Native Vegetation Council Guideline Clearance of (Pteridium esculentum) regrowth under Regulations 5(1)(zf), 5(1)(zj) & 5(1)(zfa)

Native Vegetation Information Sheet No. 18 Updated April 2013

BACKGROUND Bracken (Pteridium esculentum) is a terrestrial native to several regions of South , as well as interstate. It also occurs naturally in , , , and on . Under certain conditions, Bracken will readily colonise land that has been cleared, even in the presence of grazing by domestic stock. The Native Vegetation Council (NVC)* recognises that regrowth of Bracken on otherwise cleared agricultural land has limited biodiversity value, can reduce the productive capacity of cleared land and, in some seasons, may be toxic to stock. Bracken is protected by the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and cannot be cleared without the consent of the NVC, unless the clearance is in accordance with the exemptions set out in the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003.

REGULATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT OF BRACKEN There are three avenues available to landowners to manage Bracken regrowth on their property. Regulation 5(1)(zf) Clearance to Maintain Land for Cultivation, Pasture or Forestry allows for the clearance of regrowth native vegetation less than five (5) years old on land used for agriculture or forestry, in order to maintain that land use. Regulation 5(1)(zj) Native Vegetation Associated with Management Problems provides an exemption for clearance of native vegetation where it is growing on land previously legally cleared of native vegetation and where it is causing land management problems and where guidelines have been prepared by the NVC. Regulation 5(1)(zfa) Clearance of Regrowth greater than 5 years old for Cultivation, Pasture or Forestry allows landowners to clear regrowth native vegetation greater than five years old from land that has been used for cultivation, pasture or forestry, in order to maintain that land use. Refer to Native Vegetation Information Sheet No.14, Regulation 5(1)(zfa) Regrowth Management for further information.

The publication A Guide to Exemptions under the Native Vegetation Regulations 2003 provides a general overview of these and other exemptions. For specific advice or information contact the NVC Secretariat, phone 8303 9777 or [email protected].

* The Native Vegetation Council (NVC) is an independent body established under the Native Vegetation Act 1991. It is responsible for advising the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation about the preservation, management and enhancement of South Australia’s native vegetation, including determining clearance applications. (further information).

NV Info Sheet No.18 – Guideline for Clearance of Bracken updated April 2013 | Page 2 of 2

NATIVE VEGETATION COUNCIL GUIDELINE The NVC has prepared the following guideline to provide flexibility in dealing with the clearance of regrowth Bracken, in certain circumstances. Any clearance in line with the guideline does not require a clearance application to the NVC This guideline applies only to clearance of Bracken (Pteridium esculentum) where it is growing on land previously legally cleared of native vegetation and where it is causing land management problems. 1. Bracken may be cleared from land that was cleared of native vegetation within the previous five years and where the clearance is necessary to continue cultivation, pasture, forestry or other primary production use. Only clearance to allow the same level of use is exempt. Clearance to achieve a greater area of cleared land than has existed within the previous five years requires a clearance application and consent from the NVC. 2. Bracken may be cleared from land that was legally cleared of native vegetation more than five years, but less than ten years, previously where the clearance is necessary to continue cultivation, pasture, forestry or other primary production use, provided that the clearance can be undertaken without disturbance of any other species of native vegetation, and the clearance has been endorsed by the Native Vegetation Council Secretariat or another authority, committee, council or person authorised by the NVC to provide such endorsement. 3. Bracken may be cleared from land that was legally cleared of native vegetation more than five years previously, where the clearance is necessary to continue cultivation, pasture, forestry or other primary production use provided that the clearance is undertaken in accordance with a management plan prepared by the landowner and endorsed by the NVC under Regulation 5(1)(zfa).

FURTHER INFORMATION Guidelines issued in relation to the clearance or management of native vegetation are legally enforceable. The guidelines set out methodologies for dealing with native vegetation that is causing problems in certain circumstances. Adhering to the guidelines will ensure that there is no breach of the Native Vegetation Act 1991.

Native Vegetation and Biodiversity Management Unit, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources: GPO Box 1047 ADELAIDE 5001: phone 8303 9777: email [email protected]