, · ·· . A Guide~ to . \ '," -=-- - ·Wetland Management·"' . on the· .. SWan•.·CoaStal .. Plain ·

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1 ~· ~- ···•·········•······•····•·'··: ...... ::.-.. :c:.. :t~~;~_;;~--~ ) .. Edited by: " ' ~orm ~dfr~y ~· Philip_Jennings · -Owen Nichols '·

• 1 . • • . • • • . . , . -. d C . . ... ··s· ... 1 onsnea oy- ffle wen an s onservat1on octety 1992 Published by: The Wetlands Conservation Society - c/-14 StoneCqurt Kardinya WA 6163 (1992)

J I / - I Copyright: .. Wetlands Co11servation Society, 1992

ISBN .0-646-09562-$

. -I, I Cover Design: Margaret Wilson

Layout al)d wordprocessing: Denise Gimtiner · A Guide to Management on e Swan Coastal Plain

Edited by:

rm Godfrey Philip Jennings Owen Nichols

Published by:

The Wetlands Conservation Society 1992

.;. \ Page ii

Preface

The purpose of this book is to provide practical advice to people who want to create, conserve or rehabilitate wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain. It is intended to be a useful, practical guide for conservationists, farmers, companies and community groups who are actively involved in wetland conservation or creation.

In recent years there has been a growing community awareness of the value of wetlands for wildlife conservation and landscape enhancement. Many efforts are now underway to repair those which have been damaged by years of mismanagement. Our experience in this field has given us confidence that most degraded wetlands can be restored to provide valuable wildlife habitat by following a few simple principles. There is much expertise available now in the general community on this subject but no one seems to have bothered to collect and compile it. This book is our attempt at this task.

We hope that you will find it useful for your work in wetland conservation. There are likely to be some errors and omissions in it and we hope that you will tell us about them so that we can correct and update it for future reprints.

The preparation of this book involved many people and, in particular, we would like to thank the authors for their advice and assistance. Many other people assisted us with proofrea'ding and advice. They include David James, Angela Sanders, Jim Lane, John Sutton, Harry de Jong and Rod Giblett. The word processing and layout was done by Denise Gardiner. Margaret Wilson provided the sketches for the front and back covers.

Most of the work was done on a voluntary basis and we are grateful to Alcoa of Australia Ltd for their financial support with the preparation and printing of the text. This book is a contribution by Alcoa to their Western Australian Landcare Project. We are particularly grateful to the Landcare Project Manager, John Collett, for his assistance and encouragement.

Norm Godfrey Philip Jennings Owen Nichols

April 1992 Page iii :;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:

This publication is sponsored by Alcoa of Australia Limited

ALCOA AUSTRALIA

In 1 989 Alcoa of Australia Limited committed significant resources to support the National Decade of Landcare in each of the two States in which it has operating locations.

The Alcoa Landcare Project is not part of the Company's commercial operations but is a community assistance project designed to put the Company's resources, and its operational experience, at the disposal of community landcare initiatives.

Since it commenced mmmg in 1 962, Alcoa, in association with Government agencies and tertiary institutions, has developed effective rehabilitation techniques for its mined areas. This rehabilitation work has received worldwide recognition, and recently Alcoa of Australia was honoured by the United Nations Environment Program by being enrolled on its Global 500 Roll of Hondur.,

For many years Alcoa has been sharing its resources with the Australian community to help address wider environmental issues, such as vegetation decline and land degradation.

In 1989 Alcoa announced a $6.5 million five year Landcare Project ( $5 million in Western Australia and $1 . 5 million in Victoria). In support of the National Decade of Landcare this community assistance program is aimed at raising awareness of the practical measures that can be taken to redress land degradation.

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The Wetlands Conservation Society.·

Concern about the serious loss of wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain led to the formation of the Wetlands Conservation Society early in 1985. The founding members of the Society were mostly people who had been involved in the unsuccessful campaign to prevent the construction of Farrington Road through the North Lake wetlands in September 1984. This event provided a nucleus for the formation of a group dedicated to the conservation of the remaining coastal wetlands.

The initial focus of the WCS's efforts was the campaign to protect the Beeliar wetlands from the many threats which were facing them. This campaign led to the establishment of the Beeliar Regional Park in the Cockburn and Kwinana areas.

The WCS is now involved in campaigns for wetland conservation throughout the State. Its rehabilitation efforts are focussed on the Beeliar wetlands especially North and Yangebup Lakes. It is also active in community education about wetlands and its members provide assistance to government and the public on issues related to wetland conservation.

In 1991 the Wetlands Conservation Society was awarded the John Tonkin Greening Award for its rehabilitation efforts in the Beeliar wetlands.

Introducing the Authors.·

Norm Godfrey is Vice-President of the Wetlands Conservation Society. Since 1 985 he has coordinated the Society's efforts to rehabilitate the Beeliar Wetlands. The primary focus of Norm's efforts has been at North Lake, which he has helped to rehabilitate from a degraded and eutrophic condition to something more suitable for wildlife habitat. Norm is an agricultural scientist and has recently retired from his position in the animal production division of the Agriculture Department of Western Australia.

Philip Jennings is President of the Wetlands Conservation Society. Together with Norm Godfrey and several others he helped to found the Society in February 1985. He has been involved with the Society's rehabilitation efforts at North Lake and Lake Yangebup. He is a physicist by profession and is employed by Murdoch University as Associate Professor of Physics. Page v :;:;:::::;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!%;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:

Owen Nichols is an environmental consultant who works part­ time for Alcoa of Australia Ltd. He was previously employed full time by the company as Environmental Research Manager. In both roles he has had a long involvement in the planning and management of wetland rehabilitation projects, particularly at The Spectacles and Wellard Wetlands.

Davis is a wetland ecologist who is employed as a Lecturer in Environmental Science at Murdoch University. She is involved in several wetland research projects including studies of invertebrate fauna of the coastal wetlands and midge control programs. Her research work has provided a scientific basis for the management of the coastal wetlands.

Ben Carr is the projects supervisor for Environmental Field Services, a company specialising in large scale tree-planting and rehabilitation projects. Prior to this Ben was the project coordinator for the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers in Western Australia. Ben has a degree in environmental science and has extensive experience in planning and coordinating rehabilitation projects. He is also a founding member of the Wetlands Conservation Society.

Brett Loney is the environmental manager for the Main Roads Department of Western Australia. He is responsible for the management and rehabilitation of road verges and interchanges following road construction.

Fiona Nicholls is the Manager of Environmental Affairs at AMC Mineral Sands Ltd, and has a co-ordinating and management role over all of AMC's environmental programs.

Frank Doyle works for the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union and has been the Project Officer for the AMC Wetlands Centre since 1989. Frank is involved in the day to day implementation of rehabilitation programs and the monitoring of birds inhabiting the Centre.

Mike Mauritz is a Professional Officer with the Institute of Science and Technology Policy at Murdoch University. His research is directed towards questions of water resource management and urban sustainability.

David Hedgcock is Head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Curtin University. He has had a long term involvement with research on the integration of land and water management .

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Page

INTRODUCTION by Philip Jennings

Part A Case Studies 5

2 DEVELOPING A MANAGEMENT AND REHABILITATION PLAN FOR A WETLAND by Owen Nichols 7 3 CREATING WETLANDS FOLLOWING CLAY EXTRACTION by Owen Nichols 15 4 CREATING WETLANDS FOLLOWING SAND MINING by Fiona Nicholls and Frank Doyle 21 5 x WETLAND CREATION AND ROAD WORKS by Brett Loney 27 /6 I) WETLANDS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT by David Hedgcock and Mike Mauritz 31 7 REHABILITATION AND MANAGEMENT OF NORTH LAKE by Norm Godfrey 39

Part B Techniques of Rehabilitation 47

8 WHY REHABILITATE WETLANDS? by Norm Godfrey 49 9 PLANNING A REHABILITATION PROJECT by Ben Carr ~5 10 SPECIES SELECTION FOR REHABILITATION by Owen Nichols and Norm Godfrey 59 11 GROWING TREES FROM SEED by Philip Jennings 63 12 PLANTING TECHNIQUES by Norm Godfrey 67 13 MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY by Owen Nichols and Jenny Davis 73 14 AFTERCARE by Norm Godfrey 81

Appendices

1 SPECIES SUITED TO WETLAND REHABILITATION PROGRAMS 85 2 WETLAND REHABILITATION PROJECTS 91 3 CHECKLIST FOR MANAGING WETLAND RESERVES 93 4 WHERE TO GET ASSISTANCE WITH WETLAND REHABILITATION 95 5 BIBLIOGRAPHY OF USEFUL REFERENCES 99 1

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by Philip Jennings, Wetlands Conservation Society

The Swan Coastal Plain lies between the . the southern section of the Swan Coastal Darling Escarpment and the Indian Ocean and Plain, between Harvey and Dunsborough, stretches over a distance of more than three more than 95% of the original wetlands have hundred kilometres from the Moore River in been drained for agricultural purposes the north to the Vasse River in the south. It (Fisheries and Wildlife, 1978). is an area of sand dunes and sediments which were once covered by dense vegeta­ The remaining coastal wetlands are now a tion and thousands of diverse wetlands. vital habitat for the wildlife of the Coastal Today it is still a region of abundant fresh Plain and for waterbirds from the north and water although much of the original the interior which migrate to the coast in vegetation has been cleared and most of the search of fresh water at the end of summer. wetlands have been drained. Those that Many of these wetlands are now threatened remain support a large population of wildlife by urban expansion and by pollution from including many migratory waterbirds which fertilisers and other agricultural chemicals. congregate on the Coastal Plain at the end of Increasing groundwater extraction from the summer. coastal aquifers is also having an adverse impact on some of the coastal wetlands. Because of its pleasant climate and abundant natural resources the Swan Coastal Plain is Towards the end of the 1970s the commu­ also the most heavily-settled part of the nity began to appreciate the value of these State. This has led to frequent conflicts coastal wetlands for recreation, conservation between the proponents of various land uses and landscape enhancement. This was such as conservation, agriculture, urban largely due to the rising interest in nature development, mining and water supply. The conservation and the growth of recreational Coastal Plain contains abundant, high quality activities such as bushwalking and bird­ groundwater resources which are heavily watching. These groups began to campaign exploited for human consumption and agricul­ for wetland conservation and some signifi­ ture. However this groundwater also cant steps were taken to protect important supplies the wetlands and wildlife and its wetlands. The Cockburn Wetlands Study exploitation has had substantial impacts on ( 1976) drew attention to the value of the the environment. wetland system and recommended conserva­ tion and management initiatives. In the past, little regard was paid to the value of wetlands and they were often drained or In the System Six Report (1983) the Environ­ filled with rubbish to convert them into land mental Protection Authority recommended suitable for farming or housing. Almost the conservation of a large number of 80% of the original wetlands on the Swan important wetlands on the Swan Coastal Coastal Plain are believed to have been Plain. The EPA proposed a Regional Park totally destroyed and most of the remainder system to conserve important natural areas, have been heavily modified (EPA, 1991 ). In including wetlands, many of which were the conservation of the Beeliar, Rockingham privately-owned. Several of these Regional and Jandakot wetlands. The Waterbird Parks have now been established including Conservation Group was formed at about the the Canning River, Herdsman lake, the same time and it began to campaign for the Beeliar and Yellagonga Regional Parks. conservation of waterbird habitat. The Royal However many of the EPA's recommenda­ Australasian Ornithologists Union began its tions for wetlands are still awaiting annual waterfowl counts in the early eighties implementation. and their data led to a much better under­ standing of the value of particular wetlands During the 1980s the community began to play an active role in wetland conservation. for waterfowl. The Friends of Star Swamp succeeded in Government agencies, including the EPA and saving that important wetland from des- the Departments of Conservation and land truction in 1983. Management and Planning and Urban Development began to protect and manage The Wetlands Conservation Society was wetlands in the mid eighties. Some major formed in 1985 and began to campaign for projects included the Herdsman lake rehabilitation project, the Forrestdale lake Management

DANDARAGAN Plan and the Swan Coastal PLATEAU Plain Wetlands Policy. WESTERN AUSTRALIA The University of WA took over the management of lake Banganu~ and has managed ~ as a wildlife refuge and research station. The City of Melville has produced manage­ ment plans for lake Booragoon and Bull Creek and several other local authorities are

DARLING taking an active role in wetland PLATEAU management. The Shire of Swan allowed the creation of several large artificial wetlands at Ballajura and these have been successful after some INDIAN OCEAN initial problems.

Industry has also begun to play an important role in wetland creation and rehabilitation. Alcoa has been a leader in this field and its work in rehabili­ tating the Spectacles Swamps in Kwinana has been quite outstanding. This formerly degraded wetland is now a showpiece of biological diver­ sity. Alcoa has also created artificial wetlands on the clay soils of the Pinjarra Plain at Wellard and these are now a BLACKWOOD wildlife sanctuary. AMC 50km 0 PLATEAU Mineral Sands Ltd, a sand mining company, has con­ verted old mining pits into THE SWAN COASTAL PLAIN attractive wetlands near Capel. [Source: EPA (1991 )] 3

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In recent years public interest in conservation Our society is facing a major challenge to and rehabilitation of the natural environment stem the tide of environmental decay. has reached new heights as a result of rising Wetlands are amongst the most diverse and concern about the apparent deterioration of valuable of biological systems. They support the environment. abundant plant and animal life and they play a vital ecological role. This has led to many community tree planting projects and several attempts by local groups In WA wetlands are relatively rare yet we to rehabilitate or conserve coastal wetlands. have proceeded to destroy most of our coastal wetlands. Those which remain are This book is based on our experience in degraded and threatened but there is still wetland creation, rehabilitation and manage­ time to conserve most of them and even to ment. It is our contribution to the growing create new ones. effort by the WA community to reverse the trend of wetland loss on the Swan Coastal We hope that this book will give you the Plain. We have shown that degraded wet­ knowledge and the inspiration you need to lands can be restored to health by careful help in the job of restoring our wetland attention to some simple and inexpensive heritage. details which we have described in subsequent chapters. REFERENCES

The task is vast but you can succeed with Cockburn Wetlands Study (1976}, Editor P persistence and know-how. Persistence is Newman, Institute of Environmental Science, essential for you are certain to encounter Murdoch University setbacks and disappointments and it is always helpful to work with a group which EPA (1991) can share the task. Draft Environmental Protection Policy (Swan Coastal Plain Wetlands}, Perth This book is organised into two main parts. Part A focuses on case studies of wetland Fisheries and Wildlife Department ( 1978) rehabilitation on the Swan Coastal Plain. It Wetlands of the South West of WA, with includes examples of rehabilitation following Special Reference to the Busselton Area farming, roadworks, and urban development. Part 8 contains specific advice on the techni­ Giblett R (1991) ques of wetland creation. It is based on our A City and Its Swamp Setting: Decolonising cumulative experience in many rehabilitation Perth's Wetlands, Australian Studies projects. System Six Report (1983), Department of The Appendices contain detailed information Conservation and Environment, Perth, which will assist people who wish to Report 13 undertake their own wetland rehabilitation projects.

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A Case The

by Owen Nichols, Alcoa of Australia ltd

Many wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain The story of the rehabilitation of The have become degraded as a result of a Spectacles began in the late 1 960s when variety of pressures. With the community Alcoa purchased about 35% of the area for becoming increasingly concerned about possible future use as residue storage areas. protecting our remaining wetlands, a clear need has become apparent for guidelines Extensive clearing for agriculture had taken demonstrating how to go about conserving place since the 1 940s, leaving much of the and rehabilitating degraded wetlands. The north-west and eastern fringes bare and involvement of the Alcoa Landcare · Project degraded. Market gardens had been estab­ and Alcoa's Kwinana Refinery, CALM, Local lished by clearing large parts of the wetland, and State Government Departments and but were later abandoned. More recently, several community groups in developing a the use of trail bikes and grazing by horses management and rehabilitation plan for The had caused further degradation and Spectacles Wetland is a good example of prevented re-establishment of native how many complex issues can be overcome vegetation. and significant progress made towards the common objective of wetland conservation. Nevertheless, biological surveys conducted by Alcoa in the late 1 970s showed that the BACKGROUND area still contained significant conservation values, including: The Spectacles Wetland is located immediately north-west of Kwinana (see a a large, relatively undisturbed jarrah/ Figure 1). Within the four boundary roads, banksia woodland the total area is 360 ha, containing two 111 a rare lizard species (Lerista /ineata) principal wetlands: Large Eye (68ha) and 111 the largest, best preserved example of a Small Eye (38ha). mature, closed Melaleuca wetland 0 2 3 4 SCALE IN KILOME;TERS

FIGURE 1 - Location of The Spectacles Wetland in Kwinana

11 support of community groups and 11 good water quality· 11 a nesting colony of the rufous night heron government had not developed to the extent where there was universal It soon became apparent that the site was agreement on how the site should be too valuable for the .type of industrial developed development proposed. By the early 1980s 11 methods of rehabilitating difficult sites Alcoa began to develop a management were not yet available program designed to prevent further 11 methods of site planning for appropriate degradation of the area, and to rehabilitate use by the public were less advanced some of the most severely degraded sites. . 11 several land tenure questions remained Early work included the construction of fencing to restrict access of trail bike riders, Through the 1 980s the situation gradually removal of more than 140 old car bodies, and changed. Committed volunteers, principally replanting of cleared areas adjacent to Large Mrs Pauline Clay, helped to generate support Eye wetland. for dedicating the area as a conservation reserve. Involvement of the Department of Despite good intentions, progress towards Planning and Urban Development and CALM development and management of the site did in developing the Beeliar Regional Park Plan not advance much beyond that point for a helped form a basis for resolving the land number of years, for the following reasons: tenure question. Community environmental awareness and concern changed rapidly in 9

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the late 1 980s to the point where there was 3 Provided conservation values are not eventually full support for conserving and compromised, utilise the site for rehabilitating the site. appropriate recreation purposes based on, and compatible with these values. Aim Finally, knowledge of rehabilitation to integrate recreation and education techniques, and processes for integrating programs wherever possible. management of human use and conservation values had advanced sufficiently to enable 4 Develop a management program to retain the effective development of a site the site's conservation values and development, management and rehabilitation optimise the above land use objectives. plan. Issues which will need to be addressed will include water quality and fire THE PLANNING PROCESS management, control of vandalism and unplanned uses, management of site In 1 989 Alcoa decided to develop a manage­ users and supervision of site rehabilitation ment plan for the site, with help from programs. The program should also be Mrs Pauline Clay. However, it was soon desigped to gradually reduce Alcoa's realised that help would be needed in involvement in management to a formulating the plan. minimum.

The Company contacted the Recreation and 5 The land tenure question should be Landscape Planning Branch of CALM for resolved, to the satisfaction of all advice. CALM used the project as a syndi­ landholders whilst maximising retention cate exercise for recreation planners from of site conservation values. around WA, so that the resulting plan WOL.Jid benefit considerably from the extensive 6 Ensure ongoing recognition of the experience of many people involved in the contribution of Alcoa of Australia Ltd and day to day management of a wide variety of other relevant organisations to the conservation reserves. rehabilitation, conservation and manage­ ment of the area. The syndicate planning groups were given the following objectives for the preparation of 7 Where relevant, liaise with State and the Site Development Plan. local Government agencies, and adjacent landowners in planning and ongoing Objectives for the Conservation and Manage­ management issues. ment of The Spectacles: The development of such a set of objectives d Ensure ongoing protection and, where is an essential first step when producing a e necessary, rehabilitation of the management plan. Without agreed objec­ ll conservation values of The Spectacles tives, management practices do not have the e Wetland, in particular: direction, co-ordination and commitment from water quality and wetland values stakeholders necessary to succeed. s the associated jarrah/banksia woodland (one of the few remaining THE SPECTAClES DEVElOPMENT e large, relatively weed free areas of PlAN this habitat) any rare species present (eg the skink The resulting Spectacles Concept Develop­ Lerista lineata and the freckled duck) ment Plan was produced by CALM's f the rufous night heron rookery Landscape and Recreation Planning Branch f from the recommendations of the syndicate t 2 Provided conservation objectives are not planning groups. The plan is now at the draft compromised, utilise the site for stage (Figure 2). education and research purposes, taking full advantage of its conservation values, The first step in the planning process was to proximity to the metropolitan area, and divide the site up into zones, based on its demonstration of rehabilitation, conservation values, accessibility, landform environmental management principles, and any other factors relevant to the overall and multiple land uses in close proximity. objectives. Zone 1 encompassed areas of ..... a ·~I //,' illl! ...... , ...... r"'"' In ,/,/ ·~l(l I ,,~' I I •, ·-- I ',, ' ...... ',,

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FENCELINES ~ POWER LINE THE SPECTACLES WETlAND 0 YfGETATION -- LAND TENURE IIOIINOARIES Development Concept Plan OPEN WATER MAIH TRAIL 1:4000 ...... 0 -- An ALCOA • CALM Projecl e 11 :::::::::::::;:;:::;:::::::;:::;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:::::;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:

highest conservation value, such as the density use areas are located in Zone 3. banksia woodland and both wetlands. It was These inclu.de car parks, a visitor interpre­ designed to receive minimal use apart from tation centre and several barbecue areas. carefully selected walk trails and viewing Again, siting of these facilities has carefully points. The philosophy in this area is that taken account of all relevant factors such as controlled human use is important in landform, site suitability, impacts on conser­ promoting appreciation of, and support for vation values, aesthetics, visitor use conservation values; people will not so patterns, and connections with Kwinana readily support conservation of areas from Townsite and the Mandogalup community. which they are effectively locked out. However, it is essential that visitor use As the plan was being developed, it became should not degrade the values upon which apparent that implementation of the comple­ the area's attraction relies. As the ted concept plan would be an expensive management plan is prepared, procedures for exercise. Discussions with Alcoa took place

Part of the Spectacles Wetland managing water quality; feral animal control and the company agreed to provide and other issues will be developed. $225,000 through the Alcoa Landcare Project, which is designed to support projects Zone 2 encompasses more degraded areas. such as this - i.e. projects which demonstrate Some have remnant native vegetation, others methods of rehabilitating and managing the are located where they will serve as land for long term, integrated conservation of important buffers for Zone 1 areas. There important ecological and (in rural areas) are more opportunities for development of agricultural values. CALM also agreed to facilities such as dual use pathways in Zone contribute by providing a significant amount 2, and rehabilitation of degraded areas will of staff time, specifically planning staff and increase their conservation, buffering and Metropolitan Region staff. aesthetic values. Increased visitor use in Zone 2 areas will not sufficiently impact on Once a draft plan is completed, the next the values preserved in Zone 1 . The high essential step is to contact all relevant groups .... 1\.)

100m 200m 300m

SCALE

::n G) 1.0 ha ~ (...) r­ c (') Cll .....c;· ::J ~ ~ Q.. ~ ::J Cb (I) c...., s ZONES Cb.... (.Q 1a SECWA HIGH VOLTAGE POWERLINE (.Q.... 1b SECWA UNDERGROUND GAS PIPELINE ~ 2 UPLAND BANKS lA/ JARRAH WOODLAND g. 3 MID SLOPE BANKSIA/FLOODED GUM WOODLAND :::.: 4 LOWER SLOPE FLOODED GUM/PAPERBARK ~· c;·.... WOODLAND ::J ):,. 5 MIDSLOPE CLEARED PASTURE t:ti 6 UPLAND CLEARED PASTURE Cll 13 :;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;::::!::;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;::::::::::::::::::::!::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

and persons who may have an interest in the groups, including generation of public project. It is never easy to decide exactly at support, monitoring, cost savings, and what stage to obtain external input. reductions in vandalism. With increasing concern for local conservation issues, the However, as a general guideline, input should involvement of local volunteers (particularly be sought when there is a concept to schools) is usually not difficult and should be comment on, but while plans are still flexible. an important part of any similar project. In 1990 and 1991, school groups helped with Obviously, development of the initial planting, RAOU volunteers monitored bird use concepts should take into account the likely of the wetland, and members of the or known views of all stakeholders, in order Wetlands Conservation Society gave a consi­ to make the subsequent review process that derable amount of time to reviewing and much smoother. The Spectacles plan is now commenting on The Spectacles planning at the stage where initial input from key process. groups such as the Wetlands Conservation Society, RAOU, the Kwinana Town Council, A project such as this needs ongoing ratepayers groups and some interested public direction. A Spectacles Management have been obtained. Several changes have Committee has been formed by CALM and been made, and CALM are now preparing includes representatives of CALM, Alcoa, more detailed site prescriptions in order to Kwinana Town Council, the Wetlands obtain more detailed feedback. Conservation Society and the Water Authority of WA. The Committee is The plan must be prepared in parallel with the responsible for making decisions on issues Beeliar Management Planning process, to which inevitably arise during preparation of ensure that issues relevant to the whole The Spectacles Development Plan and the wetland chain are taken into account. This Beeliar Management Plan. will also provide a formal opportunity for all Government and interested public to provide A communication plan has also been input. developed. This is designed to ensure that planning and management of The Spectacles In the meantime, how13ver, essential manage­ Project is effectively communicated to ment practices such as rehabilitation of badly everyone with an interest in the project. degraded areas can continue. This work is Eventually, it is proposed to establish a important to ensure that further degradation "Friends of The Spectacles" group who will does not occur, weeds and rabbits are assist in a variety of roles which may include controlled, and rehabilitation is sufficiently organising volunteer works programs, moni­ advanced when other facilities are developed toring undesirable activities, organising nature in the next few years. walks and liaison with Government and industry. In 1991, rehabilitation efforts were concen­ trated on the north-western portion of The It is obvious from The Spectacles Project that Spectacles, or the portion owned by Alcoa preparation and implementation of a manage­ (Figure 3). Work currently under way includes ment and rehabilitation plan is not a simple removal of several old car bodies, construc­ process. Political, financial and technical tion of a rabbit proof fence and rabbit problems must be resolved. Conflicting control, planting and seeding using purely desires of user groups will inevitably exist, local species (with seed mostly obtained and compromises must be reached through locally) and weed control. Rehabilitation is effective communication and development of designed to re-establish vegetation appropriate objectives. The levels of communities in their appropriate locations. community awareness and public concern Details of the rehabilitation program are continue to increase, and it is now possible available on request. to generate sufficient enthusiasm to ensure that similar projects succeed. A significant component of The Spectacles Project is the involvement of volunteer The philosophy of the Alcoa Landcare Project groups, including conservation groups, is that such exercises should act as a model schools and the general public. There are for others contemplating similar projects. numerous reasons for involving volunteer Alcoa and The Spectacles Management 14

Committee would be happy to share any It will also demonstrate that diverse groups experiences gained during the development can work together for a common environ­ of The Spectacles. In the long term, it is mental objective. envisaged that management of the area will ensure both retention and (where degraded) Finally, it should show that, with appropriate enhancement of the area's conservation planning and management, conservation, values. The project should demonstrate that recreation, education and tourism can all be rehabilitation of severely degraded areas is catered for in wetland areas of the Swan possible and worthwhile. Coastal Plain. 15 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;::::::::::::::::::::~~~:::::::::;:;:;:;~::~::~:::;:::::::::::::::::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::;:;::::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::::::::::::::::::~~::::~~= Chapter 3

by Owen Nichols, Alcoa of Australia Ltd

Most of the original wetlands on the Swan leave a pit up to 5m deep covering an area of Coastal Plain have been filled or drained. 25ha. Several options were considered for Any development which could reverse this the rehabilitation of this site, including trend and provide much needed habitat for backfilling and rehabilitating it to farm land, waterbird species would have significant sanitary landfill, use of the water for irrigation conservation benefits. purposes, or rehabilitation as a wetland.

Alcoa of Australia Ltd operates an alumina Following discussions with Government refinery at Kwinana, Western Australia. authorities, the wetland option was selected Once the alumina has been extracted from since it was thought to have the highest the bauxite, the residue, known as red mud, potential long term benefits. is stored in clay lined impoundments. The clay used in constructing these residue areas Detailed plans were then developed in is obtained from farm land at Wellard, consultation with Government Departments approximately 8km south-east of Kwinana. and the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union. The specific objectives of In the mid 1 970s a number of water-filled rehabilitation were to: pits were created after clay was extracted for residue area construction. These pits were 111 provide a fresh water wetland system not reshaped or revegetated in any way. which would cater for a wide range of Nevertheless, a bird survey conducted in waterfowl species 1979 showed that they supported good • revegetate adjacent areas to provide a numbers of waterfowl, and were comparable buffer around the wetland, and habitat to many natural wetlands. This study for more bird species concluded that, with effective planning, • re-establish plants characteristic of similar future clay extraction areas could be wetland systems in the area rehabilitated in such a way that they would 111 maintain good water quality in the have real conservation value for waterbirds. wetland • encourage,in the long term, the use of PlANNING the site as a valuable resource for research, education and appropriate In 1979/1980, Alcoa began developing plans recreation to extract clay from an area of farm land at Wellard (see Figure 1 ). Clay extraction would I= o;

ad To Soath - West Hichway -> COCKBURN ,,,~ ~ ·SOUND -~ ~ ~ ~ ~ § ~ ,..... c t") Q) ~ \J "'~ ROCKINGHAM -§

WELLARD WETLANDS·

LOCALITY MAP ·scALE 1: 100 000 Ill :;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:::;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:::;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::

CONSTRUCTION AND PlANTING Once the site earthworks were completed, botanical surveys were conducted at nearby In projects such as this, co-ordinated wetlands to compile a list of suitable plant environmental and mine planning can result in species. Seed was obtained, plants were significant cost savings. The features which grown in the Alcoa Marrinup Nursery and were planned and incorporated into the planting of shorelines commenced in rehabilitated wetland include: December 1983. Further planting of the banks was carried out the following winter.

11 islands, to provide protected resting and The post-establishment replanting program breeding sites for waterfowl was designed to establish vegetation 11 one horseshoe shaped island to provide a communities in their appropriate habitat, and sheltered water area to provide a food and shelter source for as • varying depths of water including shallow many bird species as could be expected to areas for wading birds and deeper areas use the various habitats of the wetland. For

Wellard Claypits ( 1983)

for diving ducks, cormorants, etc example, rushes (Juncus pallidus) were planted 1111 inflow-outflow channels which ensure to provide shelter for waterfowl and that the lake is flushed each winter, to protect shorelines from erosion. Flowering thereby minimising build-up of salinity shrubs (eg, Callistemon sp.) were planted in Ill raised banks surrounding the water body, drier areas to provide food and shelter for to provide a suitable tree planting area honeyeater and insectivorous bird species. and thereby create a visual and noise buffer and a windbreak Several problems needed to be overcome. Ill surrounding woodland, mainly for bush For shelter belt planting, weed control was bird species such as parrots, honeyeaters necessary since the site had been used for and insectivores. This was planted grazing. Vorox and Roundup made tree before the wetland was established so establishment possible. Leaf blister sawfly, that it would serve a useful purpose in which commonly attacks Eucalyptus rudis, the early stages of rehabilitation. affected young trees but later disappeared J > I 18

without treatment. Tree root establishment including 36 waterbirds. It also and waterlogging were both problems which demonstrated that native fish, crustaceans had to be overcome. Deep ripping using a and small invertebrates readily colonised the 08 bulldozer, to a depth of 1 m broke up soil lake and served as a useful food source for compaction, and mounds were then built grebes, herons and other wading birds. Frogs using a tractor with an offset disc. Trees live in the surrounding vegetation and are were planted on mounds to avoid eaten by herons and egrets. Even at this waterlogging, and the roots were able to early stage, the system seemed to have penetrate through the ripped soil. On one become well established. site waterlogging was so great that drainage channels had to be established and the site Several recommendations emerged from the replanted using a more water tolerant species study, including: (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). These trees are now growing well. • install a windmill to maintain water levels in an adjacent "flooded meadow" MONITORING AND DEVELOPING 1111 plant Banksia littoralis for nectarivorous MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS birds 1111 introduce "fallen timber" along shorelines, to provide perching areas for birds and At the time, wetland rehabilitation was a substrate for aquatic animals relatively new concept in Australia. It has 1111 construct floating rafts and nest boxes therefore proved necessary to monitor • construct bird viewing hides developments at the site in order to assess 111 construct a display centre/classroom progress towards objectives, and make • construct a manager's residence recommendations designed to correct any deficiencies which became apparent, or make With the exception of the manager's resi­ further improvements. dence, all of these recommendations have been implemented (the display centre is an The first detailed monitoring was carried out outdoor "orientation" facility). by the RAOU in 1986 (Bamford 1986) when the site was 3 years old. This work estab­ Whilst these early results were very lished vegetation transects, analysed water encouraging, there was a desire to further quality data and recorded 61 bird species,

Cormorants using an artificial island created from limestone rocks 19 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::!::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::;:;:::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::;:::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:::::::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::::=::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::;:::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::

Floating Island of Rushes investigate the site in order to more is proposed to repeat this study at regular accurately gauge its "well-being", and search intervals, commencing in 1991. for further opportunities for improvement. It was recognised that there were only a The logical starting point was to examine the small number of aquatic rush and sedge biology and chemistry of the water, since this species around Wellard. Apart from the is the basis for a wetland's success or failure. Juncus, most of these _(eg, Typha australis) In 1988, an intensive, one day survey of had colonised naturally. As an attempt to aquatic biology and water chemistry was increase the diversity of rush and sedge undertaken by Murdoch University biology species at Wellard and future similar sites, students and Drs J Davis and T Wrigley. Alcoa, together with AMC Mineral Sands Ltd, Results of this study will form a valuable Westralian Sands and the Minerals and baseline against which to gauge future site Energy Research Institute of WA are jointly development. funding a study at Murdoch University. Results from this work should become Preliminary findings indicate high numbers of available in 1 992, and will significantly macroinvertebrates compared to natural improve our ability to re-establish plant wetlands. Other results reflect the young species which, to date, have proved difficult. age of the wetland and the clay substrate. In winter, high turbidity levels can occur as a A detailed, 1 2 month bird study has just been result of water currents causing suspension completed by the RAOU and a report is being of the dark clay particles. This high turbidity prepared (Carr, 1992). This is the most can reduce productivity. In early years this comprehensive study completed to date and can be a disadvantage by retarding should provide much useful information for development of aquatic communities. further improving and managing Wellard and However, in later years it may prove to be an similar sites. advantage by delaying the onset of eutrophi­ cation. The clay substrate should also bind FUTURE PLANS AND phosphorus, and helps to resist water MANAGEMENT erosion. On the basis of results obtained in the Murdoch study, it appears that the site is Many lessons have been learnt from the likely to develop into a valuable wetland, Wellard project, and already these lessons equal to any comparable natural wetland. It have been used in the design of a new wet-

_.... 20

land near the Alcoa Pinjarra refinery, and in management plan, and control of water levels the planning of future areas at Wellard. as research and monitoring deem necessary. These future sites will have: Use of the site for education and appropriate • a greater diversity of purely local tree recreation will increase, and already Alcoa species has developed a draft program for commen­ 111 more understorey vegetation cing schools visits from late 1991 onwards. 111 more and higher islands At a site such as Wellard, limitations on • habitat not present at Wellard (eg, numbers and control of visitors are an flooded paperbark woodland) important part of ensuring that they do not 111 more areas of shallows impact on the natural values upon which such visits are based. Careful planning, With assistance from the RAOU and the management and monitoring of impacts must Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers be a part of all future visitation programs. (WA Division), several projects have been undertaken at Wellard to improve the existing Research will continue where there is a need site. These have included raising low islands to understand aspects of the wetland system using limestone rocks, spreading semi­ at Wellard in order to improve future manage­ submerged branches near shorelines, and ment. A comprehensive water monitoring construction of a floating island. The island program is currently being developed. A has been particularly successful, and is used detailed study of site nutrient balances is by birds almost constantly. Projects such as being undertaken so that early warning of these also serve as a valuable demonstration possible eutrophication problems can be of how conservation groups and industry can gained and, if possible, avoided. work together on projects of common concern. As the site develops, bird breeding studies will begin, to examine ways of encouraging Much of the planting and construction of more waterfowl to breed at Wellard. facilities at Wellard is now complete, and work will mainly consist of ongoing manage­ Geological investigations are currently taking ment. This will be generally low key, and will place to determine the location of future clay probably include · control of feral animals extraction sites at Wellard. Excavation may (foxes and cats), development of a fire commence in summer 1992/93.

Wellard Wetlands 8 Years after Replanting 21 :;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:

Prior to this, extensive planning and design of Wellard can serve as a valuable example for rehabilitation will take place, based on the future mining rehabilitation programs. experience gained from the present Wellard site. Alcoa would be happy to share these and future experiences at this site with other The Wellard project has shown that mining organisations contemplating similar develop­ need neither leave a hole in the ground which ments. serves no useful purpose, nor simply restore the pre-existing land use. With planning, REFERENCES suitable earthworks and planting, wetlands which have real conservation value can be Bamford, M (1986) established in suitable areas. Review of Progress on Alcoa's Rehabilitation Project at Wellard (Baldivis) Claypits This is important on the Swan Coastal Plain Report to Royal Australasian Ornithologists where there is a shortage of wetland habitat. Union What was once !ow productivity farmland can be converted into a resource which Carr, B (1991) caters for many bird species, and has the Waterbird Usage of the Wellard Wetlands potential to become a valuable educational RAOU Report (in Press) and research facility.

::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::;:;::::::::::::::: ... •.•.•.•.•::;:;:: ::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::·::::::::::::::: .....• ;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:·:·:·:::::;:;:;:;:.:::.:.:::.:.:::.:,:.:.:.:.:;:::: .... :.:.:;:;:::;:;:;:::::::: 23

:;!;!;!~;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!; Chapter 4

by Fiona M Nicholls, Manager of Environmental Affairs AMC Mineral Sands Ltd and Frank Doyle, Project Officer Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union

The Associated Minerals Consolidated (AMC) The habitats being developed at the Wetlands Wetlands Centre has been established at Centre can be grouped structurally into Capel, 200km south of Perth, on a series of woodlands, fringing vegetation and water. lakes created by AMC Mineral Sands Ltd (AMC) after the mining of heavy mineral Woodlands sands in the 1970s. The land is State Forest planted to pine forest and private farm land i!l Wet Woodland and now comprises a series of 13 lakes, mostly inter-connected, with a total surface The aim for this area is to provide a water area of 44 hectares (see Figure 1). breeding site for colonially nesting birds such as ibises, cormorants and egrets. It The lakes resulted from significant loss of will act as an extension to an existing, volume during mining of a high grade mineral nearby lake which is on private farmland. sands ore body, leaving pits which inter­ sected the water table. AMC has set out to An eight hectare low-lying sandy area establish a valuable habitat by undertaking a adjoining the lakes (but not connected), project to create a wetlands centre on its has had the sand removed to just below former mined land as part of its rehabilitation the winter water level using a scraper. program. The area is also surrounded by a bank and moat to limit access by predators. TYPES OF HABITATS The earthworks have left a series of There are 13 lakes in the AMC Wetlands channels and islands at one end and a Centre, each one a little different from the low area flooded by winter water levels other. A range of habitats were developed to at the other. provide the appropriate breeding, feeding and loafing sites that are required by the differ.ent The site is being planted with seedlings species of birds. (Melaleuca and some other fringing KEY •woodland 1:141 Seasonally flooded woodland • Rushes/Sedges Dwater !lilllGrassland • Unvegetated area Iii Walk trails· ® Picnic area ®Hide IBl Railway station B Boundary of private land Cl Visitor centre -. Railway line -Bussell Hwy. = Service road '\ Entrance road 1 Car park

AMC WETLANDS CENTRE ·Concept Plan

F/GUR£1 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::;:::::::::;::::::::::,:::::::::::::;:::::;:;:::::::::;:::::::.::::::::::::::::

plants). Some trees, up to 2m high, have additional shelter. Three areas of habitat are been transplanted into the area as well as being established: sedges and rushes. Each species has been selectively planted in a different 11 shores which can be planted to fringing zone relative to the water table. sedges, using large Restio and Juncus species 11 Fringing Woodlands 11 reed beds and seasonally-flooded areas planted to Typha, Juncus and Baumea Different communities are being species developed to maximise the habitat 11 water meadows which were sown to diversity. Melaleucas are being planted couch, paspalum and other water-tolerant on fringes of lakes, in addition to the wet grasses woodland. Flooded gum (Eucalyptus rudis) are planted with grass and sedges The earthworks have enabled sand to be to provide breeding areas for tree nesting used to create spits which provide important waterbirds, while the she-oak (AIIocasu­ bare areas for loafing. an'na obesa) is planted to provide shelter for the lakes. In the creeks connecting While the fringing vegetation is developing, the lakes, teatrees, wattles and banksia straw has been added to provide a habitat for (B. littoralis) are planted to attract stream the invertebrates in this development phase. zone birds, firetails and rails. This is building on the research work done by 11 Upland Areas . Street and Titmus ( 1982) at Great Linford in the United Kingdom where extensive studies The land surrounding the wetlands allows into the value of straw have been under­ the establishment of windbreaks to taken. shelter the lakes and to provide an interactive ecosystem. This area is being An additional benefit of straw is that it builds planted to a mosaic of plant communities up the amount of organic carbon in the lake to create four structural types: forest, and aids in nutrient cycling. woodland, heath and grassland, as summarised in Table 1 . These areas aim Water to attract birds, mammals and reptiles. Deep water areas are not being planted, Several nesting boxes have recently been although some colonisation by macrophytes installed, one of which has already been is occurring. Deep water provides important inhabited by a brush tail possum. loafing areas for ducks and swans and feeding areas for cormorants, grebes and Research into the reptile population diving ducks. (Bamford, 1990) has shown that the vegetation of the uplands is important to Trees cleared from the mine path have also provide a link for reptiles colonising the been introduced to the wetlands. These wetlands from surrounding areas. provide roosting sites for birds, particularly cormorants and herons, and habitat for Fringing Vegetation aquatic invertebrates.

Fringing vegetation is important to provide Shallow water areas were also created so breeding sites and shelter for waterbirds. It that waterbirds had plenty of feeding sites. is also important for invertebrate habitat - Shallow areas are often the most productive invertebrates being a valuable component of for invertebrates and algae due to high light waterbird diets. levels and the abundance of oxygen. Addi­ tional shallow water areas are required The development of fringing vegetation has outside of the lake complex to enable frogs involved the shaping of the edges of the to breed. Mosquito fish (Gambusia) currently lakes using scrapers and excavators. The prey on small tadpoles in the lakes, shaping of the edges provides gently sloping particularly where there is no protection from banks to increase the area of shallow water fringing vegetation. Several frog ponds were and to create an irregular shoreline for dug by the scraper outside the lake system 26

TABLE 1 AMC WETLANDS CENTRE - WETLAND HABITATS I Community Site Use

Woodland

1 . 1 Paperbark Melaleuca spp mixed with Fringes, wet Colonially nesting myrtles and sedges woodland waterbirds, coots, ducks, swans

1.2 Flooded gum Eucalyptus rudis with grass Shores of Tree-nesting and sedges swamps waterbirds, honeyeaters

1.3 She oak Allocasuarina as a fringe Shelter belts, Shelter shores

1 .4 Stream zones Tea tree, wattles, Banksia Channels Water rats, littoralis firetails, rails

Heath

2.1 Astartea Astartea fascicularis, Shelter belts, Shelter for sedges, Melaleuca shores nesting teretifolia, M lateritia waterbirds

2.2 Bottlebrush Calothamnus mixed with Mosaics Honeyeaters, myrtles, (eg, Hypocalymma shelter for angustifolium, Beaufortia nesting sparsa) seasonally flooded waterbirds

Marshland

3.1 Fringing sedge Restio and/or Juncus Shores Frogs, waterbird nesting

3.2 Reeq beds Typha, Baumea, Juncus, Lakes, wet Waterbird shelter, wet, at least seasonally woodland feeding, nesting; flooded harriers, bitterns

3.3 Water meadows Couch, Paspalum and other Shallows Waterbird feeding water tolerant grasses

Unplanted

4.1 Bare shores Sand or rock Lake edges, Roosts for cormo- islands, spits rants and ducks, nest sites tor plovers and terns

4.2 Shallow open water Var[ous volunteer aquatics Lakes, frog Waterbird feed- ponds ing, frog breeding

4.3 Deep open water Unvegetated Lakes Waterbird loafing

The classification used here follows that used in the RAOU Atlas of Australian Birds which is in Jurn modified from that of Specht. 27 :;:::;:::::::;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!};!;!;!;!;!;!;!::::;:;:;:::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::;:::::::::;:;:;:::;:;:::;:::;:::;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:::;:::::::::::;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!::::::::::;:::;:::;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:

and frogs have bred in these areas in the first Bamford M, and Jaensch, R (1987) year before any vegetation grew. Waterbird Usage of the Capel Sand-pit Lakes, November 1985 - November 1986 Islands AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No 2, 199pp. Associated Minerals Consolidated Numerous islands have been created by Limited, Perth, Western Australia. excavating channels in levee banks and cutting off peninsulas. Brooks, D R ( 1 987) Rehabilitation in Australia's Mineral Sands These provide protection for roosting and Industry breeding birds from foxes and cats, and to !o. Mining Rehabilitation 1987. T Farrell (Ed) the vegetation from rabbits. They have the pp24-34. Australian Mining Industry Council, additional benefit of increasing the total Canberra, Australia. length of shoreline - therefore increasing the total area of shallow water and fringing Brooks, D R (1988) vegetation and thus the area of habitat Wetlands Rehabilitation Following Mineral available in the Wetlands Centre. Sands Mining in Australia Paper presented at the 1 988 Mine Drainage A prototype floating island made from and Surface Mine Reclamation Conference hollowed out polystyrene and planted with sponsored by the American Society for sedges is being tested. It has been Surface Mining and the US Dept of the successful with sedges and rushes growing Interior (Bureau of Mines and Office of and birds !;lave been observed to use it. Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforce­ Additional islands will be constructed. ment), April 17-22 1988, Pittsburgh, PA.

CONClUSION Brooks, D R (1989) Reclamation in Australia's Heavy Mineral The AMC Wetlands Centre is aiming to Sands Industry Paper presented at the conference: develop a self-sustaining ecosystem in an Reclamation, A Global Perspective, held in area that was previously pine forest and Calgary, Alberta, Canada, August 27-31 pasture and subsequently mined for heavy 1989. Vol1, pp11-26. mineral sands. Research being undertaken in the development of these wetlands will also Brooks, DR (1991) be beneficial for the development of other Progressive Development of Wetland Habitats wetlands in Australia. The research papers at the AMC Wetlands Centre, Capel, Western currently written are included in the Australia References and are available to interested Paper presented at the National meeting of people by contacting AMC Mineral Sands Pty the American Society of Surface Mining and Ltd. Reclamation; Durango, Colorado, May 14-17 1991. Three quarters of the wetlands on the Swan Coastal Plain have been destroyed through Jaensch, R P (1986) various forms of development and, in our Waterbird Usage of the Capel Sand-pit Lakes, climate, permanent waterbodies are scarce. November 1984 - October 1985 The AMC Wetlands Centre has the potential AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No 1, 22pp. to provide a valuable habitat for waterbirds Associated Minerals Consolidated Limited, as well as providing opportunities for Perth, Western Australia. education and passive recreation. Nicholls, F M, and Davies, S J J F (1990) REFERENCES Techniques for Developing Wetland Habitats at AMC Wetlands Centre, Capel, Western Bamford M J (1990) Australia The Status of Frogs and Reptiles at Capel, Paper presented to AMIC Environmental WA Workshop, Wollongong Conference Report on a study from September 1 988 to Proceeding pp 67-83. August 1989. AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No 8, 30pp. AMC Mineral Sands Ltd, Perth, Western Australia. , ~i 28

Street, M (1981) Street, M, and Titmus, G ( 1982) Management of Artificial Wetlands for Water A Field Experiment on the Value of Alloch­ Fowl - a Novel Technique to Increase the thonous Straw as Food and Substratum for Availability of Invertebrate Food Items Lake Macro-invertebrates Transcript International Congress on Game Freshwater Biology 12, 403-41 0. Biology pp 159-174. 29 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;::::::::::::!:!;!;!;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::-.-.::::::::::::: Chapter 5

by Brett Loney, Environmental Officer Main Roads Department

Roads are linear elements within the we are to create wetlands in conjunction landscape which cross ecological boundaries with the drainage system which disposes of ad infinitum. In the process they cut and road runoff. It is known that road runoff create drainage lines and often establish new water contains chemicals of varying drainage regimes to cater for the road runoff. quantities depending on the origin·· of the This chapter looks at road drainage, and water. For instance, it is generally roads generally, and considers the oppor­ recognised that road runoff from a suburban tunities to create wetlands and use the residential street contains considerable modified environment of the road to satisfy proportions of nutrient, principally phosphate the ecological function of a wetland. and nitrogen. These nutrients come into the road drainage system from the household RUNOFF WATER FROM ROADS garden, off the lawn, down the driveway and onto the street. Roads such as freeways are The road structure is made up of the formed not expected to source these nutrients to the area which provides a running surface for same degree as they do not have household motor vehicles and the road drainage, which frontages to provide the source. However, carries the runoff from the road during rain they may be the source of higher levels of events. Therefore, roads have the potential hydrocarbons and heavy metals which are to provide a source of water for wetland produced by motor vehicles since these roads creation or maintenance. Where roads are carry considerably higher volumes of traffic surfaced with a bitumen based surfacing the and thus have deposited on them greater runoff characteristic is nearly 100%. Thus quantities of these chemicals to mix with every millimetre of rainfall produces one litre runoff water. This is an area which should of runoff per square metre of surfaced road be more formally researched before extensive pavement and so the average suburban street commitment to wetland creation and of seven metres in width collects 7,000 litres drainage into depleted wetland systems is of water per kilometre of road upon which a contemplated. millimetre of· rain. falls. Thus, the quantity of water for supply of created wetlands from DRAINS AS WETLANDS road runoff is not an issue. What is an issue is the quality of that water. To make road runoff suitable for use in wetland systems it may require specific There has been considerable debate about treatments. Methods of treatment suggested the quality of runoff water which originates and used in the past represent a full range of from roads. Therein lies the first challenge if engineering and biological opportunities. ' 30 .:::;:;:;!;!;!;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!::::::::;:::;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!'

Indeed the linear nature of roads and their planning process and adjacent land use may associated drainage systems, particularly the make acquisition of additional land difficult if open drains, lend themselves to the use of road reserve width is to be increased. This is linear wetlands. The water collected in particularly critical in urban areas. drains is percolated through the soil profile to the water table or directed horizontally across Another consideration is the safety aspect. If the terrain into offshoot drains .or piped fauna is encouraged to occupy linear wet­ drains which deviate the runoff away from lands through the creation of a sympathetic the road before disposal. The open drains habitat some thought needs to be given to become linear landscape elements which can the effect the proximity of the road would provide both a filtration function and a have on the fauna. Likely effects would biological function if properly designed and include noise from the passing motor vehicles recognised for the opportunity and and roadkills resulting from the use of the constraints inherentin them. road or air space above the road for fauna movement. These effects may limit the Some of the benefits of combining a physical desirability of creating wetland habitats in and biological filtration system are described these areas. by Harrington (1989). Linear wetlands are also restricted by the nature of the topo­ COMPENSATING BASINS graphy in which they occur. For instance, an open road drain on Bassendean sands found Ultimately these linear drains lead to more on the Swan Coastal Plain around Perth is conventional basins to compensate for runoff not likely to have the water holding capacity and changes in local hydrology brought about to provide a habitat of bulrush or reed by the presence of the road structure. common to some types of permanent Traditionally these basins have not been wetland. However, by identification of the vegetated although they have provided some likely resulting moisture regime, it may be aesthetic values which have been appreci­ possible to create a wetter environment than ated from an anthropocentric viewpoint as that which preceded the location of the road shown b.elow. at that point.

The local soil characteristics can provide a wetter environment where excavation for the road drain markedly reduces the sand thickness above a confining layer, thus creating an artificially perched water table through the lowering of the ground level. Areas S!JCh as the Guildford soil formation, common to many ex1stmg wetland and dampland areas on the Swan Coastal Plain, would provide such an opportunity. This can provide a suitable environment for wetland establishment in the road drain which will allow the removal of sediments and other suspended and insoluble material by slowing the water flow in the drain (see, for example, Wulli.man et al (1989)).

The implications for drain design and road reserve width will require consideration if drains are to be used, as linear wetlands. It is likely that the addition of vegetation to roadside drains would require increased drain dimension to ensure flow capacity is main­ tained. This results in a need for increased road reserve width required to accommodate the larger structure. In many instances the road reserve width is controlled by the Narrows Bridge Interchange 31 :;:;:;:::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:*:::

The development of compensating drainage into these artificial structures and to begin basins, sumps and drains within the road the successional processes which evolve to reserve all offer opportunities for creation of produce the dynamic and productive wetlands as a result of road components into wetlands with which we are familiar in areas these structures by way of shape, form, of lesser disturbance (Garbisch, 1986). location or biological structure. However, some of the results of roadworks have not Where opportunities exist the creation of produced ~wetlands of l@iying functiQDS, the wetlands should be considered. For example, most noticeable being the lakes associated compensating basins are designed to provide with the freeway system adjacent to the a balancing function in management of Swan River in Perth. These have been stormwater flows. They can be designed to progressively invaded by fauna, particularly create wetland environments, as some birds and recently tortoises, and have presently do in a de facto manner. Clearly developed a limited vegetation structure by more study is needed of the wetland function planting and plant introduction, especially in an area if these opportunities are to result aquatic plants. in functional wetlands. However, wetland creation can be carried out in a much more Roadwork drainage can also be detrimental to effective manner if it is planned and designed wildlife through lack of control on inputs to along with stormwater management systems. the wetland. This can result in death of Green and Salter (1987) provided a dis­ fauna, eutrophication and subsequent cussion of how this is carried out in a variety problems with insect breeding and general of situations in Canada. Consideration of production of unsightly and unhealthy these techniques could provide a guide to environments. Some of the problems with wetland creation in the local environment. using wetlands for the long term manage­ Sharp and Sharp (1990) provide a description ment of stormwater are described by of methods used in Victoria to design and livingston ( 1989). These include effects of construct urban wetlands in the Dandenong water levels over and above natural or Valley with particular emphasis on the role of designed levels, and the effects of acute vegetation in such systems. inputs of pollutants as a result of a storm event. Opportunities do exist to create wetlands along roads as part of road drainage D GN structures, Their design needs to be incorporated and accounted for in the overall The to creativity with respect to drainage design. Unfortunately wetl~nd wetlands associated with roads and their creation will require more land than is often environs is planning. This is highlighted by available within road reserves, and Garbisch ( 1 986) who stresses the site their value may be limited by constraints on specific nature of wetland compensation safety of both the road user and wetland measures but suggests this is one of the fauna. challenges and opportunities for creative work. It is inadequate to conceive stormwater and groundwater controls which result in single purpose water bodies in the Garbisch E W (1986) Swan Coastal Plain region where a significant Highways and Wetlands: Compensating of the original wetland area has been Wetland Losses lost. Today we must think of these oppor­ Report No FHWA-IP-86-22, Federal Highway tunities as multi purpose structures which Administration, US Department of Transporo can renew some of the balance that tation. previously existed. It is also necessary to recognise that these areas will be used by Green J E and Salter R E ( 1 987) wetland fauna if other suitable habitat is not Methods for Reclamation of Wildlife Habitat available or is removed for development. in the Canadian Prairie Provinces This requires recognition of the wetland Prepared for Environment Canada and Alberta system as a whole. Artificial water bodies Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation by should all be seen as an opportunity to Delta Environmental Management Group Ltd, improve the status quo. Thus, we need to 114pp. build the physical requirements of a wetland 32

Harrington B W ( 1989) Sharp K and Sharp V Design and Construction of Infiltration Wetlands Vegetation, Wildlife and Water Trenches in Design of Urban Runoff Quality Quality Controls by Roesner L A, Urbonas B and Trees and Natural Resources 32:4, 1990. Sonnen M B (eds). American Society of Civil Engineers, New York. Wulliman J T, Maxwell M, Wenk W E and Urbonas B (1989) Livingston E H (1989) Multiple Treatment System for Phosphorus The Use of Wetlands in Urban Stormwater Removal in Design of Urban Runoff Quality Management in Design of Urban Runoff Controls by Roesner L A, Urbonas B and Quality Controls by Roesner l A, Urbonas B Sonnen M B (eds). American Society of Civil and Sonnen M B (eds). American Society of Engineers, New York. Civil Engineers, New York. 33

::!~::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Chaoter 6

by David Hedgcock, Curtin University of Technology and Mike Mouritz, Murdoch University

THE CHAllENGE FOR PlANNERS shallow reminder of their original life and diversity. Ever since the first settlement of the Perth district, wetland areas have been filled and More recent urban development has been no drained to accommodate urban development. less destructive. With the increasing value of In fact, just to the north of the present city near city land many seasonal wetland areas, centre, five major wetlands constrained the originally considered too costly to develop early expansion of the capital before they because of drainage problems, received were drained to allow outward urban renewed attention from land developers. expansion. Whole complexes of swamps and marshes have been drained and turned into suburbs in With the arrival of public transportation, from such areas as Booragoon, Ballajura and the 1880s onwards, Perth's suburbs were Cannington (see Figures 1 and 2). It has able to grow away from the earlier estab­ been estimated that over 70% of all wetlands lished centres and in their spread across the on the Swan Coastal Plain have been lost in Coastal Plain they came into regular contact the cause of development and the spread of with wetland areas. Perth's suburbs has been an important contributor to this history of degradation arid A common response was to skirt their neglect. margins to avoid the costs of drainage but also to provide a suitable repository for the It is only more recently that we have come to storm water generated from the surrounding recognise and respect the intrinsic, natural residential area. As a consequence many qualities of wetlands and the process of wetlands have been badly degraded by urban development now faces a considerable increased water levels and the pollutants of challenge. In the first instance, it must urban run off. In addition their margins have identify new ways of developing land that do often been cleared and filled to open up the not impinge· on the integrity of adjacent water body for visual appreciation. Under wetlands and then it must move on to this regime a number of modified wetlands address the damage of past mistakes. Such are now scattered throughout the shifts in approach will require a much better metropolitan area with their original understanding of the relationship between ecosystem destroyed. They present only a urbanisation and the hydrological cycle and a 34

BULL CREEK LOCALITY- PRIOR TO URBAN DEVELOPMENT

____ _-_.,::-

--....- ~··

AREAS OF SEASONAL - - FLOODING .::--.=w... WETLANDS-----;~~ ...._-,-

•-:w.:. --· '"":D:;:' ~·

Figure 1 -Bull Creek Wetlands Prior to Development (1970) !Source: Singleton, 19 791 35

~:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::;:::;:::;:::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;::::::::::::::::

good insight into wetland processes and • the concentration of urban run off in characteristics. Much of the necessary lower parts of the landscape where groundwork in this field has now been carried movement into the aquifer is direct out but the challenge remains to implement thereby avoiding the natural losses to these new initiatives across a range of vegetation and the wider environment. development and redevelopment scenarios. These changes to the water balance are The following sections will outline the most extreme in the early stages of appropriate knowledge and policies in this development and are moderated (but not topical area of current inquiry. eliminated) with the introduction of new vegetation and the use of bores. URBANISATION AND THE HYDROlOGICAl CYCLE The implications of these changes on adjacent wetland areas within an urban To understand the dynamics of the relation-: catchment are significant. Changes in ground water levels over the short or long ships between urbanisation and the term can have significant impacts on wetland hydrological cycle (and by association the characteristics of wetland impact) it is useful ecosystems. Vegetation associations that to be able to classify the water issues have evolved to withstand natural water level fluctuations find themselves unable to adapt involved. to the major changes associated with urbani­ sation. Once the vegetation complex is Three categories broadly cover the harmed the damage is rapidly transmitted to dimensions involved in these considerations; the other components of the ecosystem. water balance, water quality, and water consumption.

Water balance refers to the relation­ ship between inflow, outflow, and storage in an underground aquifer. In a natural environment typical inflows are from rainfall and surface streams while outflows are from evaporation from wetlands transpiration and ocean discharge. The equilibrium condition water balance) of these flows is represented by the volume or level of groundwater.

In the process of suburban sub­ division and development in Perth the water balance is changed and new equilibria are established to accom­ modate the demands of urban living (see Table 1 ). A typical example of this process is the rise in the groundwater table in the process of development. This is caused by a combination of:

1111 the clearing of natural vegetation and the consequent loss to the aquifer of evapotranspiration;

1111 the increase of impervious surfaces in suburbs (that may account for up to 50% of land area) that increases run off and recharge of the aquifer; Urban Development Close to a Wetland 36 T :;:::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: '

Figure 2 - Bull Creek Wetlands Following Urban Development (1980) !Source: Singleton, 19 791 37 :;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::!;!;!;!;:;:;:;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::!:!:!:!;!;!:~!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;::::

In the course of changing and interrupting question of coexistence particularly in relation groundwater and surface flows in the process to competing demands. While wetlands of urbanisation the aquifer is exposed to a place demands on groundwater for replenish­ wide range of contaminants associated with ment (to offset evapotranspiration), circula­ urban lifestyles (see Table 2). tion and the maintenance of environmental quality, at the same time Perth's population These pollutants, such as fertiliser residues is calling on the same system to slake an and petrochemicals, are picked up in the apparently insatiable thirst for water. process of surface or groundwater flows and are introduced to the aquifer via artificial This competition for the water resource, sumps or wetlands. Once in the groundwater particularly through the Water Authority's system they can affect all those elements of bores is currently kept within water balance the environment that rely on this water as a tolerances acceptable to wetland eco­ life source. This includes the animals and systems. However the spectre of more plants of the wetland systems but also distant and more expensive water being used encompasses the residents of Perth who now to support the population of Perth will require rely on groundwater for up to 50% of mains enormous discipline on the part of the water supply. Authority and other bore owners not to abuse the extraction tolerances on which the The combined use of groundwater by the continued health of the wetlands relies. natural and human environment raises the

TABLE 1

Checklist of Effects on Water Table During Changes in Land and Water Use Associated with Urbanisation (adapted from McFarlane 1984)

Change in Land Use or Water Use Effect on Water Table

Pre-urban to early urban transition: Removal of vegetation Raised Drilling of wells and water extraction Lowered Septic tanks and leach drains Raised

Early-urban to middle-urban transition: Institution of drainage Lowered Construction of housing, streets, systems Reduced area of infiltration Concentration of absorption basins - Raised Abandonment of some shallow wells used by previous land use Raised

Middle-urban to late-urban transition: Increase in urban density Transition Increase in urban density Less areas of infiltration - lowered More impervious surfaces More localised stormwater flooding when absorption basins reach capacity More concentrated recharge - raised

Abandonment of shallow wells because of pollution Raised

Construction of sanitary sewage systems Lowered

Increase in imported water Raised

Waste water reclamation and utilisation Raised

j 38

WATER SENSITIVE RESIDENTIAl • land selection for urban development DESIGN • development of design criteria • design initiatives Water sensitive residential design was a Once land has been selected for urbanisation concept developed to address the issue of there is only so much that can be done to the co-existence of urbanisation and healthy ameliorate the impact of its development on wetlands. As originally developed (WAWRC nearby wetlands. As such the process of 1990) the concept was applied to the selecting appropriate land for future residential development process and sought to initiate reform to the planning, design and development is an essential process in safeguarding wetland areas. Whil.e current management of suburban areas in such a way as to protect the integrity of the practice (see Metroplan 1990) protects core surrounding water system of which wetlands water resource features, such as the are an integral part. groundwater mounds, from urban develop­ ment, the protection afforded to a range of The significant issues raised in developing other wetland features is less than this concept include: comprehensive.

TABLE 2

Sources of Water Pollution and Associated Contaminants in Urban and Near Urban Areas (adapted from Atwood and Barber, 1989)

I SOURCE I CONTAMINANTS I Septic tanks, Septage (sludge) disposal Pathogens, nitrate/ammonium, phosphate, synthetic organic compounds (eg, solvents, cleaners)

Landfills (domestic solid waste) Nitrate/ammonium, degradable organics (BOD, COD), synthetic organic compounds, total dissolved solids, heavy metals (iron, manganese)

Petrol stations Petroleum hydrocarbons (eg, alkanes, benzene)

Light industry (photo labs, dry cleaners) Synthetic organic compounds (eg, solvents), acids, heavy metals (plating wastes)

Urban runoff conducting chemical spills Chloride, sulphate, hydrocarbons, nitrate, and corrosion of building material phosphate, heavy metals (lead, zinc), various chemicals

Sewage treatment plants,_ sewer lines Nitrate/ammonium, pathogens, degradable organics (BOD, COD)

Homes Fertilisers, pesticides/herbicides

Parks Fertilisers, pesticides/herbicides

Horticulture Fertilisers, pesticides/herbicides

Animal husbandry Nitrate/ammonium, phosphate, degradable organics (BOD, COD)

Ocean Saltwater intrusion 39

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Given established environmental values, 111 use of parks as infiltration basins to traditional planning approaches aim to accommodate nutrient stripping of reserve wetland areas including the wetland storm water body and a surrounding margin covering the 111 narrow road pavements to reduce the critical fringing vegetation associations. extent of impervious surfaces Water sensitive design approaches look • roads directed along the contours to hold beyond these margins to the wider surface run off at higher points in the landscape and groundwater catchments. While any 111 the retention of natural vegetation in development within these catchments will open space areas to reduce watering potentially impact upon the wetland, land demands selection for urbanisation can target those 111 the development of artificial wetlands to areas least likely to generate downstream strip and polish receiving waters before consequences. Areas on the edge of the they enter the natural system catchment and higher ground are generally 111 the reduction in residential lot sizes to least likely to affect the wetland as the decrease garden watering demands distances and depths involved can reduce water balance fluctuations and contamina­ In addition to these there are many other tion. On the other hand low lying land close areas where design initiatives in the process to wetland margins is potentially far more of of urban development can have a major a threat to wetland quality. Catchment impact on the quality of downstream wet­ analysis and the development of catchment lands without sacrificing the qualities of characteristics should be the central suburban living. mechanism in selecting suitable land for urbanisation. EXAMPLES OF WATER SENSITIVE URBAN DESIGN Once land has been selected for urbanisation there is much that can be achieved in the There are now several examples of sub­ design process that can minimise the impact divisions which conform to the principles of of that development on adjacent wetlands. water sensitive urban design. Details are Design criteria establish the framework and given in another publication (WAWRC,. objectives of the design process. Water 1990). They include areas such as Floreat balance, water quality, and water Gardens, Joondalup and Packham. consumption issues should all be addressed at this stage. Th0 establishment of water There are many examples of wetlands in level tolerances, the identification of targets urban settings where rehabilitation has been for water table modifications, the deter­ necessary. Some of these are · listed in mination of the wetland's assimilative Appendix 2. Following rehabilitation these capacity to accommodate bio-chemical wetlands often achieve some · degree of modification, and the extent of imported balance with the urban environment. Many water use in and around the site all provide urban wetlands have experienced eutro­ the context within which a environmentally phication problems in the early 'years after sound and sensitive design solution can be urbanisation. Examples include Lake developed. Booragoon, Herdsman Lake, Ballajura Lakes, Mary Carroll Park, , North Lake and Lake The development of design initiatives to Yangebup. In several cases these problems achieve water sensitive design flows directly have been overcome by modification of local from the design criteria previously developed. stormwater drainage systems and the There are numerous ways of achieving these development of a management plan, followed objectives within the particular environ­ by rehabilitation of the wetland. mental, social, and economic constraints affecting the site and its development. In a Where wetlands have been created during model design developed for the WAWRC urbanisation they have frequently caused ( 1 990) some of the design initiatives problems due to insufficient attention to included: possible pollution and flooding problems. Some have become expensive eyesores 111 localised stormwater absorption basins in which require constant attention to prevent road verges to maximise the dispersion of outbreaks of avian botulism and midge aquifer recharge plagues. These problems can often be traced j 40

back to poor urban design (eg, unfiltered However, if the momentum of recent initi­ stormwater drains, septic tanks, road drains, atives is maintained and constantly reinforced landfill sites). Examples of these problems there is no doubt that new suburban forms may still be seen at Bibra, Monger's and will emerge. These suburbs will be Mary Carroll Lakes. However, these developed in harmony with their adjacent problems may be amenable to solution wetland areas and the experience of their life, through redesign of drainage systems and a diversity, and tranquillity will be an enduring rehabilitation program. legacy of environmentally sensitive urban development. CONCLUSION To meet this challenge the Department of Wetland areas have suffered enormously in Planning and Urban Development has the course of the urbanisation of the Coastal commissioned consultants to prepare Plain and they will continue to do so while guidelines for Water Sensitive Design. These current practices of urban planning and will be used by Government and the development continue. development utility to incorporate water resource and wetland protection into the However there are other ways of planning planning and development process. and developing urban land that respect and protect wetland_ values. The concept of REFERENCES water ~sensitive design was developed to achieve this end. While it has now become Atwood, D and Barber, C (1989) The Effect an established approach on the planning of Perth's Urbanisation on Groundwater agenda there is still much work to be done to Quality - A Comparison with Case Histories in operationalise the concept. the USA in Proceedings of the Swan Coastal Plain Groundwater Conference, edited by G Research needs to be carried out, ideas need Lowe, WA Water Resources Council, Perth. to be generated and demonstration estates established. However of greatest importance Department of Planning and Urban is the need to change the attitudes and Development (1990) Metroplan: A Planning values of those people that have shaped the Study for the Perth Metropolitan Region current pattern of urbanisation that has proved such a disaster for the integrity of McFarlane ( 1984) The Effect of Urbanisation wetland areas. This includes planners. on Groundwater Quality and Quality in Perth, developers, and the intending residents of WA PhD Thesis, Geology Department, peripheral residential estates. University of WA.

These 'actors' in the development process Singleton, J P (1979) Planning Urban will drive the design of our future suburbs Wetlands Masters Thesis, University of and they must be made aware of the impact Sydney. of their decisions on the future quality of wetlands. If they are allowed to ignore the WA Water Resources Council (1990) Water impact of development on the water cycle Sensitive Residential Design then current practices will persist. 41 :;:;:::::::::::::::;:::::;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::;:::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::;:::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::;:;:;:::;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::-;::::::::::::::-.:::::::::::-;:::::::: Chapter 7

by Norm Godfrey, Wetlands Conservation Society

BACKGROUND quality degradation from two drains entering the lake: one an agricultural drain from North Lake is one in a chain of freshwater Murdoch University's veterinary farm, and wetlands running north-south parallel to the the other a stormwater drain servicing part of coastline of Western Australia on the Swan the suburb of Kardinya. Coastal Plain. It has a sprface area of 28ha and is 2-3m deep, providing a year round This study also recommended against the refuge for water birds. construction of Farrington Road because it would unnecessarily degrade both the social The total North Lake Reserve, however, and conservation values of the reserve. encompasses 150ha and includes three other smaller wetlands of varying characteristics as In 1 983 the Environmental Protection well as melaleuca woodlands, kunzea shrub­ Authority in its System 6 Red Book upheld land, sedgelands, jarrah/banksia woodlands the views of the Murdoch University study. and substantial tracts of degraded country Despite this, Farrington Road was con­ originally cleared for grazing livestock, market structed the following year. However, the gardens and orchards. controversy surrounding this event focused attention on the need for public action if our The Reserve has a richness of wetland wetlands were to be protected from further associations rarely seen in the metropolitan harmful incursions like this (Jennings, 1984). region. Consequently it attracts and supports a great diversity of wildlife and so has The Wetlands Conservation Society was important conservation values. It supports formed early in 1 985 with a wide range of 123 species of birds, 24 of these being objectives, including the protection of uncommon in the metropolitan area. Due to wetlands and the rehabilitation of those its proximity to suburbia it also has many suffering degradation. social values, including the existence of ancient Aboriginal campsites in several In 1986 the Murdoch University students locations around the lake. produced a draft managem~nt plan for the North Lake Reserve. This proposed regenera­ The conservation values of North Lake were tion of the original vegetation in most of the recognised in a Murdoch University study of degraded areas to the east and south of the the Cockburn Wetlands (Newman, 1976). lake, and more traditional lakeside improve­ This drew attention to the potential for water ments to the west (see Figure 1 ).

_.J LEGEND lnterpreative walking trail ...... - -- - - Road ••...... •... --L-- Cycleway...... Dual fire-fighting vehicle access tracks and pathways

CQ'::t1 for pedestrian access ...... ·-·-·-·-.. ~ Drains •...... •...... ; ....••. ·---- NORTH - Rehabilation (;)~ Vegetation .. ·.:::: · · · · · · · · · · · ·

0 :::J bu;;.~ ~_.....,~-- !:; cu o • 0 0 I 0 I I 0. e t t (')CQ lAKE

L-----~------L-----~------._ ____ -d 0 100 200 300 400 500 SCALE OF METRES 43 :;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;!

THE PROBLEMS Early contact between the Society and the Commission's ranger for the south­ At the outset it was clear that North Lake metropolitan region resulted in a very fruitful was beset by a number of serious problems partnership in terms of implementing the that had to be addressed if rehabilitation was management and rehabilitation measures to become a reality: suggested in the draft management plan.

111 Off-road vehicles and horses made In the ensuing five years the resources of regular incursions causing ecological and both organisations were used to reverse the aesthetic degradation. quality decline that was evident in much of the reserve. This enabled the revegetation of

11 Illegal brush cutting was occurring in the large portions of the cleared areas degraded kunzea thicket at the eastern end of the by excessive grazing. The success of this reserve and paperbark stripping was project is largely due to the goodwill and evident in some of the melaleuca stands. spirit of cooperation that developed between the managing authority and the community

111 Uncontrolled fires had occurred consis­ group. tently over a number of years and the vegetation had not been given sufficient TACKLING THE PROBLEMS time to regenerate between burns. The rehabilitation of North Lake involved 11 Most of the cleared land was leased for dealing with the most readily resolved the agistment of horses. The high problems first. This was followed by the stocking density over many years had progressive implementation of a revegetation severely denuded sandy paddocks of any programme and measures to improve the surface cover and effectively prevented Lake's hydrology and water quality. · any natural regeneration. The first actions taken were: 11· Local reaction to the plagues of chironomid midge (Polypedilum nubifer) • Termination of the horse leasing regularly emanating from North Lake arrangements and the removal of stock demanded frequent 'bombing' with fences, buildings and other associated insecticide by light aircraft. The effect fixtures. was usually short-lived while the overall • Boundary fencing most of the reserve problem persisted throughout the spring - with provision for personnel access but summer period each year. not vehicles.

1!11 Installing signs proclaiming the. status of 11 Blooms of blue-green algae were becom­ the reserve, constraints to its use and the ing a regular occurrence throughout much name of the vesting authority (see Figure of the year. This was potentially toxic tb 2). waterfowl, discoloured the water and • Installation of a system of firebreaks. caused foul odours where it accumulated • Implementation of a routine slashing and decayed along the shoreline. The programme for weed and fire control. suspect cause was~nutrient enrichment of the lake from the drains. The benefits of these measures were immediate. 111 Persistent high water levels in recent years were killing off fringing paperbarks Removing the horses not only stopped their and flooded gums due to the prolonged destruction of existing vegetation, but oxygen depletion of the root zone. allowed the regeneration programme to get underway. Boundary fencing prevented entry COMMUNITY/GOVERNMENT to the reserve by off-road vehicles, horse COOPERATION riders and brush cutters, and stopped the dumping of car bodies and other rubbish The whole of the North Lake Reserve was, which had become a problem earlier. Apart and still is, managed by the State Planning from two small flareups, fire has not been a Commission (now the Department of problem to the extent experienced in earlier Planning and Urban Development). years.

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Figure 2 - Sign at North Lake

FIRST ATTEMPTS AT rabbit-proof fencing. This was maintained for REVEGETATION several years until all plantings were completed. Also, hand watering with The first revegetation effort was directed at a buckets became a regular commitment, four bare horse paddock on the east side of North seedlings per bucket each week. The Lake. The site was partly covered with paddock gradually responded and after pigface, the rest being bare sand. several years is now well covered with what might have been its original type of The paddock was cultivated with a tandem vegetation. disc plough and seeded directly into the furrows in the autumn with seed collected Other sites around the lake have also been from local species nearby. Very little planted out with good survival rates (see germination took place and of the seedlings Figure 3). that emerged, few survived the summer. NATURAL REGENERATION Seedlings of various species were also planted at this time, but without watering In addition to the protection it provided for during the first summer most died. In the new plantings, the exclusion of rabbits and following autumn seedlings of paperbarks, horses from rehabilitation sites produced a flooded gums, orange wattles, red gum and bonus of natural regeneration. This was jarrah were planted, but many, especially the patchy but progressive with new germina­ paperbarks, suffered severe rabbit damage tions taking place each year. soon afterwards. Also, in some places, young trees had obviously been pulled out by Melaleucas (M. rhaphiophylla and vandals. M teretifolia) and flooded gums have shot up in the littoral zone in many places around the From these experiences it was decided that lake to complement seedlings planted by rabbit control was necessary, and hand hand. Large patches of flooded gums have watering for the first summer at least would also appeared in low lying areas away from .be needed for plantings in deep sands. the lake (see Figure 4). Rabbit fencing and the removal of livestock, despite the trouble Rabbits were subsequently excluded from and expense, were obviously good tactics. revegetation sites by the installation of 45 :;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:;:::::;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:::::::;:;:::::::

-()

Figure 3 - Rehabilitated Foreshore - North Lake

WATER QUALITY

Community reaction to the foul odours of a severe algal bloom in December 1986 attracted media attention and stimulated a collabora­ tive study of the lake by the Environmental Protection Authority and Murdoch University's School of Environmental and Life Sciences. Typically algal blooms were known to be symptomatic of nutrient enrich­ ment mainly by phosphorus and nitrogen. ·The study was primarily concerned with establishing nutrient and water budgets for the lake, and identification of the sources of nutrient enrichment.

The study was reported by the EPA in 1989 (Bayley et al, 1989) con­ firming that nutrient inputs to the Lake were grossly exceeding its capacity to absorb them. North Lake was continuing to deteriorate, largely as a result of the continued inflow of phosphorus from the agricultural drain servicing Murdoch University's veterinary farm. This drain had been constructed in 1975 to drain ephemeral swamps on the Murdoch campus. Figure 4 -·Natural Regeneration of Eucalyptus rudis 46

Additionally the EPA study reported sig­ The Kardinya drain inputs about 16% of the nificant inflows of phosphorus from the total phosphorus loading of the Lake. The groundwater and the Kardinya stormwater City of Melville has recently constructed a drain (see Figure 5). The report concluded sedimentation basin to prevent this drain that the retention of Murdoch drainage from discharging directly into the Lake.

Figure 5 - Kardinya Stormwater Drain - North Lake

waters on campus was highly desirable and THE MIDGE NUISANCE that the diversion of the nutrients from the Kardinya drain should be investigated. At about the time that the EPA's North Lake Study got underway an investigation of the A weir across the Murdoch drain was com­ midge problem in several metropolitan pleted at the southern boundary of the wetlands was undertaken by Murdoch campus in April 1990. A further closure of University's School of Biological and this drain, with overflow provisions, was Environmental Sciences (Davis et al, 1990). effected soon afterwards at a point close to North Lake to give additional control over The results of this, and subsequent studies nutrient inflows. by the same group, suggested that midge plagues were associated with an excessive These measures resulted in an immediate growth of algae, which is a major food reduction of water levels in North Lake. source for midge larvae. Phosphorus inflows Although this was too late to save some of would therefore promote a midge problem the mature fringing vegetation that finally indirectly. succumbed to years of root-zone inundation, the remaining trees and new ·growth will The report of this study also strongly benefit. advocated midge control methods that targetted the larval feeding . beds more Also, since the Murdoch drain contributed precisely than the blanket approaches used 59% of the total phosphorus inflow to the to date. These newer methods have now . lake, it can be assumed any further decline in been adopted at North Lake, and can be water quality due to nutrient loading has expected to cause less disruption to its been largely halted, and algal problems aquatic ecosystem. Thus, both the algae and should not get any worse. midge problems are related to overloading 47 :;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::;:;:::::::::::::::;:::::::;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:::;:::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:::;:::::::::::;:::;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:

with phosphorus and so have a common REFERENCES solution. Bayley, P, Deeley, D M, Humphries, R and PRESENT MANAGEMENT Bott, G ( 1 989) STRATEGIES Nutrient Loading and Eutrophication of North Lake, Western Australia With much of the regeneration programme Environmental Protection Authority, Perth now completed, the landscape around North Western Australia, Technical Series 33. Lake looks a lot healthier and more natural. The rushes, shrubs and trees planted and Davis, J A, Pinder, A M, Trayler, K M and regenerated naturally provide a haven for Harrington, SA (1990) wildlife and are· appreciated by the many Towards More Effective Control of Nuisance

Trash Rack on the Kardinya Stormwater Drain

people who enjoy the Reserve for the many Chironomids (Midges) in Metropolitan passive recreational opportunities it provides. Wetlands, Perth, Western Australia School of Biological and Environmental Ongoing maintenance is still needed, Sciences, Murdoch University. however, to ensure its valuable attributes are not degraded. This is largely the Jennings P ( 1 984) responsibility of the Department of Planning A Message from Farrington Road and Urban Development and includes: Environment WA Vol 7, Number 1 (1985) pp9-13. 1!1 Maintenance of fences, gates and signs Ill Maintenance of firebreaks, pathways and Murdoch University, Environmental Manage­ picnic facilities ment (1986) 1!1 Slashing minimum fuel areas North Lake Draft Management Plan Murdoch University, Perth. Of course, the best insurance for the future health and wellbeing of the Reserve is Newmann, P (1976) continued interest and appreciation by the The Cockburn Wetlands: An Environmental community. Study Murdoch University, Perth.

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6'Y 51 :;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::.::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::;:;: Chapter 8.

by Norm Godfrey, Wetlands Conservation Society

WHAT MAKES A WETLAND? elusive. In all, over 80 species of waterbirds have been found on the wetlands of the Wetlands are places where the soils are Swan Coastal Plain. waterlogged for at least part of the year. They include lakes, swamps, tidal marshes, Many waterbirds make regular migrations mudflats, estuaries and rivers and their inland and between wetlands near the coast tributaries. in response to the normal yearly cycle of drying and filling of the water bodies. Whether surface water is visible or not, the Towards the end of the summer, waterbird freshwater wetlands of the South-West populations concentrate on those coastal region are easily recognised by the presence wetlands that provide a permanent water of characteristic paperbark trees, flooded supply. gums and rushes. The estuarine foreshores and saline marshlands typically support MIGRANTS samphire and other small, salt-tolerant plants. Many of the coastal wetlands are vital SPECIAL HABITAT feeding areas for transequatorial migratory wading birds. These breed in the northern While wetlands feature a very specialised hemisphere during our winter in such remote type of vegetation, they also provide a regions as Siberia and Manchuria. They fly habitat that suits the needs of a great many to Australia in August and September and animals that depend on them for their disperse to feed on the abundant food existence. Frogs, native fishes and tortoises produced in mudflats and shallow lakes in the are typical of these, but wetlands also spring. support a host of small aquatic creatures, many of whom are microscopic. On these For a large part of the summer, migratory feed the birds and reptiles that regularly visit waders can be seen on the shores of the wetlands or live in the bushland nearby. Swan-Canning and Peel-Harvey estuaries and on a number of coastal lakes such as BIRDUFE Thomsons and Forrestdale. In the autumn they depart for their long journey back to their breeding grounds in north eastern Asia. The best known inhabitants of wetlands are the waterbirds. Swans, ducks, herons and Because waterbirds cross national boun­ egrets are familiar sights but there are many daries, wetlands are an international resource others such as rails, crakes and bitterns that of great ecological, cultural, scientific and are less well known because they are more recreational value. Many of the world's most 52

significant wetlands are now protected by Other consumers, including various international agreements, especially those crustaceans, beetle and mayfly larvae and which are the habitat of transequatorial midge larvae, feed on the dead remains of migratory birds. Australia is a signatory to both plants and animals in the water. These the Ramsar Convention (1974) and has may then be consumed by higher animals bilateral migratory bird agreements with such as waterbirds, frogs and tortoises. Japan and China. Consequently we have an obligation to designate wetlands of The aquatic food web consists of an intricate international importance, and to establish pattern of eating and being eaten. In a nature reserves in wetlands and to manage healthy wetland a balance is maintained them responsibly. between the components of the system. However the balance can easily be upset if NATURAL BALANCE the supply of any one component exceeds the rate at which it is consumed. For Although the wetlands are very dynamic example, a buildup of algae could be due to ecosystems their health and vitality is an increase in nutrient supply or a decrease maintained by a natural balance of life­ in the numbers of grazing organisms like the sustaining forces within the water body. water flea. A population explosion in midge Rushes, submerged plants, plankton and larvae could be due to an unbalanced algae respond to the sun and nutrients from increase in algal growth. the sediments and provide a basis for aquatic life. VARIATION HABITAT AND SPECI Microscopic animals, such as the water flea (Daphnia), feed on this material and they, in Although our coastal wetlands have many turn, are consumed by an array of predators. common characteristics, they also provide a

Algae Rushes ------..... Daphnia (Water flea)

Nutrients ""iil"

Wetland Food Web 53 :;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::.<::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:::.-::::::.:::;:::::.-:;:;:::::;:;:;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;::::=::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:.-:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:;:;:;:

wide range of habitat type. They may be In many instances, the potential and actual deep, shallow, permanent, seasonal or loss of species is due to the depletion of covered in reed beds. Some have open essential habitat. With so many of our shorelines while others carry dense fringing wetlands now lost, it is not surprising that a vegetation. number of rare and endangered species depend heavily on what is left. The western Despite these great differences, all wetlands swamp tortoise, the most endangered are used by waterbirds for one purpose or tortoise in the world, faces extinction due to another during some part of the year. Even dual threats of habitat destruction and during the course of a single day, birds can predation by introduced species. move rapidly from one wetland to another in pursuit of food. Some birds nest and rear The Quokka was once common on the main­ their young in quite separate wetlands from land . but is now restricted to a few forest their feeding grounds. For example darters swamps over the Darling Scarp. The water and cormorants maintain a nesting colony at rat is now rarely seen as much of its natural Lake Booragoon but feed in the Swan and habitat in the South West is lost or severely Canning Rivers some distance away. In other depleted. The freckled duck has also been instances seasonal wetlands are favoured as deprived of much of its preferred habitat by secluded breeding locations in the winter but wetland degradation and is now one of the dry out in the summer. world's most endangered waterbirds.

Throughout the year, different types of Obviously our remaining wetlands have wetlands perform different life-sustaining immense value for the survival of many functions for waterbirds. In fact, the endangered plants and animals. individual wetlands may be regarded as components of one total wetland ecosystem, HERITAGE each being an essential segment, contributing to the maintenance of the whole. Wetlands have great heritage value for both Aboriginals and more recent settlers. The Variation in the type of wetland habitat is Nyoongar Aboriginal groups relied on the also important for maintaining genetic coastal wetlands for food and water during variations within the species of animals and the dry summer months. Many of these wet­ plants that live there. This is because the lands still show signs of ancient Aboriginal range of habitats that can be occupied by campsites which have been used for any plant or animal can be attributed to the thousands of years. amount of genetic variation within the species. Those species with a degree of The Nyoongars found various types of game genetic variation that allows survival in the at the wetlands and also prized the bulbous greatest range of habitat, have the greatest roots of the bulrush for food. In the winter potential for long-term adaptation to a they moved inland to hunt and collect food changing environment. It is therefore over a much wider territory. important that all our various wetlands be preserved. The early European settlers also used the wetlands for water and summer pasture and RARE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES several historic homesteads are still found adjacent to lakes and estuaries. Australia has an appalling record of species extinction for both plants and animals. In the Some of the most attractive modified land­ past 200 years, eighteen of our mammals scapes in the State are found adjacent to have become extinct. This is nearly half of wetlands in the Swan and Canning Valleys all the world's species of mammals that have and near the Vasse and Wonnerup estuaries. died out in recorded times. EDUCATION AND RECREATION Birds, reptiles, frogs, insects and many plant species haven't fared much better. The This great diversity of wildlife and the endangered species list grows longer by the proximity of our wetlands to our centres of day with many on the brink of extinction population make them ideal places for even before they are scientifically described. learning about nature. Teachers of biological

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Wetlands provide excellent sites for recreation and education

sciences find wetlands are a valuable 111 Filling teaching resource both for special projects and for normal course subjects. At the Many of the metropolitan wetlands have tertiary level, wetlands have attracted a lot of disappeared as a result of filling with interest in recent years due to the problems municipal wastes and other landfill they have caused us as a result of our materials. Some have been partly unthinking abuse of them. degraded by filling their swampy margins; biologically the most productive The coastal wetlands are particularly suited component. Much of this activity has to many types of passive recreation and are been constrained in recent times. enjoyed by a great number of people. During our long, hot summers outdoor recreation in 111 Draining the vicinity of water is popular and the coastal wetlanas provide ideal opportunities The greatest proportion of the large for picnics, bushwalking, photography and wetland regions of the Swan Coastal birdwatching. To retain these special values Plain have been drained in the interests of in an urban environment a sustained effort is agricultural development. The Waroona, needed to manage the recreational and urban Harvey, Sunbury and Busselton drainage impacts. schemes were established for this purpose. WETlANDS CAN BE DEGRADED While there has been little increase in the Few, if any, of our coastal wetlands can be direct drainage of wetlands in recent regarded as pristine any longer and many are times, the possibility of depriving wet­ badly degraded. lands of their vital life source through public and private groundwater If we understand the factors causing their abstraction cannot be dismissed. degradation, however, we can tackle the task of their rehabilitation with confidence. From The coastal wetlands are largely surficial the main causes listed here, strategies for expressions of the groundwater, so that their maintenance and improvement can be any alteration to the groundwater regime devised. can affect them. As Perth's population grows, so will the demand for ground- :;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::;:::::;:;:::::::::::::::::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:;:;:;: I I

Drowned Vegetation at Piney Lakes in Winthrop

water. Thus, the public and private use environment is the quality of its water. If of groundwater needs careful manage­ water quality deteriorates for any reason, ment if wetlands are to retain their health degradation of the wetland ecosystem and vitality. can be expected. Stormwater and agri­ cultural drains, groundwater pollution,

1111 Drowning feeding birdlife and pesticides can all degrade the quality of water in wetlands. Strange as it seems, wetlands can be drowned if water levels become exces­ Stormwater and Agricultural Drains - sively high for too long. The melaleucas, Stormwater drains discharge rubbish flooded gums and other plants fringing and also carry lead and hydrocarbons our wetlands need periodic aeration of from motor vehicles and the nutrients the root zone to remain healthy. Without of garden fertiliser and domestic this they die and much of the beauty and detergents, notably phosphorus and biological value of the wetland is lost. nitrogen. Since the growth of algae in wetlands is mainly limited by the The plant communities of wetlands estab­ availability of phosphorus, an increase lish in response to a natural rise and fall in supply from urban drains can in seasonal water levels. Over-filling increase algal growth beyond the wetlands with urban stormwater drains capacity of the aquatic ecosystem to can plunge much of the wetland vegeta­ maintain a healthy balance. This tion into a seasonal cycle of water levels increases the food supply for the that prevents adequate aeration of the creatures, such as midge larvae, that root zone. Obviously these problems can eat plant and animal remains and be reduced if urban and agricultural these can assume plague proportions planning directs drains into infiltration or as a result. compensating basins set well back from any wetland. Agriculture uses a lot of phosphatic fertiliser and so drainage into

1111 Water Quality wetlands from farming and horticul­ tural land is very likely to upset water The most important single determinant of quality through phosphorus overload. the health and wellbeing of the wetland Algal blooms and swarms of nuisance

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midge result and a lot of the Pesticides - Resorting to repeated wetland's social and biological values heavy use of pesticides to control are lost. midges or mosquitoes can easily upset the balance of life in the water. Groundwater Water quality in Pesticides that contain phosphorus wetlands is very much affected by obviously increase nutrient supply for the quality of the groundwater that algal growth. They may also kill off constantly feeds into them. non-target organisms such as the water flea that feeds on algae. In A large part of the fertiliser used on either case the resulting imbalance playing fields, grazing properties and. increases the proliferation of algae. domestic and market gardens ends up in the groundwater below. And so the offensive odours of rotting blue­ green algae and midge plagues are probably Depending on the directional flow of due to excessive nutrient loading of the the groundwater, it can contribute wetlands. As the algal biomass breaks substantially to phosphorus overload down, the water body suffers oxygen in wetlands. The phosphates in depletion causing widespread mortality in all groundwater may also come from sorts of aquatic organisms. The rate of domestic septic systems in midge build-up is greatest when the water unsewered suburbs. temperature is 24°C or more. The adult midge are attracted to street and house lights Feeding Birdlife - Offering food to and therein lies their nuisance threat. swans and ducks is popular at many metropolitan lakes and seems a rather Much of this book is devoted to techniques harmless pastime. Unfortunately, it and concepts that may be used to prevent leads to a net increase in the nutrient degradation of wetlands. We also discuss load of the water and so contributes how to restore their natural values if they to water quality decline. have been mismanaged in the past. 57

:::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Chapter 9

by Ben Carr, Environmental Field Services

When approaching a wetland rehabilitation project at this stage to ensure its smooth project it is essential to have an overall idea running later on. Issues to be considered are: of what is involved. In most cases a plan needs to be developed which details exactly 11 Ownership/Vesting what is involved in the project and how long it will take. A rehabilitation plan may range The majority of wetland rehabilitation from simply liaising with the local authority in projects will be carried out on publicly tree planting projects, to the total owned land, in which case the wetland is coordination, over several years, of a major usually vested in a Local Government rehabilitation effort. Authority (LGA) or Government Depart­ ment. Information on vesting is best Project planning involves three main stages: obtained from the Department of Land Administration (DOLA) or directly from 11 Pre-planning the LGA. • Implementation • Post works 11 Management

Wetland rehabilitation is as diverse as the It is essential to determine the current range of wetlands involved, and each project management objective, if any, and also should be addressed individually. All who the actual ground management staff rehabilitation projects, however, do involve are. each of the three main stages listed above. Ill local Government Authorities (lGAs) This chapter will address each of these in turn and then present a rehabilitation check­ Many wetlands are vested in the local list which can serve as a guide ·to all of the Shire or City Council. In this case the issues involved. Superintendent of Parks and Gardens or Environmental Officer will be essential PRE-PlANNING contacts.

Pre-planning involves making contact with • Community Groups different groups and determining the key people i·nvolved in each area. It is worth­ There are many groups which have an while to put an effort into any rehabilitation interest in wetland conservation and rehabilitation (see Appendix 4). While

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some of these groups concentrate on IMPLEMENTATION specific wetland areas, others are concerned with wetland ecology and The implementation of any rehabilitation conservation in general. There are also project is often the most enjoyable phase. many local progress associations arid

A five year old stand of replanted wetland species

residents' groups which can be of Implementation generally involves bringing assistance. Information about such people together over several days to carry groups can usually be obtained from the out specific tasks. The managing body may relevant local authority. be able to carry out many of the larger tasks and those involving specific techniques 111 Management/Rehabilitation Plans and/or equipment prior to the involvement of volunteers. Before starting any wetland rehabilitation

project it is essential to have a 'plan of 111 Community Involvement attack'. This can be as simple as a tree planting schedule, or as detailed as a The involvement of the local community complete management plan. Manage­ is essential to the success of many ment plans should be produced by the rehabilitation projects. The benefits of vesting body or qualified consultants. In general community involvement include the absence of a detailed management installing a sense of ownership of plan a simple revegetation proposal can wetland areas, reducing vandalism and be developed in conjunction with the rubbish dumping and improving com­ managing body. munity cohesion through working together. A rehabilitation plan has to contain many

aspects other than simply planting trees. 111 Volunteers Rehabilitation issues that should be considered are listed in the Rehabilitation Many rehabilitation tasks can be planned Checklist in Appendix 3. This checklist around the use of volunteers. Rubbish should be used to ensure that all issues removal, weeding, tree and shrub are addressed. planting and direct seeding are some 59 :;::::::::::!:!:!:!:!:!:!::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:::::::::::::;:;:::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::;:::;:;:;::::::::::::::::::::::::!::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::!:!:!;!;!;!;!;!;!::::::::;:;:::;:::::::::::::::;:;:;::::::::::::!:!:!:!:!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:

examples. Work days need to be very POST WORKS well organised with adequate tasks, tools, materials and supervisors on hand After any rehabilitation effort has been so that people are encouraged to come undertaken it is necessary that maintenance again. Publicity and advertising through is carried out regularly so that any posters, handbills and signs and the local improvements are not lost. Rehabilitation paper are the best way of attracting projects should always be designed to volunteer labour. minimise maintenance and aftercare requirements. • Publicity • Watering Plants Publicising local wetland rehabilitation projects will help to raise the profile of Watering of plants is an obvious example the area and encourage people to take an where post-implementation works are interest in their local environment. A essential to the success of the rehabili­ high degree of community involvement tisation effort. Watering is usually and exposure will also help fundraising necessary for the first summer after efforts. planting. Experience from the Wetlands Conservation Society has found that tree 111 Funding watering is most successful when under­ taken by the same people who planted If correctly promoted, rehabilitation the seedlings. projects which are community-backed may be funded from a wider range of • General Management sources. Wetland rehabilitators should not overlook the potential for sponsorship This includes such tasks as preventing of the project from concerned local rubbish dumping and off-road vehicle businesses. access, maintaining fences and signs and controlling weeds and feral animals. 111 Grants Local people, due to their proximity to the area, can carry out many of these duties Grants may be available from Greening and report any problems to the managing Australia through their "One Billion Trees" body. program, for revegetation projects. The

national "Save the Bush" program, 111 Monitoring administered by the Australian National parks and Wildlife Service, sometimes This involves assessing certain para­ has funds available. meters on a regular basis to gauge the success of any rehabilitation effort. Seedlings for rehabilitation projects can Monitoring of revegetation simply be sought from Alcoa's "Free Trees for involves setting up trial plots to gauge Community Groups" sponsorship pro­ species and seedling survival. Water gram. quality monitoring is best done by pro­ fessionals. The information obtained 111 Works Schedule from monitoring helps to develop further revegetation efforts. It is useful to have a schedule of proposed rehabilitation works. Its WETlAND REHABiliTATION content will depend upon the size and CHECKliST scope of the proposed works· which could range from a simple weekend of tree The checklist in Appendix 3 has been planting to a long term project which designed to alert wetland rehabilitators to the could run over several years. many different issues involved. Many rehabi­ litation projects will simply focus on one or Any works program can obviously be two areas (eg, rubbish removal or tree updc;tted as more experience is gained in planting). This checklist can help to establish the rehabilitation process. specific tasks within the overall rehabilitation program. .... 60

Each rehabilitation topic is listed on the left This checklist is by no means complete, and of the page and specific issues assigned to serves more as a guide to the issues involved one of three stages of wetland rehabilitation. than a complete coverage. 61

:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!:!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!:!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!:::: Chapter 10

by Owen Nichols, Alcoa of Australia Ltd and Norm Godfrey, Wetlands Conservation Society

The success or failure of wetland rehabili­ SETTING OBJECTIVES tation programs is largely influenced by whether the species selected for replanting It is impossible to either design or implement are appropriate for the site and the objec­ a successful rehabilitation program without tives. first producing an appropriate set of objectives. There are many examples of Replanting using any species, and waiting for poorly planned rehabilitation programs which nature to "sort it out", is not acceptable. have failed simply because not enough Often, it takes many years for local species thought went into deciding what the program to recolonise an area where they are faced was designed to achieve. Correct planning with competition from introduced species can not only help ensure success, but it can which may have little conservation value and also reduce costs and increase the level cif may dominate. commitment of all involved in the project.

Species selection is not simply a matter of There are many objectives which may be making a "wish list". Many factors must be included in a wetland rehabilitation plan. One considered, including the availability of plants can aim to: or seeds, methods of establishment, knowledge on how to propagate species, and 111 Duplicate (as close as possible) the the importance of particular species for pre-existing ecosystem: If successful, conservation, nutrient uptake, recreation and this will greatly enhance conservation other roles. values of the site. However, re-creating a complete ecosystem is very difficult Many factors influence how well plants and may not be possible on severely perform when re-established, and using the degraded sites; right species is essential if rehabilitation is to be successful. 111 Maximise vegetation diversity: This may be appropriate in situations where it is This chapter outlines the factors which must uncertain which species will grow. be considered when selecting species for Adding a large number of species will wetland rehabilitation programs.

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hopefully ensure that a good number 111 Produce a visual or noise buffer: Thick, succeed; tall vegetation around wetlands can serve a number of purposes. It increases the • Maximise fauna diversity: Adding species sense of being in a natural area by which will cater for the needs of fauna is screening the sights and sounds of important. Examples include planting human activity. Disturbance to wildlife is nectar producing species for honeyeaters, also decreased. Midge problems in and trees which will later develop nesting surrounding areas are reduced, thereby hollows for possums, ducks and parrots; reducing the need for spraying;

1111 Reduce maintenance: This is almost 111 Protect water quality: Wetland vegeta­ always important, since someone must tion can reduce turbidity, take up be responsible for the long term well­ nutrients and increase tannin levels, being of the site. It is usually best to thereby decreasing the chances of avoid species which require watering, eutrophication occurring. Surrounding fertilising, and replanting. Self-sustaining vegetation (eg, woodlands) can further native vegetation communities usually protect water quality. Species which do require little management once not require excessive fertiliser should be established; used, and fertiliser programs carefully designed, to accurately cater for plants' Ill Cater for public use: This is important so needs. Expert help may be required here that the public can appreciate wetlands. (see Appendix 4). However, areas can be "zoned" so that the public are attracted to sites where Once objectives are set it should then be they will have less impact, while areas of possible to develop a species list. It should high conservation value (eg, waterbird also be noted that different areas of a nesting areas) remain undisturbed. In wetland habitat may be given different public facility areas, species selection can objectives. include shade trees, attractive flowering species, interpretive walk paths (with For some areas, re-establishment of water­ species labelled) and limited grassed bird habitat may be the priority whereas areas on well-located previously disturbed other areas may be developed for public use areas; such as education or recreation.

Eucalyptus rudis is one of the easiest species to establish 63 :;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::;:;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::.::!::

HOW TO DEVElOP A SPECIES liST considered when preparing the replanting works program. There are several ways of developing a species list, and the method used will partly • Whether to use local species grown from depend on the experience of the person seed collected locally. There are two designing the revegetation program. The sides to this debate. One argument methods include: states that it is preferable to use local seed, since this is most likely to produce • Finding out what species were present plants adapted to local conditions. Some before disturbance. This is possible if species with large geographic ranges records are available, and is recom­ show considerable variation throughout mended if site conditions are likely to their distribution, and plants from some support the original vegetation; localities may not perform well. By contrast, there may also be valid • Conducting surveys in similar local areas arguments for using seed from more (eg, see The Spectacles Wetland diverse locations, particularly where site example, Chapter 2); conditions have changed and differ from those which supported the species. Use • Using previous experience. For example, of seed collected from other areas can earlier rehabilitation efforts may illustrate also broaden the genetic base of local what grows well and which species are species, especially if it has been reduc&d unsuccessful; by environmental degradation; This may well increase the ability of plants to • Using the list recommended in Appendix survive future impacts such as disease 1 . This provides a list of species which and changes in weather patte&rs· are important in wetland rehabilitation, and are relatively easy to establish. It There is no simple answer to this debate. should prove useful where the above One solution could be to use local seed methods cannot be used due to limited when disturbance is minor and a broader previous experience or expertise. seed source when disturbance is more profound. Expert help may be necessary in developing a species list, and in almost every case, the Different objectives and past experience resulting rehabilitation program can be may also provide reasons for selecting improved by seeking advice from others who seed from particular locations. have attempted similar work. Help is usually available from: Whatever the case, a good guideline is to select seed from plants which show good council environmental officers health and vigour. However, seed from industry environmental officers (eg, poorly performing plants is better than no mining companies) seed at · performance can often be members of local naturalist groups related to site factors rather than genetic Government (eg, CAlM) potential. student projects (eg, conducting surveys) Greening Australia 111 When rehabilitating woodland areas Men of the Trees adjacent to wetlands, it is important to consultants consider the abilities of trees to withstand Where it is a idea to where the rehabilitation efforts of Seek advice on this i·f necessary. information is Whether or not species are to parties benefit from these dieback is also Banksias are as are many other species of the Proteacae which results in movement of Once a species list has been prepared, there moist soil can spread dieback. Suscep­ are a number of factors which should be tible species are an important part of the

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ecosystem and should not be excluded planted (see Appendix 1 ). Seed of these for this reason, but care must be taken. species can be collected, provided a licence is obtained from CALM. Some tree species form hollows which are important for many species of Alternatively, seed or seedlings could be wildlife, both as nesting and shelter sites. purchased. When deciding which species Seek advice from CALM about suitable to plant, it is important to think about the species for your area. relative proportion of species - too many acacias can dominate and out-compete A decision must be made on whether to other species, but some are needed to use hand planted seedlings or to spread provide rapid cover and add nitrogen to seed. Seedlings are more advanced and, the soil. Nectar producing species (eg, provided they are planted at the right Grevilleas and Callistemons) provide a time and cared for, success rates can be valuable nectar source for honeyeaters. high. Use of seed is cheaper but seeding Where possible, one should aim to methods have only recently been re-establish species in roughly the

Reeds can easily be transplanted

developed, and success is variable. Until densities and proportions they occur more research is conducted, a combina­ naturally unless there are good reasons tion of methods could be worth trying. for doing otherwise (such as re­ establishing rare species). Some success in seeding has been achieved by Alcoa, other mmmg It is important to remember that seed of companies, and the MRD. Seeding early most legume species (eg, Kennedya, in the season (immediately after the first Acacia, etc) will require heat treatment in rains) on freshly disturbed ground (eg, by order to germinate. This is easily done by scarifying) appears to be essential. immersing the seed in boiling water for up to one minute. If in doubt, seek expert • Woodlands adjacent to a wetland are not advice. complete without understorey vegetation. Some understorey species are easily As with trees, understorey can be grown from seed and can be hand established by either seeding or planting. 65 :::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:

• Re-establishing rush and sedge species in Some success in re-establishing and adjacent to water is important for Melaleuca species has been achieved by stabilising shorelines, and to provide placing seed-laden branches on shelter and nesting areas for waterbirds. shorelines. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information available on re-establishing CHANGES OVER TIME this group of plants. Some can be transplanted, provided they are not taken Nature is never static. Even a wetland which from an important area. Both Juncus has been successfully rehabilitated will pallidus and Baumea articulata have been change over time. Some plant species are successfully transplanted. Other species naturally "pioneers" or early colonisers. sometimes colonise naturally. Others invade at a later stage, and can usually be ignored in planting programs. As with other habitats, a diversity of Discussing the experiences of others can species is desirable since different usually provide useful information on how a waterbirds prefer different vegetation site will develop. communities. Even Typha is useful for some species (eg, crakes, reed-warblers), Some replanting may be necessary, and at although it is probably unwise to some stage fire (either deliberate or introduce Typha since it almost inevitably accidental) must be considered. dominates in suitable areas. Finally, it should be remembered that it is not A detailed study on establishing rush and important to exactly duplicate a particular sedge species is currently being under­ habitat. Natural processes, site conditions taken by Dr Jane Chambers at Murdoch and the influences of humans will ultimately University. The study is expected to be determine how a site develops. Together, completed in 1992, and should add these factors result in the large variety of considerably to available knowledge in habitats which exist. this area. Provided reasonable care is taken, it should When establishing wetland plant species, be possible to re-establish a wetland with real it is important to consider factors such as conservation value in what was previously a bird grazing, wave action, and seasonal badly degraded site. fluctuations in water level.

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:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;::::.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::;:::::::;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::;:;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;!;:::::;:;:;:;:;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Chapter 11

by Philip Jennings, Wetlands Conservation Society

M\9st of the species recommended for shaken or scraped out of the nuts. You wetland planting are very easy to grow from will obtain a mixture of seeds and filler seed. This is something that you can do in which is suitable for planting. your own home without expensive equip­ ment. • Melaleucas:

Growing plants from seed also helps to Four species of melaleuca are commonly maintain genetic diversity and preserve local used in wetland rehabilitation. They are varieties. M raphioph ylla, M teretifolia, M cuticularis and M preissiana. The seed SEED COLLECTION of these species is a fine brown powder which can be readily scraped from the There are four main genera which are dry nuts. The nuts should be collected in commonly used in wetland rehabilitation autumn from the stems of mature trees. projects. The seed of each has different Always select the oldest nuts as they characteristics and so they are best treated take several years to mature. The nuts separately. should be placed in a container and left in a warm, sunny location for several weeks • Eucalypts: to dry. The container should be shaken occasionally to mix the nuts and to dis­ The main species involved are E rudis, lodge the seeds. The seeds will fall to E ca!ophylla, E marginata, E gompho­ the bottom of the container and the cephala and E todtiana. The seeds of the empty nuts may be skimmed off the marri (£ calophylla) are large, black and surface leaving a layer of fine, powdery quite conspicuous. They can often be seed. collected from the ground oeneath large marri trees in the autumn. Alternatively • Banksias: you can pick the marri nuts and store them in a warm, sunny place for several Four species of banksia are frequently weeks until they open and the seeds can used in wetland rehabilitation. They are then be shaken out. The other species B attenuata, B grandis, B littoralis and have much smaller seeds and you will B menziesii. Banksias have large winged need to collect the nuts in autumn and seeds which may be removed from the dry them first. The seeds may then be nuts by hand. Collect the nuts from the 68

trees in autumn and dry them in a warm, leaves. If you achieve a heavy sunny location for several weeks. The germination it is advisable to thin the seed pods will open and release two crop to get the best results. large, winged seeds and a woody filler. The fillers may be removed and dis­ • Banksias: carded. The drying and opening process can sometimes be accelerated by gentle These large seeds should be planted heating of the banksia nuts. directly into pots which are at least 10 em deep. Banksias put down a • Acacias: taproot immediately and this will often be several centimetres long before the first Two wattles are commonly used in wet­ leaves appear. Good results can be land rehabilitation. They are A cyclops obtained by planting the seeds in the and A saligna. Wattles have seed pods autumn as soon as they are removed similar to beans and the seeds resemble from the nuts. Germination usually takes small bean seeds. They may be removed several weeks and is often facilitated by from the pods by hand. The pods should heavy rain. be picked in early summer before they drop from the tree. • Acacias:

Many other wetland species produce viable These seeds have a hard coat and they seed which is suitable for home planting. are difficult to germinate without Some of the smaller shrubs and creepers treatment. One method is to chip the produce seed pods similar to the wattles. corner off the seeds with a sharp object The woody pear, Xylomelum occidentalis, and then drop them into hot water. has large, woody, pear-shaped nuts which Leave the seeds in the water for several yield two very large, winged seeds each - hours and they will swell. Then plant similar to banksia seeds. them directly into the soil. You will obtain good results from spring planting. PlANTING SEEDS Note that it is advisable to use potting The planting techniques are slightly different mix or disease-free soil for your planting. for each of the four genera: Great care should be taken not to spread diseased soil, as dieback disease can 11 Eucalypts: devastate native flora. Never take soil from an area where there is any evidence Prepare a seed tray with about 3 em of dieback. depth of moist soil. Sprinkle the seeds (and filler material) thinly over the TRANSPlANTING surface. Mix the seed with the soil on the surface and spray lightly and regularly When the seedlings have grown to a height with water. Larger seeds, such as the of 2-3 em they should be transplanted into marri, may be planted directly into small larger containers. You can also thin them at pots. Just push the marri seeds into the this stage if you wish. Milk cartons or 1 0 em moist soil. The best time to plant diameter pots are ideal for this first potting eucalypts is in autumn, soon after the on. Remember to cut small drainage holes in seed is collected. Germination should the bottom of the milk cartons and fill them occur in about two weeks after planting. with wetland soil. Try to avoid root damage in transplanting the seedlings and water them 11 Melaleucas: frequently for the first few days afterwards. Never transplant in hot weather and keep the Sprinkle the powder thinly and uniformly seedlings out of strong sunlight for a couple over the surface of the soil in a seed tray. of weeks until they have adapted to the Use a fine mister to spray the seed change. regularly with water. Plant the seed in the early spring for the best results. Banksias survive best if they are kept in pots Keep the seedlings in the tray until they for two years before planting out. This gives have developed at least two sets of them time to develop a fibrous root system. 69

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You should pot them on into 30 em plastic Most seedlings will benefit from small appli­ pots after twelve months in the smaller pots. cations of slow release fertiliser. (Banksias generally do not appreciate fertiliser.) One or It is often desirable to grow melaleucas on in two pellets in each container will promote the larger pots before planting out close to growth of foliage and the development of the wetlands. This is because they may be root system. drowned by rising water if they are too small. Most melaleucas enjoy seasonal inundation Sunshine and water are also essential for provided their foliage remains out of the healthy plant growth. Seedlings will need water. daily watering in the summer months.

CARE OF SEEDLINGS Some shelter from the summer sun will also be beneficial, particularly for small seedlings. You will need to protect your seedlings from Larger pots may be kept in the full sun attack by snails, caterpillars and worms. provided they are watered regularly. Snails love melaleuca seedlings and one hungry snail can eat a hundred melaleuca FURTHER READING seedlings in one night. Snail pellets, snail traps and midnight inspections are How to Germinate Native Tree and Shrub recommended. Caterpillars and worms are Seed Enjoyably, available from Greening common in spring and can be easily removed Australia. by hand.

Melaleuca raphiophylfa seedlings in a plastic seed tray .. 71 :;:;:::::::;:;:;:::;:;!;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:::::::::;:;:;:::::;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;!;!;!;!;!;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:;:;:::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::;: Chapter 12

by Norm Godfrey, Wetlands Conservation Society

OPERATIONAL PLAN and the number of helpers and amount of time they devote to it. Even with a well developed regeneration plan, a program for each year's plantings As a guide, for hand watering with buckets must be well thought out and co-ordinated from a nearby source of water, such as a with all participants. To begin you should list lake, one person can handle 80 to 150 plants how many of each plant species are to be once or twice a fortnight. Each plant will planted, draw a diagram of where they are to probably survive with 2 litres of water each be planted and propose a planting schedule. week, but more will increase growth in the This plan should be prepared within the first and second year. If trickle irrigation is to context of the management plan for the be used to establish the seedlings, pump size wetland. determines the limits to plant numbers. If a water cart or tank is used for the job the To develop a successful planting strategy number of trees to be planted is simply consider the following six points: determined by the capacity of the tank.

11 The natural location of each plant species If you choose not to water at all, aftercare in relation to the wetland generally places no limits on the number of 11 Ease of aftercare, especially if hand seedlings. However, in this case, survival watering is required rates may be disappointing, except for those 11 Competition from mature plants or weeds species planted between the high and low 11 Possible damage from livestock such as seasonal water levels. horses, or rabbits, or from vandals 11 Any site preparation that may be needed WHAT TO PlANT WHERE 11 The spacing or grouping of the plants In planning which species to plant, and HOW MANY SEEDLINGS? where to plant them, keep in mind the natural associations found at similar types of Ideally, planning should be carried out a year wetlands to that being regenerated. ahead of the planting so that seedlings can be ordered or seed collected and grown in With many freshwater wetlands on the Swan time. The number of seedlings for planting Coastal Plain, the land typically rises away depends on the area to be regenerated and from the water's edge. With this there is a the spacing between plants. Allow for some common progression of plant species from losses. Probably the most important the water, through the fringing vegetation constraint is the amount of aftercare needed and on to the bushland further back. 72

Typical plant communities of the freshwater and sheoaks (AIIocasuarina fraseriana). A wetlands include the following: diverse understorey also exists in the woodlands, but regeneration of these 11 Rushes, such as the jointed twig rush species is difficult. (Baumea articulata) and the common bulrush (Typha domingensis) grow in the 111 The salt lakes nearer the coast and the water below the seasonal high. water estuaries typically support fringing salt­ mark. Both can be permanently water paperbark (M. cuticularis) with inundated at the root zone. Typha is not various sedges but few shrubs. recommended for wetland regeneration because it tends to rapidly dominate in TIMING the shallows. The autumn (May-June) seems the best time • Melaleuca teretifolia, a medium shrub, for planting most species associated with can also withstand permanent inundation wetlands. This allows time for them to of the root zone, but can grow above the become established before the heat of the high water mark as well. following summer.

11 The swamp paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla), a medium-sized tree, will Some species may be planted at other times die if its roots are permanently under of the year. M. rhaphiophylla can be planted water and seems to grow best between at the water's edge in August-September. the seasonal high and low water marks. The growth rate during the ensuing warmer months is sufficient for the roots to follow • Flooded gum (Eucalyptus rudis) can be the water table down as it drops over the flooded for part of the year and is usually summer. M. teretifolia, if planted near the found a little above the high water level water in autumn, can succumb to wave and in nearby areas subject to seasonal action during the winter if the plants have waterlogging. not been grown to a fairly substantial size beforehand. Planting in this situation from 1111 The swamp banksia (Banksia littoralis) August to February can overcome this grows in similar areas to the flooded problem to some degree. gum. Jointed twig rush, dug up from a wetland 111 Melaleuca pretsstana, another paperbark, with an excess, can be transplanted firmly in prefers the heavier soils of depressions sizeable clumps next to the water from April that constitute the ephemeral wetlands to June. and waterlogged damplands of the Coastal Plain. DEALING WITH COMPETITION

111 A diversity of shrubby species also In general, seedlings do not do well if planted occupy ephemeral wetlands and many amongst existing mature vegetation. They areas near permanent freshwater bodies. do best where the ground is bare of any These include Melaleuca lateritia, serious competition, including weeds such as Astartea fascicularis, Agonis linearifolia veldt grass and pigface. and Kunzea ericifolia which may dominate in thicket formations. Competition can be dealt with by:

• Acacia saligna, a tall shrubby wattle, may ill Selecting sites where there is little or occur as dense stands or scattered none individuals above the high water mark. 111 Slashing the area before planting 111 Appropriate application of herbicides such 1111 Coastal woodland species occupy the as Spray Seed®, Roundup® or Glyphosate zones furthest from the wetland and may 360® include jarrah (Eucalyptus marginate), marri (E. calophylla), tuart (E. Herbicides must not be used anywhere near gomphocephala), banksias (B. attenuata, an open water surface where spray drift is B. menzesii, B. grandis and B. ilicifolia) likely to kill small aquatic animals. :::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;!:!;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:

Except in some of the heavier compacted fenced area can be destroyed by one or soils, cultivation is usually not very effective another of the above techniques. Regular since it breaks up any soil structure and may maintenance of the fence is needed for about · encourage greater weed growth subse­ three years after which the new trees should quently. require no further protection.

DAMAGE CONTROl Vandals can be a source of frustration. Replant! They usually give up in the end. Before planting, anticipate the possibility of Signs informing the public of the regeneration destructive elements and implement program can help to educate the public. countermeasures. Are there any horses, sheep, cattle, rabbits or people antagonistic SPACING to the project in the vicinity? There ·are no strict rules about the distance Don't plant anything if livestock cannot be between seedlings. Trees can be placed 3 to excluded from the site, or if someone' s view 20 metres apart, and smaller plants could be of the lake will be affected. closer. For any given area, however it is probably better to concentrate the seedlings Rabbits pose a special problem. Baiting is into complementary groupings or groves. usually not feasible since wildlife or domestic pets could be poisoned. Shooting also is not A grove can be any size, but its essential very practical in most situations. The use of feature is that it comprises complementary

Community Tree Planting ferrets can be useful to some degree if all the trees and shrubs appropriate for the patch of warrens are accessible, but many rabbits do ground being regenerated. not live underground. Fumigation can be effective, but must be repeated at regular For each grove the species selected will be intervals for good control. determined mostly by the prevailing ground­ water regime, having in mind normal seasonal The surest method of rabbit control is to fluctuations. Between the groves, trees will exclude them from the site by installing give way to low shrubs and various ground rabbit-proof fencing. Any rabbits within the cover plants.

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For example, a grouping of complementary table and grow normally during the first plants for a seasonal dampland could consist season. of:

Tall trees Eucalyptus rudis Mounding in waterlogged soils Medium trees Melaleuca preissiana Banksia littoralis Tall shrubs Kunzea ericifolia Low shrubs Melaleuca lateritia Agonis linearifolia Astartea fascicularis

Grouping the seedlings in this fashion, in preference to an evenly dispersed planting pattern, has several management and ecolo­ gical advantages. Firebreaks, paths and essential vehicle access-ways fall naturally between groves, as would weed control efforts. Within groves, an ecological balance Furrows or holes in deep sands of animal life is achievable due to the range of plant types represented. The more timid animals will prefer places with minimal disturbance.

In the early stages, the effort of watering and other aftercare activities is less, and vermin control is more cost-effective due to the smaller area of land involved.

Complementary plant species suitable for grouping can be selected from the list in In many areas around wetlands a surface Appendix 1, by concentrating on those layer of 10-20cm of non-wetting soil appropriate for similar situations. prevents normal rainfall penetration. Remove this before planting, otherwise there is no PLANTING TECHNIQUES guarantee that water will reach the roots. Here it is a good idea to apply a soil wetting Whether the seedlings are in plastic trays, agent (Wetta Soil®, etc). jiffy pots or larger plastic pots, tease out the roots before planting in a hole that slightly After planting, water the seedlings and then exceeds the depth of the root zone. Tear out spray a band of the soil wetter around each the peaty base of jiffy pots before planting. seedling, covering a radius of about 20cm. A second application could also be useful in In sandy soils make the hole for planting at particularly difficult sands, later in the spring. the bottom of a bowl-shaped depression. Soil wetting removes grease from the soil . This concentrates water around the plant and encourages deeper root growth and where it is needed. It also keeps the root better drought resistance. zone damp further into the spring. The seedlings of most plants respond to light This does not apply to plantings below the dressings of artificial fertiliser. The fertiliser seasonal high water mark. should be slow release and supply nutrients in amounts appropriate for native plants; low Mounding can be a useful technique for the in phosphorus, high in. nitrogen with some heavier soils of ephemeral wetlands, potassium and possibly minor elements such especially if a subsurface clay layer inhibits as copper, zinc and iron. For proteaceous water and root penetration. The trees are plants such as banksias and hakeas, phos­ planted in the mounds of soil allowing them phate fertilisers should be avoided, because to develop root systems above the water their tolerance is low. 75

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Use only small amounts of fertiliser as too because germination rates are very low in much will kill your seedlings and it can also non-wetting sands and waterlogged areas. leach into the groundwater and so pollute nearly wetlands. Sprinkle 60-80g lightly near Until more information is available, direct the seedlings, but not on them. Tablets can seeding for wetland regeneration is not also be used, but should be placed well recommended. below or to the side of the roots. OTHER TECHNIQUES Fertiliser can be applied any time, within a couple of months of planting, but after Various other establishment techniques have August is too late. been successful in different situations:

Do not apply fertilisers in any situation where • Keeping seedlings in large 4 litre pots for they could materially affect water quality in a second year before planting has wetlands. As a guide, restrict fertiliser to achieved a better than 50% survival rate sites more than one metre above the in grey/ yellow sands without watering. seasonal high water level. The larger pots presumably allow better root development. A soil wetting agent DIRECT SEE.DING is applied after planting out in autumn. The disadvantage, of course, is the extra The regeneration, by direct, seeding of effort of filling and transporting the large vegetation associated with the coastal pots. wetlands has received scant attention. 11 Carroll Tree Tubes have proven success­ Consequently there are no publications on ful in deep sands where other methods

Freshly planted Eucalyptus rudis near Lake Yangebup the subject and even anecdotal information is have failed. The tubes consist of 50 mm scarce. PVC pipe split along 750mm lengths and rejoined loosely with PVC rings causing There is some experience with direct seeding the two halves to overlap slightly. They in the wheat belt, but this suggests the are filled with soil and small seedlings technique would not achieve worthwhile planted in them at one end; the other end results for the coastal wetlands. This is is partly taped over and sits in a tray of

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water. Seedlings develop substantial root It could be tried with M. teretifolia and systems over the length of the tubes possibly M. rhaphiophylla and E. rudis. before planting out. A hand auger is used to prepare a hole for planting. • Natural regeneration, of course, should be Survival rates are very high. A free encouraged wherever possible. Where brochure on the Carroll Tree Tube can be seed trees exist it is a distinct possibility. obtained from Westralian Sands Ltd, All we can do is provide conditions Jenkin Road, Capel, WA, 6271 offering the greatest possible assistance to mother nature in this regard. Fence • Another technique for fringing vegetation out all livestock such as horses, sheep is to fix small branches sporting seed and cattle. Control or exclude the local capsules in the ground near the edge of rabbit population. Control weeds to the wetland. The capsules open in time reduce . competition for the naturally shedding seed that germinates in the germinated young seedlings. There are damp soil at the water's edge. This many examples of good natural regenera­ method is likely to be most successful if tion where these measures have been done in September-October when the taken. water level is highest. 77 :;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::;:::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::;:;:;:;:·:·:·:::.·:··::.:::·::·:·::·::·: ';.,:.:::.:.:::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::;:::::::;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::;:::;:;:::::::::::::::;:::::::::::;:;:::

by Owen Nichols, Alcoa of Australia ltd and Jenny Davisu Murdoch University

The maintenance of an acceptable standard problems. The chapter is based largely on an of water quality is essential if the functions earlier paper by Davis ( 1 990). and values of a wetland are to be conserved. Since wetland organisms and communities FACTORS INFLUENCING WATER are so interrelated, deterioration of any QUALITY aspect 6f water quality almost always has significant consequences. For example, Removal of Fringing Vegetation excessive nutrient availability could result in a variety of problems including: Plant communities are the basis of much of the life in a wetland, providing both a source Ill algal blooms, with shoreline fouling and of food and a range of habitats for aquatic decomposition odours and terrestrial fauna. The fringing vegetation Ill excessive growth of aquatic weeds; eg, also forms an important structural component Typha of the wetland, stabilising and aerating the Ill of non-biting midges and plagues sediment and providing a filtering mechanism mosquitoes for material passing into the wetland. Ill waterfowl deaths from botulism, and Ill wetland habitat, species and loss of Sedges and rushes are able to take up and aesthetic and recreational values store greater amounts of nutrients than are required for growth. This mechanism is the There are a multitude of reasons why basis of systems where reed beds are used wetland water quality may deteriorate. To as filters to treat sewage and other effluents. understand and manage the caus_es of water However, there is a limit to how much quality problems, it is necessary to have a nutrient such beds can assimilate. Plant basic understanding of wetland function. productivity in wetlands is closely tied to the References such as Davis and Humphries availability of two nutrients, nitrogen and (1989) and Davis and Rolls (1987) provide phosphorus. These nutrients are usually in useful descriptions of wetland function. short supply in undisturbed ecosystems and phosphorus is usually the most important This chapter reviews the disturbances which lacking nutrient. The fringing vegetation and can result in wetland water quality problems, sediment contain a large proportion of the and discusses how to avoid or correct

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nitrogen and phosphorus in a wetland in keeping the littoral region of a wetland (Chambers and Davis 1989). cool. This has implications for midge control because a particularly pestiferous species, If the fringing vegetation is removed - as Polypedilum nubifer, appears to be most often occurs when a catchment is cleared for abundant in the shallow littoral regions of urban development or agricultural activities, wetlands and builds up to large numbers as the nutrients stored in fringing vegetation are conditions become warmer. released into the wetland and may ultimately lead to algal blooms. In addition, the nutrient These examples clearly illustrate the filter function provided by the vegetation is importance of fringing vegetation in lost and nutrient uptake by sediments is maintaining water quality. Where adequate reduced (because roots of sedges acted to vegetation is present, efforts must be made keep sediments aerated - which facilitates to protect and retain it - for example, by nutrient uptake). A further input of nutrients fencing out stock, and avoiding clearing too to the wetland may have a greater effect close to a wetland. Where fringing vegeta­ than when vegetation was present. tion is degraded, it is important that it be re-established. In areas where disturbance is Many wetlands in south-west Western minor, this may occur naturally if the Australia were probably highly coloured, as a disturbance (eg, stock) is removed. result of high concentrations of tannins, prior­ to disturbance. Highly coloured wetlands do However, in many situations intervention will not usually support algal blooms, even when be necessary to successfully revegetate the high levels of phosphorus are present. The site. Techniques for doing this are discussed mechanism by which algal blooms are in previous chapters. suppressed are not known although light limitation is probably important. Excessive Nutrient Input

Removal of fringing vegetation removes the Elevated nutrient levels in a wetland usually source of tannins and may result in the result in large algal blooms. Grazing development of algal blooms where none had organisms such as Daphnia play an important occurred previously. Fringing vegetation, in role in maintaining good water quality within particular the canopy, may also be important a wetland by feeding upon suspended algal

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cells. However, when algal blooms are very 111 generating sufficient resources to correct large or comprised of toxic species such as the problem Microcystis or Anabaena, the numbers of grazing organisms will be insufficient or It is beyond the scope of this booklet to deal unable to process all the algal material and with complex nutrient enrichment issues. reduce the blooms to tolerable levels. This Useful references and sources of help are can result in the serious eutrophication listed in the Appendices and it is strongly problems which have occurred at Peel Inlet, recommended that expert advice be sought. and in some metropolitan lakes (eg, North However, on a local scale, there will be cases Lake and Lake Monger). where causes and solutions to nutrient inflow problems are obvious and easily corrected. Nutrient input can come from a variety of sources. These include direct runoff from Examples of these include reducing fertilisers fertilised crops or pastures, and via applied to public lawns near wetlands, groundwater flow from fertilised lawns and converting public gardens near wetlands to gardens and horticultural operations. native vegetation, which requires no ongoing Sources of nutrient input are not always application of fertilisers, and modifying inputs obvious, and may be ·varied and complex. In from agriculture or horticulture by such cases, broader catchment management encouraging the development of more strategies are needed, and it will be environmentally-sensitive fertiliser practices. necessary to involve all relevant landowners and both local and State Government Pollution Departments. Appropriate land use planning and management practices are important if Wetland pollutants can include heavy metals, problems are to be avoided. Where problems pesticides, herbicides, salt, leachates from have already developed, past experience waste disposal sites, and, as already indicates that there will be three main discussed, nutrient runoff. challenges: The presence of pollutants, such as pesti­ • developing sufficient community "will­ cides and heavy metals in a wetland in power" to tackle the problem addition to being directly toxic to aquatic life, • understanding the causes and generating may alter water quality through their effects possible, cost effective solutions, and

Eutrophication of North Lake

1111111 80

on wetland food chains. Many grazing soil salt levels are high, clearing causes the organisms, such as Daphnia, are particularly water table to rise bringing dissolved salts to susceptible to pesticides. a level where they can enter wetlands or streams. As with other forms of pollution, A decrease in the numbers of grazers will prevention is much simpler than cure. Where mean that the capacity of the wetland to high soil salt levels are known or likely to process algal blooms will be diminished. occur, it is important to minimise clearing Pesticides, toxic algae, and low oxygen levels thereby minimising the risk of salinisation. may also result in the death of larger predatory invertebrates, such as larval Rehabilitation of salt-affected wetlands has dragonflies and beetles. Invertebrate not been successfully achieved, although predators are often responsible for consuming considerable investigations are currently large numbers of larval midges. Their taking place. At lake Toolibin near Wagin, absence in a wetland may result in greater strenuous efforts are being made by CALM, problems with nuisance midge swarms than the Water Authority, the Alcoa landcare would otherwise occur. Project and local landowners to halt the encroachment of salt into an important, The source of pollution may be obvious in relatively-fresh wetland. Information some cases. For example, heavy metals may obtained from this and similar projects will emanate from a nearby industrial source, and help reduce or avoid further problems. pesticides or herbicides from intensive agriculture. Introduced Fish

Establishing the extent of the problem usually The presence of an introduced fish, the requires expensive monitoring and consi­ mosquito fish, Gambusia holbrooki may also derable technical expertise. In virtually all indirectly contribute to larger algal blooms, cases, involvement of relevant Government because larger members of the zooplankton, authorities will be required. Solutions may such as Daphnia, are selectively grazed by not be straightforward, as some industries mosquito fish. may have been established for many years; issues may require political solutions. Carp can also contribute to a reduction in water quality in a wetland as they stimulate Where possible, it is far preferable to avoid the release of nutrients from the sediments such problems through appropriate planning by their action of stirring up muddy and regulation. The Environmental Protection sediments when feeding. Act and thE! Wetlands Environmental Protec­ tion Policy should ensure that in future there Introduced fish should never be released into are fewer problems. natural water bodies.

The use of pesticides for midge control has Changes to Hydrology been studied by Murdoch University in recent years (Davis et al 1990, Pinder et al 1991) Both the draining or filling-in of wetlands and investigations are directed towards results in the direct lossof wetland habitat. finding more specific control measures. lowering of the water table in the vicinity of Herbicides are sometimes required for weed groundwater-fed wetlands may result in loss control where the objective is to re-establish of both plant and animal communities within a natural ecosystem. Where large scale weed that wetland. The loss of seasonality may control appears necessary, the advice of also represent a disturbance to wetland local Government, and the Departments of ecosystems. Further studies are needed in Agriculture and CALM should be sought. Use this area but there are some indications that of the correct herbicide in the correct wetlands which dry seasonally experience amounts and appropriate to the location and less problems with noxious algal blooms even problem can greatly reduce the chances of when receiving fairly high nutrient loads. undesirable secondary effects. Drying of the lake bed may decrease the rate at which nutrients are released into the water Elevated salinities occur through excessive column. clearing of surrounding vegetation. Where 81

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Drowned Vegetation - North Lake

Directing excessive runoff into wetlands can 11 Redirect Drainage result in the large scale death of Melaleucas, or paperbarks: these trees need water for Drainage constructed to flow into part of the year, but excessively long wetlands needs to be redirected to some inundation can cause their death. Shoreline other method of discharge. Stormwater vegetation is even more susceptible to from urban areas and other road drains changes in hydrology, and species usually should be directed into compensating or grow in fairly specific locations with respect infiltration basins set well back from any to seasonal water levels. They do have the wetland. For new housing areas this is capacity to adjust by re-establishing simply a matter of sensitive planning that communities in response to altered water insists on developers meeting these levels, however increasing the range of water requirements. Even with established level fluctuations is usually deleterious to suburbs there are many possibilities for shoreline plant species. alternative discharge sites.

Wherever possible, management and rehabili­ Agricultural drains should also be diverted tation should be aimed at retaining or away from natural wetlands. Artificial restoring a hydrological regime which will wetlands, with a capacity for nutrient promote the retention of indigenous plant stripping, might be useful here. Again, communities. regional planning should require that agricultural drains not use wetlands as ElEMENTS OF WETlAND discharge points. REHABiliTATION By not draining into wetlands, normal From our knowledge of the processes of water levels prevail and any direct inflow wetland degradation we can now set up of pollutants and plant nutrients is principles for their rehabilitation and prevented. maintenance. Obviously the primary II objectives must be to improve water quality Improve Groundwater Quality and to establish and maintain normal seasonal water levels. To achieve these the All residential areas near wetlands should following strategies should be implemented: be deep sewered. Any large-scale I dependence on domestic septic systems ~ 82

in the long term will inevitably cause degradation has occurred.· The whole groundwater quality problems that must sequence of rushes, sedges, paperbarks spill over into our wetlands. All housing and flooded gums, extending to the developments should therefore be deep jarrah-marri-banksia mix of the Coastal sewered at the outset. Plain, can be restored so that the wetland again functions as a balanced ecosystem. The amounts of water and fertiliser It only requires knowledge and commit­ lavished on our playing fields and parks ment. need to be reviewed to cut them back to the bare minimum. It would also reduce Regeneration has many advantages for fertiliser loss to groundwater if smaller the health of the wetlands and for the quantities were applied more frequently community. Deep-rooted trees soak up than is commonly practised at present. nutrients from the groundwater and the Slow release fertilisers are preferred for fringing vegetation takes up nutrients the same reason. directly from the wetland. Aquatic plants can absorb luxury levels of plant nutrients The concept of dry parks seems to have and so reduce the potential for algal some problem with community accep­ blooms. tance, with a few notable exceptions. As a technique for managing groundwater Fringing and· emergent vegetation tends and wetland quality, however, it has a lot to hold down the water temperature of attractions. .· causing midge larvae to develop more slowly. In any event, restricting reticulation to a " few select portions of the park can still Tannins from the leaves of melaleucas, in retain many traditional elements and particular, impart a dark (tea) coloration should be considered. to the water. This reduces solar pene­ tration of the water column and so • let Waterbirds Fend for Themselves {educes the growth of blue-green algae.

Constraining the natural desires of people A good depth of trees and shrubs around to feed waterbirds could be a difficult wetlands constitutes a visual and task and possibly generate some lively physical barrier between emerging midges oppos1t1on. Perhaps public education and the urban lighting that attracts them. would produce a better understanding of The midge nuisance is reduced and so the issue. At least, people should be there is less need to apply pesticides. encouraged to limit the quantity of food offered to our feathered friends, or Regeneration of the indigenous vege­ feeding areas should be located away tation provides valuable habitat for the from the water body. birds, bandicoots, frogs and other fauna that depend on healthy wetland eco­ 111 Avoid Pesticides near Wetlands systems for their survival.

The use of pesticides for midge control A final very good reason for regenerating may be unavoidable in some situations. and maintaining the vegetation around But their application should be restricted wetlands is that it improves their to the shallow areas of the wetland biological richness and aesthetic appeal. known to support midge larvae. In the longer term a program of water quality SUMMARY improvement and the regeneration of surrounding vegetation will largely There are a variety of impacts which can obviate the need for midge control detrimentally affect the water quality of measures. wetlands. The consequences on the whole wetland ecosystem are often serious and 111 Regenerate Wetland Vegetation difficult to reverse. Wherever possible, problems should be avoided through planning It is quite feasible to regenerate the and management since sub~equent correction fringing vegetation of wetlands where may be difficult, or even impossible, given 83 :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::

current knowledge. Provided the general West Development Authority Advisory principles of retaining fringing vegetation, Committee. controlling inputs of nutrients a'ld pollutants, and avoiding drastic changes to hydrology Davis J A and Humphries R (1989) are adhered to, it should be possible to retain Wetland Function, in: Wetlands in Crisis: water quality within acceptable limits. What Can Local Government Do? Environmental Protection Authority Bulletin If problems develop, they may be straight­ 372, pp52-62. forward and easily solved but more often expert help is needed to provide the advice Davis J A, Pinder A M, Trayler K M and and resources necessary to correct the Harrington SA, SA (1990) problems. See Appendix 4 for further details. Towards More Effective Control of Nuisance Chironomids (Midges) in Metropolitan REFERENCES Wetlands, Perth, Western Australia. Report produced for the Midge Research Steering Chambers J and Davis J (1989) Committee, Perth, Western Australia. 1 05pp. How Wetlands Work in Proceedings of the Swan Coastal Plain Groundwater Davis J A and Rolls S W ( 1 987) Management Conference. Edited by Godfrey A Baseline Biological Monitoring Programme Lowe. Western Australian Water Resources for the Urban Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Publication No 1/89: 97-104. Plain, Western Australia, Bulletin 265, Environmental Protection Authority, Western Davis J A (1991) Australia 80pp. How do Wetlands Work - and How do we Manage Them to Maintain 'Healthy' Aquatic Pinder A M, Trayler K M and Davis J A Ecosystems? in Wetlands of the Southwest: (1991) 13-1 9. Report of a workshop on the role of Chironomid Control in Perth Weilands - Final Local Government and landowners in the Report and Recommendations. Report management of wetlands in the southwest of produced for the Midge Research Steering Western Australia produced by the South Committee, Perth, Western Australia. 144pp.

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... 85 :;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::;:;:;:;:::;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;::::::::::::::::: Chapter 14

by Norm Godfrey, Wetlands Conservation Society

WATERING tration is slow, the soil may have become non-wetting, so a soil wetter is indicated. As already mentioned in Chapter 1 2, two litres of water per week will allow young In soils with a high moisture-holding capacity, trees to survive over the first summer in deep and those with a high summer water table, sands. With more water they actually watering may not be necessary. This can be continue to grow. In the second summer judged from the condition of the trees. after planting, some watering might also be needed but at less frequent intervals, say VERMIN CONTROL once every month or six weeks. If they can't make it after that they're not worth watering. Rabbits can cause severe damage to many tree species in the year of establishment. Start the watering program fairly early in the summer because sandy soils dry out very Make frequent checks that your rabbit-proof quickly after the wet season has finished. fencing is intact and that rabbits haven't Without this pre­ tunnelled under­ caution the chances neath anywhere. are that root growth Also, breaks can downwards will not OCCUG ~ can be be able to keep vandalised, and pace with the rate whole sections can of soil moisture even be stolen. loss. With such small quantities of Tree guards of vari­ water it is important ous types can be that every drop effective, with the counts. Make sure additional benefit the soil surface that they can some­ around the base of times be re-used for the small tree is subsequent plant­ shaped so as to ings. concentrate water towards the trunk. If the rabbits really If water flows away get out of hand, from the tree it is contact the Agricul­ largely wasted. tural Protection Also, if water pene- Watering trees at Lake Yangebup Board for advice. 86 . - I

FIRE STRATEGY regeneration by wind-blown seed from adjacent unburnt areas afterwards. Wildlife The early planning stages of any rehabili­ could benefit too because habitat diversity tation project will of course encompass a fire would be retained. control and management plan. The final plan should also take into account Firebreaks and vehicle access for control (fuel the direction of the prevailing winds in the reduction) burning or responding to wildfires fire season, and the most likely starting point must be determined well before the planting for a fire such as a roadside verge. A sample stage is reached. This should be done by the fire control plan for North Lake is shown. owner or vesting authority in consultation with the local fire brigade. Ploughing the firebreaks at the end of the growing season creates a ground-level hurdle An important objective of a fire plan should to the progress of fire, and assists burnback be to retain a good representation of all plant strategies during the course of a wildfire. associations after the fire is finished. To However, slashing can also impede fire achieve this a wetland reserve might, for spread and so help its management. This too example, have firebreaks radiating out from is done in the late spring when the possibility the lake or swamp, like the spokes of a of regrowth is past. · wheel, to a full perimeter fire break. A wildfire or control burn could then be A most important aspect of fire control is to confined to one segment only. This pattern have a well understood plan of action if one would provide for some degree of natural starts. What do ordinary people do when the

PRQPOSED FIRE-RGHTING VEHICLEACCESS TRACKS

----- Fire fighting vehide aa:ess tracks

• • .. o " • • • New section of track .... -· ...... ·-··· .. . Existing fence

NORTH LAKE _. _. -· _ Drain

NB: Overlays 1985 Vegetation Map

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I 'I 0 100 200 300 400 500 m I

Fire Control Plan for North Lake !Source: North Lake Management Plan (1985)1 :;:::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::;:::;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::;:::;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:::;:::::::::::;:::::;:::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::;:::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:::;:::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::;:;:::::::::::::::::;:::::::

first puff of smoke rises from the reserve? They only constitute a problem when in Usually they need to know who to contact or plague proportions and the control measures where to go if they're part of a volunteer fire entail well organised broadband spraying over control group. a wide area.

If at all possible, keep fire out of any The jarrah leaf miner, lerps and the blister rehabilitation project area for at least the first leaf sawfly may be more persistent five years. After that, many species can challenges to young trees, especially survive a light burning. Control burns for fuel eucalypts. Foliage sprays or trunk injections reduction is a topic steeped in controversy. in larger trees can be effective but should · Advice on this aspect of fire control can be only be necessary if the infestation is obtained from the Department of Conserva­ widespread and severe. This is usually not tion and Land Management (CALM). the case and young trees can eventually grow ahead of their attackers. Whatever plan is adopted for fire control, it needs to be understood that our woodlands If insect damage threatens the ultimate don't need fire, they simply have survival success of the regeneration project, consult mechanisms if fire strikes not too frequently. the Department of Agriculture or CALM.

INSECT DAMAGE WEEDS

Plants are at the bottom of the food chain, The potential for weeds to severely threaten providing sustenance for a host of insects the establishment of young trees will have which in turn feed native animals and birds, been considered in the planning stage of the either directly or indirectly. Most insects are rehabilitation program. Even so, unexpected part of our natural ecosystems and although heavy infestations may appear after planting, they cause some damage to young seedlings, especially in the late spring. it can usually be tolerated. But some are worth special consideration because their In this situation, weedicides can be consi­ scale of operation can cause alarm. dered a serious option. Spray a 1 .0 metre radius of Roundup® or Glyphosate® around The devastation of tree plantings by the young trees likely to suffer unduly from weed plague locust in the wheatbelt in 1990/91 is competition. still recent history. Co-ordinated Government action seems the only possibility for effective Don't spray anywhere near an open water control. There is little the individual can do body as aquatic wildlife will suffer. In s.ome except replant the following year, comforted situations, slashing between the trees may be by the knowledge that locust plagues are not preferred. an annual event. REFERENCE Spring beetles (leaf eaters) and the Rutherglen bug (sap suckers) can attack Murray F (ed) (1985) young plants in the spring and summer North Lake Management Plan Murdoch respectively. University, Environmental Science.

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1.0 Plants for Woodlands and low lying Areas Not Waterlogged 1.1 Trees

Acacia salinga Dense spreading tree to Widespread on land near seasonally Low lying areas but not waterlogged. 5 (Orange Wattle) 6m. waterlogged areas. Seed shed each year

Tree to 18m, moderate Agonis flexuosa Coastal (limestone) belt, above 2m from Associated with Tuarts. Adaptable to other growth rate. Dense 5 (WA Peppermint) seasonal high water level. situations. weeping canopy.

Erect tree to 15m. Slow Allocasuarina fraseriana Widely scattered as individuals or small growth rate. Drooping Well drained sands of all woodlands. 3 (Sheoak) groups. Seed is retained. branch lets.

Banksia attenuata Tree to 1Om, moderate Distribution similar to Firewood Banksia. Well drained sands. 4 (Slender Banksia) growth rate, open canopy. Common on coastal plain. D.

Banksia grandis Tree to 1Om, moderate . All well drained soils on the coastal Widely distributed throughout most 4 (Bull Banksia) growth rate, open canopy. plain. woodlands. D.

Banksia ilicifolia Tree to 12m, slow growing, Most soils, but prefers less well drained A primitive Banksia without a distinctive cone. 4 (Holly Banksia) open habit. sites compared to other Banksias. Common throughout the coastal plain. D.

Banksia menzeisii Tree to 1Om,. moderate Seed shed annually. Widespread distribution Well drained sands. 4 (Firewood Banksia) growth rate, open canopy. on coastal plain, associated with Jarrah. D.

Tree, moderate growth rate Widespread throughout the south-west. Large Eucalyptus calophylla All sites above 2m from seasonal high­ to 30m. Dense canopy, 5 black seed shed February. Easily propagated. (Marri) water level. All soil types. II erect habit. A pink flowered form is attractive. II Eucalyptus Common in the limestone belt to the west of Tree, fast growing to 25m. Coastal (limestone) belt above 2m from gomphocephala 5 most freshwater wetlands. Associated with Upright habit. seasonal high water level. (Tuart) Peppermint. Seed retained.

Eucalyptus marginata Tree, slow growing to 25m. All sites above 2m from seasonal high Commonly associated with Marri. Seed largely 3 (Jarrah) Upright habit. water level retained. D.

Tree, slow growing to 1Om. Eucalyptus todtiana low-lying areas with high water table Common in low-lying deep sands. Seeds Spreading habit, dense 4 (Coastal Blackbutt) but not seasonally waterlogged. retained in capsules. Propagates successfully. canopy.

Xylomelum occidentalis Tree, grows to 1Om. Well drained sandy soils. 4 Common in suitable areas. (Woody Pear) I 1.2 Shrubs

Acacia cyclops Sands over limestone preferred but Widespread near limestone ridges and Tuart Dense shrub to 4m. 3 (Coastal Wattle) adaptable. woodlands. Seed is shed soon after set.

Acacia pulchel/a Dense shrub to 1.5m. Well drained sands of most woodlands. 5 Widespread. Hard seed shed soon after set. (Prickly Moses) Intense gold flowers.

Shrub to 4m, flowers Adenanthos cygnorum inconspicuous, grey-green Deep sands. 4 Generally abundant on sandy rises. (Common Woollybush) leaves.

Allocasuarina humilis Widely distributed on coastal plain. Male and Shrub to 2m. Well drained sands of all woodlands. 2 (Dwarf Sheoak) female plants.

Small plant with specta- Anigozanthus mang!esii Attractive, well known plant, useful for honey- cular green and red flowers Common in Jarrah/Banksia woodlands. 5 (Kangaroo Paw) eaters. in spring.

Small shrub with pea Bossiaea ericocarpa Occurs in Jarrah/Banksia woodlands. 4 Useful hardy understorey plant. flowers, grows to 0.5m.

Calothamnus quadrifidus Erect shrub to 2m. Open Well drained soils over limestone, Occurs naturally in Tuart formations and 5 (One-sided Bottlebrush) habit. adaptable. coastal limestone ridges. Seed retained.

Dryandra sessilis Coastal limestone belt, well drained Common in Jarrah woodlands and over coastal Erect shrub to 5m. 3 ! (Parrot Bush) soils. limestone. I~ to 1\J Hakea prostrata Usually erect shrub or small Small along the coastal limestone ridge and Well drained soils over limestone. 4 (Harsh Hakea) tree to 4m. taller in valleys. Seed retained.

Erect shrub to 3m, drooping Kunzea ericifolia low lying but not waterlogged. 5 Forms dense thickets near some wetlands. branches.

Macrozamia reidlii 4 (if seed Occurs as male and female plants. Adds Cycad palrn to 1m high. Common in Jarrah woodlands. (Zamia Palm) buried) nitrogen to soil.

Medium shrub to 3m, dense Melaleuca huegelii foliage, forms thickets, limestone soils, well drained. 4 Commonly associated with Tuarts. (Chenille Honeymyrtle) attractive flowers.

Phyllanthus calycinus Small shrub to 30cm. Common in Jarrah woodlands. 4 Useful as a small, common understorey plant.

Templetonia retusa Erect shrub to 3.5m. Red Found along the coastal limestone ridge. Seed Well drained soils over limestone. 3 (Cockies Tongues) pea-shaped flowers. shed after set. 1.3 Ground Cover

Hardenbergia comptoniana Climbing shrub, flowers I All free draining soil types. 3 Common in all bushlands. Hard seeded. (Native Wisteria) purple to pale mauve.

Hypocalymma robustum Dense shrub to 0.5m, pink Damp, sandy soils in seasonally Attractive plant which forms dense ground 5 (Swan River Myrtle) flowers. waterlogged depressions. cover and helps bind soil.

Kennedia prostrata A prostrate shrub, red Common in all bushland areas especially after All soil types, not waterlogged. 4 (Red Runner) flowers. fire. Hard seeded. 2.0 Plants for Seasonally Waterlogged Soils and Wetland Fringes 2.1 Trees Shrub to 2m, spreading Swamps, seasonally waterlogged, low Frequents most swamps and seasonal I Agonis li'!earifolia 2 habit. lying damplands. wetlands.

Allocasuarina obesa Fringing swamps and wetlands. Associated with Salt-Water Paperbark Upright tree to 1Om. 4 (Swamp Oak) Adapted to saline soils. especially near estuaries. Seed retained. I Banksia littoralis Medium bushy tree to 15m, Seasonally waterlogged areas, margins Often associated with Flooded Gum, and 5 (River Banksia) moderate growth rate. of wetlands. Fresh-Water Paperbark. D. i Widespread, typically associated with All soil types from high-water level to Eucalyptus rudis Tree, fast growing to 20m, wetlands. Readily propagates from seed. 2m above. Tolerates seasonal 5 (Flooded Gum) spreading habit. Some seed shed annually but much is inundation of root zone. retained.

Small slow growing tree to Melaleuca cuticularis Saline soils fringing salty wetlands and Commonly forms a belt of low woodland 1Om, upright habit, spread- 3 (Salt-Water Paperbark) estuaries. between open water and Tuart associations. canopy.

Small tree to 1 2m, slow To the edges of swamps and low-lying Commonly forms closed-canopy formations in Mela!euca preissiana 3 growth rate. seasonally waterlogged soils. undisturbed situations. Originally widespread.

Small shrubby tree to 12m. Commonly forms dense thickets and closed- Melaleuca rhaphiophylla areas seasonally waterlogged Slow growing, dense 4 canopy formations in swamps, seasonal (Swamp Paperbark) or inundated. foliage. wetlands and fringing open fresh water. 2.2 Shrubs

Associated with Me/aleuca preissiana Astartea fascicularis Small shrub to 1.5m. Low lying land seasonally waterlogged. 2 formations.

Small shrub to 1.5m, red Low-lying areas, seasonally Rather sparsely distributed throughout its Me/aleuca fateritia 3 'bottlebrush' flowers. waterlogged. range. Attractive. Readily propagated.

Melafeuca po!ygaloides Spreading shrub to 1 .5m. Low-lying areas, seasonally Not uncommon in areas suited to Melaleuca 4 (Grey Honeymyrtle) White flowers. waterlogged. preissiana. 3,0 Inundation of the Root Zone

Baumea articulata Tall growing rush, Permanently inundated and waterlogged Common rush of freshwater wetlands, in 4 (Jointed Rush) pencil-like leaves. soils. shallow waters and near shoreline. I Rush which occurs in Permanently inundated and waterlogged Juncus krausii 4 Common rush of freshwater wetlands. clumps to 1m high. soils.

Medium shrub to 4m. Forms dense thickets in lakes and swamps. Waterlogged and seasonally inundated Melaleuca teretifolia Spreading habit, slow 4 Can withstand permanent inundation of root wetland areas. growth. zone.

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:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::>.!:!;!;!;!;!:-":::::: Appendix 2

Wetland Rehabilitation Projects

The following projects are examples of the application of many of the principles described in this book. We recommend that those interested in undertaking wetland rehabilitation projects should contact the organisations listed and inspect relevant projects. Considerable time, effort and expense can be saved by learning from the successes and failures of others.

ORGANISATION . PROJECT

Alcoa of Australia Ltd Wellard Claypit Rehabilitation

Alcoa of Australia Ltd/CALM The Spectacles Wetland Project

AMC Mineral Sands Ltd AMC Wetlands Centre Capel

City of Melville Lake Booragoon Frederick Baldwin Park

City of Stirling Lake Gwelup Star Swamp

Department of Conservation Alfred Cove and Land Management Senger Swamp

Shire of Swan Ballajura Lake

South West Development Authority Big Swamp, Sunbury

Westralian Sands Ltd Old Yoganup Wetland Capel

Wetlands Conservation Society/ North Lake Department of Planning and Urban Development Lake Yangebup South Lake

Department of Planning and Urban Development Lake Joondalup Herdsman Lake

City of Gosnells Mary Carroll Park 97 .:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::;:::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:::::::;:::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::;:::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:::::::::::::;:;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::;:;:;:;:::::::::::::::::::;:;:;:;::::::::::::::::::::: Appendix 3

Checklist for Managing Wetland Reserves

Following any rehabilitation project there is a need to maintain and even add to what has been achieved. Otherwise the effort may be wasted. This checklist is intended as a reminder of what needs to be considered in the ongoing management program:

1 FENCING 4 BULRUSH CONTAINMENT

Perimeter fencing constantly needs to be To control excessive growth of bulrushes kept in a state of good repair to consult with CALM on the need and effectively restrain off-road vehicles, methods that might be suitable. horses and other livestock. Rabbit-proof Remember, the bulrush is only a weed if fencing should be checked even more it gets out of hand. frequently to prevent populations expan­ ding on the wrong side. 5 DRAINS

2 FIRE CONTROL Maintain and clean out trash racks and other rubbish collection systems in drains The fire control plan needs to be revised directed to wetlands. It is important this periodically. Cultivate firebreaks, slash, be accomplished before the first autumn and control burn for fuel reduction as rains. detailed in the agreed management plan. Liaise with WA Fire Brigade and local 6 DRAINAGE SUMPS Bush Fires Board. Develop a local fire watch scheme. Where stormwater or other drainage is intercepted before entering a wetland by 3 WEEDS sumps or infiltration basins, check ali is in good working order and clean out if Veldt grass: Apply selective herbicides necessary. A void the possibility of if feasible, slash other­ overflow carrying pollutants into a wise. wetland. Pampas grass: Control is important as fertile strains are now 1 VERMIN spreading. Repeated her­ bicide applications will be implement rabbit and fox control needed. measures as appropriate. Rabbit Castor oil: Herbicides can be effec­ populations are weakest in the early tive but hand pulling autumn - a good time to act then. young plants is not diffi­ cult. 8 MIDGE CONTROL

Decide on any further problem species If nuisance plagues demand action, target and develop a control plan. larval feeding beds with an appropriate 98

pesticide. This should not be carried out 12 fACiliTIES routinely, but only as required. Hopefully the rehabilitation program will reduce the Establish and maintain picnic and other need for midge control measures. Seek public facilities as appropriate to conform expert advice, as new information is to an agreed management plan. likely to become available periodically. 13 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 9 MONITOR WATER QUALITY form a "Friends of ...... " group, include The nutrient or pollutant load of the a local councillor, and liaise with a repre­ wetland needs regular checking to sentative of the responsible authority. establish baseline data and to see whether water quality targets are being 14 PUBLICITY achieved. Check with the EPA or CALM for sampling and analytical procedures. Decide on, and implement, a publicity strategy to enhance public awareness of 10 SIGNS the importance and success of rehabilitation projects. Set up signs that instruct and inform. Instructive signs to keep vehicles out and 15 EDUCATION prevent pollution - "Don't feed Bird life!", "Rubbish in Bins!", etc. Informative Liaise with local schools and community signs - what bird or plant species are groups regarding possible educational nearby, name of responsible authority, initiatives. who to contact and telephone number.

11 VEHIClES

Review success of measures to prevent vehicle access. Review need for parking facilities. 103

Appendix 5

Biblio raphy of Useful

Angell, K (1990) Tree Planting on Farms in High Rainfall Areas Department of Agriculture Bulletin No 4174.

Bamford M, 1987 Breeding Success of Waterbirds on Ponds Formed by Sand-mining Near Capel, WA for the 1986-87 Breeding Season AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No 3, 12pp. Associated Minerals Consolidated Limited, Perth, Western Australia.

Bartle, J, Graham, G, Lane, J and Moore, S (1987) Forrestdale Lake Nature Reserve Management Plan 1987-1992 CALM, Perth.

Bickmore, C J and Larard, P J (1989) Reconstruction of Freshwater Habitats in Development Schemes In: Biological Habitat Reconstruction (Ed. P Buckley, Wye College), Belhaven, 1989.

Bickmore, C J (1990), May 1990 Wildlife, Roads and Landscape Desjgn

Billigan, B, Markwell, K, and Winning, G ( 1990) Education and Site Management: the Wetlands Centre Australian Ranger Bulletin 5(4),20-23.

Bowman Bishaw Gorham ( 1 990) Technical report: Burraghup Swamp Environmental Study Prepared for the Shire of Murray and the Western Australian Heritage Committee, June 1990.

Cale, D J, and Edward, D H D, 1990 Macro-invertebrate Study of Boulder Lake, Capel, WA, from December 1987 to December 1988 AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No 9, 55pp. AmC Mineral Sands Ltd, Perth, Western Australia.

Cale, D J, and Edward, D H D, 1987 Fauna: Preliminary Survey Resalts and Recommendations by Aquatic Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of WA AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No 4, 32pp. Associated Minerals Consolidated limited, Perth, Western Australia.

Chambers, J M ( 1984) The Potential of Natural and Artificial Wetlands for Phosphorus Removal in the Harvey Catchment Bulletin 202, Environmental Protection Authority, Western Australia. .,....,------

104

Chiffings, A Wand Brown, J M (1979) An Inventory of Research andAvailable Information on Wetlands in Western Australia Bulletin 65, Dept of Conservation and Environment, Western Australia.

Crook, I G and Evans, T (1981) Thomsons Lake Nature Reserve Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth.

Curry, P (1982) A Survey of the Birds of Herdsman Lake 1980-87 Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.

Davis, J A and Rolls, S W (1987) A Baseline Biological Monitoring Program for the Urban Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia Bulletin 265, Environmental Protection Authority, Western Australia.

Dept of Conservation and Environment ( 1 980) Guidelines for the Conservation and Management of Wetlands in Western Australia Bulletin 79, DCE, Perth.

Dept of Conservation and Environment ( 1 981) Water Quality Criteria for Marine and Estuarine Waters of Western Australia Bulletin 1 03, - Dept of Conservation and Environment, Western Australia.

Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia ( 1 989) Wetlands in Crisis: What can Local Government Do? Conference papers, 15 June 1988. Bulletin 372, EPA.

Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia ( 1 990) A Guide to Wetland Management in Perth Bulletin 374, EPA, Perth.

Environmental Protection Authority and the Water Authority of WA (1990) Jenny Arnold's Perth Wetlands Resource Book Chapters 1-4. EPA Bulletin 266, December 1990.

Frith, H J (1967) Waterfowl in Australia Angus and Robertson, Sydney.

Gordon, D M, and Chambers, J M (1987) Water Ecology and Vegetation of the Capei-Ludlow Wetlands, Western Australia AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No 5, 82pp. Associated Minerals Consolidated Limited, Perth, Western Australia.

Gorrie, I and Doran, J How to Germinate Native Tree and Shrub Seed Enjoyably Published by Greening Australia, GPO Box 9868, Perth.

Green, J E and Salter, R E (1987) Methods for Reclamation of Wildlife Habitat in the Canadian Prairie Provinces Prepared for Environment Canada and Alberta Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation by the Delta Environmental Management Group Ltd. 114pp.

Jaensch, R P, Vervest, R M and Hewish, M J (1988) Waterbirds in Nature Reserves in South Western Australia 1981-1985 RAOU Report No 30. John, J { 1 988) A Preliminary Survey of Algae of the Capei-Ludlow Wetlands, Western Australia AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No;7, 40pp. Associated Minerals Consolidated Limited, Perth, Western Australia.

Keddy, P A {1983) Freshwater Wetlands Human-induced Changes: Indirect Effects must also be Considered Environmental Management 7(4), 299-302.

Lane, J A K and McComb, A J { 1988) Western Australian Wetlands in the Conservation of Australian Wetlands, edited by A J McComb and P S Lake, Surrey Beatty and Sons, NSW.

Majer, K {1979) Wetlands of the Darling System: Wetland Reserves and Their Management Bulletin 62, Dept of Conservation and Environment.

Masters, B K (1979) Physical Considerations - Conversion of Quarries to Wetlands Department of Conservation and Environment, Environmental Note No 74.

Meney, C {1987) Maylands Foreshore Reserve (East Street to Fogerthorpe Crescent) Draft Management Plan October 198 7 City of Stirling, Perth.

Michalski, M F P, Gregory, DR and Usher, A J (1987) Rehabilitation of Pits and Quarries for Fish and Wildlife Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Land Management Branch, 59pp.

Murdoch University ( 1 988) Lake Yangebup Draft Management Plan

Murdoch University (1986) North Lake Draft Management Plan

National Parks and Wildlife Service of NSW (undated) Farm Dams for Wildlife and Stock NPWS of NSW, 189 Kent St, Sydney 2000.

Nield, S P, and Townley, L R (1987) Study of Water Levelsin the Capel Wetlands AMC Wetlands Centre Tech Rep No 6, 25pp. Associated Minerals Consolidated Limited, Perth, Western Australia.

Orr, K {1987) Waterford Foreshore Reserve Management Plan City of South Perth, Perth.

Orr, K (1986) Salter Point Foreshore Management Plan City of South Perth, Perth.

Pen, L J (1983) Peripheral Vegetation of the Swan and Canning Estuaries, 1981 Bulletin ·113, Dept of Conservation and Environment, Western Australia. 106

Pigott, J P (1986) Star Swamp Bushland Reserve Rehabtlitation Programme 2 City of Stirling.

Riggert, T L ( 1966) A Study of the Wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain Dept of Fisheries and Fauna, Perth, Western Australia.

Serventy, D L, and Whittell Birds of Western Australia University of Western Aust

Smith, V (1986) Booragoon Lake Managemel ______City of Melville, Perth.

Smith, P (1987) Bull Creek Management Plan City of Melville, Perth.

Smith, R K (1978) Farm Dams and how to Improve Them for Water Birds Agricultural Gazette of NSW 89(2), 37-39.

Smith, V (1986) Blackwa/1 Reach Management Plan City of Melville, Perth.

Sole, J D and Mastra·ngelo, P M (undated) Guide to Developing Wildlife Habitat on Coal Mined Land Wildlife management Technical Series No 25. Kentucky Dept of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA.

South West Development Authority ( 1 991 ) Wetlands of the South West: The Role of Local Government and Landowners in the Management of Wetlands in the South West of Western Australia Papers delivered at a workshop held on November 24, 1990.

Watkins, D, Henderson, P, Lane, J and Moore, S (1987) Benger Swamp Nature Reserve Management Plan 1987-1992 CALM, Perth.

Wetlands Advisory Committee to the Environmental Protection Authority (1977) The Status of Wetland Reserves in System 6 Dept of Conservation and Environment, Western Australia.