Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan

Department of Sustainability and Environment Parks Victoria developed this Strategic Management Plan in conjunction with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and key stakeholders, and coordinated the public comment process on the draft document.

This report was prepared with financial support from the National Wetlands Program, under the Natural Heritage Trust.

This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced, copied, transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical or graphic) without the prior written permission of the State of Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment. All requests and enquires should be directed to the Copyright Officer, Library Information Services, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 5/250 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002.

Disclaimers This publication may be of assistance to you and every effort has been made to ensure that the information in the report is accurate. Parks Victoria does not guarantee that the report is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence, which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, the Federal Minister for Environment and Heritage, or the Department of the Environment and Heritage. This report is prepared without prejudice to any negotiated or litigated outcome of any Native Title Determination Applications covering land or waters within the plan’s area. It is acknowledged that any future outcomes of Native Title Determination Applications may necessitate amendment of this report; and the implementation of this plan may require further notifications under the procedures in Division 3 Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth).

The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between the Government/s and Victorian Aboriginal communities. It is acknowledged that such negotiated outcomes may necessitate amendment of this plan.

Published in September 2003 by the Department of Sustainability and Environment Level 14, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Victoria

Copies of this document are available at www.dse.vic.gov.au

National Library of Australia

Cataloguing-in-Publication entry

Victoria. Department of Sustainability and Environment. Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site: Strategic Management Plan

Bibliography.

ISBN 1 74106 676 X

Cover: River Red Gum Forest (Photograph: Parks Victoria collection)

Printed on recycled paper. Contents

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS STATEMENT 1 1.2 PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN 1 1.3 CONSULTATIVE FRAMEWORK 2

2 RAMSAR SITE DESCRIPTION 3

2.1 LOCATION 3 2.2 WETLAND TYPE 3 2.3 CRITERIA MET FOR RAMSAR LISTING 3 2.4 LAND TENURE AND MANAGEMENT 3 2.5 ADJACENT LAND USE 5 2.6 CATCHMENT SETTING 5 2.7 LOCAL GOVERNMENT 5

3 POLICY FRAMEWORK 7

3.1 STRATEGIES 7 3.2 MUNICIPAL STRATEGIC STATEMENTS, ZONING AND OVERLAYS 7

4 VALUES 9

4.1 WETLAND REPRESENTATIVENESS 9 4.2 FLORA AND FAUNA 9 4.3 WATERBIRDS 9 4.4 NATURAL FUNCTION 10 4.5 CULTURAL HERITAGE 10 4.6 SCENIC 10 4.7 ECONOMIC 10 4.8 EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION 11 4.9 RECREATION AND TOURISM 11 4.10 SCIENTIFIC 11 4.11 CONDITION 11

5 MANAGEMENT OF RISKS 12

5.1 ALTERED WATER REGIMES 12 5.2 SALINITY 13 5.3 POLLUTION 13 5.4 PEST PLANTS AND ANIMALS 13 5.5 RESOURCE UTILISATION 14 5.6 RECREATION 16 5.7 EROSION 17 5.8 FIRE 17 5.9 LEVEL OF RISK TO RAMSAR VALUES 17

6 SITE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES 19

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE II REFERENCES 23

APPENDIX 1 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS 25

APPENDIX 2 RESOURCE LIST 26

APPENDIX 3 THREATENED STATUS OF FLORA 28

APPENDIX 4 THREATENED STATUS OF FAUNA 29

APPENDIX 5 JAMBA, CAMBA AND BONN SPECIES 31

APPENDIX 6 GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR INFORMATION SHEET 32

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE III 1 Introduction

The Strategic Management Plan for the Gunbower 5. Manage resource utilisation on a sustainable Forest Ramsar site is an integral component of a basis. program to develop a comprehensive management 6. Protect, and where appropriate enhance, framework for Victoria’s Wetlands of International ecosystem processes, habitats and species. Importance (or ‘Ramsar sites’) listed under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971). The 7. Encourage strong partnerships between primary goal of the management framework is to management agencies. maintain the ecological character of Victoria’s 8. Promote community awareness and Ramsar sites through conservation and wise use. understanding and provide opportunities for involvement in management. 1.1 Strategic Directions Statement 9. Ensure recreational use is consistent with the The Strategic Directions Statement establishes protection of natural and cultural values. Management Objectives for Victoria’s Ramsar sites and Statewide Management Strategies to achieve 10. Develop ongoing consistent programs to monitor these objectives (NRE 2002a). The Strategic ecological character. Management Plans for the individual Victorian The Strategic Directions Statement also provides Ramsar sites apply the Management Objectives and background information on the suite of relevant Statewide Management Strategies, promoting a international conventions, as well as related range of specific management actions that will Commonwealth and State policy and legislation, maintain, and in some cases restore, the ecological which directs and supports the management of character of the sites. Individual plans cover 10 of Ramsar sites. The Strategic Directions Statement Victoria’s 11 Ramsar sites. Victoria’s eleventh and Strategic Management Plans are therefore Ramsar site, the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, was intended to be read as complementary documents. listed in 2001 and is covered by a separate management plan. A diagram of the framework and 1.2 Purpose of the Strategic related documents is shown below in Figure 1.1. Management Plan The Strategic Directions Statement provides the The primary purpose of the Strategic Management overarching policy framework for managing Ramsar Plan (SMP) for the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is sites in Victoria. It establishes Management to facilitate conservation and wise use of the site so Objectives for Ramsar site management across the as to maintain, and where practical restore, the State, which are then translated to the site-specific ecological values for which it is recognised as a level by each of the Strategic Management Plans. Ramsar wetland. This will be achieved by The Management Objectives outlined by the implementing site-specific management strategies Strategic Directions Statement are as follows: under each of the key objectives (derived from the 1. Increase the scientific understanding of wetland Strategic Directions Statement). ecosystems and their management requirements. The SMP for the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site provides management agencies and stakeholders 2. Maintain or seek to restore appropriate water with an appropriate management framework and the regimes. necessary information to ensure that decisions 3. Address adverse processes and activities. regarding land use and development, and ongoing management are made with full regard for wetland 4. Manage Ramsar sites within an integrated values in environmental, social and economic terms. catchment management framework.

Figure 1.1 Framework for the strategic management of Victoria’s Ramsar sites

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS STATEMENT FOR VICTORIA’S RAMSAR SITES

HATTAH- WESTERN BARMAH CORNER GIPPSLAND GUNBOWER KERANG LAKE PORT WESTERN KULKYNE DISTRICT FOREST INLET LAKES FOREST WETLANDS ALBACUTYA PHILLIP BAY PORT LAKES LAKES

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 1 The SMP has been structured in order to: 1.3 Consultative framework

· provide a comprehensive site description; The SMP has been developed collaboratively · examine the legislation, policy and any related through a multi-disciplinary team comprised of management instruments which direct or regional and central staff from Parks Victoria and the otherwise influence management both within former Department of Natural Resources and and adjacent to the site; Environment. Throughout the process key local · clarify the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders have provided input (see Figure 1.2). management agencies; The SMP is a public document that has been · identify the values for which the site is formalised through a government approval process. recognised as a Ramsar site; As such, the SMP for the Gunbower Forest Ramsar · assess threats to these values through site was subject to a public comment phase systematic analysis of both current and potential commensurate with State Government consultative risks; and processes. All comments received during the public · give priority to Site Management Strategies that consultation phase were considered in finalising the minimise and, where possible, eliminate document. identified risks to values. The SMP is intended to operate over a six-year time frame and will be reviewed every three years to coincide with national reporting requirements under the Convention on Wetlands.

Figure 1.2 Process for developing the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site Strategic Management Plan

MULTI-DISCIPLIMARY PROJECT TEAM

KEY LOCAL LOCAL REFERENCE STAKEHOLDERS GROUP

PUBLIC COMMENT ON DRAFT DOCUMENT

GUNBOWER FOREST STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 2 2 Ramsar Site Description

2.1 Location 3(c) regularly supports 1% of the individuals of a population of one species or subspecies of The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is located on the waterbirds. Murray River floodplain between Torrumbarry and Koondrook approximately 235 km north-west of Information on how the site meets these criteria is Melbourne. It is in the Victorian Riverina bioregion detailed in Chapter 4. (Murray Fans subregion). The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site covers 19,450 ha dominated by River 2.4 Land tenure and management Red Gum open forest and woodland. The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is managed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, 2.2 Wetland type Parks Victoria and Goulburn-Murray Water under the The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site includes areas of provisions of the Forests Act 1958 and the Crown three inland wetland types recognised under the Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (Table 2.1). classification system used by the Ramsar Gunbower State Forest covers an area of 17,108 ha Convention: and is reserved under the Forests Act 1958 and is · seasonal, intermittent or irregular rivers, streams managed by the Department of Sustainability and and creeks; Environment. The State Forest is required to be · seasonal or intermittent freshwater marshes or managed in accordance with the following pools on inorganic soils (including sloughs, Government approved recommendations of the potholes, seasonally flooded meadows and former Land Conservation Council (LCC): sedge marshes); and · extract hardwood timber products; · freshwater, tree dominated wetlands (includes · conserve native plants and animals, and provide freshwater swamp forest, seasonally flooded opportunities for the development of wildlife forest and wooded swamps on inorganic soils). conservation techniques; In Victoria wetlands are classified into eight · provide opportunities for open-space recreation categories (Corrick and Norman 1980). The (including hunting) and education; Gunbower Forest Ramsar site includes areas of four · provide for flood mitigation; and wetland types under this system: Deep Freshwater · produce honey, forage, gravel, sand, and other Marsh (95 ha), Freshwater Meadow (9,209 ha), forest produce such as charcoal (LCC 1985). Permanent Open Freshwater (6 ha) and Shallow Freshwater Marsh (545 ha). Approximately 2,096 ha of the Murray River Reserve falls within the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. The 2.3 Criteria met for Ramsar listing Murray River Reserve follows the Murray River and its major anabranches. It includes a 60 metre public To be listed as a Wetland of International Importance, purposes reserve, which is reserved under the or ‘Ramsar site’, wetlands must meet one or more Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and managed by internationally accepted criteria in relation to their Parks Victoria. The Murray River Reserve is required zoology, botany, ecology, hydrology or limnology and to be managed in accordance with management importance to waterbirds. The Ramsar Convention objectives derived from recommendations of the updated the criteria in 1999. The new criteria will be former LCC including: applied to Gunbower Forest when the site Ramsar Information Sheet is next updated in 2005. The · provide opportunities for informal recreation former criteria met by the Gunbower Forest site when (including camping) in a riverine environment for listed in 1982 were: large numbers of people; · conserve and protect ecosystems to the extent 2(b) is of special value for maintaining the that is consistent with the above; genetic and ecological diversity of the flora · and fauna of the region; apiculture be permitted; · allow flood mitigation and streambank 3(a) regularly supports >20,000 waterbirds; protection; · 3(b) regularly supports substantial numbers of use of existing and licensed pump and pump- individuals from particular groups of line sites be permitted to continue; waterbirds; and

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 3 KOONDROOK Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site # River Murray Reserve

Key

Ramsar Boundary

Roads N # e w Major S M o Minor u u rr th ay W a Streams les Perennial Spence Bridge V Education Area ic to Intermittent r River Murray Reserve ia Wetlands

# GANNAWARRA # Public land Parks & reserves

Other

Gunbower Island Murray State Forest

Cohuna # N

# MEAD

# McMILLANS V a l le y

River Murray Reserve # KEELY #

# #

Rowland #

Wildlife HORFIELD

Reserve H

h w

Flannery y Wildlife LEITCHVILLE # Reserve

R iv e r

Kow Swamp

# GUNBOWER

Mount Hope Patho # Flora & Fauna Wildlife Reserve Reserve

# PATHO

BALD ROCK #

# PATHO WEST

PYRAMID HILL

Pyramid Hill Bushland Reserve

# TERRICK TERRICK

Terrick Terrick National Park

1012345678910Kilometers June 2000

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 4 · hunting of game birds be permitted during the Lead management agencies and their key declared hunting period in areas specified by the responsibilities are summarised in Table 2.2. land manager where conflict with other recreational users such as camping does not 2.5 Adjacent land use occur; and The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is bound to the · stock access to water and grazing be permitted north by the Murray River and the adjacent New at the discretion of the land manager where it is South Wales State Forests of Perricoota and compatible with zone management goals. (LCC Koondrook. 1985). For a complete list of management Most of the land adjacent to the southern and recommendations see Final Recommendations for western boundaries of the forest is privately owned Murray Valley Area (1985) published by the Land and has been cleared for agriculture, principally for Conservation Council. stock grazing and dairying.

Managed by Parks Victoria the Spence’s Bridge A 29 ha freehold enclave (Murray View) is located Education Area covers 230 ha and is reserved under within the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. The land is the Forests Act 1958. The Spence’s Bridge used for growing crops and grazing cattle, and is Education Area is required to be managed in predominantly cleared. accordance with the following Government approved recommendations of the former LCC for students of 2.6 Catchment setting all ages to: The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is located on the · study the nature and functioning of reasonably floodplain of the Murray River in the North Central natural ecosystems in a manner such that the Catchment Management Area. The North Central integrity of these ecosystems is maintained as Catchment Management Area covers 13% of far as practicable; Victoria, comprising an area of 3 million ha and supports a population of approximately 222,000. The · compare the ecosystems within education areas primary industries supported by the catchment with other nearby natural and modified systems; include dryland and irrigated agriculture, food · observe and practice the methods of processing, forestry and tourism (NCCLPB 1997). environmental analysis, and the field techniques of natural sciences; and 2.7 Local Government · conduct simple long-term experiments aimed at giving an understanding of the changes The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is located in the occurring in an area with time (LCC 1985). Shire of Gannawarra and the Shire of Campaspe. Gannawarra Shire encompasses an area of over Torrumbarry Weir (Lock Number 26) and a small 3,736 km2 and includes the major town centres of section of the surrounding land (6 ha) are managed Cohuna and Kerang. Campaspe Shire occupies an by Goulburn-Murray Water. area of 4,525 km2 and includes Echuca and Gunbower town centres. The Torrumbarry Weir Camping Park (10 ha) is leased to a private operator by Goulburn-Murray Water, which is the Committee of Management.

Table 2.1 Land tenure and management

Land Tenure Area (ha) Legal status Management Agency

State Forest 17,108 Forests Act 1958 Department of Sustainability and Environment

Murray River Reserve 2,096 Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Parks Victoria Spence's Bridge Education Area 230 Forests Act 1958 Parks Victoria Torrumbarry Weir 6 Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Goulburn-Murray Water Torrumbarry Weir Camping Park 10 Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 Goulburn-Murray Water is the (leased out under Section 17D) Committee of Management and leases the park to a private operator.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 5 Table 2.2 Lead management agencies and their key responsibilities

Statewide Responsibility Local agency Responsibility agency

Parks Victoria - Manage the Murray River Reserve and Parks Victoria Manage parks and reserves. Kerang Spence’s Bridge Education Area.

DSE Bendigo - Provide policy advice for the management of Department of Provide strategic direction for park and State Forest and Gunbower Forest. Manage the flora and fauna Sustainability reserve management; management of flora and fauna environmental water allocation, hunting, and and flora and fauna; catchment and water policy forestry. Undertake strategic planning and Environment management and implementation of management of the State Forest. Implement the (DSE) the Ramsar Convention in Victoria. DSE Cohuna - Forest Management Plan: Mid-Murray Forest site management Management Area.

Provide strategic direction and Department of Manage commercial and recreational fishing for research for the management of Primary DPI the Ramsar site in accordance with Fisheries fisheries, agriculture, minerals and Industries (DPI) Act 1995. petroleum. Develop and implement the North Central Advise State Government on Regional Catchment Strategy. Prepare and catchment management, and land and Victorian implement Action Plans, including 'Flooding water resource issues and priorities. Catchment North Central Enhancement of The Gunbower Forest Ramsar Encourage cooperation between land Management CMA site'. Manage surrounding catchment and and water managers. Promote Council inflowing streams and drainage. License all community awareness on catchment works on waterways. Delegated function under management issues. the Water Act 1989. Take responsibility for and coordinate all activities relating to the discharge of wastes into the environment and the Environment generation, storage, treatment, Licence sewage and other discharges. Monitor Protection transport and disposal of industrial EPA Bendigo water quality. Authority waste and the emission of noise and for preventing or controlling pollution and noise and protecting and improving the quality of the environment. Manage reserved Crown Land on Committees of behalf of the Minister. Committees are Goulburn-Murray Manage the lease for the Torrumbarry Weir Management usually the local Shire or publicly Water Camping Park. elected. Provide water and sewerage service to the Regional Water Provide water and sewerage service to Coliban Water townships neighbouring The Gunbower Forest Authority urban communities. Authority Ramsar site. Manage water supply catchments and sewerage treatment plants. Regulation of agriculture extraction. Delegated Provide irrigation, drainage, water function under the Water Act 1989. Ensure Rural Water Goulburn-Murray supply, and management of specific correct groundwater bore construction. Monitor Authority Water water supply catchments. surface and groundwater salinity.

Regulate local development through Local Gannawarra planning schemes, on ground works Government/ Shire and Administer planning schemes. and management of local roads and Shires Campaspe Shire urban and some rural drainage. Manage the River Murray and advise the Murray-Darling Ministerial Council on the use of water, land and Determine major policy issues and Basin other environmental resources of the Murray- measures concerning effective Murray-Darling Commission Darling Basin under the Murray-Darling Basin planning and management for the Basin Agreement 1992. equitable, efficient and sustainable use Ministerial of the water, land and other Murray-Darling Council environmental resources of the Murray- Basin Darling Basin. Commission - Operate and manage the River Murray system. River Murray Water

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 6 3 Policy Framework

The suite of relevant international conventions, and strategies. The revised regional catchment strategies, the Commonwealth and Victorian legislation and once accredited by government, will guide future policy that directs management and use of Ramsar investment in the catchment under some State sites, are outlined in the Strategic Directions natural resource management programs, the Statement (NRE 2002a). This Chapter covers the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality local policy framework comprising plans, strategies and the Natural Heritage Trust. This strategic and municipal planning provisions as well as management plan will be recognised under the North statewide strategies approved after publication of the Central Regional Catchment Strategic framework. Strategic Directions Statement. Three recently developed statewide strategies are relevant to the management of Gunbower Forest 3.1 Strategies Ramsar site.

There are a range of existing plans and strategies, The Victorian River Health Strategy (VRHS) provides which provide for the protection and enhancement of a framework that enables Government and the natural and cultural values of the Gunbower community to manage and restore rivers in the State. Forest Ramsar site. Victoria has a strong planning The VRHS aims to achieve healthy rivers, streams framework and as a result these plans and strategies and floodplains, which meet the environmental, have a high level of integrated planning and address economic, recreational and cultural needs of current many aspects of wise use. These plans and and future generations (NRE 2002c). The VRHS strategies include: establishes regional planning processes for CMAs to · Draft Loddon Catchment Water Quality Strategy prepare regional river health strategies, which will (2002); coordinate other river-related action plans and direct the development of annual works programs. · Forest Management Plan for the Mid-Murray Forest Management: Area (2002); The Indigenous Partnership Strategy (NRE 2001) · Loddon Murray Surface Water Management provides the framework for building effective Strategy (2001); relationships with Indigenous communities, who have · Environmental Water Allocation (27,600 ML) a fundamental role in the management of Victoria’s Annual Works Program 2000-2001; natural resources, as traditional custodians of the land and waters. This strategy sets out key initiatives · The Living Murray: Restoring the Health of the to assist in the development and delivery of services Murray River (MDBMC 2002); to Indigenous people, which should be applied during · Draft North Central Native Vegetation Plan management planning. (2000); · Entitlements to the Murray – outcomes of work Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A to define how Victoria’s River Murray water is to Framework for Action (NRE 2002f) establishes the be shared (NRE 1999); strategic direction for the protection, enhancement and revegetation of native vegetation across the · North Central Regional Catchment Strategy State. The framework focuses on managing native (1997); vegetation to provide sustainable landscapes and to · An Interim Water Management Strategy for protect productive capacity and environmental values Gunbower Forest (1993); and of land and water resources. · Municipal Strategic Statements for the Gannawarra and Campaspe Shires under the 3.2 Municipal Strategic Statements, Planning and Environment Act 1987. zoning and overlays North Central Catchment Management Authority is undertaking a project Flooding Enhancement of Gannawarra and Campaspe Shires have produced Gunbower Forest, which expands on the work done Municipal Strategic Statements that cover the in the Interim Water Management Strategy for Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. Although these Gunbower Forest (CNR 1993). Statements address a number of important land management and environmental issues, they do not Gunbower Island is listed in ‘A Directory of Important emphasise the environmental values of the Wetlands in Australia’ (EA 2001). Gunbower Forest Ramsar site and its catchment or the risks to these values. Catchment management authorities in Victoria are currently reviewing their regional catchment

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 7 Zoning pursuant to the Planning and Environment Furthermore, as part of the local planning scheme Act 1987 has been applied to the Gunbower Forest review, a number of overlays have been applied to Ramsar site as part of a review of local planning the site. Overlays operate in addition to zone schemes, to control land use and development. The requirements and generally concern environmental, Public Conservation and Resource Zone (PCRZ) has landscape, heritage, built form and land and site been applied to the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site in management issues. The overlays applied to the the Gannawarra and Campaspe planning schemes. Gunbower Forest Ramsar site in the Gannawarra The PCRZ aims to: Planning Scheme are: · protect and conserve the natural environment · ESO 1 – Environmental Significance Overlay – and natural processes for their historic, scientific, Watercourse Environs; landscape, habitat or cultural values; · LSIO – Land Subject to Inundation; and · provide facilities which assist in public education · HO22 – Heritage Overlay. and interpretation of the natural environment with minimal degradation of the natural The overlays applied in the Campaspe Planning environment or natural processes; and Scheme are: · provide for appropriate resource-based uses. · LSIO – Land Subject to Inundation; · Land adjacent to Gunbower Forest is generally FO – Floodway Overlay; zoned Rural Zone with some zoned Environmental · SMO – Salinity Management Overlay; and Rural Zone. · HO – Heritage Overlay.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 8 4 Values

The key environmental values of the Gunbower The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site also has records Forest Ramsar site for which it was listed of 17 species listed under the Bonn Convention (representativeness, flora and fauna and waterbirds) (Appendix 4). are summarised below. Other values described include natural function, cultural heritage, scenic, The Forest Red Gum Grassy Woodland ecological economic, education and interpretation, recreation community occurring in the Gunbower Forest and tourism, and scientific. Ramsar site has been listed under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. 4.1 Wetland representativeness Of note the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is the In Victoria wetlands are classified into eight second largest River Red Gum forest in Victoria and categories. The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site contains some of the tallest Red Gums in the State. includes areas of four wetland types including areas of the State’s most depleted wetland habitats and Mapping of Ecological Vegetation Communities wetlands least represented in Victoria’s protected within the Gunbower Forest has recently started, with area network (Table 4.1). Of note the Gunbower plans to be complete in 2003. Forest Ramsar site represents approximately 8% of the remaining freshwater meadow in the State. 4.3 Waterbirds

The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site provides 4.2 Flora and fauna important feeding, resting and breeding habitat for More than 210 species of indigenous flora and 143 more than 22 waterbird species. species of indigenous fauna have been recorded at There is little data available on the number of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. Of these, three waterbirds supported by the Gunbower Forest flora and one fauna species are considered to be Ramsar site. However, the extent of the forest and nationally threatened under the Commonwealth’s nature of the wetland habitat after flooding is such to Environment Protection and Biodiversity suggest that the Forest is likely to support large Conservation Act 1999 (Appendices 2 and 3) (DSE numbers of waterbirds, including Grey Teal, Black 2003b; DSE 2003a). Swan, Darter and Egrets. A total of 18 flora species and 40 fauna species considered to be threatened in Victoria have been During flood periods, the Gunbower Forest Ramsar recorded at the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site (DSE site becomes a large waterbird breeding area. Of 2003b; DSE 2003a). Twenty three of the species note the forest supports the only breeding colony of recorded are also listed under the Flora and Fauna the Intermediate Egret in Victoria (in 1974 there were Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic). These include two flora an estimated 500 nests, and in 1982 there were over species and 21 fauna species (Appendices 2 and 3) 100 nests) (Horricks et al. 1989). There are also (DSE 2003b; DSE 2003a). records of significant numbers of Rufous Night Herons, Little Egret, Great Egrets and Darter A total of three bird species listed under the Japan breeding in the forest. Australia Migratory Birds Agreement (JAMBA) and five species listed under the China Australia White Ibis, Sacred Ibis, Grey Teal, Black Swan and Migratory Birds Agreement (CAMBA) have been other water birds also utilise the Gunbower Forest recorded at the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site Ramsar site for breeding (CNR 1993). (Appendix 4). Three of these species are common to both agreements.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 9 Table 4.1 Representativeness of Victorian wetland types in the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site

Area (ha) in Pre European Area (ha) Ramsar Victoria’s Gunbower Wetland type area (ha) in remaining in coverage in protected area Forest (ha) Victoria Victoria Victoria (ha) network1

Deep Freshwater Marsh 176, 601 54, 860 21, 877 8,943 95 Freshwater meadow 181, 246 118, 899 8,312 27, 568 9,209 Permanent Open 70, 658 190, 6942 55, 729 25, 352 6 Freshwater Shallow Freshwater 127, 031 54, 603 9,410 8,139 545 Marsh 1 Includes areas of Ramsar sites. 2 The increase from ‘Pre-European area in Victoria’ to ‘Area remaining in Victoria’ is due to the construction of dams, weirs and other impoundments

4.4 Natural function Consultation between land managers and the local indigenous community needs to be enhanced in The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site provides a suite order to facilitate management of the site. This is of important functions including fish and wildlife being facilitated by the recent Protocols, Principles habitat, organic carbon storage, water supply and and Strategies Agreement for Indigenous purification, groundwater recharge, flood control and Involvement in Land and Water Management agreed maintenance of flow regimes. between the North Central Catchment Management Authority, the North West Nations Clans Aboriginal 4.5 Cultural heritage Corporation and the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Corporation (VCMC 2003). The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site contains a cultural landscape that reflects both Aboriginal and European A Native Title Determination Application lodged with activities. the Native Title Tribunal covers the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site contains many sites of cultural significance to the Aboriginal people. The range of historic places in the Gunbower Forest A survey of approximately 10% of the total Forest Ramsar site reflects a number of different phases of area by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria in conjunction with European activity in the area. Scattered around the the Echuca Aboriginal Co-operative identified 142 Forest are relics of early settlement, however most of archaeological sites of significance. Sites identified the historical value is in the events that took place include scarred trees, mounds and shell middens and the effect they had rather than what remains. (Rhodes 1996). All Aboriginal sites, places and objects are protected under the Archaeological and The Gunbower Island State Forest is being assessed Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and for listing on the Register of the National Estate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage (Australian Heritage Commission). This is in Protection Act 1984 (Cwth). recognition of its natural values as a waterfowl breeding area. The most up to date information from the site register at Aboriginal Affairs Victoria shows a total of 186 sites 4.6 Scenic including 2 shell deposits, 57 mounds, 121 scarred trees, 2 burial/human remains, 1 sub-surface cultural The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site has high scenic deposit, 1 hearth and 2 other unspecified sites. The values because of its large size and the diversity of area has not been adequately surveyed, so it is likely natural and cultural landscape features contained in that more archaeological sites will be discovered. it. The most significant landscapes are located along the Murray River (CNR 1993). The locations of many places, such as burial or natural sacred sites, may not yet be listed on the 4.7 Economic Aboriginal Affairs Victoria site register but are known to members of local Aboriginal communities. The components, functions and attributes of the Protection of such sites from unintentional damage Gunbower Forest Ramsar site provide a variety of will benefit from improved awareness and direct and indirect economic values to the area. The communications between DSE, PV and Aboriginal direct economic values provided by the Gunbower communities (NRE 2001). Forest Ramsar site include timber production,

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 10 domestic stock grazing, apiculture and the use of the floodplain communities to different flooding area for recreation and tourism. In contrast, the parameters. The results of this study have been natural functions of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar applied to interim water management strategies to site also have important indirect values, which fine tune water management in the Forest and support or protect economic activities including flood conserve ecological diversity. and flow control, nutrient retention, water quality maintenance and flood control. 4.11 Condition Vegetation 4.8 Education and interpretation River Red Gum, Black Box and Grey Box The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site offers a range of communities dominate the Gunbower Forest Ramsar opportunities for education and interpretation. site. River Red Gum communities are widely Spence Bridge, an area of 230 ha, has been set distributed across the north-western part of the site aside as an Education Area. The area is used to and Black Box communities occur on low rises and provide opportunities for students of all ages to study sand ridges where flooding occurs infrequently. Grey River Red Gum and wetland ecosystems. Box communities occur on sandy ridges, which are rarely flooded and often grow in association with In addition an interpretation sign is located at the Black Box and occasionally with River Red Gum. In corner of Rifle Butts and Half Way Stump Tracks addition some Riverine Grassland and Northern Plain produced as part of the Victorian Ramsar wetlands Grassland communities occur within the Forest. interpretation project, which, aims to promote understanding and gain community support for These communities, largely River Red Gum, have Ramsar sites and wetlands. been intensively harvested since early settlement resulting in a much younger, and in places denser 4.9 Recreation and tourism forest. In addition, changed flooding regimes have The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is a popular place reduced the distribution and abundance of flood- to visit in the summer months with visitation dropping dependent species and changed vegetation patterns. significantly during winter. The main activities Pressure from grazing has reduced the cover and undertaken by visitors are fishing, camping, pleasure abundance of more palatable species (NRE 1997). driving, four wheel driving, trail bike riding, cycling, Hydrology horse riding and bushwalking. Orienteering, Gunbower Island is a depositional basin, which picnicking, canoeing, boating, bait collection, duck contains a number of still water channels and shooting, hunting of feral animals and nature study miscellaneous floodplain depressions. The lowest are also undertaken. and therefore major entry point for water into the The most popular areas are adjacent to the Murray forest is Spur Creek, which commences to flow at the River and at Torrumbarry Weir, where a caravan park rate of 13,700 ML/day when the Murray River height is located. Camping is permitted in the old Gunbower is 4 m at Echuca and 3.96 m below Torrumbarry School, a site that is mostly utilised by school groups. Weir. As the Murray River rises other effluents begin The Cohuna Scout Group also camps within the to flow, until the forest is entirely inundated. At a river Forest. Access within the forest is good and includes height of approximately 8 m at Echuca and 6.4 m the River Track, which provides a scenic drive from below Torrumbarry Weir, the flow is 27,800 ML/day. Koondrook to Torrumbarry Weir (CNR 1993). Water depth on the island can vary from a few centimetres on high ground to 6 m in creeks and 4.10 Scientific billabongs in the centre of the forest during flood.

The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site has been an important site for research studies in the fields of hydrology and ecology. A recent scientific study investigated the ecology and hydrology of Gunbower Forest, in particular it assessed the responses of

DRAFT STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 11 5 Management of Risks

The key risks to the maintenance of environmental The Gum-leaf Skeletoniser is a major defoliant of values of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site are River Red Gum in the Mid-Murray area and discussed below. The risks include altered water outbreaks are linked to inappropriate water regimes. regimes, salinity, pollution, pest plants and animals, Infestations occur when the absence of flooding inappropriate resource utilisation, recreation, erosion coincides with the larval stage (NRE 2002b). and fire, which were in some cases established prior Defoliation rarely if ever results in tree mortality, but to the listing of the site. growth is temporarily retarded (VMI 1986). The pest has been in the Gunbower Forest since the 1960s These risks result from activities in the wetland, on however the degree of outbreak differs from year to adjoining land and in the catchment. Protection of the year. Up to 40,000 ha has been defoliated on at least site therefore requires an integrated approach. A two occasions in the Murray area (NRE 2002b). wide variety of measures are being implemented at the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site to deal with risks. In 1999 the Government approved Murray River bulk They include planning, research, site works, entitlements. These include the Flora and Fauna catchment works and education. A brief summary of entitlement that can be used for wetlands with access these measures relevant to each risk is provided. to River Murray water, including Gunbower Forest. In outlining the entitlements, the use of 25 GL one year 5.1 Altered water regimes in three and 40 GL one year in twelve was proposed from flows surplus to irrigation needs for Gunbower Since the 1950's the quantity of water diverted from Forest. the Murray River for irrigation development has increased substantially, augmented by inter-basin In Victoria, a steering committee of stakeholders transfers from the Snowy via the Snowy Mountains including the Department of Sustainability and Scheme. The construction of dams, weirs and other Environment, North Central Catchment Management regulators has altered the natural hydrologic regime Authority, Goulburn-Murray Water and Parks Victoria of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site (Bren and has been formed to identify options for improving Gibbs 1988). The storage of winter and spring management of environmental water in the catchment flows in the Hume and Dartmouth Gunbower Forest. Improvements in the integration of Reservoirs and their subsequent release in summer cross-border water management arrangements and autumn to meet downstream irrigation and water would facilitate management of Gunbower and the supply demands has: neighbouring Koondrook and Perricoota Forests in NSW as a single ecological unit. · reduced the frequency, duration and extent of winter-spring floods; Practical matters on using the surplus water · altered the timing of floods; provisions are currently being resolved by a flood · reduced variability in flood flows; and enhancement study for Gunbower Forest, which will identify priority sites for watering and structures · increased the number of periods of two or more required for delivery. The aim of the project is to successive years when the Forest will not be enhance the ecological communities of Gunbower effectively flooded (Atkins et al. 1991). Forest by providing a flooding regime, based on pre- The alteration to the natural flows of rivers and and post-river regulation flooding patterns, focusing streams has been listed as a potentially threatening on priority areas where enhanced flooding would be process under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act environmentally beneficial and physically feasible. 1988. Due to the complexity of water distribution in the These hydrological changes have reduced the forest, studies are required to determine water distribution and recruitment of flood-dependent flora movement and predict the relationship between species, including River Red Gum. Water stress volumes and flooding extent to facilitate the between flood events has also resulted in their death. management of environmental water allocations. Initially this will be covered by the Gunbower flood The hydrological changes are also likely to have enhancement study but ongoing work will be required altered faunal habitat and contributed to lower to further refine the understanding of water recruitment rates due to the loss of the natural movement under various flooding conditions and the breeding and nesting signals for native, fish, birds, responses of plant and animal communities to plant and aquatic insects (MDBMC 2002). flooding regimes.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 12 Management processes that consider Gunbower prognosis for the forest is considered unfavourable. Forest have been established for allocating use of the Within another 20 years or so, the forest is expected Flora and Fauna bulk entitlement. A management to be showing severe die back due to the process for the use of the environmental provision unsustainable concentration of salts where the from surplus flows still requires development. watertable is within three metres depth. Soil salinity testing in selected high risk areas is needed to help An area of 2,500 ha within Gunbower Forest was determine how great the risk is and the rate at which flooded in 2000 by complementing high flows in the it is occurring (SKM 2001). Murray River with a portion of the Murray Flora and Fauna bulk entitlement. 5.3 Pollution

Existing and future water regulation structures in There are a number of effluent creeks and drains Gunbower Forest have the potential to prevent the flowing into the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site from passage of native fish between the floodplain and the surrounding agricultural land. These creeks and Murray River. Fish passage issues will be considered drains introduce nutrients, sediments and agricultural as part of the Flood Enhancement of Gunbower chemicals that degrade the aquatic and terrestrial Forest Study. habitats of the Forest.

In the wider context, concerns about the health of the The risk of pollution is addressed through the Murray River, security of water supply for existing implementation of the Draft Loddon Catchment irrigators and reduced reliability of water supply Water Quality Strategy (2002) and the Loddon during long droughts lead the Murray-Darling Basin Murray Surface Water Management Strategy (2001) Ministerial Council to impose a cap on irrigation and the participation of management agencies in diversions in 1997. The Living Murray, is a current statutory planning processes. Murray-Darling Basin Commission initiative about restoring the health of the River Murray and the 5.4 Pest plants and animals Murray-Darling Basin. Introduced flora species recorded in the Gunbower Localised drainage of water from private land has Forest Ramsar site include Blackberry, Sweet Briar, resulted in areas of tree death in the forest. Prairie Ground Cherry, Paterson’s Curse, Bathurst Community drains and individual farm outfalls need Burr, Noogoora Burr, Box Thorn and Horehound. to be managed to ensure that water discharge does Boxthorn and Blackberry in particular are reducing not threaten environmental values. The Torrumbarry waterbird habitat by displacing native vegetation. East of Loddon Draft Environmental Report (1994) These species also provide harbour for pest animals highlighted the significant areas of land, which are at including foxes, feral cats, rabbits and introduced risk to degradation and identified areas where birds that prey upon or compete with native fauna for environmental enhancement could be achieved. The food and habitat. report made the following recommendations relating to drainage disposal in the Forest. Noogoora Burr exists on the flood-prone areas along the Murray River and its associated tributaries within · The discharge of any summer irrigation water the Forest. The extensive root system and growth should not be permitted to Sate Forest when the rate of this species reduces opportunities for native forest floor is dry; and flora regeneration. · The number of outfalls should be rationalised Aquatic weeds are an emerging environmental and directed along areas of low impact (Beovich problem along the Murray River, in particular the and Filippin 1994). species Arrowhead. There is concern that if this The Loddon Murray Surface Water Management species becomes established within the Gunbower Strategy (2001) establishes principles for future Forest Ramsar site it will have the capacity to surface water management planning, which progressively invade billabongs and wetlands, considers environmental issues. trapping silt in fringing vegetation and thus reducing the size of aquatic habitat. 5.2 Salinity A number of introduced animals have been recorded Groundwater salinity within Gunbower Forest is within the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. Species generally moderate to high. There is also a include rabbits, foxes, wild pigs, cats and carp. persistently high watertable along the southwestern edge of the forest presumably due to irrigation of the Predation of native wildlife by foxes and cats are nearby farmland. Given the relatively high listed as threatening processes under the Flora and groundwater salinities in the region, the long term Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The following categories

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 13 of native fauna are considered to be at risk from fox Timber harvesting and cat predation in the Gunbower Forest Ramsar Victorian River Red Gum forests, including site: Gunbower Forest, have been harvested since early · arboreal mammals including Brushtail and settlement and were heavily cut between 1860 and Ringtail possums; 1880 to service river transport along the Murray River and the expansion of the State's railway system · bird species that spend much of their time at or (CNR 1993). Timber production has been controlled near the ground nesting and/or feeding including to ensure future supplies since the 1920s. the Latham’s Snipe, Masked Lapwing and Banded Lapwing; and Currently, one sawmill takes logs from Gunbower · reptiles such as the Carpet Python. Forest. The Forest Management Plan for the Mid- Murray Forest Management Area (NRE 2002b) Foxes also feed on tortoise eggs, and since tortoises provides figures on timber produced from Gunbower are long-lived, the impact of this predation may not and two small forests to the north west of Gunbower. be noticed until there is a sudden population decline In 2000-2001 the forests produced 972 m3 of (DCE 1992). sawlogs, 1,169 m3 of sleepers, 1,074 m3 of residual Grazing by rabbits has contributed to the loss of log (low-grade logs that sometimes become available native perennial flora from the ground layer and as a by-product of sawlog and sleeper harvesting 3 reduced River Red Gum and shrub regeneration. and regrowth management operations) and 5,730 m Scratching and burrowing by rabbits has also of firewood (NRE 2002b). resulted in localised soil erosion. The range of wood products derived from the forest Populations of feral pigs exist in Gunbower Forest includes heavy construction timbers, railway and adjoining areas in NSW. The pig population in sleepers, house stumps, furniture timbers, flooring, Gunbower Forest is considered to be very low, but no feature panelling, poles, fence posts, firewood and accurate figures are available. Pigs cause localised charcoal. River Red Gum is the only species soil disturbance, spread weeds, muddy waterholes harvested. Yellow Box, Grey Box and Black Box are and disturb understorey vegetation. In addition, pigs not harvested (NRE 2002b). forage for tortoise and waterbird eggs laid on the Sawlogs are supplied in accordance with the ground. sustainable yield rate for the Mid-Murray Forests. The The presence of feral honeybees may pose a threat current sustainable yield rate for the whole Mid- to native flora and fauna arising from their use of Murray Forest Management Area, which includes 3 nesting hollows and floral resources. This has been Gunbower Forest, is set at 5,600 m per year. As the listed as a potentially threatening process under the result of a review of sawlog licences conducted in 3 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. For 2001, sawlog licences will be reduced to 5,200 m information on domestic bee keeping (apiculture) see per year, in accordance with the principles outlined in Section 5.5. Our Forests, Our Future (NRE 2002d).

Carp enter the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site when it Previous timber harvesting and silvicultural practices is inundated with flood waters. The impacts of carp used within the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site have on the aquatic habitat of the Forest have not been altered the age structure of the forest. Loss of hollow- documented. However, the feeding habits of carp bearing trees and habitat fragmentation are may make the environment unsuitable for many of threatening processes of particular relevance to the the aquatic biota that naturally thrive in the flooded forests of the central Murray region. These processes forest by muddying the water. have been listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Bennett et al. 1994). The Forest The impacts associated with pest plants and animals Management Plan for the Mid-Murray Forest are being addressed through a range of measures Management Area (NRE 2002b) outlines including rabbit harbour destruction, fox baiting enhancement measures for structural diversity by programs and spraying programs to contain, and as way of protecting hollow-bearing trees, low intensity far as possible eradicate, pest plants from the harvesting using single tree or group selection and Ramsar site. the continuation of special protection zones where timber harvesting is not undertaken. 5.5 Resource utilisation Under the Mid-Murray Forest Management Plan, Under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and the special protection zones (SPZ) and special Forests Act 1958 utilisation of the forest for timber, management zones (SMZ) have been established in grazing, apiary and other purposes is permitted. Gunbower State Forest to protect natural and cultural values. SPZs are managed for conservation and

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 14 timber harvesting is excluded. Sustainable timber photosynthetic pathway, domination of annual production is permitted in SMZs but under modified and introduced species and an increased conditions directed towards conserving natural or presence of species capable of being dispersed cultural values by stock; · An SPZ has been established along Spur and Yarran structural changes in growth form and changes Creeks, and on several wetlands in Gunbower in age class representation; and Forest. Primary effluent or confluent streams have a · changes in function of the landscape 10 m SPZ in place at all times. This extends to 20 m contributing to leaky soils, water logging, salinity when they contain water. An SMZ with a 50 m wide and acidity problems (SFNSW 2000). buffer covers other water bodies and natural open Stock grazing is also considered a major threat to the wetland areas. A 40 m frontage to Gunbower Creek habitat of woodland birds, amphibians and ground and a 20 m frontage each side of Yarran Creek has invertebrates (SFNSW 2000). been excluded from harvesting in accordance with LCC recommendations to protect recreation, Grazing areas in State Forests usually contain landscape, wildlife and water values. environmentally sensitive sites such as wetlands, riverbanks, sandhills and box woodlands. A strategy The remainder of the State Forest is General for native forests in the Riverina in NSW (SFNSW Management Zone and is managed for the 2000), which would be applicable to Gunbower ecologically sustainable production of timber and Forest, outlined measures to more fully protect these other forest products. Timber harvesting is conducted areas, including: in accordance with the ‘Code of Forest Practices for · Timber Production. Revision No. 2’ (NRE 1996). fencing of environmentally sensitive sites to exclude stock grazing; Fallen timber is a major habitat structural element for · where fencing is not practicable, the grazing plants and animals. A recent study on the depletion regime should be set by the most sensitive of fallen timber (MacNally et al. 2002) found that environmental factors; and fallen timber volumes have decreased significantly · the grazing of wetlands should not be from natural levels in River Red Gum Forests of the undertaken until sediments are dry and water southern Murray-Darling Basin and that this has plants have flowered and set seed. negative implications for biodiversity. Causes of depletion are attributed to firewood collection, fuel Management strategies such as fencing and applying reduction and silvicultural management. The study appropriate grazing regimes are also applicable for suggests restoration targets of 40-50 tonnes of cultural site management. Grazing and trampling by woody debris per hectare. The Mid-Murray Forest livestock can degrade and erode sensitive cultural Management Plan includes guidelines for firewood sites. Some areas such as sandhills, surface scatters harvesting and collection to minimise depletion of and burial mounds are highly culturally sensitive. The woody debris. Forest Management Plan for the Mid-Murray Forest Management Area establishes guidelines and Grazing actions for managing grazing in the State Forest. Stock grazing is carried out according to grazing licences issued under the Forests Act 1958 and Apiculture water frontage licences issued under the Land Act Apiculture is permitted within the Gunbower Forest 1958. Ramsar site. Apiary sites in the Forest are administered under the Forests Act 1958 and Thirteen water frontage licences are held for the provides for Bee Farm and Range sites and purposes of grazing and 18 grazing licences are held temporary bee sites. Twenty-one apiarists have over areas of the State Forest. Grazing licences are licences for Bee Farm and Range sites in the forest, no longer issued on a yearly basis. Agistment is now which are granted for a period of 12 months, and used as a management tool to dictate the stocking sites have a nominal radius of 1.6 km (range). rates (600 maximum) and timing of grazing (M. Eighteen temporary sites are available of which Thorson pers. comm.). Agistment is a short term licences are granted for a three or six-month period grazing licence, which dictates stock numbers for a and have a nominal radius of 0.8 km. specific period (e.g. 3 months per year). Studies suggest that honeybees may both adversely Potential impacts associated with stock grazing in the and positively affect native ecosystems (Paton 1996), Gunbower Forest Ramsar site include: although the degree of these effects has not been · alteration of the species composition with evaluated. Competition for resources such as nectar perennial species being replaced with and pollen by introduced bees may result in ephemeral or annual species, changes in displacement of native fauna, causing a long-term

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 15 decline in native pollinator populations. Occupation of is unsustainable when evaluated against currently hollow-bearing trees by feral honeybees is of concern available measures (PV 2002). as the supply of hollow-bearing trees is limited in the Ramsar site. Hunting (inclusive of duck, fox, rabbit and pigs) is permitted within some areas of the Gunbower State Effects of honey bees on native flora may include Forest. The impacts of hunting on site values have hybridisation of plant species, inefficient pollination not been determined, however, hunting can create and the enhancement of seed production of some both physical and noise disturbance to fauna and can native plants whose native pollinators have declined result in the accidental shooting of protected species. substantially. The extent and impact of increased competition between introduced honeybees and Contamination of wetlands from the accumulation of indigenous fauna in the Gunbower Forest Ramsar lead shot is listed as a threatening process under the site is currently unknown and further research is Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Lead shot was needed. prohibited for duck hunting in Victoria in 2002 but can still be used for hunting quail, pest animals and for Large bee populations may interfere with recreational clay target shooting. Waterbirds, which feed in or on activities (NRE 2002b). As a result, apiculture is not the edges of wetlands, are still at risk of lead permitted near major recreational sites (distances will poisoning due to residual lead in sediments (FFG vary with local conditions). Action Statement No. 32). The extent of the lead contamination in Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is not Sand extraction known. Sand extraction was permitted under licence at Broken Axle Track in the Gunbower State Forest, Other indirect but localised impacts from hunting although extraction has not taken place since 1996. include litter (including spent shells) and disturbance Sand extraction activities may disturb Aboriginal to shoreline vegetation from camping, trampling and Archaeological sites and native flora and fauna, and hide construction. introduce pest plants and diseases (Rhodes 1996). Recreational fishing is a popular activity at the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site, particularly along the 5.6 Recreation Murray River and Gunbower Creek. This has lead to The Gunbower Forest Ramsar site is a popular localised problems associated with litter, fires, destination for people from Melbourne and regional discarded fishing line entangling waterbirds, human centres such as Shepparton, Bendigo and Echuca. waste and disturbance to shoreline vegetation. The major attraction is the Murray River and Recreational fishing activity may also disturb Gunbower Creek, which are the focus for most waterbirds particularly near feeding, roosting and recreational activities. nesting sites.

Visitor use is concentrated along the Murray River at Trail bike riding throughout the Forest causes some numerous picnic and camping areas and along localised damage to soil and vegetation and is most access roads. Some recreational activities pose a evident along the river, particularly at heavily used threat to the environmental and Aboriginal cultural camp sites. heritage values. Overuse of some areas and the ad- hoc creation of new sites have led to vegetation Campers, day visitors and hunters also bring damage including firewood collection causing loss of domestic dogs into the Forest that may prey upon or habitat for small fauna, soil compaction, erosion of disturb native fauna. riverbanks and issues associated with rubbish disposal. The risks associated with recreation are being addressed through a range of measures. These Closure of unnecessary and poorly sited tracks in the measures include: a significant enforcement and Gunbower Forest is required in order to ensure long monitoring presence during duck season; the term sustainability of the road network and lessen the enforcement of fishing regulations dealing with fish impacts of habitat fragmentation. Driving in wet size and catch limits; restricting access during flood conditions impacts negatively on four-wheel drive events; and the development of visitor interpretation tracks and roadside vegetation. Temporary closure of and education programs. tracks may be necessary during flood events.

Parks Victoria’s (PV) Draft Statewide Road Framework (2002) develops a long term and sustainable approach to the future management of PV managed roads accessed by the public. The existing road and track infrastructure managed by PV

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 16 5.7 Erosion Guidelines and Procedures for Ecological Burning on Public Land in Victoria (FEWG 1999). Combined At many locations along the Murray River, erosion of these documents provide a consistent framework the bank appears to be occurring at an accelerated and process for planning and implementing rate. A 1988 study based on bed and bank surveys ecological burning programs by DSE and Parks carried out in 1876 and 1976 suggests that the river Victoria. is in general becoming broader and shallower (Loder and Bayley 1988). Whether this process has been 5.9 Level of risk to Ramsar values caused by changes in the flow regime or the continually higher river levels necessary to satisfy The goal of the integrated management framework irrigation demands is unknown. Boat wash may also (incorporating the Strategic Directions Statement and be a contributing factor. Erosion has the potential to corresponding Strategic Management Plans) is to impact negatively on Aboriginal cultural values as facilitate the maintenance of ecological character at well as natural values. Victoria’s Ramsar sites by minimising risks to values. This goal will be achieved through the NSW is responsible for managing in-stream river implementation of strategically prioritised issues, and Victoria is restricted to addressing management actions. The proposed management erosion issues from the Victorian border (i.e. top of actions are prioritised according to their ability to the southern bank). The New South Wales address the identified risks. Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources controls speed limits at appropriate A strategic risk assessment process based on the places along the river, although there are no limits broad concepts and principles of ecological risk below Torrumbarry Weir. assessment has been undertaken for the Strategic Directions Statement and Strategic Management 5.8 Fire Plans (NRE 2002a – Appendix 7). This process relied on a clear understanding of the range of direct Fire management on public land in Victoria is and indirect pressures facing the wetlands, as well as governed by the Code of Practice for Fire the legislative and policy context. Management on Public Land (CNR 1995). The Such a systematic and strategic analysis of risk Regional Fire Protection Plan for the Bendigo Fire provides the necessary information to site managers; District (NRE 2002e) defines fire protection and facilitates priority setting, resource allocation and objectives, strategies and practices to be adopted in informed decision-making. This form of analysis also the management of wildfires and prescribed burning. provides a better understanding of management Fuel Management Zone 5 applies to the entire issues. Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. Zone 5 areas provide for the exclusion of prescribed burning from areas The strategic risk assessment process has where there would be potential for economic, established the basis for objectively assigning higher, ecological or cultural loss. medium and lower priority levels to risks at Ramsar sites and the management actions designed to In most years high fire danger conditions occur address them. The strategic risk assessment throughout summer in the Forest between December approach also facilitates an understanding of the and March. There is an average of 20 fires per year relationship between specific risks and values. The less than 1 ha in size, with 99% of fires caused from strategic risk assessment framework draws on two campfires left burning by campers and 1% occurring major relevant documents: the US Environment from lightning strikes. On 11 January 2002, Protection Authority’s Guidelines for Ecological Risk Gunbower Forest experienced a 300 ha wildfire that Assessment (1997), and the Ramsar Convention’s apparently was deliberately lit. Fire suppression Wetland Risk Assessment (1999). methods are well established for the area, and most fires are quickly extinguished. The main risks to the environmental values and ecological character of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar The risk of fire is being addressed through the site are summarised in Table 5.1. It should be noted implementation of the Code of Practice for Fire that the level of risk has not been assessed against Management on Public Land (1995) and the Interim the effort currently being applied to mitigating the risk.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 17 Table 5.1 Level of risk to Ramsar values at the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site

Risks

Altered water regimes regimes water Altered Salinity Salinity Pollution Pest animals Pest plants utilisation Resource Recreation Fire Erosion Gunbower Forest KKKKKKK K K KKKK K KKKK KKKK KKKK K Ramsar site

KKKKKKK Higher priority risks - risks that currently or may K Lower priority risks - risks that currently or may potentially result in the significant loss of the site’s potentially result in the minor loss of the site’s environmental values and ecological character. environmental values and ecological character. KKKK Medium priority risks - risks that currently or may potentially result in the moderate loss of the site’s environmental values and ecological character.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 18 6 Site Management Strategies

A number of Site Management Strategies have been · ensuring the regular review of Strategic developed in response to the analysis of risks to the Management Plans for Ramsar sites; values at the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. The Site · preparing the Victorian chapter of Australia’s Management Strategies are grouped under the National Report to triennial Conferences of the relevant Management Objectives established by the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention; Strategic Directions Statement. and · The Site Management Strategies for the Gunbower the six yearly update of the Ramsar Information Forest Ramsar site promote a range of specific Sheets for each site. management actions that will maintain, and in some In order to clarify accountabilities, the lead agency cases restore the ecological character of the site. The responsible for the implementation of each strategy is Site Management Strategies are designed to: identified. Lead agencies will monitor implementation a) address risks that are having an adverse impact, of the strategies for which they are responsible. Lead or are likely to have an adverse impact on agencies are encouraged to record progress on their ecological character; and responsibilities and extent of implementation and provide information in the form of annual summary b) highlight existing strategies and actions that are reports to the Department of Sustainability and consistent with wise use principles. Environment (DSE). This information will be The successful coordination and cooperation of the consistent with a format developed by the former lead agencies, as well as the continued efforts of the NRE and will contribute to Victoria’s chapter in the many community and interest groups, is essential for National Report to the Convention on Wetlands, the long-term conservation of the Gunbower Forest prepared every three years. Ramsar site. The Strategic Directions Statement, statutory mechanisms, management plans and A rating of relative priority accompanies each Site management strategies will guide the implementation Management Strategy. Definitions of these priorities of this Strategic Management Plan. are as follows:

The Department of Sustainability and Environment Higher: Strategies that, when implemented, will will have overall responsibility for: significantly contribute to the maintenance of ecological character. · facilitating the implementation of the Strategic Directions Statement and Strategic Medium: Strategies that, when implemented in Management Plans for Ramsar sites by conjunction with Higher priority strategies, will support ensuring relevant agencies incorporate relevant the maintenance and contribute to the restoration of strategies into their work programs; ecological character. · coordinating and reporting on the progress Lower: Strategies that, when implemented in and/or issues with implementation of the conjunction with Higher and Medium priority Strategic Directions Statement and Strategic strategies, will result in enhancement of ecological Management Plans for Ramsar sites; character. · ensuring monitoring programs are established in accordance with the Strategic Directions Statement and Strategic Management Plans for Ramsar sites;

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 19 Management Objective 1 Increase the scientific understanding of wetland ecosystems and their management requirements Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

1.1 Encourage and seek funding for research needed to determine more appropriate water NCCMA, DSE Higher regimes for the Ramsar site based on the hydro-ecological requirements of the Forest. 1.2 Encourage and seek funding for further study, as required, to refine the understanding of water movement in the forest and predict the relationship between volumes and flooding NCCMA, DSE Higher extent under different conditions. 1.3 Assist and encourage surveys and research into key flora and fauna species including DSE Medium their habitat requirements and threats.

Management Objective 2 Maintain or seek to restore appropriate water regimes Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

2.1 Complete the flood enhancement study for Gunbower Forest Ramsar site and NCCMA Higher implement priority actions. 2.2 Develop a formal management process for the surplus flows identified for environmental DSE, GMW, Higher purposes and for rain rejection flows. NCCMA 2.3 Ensure environmental assessments are carried out for licensed drainage systems and NCCMA, Shires, that they are designed, constructed and managed to protect Ramsar values, in line with Higher GMW the Loddon-Murray Surface Water Management Strategy.

Management Objective 3 Address adverse processes and activities Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

3.1 Ensure all waste and sewage discharges within the water catchments surrounding the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site are appropriately licensed and that licences are complied EPA Higher with. 3.2 Seek funding to investigate the causes and long-term effects of bank erosion and DSE, PV Higher develop strategies to mitigate associated impacts. 3.3 Ensure proponents are made aware that development proposals that may impact on DSE, NCCMA, Ramsar values should be referred to Environment Australia or an approved State Higher Shires, PV authority as directed by the EPBC Act 1999. 3.4 Implement the Loddon-Murray Surface Water Management Strategy to control the runoff of irrigation tailwaters entering surface drainage systems that drain into Gunbower NCCMA Higher Forest, and improve the quality of water entering the site. 3.5 Implement the State Environment Protection Policy - Waters of Victoria (EPA 2003) as EPA Medium they relate to water quality in the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. 3.6 Coordinate appropriate consents for use and development on adjacent land under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and during the Environmental Effects Statement Shires Medium process (Environmental Effects Act 1978). 3.7 Prepare and implement priority pest plant and animal control programs in accordance with the Mid-Murray Forest Management Plan and strategies and Action Plans DSE, PV Medium developed by the CMA. 3.8 Seek funding to investigate the causes, including soil salinity testing in selected high risk areas, and implement strategies to address the long term effects of salinity on the DSE, DPI, PV Medium Gunbower Forest Ramsar site. 3.9 Manage fire in accordance with the Code of Practice for Fire Management on Public Land (1995), Interim Guidelines and Procedures for Ecological Burning on Public Land in DSE, PV Medium Victoria (1999) and the Regional Fire Protection Plan for the Bendigo Fire District (NRE 2002e). 3.10 Seek funding to investigate causes and long-term effects of Gum-leaf skeletoniser on the DSE, PV Medium forest. 3.11 Assess impacts of land use and development adjacent to the Ramsar site on Ramsar DSE, NCCMA, site values. If necessary, seek planning scheme amendments, such as re-zoning or Lower Shires placing an environmental significance overlay on adjacent land to minimise impacts.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 20 Management Objective 4 Manage within an integrated catchment management framework Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

4.1 Ensure this strategic management plan is recognised in the North Central Regional Catchment Strategy planning and implementation framework and catchment plans NCCMA Higher complement this plan to promote the protection of Ramsar site values. 4.2 Coordinate pest plant and animal control efforts with adjacent landholders and DSE, DPI, PV Medium management agencies.

Management Objective 5 Manage resource utilisation on a sustainable basis Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

5.1 Where practicable, construct fences to prevent access by stock to areas of significant cultural and environmental value. Ensure fence design is developed in consultation with the Yorta Yorta Nations and other relevant stakeholders. If fencing is not practicable, DSE, PV Higher manage grazing regimes to minimise impact on the most sensitive environmental and cultural values. 5.2 Review grazing licences and develop grazing management strategies for licensed areas in consultation with licensees and in accordance with the Mid-Murray Forest DSE, PV Higher Management Plan. 5.3 Develop a routine assessment process to assess the ecological condition of the grazing areas to improve the ability to manage stock numbers if seasonal conditions or ecological DSE, PV Higher requirements dictate. 5.4 Ensure timber resource utilisation is conducted in accordance with the Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production, the Forest Management Plan for the Mid-Murray Forest DSE Higher Management Area and ecologically sustainable forest management principles and minimises loss of Ramsar site values. 5.5 Manage apiculture in accordance with standard licence conditions and according to the DSE Lower Mid-Murray Forest Management Plan.

Management Objective 6 Protect and where appropriate enhance ecosystem processes, habitats and species Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

6.1 Manage the habitat of threatened flora and fauna species in line with the Victorian DSE, PV Higher Riverina Bioregional Network priorities. 6.2 Manage flora and fauna, including threatened, migratory and colonial bird species DSE, PV Higher according to FFG Action Statements and the Mid-Murray Forest Management Plan.

Management Objective 7 Encourage strong partnerships between management agencies Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

7.1 Work with the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, the New South Wales Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources and State Forests of New South Wales DSE Higher to develop a formal process for the management of environmental flows in Gunbower and Koondrook Forests. 7.2 Maintain existing communication and links between all relevant Gunbower Forest management agencies and key organisation such as the North Central Catchment DSE, PV Higher Management Authority and the Shires. Improve communication with New South Wales agencies and the MDBC to improve management of the forest as a whole. 7.3 Involve local Aboriginal people in all facets of Ramsar site management, consistent with the Strategies Agreement for Indigenous Involvement in Land and Water Management DSE, PV Higher (VCMC 2003) and the Indigenous Partnership Strategy. 7.4 Consult with local Aboriginal people to ensure that other site management strategies in DSE, PV Higher this plan do not adversely impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage values. 7.5 Continue ongoing engagement with local Indigenous communities in the management of DSE, PV Higher Aboriginal cultural heritage values, in line with the Mid-Murray Forest Management Plan.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 21 Management Objective 8 Promote community awareness and understanding and provide opportunities for involvement in management Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

8.1 Promote greater understanding, awareness and protection of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site in extension and voluntary programs to landholders and to the community DSE, NCCMA Higher through the provision of educational and promotional material. 8.2 Identify opportunities and encourage community involvement in ecological monitoring DSE, PV, Lower and management activities (e.g. Waterwatch and habitat protection works). NCCMA

Management Objective 9 Ensure recreational use is consistent with the protection of natural and cultural values Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

9.1 In consultation with the Yorta Yorta, identify, protect and manage, where appropriate, sites of Aboriginal archaeological and historical interest and significance. Ensure this is done in accordance with Commonwealth and State legislation and in consultation with PV, DSE Higher Aboriginal communities appointed under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 and Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. 9.2 Encourage visitors to practise minimal impact techniques and to adhere to recreational PV, DSE Higher codes of conduct. 9.3 Manage camping to ensure that it is environmentally sustainable and minimises degradation to the Murray River environs and also to Aboriginal cultural values as PV, DSE Higher outlined in the Mid-Murray Forest Management Plan. 9.4 Improve enforcement presence during duck season. DSE, PV Higher 9.5 Manage access by visitors and management according to the Mid-Murray Forest DSE, PV Medium Management Plan and Park Management Plan. 9.6 Maintain and develop appropriate visitor facilities, including interpretation signs, consistent with the protection of natural and cultural values according to the Mid-Murray PV, DSE Medium Forest Management Plan. 9.7 Manage non-Aboriginal historic sites in accordance with the Mid-Murray Forest DSE, PV Medium Management Plan in consultation with local historical societies where appropriate. 9.8 Monitor the use of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site by recreational fishers and enforce DPI Medium regulations to control illegal fishing practices.

Management Objective 10 Develop ongoing consistent programs to monitor ecological character Site Management Strategy Lead agency Priority

10.1 Seek funding to develop an ongoing consistent program to monitor the ecological character of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site, measured in a statistically sound way DSE, PV Higher with data maintained in appropriate databases. Factors such as water regime, salinity, nutrients, algae, macroinvertebrates, flora and fauna should be measured. 10.2 Seek funding to monitor the effectiveness of rehabilitation, revegetation and habitat DSE, PV Higher protection works. 10.3 Continue to record fauna species usage of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar site and DSE, PV Lower provide data to update relevant Victorian databases. 10.4 Liaise with local Aboriginal people regarding monitoring of management impacts on DSE, PV Medium cultural heritage values.

Lead agency key: DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment NCCMA North Central Catchment Management Authority DPI Department of Primary Industries PV Parks Victoria GMW Goulburn-Murray Water Shires Shire of Gannawarra and Shire of Campaspe MDBC Murray-Darling Basin Commission

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 22 References

Atkins, B. P., Lloyd, L. N. and Nikolaou, N. (1991) Department of Natural Resources and Environment The hydrological characteristics of Gunbower Forest: (1999) Entitlements to the Murray. Outcomes of work An Integrated Watering Strategy Report. Department to define how Victoria’s River Murray water is to be of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. shared. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. Australian Heritage Commission. Register of the National Estate Database. Department of Natural Resources and Environment http://www.ahc.gov.au/register/easydatabase/databa (2001) Indigenous Partnership Strategy. Department se.html of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. Bennett, A. F., Lumsden, L. F. and Nicholls, A. O. (1994). Tree hollows as a resource for wildlife in Department of Natural Resources and Environment remnant woodlands: spatial and temporal patterns (2002a) Management of Victoria’s Ramsar Wetlands: across the northern plains of Victoria, Australia. Strategic Directions Statement. Department of Pacific Conservation Biology 1: 222-35. Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

Beovich, E. and Filippin, L. (1994) Torrumbarry East Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Loddon Catchment Management Plan Draft (2002b) Forest Management Plan for the Mid-Murray Environmental Report. Department of Conservation Forest Management Area. Department of Natural and Natural Resources, Victoria. Resources and Environment, Victoria.

Bren, L. J. and Gibbs, N. L. (1988) Relationships Department of Natural Resources and Environment between flood frequency, vegetation and topography (2002c) Healthy Rivers, Healthy Communities and in a river Red Gum forest. Aust. For. Res. 16: 357- Regional Growth: Victorian River Health Strategy. 370. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria. Corrick, A. H. and Norman, F. I. (1980) Wetlands of Victoria. In: Wetlands and waterbirds of the Snowy Department of Natural Resources and Environment River and Gippsland Lakes catchments. Proceedings (2002d) Our Forests, Our Future - Balancing of the Royal Society of Victoria 91:1-15. Communities, Jobs and the Environment. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Conservation and Environment (1992) East Melbourne, Victoria. Barmah State Park and Barmah State Forest Management Plan. Department of Conservation and Department of Natural Resources and Environment Environment, Victoria. (2002e) Regional Fire Protection Plan for the Bendigo District. Department of Natural Resources Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. (1993) Victoria’s High Value Wetlands. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria. Department of Natural Resources and Environment (2002f) Victoria’s Native Vegetation Management – A Department of Conservation and Natural Resources framework for Action. Department of Natural (1995) Code of Practice for Fire Management on Resources and Environment, Victoria. Public Land. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria. Department of Sustainability and Environment (2003a) Atlas of Victorian Wildlife. Department of Department of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. (1996) Code of Forest Practices for Timber Production. Revision No. 2. Department of Natural Department of Sustainability and Environment Resources and Environment, Victoria. (2003b) Victorian Flora Information System. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Victoria. (1997) Victoria’s Biodiversity: Directions in Management. Department of Natural Resources and Environment Protection Authority Victoria (2003). Environment, Victoria. Variation to State environment protection policy (Waters of Victoria). Victorian Government Gazette No. S 107, 4 June 2003. Victorian Government Printer.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 23 Fire Ecology Working Group (1999) Interim North Central Catchment and Land Protection Board Guidelines for Ecological Burning on Public Land in (1997) North Central Regional Catchment Strategy, Victoria. Department of Natural Resources and North Central Catchment and Land Protection Board, Environment, Victoria. Bendigo, Victoria.

Horricks, G. F. B., Brown, G. W., Earl, C. E., Griffiths, Paton, D. C. (1996) Overview of Feral and Managed R. C. and Williams, L. M. (1989). Flora and Fauna of Honeybees in Australia: Distribution, Abundance, Gunbower Island - Northern Victoria, Ecological Extent of Interactions with Native Biota, Evidence of Survey Report No.28. Department of Conservation Impacts and Future Research. Australian Nature and Environment. Lands and Forests Division, Conservation Agency, Canberra. Melbourne. Rhodes, D. (1996) Gunbower Island Archaeological Land Conservation Council (1985) Final Survey. Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, Victoria. Recommendations Murray Valley Area. The Land Conservation Council, Victoria. State Forests of New South Wales (2000) Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management: Loder and Bayley Pty Ltd (1988) Murray River Grazing Strategy for Riverina Region, Native Forest Streamsides Planning Study. Ministry for Planning Management System. State Forests of New South and Environment, Melbourne. Wales, August 2000.

MacNally, R, Ballinger, A. and Horrocks, G. (2002) Victorian Catchment Management Council (2003). Habitat Change in River Red Gum Floodplains: Strategies Agreement for Indigenous Involvement in Depletion of Fallen Timber and Impacts on Land and Water Management. Victorian Catchment Biodiversity. Victorian Naturalist, Volume 119 (4), pp. Management Council. Melbourne. 107-113. Von Mueller Institute (1986) Defoliation of River Red Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council (2002) The Gums by Gum-leaf Skeletoniser. Research and Living Murray: A Discussion Paper on Restoring the Development Paper No. 1. Von Mueller Institute, Health of the Murray River. Murray-Darling Ministerial Melbourne, Victoria. Council, Canberra, ACT.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 24 Appendix 1 List of Contributors

Multi-disciplinary Project Team Members Kate Maltby Conservation Strategy Officer, Neville Byrne Chief Ranger Murray Central Parks Victoria, National Parks District, Parks Victoria, Policy & Strategy Division Mark Tscharke Ranger In Charge, Parks Victoria, Roy Speechley Project Manager, Environment, Kerang Parks Victoria, Central Region Bruce Wehner Wetland Planner, Parks Victoria, Tony Long Chief Ranger Environment, Parks Central Region Victoria, Central Region Janet Holmes Senior Policy Officer, DSE

Local Reference Group Murray Rohde Flora & Fauna Officer, Paul Turnbull Forest Management, Department Department of Sustainability and of Sustainability and Environment, Environment, Swan Hill Bendigo Greg Wood Program Leader, Pest Plants & Noel Muller Ranger, Parks Victoria, Kerang Animals, Department of Primary Andrea Joyce Program Leader, Wetlands and Industries, Kerang Environmental Flows, Department Murray Thorson Forester in Charge, Department of Sustainability and Environment, of Sustainability and Environment, Bendigo Cohuna John Ginnivan Manager, Natural Resources, Goulburn-Murray Water, Kerang

Public Submissions

Australasian Wader Study Group Environment Australia - Wetlands Section Bird Observers Club of Australia Field & Game Australia Inc. Bird Observers Club of Australia Koop, P. (Echuca and District Branch) Murray-Darling Basin Commission Birds Australia VicGroup Conservation Committee North Central Catchment Management Authority Coalition Against Duck Shooting Out of the Woods Cohuna and District Progress Association Inc. Parks Victoria Department of Defence Victorian Farmers Federation Department of Sustainability and Environment North West Region

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 25 Appendix 2 Resource List

Further reading

Atkins, B. P. and Lloyd, L. N. (1993) An interim water Frood, D. and Calder, D.M. (1977) Nature management strategy for Gunbower Forest. Conservation in Victoria: a study report. Victorian Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, National Parks Association, Melbourne. Victoria. Land Conservation Council (1983) Study Report, Chesterfield, E.A. (1986) Changes in vegetation of Murray Valley Study Area. Land Conservation the River Red Gum forests at Barmah, Victoria. Council, Victoria. Australian Forestry 49(1): 4-15. Maunsell McIntyre (1999) Barmah-Millewa Forests Chesterfield, E.A., Loyn, R.H. and Macfarlane, M.A. Water Management Plan Business Plan Part 1. (1984) Flora and Fauna of Barmah State Forest and Maunsell McIntyre, ACT. their Management, Research Branch Report No 240. Forests Commission Victoria, Melbourne. Murray-Darling Basin Commission (1987) Murray- Darling Basin Environmental Resources Study. State Dexter, B.D. (1978) Silviculture of the River Red Gum Pollution Control Commission, Sydney. forests of the central Murray floodplain. Proc Roy. Soc. Vic. 90(1): 175-191. Murray-Darling Basin Commission (1992) Watering the Barmah-Millewa Red Gum Forest Issues Paper. Department of Natural Resources and Environment Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. (1999) Entitlements to the Murray – outcomes of work to define how Victoria’s River Murray water is to North Central Catchment Management Authority be shared. Department of Natural Resources and (2000) Draft North Central Native Vegetation Plan. Environment, Victoria. North Central Catchment Management Authority.

Department of Natural Resources and Environment North Central Catchment Management Authority (2000) Environmental Water Allocation (27,600 ML) (2001) Loddon Murray Surface Water Management Annual Works Program 2000/2001 Environmental Strategy, North Central Catchment Management Water Allocation Committee. Authority, Victoria.

Environment Australia (2001) A Directory of North Central Catchment Management Authority Important Wetlands in Australia, Third Edition. (2002) Draft Loddon Catchment Water Quality Environment Australia, Canberra. Strategy. North Central Catchment Management Authority, Victoria.

Contacts for further information and collaboration · Australasian Wader Study Group · Field & Game Australia Inc. · Coalition Against Duck Shooting · Gannawarra Shire Council · Cohuna and District Progress Association Inc. · Goulburn Broken Catchment Management · Bendigo Field Naturalists Authority · Bird Observers Club of Australia (Echuca · Goulburn Broken Waterwatch – Goulburn Valley Branch) Water · Birds Australia · Greater Bendigo City Council · Campaspe Shire Council · Greening Australia · Central Highlands Waterwatch c/o Creswick · Koroop/Gannawarra Landcare Group Landcare Centre · Moira Shire Council · Echuca Moama Field and Game Association · Murray-Darling Basin Commission · Environment Australia · North Central Catchment Management Authority · North Central Waterwatch c/o North Central · Swan Hill Rural City Council Catchment Management Authority · Trust for Nature – Goulburn Broken, North · Out of the Woods Central · Shepparton Irrigation Region Waterwatch c/o · University of Ballarat Goulburn Murray Landcare Network · · Shire of Campaspe Victorian Farmers Federation

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 26 Related websites www.ramsar.org www.parkweb.vic.gov.au www.dse.vic.gov.au www.ea.gov.au

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 27 Appendix 3 Threatened Status of Flora

Status in Status Common name Scientific name FFG Listed Victoria Nationally

Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii L Buloke Mistletoe Amyema linophylla ssp. orientale v Dwarf Swainson-pea Swainsona phacoides e Forde Poa Poa fordeana k Frosted Goosefoot Chenopodium desertorum ssp. r desertorum Hooked Needlewood Hakea tephrosperma v Long Eryngium Eryngium paludosum v Matted Water-starwort Callitriche sonderi k Native Peppercress Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium k River Swamp Wallaby- Amphibromus fluitans k V grass Smooth Minuria Minuria integerrima r Squat Picris Picris squarrosa r Three-wing Bluebush Maireana triptera r Twiggy Sida Sida intricata v Umbrella Wattle Acacia oswaldii v Western Water-starwort Callitriche cyclocarpa v V Winged Peppercress Lepidium monoplocoides L e E Woolly Buttons Leiocarpa panaetioides r Source: Victorian Flora Information System DSE (2003b) FFG Listed Status in Australia under the EPBC Act 1999 L Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act CE A native species is eligible to be included in the 1988 critically endangered category at a particular time if, at that time, it is facing an extremely high risk of A An action statement has been prepared for the extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as management of this species. determined in accordance with the prescribed Status in Victoria criteria. e Endangered in Victoria, ie. rare and at risk of E A native species is eligible to be included in the disappearing from the wild state if present land endangered category at a particular time if, at that use and other causal factors continue. time: (a)it is not critically endangered; and v Vulnerable in Victoria, ie. rare, not presently (b)it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the endangered but likely to become so soon due to wild in the near future, as determined in continued depletion, or which largely occur on accordance with the prescribed criteria. sites likely to experience changes in land use which threaten the survival of the species. V A native species is eligible to be included in the vulnerable category at a particular time if, at that r Plants which are rare in Victoria but which are not time: considered otherwise threatened. This category (a)it is not critically endangered or endangered; indicates relatively few known stands. and (b)it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in k species poorly known, suspected of being in one the medium-term future, as determined in of the above categories. accordance with the prescribed criteria.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 28 Appendix 4 Threatened Status of Fauna

Common name Status in Status in Scientific name FFG Listed Victoria Australia

Mammals Squirrel Glider Petaurus norfolcensis L, A End Birds Apostlebird Struthidea cinerea L Azure Kingfisher Alcedo azurea LR Barking Owl Ninox connivens L, A End Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis LR Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans LR Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis L, A End Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora LR Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus LR Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius L, A End Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata LR Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata L Vul Great Egret Ardea alba L Vul Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis L, A End Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima L Vul Hardhead Aythya australis Vul Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata L LR Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia L CEn Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii LR Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus L End Little Egret Egretta garzetta L End Musk Duck Biziura lobata Vul Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus LR Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius LR Red-chested Button-quail Turnix pyrrhothorax Vul Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Vul Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus LR White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster L, A Vul Reptiles Broad-shelled Tortoise Chelodina expansa End Carpet Python Morelia spilota metcalfei L End Eastern Bearded Dragon Pogona barbata DD Tessellated Gecko Diplodactylus tessellatus LR Tree Goanna Varanus varius Vul Amphibians Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri DD Warty Bell Frog Litoria raniformis L End V Fish Golden Perch Macquaria ambigua L# Vul Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii peelii L, L# End Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus L, L# CEn Unspecked Hardyhead Craterocephalus L, L# stercusmuscarum fulvus Invertebrates Murray Spiny Cray* Euastacus armatus L DD Source: Atlas of Victorian Wildlife DSE (2003a) and * DPI record.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 29 Status in Australia under the EPBC Act 1999 FFG Listed CE A native species is eligible to be included in the L Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act critically endangered category at a particular time 1988. if, at that time, it is facing an extremely high risk of L# Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act extinction in the wild in the immediate future, as 1988 as part of the Lowland Riverine Fish determined in accordance with the prescribed Community of the Southern Murray-Darling criteria. Basin. E A native species is eligible to be included in the A An action statement has been prepared for the endangered category at a particular time if, at that management of this species. time: (a)it is not critically endangered; and Status in Victoria (b)it is facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future, as determined in CEn Critically Endangered: A taxon that is facing an accordance with the prescribed criteria. extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. V A native species is eligible to be included in the vulnerable category at a particular time if, at that End Endangered: A taxon that is not Critically time: Endangered but is facing a very high risk of (a)it is not critically endangered or endangered; extinction in the wild in the immediate future. and (b)it is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in Vul Vulnerable: A taxon that is not Critically the medium-term future, as determined in Endangered or Endangered but is facing a high accordance with the prescribed criteria. risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future. LR Lower Risk – near threatened: A taxon that has been evaluated, does not satisfy the criteria for any of the threatened categories, but which is close to qualifying for Vulnerable. In practice, these species are most likely to move into a threatened category should current declines continue or catastrophes befall the species. DD Data Deficient - A taxon where there is inadequate information to make a direct or indirect assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution or population status. Listing of taxa in this category indicates that more information is required and acknowledges the possibility that future investigation will show that a threatened classification is appropriate. Status in Australia under the EPBC Act 1999

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 30 Appendix 5 JAMBA, CAMBA and Bonn Species

Common name Scientific name JAMBA CAMBA Bonn

Australian Hobby Falco longipennis " Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides " Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor " Black Swan Cygnus atratus " Brown Falcon Falco berigora " Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus " Cattle Egret Ardea ibis " " Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus " Great Egret Ardea alba " " " Hardhead Aythya australis " Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii " " Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides " Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles " Musk Duck Biziura lobata " Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa " Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus " Swamp Harrier Circus approximans " Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax " Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus " White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster " White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus " Source: Atlas of Victorian Wildlife DSE (2003a)

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 31 Appendix 6 Gunbower Forest Ramsar Information Sheet1

Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands 12. Justification of the criteria selected under point 9, on previous page. Categories approved by Recommendation 4.7 of the 2(b) A wetland is of special value for maintaining Conference of the Contracting Parties. the genetic and ecological diversity of a region because of the quality and 1. Date this sheet was completed/updated: peculiarities of its flora and fauna. May 1999 Gunbower is of special value because it is the second largest River Red Gum forest in Victoria. 2. Country: Australia 3(a) Regularly supports 20,000 waterfowl and 3. Name of wetland: Gunbower Forest, Victoria 3(b) Regularly supports substantial numbers of waterfowl from particular groups. 4. Geographical coordinates: There is little data available on waterfowl numbers for o o Latitude: (approx) 35 39' to 36 00'S; Longitude: Gunbower Forest. However, the extent of the forest o o (approx) 144 08' to 144 30'E and nature of the wetland habitat after flooding, which occurs regularly, is such as to suggest that the forest 5. Altitude: is likely to support large numbers of waterfowl, Approx 80 metres particularly ducks, such as Grey Teal, Black Swan, Darter and egrets. 6. Area: 19,931 hectares 3(c) Regularly supports 1% on the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies. Note: This is a revised area figure based on GIS To date, there is insufficient data to assess these Mapping (1995) and does not represent any change criteria accurately. However, Gunbower Forest to the Ramsar Site boundary. supports the only breeding colony of the Intermediate 7. Overview: Egret (Egretta intermedia) in Victoria (Horricks et al. 1989). There are also records of significant numbers Gunbower Forest is the second largest Red Gum of Rufous Night Herons, Great Egrets and Darters forest in Victoria, and is subject to periodic inundation breeding in the forest. from the Murray River when it supports large numbers of breeding waterfowl. 13. General location:

8. Wetland type: North-central Victoria, Australia, approximately 30 kilometres north-west of Echuca. Inland: N Ts Xf 14. Physical features: 9. Ramsar criteria: Physiography and Geology 2b 3a 3b 3c Gunbower Forest is a long shallow depression lying Please specify the most significant criterion between the banks of the Murray River and applicable to the site: see point 12 Gunbower Creek. Soils in the area are predominantly 10. Map of site included? grey/brown clays. Please tick yes " or no o 11. Name and address of the compiler of this Flood Regime form: Gunbower Island is a depositional basin that contains Parks Victoria a number of lentic channels and miscellaneous 535 Bourke Street floodplain depressions. The lowest and therefore Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia major entry point for water into the forest is Spur Creek which runs when the Murray River height at Echuca reaches four metres. All the channels and depressions from Spur Creek are more or less

1 Ramsar Information Sheets are updated every six years. The last update was in 1999. New or revised information will be incorporated in the next update, due in 2005.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 32 connected to the Little Gunbower Creek which, at its 17. Noteworthy flora: junction with Gunbower Creek, is the main exit point Threatened Species for floodwaters. As the Murray River rises other · Acacia osswaldii (Umbrella Wattle) - depleted in effluents begin to flow, until the forest is entirely Victoria inundated. This usually occurs when the Echuca river height is approximately eight metres. Water depth on · Allocasuarina leuhmannii (Buloke) - depleted in the island can vary from a few centimetres on high Victoria ground to six metres in creeks and billabongs in the · Amphibromus nervosus (River Swamp Wallaby- centre of the forest during flood. grass) - vulnerable nationally · Amyema linophyllum (Buloke Mistletoe) - River regulation has caused a change in the natural vulnerable in Victoria flood regime. Prior to the completion of the Torrumbarry Lock in 1923 there was little control · Callitriche cyclopcarpa (Western Water exerted on water flow except for small scale Starwort) - Poorly known in Australia, rare in damming by locals to prevent flooding. Since then Victoria Gunbower Creek has been maintained at flood level · Digitaria divaricatissima (Spreading Summer- during the irrigation season (August to May) by three grass) - vulnerable in Victoria weirs at Gunbower, Cohuna and Koondrook resulting · Diplachne fusca (Brown Beetle-grass) - rare in in a protracted flood period for the island. Regulators Victoria between Gunbower Creek and the forest prevent · Eryngium paludosum (Long Eryngium) - water entering the forest during these times. vulnerable in Victoria 15. Hydrological values: · Hakea tephrosperma (Hooked Needlewood) - Information not available at time of publication. depleted in Victoria 16. Ecological features: · Lepidium monoplocoides (Winged Pepper- The distribution of plant species and communities on cress) - endangered in Australia, endangered in Gunbower Island is largely a result of minor Victoria differences in elevation which determine the · Minuria integerrima (Smooth Minuria) - rare in frequency and duration of flooding and grazing Victoria practices. River Red Gum (Eucalyptus · Myoporum deserti (Turkey Bush) - depleted in camaldulensis) forest is widely distributed across the Victoria north-western part of Gunbower Forest, in areas that · are inundated the most frequently. In general, this Picris squarrosa (Squat Picris) - rare in Victoria part of the island is at a slightly lower elevation. · Santalum acuminatum (Sweet Quandong) - Gunbower Forest is approximately 53 km in length, depleted in Victoria with a fall in elevation of on average 0.2m per km. · Swainsona phacoides (Dwarf Swainson-pea) - endangered in Victoria Black Box (E. largiflorens) woodland occurs on low rises and sand ridges where flooding occurs 18. Noteworthy fauna: infrequently. In the forest, this community is most Threatened Species abundant at the south-east end of the island, but it · White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus also occurs along the length of Gunbower Creek. leucogaster) - rare in Victoria The other eucalypt present in numbers on the island, Grey Box (E. microcarpa) occurs on sandy ridges · Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) - restricted which are rarely flooded. This species often grows in colonial breeding in Victoria association with Black Box and occasionally with · Great Egret (Ardea alba) - restricted colonial River Red Gum. In addition, some small grassy breeding in Victoria plains and swamp vegetation occur within the forest. · Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia) - During flood periods, the forest becomes a large restricted colonial breeding in Victoria waterbird breeding area. The only record of · Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius) - Intermediate Egret breeding in Victoria is in the Gunbower Forest (in 1974 there were an estimated vulnerable in Victoria 500 nests, and in 1982 there were over 100 nests). · Ground Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina maxima) - rare Sections of the forest also support breeding colonies in Victoria of the Rufous Night Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus), · Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) - restricted colonial the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), and the Great breeding in Victoria Egret (Egretta alba).

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 33 · Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) - rare in Victoria 23. Conservation measures taken: · Nankeen Night Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus) - An Interim Water Management Strategy for restricted colonial breeding in Victoria Gunbower Forest 1992 has reviewed options for hydrological management in the forest. Gunbower · Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus State Forest has been proclaimed as a Wildlife temporalis) - endangered in Victoria Sanctuary, prohibiting the hunting or wilful · Barking Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes fletcheri) - disturbance of wildlife. The 1994 Torrumbarry East insufficiently known in Victoria Loddon Environmental Report makes a number of · Broad-shelled Tortoise (Chelodina expansa) - recommendations relevant to the management of the insufficiently known in Victoria site, in particular that “the discharge of any summer · Tree Goanna (Varanus varius) - insufficiently irrigation water not be permitted...when the forest known in Victoria floor is dry”. Action Statements under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 have been produced for · Carpet Python (Morelia spilota variegata) - the following fauna species that occur in the Ramsar vulnerable in Victoria site. The action statements outline conservation · Tessellated Gecko (Diplodactylus tessellatus) - measures for these species: rare in Victoria · White-bellied Sea-eagle (1994) 19. Social and cultural values: · Information not available at time of publication. Grey-crowned Babbler (1995) 20. Land tenure/ownership: 24. Conservation measures proposed but not yet implemented: Most of Gunbower is managed by Department of Natural Resources and Environment as State Forest. In an integrated approach to planning at Ramsar The eastern half (9,712 ha) is also a proclaimed sites, management strategies are being prepared for Wildlife Sanctuary and all land between the River and all Ramsar sites in Victoria, including Gunbower the "River Track" is part of the River Murray Reserve Forest, to provide general strategic direction and site managed by Parks Victoria. specific strategies. The strategies will be completed by June 1999. The proposed Mid Murray Forest 21. Current land use: Management Plan will be finalised in 1998 and Timber production, grazing, nature conservation, proposes strategies to maintain sustainable timber recreation, apiculture, flood mitigation, sand and harvesting. A water entitlement is currently being gravel supply. finalised for Gunbower. The entitlement will provide increased flexibility in managing the water regime of 22. Factors (past, present or potential) the forest. adversely affecting the site's ecological character, including changes in land use 25. Current scientific research and facilities: and development projects: Vertebrate survey work has been undertaken in There has been no significant change in ecological Gunbower Forest in association with NRE study of character since the Ramsar information sheet was the Northern Plains. last undated in 1992. In the longer term, the regulation of the Murray River since 1934 has 26. Current conservation education: reduced the frequency, intensity and duration of Spence Bridge, an area of 230 ha, has been set flooding in Gunbower Forest, which has implications aside as an Education Area. The area is to be used for River Red Gum and other species whose survival to provide opportunities for students of all ages to: is flood dependent. Timber harvesting and · silvicultural practices have altered the age structure Study the nature and functioning of reasonably of Red Gum stands and may have reduced the natural ecosystems in a manner such that the number of nest hollows available to wildlife. Grazing integrity of these ecosystems is maintained as by introduced and domestic animals poses a threat to far as practicable; understorey communities at selected localities within · compare the ecosystems within education areas the site. with other nearby natural and modified systems; · observe and practise methods of environmental analysis, and the field techniques of the natural sciences; and · conduct simple long-term experiments aimed at giving an understanding of the changes occurring in an area with time.

STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE GUNBOWER FOREST RAMSAR SITE PAGE 34 27. Current recreation and tourism: 30. Bibliographical references: The Forest with its many wetlands, creeks and Atkins, B., L. Lloyd and Nikolaou, N. (1991). The effluents provides excellent recreation opportunities, Hydrological Characteristics of Gunbower Forest – A and is popular for fishing, camping, and hunting. The background paper for the Integrated Watering convoluted course of the Murray River provides Strategy - Draft 7 Feb 1991. many fishing spots. Wildlife, particularly waterfowl are plentiful. The most popular spots for recreation are Horricks, G.F.B., Brown, G.W., Earl, C.E., Griffiths, along the Murray and at Torrumbarry Weir, where a R.C. and Wlliams, L.M. (1989). Flora and Fauna of formal caravan park is located. The Department of Gunbower Island - Northern Victoria, Ecological Conservation and Environment maintains an Survey Report No.28. Department of Conservation extensive system of fireplaces and picnic tables. and Environment. Lands and Forests Division, Melbourne. Cohuna Scout Group has a camp within the Forest. Access within the forest is good and includes the Land Conservation Council. (1983). Report on the River Track, which provides a scenic drive from Murray Valley Area. Government Printer, Melbourne. Koondrook to Torrumberry Weir. 31. Personal communications: 28. Jurisdiction: Bowen, J. Forest Overseer (retired), Cohuna.

Government of Victoria. 29. Management authority: Managed under the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Parks Program by Parks Victoria -2,184 Ha (11%) Natural Resources and Environment - 17,747 Ha (89%).

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