Approved NSW Recovery Plan muelleri subsp. bracteata (Green-leaved Rose Walnut) and (Rusty Rose Walnut) December 2004 © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), 2004. This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW).

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220 Tel: 02 9585 6444 www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut are best directed to:

The Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut Recovery Co-ordinator Threatened Species Unit (North East Branch) Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Locked Bag 914 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Tel: 02 6651 5946

Cover illustrator: Lesley Elkin/Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney with assistance from photographs by Hugh Nicholson

This plan should be cited as follows:

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 2004, Recovery Plan for the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut, Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville.

ISBN: 1 74122 159 5 Approved Recovery Plan The Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut

Recovery Plan for subsp. bracteata (Green-leaved Rose Walnut) and E. hayesii (Rusty Rose Walnut)

Foreword The NSW Government established a new environment agency on 24 September 2003, the Department of Environment and Conservation(DEC) (NSW), which incorporates the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. Responsibility for the preparation of Recovery Plans now rests with this new department. This document constitutes the formal New South Wales State Recovery Plan for Endiandra muelleri subsp. bracteata (Green-leaved Rose Walnut) and Endiandra hayesii (Rusty Rose Walnut), and as such considers the conservation requirements of the species across their known ranges. It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut in nature and the parties who will undertake these actions. The Green-leaved Rose Walnut is included as Endangered under the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, and the Rusty Rose Walnut is included as Vulnerable on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Both are medium-sized rainforest in the laurel family. The Green-leaved Rose Walnut is believed to occur from Central Queensland south to Maclean, New South Wales, while the Rusty Rose Walnut has a more restricted distribution in north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland. Otherwise, taxonomic confusion makes it difficult to generalise about these taxa as individuals. The future recovery actions detailed in this Recovery Plan include: (i) the resolution of taxonomic confusion surrounding the taxa; ii) surveys to improve base knowledge for the taxa; (iii) habitat management to alleviate threats; and (iv) research into ecology, reproduction and genetics. It is intended that this Recovery Plan will be implemented over a five year period. Actions will be undertaken by the DEC.

SIMON A Y SMITH BOB DEBUS MP Acting/Director-General Minister for the Environment

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Acknowledgments The DEC would like to thank the following for their valuable input to the Recovery Plan: Andrew Benwell, Hank Bower, Lance Fitzgerald, Alex Floyd, Glenn Holmes, Jenny Holmes, John Hunter, Rob Kooyman, Bob Koveny, Bill McDonald, Annette McKinley, John Williams, David Milledge, Andrew Murray, Hugh Nicholson and Nan Nicolson. Credit is due to Peter Borrelli, Greg Collins, John O’Donnell and others from the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority for their contributions to the plan and ongoing support and commitment to the management and protection of the species. This Recovery Plan was funded by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority as part of a Department of Environment and Conservation Concurrence Condition for the Pacific Highway Upgrade from Brunswick Heads to Yelgun.

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Table of Contents Foreword...... i Acknowledgments ...... ii 1 Introduction ...... 1 2 Legislative Context ...... 1 2.1 Legal Status...... 1 2.2 Responsibilities under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995...... 1 2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 2 2.4 Relationship to other legislation...... 3 3 Species Information...... 3 3.1 Description...... 3 3.2 ...... 3 3.3 Distribution...... 4 3.4 Land tenure...... 4 3.5 Habitat ...... 4 3.6 Life history and ecology ...... 5 3.7 Ability of taxa to recover...... 6 4 Threats and Management Issues...... 6 5 Previous Recovery Actions ...... 7 5.1 Surveys ...... 7 5.2 Management plans...... 7 5.3 Habitat protection and management ...... 7 5.4 Ex situ plantings ...... 8 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and Performance Criteria ...... 8 7 Implementation ...... 12 8 Social and economic consequences...... 13 9 Biodiversity Benefits ...... 13 10 Preparation Details ...... 13 11 Review Date ...... 13 12 References ...... 13 13 Acronyms Used in this Document...... 15 Appendix 1: Summary of advice from the NSW Scientific Committee...... 17

Tables Table 1: Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Recovery Plan...... 16

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collectively. Where a taxon is named, as in a 1 Introduction specified source, the qualifier “nominal” is added, except where there is good reason to accept a stated Two taxa in the group of rainforest trees known as name. Rose Walnuts are listed as threatened in New South Wales (NSW). This document constitutes the formal State Recovery Plan for the Green-leaved Rose Walnut Endiandra muelleri subsp. bracteata B. Hyland and the Rusty Rose Walnut and, as such, considers (Green-leaved Rose Walnut) occurs only in NSW the requirements of the taxa across their known and Queensland. Two subspecies of E. muellerii were ranges. It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure described by Hyland (1989), the other being named the long-term viability the Green-leaved Rose as E. muelleri subsp. muelleri. The common name of Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut in nature, and Green-leaved Rose Walnut is applied to both the parties who will undertake these actions. The subspecies. The taxon now known as E. muelleri attainment of the objectives of this Recovery Plan subsp. bracteata was described in the Flora of are subject to budgetary and other constraints in 1870 as E. pubens var. glabriflora. Other affecting the parties involved. The information in taxonomic changes followed. In the years this Recovery Plan is accurate to March 2003. immediately preceding its description and separation as a subspecies of E. muelleri, it has been treated as a This plan has been prepared by the Department of hairy form of that taxon. Environment and Conservation (NSW) (DEC) (formerly National Parks and Wildlife Service). For the purpose of this Recovery Plan the common Funding was provided to prepare this plan by the name of Green-leaved Rose Walnut refers to the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority as part of the subspecies Endiandra muelleri subsp. b racteata. DEC Concurrence Conditions for the Pacific Endiandra hayesii Kosterm (Rusty Rose Walnut) is Highway Upgrade from Brunswick Heads to Yelgun. also confined to NSW and Queensland. The Rusty Rose Walnut was described in 1970 from a specimen 2 Legislative Context collected from Minyon Falls (now within ) in 1957. 2.1 Legal Status The Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut are rarely encountered in fruit and only The Green-leaved Rose Walnut is listed as occasionally in flower. Hence most field Endangered on the NSW Threatened Species identification and many herbarium determinations Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). The taxon is not are based on vegetative features. of the two currently listed on the Commonwealth Environment taxa are variable in their venation and extent of Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 hairiness, and can be difficult to distinguish. (EPBC Act), nor on the Queensland Nature Botanists have recently revised some of their Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 (NC herbarium determinations, and agree that further Regulation). This Regulation comes under the scrutiny of existing specimens is warranted. In Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. addition, many field identifications are not supported The Rusty Rose Walnut is listed as Vulnerable on by specimens. the NSW TSC Act, as Vulnerable on the The compilation of background information for this Commonwealth EPBC Act, and as Vulnerable on Recovery Plan revealed greater confusion than has the NC Regulation. previously been suspected, hence it is currently not possible to confidently characterise the abundance, 2.2 Responsibilities under the Threatened distribution and habitat of, and assess the threats to, Species Conservation Act 1995 the two taxa separately. This two-taxon plan recommends the resolution of taxonomic difficulties Recovery plan preparation, exhibition and within and between the Green-leaved Rose Walnut implementation and the Rusty Rose Walnut, and in relation to other The TSC Act provides a legislative framework to closely related taxa (with which hybridisation is protect and encourage the recovery of Endangered possible). Thus, recommended recovery actions will and Vulnerable Species, Endangered Populations be adaptive depending on the results of taxonomic and Endangered Ecological Communities in NSW. investigation. Under this legislation the Director-General of the Some references to the taxa in the literature and DEC has a responsibility to prepare Recovery Plans database records are questionable. For the purposes for all species, populations and ecological of this plan, the two taxa are frequently treated communities listed as Endangered or Vulnerable on

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the TSC Act schedules. The TSC Act includes Key Threatening Processes specific requirements for both the matters to be As of December 2004 there are 23 Key Threatening addressed by Recovery Plans and the process for Processes listed on the TSC Act. Of these, preparing Recovery Plans. This Recovery Plan anthropogenic change, the clearing of native satisfies these provisions. and high frequency fire are relevant to This Recovery Plan was placed on public exhibition the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose from the 14 April 2004 – 20 May 2004. Walnut. In addition to these Key Threatening Processes, a range of other processes are recognised The Threatened Species Conservation Amendment Act as threatening the survival of the species in NSW. 2002 states that an approved Recovery Plan must include a summary of advice given by the NSW Licensing Scientific Committee with respect to the plan, Any activity not requiring development consent details of any amendments made to the plan to take under the NSW Environmental Planning and account of that advice and a statement of the Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) or the NSW reasons for any departure from that advice. This Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 (NVC Act), summary is provided in Appendix 1. which is likely to include the picking of the Green- The TSC Act requires that a government agency leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut, or must not undertake actions inconsistent with a to damage their habitat, requires a licence from the Recovery Plan. The actions identified in this plan DEC under the provisions of the TSC Act as a for the recovery of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut defence against prosecution. If the impact is likely to and the Rusty Rose Walnut in NSW are the be significant, a SIS is required. responsibility of the DEC. Other public authorities Other conservation measures may have statutory responsibilities relevant to the conservation and protection of the Green-leaved The TSC Act includes provision for other measures Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut. that may be taken to conserve the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut and their Consultation with indigenous people habitat, including the making of a Stop Work Order Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and other or Joint Management Agreement. groups representing indigenous people in the areas where the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty 2.3 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Rose Walnut occur have been identified and a copy of the Recovery Plan sent to them. Their comments Conservation Act 1999 on the draft of this Recovery Plan were sought. It is The EPBC Act provides a legislative framework for the intention of the DEC to consider the role and the protection of threatened species across Australia. interests of these indigenous communities in the An important role of the EPBC Act is to facilitate implementation of the actions identified in this plan. the preparation and implementation of Recovery Critical Habitat Plans for species listed under the Act in co-operation with the States and Territories in which populations The TSC Act makes provision for the identification of listed species occur. The Act also seeks to impose and declaration of Critical Habitat for species, the obligation (arising from the listing) for populations and ecological communities listed as responsible agencies (particularly the Endangered. Once declared, it becomes an offence Commonwealth) to adopt protective measures. This to damage Critical Habitat (unless the action is Recovery Plan will be submitted to the specifically exempted by the TSC Act) and a Species Commonwealth for approval under the EPBC Act. Impact Statement (SIS) is mandatory for all developments and activities proposed within Critical Under the EPBC Act, Critical Habitat may be Habitat. registered for any Nationally listed threatened species or ecological community. When adopting a To date, Critical Habitat has not been declared for Recovery Plan, the Commonwealth Minister for the the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Environment and Heritage must consider whether to Walnut under the TSC Act. The need for list habitat identified in the Recovery Plan as being declaration of Critical Habitat in NSW for these critical to the survival of the species or ecological taxa will be assessed when taxonomy, abundance, community. It is an offence under the EPBC Act for distribution and threats are better understood. a person to knowingly take an action that will significantly damage Critical Habitat (unless the EPBC Act specifically exempts the action). This offence only applies to Commonwealth areas.

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However, an action which is likely to have a The Green-leaved Rose Walnut significant impact on a listed species is still subject to The fluted twigs are covered in straight and referral and approval under the EPBC Act. tortuous1, erect, pale-brown hairs which are As the Rusty Rose Walnut is listed Nationally under appressed2. These hairs also cover the green the EPBC Act, any person proposing to undertake underside of the where domatia are usually actions likely to have a significant impact on this present. The leaf is elliptical, 6–11 cm long with 4–8 species should refer the action to the pairs of primary veins. Inconspicuous cream, green Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and or yellowish-green flowers occur in small clusters. Heritage for consideration. The Minister will then The petals and sepals are similar and together form a decide whether the action requires EPBC Act cylinder up to 2.6 mm long. This tube-like structure approval. This is in addition to any State or Local is hairless outside, but usually with hairs on the inner Government approval required. surface. The fruits are black, up to 30 x 15 mm, with a thin fleshy layer surrounding a single seed. Administrative guidelines are available from Commonwealth Department of Environment and The Rusty Rose Walnut Heritage to assist proponents in determining The twigs are cylindrical or fluted and are covered in whether their action is likely to have a significant straight and tortuous, erect, pale-brown hairs, as is impact. the green underside of the leaf. The leaf is elliptical or lance-shaped, 8.5–15.5 cm long with 5–9 pairs of 2.4 Relationship to other legislation primary veins. Inconspicuous cream to pale-green flowers occur in small clusters. The petals and sepals Additional legislation relevant to the conservation are similar and together form a sheath up to 3.2 mm and recovery of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and long with hairs on both the inner and the outer the Rusty Rose Walnut in NSW includes the surfaces. The fruits are black, slightly waxy, up to 30 following: mm long, with a single seed. • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; Harden (2000) provides additional description of • Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; these taxa. • Local Government Act 1993; 3.2 Taxonomy • Rural Fires Act 1997; Where flowers are not present, the literature • Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998; suggests that examination (high magnification hand • Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment lens or stereomicroscope) of the hairs on the twigs Legislation Amendment Act 2002; and and leaves provides the most reliable method of • Native Vegetation Act 2003. separating the taxa, as other characteristics are variable or overlapping. Close examination of the The interaction of the above legislation with the hairs is also useful to the Green-leaved Rose Walnut TSC Act with respect to the Green-leaved Rose and E. muelleri subsp. muelleri, though other leaf Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut is varied. characteristics separate them more readily. As flowers are rarely available, many identifications 3 Species Information have been based on leaf and branchlet samples. However, some herbarium identifications have not been based on this character, and have recently been 3.1 Description re-determined (A. Floyd, B McDonald pers. comm.). The Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Many field identifications are not supported by Walnut are medium-sized rainforest trees in the specimens, so that no checks are possible. There is family . Both taxa grow to 20 m tall, with also some doubt as to the reliability of vegetative the larger trunks usually buttressed in larger size characters for separation of the taxa. Some botanists classes. feel that insufficient specimens have been examined for certainty that the leaf and twig characters are Individual descriptions are from Hyland (1989). well correlated with the floral characteristics

1 tortuous = twisted, winding or crooked 2 appressed = pressed closely against another organ (leaf or twig)

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described for each taxon. Many agree that molecular In total, 83 locations for the Green-leaved Rose techniques could usefully be employed in a Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut are taxonomic study of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut, documented. Abundance data are available for only the Rusty Rose Walnut and closely related taxa. a small proportion of sites. Forestry assessments provide some frequency data and general Other sources of confusion arise in distinguishing description. For instance, the Rusty Rose Walnut between taxa within the . In particular, (nominally) was recorded in six out of 108 individuals occur with leaves of intermediate vegetation plots scattered through varying habitat appearance between the following (A. Benwell pers. types in State Forests of NSW former Murwillumbah comm.): Management Area (MMA) (W.B.M. Oceanics • the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and E. muelleri 1996). This taxon is described as locally abundant subsp muelleri; in suitable habitat within the MMA. No data for the Green-leaved Rose Walnut is available from the • the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty same source, as the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and Rose Walnut; and E. muelleri subsp. muelleri have not been • the Rusty Rose Walnut and E. pubens. distinguished (some of the plot data compiled predates the 1989 separation). In addition, leaf characters of seedlings and saplings of these species may be very different from those of Some of the near-coastal locations are known to mature trees (J. Holmes pers.comm.). consist only of a small number of stems, while regrowth forest in the Sleepy Hollow and Brunswick Accordingly, all records purported to be the Green- Heads areas is known to include moderate numbers leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut of stems mainly in the medium and small size classes. compiled as background for this report, have been pooled. Identification is certain only for the type Counts or estimates will be required from a larger specimens and some other herbarium specimens. A sample of locations to enable population sizes to be small number of field identifications have also been estimated for either or both taxa. derived from careful examination of the hairs on twigs and leaves (L. Fitzgerald pers. comm.), and are 3.4 Land tenure likely to be found reliable. Records of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut are known from: 3.3 Distribution • DEC estate: the Nature Reserves of Billinudgel, According to the literature the Green-leaved Rose Broken Head, Brunswick Heads, Inner Pocket, Walnut is known from north-eastern NSW, north Limpinwood, Numinbah and Snows Gully, with from the Clarence River (where a specimen from the National Parks of Border Ranges, Maclean was employed in Hyland’s 1989 Goonengerry, Mebbin, Mooball, Mount description) to southern and central Queensland Jerusalem, Mount Warning, and Nightcap; (Hyland 1989). The taxon is not considered threatened in Queensland, and is apparently • roadside reserves managed by Tweed and Byron moderately common. In NSW, records nominally of Shire Councils; this taxon are concentrated on the Tweed and Byron • within areas impacted by both the Pacific coasts, but also extend inland to the hinterland Highway upgrade between Brunswick Heads to ranges, and south to Tuckean, Bungawalbin and Yelgun and the Yelgun to Chinderah Freeway Maclean. within the Byron and Tweed local government The literature states that the Rusty Rose Walnut has areas; and a restricted distribution in northern NSW and • freehold land, owned and managed by various southern Queensland (Hyland 1989). The type private landholders. specimen is from Minyon Falls in Nightcap National Park. Records nominally of this species are clustered in the Border Ranges, Nightcap Ranges and 3.5 Habitat surrounds, and at a few scattered near-coastal Records for the combined taxa are usually from the locations. Harden (2002) gives the Clarence River poorer soils derived from sedimentary, metamorphic as the southern limit. In Queensland, the species is or acid volcanic rocks. Vegetation includes apparently very rare, with locations reported by subtropical and warm temperate rainforests and Barry and Thomas (1994) only at Burleigh Heads, Brush Box forests, including regrowth and highly Tallebudgera and Springbrook. modified forms of these habitats. The altitude varies

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from near sea-level to 800 m. The accurate Border Ranges, Nightcap Range, Koonyum Range characterisation of the habitat of the individual taxa and coastal lowlands. Many other locations have must await resolution of the taxonomic problems formerly been cleared for grazing or agriculture. One that confound existing data. consequence of logging disturbance and clearing is to favour forest invasion by Lantana (Lantana camara), which alters the structure of the habitat, and may 3.6 Life history and ecology smother seedlings and small trees. The exotic Life cycle Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) also competes with the Green-leaved Rose Walnut As the two taxa are morphologically similar, it is and/or the Rusty Rose Walnut at least one other likely, though not certain, that aspects of their life previously logged site. cycles will also prove similar. Both have small, inconspicuous flowers, and, if similar to other Most formerly logged areas of public land (State Lauraceous species that have been studied in detail forests now transferred to National Parks) are (House 1989), are likely to be insect pollinated. located in the State Forests of NSW former MMA. Flowering records, combined for both taxa, are in In their flora report provided as a supporting January, March, May, October (most commonly) document for the MMA forestry and management and November (Floyd 1989, Hyland 1989 and proposal EIS, W.B.M. Oceanics (1996) note that herbarium records). The trees are rarely observed in little information is available in the MMA on the fruit, possibly because they are high in the canopy, relationship between silvicultural practices and the because many observations are of immature regrowth status of rare or threatened species. No timber trees, or they may, like many laurels, fruit only at harvesting has been undertaken in rainforest, where long or irregular inter-annual intervals (Innes 1989, many such species are concentrated, since 1982. Wheelwright 1986). The fruits are likely to be However, wet sclerophyll forests, which also provide dispersed by birds, though there have been no direct habitat for the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the observations. Similar sized fruits of other local Rusty Rose Walnut, have been logged in more native laurels are eaten by rainforest pigeons, bower recent times with varying levels of survey and birds and the Green Catbird (Floyd 1990, Holmes protection for threatened species. In addition, 1987). Fruits (records combined for both taxa) have W.B.M. Oceanics (1996) note numerous observed been recorded in March, May, October and instances of accidental or deliberate damage to November (Floyd 1989, Hyland 1989). rainforest habitats during logging operations, and that the impact of such disturbances would be There are no observations of seedling emergence in exacerbated by the alteration to the microclimate, the field, probably because seedlings are often together with weed growth in heavily disturbed unnoticed and may be similar to those of other laurel logged areas adjacent. species. Nursery observations are limited since fruit is rarely observed. L. Fitzgerald (pers. comm.) has Logging is no longer conducted in public forests with collected fruit of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut known records of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut from central Queensland (beyond the currently and/or the Rusty Rose Walnut. The flow on effects understood range of the Rusty Rose Walnut and on threatened species from historical logging found it to germinate readily. G.McDonald (quoted disturbance are not understood, and a lack of in Barry & Thomas 1994) has found that cleaned detailed baseline data will make such assessments fresh seed of (nominally) the Rusty Rose Walnut difficult. germinates readily within 8 weeks. No information is available about the effect of fire on Population structure these two taxa. Like most rainforest species, they are likely to be adversely affected, especially by intense In regrowth forests on the Tweed and Byron coasts, or high frequency fires. A precautionary approach many recorded are small saplings and involving protection of the Green-leaved Rose immature trees, suggesting that good regeneration, Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut from fire is which may be episodic, is taking place. Saplings and indicated until more information is available. immature trees have also been recorded in association with mature trees in hinterland locations. Several occurrences are on roadsides where the Observations are limited, however, and it is not habitat of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the possible to generalise for either or both taxa. Rusty Rose Walnut may be subject to ongoing disturbance. Disturbance and competition The Green-leaved Rose Walnut and/or the Rusty Rose Walnut occur in formerly logged areas of the

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3.7 Ability of taxa to recover include the translocation of individuals of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Habitat clearing and fragmentation are believed to Walnut, removal and/or bisection of habitat at be the primary causes of past decline in the Green- Christies Creek, Sleepy Hollow, the Burringbar leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut. Range, Marshalls Ridges and various locations to the Reforestation initiatives currently underway through north of Brunswick Heads. government, community and private endeavours will create and reconnect suitable habitat for the taxa. Trees are also known from development sites where Seeds are apparently readily dispersed by birds, and some individuals have been left on the edge of active regeneration is apparent at many locations, clearings. despite probable irregular fruit set. Colonisation of Low numbers new sites can be expected. If currently known sites in good quality habitat are protected, and weeds and The abundance of each taxon individually cannot be other threats in regrowth vegetation can be gauged from existing information. It can be assumed managed, recovery prospects may be good in the that one or both taxa will be confirmed as rare, and long term. Whether this prediction can be expected will be present in low numbers in at least some parts to hold for one or both taxa will not be clear until of their ranges. Low numbers of individuals, and taxonomic problems are resolved. particularly of mature trees, result in vulnerability to the effects of chance catastrophic events, and numbers may drop below thresholds necessary for 4 Threats and Management Issues demographic processes to operate. Habitat clearing and fragmentation Weeds Clearing and fragmentation of known and potential Weed competition threatens the Green-leaved Rose habitat for agriculture, development and Walnut and/or the Rusty Rose Walnut at previously infrastructure remains an ongoing threat to the logged, cleared and otherwise disturbed sites. Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Lantana is present at a number of sites including Walnut. Cedar Creek, Mount Warning National Park and Though disturbed by past logging, relatively large Mooball National Park. Camphor Laurel is a threat areas of continuous forest habitat remain in at the latter site. As detailed site data is not hinterland forests and coastal ranges. The relative available for many locations, it is likely that weed representation of the two taxa in large habitat blocks competition will be found to be a threat in many is currently unknown. In the foothills and lowlands, more instances. clearing has resulted in the loss of individuals of the Weed control activities may result in accidental and two taxa, and their habitats. Habitat patches are unknowing damage to the Green-leaved Rose often left isolated in a matrix of agricultural or Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut, and unskilled developed land. There are a number of probable clearing of weeds can also damage their habitats. consequences, including edge effects and long term genetic problems. Many ecosystem processes require Genetic issues large areas for natural functioning, for instance, Reduced and fragmented populations are likely to regeneration may depend on dynamic natural suffer loss of genetic variation as a result of the loss disturbance mosaics. Suitable conditions for seedling of individuals containing unique genetic variants, and sapling development may be formed by chance inbreeding and genetic drift (Ellstrand & Elam events such as tree or branch falls (in a small area 1993). In the long term, loss of genetic variation this may not happen) or other threats may may threaten the evolutionary potential of the accompany their formation. Fauna including Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose pollinators or seed dispersers may not be able to Walnut and reduce their ability to respond to persist in small fragments, nor to move between alterations in their environments, including climate patches across a hostile matrix. change. Further studies are required to measure the Clearing and fragmentation have continued in extent and spatial distribution of genetic variation, recent times. The Pacific Highway Upgrading to relate such variation to fitness and reproductive Program has resulted in works being undertaken success, and to understand determinants of the flow between Brunswick Heads and Chinderah. Works of genes within the population (pollination and seed between Brunswick Heads and Yelgun are in the dispersal systems). advanced planning stage, while works between It is likely that distinctive genetic combinations and Yelgun and Chinderah have been finalised. variants have developed in various parts of the Activities undertaken or proposed to be undertaken ranges of the taxa. Introducing genetic material

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from outside the populations may result in policy aims to protect specific communities, displacement of local genotypes. This risk is including rainforest, from fire. currently assessed as low since both taxa appear to The Plan of Management for Billinudgel Nature be rarely propagated. In the long term, particularly if Reserve (NSW NPWS 2000) includes management inbreeding depression is detected, the introduction strategies to protect sensitive vegetation of new genetic material to populations may be communities and threatened species and to manage considered. pests. The plan also aims to manage fire to prevent Collection of propagation material the loss of threatened species. The extent of current fruit collection from wild The draft Plan of Management (NSW NPWS 2001) populations for the nursery industry is unknown and, for the Parks and Reserves of the Tweed Caldera if it is taking place, the regeneration potential of the (includes Mount Warning, Border Ranges, Mebbin, Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Nightcap, Mount Jerusalem and Goonengerry Walnut may be adversely affected. National Parks and Limpinwood, Numinbah and Snows Gully Nature Reserves) is currently with the Lack of information about threats DEC Advisory Council for consideration following a Many locations of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut public exhibition period. The draft plan includes a and the Rusty Rose Walnut have not been assessed desired biodiversity outcome to conserve populations for threats to the taxa. Further surveys are required. of threatened species and their habitat, and aims to exclude fire from rainforest and wet sclerophyll 5 Previous Recovery Actions communities. Plans for the management of pest species are in place in many national parks and nature reserves in north- 5.1 Surveys east NSW under the umbrella of DEC Northern Taxon specific surveys of the Green-leaved Rose Rivers Region Pest Management Plan. Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut have rarely been conducted, though surveys for conservation and 5.3 Habitat protection and management impact assessment purposes are commonly conducted throughout the range of the taxa, and If the Green-leaved Rose Walnut is ever found in target all threatened species of potential occurrence. State Forest, or within 50 m of the boundary, Surveys conducted during the Comprehensive condition 6.22 of the UNE IFOA will apply: Regional Assessment, and surveys associated 1. An exclusion zone of at least 50 m radius must be Environmental Impact assessments for the Pacific implemented around all individuals. Highway Upgrades between Brunswick Heads and Chinderah with route selection for the Pacific 2. An exclusion zone of at least 50 m wide must be Highway upgrade and duplication (Chinderah to implemented around all groups of individuals. A Brunswick sections) are examples. As individuals group is defined as more than one individual nominally of both taxa, and their habitats, have located less than 20 m apart. been/will be impacted by the various chosen routes, If the Rusty Rose Walnut is found in State Forest, or targeted surveys were carried out. This included within 50 m of the boundary, condition 6.24 of the surveys to ensure representation of the affected taxa UNE IFOA will apply: in compensatory habitat associated with the Yelgun to Chinderah Upgrade (Stewart 1999, 2000) and 1. An exclusion zone or exclusion zones of at least surveys as part of the Pacific Highway Upgrade from 50 m wide must be implemented around 90% of Brunswick Heads to Yelgun (Sinclear Knight Merz individuals. 1998, Connell Wagner 2002). 2. The exclusion zone or exclusion zones must include areas where the density of individuals is 5.2 Management plans greatest. The Plan of Management for the Byron Coast Specific on ground management of the habitat for Reserves (NSW NPWS 1997) covers Brunswick the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Heads and Broken Head Nature Reserves. The Walnut has not been conducted, apart from the plan’s objectives include the conservation of translocation for salvage of plants affected by the communities; its actions include implementation of a Pacific Highway upgrade for the Yelgun to strategy for the control of weeds in the habitat of Chinderah Freeway. rare and Endangered species; and a fire management

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However, general weed management has been Action 1.2: undertaken at Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. The DEC will develop a record keeping system on all Similar actions by private landowners may have known populations to facilitate co-ordination of this assisted the rehabilitation of the Green-leaved Rose Recovery Plan. Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut, though no such actions have been documented to date. Details of all known populations must be available and accessible for coordination and management, and to identify knowledge gaps. A site index, and all 5.4 Ex situ plantings available census data, habitat description, threat The Rusty Rose Walnut may be unrepresented in ex assessments, recovery actions and opportunistic situ plantings in public botanic gardens (Barry & observations should be compiled. Thomas 1994). Trees planted at the North Coast Performance criterion: A record keeping system will Regional Botanic Gardens are believed to be the be developed during the first year of this Recovery Green-leaved Rose Walnut (A. Floyd pers. comm.). Plan, and maintained and updated during the life of the plan. 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions Objective 2: To resolve taxonomic difficulties in and Performance Criteria the separation of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut The overall objective of this Recovery Plan is to and the Rusty Rose Walnut, and other closely prevent the decline of populations of the Green- related taxa and conduct field surveys where leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut in necessary to fill information gaps. the wild, to ensure ongoing viability of wild Action 2.1: populations, and to maintain the evolutionary potential of the taxa. The DEC will initiate a program of taxonomic study, using traditional taxonomic methods plus molecular In order to do so, further investigation is required to techniques, to establish the status of the Green-leaved resolve taxonomic difficulties currently confounding Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut and other available background data for the two taxa. closely related taxa, and to develop reliable methods of Reassessment of the distribution and abundance, separation suitable for field and herbarium use with reservation status and nature and extent of threats fertile and vegetative material. to each taxon will then be necessary, and actions adapted accordingly (Objectives 1–3). Objectives The effective assessment of the status and 4–9 will be applied to each taxon where separate requirements for recovery depends on accurate requirements have been identified, or to both taxa. identification of all known specimens. Currently the identity of trees at many locations is uncertain, and Specific objectives of this Recovery Plan are listed botanists use a variety of methods for separation. below. Recovery actions, each with performance criteria, have been developed for the nine objectives. Performance criteria: i) The taxonomic study is complete within the first year of the plan. ii) Details Objective 1: To coordinate the recovery of the of methods for separation of the taxa are Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose communicated to relevant botanists and managers Walnut. within the same timeframe. Action 1.1: Action 2.2: The DEC will coordinate the implementation of the The DEC will coordinate surveys for known Green- actions outlined in this Recovery Plan. leaved Rose Walnut and Rusty Rose Walnut sites where The resolution of taxonomic uncertainties and re identity remains unknown, and/or where basic site data assessments will require administration and liaison is not available. with botanists, geneticists and managers. Certainty of taxonomic identity and basic population Overseeing the recovery actions for the two taxa will and site data are essential background information be a complex task, requiring a co-ordinated for management. Many records of the Green-leaved approach. Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut lack either Performance criterion: Administrative arrangements the means for establishing the identity of the taxon are in place within the first year of this Recovery present (a herbarium specimen) and/or basic site Plan, and are ongoing during the life of the plan. data (abundance, population structure, habitat and threats). Detailed census data is desirable for at least a sample of the sites.

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Performance criterion: Surveys are conducted in Subsequent listing processes will be initiated if years 1 and 2 of the plan. appropriate. Objective 3: To reassess background information Action 3.4: for the newly resolved taxa. The DEC will use the results of initial taxonomic, genetic Action 3.1: and survey assessments to determine the immediate need for further assessment and genetic management. The DEC will revise accounts of basic taxon background, including abundance, population structure, When populations become depleted and fragmented, distribution, reservation status and threats, and will genetic variation is lost through a decrease in the subsequently adapt and reprioritise recovery actions as number of individuals, through genetic drift and appropriate. inbreeding depression. Current relative abundance, distribution and extent of fragmentation is not This assessment is essential as background understood for the two taxa. Indirect indications of information for managers and landowners, to refine genetic problems may also come from observations of and prioritise recovery actions. regeneration success. As genetic investigations, Performance criterion: Actions under objectives 4–9 consequent management actions and monitoring are are revised on the basis of new assessments of the resource consuming, an assessment of need following recovery requirements of the Green-leaved Rose preliminary investigations is appropriate. Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut by the end of Performance criterion: The DEC will assess the need Year 2 of the plan. for further genetic investigations in Year 2 of this Action 3.2: Recovery Plan. The DEC will assess the need for horticultural trials Action 3.5 (including vegetative propagation) and the augmentation Representative genetic material from as many populations of existing ex-situ conservation plantings of the Green- as is practical will be collected and stored at an leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut in public appropriate institution. collections. Genetic material is stored as a record of the genetic The Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose make-up of the species as a security against the Walnut are poorly or unrepresented in public ex situ destruction of populations through development or collections. In the event of a catastrophic event catastrophic stochastic events. affecting one or a number of wild Green-leaved Rose Walnut and Rusty Rose Walnut populations, the Performance criterion: That genetic material from as genetic material in ex situ plants may be valuable. As many populations as is practical is collected and held fruit are rarely observed, their collection will not at an appropriate research institution within the life usually be possible or advisable, and vegetative of the plan. propagation may be the preferred method of Objective 4: To improve the consideration of the collection and plant production. The need for ex situ Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose plantings and the adequacy of existing horticultural Walnut in environmental impact assessments for knowledge of the taxa requires assessment. developments and activities. Performance criterion: The adequacy of existing Action 4.1: horticultural knowledge of the taxa and the adequacy of their ex situ representation is assessed The DEC will develop and distribute standard survey within the life of this Recovery Plan. and environmental assessment guidelines for the Green- leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut to all Action 3.3: relevant government and non-government agencies, The DEC will review the need for critical habitat for the consent authorities and consultants. Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut. A standard minimum survey effort should be Some areas of habitat may be critical to the survival undertaken when determining if the Green-leaved of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut are present Rose Walnut. Depending on other options for their in or near the area of a potential development or protection, the DEC may initiate processes leading activity. The presence of either taxon should require to its listing under the TSC Act as Critical Habitat. implementation of effective mitigation measures to reduce the impact of any proposed development or Performance criteria: i) The need for critical habitat activity. The guidelines will address: is reviewed during Year 3 of this Recovery Plan. ii)

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• Maintenance and protection of roadside Action 5.2: populations, and their habitats. To assess the need for detailed site specific management • Protection of plants and their habitats where planning and supply guidelines and assistance as located close to developments. required. • Measures to protect plants and their habits from Planning for habitat management is highly desirable the indirect effects of proximity to human activity to ensure that objectives are understood, (rubbish and garden refuse dumping, trampling, management is effective and efficient, and that clearing of understorey vegetation). progress towards objectives is monitored. Objectives should include the removal or amelioration of Developments or activities frequently include an specific local threats, and may include habitat environmental repair component. Guidelines will expansion and rehabilitation, fire management, address aspects of habitat restoration and erosion control, and protection from livestock. rehabilitation including: Works should not have adverse impacts on the • Possible detrimental effects of misidentification of target species, its habitat or other threatened species the taxa during bush regeneration works. or ecological communities present or the environment generally. • Adverse effects on microclimate conditions in regeneration sites during weed removal. Management planning may be expensive and divert resources away from on ground works. The extent of • Planting of inappropriate species during habitat need for formal and detailed planning varies, and in reconstruction. some circumstances, adherence to habitat • Use of planting material of inappropriate genetic management guidelines may suffice. origin. Guidelines to determine the level of management Performance criterion: Standard survey and planning required, and recommendations for habitat environmental assessment guidelines are developed management and project evaluation will be supplied and distributed within the life of the plan. by DEC. Specific objective 5: To manage and protect the Performance criteria: i) The site specific Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose management planning needs of all locations of the Walnut and associated habitat from threatening Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose processes. Walnut on DEC estate are assessed during the first Action 5.1 year of the project. ii) Site specific management plans are prepared or management guidelines are The DEC will notify all relevant landholders/managers tailored to requirements, during Year 1 of the plan. that the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and/or the Rusty Implementation of these plans will be ongoing until Rose Walnut is present on their land, and ensure they objectives are met. iii) Where possible, similar have access to information relevant to the conservation of assessments and planning will be undertaken at the taxa. The DEC will liaise with relevant locations of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the landholders/managers to ensure that they are aware of Rusty Rose Walnut on other land tenures. the long-term voluntary protection measures and incentive programs available. Action 5.3: Accidental damage the Green-leaved Rose Walnut To control exotic weeds in the habitat of the Green- and/or the Rusty Rose Walnut and their habitat is leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut. possible where landowners/managers do not know Exotic weeds are serious threats to the Green-leaved the taxa are present, and do not have access to Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut and their management advice. habitat at several locations. Lantana at Mooball Performance criteria: i) All landowners/managers of Nature Reserve, Camphor Laurel at Cedar Creek, known locations of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut Mount Warning and other locations as detected in and the Rusty Rose Walnut are notified of the surveys early in the life of the plan will require presence of the taxa within the third year of the management. plan. ii) Where appropriate, options for long term Performance criterion: Exotic weeds are managed voluntary protection measures and incentive (primary treatment in Year 2 of the plan, reassessed programs are explained, habitat management in Years 3–5). guidelines provided and sources of assistance are Action 5.4: explained.

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The DEC will undertake liaison with relevant Councils As a precautionary measure, landowners/managers will and the RTA to ensure the protection of roadside be advised not to plant the Green-leaved Rose Walnut populations of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the and the Rusty Rose Walnut unless it is part of an action Rusty Rose Walnut. under the Recovery Program. Roadside populations require protection from Introduction of genetic material from outside the roadworks, slashing and herbicide. Continuous population may displace local genotypes and genetic disturbance is inevitable on many roadsides, and combinations, reducing the genetic diversity within encourages weed competition. the taxon. For roadside populations to be protected, several Performance criterion: Landowners/managers will be issues will require addressing. These include: advised of their obligations during the life of the plan. • Identification of roadside populations so routine maintenance works avoid damage to the species. Objective 6: Fire planning and management. • Assessment of need for physical protection Action 6.1: (barriers). The DEC will provide information on the ecological • Provision of advice to ensure pruning, earthworks requirements of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the and other management is conducted with Rusty Rose Walnut to the appropriate Bushfire minimal damage. Management Committees and DEC bushfire management planners. • Development of contingency strategies for situations where individuals have been harmed or The Rural Fires Act requires that the ecological future harm is unavoidable. requirements of threatened species are considered by Bushfire Management Committees (BMCs) in Planning and assessment measures necessary to preparing Bushfire Management Plans (BMPs) for protect roadside populations will be included in the local government areas. The DEC prepares Fire environmental assessment guidelines (Action 4.1) Management Plans that complement the local and habitat management guidelines (Action 5.2). BMPs, for areas under its control. Performance criteria: i) Authorities are notified of Performance criterion: The DEC has provided known locations of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut information on the ecological requirements of the and the Rusty Rose Walnut on roadsides. ii) Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Planning and management strategies and physical Walnut to the appropriate BMCs and DEC bushfire protection are in place within Year 2 of the plan. management planners within the life of the plan. Action 5.5: Objective 7: To improve knowledge of The DEC will not grant a licence under the TSC or the distribution, regeneration and genetics. NPW Acts to collect propagation material from the Action 7.1: Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut unless collection is part of the Recovery Program. The DEC will ensure that all the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut records generated by Actions that do not require a consent or approval research commissioned by the DEC are entered on the under the EP&A Act may require a licence under Atlas of NSW Wildlife. the TSC or the NPW Acts, for example, collection of threatened plants for identification purposes. It is important that the Atlas of NSW Wildlife Fruiting of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the database contains accurate records of the Green- Rusty Rose Walnut has rarely been reported. leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut as Therefore, licences will not be issued for the it is a primary resource for government and non- collection of propagation material, beyond the government agencies, researchers, developers, requirements of any recovery actions in this plan, environmental consultants and land managers. until further information is available. Performance criterion: Consultants and staff Performance criterion: No licences are granted undertaking research, surveys or management under the TSC or the NPW Acts for collection of commissioned by DEC within the life of the plan will propagation material from the Green-leaved Rose provide details of new Green-leaved Rose Walnut Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut unless and Rusty Rose Walnut records in a form suitable for collection is part of the Recovery Program. entry on the database to the DEC Wildlife Data Team on completion of the work. Action 5.6:

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Action 7.2: Objective 8: To integrate the recovery of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose The DEC will initiate a program of repeated census data Walnut with the recovery of other biota. collection and flowering and fruiting records from representative sites. Action 8.1: Factors limiting regeneration and development of Where practical, the DEC will integrate recovery actions the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose for the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut are poorly understood. Regeneration and Walnut with those of other threatened species, development within wild populations is likely to take populations or ecological communities occurring in place over long time frames and may be episodic. similar habitats. Data collected can be expected to provide some A number of other threatened species, populations preliminary guidance for future investigation. To or ecological communities are known or likely to link to other monitoring programs, consideration will occur in similar habitats to the Green-leaved Rose be given to representation of National Parks and Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut. By integrating World Heritage areas in the sites selected for study. the recovery actions of other threatened biota with Performance criteria: i) A review of available site those of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the data will be undertaken to determine appropriate Rusty Rose Walnut, limited resources can be used sites for a sample for data collection, and a program more effectively. of data collection will be designed during Year 2 of Performance criterion: Where practical, recovery the plan. ii) Baseline data to be collected in Year 2, actions have been integrated with those of other and repeat data collection to be undertaken in Years threatened species, populations or ecological 3–5. communities during the life of the plan. Action 7.3: Objective 9 To involve the community in the The DEC will encourage research into genetics and the recovery of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and reproductive biology of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut the Rusty Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut. Action 9.1: Information on genetics and the reproductive The DEC will provide copies of the species profile for the biology of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Rusty Rose Walnut will assist the DEC to refine Walnut to relevant government and non-government management actions for these species. Knowledge of agencies, as well as landowners, landcare groups and fertility, pollination and dispersal vectors, other interested community members within the known germination rates and environmental constraints to range of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty germination and seedling recruitment and Rose Walnut. persistence will improve the basis of management in the future. Education of the community about the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut will Research into genetics may demonstrate the increase the probability of finding and protecting presence of inbreeding depression, the range of new populations. When conservation principles are genetic variation and the extent of differentiation understood, other benefits for biodiversity will across the populations. The results will provide a follow. guide to enable future genetic management, conserving genetic variation and local adaptations, Performance criterion: Copies of the species profile preventing inbreeding depression and permitting for the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty future evolutionary development. In conjunction Rose Walnut to be distributed to landowners, with knowledge of movements of pollinators and landcare groups and community members known to seed dispersers, genetic information will refine the have specific interest in these species during Year 1 estimation of a buffer zone around wild populations of the plan, and to be available on request required to prevent genetic pollution. throughout the life of the plan. Performance criterion: The DEC will liaise with researchers and research organisations to discuss and 7 Implementation encourage research into genetics and reproductive biology within the life of the plan. Table 1 outlines the implementation of recovery actions specified in this Recovery Plan to relevant government agencies and/or parties for the period of five years from publication.

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8 Social and economic consequences threatened flora, plus the Endangered Ecological Community Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain, co- The total cost of implementing the recovery actions occur with the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the will be $273 150.00 over the five-year period covered Rusty Rose Walnut at Brunswick Head Nature by this plan. As a number of populations of both Reserve, while four and six threatened species co- species occur within national parks and nature occur at Billinudgel and Broken Head Nature reserves, the taxa has a significant level of formal Reserves respectively. In the matrix between, and protection. Management of these areas will be in inland from, these small coastal reserves, the Green- accordance with the requirements of the NPW Act leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut co- and any costs incurred will be met by the DEC. occur with poorly reserved threatened species It is anticipated that there will be no significant including Davidson’s Plum Davidsonia jerseyana and adverse social or economic costs associated with the Spiny Gardenia Randia moorei, in remnant and implementation of this Recovery Plan and that the regrowth lowland rainforests and wet sclerophyll overall benefits to society of implementation of the forests. Recovery Plan will outweigh any specific costs. Conservation actions that retain habitat quality, or permit habitat recovery for the Green-leaved Rose 9 Biodiversity Benefits Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut will benefit a wide range of fauna species, including some classified The preparation and long term implementation of as threatened, particularly those preferring rainforest Recovery Plans for threatened species, populations and wet sclerophyll forest. Threatened fauna species and ecological communities, contributes to, and recorded within the range of the Green-leaved Rose highlights the importance of, conserving biodiversity. Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut include their The conservation of biodiversity has a number of possible seed dispersers the rainforest pigeons wider community benefits. These include: Wompoo Fruit-Dove Ptilinopus magnificus, Rose- • provision and maintenance of a range of crowned Fruit-Dove, Ptilinopus regina and Superb ecosystem processes; Fruit-Dove, Ptilinopus superbus. In addition, frogs including Pouched Frog Assa darlingtoni and • contributing to increased ecological knowledge of species, habitats and broader ecosystems; and Loveridge's Frog Philoria loveridgei, reptiles including the Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink Coeranoscinus • cultural, aesthetic and spiritual biodiversity reticulatus and Stephen's Banded Snake values. Hoplocephalus stephensii and mammals including Common Planigale Planigale maculata and Long- The appropriate ecological management of the nosed Potoroo Potorous tridactylus may share the habitat of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the habitat of the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut will contribute to the Rusty Rose Walnut. conservation of a large number of other threatened species, and other flora species of conservation significance, which have been recorded within, and 10 Preparation Details adjacent to, known populations. The distribution of This Recovery Plan has been prepared by Dr Barbara the two taxa takes in parts of the forested areas of Stewart in consultation with DEC. the Tweed caldera, one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia. The national parks and nature reserves of the caldera include 35 threatened plant 11 Review Date species and 55 threatened animal species (NSW This Recovery Plan will be reviewed within five years NPWS 2001). The Nightcap Oak Eidothea of the date of its publication. hardeniana and the Minyon Quandong Elaeocarpus sp. “Rocky Creek” are amongst the very rare and restricted rainforest trees sharing habitat with the 12 References Green-leaved Rose Walnut and/or the Rusty Rose Walnut. Barry, S. & Thomas, G. 1994, Threatened vascular rainforest plants of south-east Queensland, On the foothills and lowlands, species co-occurring Report prepared for ANCA Endangered with the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Species Program. Rose Walnut include many which have been Connell Wagner Pty Ltd 2002, Pacific Highway severely depleted as a result of the extensive clearing Upgrade Brunsiwck Heads to Yelgun, of habitat. For instance, 14 additional species of Modifications to Approved Project,

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 13 Approved Recovery Plan The Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut

Environmental Impact Statement for Part 4 & Stewart, B.C. 2000, Flora Survey, Lot 125, DP Review of Environmental Factors for Part 5, 755721; Lot 1, DP 605206; Lot 2, DP 605206 Report to NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. Sleepy Hollow (unpub), Report to the Roads and Traffic Authority, Landmark Ecological Ellstrand, N.C. & Elam, D.R. 1993, ‘Population Services P/L, Suffolk Park. genetic consequences of small population size: Implications for plant conservation’, Annual W.B.M. Oceanics 1996, MMA EIS Supporting Review of Ecology and Systematics, vol.24, pp. document No.1; Flora Report MMA, Northern 217–42. Region SF of NSW, State Forests of NSW, Pennant Hills. Floyd, A.G. 1989, Rainforest Trees of Mainland South- eastern Australia, Inkata, Melbourne. Wheelwright, N.T. 1986, A seven year study of individual variation in fruit production in Floyd, A.G. 1990, Australian Rainforests in N.S.W. tropical bird-dispersed species in the family vol. 1, Surrey Beatty, Chipping Norton. Lauraceae, in Frugivores and , eds Harden, G.J. 2000, (ed.), Flora of NSW, vol. 1. New Estrada, A. & Fleming, T.H., Junk, Dordrecht, South Wales University Press, Sydney. 19–35. Holmes, G. 1987, Avifauna of the Big Scrub Region, Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra & NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney. House, S.M. 1989, ‘Pollen movement to flowering canopies of pistillate individuals of three rain forest tree species in tropical Australia’, Australian Journal of Ecology, 14, 77–94. Hyland, B. 1989, ‘Revision of the Lauraceae in Australia (excluding Cassytha)’, Australian Systematic Botany, vol. 2, nos 2–3. Innes, G.J. 1989, ‘Feeding ecology of fruit pigeons in subtropical rainforests of south-eastern Queensland’, Australian Wildlife Research, 16:365–94, R7 NSW NPWS 1997, The Byron Group of Coast Reserves; Plan of Management, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Lismore. NSW NPWS 2000, Billinudgel Nature Reserve Plan of Management, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Lismore. NSW NPWS 2001, Draft Plan of Management for the Parks and Reserves of the Tweed Caldera, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney. Sinclear Knight Merz 1998, Proposed Duplication of the Brunsiwck Heads Bypass and Upgrade of the Pacific Highway Brunswick River to Yelgun, Species Impact Statement, Report to NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. Stewart, B.C. 1999, Targeted surveys for Endiandra hayesii, Marsdenia longiloba and Syzygium hodgkinsoniae at Sleepy Hollow Lot 119 Dp 755721 (unpub), Report to the Roads and Traffic Authority, Landmark Ecological Services P/L, Suffolk Park.

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LNE Lower North East 13 Acronyms Used in this Document MMA Murwillumbah Management Area BMC Bushfire Management Committee NC Regulation Queensland Nature Conservation BMP Bushfire Management Plan (Wildlife) Regulation 1994 DEC Department of Environment and NPW Act NSW National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (NSW) Act 1974 DIPNR Department of Infrastructure, Planning NPWS NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Natural Resources NSW New South Wales EIS Environmental Impact Statement NV Act NSW Native Vegetation Act 2003 EP&A Act NSW Environmental Planning and SEPP State Environmental Planning Policy Assessment Act 1979 SIS Species Impact Statement EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1999 1995 IFOA Integrated Forestry Operations Approval UNE Upper North East LG Act Local Government Act 1993

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 15 eateto niomn n osrain(S)Page16 Department ofEnvironment and Conservation (NSW) prvdRcvr lnTheGreen-leavedRoseWalnutandtheRusty ApprovedRecoveryPlan Table 1. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Recovery Plan.

Actio Action Title *Priorit Cost Estimate ($’s/year) Total Responsible #In- ^Cash n no y Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Cost ($) Party/Funding kind sources 1.1 Co-ordination 1 2 450 1 750 1 750 1 750 1 750 9 450 DEC 9 450 1.2 Record keeping system 1 5 000 1 050 1 050 1 050 1 050 9 200 DEC 4 200 5 000 2.1 Taxonomic study 1 50 000 50 000 DEC 50 000 2.2 Surveys 1 38 500 2 000 2 000 2 000 2 000 46 500 DEC 46 500 3.1 Reassessment 1 1 750 1 750 DEC 1 750 3.2 Assess need for horticultural trials and 2 350 350 DEC 350 plantings 3.3 Critical habitat 2 350 350 DEC 350 3.4 Assess need for genetic management 2 350 350 DEC 350 3.5 Collect genetic material 3 700 700 DEC 700 4.1 EIA guidelines 1 1 050 350 350 350 350 2 450 DEC 2 450 5.1 Notify landowners/managers 1 1 050 350 350 350 2 100 DEC 2 100 5.2 Habitat management planning and 1 3 500 3 150 3 150 3 150 12 950 DEC 12 950 guidelines 5.3 Weed management 1 3 150 1 050 1 050 1 050 6 300 DEC 6 300 5.4 Protect roadside populations 1 1 050 1 050 DEC 1 050 5.5 TSC Act licensing 2 DEC 5.6 Restrict planting 2 DEC 6.1 Fire planning and management 1 DEC 7.1 Atlas records 1 DEC 7.2 Repeated census surveys 2 5 000 5 000 5 000 5 000 20 000 DEC 20 000 7.3 Encourage research 2 20 000 20 000 20 000 20 000 20 000 100 000 DEC 100 000 8.1 Integrate recovery with other biota 1 1 750 1 750 3 500 DEC 3 500 9.1 Involve community 1 4 750 350 350 350 350 6 150 DEC 6 150 Total 124 550 41 350 37 150 35 050 35 050 273 150 51 650 221 500 * Priority ratings are: 1 - action critical to meeting plan objectives; 2 - action contributing to meeting plan objectives; 3 - desirable but not essential action #‘In-Kind’ Funds represent salary component of permanent staff and current resources ^‘Cash’ Funds represent the salary component for temporary staff and other costs such as the purchasing of survey and laboratory equipment Approved Recovery Plan The Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut

Appendix 1: Summary of advice from the NSW Scientific Committee

Under Section 66A of the TSC Act, Recovery Plans must include a summary of any advice given by the NSW Scientific Committee, details of any amendments made to the plan to take account of that advice and a statement of reasons for any departure from that advice. The Scientific Committee’s comments on the draft the Green-leaved Rose Walnut and the Rusty Rose Walnut Recovery Plan and details of amendments made are tabled below. Section Advice Response A number of species also occur in Noted. No amendment to text required. Queensland, and the idea is that the plan becomes the national plan. However, all identified expenditure is from DEC – no contribution from Queensland is indicated (ie yet research in particular would benefit both states). The Scientific Committee is not able to Noted. No amendment to text required. comment on issues in Queensland. The plan involves considerable Noted. No amendment to text required. expenditure (even though in the case of some of the research actions the suggested amounts seem unrealistically low). What is the likely-hood of DEC being able to support this level of expenditure? An issue for these, and other rainforest Noted. No amendment to text required. species, is that they are in cultivation. This raises issues of continuing collection, genetic “pollution” and well meaning ‘do it yourself’ ‘recovery’ actions. There may be merit in DEC preparing a Noted. No amendment to text required. more generic position paper about issues raised by horticultural use of threatened species.

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