DAKALANTA SANCTUARY Australian Wildlife Conservancy
Opportunities for Implementation of the WildEyre Conservation Action Plan
Produced for the WildEyre project group and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy 2009
Updated 20/11/09
Produced By Mick Durant Greening Australia Oct 2009
Citation: Durant, M.D. 2009 ‘Dakalanta Sanctuary: Opportunities for Implementation of the WildEyre Conservation Action Plan’, Report to the WildEyre Working Group, Greening Australia SA
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CONTENTS
Summary………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations………………………………………………………... 4
1 Background and Scope………………………………………………………………. 5 1.1 The WildEyre Project……………………………………………………….. 5 1.2 Scope …….……………………………………………………..…………... 5
2 Dakalanta Sanctuary ………………………………………………………………… 7 2.1 Background and Overview………………………………………………… 7 2.2 Wildlife ………………………………………………………………………. 7 2.3 Vegetation…………………………………………………………………… 7 2.3.1 Open Areas………………………………………………………… 7 2.3.2 Woodlands………………………………………………………… 8 2.3.3 Sand Mallee Communities………………………………………. 8 2.3.4 Mixed Limestone Mallee Communities………………………… 8 2.3.5 Grassland and Low Sedge Communities……………………… 10 2.4 Photographs………………………………………………………………… 11
3 Restoration Opportunities……………………………………………………………. 13 3.1 Revegetation Opportunities………………………………..………………. 14 3.2 Benefits of Establishing Native Vegetation at Dakalanta ……………. 14 3.2 Define the Goal of the Restoration/Revegetation………………………. 14
4 Restoration Methodologies and Management Issues…………………………….. 16 4.1 Revegetation Method……………………………………………………….. 16 4.2 Seed Requirements and Collection……………………………………….. 16 4.3 Site Preparation/Weed Control……………………………………………. 19 4.4 Feral Animal Control (rabbits and foxes)…………………………………. 19 4.5 Native Grazing Animals……………………………………………………. 19 4.6 Targeted Weed Control…………………………………………………….. 19 4.7 Fencing and Infrastructure ………………………………………………… 19 4.8 Adapting to a Drying Climate………………………………………………. 20 4.9 Timing and Feasibility …………………………………………………. 20 4.10 Monitoring and Adaptive Management…………………………………… 20
5 Revegetation Calendar………………………………………………………………. 20
6 Indicative Costs………………………………………………………………………. 24 6.1 Feral Animal Control ……………………..………………………………… 24 6.2 Site Preparation/Weed Control……………………………………………. 24 6.3 Seed Collection……………………………………………………………… 24 6.4 Direct Seeding………………………………………………………………. 24 6.5 Targeted Weed Control…………………………………………………….. 24 6.6 Fencing and Infrastructure…………………………………………………. 24 6.7 Site Visits and Monitoring………………………………………………….. 24
Appendix 1: Fauna Species Recorded by AWC…………………………………………….. 26
Tables Table 1: Wild Eyre Goals Supported at Dakalanta Sanctuary………………………….. 13 Table 2: Staging, Areas and Seed Requirements……………………………...... 16 Table 3: Key Structural and Floristic Species for Sheoak Restoration………………… 18 Table 4: Key Structural and Floristic Species for Mallee Box/Pine Restoration……… 18 Table 5: Key Structural and Floristic Species for Sand Mallee Restoration (sandy flats) 18 Table 6: Specific Measurables for Adaptive Management Relating the Revegetation 20
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Table 7: Revegetation Stage 1…………………………………………………………. 21 Table 8: Revegetation Stage 2…………………………………………………………. 21 Table 9: Revegetation Stage 3…………………………………………………………. 22 Table 10: Revegetation Stage 4……………………………………………………….. 22 Table 11: Revegetation Stage 5……………………………………………………….. 23 Table 12: Indicative Costs for Restoration…………………………………………….. 25
Maps Map 1: Dakalanta Sanctuary, Location and Landscape Context…………………… 6 Map 2: Vegetation Associations Mapped by DEH…………………………..……….. 9 Map 3: Revegetation and Regeneration Areas………………………………………. 15 Map 4: Suggested Revegetation Stages……………………………………………... 17
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Summary
This document is one of 5 plans produced in 2009 seeking to guide the implementation of the WildEyre 1st Iteration Conservation Action Plan (CAP) using funding from the Commonwealth Government Caring for Our Country Program, administered through the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board.
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) has kindly agreed to partner with the WildEyre Working Group to investigate options for implementing suitable components of the CAP plan at Dakalanta Sanctuary near Polda on western Eyre Peninsula. Dakalanta Sanctuary provides excellent opportunities for this purpose in 3 main areas:
1) Measurable improvements in vegetation condition through reducing total grazing pressure (principally stock exclusion and rabbit control); 2) Maximising the distribution of native fauna species through habitat improvements and feral predator control; and 3) Revegetation of the highly depleted vegetation types (particularly Drooping Sheoak grassy woodlands)
The opportunities for the revegetation of Sheoak grassy woodlands at Dakalanta Sanctuary are particularly apparent and could contribute substantially to the WildEyre goal of reinstating 1500 hectares of this vegetation type by 2015. Hence the revegetation component is a major focus of this document.
The following points and recommendations are made within the document.
Maintaining stock-proof fences and undertaking feral animal control will reduce total grazing pressure and encourage natural regeneration in many parts of the property Approximately 1190 hectares in the southern parts of Dakalanta are deemed unlikely to regenerate naturally within the next 10-20 years and are therefore considered suitable for revegetation. The bulk of this (1080 ha) is suitable for the restoration of Drooping Sheoak restoration, while smaller areas are suitable for the restoration of Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa) / Southern Cypress-pine (Callitris gracilis) woodland or sand mallee communities dominated by Yalata Mallee (Eucalyptus yalatensis). Block 4, the south-eastern corner of Block 3 and the north-west corner of Block 1 could be allowed to regenerate naturally but could monitored to asses if any assistance using revegetation is appropriate in the future Revegetation should maintain an open character to maintain habitat for Brown Quail, Brown and Rufous Songlarks, Australian Pipit and Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats Revegetation should aim to restore the main structural and floristic components of the designated vegetation type rather than attempt to replace a full species diversity. It is expected that natural regeneration will occur in the revegetated areas over time and species diversity will increase. The project will require approximately 535 kg of local provenance native seed and this will need to be collected over a minimum of 5 years (therefore revegetation should proceed in 5 stages) Costs have estimated to be $157,500 in the 1st year for the revegetation of 238 ha. The total cost of the project is estimated to be around $752,200 including 4 years of 3% CPI Current access tracks be maintained and where suitable used as firebreaks
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Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations
AWC Australian Wildlife Conservancy CAP Conservation Action Plan (or Planning) NRM Natural Resources Management Native Pine refers to Southern Cypress-pine (Callitris gracilis) Sheoak refers to Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata)
Acknowledgements
The Author would like to acknowledge the input of the WildEyre Working Group in the production of this plan, and in particular Rob Coventry and Andrew Freemen of the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board for all the background and technical information and comments on the draft, and Todd Berkinshaw for input into the format and content.
The Author and the WildEyre Working Group also wish to thank the AWC for the opportunity to undertake this planning.
Pale Wispy Spider Orchid (Caladenia capillata also known as Jonesiopsis capillata) growing in regenerating Native Pine in the south-west corner of Dakalanta
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1 Background and Scope
This document is one of 5 plans produced in 2009 seeking to guide the implementation of the WildEyre Conservation Action Plan using funding from the Commonwealth Government Caring for Our Country Program, administered through the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board.
This plan has come about through discussions between the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management (NRM) Board and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) under the WildEyre project banner.
1.1 The WildEyre Project
The WildEyre project began in 2007 as a small and diverse group of natural resource managers on Eyre Peninsula (non-government, State agencies and the Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources Management Board) undertaking a series of facilitated planning workshops with a goal of conserving significant environments on the west coast of Eyre Peninsula. The workshops were based around a Conservation Action Planning (CAP) framework which has been developed by the US-based The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and which is currently being applied to many large conservation projects in Australia and worldwide (see www.nature.org ).
The Wild Eyre project has been developing since 2007 and the group now has a 1st iteration Conservation Action Plan for an area of western Eyre Peninsula covering around 1.2 million hectares from Mount Hope in the south to around Streaky Bay in the north and including the large habitat areas of Hinks and Hambidge Wilderness Areas in the east. The Plan identified 12 assets to become the focus of conservation efforts in the region including 6 which occur at Dakalanta Sanctuary, these are listed below.
1) Sandy Coasts and Dunes 2) Rocky Coasts and Clifftops 3) Sheltered Coastal Bays 4) Sub-coastal and Inland Wetlands 5) Coastal and Inland Limestone Plains Mallee (present at Dakalanta) 6) Sand Mallee Communities (present at Dakalanta) 7) Sand Mallee Dune-top Remnants 8) Red Gum Floodplain Woodland (present at Dakalanta) 9) Mallee Box and Native Pine Woodlands (present at Dakalanta) 10) Sheoak Grassy Woodlands (present at Dakalanta) 11) Native Grasslands and Low Sedgelands (present at Dakalanta) 12) Granite Outcrops
The plan is also consistent with one of the main aims for the property of the AWC which is to facilitate revegetation and rehabilitation (www.australianwildlife.org).
1.2 Scope
This plan is principally focussed on the links with WildEyre objectives and does not attempt to provide a comprehensive management plan for the property.
The major aims of this plan are to: Give a general description of the property Identify opportunities for implementing the key objectives of the WildEyre CAP Plan at Dakalanta Sanctuary Describe management actions which will contribute to the restoration of the site and the achievement of the objectives Provide a guide to revegetation and restoration methods Identify risks and management issues with the potential to impact restoration efforts Develop a feasible implementation schedule for the work Provide indicative costs for undertaking the work
Fieldwork was undertaken on 20th August 2009.
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Map 1: Dakalanta Sanctuary, Location and Landscape Context
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2 Dakalanta Sanctuary
2.1 Overview and Description
Formally known as Minaro Downs, the 13,000ha Dakalanta Sanctuary is now owned by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (www.australianwildlife.org) whose major aims for the property as stated on the website are: 1) Biodiversity surveys and monitoring; and 2) Revegetation & rehabilitation (habitat restoration).
The sanctuary is located approximately 42km north-east of Elliston in the Polda Basin (Polda and McLochlan IBRA Associations) and adjoins the southern boundary of Cocata Conservation Reserve (see Map 1). Mount Wedge is 12km to the east and the location of Polda is 4km from the south-east corner. The mean annual rainfall at Polda is 397.3 mm (Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au ).
The topography includes low hills and flats of calcrete in the south of the property (predominantly cleared of native vegetation) and vegetated sand ridges on limestone and shallow calcareous loams in the north. Vegetation condition improves as you travel north and east through the property and there is strong regeneration in parts of the south, particularly in the south-eastern corner.
The property is comprised of 7 land parcels/titles including Section 152 in the Hundred of Tinline and 6 allotments. For ease of reference these parcels are referred to as Blocks 1 through 4 (see Map 2) with the southern block (Block 4) comprised of 2 parcels. The entire property is protected under Heritage Agreement (HA 550 gazetted in 1991). Infrastructure includes an old homestead near the southern entrance, a powerline running up the centre from north to south, a number of disused internal fences and three disused wells and stone tanks. Current infrastructure includes two bores and two poly water storage tanks installed by the CFS for emergency fire water availability.
Access in the south is via a dirt track along a gazetted road from the Birdseye Highway while access is also possible from the north along the powerline from the Kyancutta Road and from the east off White Well Road.
2.2 Wildlife
A full list of wildlife is still being developed by the staff at AWC but Appendix 1 gives a list of species identified so far (taken from the AWC website). The site supports a healthy population of Southern Hairy- nosed Wombats and Western Grey Kangaroo and also provides habitat for Emu and a wide range of bird species including the nationally vulnerable Mallee Fowl. The open areas in the south were noted to support Brown Quail, Brown and Rufous Songlarks and Australian Pipit amongst others. Further investigation will no doubt find a diverse reptile assemblage and many smaller mammals and bats within the property.
Feral animals include rabbits, foxes and goats (goats particularly in the north-west areas). Deer are presumably present although no signs were noted during the field visit (however reports from local NRM Officers would indicate that they are present).
2.3 Vegetation
Native vegetation on the property is mapped by the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) and is shown on Map 2. Note that the mapping is coarse and in some cases inaccurate (for instance many areas mapped as Eucalyptus incrassata are actually dominated by Eucalyptus yalatensis and Eucalyptus dumosa). The following vegetation description is based on limited fieldwork and hence may not be comprehensive for the entire property.
2.3.1 Open areas
The south-west corner is predominantly exotic groundcover of Medic (Medicago spp.), Nutgrass (Romulea ssp., Moraea spp.), Wild Oat (Avena spp.), Storksbill (Erodium spp.), Wards Weed (Carrichtera annua) and native species such as Goodenia pusilliflora and Hypoxis glabella ssp. glabella. There is a noticeable paucity of native perennial grasses (Austrostipa and Austrodanthonia spp.) in the south-west corner although they do occur in patches with Black Grass (Gahnia lanigera) and are more common toward the east where regeneration of native vegetation is stronger. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) and Wild Turnip
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(Brassica tournifortii) often occur in dense patches around wombat warrens and the former is also scattered through open paddocks.
2.3.2 Woodlands (Mallee Box, Native Pine, Red Gum, Sheoak and Swamp Paperbark)
The south-western corner contains patches of Mallee Box (Eucalyptus porosa) low mallee woodland over Thyme Rice-flower (Pimelia serpillifolia ssp. serpillifolia), Mallee Wreath Wattle (Acacia triquetra) and Native Apricot (Pittosporum angustifolia) with Clematis microphylla, Oxalis perennans and Daucus glochidiatus common in the understorey. These Mallee Box woodlands are often interspersed with pockets of Callitris gracilis, Eucalyptus diversifolia and Eucalyptus dumosa in the overstorey and Gahnia lanigera is common in open areas. In general these woodlands have a reduced diversity of species and a number of grassy and herbaceous weeds in the understorey although they support many bird species. Fair condition
Extensive areas of Southern Cypress Pine (Callitris gracilis) woodland occur at Dakalanta, often with an herbaceous ground layer rather than a shrubby or grassy understorey. It is unclear whether this is a result of past grazing activities or an indication a former rich and diverse herbaceous layer (it may also be the timing of the fieldwork which coincided with flowering and growth of many winter-growing herbs). Typical species noted include Pogonolepis meulleriana, Minuria leptophylla, Hyalosperma semisterile, Pimelia serpillifolia ssp. serpillifolia, Goodenia pusilliflora, Hypoxis glabella ssp. glabella, Asteridea athrixioides, Crassula sp., Brachyscome ciliaris, Brachyscome lineariloba, Ptilotus spathulatus, Bulbine semibarbata, Calandrinia eremaea and Triglochin centrocarpum. Fair to good condition
River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) occurs in small pockets in the south of the site where presumably the trees have access to groundwater. Associated shrubs include Acacia brachybotrya, Goodia medicaginea, Allocasuarina verticillata, Alyogyne huegelii and Callistemon rugulosis. These pockets of Red Gum are important sources of hollow-bearing trees for hollow-dependant fauna. Unfortunately most are quite degraded from past grazing and subsequent weed invasion. Fair to Poor condition
Sheoak Mixed open woodlands also occur in the south-eastern part of the property and may be comprised of a range of tree and shrub species. Typical plant species noted include Allocasuarina verticillata, Callitris gracilis, Pittosporum angustifolia, Melaleuca lanceolata, Melaleuca brevifolia, Callistemon rugulosis, and Pomaderris paniculosa. Fair to poor condition where they occur, absent over much of the south of the property.
Small areas of Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca halmaturorum) occur in the south of the site on Block 4 where Short-leaf Honey-myrtle (Melaleuca brevifolia) also occurs. However these woodlands were not investigated in detail during fieldwork.
2.3.3 Sand Mallee Communities
Yalata Mallee (Eucalyptus yalatensis) and White Mallee (Eucalyptus dumosa) are dominant on sandy flats and gentle rises and Ridge-fruit Mallee (Eucalyptus incrassata) presumably occurs on taller sandhills (mapped by DEH but not verified by the author). Sand mallee in the north occurs with a Triodia spp. understorey and shrubs such as Pimelia serpillifolia. Scattered Callitris gracilis were also noted. Some of these mallee areas in the southern central parts of the property are quite degraded in understorey vegetation and there is much bare ground, presumably a result of past stock grazing and current grazing pressure from kangaroos, rabbits and possibly deer. Fair condition in south, Good condition elsewhere.
2.3.4 Mixed Limestone Mallee Communities
Dominant mallees on limestone in the north of the site include Eucalyptus phenax, Eucalyptus dumosa and Eucalyptus yalatensis which occur with Callitris gracilis, Melaleuca lanceolata and Pittosporum angustifolia. The understorey varies from quite open on loamy soils over limestone to quite densely shrubby on shallower soils and surface limestone. The northern block (Block 3) contains large areas of the shrubby association in excellent condition. Shrubs noted here include Dodonaea baueri, Pimelia serpillifolia ssp. serpillifolia, Pimelea glauca, Eutaxia microphylla, Calytrix involucrata, Beyeria lechenaultii, Alyxia buxifolia, Acrotriche patula, Senna artemisioides ssp., Hibbertia spp., Prostanthera serpillifolia ssp. and Westringia
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Map 2: Vegetation Associations Within Dakalanta as Mapped by DEH
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eremicola. A number of grasses, lillies and orchids also occur in the ground layer. Good to Very Good condition.
2.3.5 Grassland and Low Sedge Communities
Speargrass (Austrostipa spp.) grasslands and Black Grass (Gahnia lanigera) low sedgelands on Dakalanta are likely to indicate former sheoak or pine distributions rather than historically diverse grasslands and sedgelands in the true sense. Large areas of grassland are mapped in the NW corner of Block 1 and the south and east of Block 4. Fair condition
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2.4 Photographs
Photo 1: Mallee Box woodland in the south- west corner. Note the simplified understorey which is dominated by Thyme Riceflower (Pimelia serpillifolia ssp. serpillifolia)
Photo 2: Native Pine (Callitris gracilis) woodland with a low herbaceous groundcover.
Photo 3: Yalata Mallee (Eucalyptus yalatensis) mallee on sandy flats (with some limestone) in the south-central areas of the property showing a degraded understorey and reduced understorey diversity.
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Photo 4: Sand mallee communities near the centre of the property (Eucalyptus yalatensis and E. dumosa shown here) with a Spinifex (Triodia spp.) understorey in better condition than previous photo.
Photo 5: Patch of mature Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) with Acacia brachybotrya, south-east of the Homestead
Photo 5: Horehound infestation associated with wombat warrens in the open areas of the south-west corner
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3 RESTORATION OPPORTUNITIES
Dakalanta Sanctuary is considered to provide excellent opportunities for the implementation of WildEyre objectives in 3 main areas:
1) Measurable improvements in vegetation condition through reducing total grazing pressure (principally stock exclusion and rabbit and goat control); 2) Maximising the distribution of native fauna species through habitat improvements (condition improvements) and feral predator control; and 3) Revegetation of the highly depleted vegetation types (particularly Drooping Sheoak grassy woodlands)
Specifically, the relevant objectives are listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Wild Eyre Objectives Supported at Dakalanta Sanctuary
Objective/Goal Relevance 4.1 Revegetate 1,500 ha of Sheoak Grassy Woodlands on Large areas in the south of the property historically non-regenerative sites to ensure adequate and contained Sheoak grassy woodland which has been representative areas and create buffers for linear grazed and degraded to the point that it has lost the ability ecosystems by 2015. to regenerate naturally 8.1 Measurable improvement of vegetation condition of Some areas of Sheoak Grassy Woodlands are 17,125 ha of recoverable Sheoak Grassy Woodlands regenerating on Block 4 (through sustainable grazing regimes) to ensure adequate & representative areas and to support landscape linkages by 2014. 8.2 Measurable improvement in vegetation condition of Large areas of Native Pine and Mallee Box occur at 40,000ha of Mallee Box & Native Pine Woodlands Dakalanta and fence improvements to exclude stock will (sustainable grazing) by 2015. have benefits for vegetation condition 8.3 Measurable improvement in vegetation condition of Red Gum patches occur on Block 4 in the south and could 1000ha of Red Gum Woodlands (through sustainable be improved by stock exclusion grazing regimes) by 2015 9.1 Maximise the distribution and populations of native Feral animal control and management is essential for fauna species threatened by feral predators (foxes, cats) successful restoration and revegetation efforts by 20203. 9.2 Regeneration of palatable native plant species and Stock exclusion at Dakalanta should facilitate recruitment stabilisation of soil structure in areas not grazed by stock of other palatable native plant species by 2020.
3.1 Revegetation Opportunities
Perhaps one of the more significant opportunities is the restoration of large areas of Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) grassy woodland. This vegetation association is listed as a Vulnerable Ecosystem in South Australia (DEH Unpublished Provisional List 2003) and was identified in the WildEyre Conservation Plan as a highly depleted and threatened conservation asset on Western Eyre Peninsula.
Sheoak woodlands were once common in the Polda Basin (Tim Croft pers. com.) and much of the southern open area of Dakalanta was probably Sheoak woodland interspersed with Native Pine, Mallee Box and pockets of Coastal White Mallee prior to the introduction of grazing. Native grasses and Black Grass (Gahnia lanigera) stands are often indicators of former Sheoak distribution on western Eyre Peninsula and these areas are commonly mapped in the Polda Basin and also in the south of Dakalanta Sanctuary. Some regeneration of pine is occurring in these areas but Sheoak regeneration is limited by the lack of an available seed source (no mature trees) and presumably by continued grazing (rabbits, kangaroos, goats as well as domestic stock).
In addition to the areas suitable for Sheoak restoration, small areas of mallee vegetation, native pine and Mallee Box could also be established where appropriate, particularly in the south-west corner of Block 1 (Map 3).
From a field visit and interpretation of aerial photography, approximately 1190 ha of the southern areas are deemed as unlikely to recover to a woodland vegetation type in the short term (limited regeneration potential) and thus are considered suitable for revegetation. It is estimated that of this around 1090 ha is suitable for Sheoak revegetation, 47 ha would suit sand mallee revegetation and 42 ha would suit a Mallee
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Box, Native Pine revegetation. A further 1140 ha which is not mapped as native vegetation is regenerating well at present and may be monitored to assess revegetation possibilities in 5-10 years (see Map 3).
A further 400ha or so in the north-west corner of Block 1 may be suitable for revegetation or assisted regeneration of Mallee Box or mallee associations. However this area was not visited in the context of this plan and thus is treated as a possible future project.
3.2 Benefits of Establishing Native Vegetation at Dakalanta
The main benefits of revegetation at Dakalanta are seen to be: An increase in the extent of native vegetation and habitat The restoration of a habitat/ecosystem type which is now highly depleted in the region (Sheoak Woodland) and which historically was more widespread at the site An increase in the capacity for Sheoak systems to regenerate naturally (by introducing a seed source) The facilitation of natural regeneration from the soil seed bank and natural seed dispersal (creation of suitable microclimatic conditions) Potentially assist species which prefer Sheoak habitats to move through the landscape Associated fencing and feral animal control can be expanded to provide benefits across the site
3.3 Define the Goal of the Restoration/Revegetation
The aim is to establish a planting which has the following characteristics. spatially heterogenous (uneven spacings, clumping and open areas) structural diversity (trees, large and small shrubs and various plant life forms where possible) a moderate level of species diversity (to begin with and only limited by feasibility) an ability to self sustain into the future (through seed production and natural regeneration).
The revegetation method recommended in this plan aims to restore the main structural and floristic components of the systems and does not aim to establish the full diversity of plant species which once occurred (which is a virtually impossible task). The reasoning behind this is twofold: 1) Trying to establish the 100s of species which once occurred is not feasible in terms of cost and labour input, particularly on this scale 2) It is hoped that the revegetation and exclusion of stock will facilitate natural regeneration and over time species diversity will increase
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Map 3: Revegetation and Regeneration Areas
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4 RESTORATION METHODOLOGIES AND MANAGEMENT ISSUES
4.1 Revegetation Method
Surface and sheet limestone presents a challenge for revegetation, particularly for direct seeding machinery. However, machine direct seeding is still the most cost effective and suitable methodology for undertaking revegetation on this scale. Using a direct seeding methodology in the pockets of suitable soil may also help with maintaining the open character of the vegetation and creating a natural appearance (both by the patchiness and the lack of uniform rows). The main hindrance that the limestone presents is in slowing the speed of establishment and increasing the likelihood of mechanical breakdowns and damage to equipment.
Hand seeding is an option in smaller rocky areas where there is a reason to revegetate at a potentially higher cost. For instance the paddock immediately east of the homestead is largely devoid of native cover with little chance of regeneration and is quite rocky. Some hand seeding of Sheoak in this location would be appropriate if direct seeding machinery is unable to do a satisfactory job.
Natural regeneration could be expected to occur in rockier areas, particularly when seed begins to be produced in the revegetation (native pine is already recruiting in some areas).
Local experience estimates that an upper limit of 300 grams of seed per km (8-15 species) and 1.5km per hectare (this is a relatively low figure taking into account rocky ground unsuitable for machinery) is a realistic goal which will allow for some losses to grazing pressure (rabbits, kangaroos and wombats) and result in a vegetation of open character.
4.2 Seed Requirements and Collection
Using the methodology above would result in a total seed requirement of around 535 kg to complete the project. Clearly this would not be achieved in one year if provenance and collection guidelines are adhered to. Therefore it will be necessary to stage the revegetation (see Map 4). A 5-year implementation would result in a seed requirement of around 107 kg per year in order to cover 238 ha per year. While this is a large amount of native seed it is considered feasible given the extensive surrounding areas in which to collect (allowing for variations in seasonal seed set etc.). Thought may be given also to staggering the stages with ‘rest’ years in between (making the project a 6-8 year project).
The possible exception is Sheoak itself which is highly depleted in the vicinity and may need to be sourced from further away (preferably from areas of similar or lower rainfall to ensure tolerance to drying conditions). A total of 98 kg of Sheoak seed would be needed overall or around 20kg per year if using at 20% of the seed mix, however this could be varied by the contractor based on local knowledge and experience. A basic species list for each restoration type is presented in Tables 3-5.
Map 4 presents a suggested staging plan for the implementation of the project. The staging includes the Mallee Box/Pine and mallee revegetation areas in the first two years in order to minimise the requirements for Sheoak seed and possibly allow some extra stocks of Sheoak to be collected. The stages would be undertaken as presented in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Staging, Areas and Seed Requirements
Stages Restoration Type Hectares Total Seed Required Stage 1 Mallee Box/Pine restoration 42 ha 18.9kg Sheoak restoration 196 ha 88kg Stage 2 Sand mallee restoration 47ha 21kg Sheoak restoration 191 ha 86kg Stage 3 Sheoak restoration 238 ha 107kg Stage 4 Sheoak restoration 238 ha 107kg Stage 5 Sheoak restoration 238 ha 107kg
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Map 4: Suggested Revegetation Stages
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Table 3: Key Structural and Floristic Species for Sheoak Restoration
Species Name Common Name Approximate % of Seed Mix
Trees/Overstorey Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping Sheoak 20% Melaleuca lanceolata Dryland Tea-tree 10% Pittosporum angustifolia Native Apricot <5% Callitris gracilis Southern Cypress-pine 10%
Tall Shrubs Acacia brachybotrya Silver Mulga Bush 15% Acacia triquetra Mallee Wreath Wattle 10% Exocarpus aphyllus Leafless Cherry <5% Alyogyne huegelii Native Hibiscus <5%
Small Shrubs Dodonaea baueri Crinkled Hop-bush <5% Rhagodia crassifolia Sea Berry Saltbush 10%
Other Lifeforms Dianella revoluta ssp. revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily <5%
Table 4: Key Structural and Floristic Species for Mallee Box/Pine Restoration
Species Name Common Name Approximate % of Seed Mix
Trees/Overstorey Eucalyptus porosa Mallee Box 25% Eucalyptus dumosa White Mallee 10% Pittosporum angustifolia Native Apricot 5% Callitris gracilis Southern Cypress-pine 10%
Tall Shrubs Acacia brachybotrya Silver Mulga Bush 20% Acacia triquetra Mallee Wreath Wattle 15%
Small Shrubs Rhagodia crassifolia Sea Berry Saltbush 10%
Other Lifeforms Dianella revoluta ssp. revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily 5%
Table 5: Key Structural and Floristic Species for Sand Mallee Restoration (sandy flats)
Species Name Common Name Approximate % of Seed Mix
Trees/Overstorey Eucalyptus yalatensis Yalata Mallee 20% Eucalyptus dumosa White Mallee 10% Eucalyptus phenax White Mallee 10% Melaleuca lanceolata DrylandTea-tree 5% Callitris gracilis Southern Cypress-pine 5% Pittosporum angustifolia Native Apricot <5%
Tall Shrubs Acacia brachybotrya Silver Mulga Bush 20% Acacia triquetra Mallee Wreath Wattle 15% Acacia calamifolia Wallowa 10%
Small Shrubs Dodonaea baueri Crinkled Hop-bush 5%
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Note that these lists may be added to or modified according to local conditions, seasonal seed availability, opportune seed collection (additional species) and additional species encountered in the paddock.
4.3 Site Preparation/Weed Control
In this type of country it is recommended that site preparation (herbicide weed control) occur immediately AFTER direct seeding. This achieves a number of objectives: Avoids unnecessarily spraying areas which are unsuitable for seeding Easy to follow the area requiring spraying Weed die-off is timed to occur immediately prior to germination which prolongs the period in which weed competition is absent
The minimum width of the boom spray used for herbicide control should be around 60cm (20-30cm either side of the seeding furrow) and no more than 1.5m in total width (grass cover should be maintained between seeding lines to avoid broadleaf weeds proliferating and to avoid bare ground exposed to wind).
4.4 Feral Animal Control
Feral animal control is one of the main actions to undertake for improving vegetation condition and habitat value on the property. Rabbit control is particularly important for restoration efforts and should not be undertaken without a corresponding control effort on foxes. Some form of goat control would also be beneficial, whether it be shooting or the use of mobile goat traps. It may be possible to work with an adjacent landholder to set up a trap on a nearby watering point. Goat and deer numbers will need to be monitored to inform the control effort required. A comprehensive annual feral animal control program will have great benefits for the property as a whole and should be undertaken regardless of the threat to revegetation.
Feral animal control methodologies will be negotiated with the AWC and may include baiting, shooting and/or fumigation of warrens.
4.5 Native Grazing Animals
Kangaroos are known to be attracted to turned earth (ie. seeding lines) and will graze on revegetation. There is some debate as to whether they cause deaths or just browse plants as they come up, however experience shows that some losses will occur from kangaroo grazing and impacts continue as the young Sheoaks and Melaleuca spp. grow.
Wombats are very common in the open areas and edges of native vegetation. There has been little research into the impacts of wombat grazing on revegetation and the Author is unaware of any anecdotal evidence to suggest that they have serious impacts, or indeed that they do not. Wombats can create cleared zones around warren complexes (M. Hayward pers. com.) which would suggest that revegetation is vulnerable and that some form of deterrent may be necessary in high density areas. Also some losses could be expected if only from curious animals.
A number of native animal deterrents exist on the market but none that are easily applicable or cost effective for revegetation of this scale. Kangaroo numbers and impacts will need to be closely monitored and a cull in the first year of establishment could be beneficial.
4.6 Targeted Weed Control
The main weeds which have the potential to impact on vegetation establishment are considered to be Horehound and Wild Turnip if they are occurring in dense infestations. Control for these weeds could involve boom spraying during winter and early spring, and could be undertaken in conjunction with the release of Horehound plume moth or clearwing moth to target the dense Horehound infestations around wombat warrens.
Boxthorn occurs in low abundance on the property at present and therefore there is an opportunity to attempt eradication before it becomes widespread. Target areas include around the old homestead in the south and also in the pockets of Red Gum woodland. Bridal Creeper also occurs in the pockets of Red
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Gum woodland and is a Weed of National Significance requiring control. However the weed is on the edge of its climatic range at Dakalanta and does not appear to pose a large risk of spread (R. Coventry pers. com.).
4.7 Fencing and Infrastructure
A boundary inspection was undertaken by NRM Board staff (Rob Coventry) in 2008 to assess the condition of the boundary fencing. The report found that the majority of the fences were failed and were allowing stock to gain access to the Heritage Agreement (including sightings of over 200 sheep – Rob Coventry pers. com.). A section of fence in the south-west corner was subsequently replaced but many areas are still in poor condition. The priority fence with regard to revegetation is the western boundary fence which is currently overgrown and in poor condition. It is recommended that at least the southern end of this fence be replaced prior to undertaking revegetation and that the remaining fences be progressively upgraded or replaced. Maintaining good stock proof fencing is one of the main actions that can be undertaken to maintain and/or improve vegetation condition.
Firebreaks may be maintained by leaving at least a 10m non-vegetated buffer from either side of the main north/south access track and also from the powerlines on Block 4.
4.8 Timing and Feasibility
As covered in the seed collection section, establishing almost 1200 ha of vegetation presents a number of challenges, the foremost of which is seed availability. Staging the project over a minimum of 5 years should address these challenges.
4.9 Adapting to a Drying Climate
Polda to the immediate south of Dakalanta receives a mean annual rainfall of 397.3mm. This is probably toward the lower natural rainfall range of Sheoak and well within the natural range for Native Pine, thus both could be expected to persist under a slight drying effect although Sheoak would probably be impacted if rainfall drops considerably. Seed collection should be mindful of the rainfall zones in which key structural species are collected and where possible collection zones should be from similar or lower rainfall areas.
4.10 Monitoring and Adaptive Management
The minimum 5-year implementation of this project allows on-going monitoring and adaptive management to be applied. Specific parameters related to the revegetation are summarised in Table 6 below. The most important step in this type of monitoring is to define the project goals and to be clear about what the desired result is (see Section 3.2).
Broader monitoring could include fauna surveys, Bushland Condition Monitoring (the property already has 4 BCM sites within remnant vegetation), carbon sequestration rates or other key ecological indicators as identified within the WildEyre Conservation Action Plan.
Table 6: Specific Measurables for Adaptive Management Relating the Revegetation
Parameter Response Grazing impacts from wombats and kangaroos Assess the need for animal deterrents or control Vegetation structure (emerging) – ie. the balance of Adjust seed mix (ie. too many overstorey then lower species resulting from the seed mix used percentage of overstorey species in the mix) Spacings and establishment success resulting from Adjust the seeding rate the seeding rate (ie. 300g/km too high or too low) Weed infestations (new weeds, spreading of Develop a weed control plan and implement. existing weeds) and requirements for additional control
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5 REVEGETATION CALENDAR
Table 7: Revegetation Stage 1 Activity J F M A M J J A S O N D Seed Collection (prior to Year 1 of revegetation)
Year 1 Seed Collection Rabbit Control Fox Control (and goat control if necessary) Site Visit (assess soil moisture and weed management requirements) Direct seeding Stage 1 (timing dependant on soil moisture and site access) Site Preparation/Weed Control (immediately following direct seeding) Site Visit (assess germination, grazing impacts and weed impacts) Undertake any necessary actions identified in Site Visit (eg. extra weed control) Fox Control Seed Collection
Table 8: Revegetation Stage 2 Activity J F M A M J J A S O N D
Year 2 Seed Collection Rabbit Control Fox Control (and goat control if necessary) Site Visit (assess soil moisture, weed management requirements, survival and vegetation structure and floristic parameters) Direct seeding of Stage 2 (timing dependant on soil moisture and site access) Site Preparation/Weed Control (immediately following direct seeding) Site Visit (assess germination, grazing impacts and weed impacts) Undertake any necessary actions identified in Site Visit Fox Control Seed Collection
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Table 9: Revegetation Stage 3 Activity J F M A M J J A S O N D
Year 3 Seed Collection Rabbit Control Fox Control (and goat control if necessary) Site Visit (assess soil moisture, weed management requirements, survival and vegetation structure and floristic parameters) Direct seeding Stage 1 (timing dependant on soil moisture and site access) Site Preparation/Weed Control (immediately following direct seeding) Site Visit (assess germination, grazing impacts and weed impacts) Undertake any necessary actions identified in Site Visit) Fox Control Seed Collection
Table 10: Revegetation Stage 4 Activity J F M A M J J A S O N D
Year 4 Seed Collection Rabbit Control Fox Control (and goat control if necessary) Site Visit (assess soil moisture, weed management requirements, survival and vegetation structure and floristic parameters) Direct seeding of Stage 2 (timing dependant on soil moisture and site access) Site Preparation/Weed Control (immediately following direct seeding) Site Visit (assess germination, grazing impacts and weed impacts) Undertake any necessary actions identified in Site Visit Fox Control Seed Collection
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Table 11: Revegetation Stage 5 Activity J F M A M J J A S O N D
Year 5 Seed Collection Rabbit Control Fox Control (and goat control if necessary) Site Visit (assess soil moisture, weed management requirements, survival and vegetation structure and floristic parameters) Direct seeding of Stage 2 (timing dependant on soil moisture and site access) Site Preparation/Weed Control (immediately following direct seeding) Site Visit (assess germination, grazing impacts and weed impacts) Undertake any necessary actions identified in Site Visit Fox Control Seed Collection
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6 INDICATIVE COSTS
6.1 Feral Animal Control
Costs will vary according to the methodology used for rabbit and fox control, however an indicative figure of $1200 per year for rabbit control and $3000 has been suggested by the EP NRM (Rob Coventry pers. com.). Hence the total annual costs would be around $4,200 for fox and rabbit control.
Deer or goat control will incur additional costs which are difficult to estimate without knowing what level of effort is required. However a nominal cost of $1000 per year will be included in calculations to ensure that there is provision to undertake the work as necessary.
6.2 Site Preparation/Weed Control
A knockdown spray using a glyphosate-based herbicide and a wetting agent or penetrant is estimated to cost between $30 and $40 per hectare for an average small job. In order to cover variations in costs between contractors and to cover any unforseen costs a figure of $50 per ha is considered reasonable for undertaking site preparation herbicide control.
6.3 Snail and Red-legged Earthmite Control
Snails and Red-legged Earth Mite can both damage and kill young seedlings as they emerge. Control can be assessed on a site by site basis and there are a number of relatively cheap pellets and sprays for these pests. Snail pelleting over 200 ha or more is not commonly undertaken and costs and methods should be investigated further. No costs have been included at this stage.
6.4 Seed Collection
Seed collection is figured into the direct seeding cost (seed supply) as it simplifies costing and allows flexibility in the time taken to complete the quoted kilometres of seeding (see direct seeding costs below).
6.5 Direct Seeding
From local experience a commercial rate of $300 per km would be applicable. Working on an average of 1.5km per hectare, this results in a seeding cost of $450 per hectare for a very basic method of establishment.
6.6 Targeted Weed Control
Boxthorn and Bridal Creeper: 1 person operating a vehicle with a handline for a day is estimated to cost $300-$500. If weed control is undertaken on 2 occasions in the year (once in winter and once in spring) and 2 days at a time the indicative upper cost would be $2000 per year.
Horehound: Targeted boom spraying for Horehound could be estimated on 1 contractor day per year or around $500 per year. There would be costs involved with the release of biological controls also, however these have not been included at this stage.
6.7 Fencing and Infrastructure
The western boundary fence is approximately 7.3 km in length and is the principle fence requiring replacement prior to revegetation. At an upper limit of $4,000 per km for fencing this equates to $29,200 if the entire section is replaced. Fencing costs beyond the 1st year are not included in the calculations.
6.8 Site Visits and Monitoring
Site visits and monitoring time is often overlooked in revegetation planning even though it is a very important component and informs much of the implementation. A project officer or technical consultant costs around $800 per day and this is applied in Table 12 below.
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Table 12: Indicative Costs for Restoration
Activity Timing Cost/ha or Total Cost (1200 ha cost/year over 5yrs) Feral Animal Control 1) Four visits in summer, 3 $5,200 /yr $26,000 free feeds, 1 poison feed @ $300 per visit) for rabbit control 2) Autumn and spring, approx $3000 (1 bait run every two weeks for three month period, for two periods per year, based on $250 per day including fuel and wage) for fox control 3) Nominal figure for trapping or shooting goat and/or deer $1000 Fencing (minimum Prior commencement of $29,200 1st year ($29,200) required prior to revegetation only revegetation) Site Visits - May/June and September $1,600 /yr $8,000 Revegetation (2 days per year) Direct Seeding Late May through to mid-July $450 /ha x 238ha = $535,000 $107,100 Site Preparation Immediately following direct $50 /ha x 238 ha = $60,000 seeding $11,900 Targeted Weed Mid-winter to spring $2,500 /yr $12,500 Control Totals (1st year) $157,500 $670,200 CPI of 3% for 4 years* $752,214** * Calculated on the total cost per year for years 2,3,4 and 5 of the project ** CPI not applied to initial fencing cost
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Appendix 1: Fauna Species Recorded by AWC (Source: www.australianwildlife.org)
Reptiles (7 species) Pygopodidae (Lizard) Marble-faced Delma (Delma australis) Agamidae (Dragon Lizards) Crested Dragon (Ctenophorus cristatus) Gekkonidae (Geckos) Western Stone Gecko (Diplodactylus granariensis) Scincidae (Skinks) Rusty Earless Skink (Hemiergis millewae ) Southern Four-toed Slider (Lerista dorsalis) Myall Slider (Lerista edwardsae ) Grey`s Skink (Menetia greyii)
Thorny Devil (Rob Coventry pers. obs.) (Moloch horridus)
Birds (30 species) Casuaridae (Cassowaries and Emus) Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) Megapodiidae (Mound-builders) Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) Accipitridae (Hawks and Eagles) Collared Sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrhocephalus) Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera) Cacatuidae (Cockatoos) Galah (Cacatua roseicapilla) Psittacidae (Parrots) Eastern Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius barnardi) Mulga Parrot (Psephotus varius) Pardalotidae (Pardalotes, Scrubwrens, Thornbills, Gerygones) Inland Thornbill (Acanthiza apicalis) Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus) Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters) Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) Yellow-plumed Honeyeater (Lichenostomus ornatus) Yellow-throated Miner (Manorina flavigula) Brown-headed Honeyeater (Melithreptus brevirostris) Petroicidae (Australian Robins and Scrub-robins) Western Yellow Robin (Eyre Peninsula) (Eopsaltria griseogularis rosinae) Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata) Jacky Winter (Microeca fascinans) Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii) Pomatostomidae (Babblers) White-browed Babbler (Pomatostomus superciliosus) Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Shrike-thrushes) Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica) Crested Bellbird (Oreoica gutturalis) Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) Dicruridae (Flycatchers, Monarchs, Fantails) Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta) Willy Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) Campephagidae (Cuckoo-shrikes and Trillers) Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina novaehollandiae) Artamidae (Woodswallows, Butcherbirds, Magpies and Currawongs) Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus)
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Grey Currawong (Strepera versicolor) Hirundinidae (Swallows and Martins) Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) Sylviidae (Old World Warblers) Rufous Songlark (Cincloramphus mathewsi)
Mammals (3 species) Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi)
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