge and Rush at River Red Gum Swamp No. 2. Plate 4. River Red Gum Swamp No. 3 is largely an aquatic herbfield dominated by Water Ribbons, Water Millfoil and Swamp Wallaby Grass. There is little or no sedgeland development. 11.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to the following for their assistance during the study: James Todd (Ecological Horticulture Pry. Ltd.), Anne Opie (Flora Survey Group Dept. CF&L), Bill Fleshman (Perseverance Corporation) and Charles Silviera (Arthur Rylah Institute). 12.0 REFERENCES Beauglehole, A.C. (1982). The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in the N01th Central Area Victoria. \Vestern Victorian Field Naturalists Clubs Association, Portland. Carr, G.W. (1984). The vegetation of the Wimmera study area. Report to the Land Conservation Council of Victoria. Chesterfield, F.A., Loyn, R.H. and MacFarlane, M.A. (1984 ). Flora and Fauna of Barmah State Forest and their Management. Forests Commission Victoria, Research Branch Report No. 240. D epartment of Conservation, Forests & Lands (1987). Conservation in Victoria. 1: Plants and Animals at Risk. DCFL, Melbourne. Dexter, B.D. (1977). Silviculture of the river red gum forests of the central Murray flood plain. Proceedings ofthe Royal Society of Victoria 90(1):175·191. = Diamond, J.M. (1975). The island dilemma : lessons of modern biogeographic studies for the design of nature reserves. Biological Conservation, z:129-49. Diamond, J.M. and May, R.M. (1976). Island biogeography and the design of natural reserves. In Theoretical ecology : principles and applications, R.M. May ed. Blackwell Oxford. Emison, W.B., Beardsell, C.M., Norman, FJ., Loyn, R.H. and Bennett, S.C. (1987). Atlas of Victorian Birds. DCFL & RAOU, Melbourne. Forbes, S.J. and Ross, J.H. (1988). A Census of the Vascular Plants of Victoria, 2nd Edition. National Herbarium of Victoria, Dept. Cons. For. and Lands. Page 16 Frood, D. and Calder, M. (1987). Nature Conservation in Victoria. Study Report. Volumes 1 & 2. Victorian National Parks Association Inc. Melbourne. Gullan, P.K. (1978). Vegetation of the Royal Botanic Gardens Annexe at Cranbourne, Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 70:225-40. Higg, AJ. (1981). Island biogeogr~phic theory and nature reserve design. Journal of Biogeography 8:117-124. Kitchener, D.J., Chapman, A., Muir, B.G. and Palmer, M. (1982). The conservation value for mammals of reserves in the Western Australian wheatbelt. Biological Consetvation 22: 127-63. Land Conservation Council (1978). Reporl on the Norlh Central Study Area. LCC, Victoria. Land Conservation Council (1981). Final Recommendations, North Central Area. LCC, Victoria. Margules, C., Higgs, A.J. and Rofe, R.\V. (1982). Modern biogeographic theory : are there any lessons for nature reserve design? Biologi.cal Conservation 24:11~-128. Margules, C.R. and Nicholls A O. ( 1987). Assessing the conservation value of remnant habitat 'islands': Mallee Patches on the Western Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. In: D.A. Saunders, G.W. Arnold, A.A. Burbidge and A.J.M. Hopkins eds. Nature Conservation: The Role of Remnants of Native Vegetation. Surrey Beatty and Sons Pty. Ltd., Chipping Norton, NS\V. lv1cMahon, A.R.G. (1988). Botanical scoping study of the proposed mining development at Fosterville, central Victoria. Report prepared for FORSITE, Ultimo, NSW. McMahon, A.R.G. and Carr, G.W. (in prep.). The vegetation of Dallhold Resources' mine lease area at Bailieston in central Victoria. Middleton, W.G.D. (1980). Roadside Vegetation, a Habitat for \Vildlife. Conference paper - Roadsides of Today and Tomorrow. Roadside Conservation Conunittee, Melbourne, June 1980. Pickett, S.T.A. and Thompson, J.N. (1978). Patch dynamics and the design of nature reserves. Biological Conservation 13:27-37. Rechinger, K.H. (1984). Rumex (Polygonaceae) in Australia : a reconsideration. Naytsia 1(1):75-122. Williams, M.H. (1975). The design of wildlife reserves. Nature:~. Page 17 APPENDIX 1 SPECIES LIST - NAGAMBIE (' MONOCOTYLEDONS CYPERACEAE Carex tereticaulis Rush Sedge *Cyperus eragrostis Drain Flat-sedge Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge Eleocharis pusilla Small Spike-sedge IRIDACEAE "'Romulea rosea Common Onion-grass JUNCACEAE Juncus flavjdus Yello1.-: Rush Juncus holoschoenus Joint-leaf Rush JUNCAGINACEAE Triglochin procera Water-ribbons LILIACEAE Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily POACEAE *Briza maxima Large Quaking-grass "'Hol cus 1 ana tus Yorkshire Fog Microlaena s tipoides Weeping Grass *Phalaris aquatica Toowoomba Canary-grass *Poa annua Annual Meadow- grass Stipa scabra Rough Spear-grass POTAMOGETONACEAE Potamogeton tricarinatus Floating F'ondweed DICOTYLEDONS ASTERACEAE *Arctotheca calcndula Cape Weed Cotula australis Common Cotula *Hypochoeris radicata Cat' s Ear *Leontodon taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit Solenogyne dominii Solenogyne .... Q:.JADRAT DOS205 13 SPECIES 145°13'18" 36"47'37" August 1983 125 m 10' GR ID M~4 570 1 .:-t:Calli~riche harr-...i 1 at:a 3448 2 71~iglcchin pr~era 651 3 Ccirex t:ere-::icaulis 3963 1 Rumex t:enc:x ' 139 2 Sl ecchar·is a cuta 7211 2 Juncus sp . ··o" 1258 2 Eucalyptus camaldulensis 72$0 1 Myi'iophY,l .lum spp. 1821 2 Juncus ho1 osc hoenus; 7517 2 Amphibrc~s sp ! ?476 1 :>KPhal a ris aqu2lt:ic.;.J 7524 1 Craspedia sp ! ~970 ..;- *Ru:nex cr;·spus Q'JADRA7 009205 9 SPECI ES 145°13'15" 35•47•45" Augus-:: 1988 125 m 10' GRID M44 r 651 4 Ccirex tereticaulis 3953 + Rumex t:enax 11 1139 1 E·le:-ocharis acut:a 721 1 3 .Jt?n =!..!~ sp. 0" 258 3 Eucalyptus cci:naldulensis 7280 Myriophyllum spp. :. 821 1 Jun cu$ ho lcschc..~us 7517 + Air.phi b.~C'l".JS sp . 3448 2 Triglcchin prccer.:J UADRAT 009207 8 SPEC IES 145" 14' 18 " 35•43•57" Augus';: 1988 120 rn 10' GRID M44 .. 1. 570 + *Cal litric he ha~lcita 3.:".48 2 Triglcchin prccera I 258 3 Eucalypt:us cam!ildulensis 7280 2 Myrioph¥1 lum spp. 821 + Juncus ho1oschoenus 7380 + Rumex ? congt.cmeratus 2693 2 Pc-::am...;getc:i tricarinat:tJs 7517 + .Amphi b!'C.7.JS sp UAORAT 009208 8 SPECI ES 145"14'10" 36 °43'57" August: 1988 120 m ·10• GRID M44 570 1 :>t JADRAT 009209 i1 S?ECIES i45"14'i5" 3G".<13'48" August 1938 120 m 10 ' GRID M44 . 551 + C.:irex tereticciulis 3448 1 Triglcchin prccer'a ' '· 13 9 4 El eochar·i s a cu ta 7102 + Er~agrostis sp. 1258 2 Eucalyptus cama1dulensis 7212 1 Juncus spp. 1524 + G:'atiola r,e1'uv·i ana 7280 2 Myriophyllum spp. l26 + LobeHa pratioides 7517 2 Amphibrcrr.us sp i_ j 93 3 Pot:al'TY'.._,get:ori t:ricarinat:us 1· I APPENDIX 2 -~- ~AORAT 00$201 25 SPE8IES 145 °14 ' 2 " 36°47'45" August 1983 140 m 10' GRI D M44 3S + Acacia genistifol ici 2179 i M·icrolaena s tipoides 239 ·1 :i 570 + * 8a 11 itr-iche ham...i I at:.3 2905 1 Ranunculus pumilio 651 2 Cal'eX tereticeiu"Jis 2942 + :+::Rc.1~ulea rcsea I 8S2 Cr.::ssula helmsii 3'195 Solencgyne dominii 1 i39 1 Elecchar i s acuta 3429 i *Trifoliurn g 1 c:r.e1" a t'um 1·1145 2 Eleocharis pusill::i 34t:8 4 Trigicchin prccer."3 258 4 Eucalyptus ca moldule nsis 7211 1 Juncu.s S'P- "O" l' .392 + *'Holcus 1anatus 7280 3 Myriophyllum spp. ~ 1818 2 Juncu.s fleividus 7371 Ranunculus ? inundatus ~26 Lobelia pratioides 7453 + :>t I ~·JAOKAT 009203 11 SPECIES ·145°13'50" 36°47'12" August: 1938 125 m 10 ' GRID M44 ;70 1 *Callitrich2 h~mul ata / 3448 4 T1''igl cchin prcc:era _;51 1 Carex tereti caul is 3953 + Rurnex tenax 918 + '4'-Cype1~us eragr~ost is 7211 2 Juncus sp. "O" ·1 39 2 E18ccharis acuta 7280 3 Myriophy1 lum spp. ) 58 4 Eucalyptus cc:i:naldulensis 7517 + Ainphi brc:r.us sp 1821 + Juncus holo3choenus 0 ·c AORAT D09204 9 SPECIES 145°13'56" 3G 47' 20" Au~iu st 1988 125 m 10 ' GRID M44 570 ,,1 *~l1itri che hamu1a~a 3963 + Rumex -t:enax 51 ' carex tereticc:iu ·1 is 72i1 2 Juncus sp. " O" 1 . 39 El ecchar"is cicut:;:i 7280 2 Myriophyllum s pp. '1258 .,.,':> Euc<'l l yptus com.al dulensis 7517 2 Arr.phi bro:rr..Js sp - 48 3 Triglochin pr ccera CALLITR ICKACEAE *Callitriche hamulata Water Starwort CAMPANULACEAE Lobclia pratioides ... Poi son Lobelia CARYOPHYLLACEAE *Cerastium fontanum Mouse-ear Chickweed *Stellar ia media Chickweed CRASSULACEAE *Crassula decumbens Spreading Crassula Crass ula helmsii Swam p C;.·assula FABACEAE *Tri folium glomeratum Cluster Clover *Trifolium repens White Clover LYTHRACEAE Lythrum hyss opifolia Small Loosestrife MIMOSACEAE Acacia genistifolia Spreading Wattle MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum Eucalyptus melliodora Ye llow Box Eucalyptus microcarpa. Grey Box OXALIDACEAE Oxalis perennans Wood;-sorrel POLYGONACEAE *Rumex eris pus Curled Dock Rumex tenax Dock RANUNCULACEAE Ranunculus lappaceus Aus tralian Buttercup *Ra.lluncul us mur i ca tus Sharp Buttercup Ranunculus pumilio Fan-leaf Buttercup ROSACEAE *Aphancs arvensis Parsley Piert SCROPHULAR IACEAE Gratiola peruviana Brook lime z OTHER TAXA Juncus sp . "O" Amphibromus sp Cardamine sp Juncus spp. Craspedia. sp •Lolium sp. Danthonia spp. . Myriophyllum spp. Erag rostis sp. *Petrorhagia sp . Galium spp. Ranunculus ? inundatus •Rumex ? conglomeratus •vulpia spp.