Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion Draft Strategy

SAVING OUR SPECIES Help save Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion

Saving our Species aims to secure as many threatened species and ecological communities as possible. This conservation strategy aims to secure the ecological community in the long term. The strategy was developed by experts who identified the priority management sites and conservation actions required to manage critical threats to conserve the ecological community. Six priority management sites were identified in NSW (ordered north to south and including local government area (LGA)). They are: Hornsby Diatreme in Hornsby LGA Conservation status Burns Rd Sites in Ku-Ring-Gai LGA in NSW: Dalrymple / Browns Forest in Ku-Ring-Gai LGA Critically Endangered Sheldon Forest and Warrawee Public School in Ku-Ring-Gai Ecological Community LGA Cumberland State Forest and Reserve in Hornsby, The Hills Commonwealth Shire LGA status: Paramatta / Ryde Council Reserves in City Of Parramatta, Critically Endangered Ryde LGA Saving our Species More information about each site is provided on the following pages. management stream: Saving our Species is based on a cost-effective approach that Ecological community (range- maximises the number of threatened species and ecological restricted) communities conserved through on-ground management action. If you want to contact us please email Community profile: [email protected] http://www.environment.nsw.g ov.au/threatenedspeciesapp/p Map of Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin rofile.aspx?id=10094 Bioregion occurrence and priority management Saving our Species delivers site(s) on the NSW Government's legislative requirements under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Photo: Jessica Leck *Distribution is mapped as sub- regions where the ecological community is known to occur (BioNet).

Distribution(*) Priority management site Site 1: Hornsby Diatreme Total site area (ha):

Hornsby Diatreme- Westleigh, Berowra Creek and Waitara Creek 129.14 drainage, West Hornsby Treatment plant and quarry surrounds. Management site map Local government area:

Hornsby

National Parks and Wildlife Service reserve:

Berowra Valley National Park

Occurs on private land:

No Priority management site Management activities to protect Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion at the site Threat Objective Action

Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Provide residents within and including (but not weed densities at low surrounding the TEC with limited to) tree levels information on what native species species (such as to plant, how to appropriately Monitoring actions privet and ochna), control weeds and the issues shrubs (such as surrounding green waste dumping. Lantana), vines (such Regular monitoring of the as blackberry, corky ecological community's extent passionfruit and bridal and condition on the site will be creeper) as well conducted to determine trends herbaceous species (such as asparagus, through time. crofton weed and panic veldtgrass). The extent and severity of Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Monitor for weed presence and threats will also be monitored to including (but not weed densities at low measure densities of each weed assess the effectiveness or limited to) tree levels type in designated plot over time. management actions. species (such as Method must be repeatable, privet and ochna), monthly or bi-monthly for the first shrubs (such as few years than quarterly from year Management actions will be Lantana), vines (such 2 or 3. If weed densities are down adapted, added or removed over as blackberry, corky to less than 10% at the end of year time in response to monitoring passionfruit and bridal 1, than quarterly visits can be results, based on maximising creeper) as well started in year 2 if not continue herbaceous species initial monitoring procedure. After their effectiveness. (such as asparagus, ecological burns are conducted, crofton weed and follow up weed monitoring surveys Monitoring, Evaluation and panic veldtgrass). should be undertaken bi-monthly Reporting Guidelines for and then quarterly. Conservation Projects. Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Liaise with the Rural Fire Service management regime fire regime for the and other land managers about (lack of fire ±related species/community minimising clearing in the TEC by to the ±small, isolated using existing tracks/fire trials as nature of bushland fire breaks or preventing clearing areas) which have for additional fire breaks. altered the appropriate floristic and structural diversity. Threat Objective Action

Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Plan ecological burns based on management regime fire regime for the outcomes of fire-based research (lack of fire ±related species/community action for TEC community forms. If to the ±small, isolated wildfires occur, plan consecutive nature of bushland fires based on regime areas) which have requirements and date of wildfire. altered the Relay information from research appropriate floristic outcomes to the Rural Fire and structural Service, National Parks and other diversity. land managers and update all fire management documentation relating to the TEC. Clearing and loss of Minimise impacts of Consult with landholders about vegetation (canopy, development participating in conservation mid and ground agreements (preferably long-term cover) for in perpetuity) to protect the TEC. development and Engage with land holders through bushfire protection pamphlet drops, information nights and individual contact. Human disturbance Minimise impacts of Engage with the mountain biking including dumping recreational activities community to reduce disturbance waste and and encourage involvement in inappropriate bush regeneration and recreation activities rehabilitation of disturbed areas. e.g.Walkers not keeping to formal tracks, horses, trail bikes and other vehicles. Human disturbance Minimise impacts of Close illegal tracks using natural including dumping recreational activities barriers such as logs, plantings, waste and rocks etc. inappropriate recreation activities e.g.Walkers not keeping to formal tracks, horses, trail bikes and other vehicles. Pathogens and the Minimise spread of Develop brochures for land spread or pathogens disease within the site managers/asset (utility) owners such as myrtle rust, that promote hygiene protocols exotic rust, and (e.g. pythophora) for bush Phytophthora. regeneration and land and asset owners. Make sure asset owners are following most-up to date hygiene protocols. Upstream land use Minimise impacts of Liaise with developers to minimise impacts from the commercial activities impacts relating to stormwater quarry infill project at flows, erosion, foreign soils, Hornsby which may nutrient/ pollution runoff and other impact the local soil upstream impacts that may result (foreign materials), from the quarry development weed invasion and positioned above the Blue Gum water quality issues High Forest diatreme remnant. and more. Encourage appropriate reforming/ restoration of land areas above the proposed site with local indigenous species associated with the landscape position, geology and soils. Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Conduct research into appropriate management regime fire regime for the fire regimes to account for (lack of fire ±related species/community variability in Blue Gum High Forest to the ±small, isolated community forms (dry, diatreme, nature of bushland sandstone-gully, typical forms). To areas) which have identify fire regimes, ecological altered the burning should be done at differing appropriate floristic intensities and multiple sites. A and structural combination of species diversity, diversity. condition, recruitment post fire should be used as indicators of condition response to differing fire regimes. Pre and post fire weeding and fencing is critical.

Site 2: Burns Rd Sites Total site area (ha):

Clive Evatt Reserve and Wahroonga Public school and surrounds 22.34 Management site map Local government area:

Ku-Ring-Gai

National Parks and Wildlife Service reserve:

N/A

Occurs on private land:

Priority management site No Management activities to protect Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion at the site Threat Objective Action

Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Provide residents within and including (but not weed densities at low surrounding the TEC with limited to) tree levels information on what native species species (such as to plant, how to appropriately privet and ochna), control weeds and the issues Monitoring actions shrubs (such as surrounding green waste dumping. Lantana), vines (such as blackberry, corky Regular monitoring of the passionfruit and bridal ecological community's extent creeper) as well and condition on the site will be herbaceous species (such as asparagus, conducted to determine trends crofton weed and through time. panic veldtgrass). Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Conduct bush regeneration The extent and severity of including (but not weed densities at low informed from detailed site threats will also be monitored to limited to) tree levels assessments including vegetation assess the effectiveness or species (such as community and weed mapping to management actions. privet and ochna), identify priority areas. Actions shrubs (such as within these zones would range Lantana), vines (such from intensive weed removal to Management actions will be as blackberry, corky maintenance weeding and spot adapted, added or removed over passionfruit and bridal weed control. time in response to monitoring creeper) as well herbaceous species results, based on maximising (such as asparagus, their effectiveness. crofton weed and panic veldtgrass). Monitoring, Evaluation and Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Plan ecological burns based on Reporting Guidelines for management regime fire regime for the outcomes of fire-based research Conservation Projects. (lack of fire ±related species/community action for Blue Gum High Forest to the ±small, isolated community forms. If wildfires nature of bushland occur, plan consecutive fires areas) which have based on regime requirements and altered the date of wildfire. Relay information appropriate floristic from research outcomes to the and structural Rural Fire Service and Parks and diversity. other land managers and update all fire management documentation relating to the Blue Gum High Forest. Threat Objective Action

Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Increase connectivity between of vigour and genetic connectivity and reserves and create buffer zones diversity and loss of extent of available around each to reduce the urban habitat connectivity. habitat interface. Restore, rehabilitate and revegetate areas around reserves to create connectivity and increase the buffer zones of native vegetation around each area. Identify priority locations for increasing connectivity. Identified buffer zones may be severely degraded or have low resilience at sites. Revegetation will be required in these areas. A revegetation plan would be required and will need to be informed by detailed site assessment. Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Collect genetic material, including of vigour and genetic connectivity and seeds and cuttings from across the diversity and loss of extent of available priority sites and other important habitat connectivity. habitat locations, for storage and propagation for future revegetation and rehabilitation projects. When replanting, the plants origins and genetic integrity should be considered before it is used. Clearing and loss of Minimise impacts of Consult with landholders about vegetation (canopy, development participating in conservation mid and ground agreements (preferably long-term cover) for in perpetuity) to protect the TEC. development and Engage with land holders through bushfire protection pamphlet drops, information nights and individual contact. Clearing and loss of Minimise impacts of Liaise with land managers/asset vegetation (canopy, development (utility) owners (e.g. Sydney water, mid and ground AGL, electricity companies) to cover) for provide advice about maintaining development and asset infrastructure in optimal bushfire protection condition in TEC remnants and to conduct restricted vegetation clearing only for maintenance practices in Blue Gum High Forest remnants. Clearing and loss of Minimise impacts of Continue to update vegetation vegetation (canopy, development mapping, to address changes in mid and ground condition and extent to inform cover) for better outcomes for planning and development and conservation. Current mapping is bushfire protection inconsistent and inaccurate. Edge effects with Ensure land Liaise with the Rural Fire Service residents, clearing for management is and other land managers about bush fire protection, sympathetic to the minimising clearing in the TEC by solar panels and long term using existing tracks/fire trials as aesthetics requirements of the fire breaks or preventing clearing species for additional fire breaks. Stormwater and Minimise Liaise with local nutrients pollution into habitat/species landowners/managers and reserves from external exposure to pollution investigate potential for sources, feeding improvement in stormwater weeds, pesticides, infrastructure. Implement on management. ground stormwater improvement (Primarily around golf works. Identify sources of course only) and more nutrients. generally, a lot of properties backing on to reserves & creek- lines. Threat Objective Action

Human disturbance Minimise impacts of Manage built assets (pipelines etc) including dumping recreational activities to prevent erosion and promote waste and proper use of recreational facilities inappropriate (e.g. ensuring walkers to stay to recreation activities track). Manage key areas of e.g.Walkers not erosion, including: sheet erosion, keeping to formal track/ trail erosion and creek tracks, horses, trail erosion. Improve accessibility to bikes and other Blue Gum High Forest remnants vehicles. through the establishment of suitable recreational opportunities (i.e. walking tracks and interpretive walks). Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Conduct research into appropriate management regime fire regime for the fire regimes to account for (lack of fire ±related species/community variability in Blue Gum High Forest to the ±small, isolated community forms (dry, diatreme, nature of bushland sandstone-gully, typical forms). To areas) which have identify fire regimes, ecological altered the burning should be done at differing appropriate floristic intensities and multiple sites. A and structural combination of species diversity, diversity. condition, recruitment post fire should be used as indicators of condition response to differing fire regimes. Pre and post fire weeding and fencing is critical. Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Monitor for weed presence and including (but not weed densities at low measure densities of each weed limited to) tree levels type in designated plot over time. species (such as Method must be repeatable, privet and ochna), monthly or bi-monthly for the first shrubs (such as few years than quarterly from year Lantana), vines (such 2 or 3. If weed densities are down as blackberry, corky to less than 10% at the end of year passionfruit and bridal 1, than quarterly visits can be creeper) as well started in year 2 if not continue herbaceous species initial monitoring procedure. After (such as asparagus, ecological burns are conducted, crofton weed and follow up weed monitoring surveys panic veldtgrass). should be undertaken bi-monthly and then quarterly. Site 3: Dalrymple / Browns Total site area (ha): Forest 42.03

Dalrymple Hay Nature Reserve / Browns Forest Local government area: Management site map Ku-Ring-Gai

National Parks and Wildlife Service reserve:

Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve

Occurs on private land:

Priority management site Management activities to protect Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion at the site Threat Objective Action

Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Provide residents within and including (but not weed densities at low surrounding the TEC with limited to) tree levels information on what native species Monitoring actions species (such as to plant, how to appropriately privet and ochna), control weeds and the issues Regular monitoring of the shrubs (such as surrounding green waste dumping. Lantana), vines (such ecological community's extent as blackberry, corky and condition on the site will be passionfruit and bridal conducted to determine trends creeper) as well through time. herbaceous species (such as asparagus, crofton weed and The extent and severity of panic veldtgrass). threats will also be monitored to Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Conduct bush regeneration assess the effectiveness or including (but not weed densities at low informed from detailed site management actions. limited to) tree levels assessments including vegetation species (such as community and weed mapping to Management actions will be privet and ochna), identify priority areas. Actions shrubs (such as within these zones would range adapted, added or removed over Lantana), vines (such from intensive weed removal, time in response to monitoring as blackberry, corky maintenance weeding, to spot results, based on maximising passionfruit and bridal weed control. their effectiveness. creeper) as well herbaceous species (such as asparagus, Monitoring, Evaluation and crofton weed and Reporting Guidelines for panic veldtgrass). Conservation Projects. Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Plan ecological burns based on management regime fire regime for the outcomes of fire-based research (lack of fire ±related species/community action for TEC community forms. If to the ±small, isolated wildfires occur, plan consecutive nature of bushland fires based on regime areas) which have requirements and date of wildfire. altered the Relay information from research appropriate floristic outcomes to the Rural Fire and structural Service, National Parks and other diversity. land managers and update all fire management documentation relating to the TEC. Threat Objective Action

Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Increase connectivity between of vigour and genetic connectivity and reserves and create buffer zones diversity and loss of extent of available around each to reduce the urban habitat connectivity. habitat interface. Restore, rehabilitate and revegetate areas around reserves to create connectivity and increase the buffer zones of native vegetation around each area. Identify priority locations for increasing connectivity. Identified buffer zones may be severely degraded or have low resilience at sites. Revegetation will be required in these areas. A revegetation plan would be required and will need to be informed by detailed site assessment. Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Collect genetic material, including of vigour and genetic connectivity and seeds and cuttings from across the diversity and loss of extent of available priority sites and other important habitat connectivity. habitat locations, for storage and propagation for future revegetation and rehabilitation projects. When replanting, the plants origins and genetic integrity should be considered before it is used. Stormwater and Minimise Liaise with local nutrients pollution into habitat/species landowners/managers and reserves from external exposure to pollution investigate potential for sources, feeding improvement in stormwater weeds, pesticides, infrastructure. Implement on management. ground stormwater improvement (Primarily around golf works. Liaise with the golf course course only) and more on water management and runoff. generally, a lot of Investigate if filtration properties backing on devices/bases and treatment areas to reserves & creek- are present upstream of the lines. reserve currently. If they are, is the current systems sufficient or are new devices required? Identify sources of nutrients. Human disturbance Minimise impacts of Manage built assets (e.g. sewage, including dumping recreational activities storm water, electrical waste and infrastructure) to prevent erosion inappropriate and promote appropriate use (e.g. recreation activities ensuring walkers to stay to track). e.g.Walkers not Manage key areas of erosion, keeping to formal including: sheet erosion, track/trail tracks, horses, trail erosion and creek erosion. bikes and other vehicles. Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Conduct research into appropriate management regime fire regime for the fire regimes to account for (lack of fire ±related species/community variability in Blue Gum High Forest to the ±small, isolated community forms (dry, diatreme, nature of bushland sandstone-gully, typical forms). To areas) which have identify fire regimes, ecological altered the burning should be done at differing appropriate floristic intensities and multiple sites. A and structural combination of species diversity, diversity. condition, recruitment post fire should be used as indicators of condition response to differing fire regimes. Pre and post fire weeding and fencing is critical. Threat Objective Action

Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Monitor for weed presence and including (but not weed densities at low measure densities of each weed limited to) tree levels type in designated plot over time. species (such as Method must be repeatable, privet and ochna), monthly or bi-monthly for the first shrubs (such as few years than quarterly from year Lantana), vines (such 2 or 3. If weed densities are down as blackberry, corky to less than 10% at the end of year passionfruit and bridal 1, than quarterly visits can be creeper) as well started in year 2 if not continue herbaceous species initial monitoring procedure. After (such as asparagus, ecological burns are conducted, crofton weed and follow up weed monitoring surveys panic veldtgrass). should be undertaken bi-monthly and then quarterly. Site 4: Sheldon Forest and Total site area (ha): Warrawee Public 488.72

School Local government area: Council reserves surrounding Dalrymple-Hay Nature Reserve extending to southern side of Pacific Highway, includes Sheldon Ku-Ring-Gai Forest, Warrawee PS and golf course ±as well as reserve below Turramurra shops, areas along creek-lines and road reserves on National Parks and southern side of highway. Includes a number of council reserves. Wildlife Service Management site map reserve:

N/A

Occurs on private land:

Priority management site Management activities to protect Blue Gum High Forest in the Monitoring actions Sydney Basin Bioregion at the site Threat Objective Action Regular monitoring of the ecological community's extent and condition on the site will be Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Provide residents within and including (but not weed densities at low surrounding the TEC with conducted to determine trends limited to) tree levels information on what native species through time. species (such as to plant, how to appropriately privet and ochna), control weeds, the impact of The extent and severity of shrubs (such as clearing and issues surrounding Lantana), vines (such green waste dumping. threats will also be monitored to as blackberry, corky assess the effectiveness or passionfruit and bridal management actions. creeper) as well herbaceous species (such as asparagus, Management actions will be crofton weed and adapted, added or removed over panic veldtgrass). time in response to monitoring Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Conduct bush regeneration results, based on maximising including (but not weed densities at low informed from detailed site their effectiveness. limited to) tree levels assessments including vegetation species (such as community and weed mapping to Monitoring, Evaluation and privet and ochna), identify priority areas. Actions shrubs (such as within these zones would range Reporting Guidelines for Lantana), vines (such from intensive weed removal, Conservation Projects. as blackberry, corky maintenance weeding, to spot passionfruit and bridal weed control. creeper) as well herbaceous species (such as asparagus, crofton weed and panic veldtgrass). Threat Objective Action

Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Conduct research into appropriate management regime fire regime for the fire regimes to account for (lack of fire ±related species/community variability in Blue Gum High Forest to the ±small, isolated community forms (dry, diatreme, nature of bushland sandstone-gully, typical forms). To areas) which have identify fire regimes, ecological altered the burning should be done at differing appropriate floristic intensities and multiple sites. A and structural combination of species diversity, diversity. condition, recruitment post fire should be used as indicators of condition response to differing fire regimes. Pre and post fire weeding and fencing is critical. Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Plan ecological burns based on management regime fire regime for the outcomes of fire-based research (lack of fire ±related species/community action for Blue Gum High Forest to the ±small, isolated community forms. If wildfires nature of bushland occur, plan consecutive fires areas) which have based on regime requirements and altered the date of wildfire. Relay information appropriate floristic from research outcomes to the and structural Rural Fire Service and Parks and diversity. other land managers and update all fire management documentation relating to Blue Gum High Forest. Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Undertake an ecological burn at management regime fire regime for the differing intensities and multiple (lack of fire ±related species/community sites. Before the burn, conduct a to the ±small, isolated site assessment (e.g. mapping nature of bushland hollow trees for protection), pre-fire areas) which have weeding and fuel loading and altered the develop an operational burn plan appropriate floristic and risk mitigation (e.g. Control and structural lines). After the fire, install diversity. temporary fencing (5 ±years) to protect from herbivore (native and feral) grazing pressure and undertake post fire weeding. Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Increase connectivity between of vigour and genetic connectivity and reserves and create buffer zones diversity and loss of extent of available around each to reduce the urban habitat connectivity. habitat interface. Restore, rehabilitate and revegetate areas around reserves to create connectivity and increase the buffer zones of native vegetation around each area. Identify priority locations for increasing connectivity. Identified buffer zones may be severely degraded or have low resilience at sites. Revegetation will be required in these areas. A revegetation plan would be required and will need to be informed by detailed site assessment. Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Collect genetic material, including of vigour and genetic connectivity and seeds and cuttings from across the diversity and loss of extent of available priority sites and other important habitat connectivity. habitat locations, for storage and propagation for future revegetation and rehabilitation projects. When replanting, the plants origins and genetic integrity should be considered before it is used. Clearing and loss of Minimise impacts of Continue to update vegetation vegetation (canopy, development mapping, to address changes in mid and ground condition and extant to inform cover) for better outcomes for planning and development and conservation process. Current bushfire protection mapping is inconsistent and inaccurate Threat Objective Action

Edge effects with Ensure land Liaise with the Rural Fire Service residents, clearing for management is and other land managers about bush fire protection, sympathetic to the minimising clearing in the TEC by solar panels and long term using existing tracks/fire trials as aesthetics requirements of the fire breaks or preventing clearing species for additional fire breaks. Stormwater and Minimise Liaise with local nutrients pollution into habitat/species landowners/managers and reserves from external exposure to pollution investigate potential for sources, feeding improvement in stormwater weeds, pesticides, infrastructure. Implement on management. ground stormwater improvement (Primarily around golf works. Liaise with the golf course course only) and more on water management and runoff. generally, a lot of Investigate if filtration properties backing on devices/bases and treatment areas to reserves & creek- are present upstream of the lines. reserve currently. If they are, is the current systems sufficient or are new devices required? Identify sources of nutrients. Overabundant native Minimise the impacts Investigate the impact of swamp herbivores especially of native browsers wallabies to the local occurrence after fire. of Blue Gum High Forest and the feasible/ethical control methods. Installation of barrier fencing at high-value patches maybe an option. Human disturbance Minimise impacts of Manage built assets (pipelines etc) including dumping recreational activities to prevent erosion and promote waste and proper use of recreational facilities inappropriate (e.g. ensuring walkers to stay to recreation activities track). Manage key areas of e.g.Walkers not erosion, including: sheet erosion, keeping to formal track/ trail erosion and creek tracks, horses, trail erosion. Improve accessibility to bikes and other Blue Gum High Forest remnants vehicles. through the establishment of suitable recreational opportunities (i.e. walking tracks and interpretive walks). Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Monitor for weed presence and including (but not weed densities at low measure densities of each weed limited to) tree levels type in designated plot over time. species (such as Method must be repeatable, privet and ochna), monthly or bi-monthly for the first shrubs (such as few years than quarterly from year Lantana), vines (such 2 or 3. If weed densities are down as blackberry, corky to less than 10% at the end of year passionfruit and bridal 1, than quarterly visits can be creeper) as well started in year 2 if not continue herbaceous species initial monitoring procedure. After (such as asparagus, ecological burns are conducted, crofton weed and follow up weed monitoring surveys panic veldtgrass). should be undertaken bi-monthly and then quarterly. Site 5: Cumberland State Total site area (ha): Forest and Reserve 225.43

Cumberland State forests, IBM Land/ private land, George Local government area: Thornton, Hill Road and Mount Wilberforce Lookout Reserves, Colbarra Place Reserve Hornsby, The Hills Shire Management site map National Parks and Wildlife Service reserve:

N/A

Occurs on private land:

Priority management site Management activities to protect Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion at the site Threat Objective Action

Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Provide residents within and Monitoring actions including (but not weed densities at low surrounding the TEC with limited to) tree levels information on what native species Regular monitoring of the species (such as to plant, how to appropriately ecological community's extent privet and ochna), control weeds and the issues and condition on the site will be shrubs (such as surrounding green waste dumping. Lantana), vines (such conducted to determine trends as blackberry, corky through time. passionfruit and bridal creeper) as well The extent and severity of herbaceous species (such as asparagus, threats will also be monitored to crofton weed and assess the effectiveness or panic veldtgrass). management actions. Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Conduct bush regeneration including (but not weed densities at low informed from detailed site Management actions will be limited to) tree levels assessments including vegetation adapted, added or removed over species (such as community and weed mapping to time in response to monitoring privet and ochna), identify priority areas. Actions shrubs (such as within these zones would range results, based on maximising Lantana), vines (such from intensive weed removal, their effectiveness. as blackberry, corky maintenance weeding, to spot passionfruit and bridal weed control. Monitoring, Evaluation and creeper) as well herbaceous species Reporting Guidelines for (such as asparagus, Conservation Projects. crofton weed and panic veldtgrass). Clearing and loss of Minimise impacts of Continue to update vegetation vegetation (canopy, development mapping, to address changes in mid and ground condition and extent to inform cover) for better outcomes for planning and development and conservation. Current mapping is bushfire protection inconsistent and inaccurate. Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Encourage landholders to plant of vigour and genetic connectivity and native canopy species to decrease diversity and loss of extent of available edge effects and Bellbird dieback. habitat connectivity. habitat Threat Objective Action

Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Plant TEC appropriate species in of vigour and genetic connectivity and areas designated for restoration diversity and loss of extent of available using appropriate providence habitat connectivity. habitat (suitable genetic material-wild stock) recruitment. Stormwater and Minimise Liaise with local nutrients pollution into habitat/species landowners/managers and reserves from external exposure to pollution investigate potential for sources, feeding improvement in stormwater weeds, pesticides, infrastructure. Implement on management. ground stormwater improvement (Primarily around golf works. Identify sources of course only) and more nutrients. generally, a lot of properties backing on to reserves & creek- lines. Human disturbance Minimise impacts of Improve demarcation and fencing including dumping recreational activities of bushland areas and tracks. waste and inappropriate recreation activities e.g.Walkers not keeping to formal tracks, horses, trail bikes and other vehicles. Browsing by Rabbits Reduce impacts of Investigate best technique for reducing vegetation pest species rabbit control given the restrictions and growth. in urban areas.

Council reserves including Brush Farm park, Darvall Mobb Park, Local government area: Rapanea Community Forest, Denistone Park, Edna Hunt Reserve, Terry Creek Reserve and Ray park. City Of Parramatta, Ryde Management site map National Parks and Wildlife Service reserve:

N/A

Occurs on private land:

Priority management site Management activities to protect Blue Gum High Forest in the Sydney Basin Bioregion at the site Threat Objective Action

Fragmentation - lack Improve and maintain Increase connectivity between Monitoring actions of vigour and genetic connectivity and reserves and create buffer zones diversity and loss of extent of available around each to reduce the urban Regular monitoring of the habitat connectivity. habitat interface. Restore, rehabilitate and ecological community's extent revegetate areas around reserves and condition on the site will be to create connectivity and increase the buffer zones of native conducted to determine trends vegetation around each area. through time. Identify priority locations for increasing connectivity. Identified The extent and severity of buffer zones may be severely degraded or have low resilience at threats will also be monitored to sites. Revegetation will be required assess the effectiveness or in these areas. A revegetation plan management actions. would be required and will need to be informed by detailed site Management actions will be assessment adapted, added or removed over Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Provide residents within and time in response to monitoring including (but not weed densities at low surrounding the TEC with limited to) tree levels information on what native species results, based on maximising species (such as to plant, how to appropriately their effectiveness. privet and ochna), control weeds and the issues shrubs (such as surrounding green waste dumping. Monitoring, Evaluation and Lantana), vines (such as blackberry, corky Reporting Guidelines for passionfruit and bridal Conservation Projects. creeper) as well herbaceous species (such as asparagus, crofton weed and panic veldtgrass). Threat Objective Action

Mixed Weeds ± Reduce and maintain Conduct bush regeneration including (but not weed densities at low informed from detailed site limited to) tree levels assessments including vegetation species (such as community and weed mapping to privet and ochna), identify priority areas. Actions shrubs (such as within these zones would range Lantana), vines (such from intensive weed removal, as blackberry, corky maintenance weeding, to spot passionfruit and bridal weed control. creeper) as well herbaceous species (such as asparagus, crofton weed and panic veldtgrass). Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Undertake ecological burns based management regime fire regime for the on outcomes of fire-based (lack of fire ±related species/community research action for Blue Gum High to the ±small, isolated Forest community forms. Relay nature of bushland information from research areas) which have outcomes to the Rural Fire Service altered the and Parks and other land appropriate floristic managers and update all fire and structural management documentation diversity. relating to Blue Gum High Forest. Stormwater and Minimise Liaise with local nutrients pollution into habitat/species landowners/managers and reserves from external exposure to pollution investigate potential for sources, feeding improvement in stormwater weeds, pesticides, infrastructure. Implement on management. ground stormwater improvement (Primarily around golf works. Identify sources of course only) and more nutrients. generally, a lot of properties backing on to reserves & creek- lines. Clearing and loss of Minimise impacts of Plant TEC appropriate species in vegetation (canopy, development areas designated for restoration mid and ground using appropriate providence cover) for (suitable genetic material-wild development and stock) recruitment. bushfire protection Clearing and loss of Minimise impacts of Continue to update vegetation vegetation (canopy, development mapping, to address changes in mid and ground condition and extent to inform cover) for better outcomes for planning and development and conservation. Current mapping is bushfire protection inconsistent and inaccurate. Inappropriate fire Maintain appropriate Conduct research into appropriate management regime fire regime for the fire regimes to account for (lack of fire ±related species/community variability in Blue Gum High Forest to the ±small, isolated community forms (dry, diatreme, nature of bushland sandstone-gully, typical forms). To areas) which have identify fire regimes, ecological altered the burning should be done at differing appropriate floristic intensities and multiple sites. A and structural combination of species diversity, diversity. condition, recruitment post fire should be used as indicators of condition response to differing fire regimes. Pre and post fire weeding and fencing is critical. Threat Objective Action

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