APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 104 ______

308: Incipient sandblow, Possum Banks, February 2006. 308: The same site 4.5 months later. Note evidence of sides collapsing as the blowout enlarges.

Eva Point to Driftwood Cove

308: Looking north to Hazard Bay from near the 308: Ramp down to Driftwood Cove. junction with the Possum Creek Track.

Geodiversity: Sandy beaches interspersed with shore platforms in Precambrian rocks. Foredunes typically steep and eroding.

Flora: Beaches fringed by marram grassland (FMG) with some sea spurge infestations (FWU).

Fauna: Numerous shorebirds sighted.

Driftwood Cove to Dawson River APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 105 ______

308: Orange-bellied parrot exclosure north of Dawson 308: Partially consolidated calcareous sands exposed by Bay with pigface mounds (SCH) and exposed bedrock. erosion within the OBP exclosure.

Geodiversity: Palaeosols and pinnacle-like remnants of partially consolidated calcareous sands crop out within the deflated area inside the ‘bird fence’, part of Site 25: Bird Fence-Gannet Point Dunes. The sand at this site have been dated to 13,100+/-1,600 years BP (W3976), which is comparable to dates obtained from other dunes formed in the informally named Possum Banks Sand. Stock entering the fenced area, which is buried by mobile sands at the northern end, are likely to exacerbate the rate at which this area is being deflated. Small springs emerge close to sea level at various points on the northern side of Dawson Bay. At least one of these is actively depositing tufa (calcium carbonate).

Flora: (1) Marram grassland and sea spurge infestations at Driftwood Cove end (FMG/FWU); coastal heathland/scrub dominated by Leucopogon parviflorus, Beyeria lechenaultii, Banksia marginata and Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae (SCA/SAC); Freshwater aquatic herbland (AHF); culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland (FRG) and marsupial lawns (GHC); low wind-pruned grassy heaths dominated by Beyeria lechenaultii (SCH) and Poa rodwayi grasslands (GTL; northwest variant); dry Melaleuca ericifolia scrubs (SSC); sea spurge infestations at river mouth (FWU). Significant species and communities: Poa rodwayi grasslands; aquatic wetland; rare woody shrub Spyridium vexilliferum var. vexilliferum.

Fauna: Significant habitat for orange-bellied parrots, primarily Poa rodwayi grasslands and sea rocket (Cakile maritima), is present within the bird exclosure. Carex appressa sedgeland near the ‘bird fence’ is potential Marrawah skipper habitat.

Dawson River to Gannet Point

308: Wet herbfields and grasslands subject to ORV 308: Grassy heaths and low scrubs south of Dawson impacts. River.

308: Wetland adjacent to track just south of Dawson 308: Eroded section of track between Dawson River and River. Dawkins Track. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 106 ______

Geodiversity: Rocky shore backed by vegetated dunes (Bird Fence-Gannet Point Dunes geoconservation site). Elevated cobble beaches are present at Gannet Point, part of the TGD-listed Tarkine High-level Cobble Beaches geoconservation site.

Flora: Sea spurge infestations at river mouth (FWU); low coastal scrub dominated by Leucopogon parviflorus and Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae, with Banksia marginata, Pteridium esculentum, Isolepis nodosa and Lepidosperma gladiatum (SAC); Poa rodwayi grassland (GTL; northwest variant); low wind-pruned grassy heaths with Beyeria lechenaultii prominent (SCH); wet herbfields and marsupial lawns (GHC). Towards Gannet Point the vegetation comprises low coastal scrub dominated by Leucopogon parviflorus and Hibbertia sericea (SSC); Isolepis nodosa sedgeland (FRG); marsupial lawns (GHC). Significant species and communities: Poa rodwayi grasslands; wetlands to east of track.

Fauna: Some orange-bellied parrot habitat occurs in this area — at risk from vehicular damage and individuals being disturbed while foraging.

Management issues: • Possum Banks is the most significant site within the APCA for flora conservation, supporting unique native grasslands and at least nine threatened flora species (Schahinger 2002 & 2005). The site is listed in the TGD as a geoconservation site of State significance. The geoconservation values and survival of the grasslands and associated flora/fauna are under immediate threat by the use of Possum Banks for cattle grazing and by ORVs using the native grassland as a ‘playground’. These activities are causing direct physical impacts to the flora and destabilising slopes now subject to major sandblows. The following actions should be undertaken as a matter of priority: (1) fence the area to exclude cattle and ORVs (as outlined in Schahinger 2005), and (2) initiate measures to stabilise the sandblows. • The beach at Hazard Bay is a significant habitat for shorebirds susceptible to disturbance from ORVs during the breeding season. • The rocky point between Ingram Bay and Hazard Bay (GR 308300E, 5428450N) is marked by steep ramps where the Possum Creek Track leads down to the beach on the northern and southern sides of the point. The gradient of the ramps (~20°) and their orientation perpendicular to slopes exposed to the prevailing wind, makes this site highly susceptible to the development of serious erosion problems. It is possible that some ORV users of the coastal route bypass the point using these ramps. • The section of track to the immediate south of Driftwood Cove passes through mobile sands, which have inundated fencing installed in the 1980s to protect foraging habitat for the orange-bellied parrot (Poa rodwayi grasslands and the introduced sea rocket) (Brown & Wilson 1984). The fence is now ineffective due to the shifting sand, creating an ongoing risk to the orange-bellied parrot habitat from ORVs and cattle entering the previously fenced area. Palaeosols and small towers formed in partially consolidated calcareous sands are also at risk. A small dune-barred wetland (GR 308660E 5427590N) and Carex appressa sedgeland (potential Marrawah skipper habitat) are also compromised. Further south, the track follows the crests of vegetated dunes formed in highly erodible sands with numerous middens. This sections passes through sensitive grassland and grassy heath vegetation. • The Dawson River to Gannet Point section of track follows erodible dune ridges through sensitive grassland and grassy heath vegetation. Track gradients are very steep in places (~18°) and the sandy substrates are deeply eroded. Small but presently intact wetlands at GR 309090E, 5426520N and 309110E, 5426580N are at risk of damage if ORV users do not stay on the main route. Grassy vegetation at Gannet Point has been impacted by day and/or overnight use.

Recommendations: • Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy between Dartys Corner and its junction with the Gannet South Track (317). • Fence off native grassland areas at Possum Banks to exclude ORVs and cattle; the area that requires fencing is shown in Schahinger (2005). • Initiate stabilisation of sandblows at Possum Banks. • Reinstate the fence near the Bird Fence Track (314), to protect foraging habitat for the orange-bellied parrot. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 107 ______

Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309) Date assessed: Feb–July 2006 (various dates) Length: 14.3 km Map sheet: Temma 3043 & Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma & Thornton Management zone: Natural (controlled access) Current access policy: Authorised with permit

309: Slumping of peat soils due to undercutting by wake 309: Braiding south of Balfour Track. from vehicles (summer conditions).

309: Water hole just south of Temma, under winter 309: Deeply churned up peat soils on recent bypass to conditions (July 2006). waterhole shown at left.

309: Unauthorised ‘racing track’ near Possum Banks. 309: Braided track on Precambrian rocks with Eucalyptus nitida heathy woodland (DNI). APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 108 ______

Route: This track is the main route south from Temma to Kenneth Bay. The route parallels the coast about 1 km inland until it reaches Smiths Gulch, about 3.5 km from Greenes Creek. The track continues south from Greenes Creek towards Sandy Cape as the Kenneth Bay Track (402). Numerous sidetracks are present.

Track condition: The condition of the track is highly variable along its length and between seasons. The first few kilometres south from Temma is marked by a series of deep holes that fill with water to bonnet level under winter conditions. The wake created by vehicles on the wet sections saps sand beneath an overlying fibrous peat soil, undercutting the sides and causing them to slump. At Pardoe Creek this process has caused small trees beside the track to topple over. Extensive areas of braiding have developed where drivers travel across country to avoid the more intimidating water holes which, despite their depth, generally have a firm base, improved at some sites with imported gravel. In contrast, bypass routes typically traverse peat soils prone to bogginess. Further south the track enters better-drained sandy country. A vegetated dune at the junction with Big Eel Track (305) is marked by deep soft sand and is extensively braiding and eroded. This site has benefited from remedial fencing by the Braddon Four-wheel Drive Club. Further south again the track crosses mixed sandy and rocky terrain, with numerous examples of braiding and erosion of the soft sandy substrate. In places the track occupies a trench up to 2 m deep. The route along the coast south of Smiths Gulch is in close proximity to small wetlands and marsupial lawns. Some of these features have been unnecessarily churned up by ORVs driving off the main track, although impacts have been constrained in places through fencing. The crossing at Brooks Creek can entail deep water, while boggy patches occur on poorly drained areas south of Smiths Gulch.

Geodiversity: Features of geoconservation significance include: • Big Eel Dune – the track crosses the western slopes of this relict landform, which forms part of a TGD-listed site (Site 29: Possum Banks-Big Eel Dune Complex). There is significant erosion on the slopes of the dune due to vehicular impacts (see Big Eel Track). • Palaeosols (buried soil horizons) in a gully formed partly by deflation along former section of the track near Ordnance Point (GR 310880E 5423754N) (Site 14: Arthur-Pieman Coastal Palaeosols). • High-level cobble beaches – these form part of a TGD-listed site (Site 28: Tarkine Coast High-level Cobble Beaches) occur discontinuously between Smiths Gulch and Brooks Creek and are traversed by the track at several points, causing erosion and compaction of the constituent gravels. A small grassy bowl enclosed by a high-level cobble beach just south of the junction with Smiths Gulch South Track (322) (GR 310310E 5424800N) has been a focus for unnecessary deviations off the track, initiating erosion on the steeper sea-facing slopes of this relict feature. • Site 8: Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs – the southern portion of the track falls within an area identified as significant for this TGD-listed site.

Flora: The track traverses a wide range vegetation types, viz., wet and dry heathlands (SCH and SHW), low wind-pruned heaths and coastal scrubs (SSC), dry and wet Eucalyptus nitida scrubs and mallee woodlands (DNI), wetlands (AHF), marsupial lawns (GHC), dune scrubs dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae (SAC) and bare sand (OSM). The rare woody shrub Spyridium vexilliferum var. vexilliferum was recorded on a rocky outcrop within a braided section of track c. 100 m south of the junction with Grays North Track (315), while the rare herb Stackhousia viminea has been recorded from heathland to the north. Neither species is considered at immediate risk from track-related activities.

Fauna: Much Tasmanian devil activity evident; smooth froglets (Geocrinia laevis) common.

Management issues: • Water holes near the northern end of the track contribute to ongoing track braiding, with attendant impacts to peat soils and vegetation. The water holes may deter some potential users of the track, thereby limiting traffic and reducing environmental impacts; however, the braiding is a significant impact in its own right and needs to be addressed. • The proliferation of bypasses and parallel routes is a significant problem along much of the track. The track generally is subject to extensive braiding and sections are severely eroded, particularly in the sandy country. Some progress has been made in addressing these problems by barring off sidetracks APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 109 ______

and putting down gravel, but many sections still require attention and some existing barriers require maintenance. • Extensive braiding and track erosion at the Big Eel Dune has degraded this significant feature. Fencing has helped confine impacts from vehicles to a single route, although some previously disturbed areas continue to erode. • Unfenced wetlands and marsupial lawns adjacent to the track south of Smiths Gulch are at risk of further damage by vehicles deliberately deviating off the main route. Intact elevated cobble beaches and associated marsupial lawns between Smiths Gulch and Brooks Creek should also be protected from further impacts by fencing. • An eroding foredune about 100 m north of the outlet of Brooks Creek is being used as a ‘playground’ for ORVs, while the crossing itself is subject to erosion. • The main track functions as a take-off point for numerous sidetracks. The development of new tracks is an ongoing risk. • An unauthorised ‘racing circuit’ at GR 306400E 5429940N is entirely inappropriate and should be closed off and allowed to revegetate.

Recommendations: • Continue to block off unnecessary sidetracks and repair damaged barriers. • Undertake limited upgrading of the track on the boggy northern section, and other problem areas, to mitigate bogholes and braiding. This is likely to require drainage works and surfacing with gravel. • Extend existing fencing near Smiths Gulch to protect marsupial lawns and elevated cobble beaches adjacent to the track (e.g., feature at GR 310310E 5424800N).

309: Acacia longifolia scrub (SAC) with eroded sandy soils 309: ORV damage to foredune at Brooks Creek. north of the Balfour Track junction.

309: Fenced wetland near Smiths Gulch. 309: Unfenced marsupial lawn (GHC) on elevated cobble beach at same site. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 110 ______

No Mans North Track (310) Date assessed: 30 March 2006 Length: 0.4 km Map sheet: Temma 3043 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to shack site)

310: Shack site in Eucalyptus viminalis woodland (DVC). 310: No Mans North Track.

Route: This short track leads to a shack just off the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309).

Track condition: The track crosses flat ground with a firm sandy base.

Geodiversity: Drainage impounded behind low dunes to the west has created a small wetland – Possum Banks Lagoon – about 100 m northwest of the track.

Flora: Inland end: dry coastal heath/scrub dominated by Leptospermum glaucescens (SCH) with occasional mallee-form Eucalyptus nitida. Coastal end: low Eucalyptus viminalis woodland on orange-brown sands with a dense shrub layer dominated by Banksia marginata and Leucopogon parviflorus, and a ground layer dominated by Lomandra longifolia, Pteridium esculentum and Isolepis nodosa (DVC or SCA).

Fauna: No issues

Management issues: This track is justified insofar as there is a need to access the shack.

Recommendation: The track should be closed if access to the shack is no longer required. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 111 ______

No Mans South Track (311) Date assessed: 30 March 2006 Length: 2.1 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (part only: access to shack site)

311: Dry coastal scrub with Beyeria prominent (SCA). 311: Coastal end at outlet to No Mans Creek (Hazard Bay); sea spurge (FWU) prominent.

Route: This track extends between the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309) and the coastal route at the outlet to No Mans Creek.

Track condition: The route meanders through vegetated dunes and is overgrown. The track is moderately entrenched on some short steep sections across an erodible sandy substrate.

Geodiversity: The western end of the track traverses vegetated dunes behind Hazard Bay.

Flora: Dry Eucalyptus viminalis woodland on sands (DVC); damp/wet Eucalyptus viminalis woodland south side of No Mans Creek, with tall Acacia melanoxylon, Pomaderris apetala, Melaleuca ericifolia and Banksia marginata (WVI); dry scrubs dominated by mature Banksia marginata (=fire-degraded DVC); dry coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae, Leucopogon parviflorus and Beyeria lechenaultii (SAC/SCA); culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland (FRG); Marram grassland at coastal end (FMG) with sea spurge infestations at coast (FWU). The Eucalyptus viminalis woodland and coastal scrub with Beyeria lechenaultii are significant but are not considered at risk from ORVs.

Fauna: Vehicles crossing a small lagoon on No Mans Creek behind Hazard Bay may be causing significant disturbance to fauna. The creek banks at the crossing point are somewhat eroded and there is a notable absence of scum on the flat sandy bottom at this point. Hooded plovers were seen on the beach at Hazard Bay and at the lagoon. Fish of indeterminate species occur in the lagoon.

Management issues: This track potentially increases traffic along the beach at Ingram Bay, an important habitat for shorebirds. If available for vehicular access, it would provide an alternative route for access to the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308), which this report recommends as not suitable for vehicular access.

Recommendations: APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 112 ______

• That portion of the track to the west of the shack should be closed, in accordance with the recommendation for the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308). • The track to the shack should be closed if access is no longer required. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 113 ______

Possum Creek Track (312) Date assessed: 30 March 2006 Length: 1.7 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

312: Wet heathland (SHW), eastern end of track. 312: Coastal scrub with Beyeria (SCA) and Isolepis nodosa sedgeland (FRG), western end of track.

312: Ramp on eroding foredune at Ingram Bay. 312: Hooded plover eggs, northern end of Ingram Bay.

Route: This track extends between the Temma to Greenes Point Track (309) and a rocky point on the coast between Hazard Bay and Ingram Bay, where it joins the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308).

Track condition: The eastern portion of the track crosses flattish terrain on peaty soils and would be very boggy under wet conditions. Further west the track enters a vegetated dune complex on well-drained sandy soils. The junction with the coastal route (Dartys to Gannet Point Track) near the rocky point between Ingram Bay and Hazard Bay (308300E, 5428450N) is associated with steep ramps (~20°) on the northern and southern sides of the point. The ramps are developed on the erosion-prone seaward face of the foredune.

Geodiversity: The western end of the track traverses vegetated dunes behind Hazard Bay. Drainage impounded behind the dunes has produced a series of wetlands between Possum Creek and Symes Creek. These are in good condition, in contrast with wetlands in similar settings north of Temma.

Flora: Wet heathland dominated by Leptospermum scoparium and Melaleuca squamea (SHW); dry coastal heathland/scrub dominated by Leptospermum glaucescens (SCH) with occasional Eucalyptus nitida; Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME); mosaic of culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland (FRG) and coastal APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 114 ______scrub dominated by Acacia sophorae, Leucopogon parviflorus and Beyeria lechenaultii (SAC/SCA); Marram grassland at coastal end (FMG). Significant species and communities: (1) Stackhousia viminea — a rare herb common in the heath community close to the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309); (2) Poa poiformis var. ramifer — a rare tussock grass recorded from Isolepis nodosa sedgeland near the coastal end of the track; (3) Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest; (4) coastal scrub with Beyeria lechenaultii prominent (SCA); (5) intact wetland to east of track (AHF). Symptoms of Phytophthora present in heath communities.

Fauna: Numerous holes dug by wombats and other species. The beach at Ingram Bay is a significant shorebird breeding area. A hooded plover nest containing eggs was noted on the beach at the junction of the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308), with fresh tyre marks within 10 cm of the nest.

Management issues: • This area appears to be subject to only limited pressure from ORVs and campers — an increase in these activities has potential to threaten relatively undisturbed vegetation and sensitive sandy landforms. Several significant flora species and communities occur in the vicinity of the track. • Symptoms of Phytophthora cinnamomi infection evident in the heaths in the east. • The wetlands between Possum Creek and Symes Creek are in good condition, in contrast to wetlands in similar settings north of Temma. They should be protected from disturbance. • The junction between Possum Creek Track and the coastal route comprises steep ramps (~20°) on the erosion-prone seaward slope of the foredune. Continued use of these ramps has potential to create serious erosion problems – see comments under Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308). An alternative route to the coast is available via nearby No Mans South Track (311). • This track potentially increases traffic along the beach at Ingram Bay, an important habitat for shorebirds. If available for vehicular access, it would provide an alternative route for access to the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308), which this report recommends as not suitable for vehicular access.

Recommendation: Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy, in accordance with the recommendation for the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308). APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 115 ______

Balfour Track (313) Date assessed: 24 February 2006 Length: 14.0 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 & Balfour 3242 Land system: Temma, Thornton & Balfour Management zone: Natural (controlled access) Current access policy: Authorised with permit

313: The erosion surface at junction of Balfour Track 313: Boggy and braided section in wet heathland (SHW). and Mt Balfour Track (foreground); Western buttongrass moorland (MBW) dominant.

313: Pachydermal weathering subject to recent damage 313: Damp/wet Eucalyptus obliqua forest (WOB). by tracked vehicle, Possum Creek headwaters.

313: Deeply eroded section at western end of track. 313: Boggy sections approaching the Heemskirk Road. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 116 ______

Route: This track is an historic route to the coast from the mining settlement of Balfour. It branches off the Heemskirk Road near the landing strip at Balfour, joining the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309) near Possum Creek.

Track condition: The eastern end of the track is wet in places and subject to braiding where drivers have pioneered routes around water-filled holes. Further west the track is mostly on a firm gravel base and in good condition. The final 1.5 km to the junction with the Greenes Creek to Temma Track (308) crosses sandy terrain and is deeply eroded and braided in places.

Geodiversity: The track traverses an area containing the following geoconservation values: • Site 3: Spongolite–Limestone Association and Site 19: Lower Coastal Surface Potential Stratigraphic Sites – no features of significance in relation to these two TGD-listed sites, which mostly fall on adjacent State forest, were noted in the vicinity of the track. • Site: 7: Grace Creek Ferruginous Duricrust – a probable ferruginous duricrust at GR 313430E 5429000N; • Site 8: Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs – extensive TGD-listed site; • Site 9: Dawson River Basalt Soils – minor examples undisturbed basalt soils; • Site 18: Sumac Dissected Erosion Surface – a TGD-listed site associated with the ‘Lower Coastal Surface’ (Davies 1959); • Site 40: Balfour Track Pachydermal Weathering – a very clear example of ‘elephant skin’ weathering with evidence of recent damage, possibly under a tracked vehicles engaged in rehabilitation of nearby disused mineral exploration tracks;

Flora: (1) Heemskirk Road to junction with Burkes Track (328): heathy buttongrass moorland with Melaleuca squamea and Cordifex hookeri prominent (MBW) in flat poorly drained areas (peats); Eucalyptus nitida forest over Melaleuca squarrosa along creek lines (WNL); dry heathy Eucalyptus nitida scrub with Leptospermum scoparium and Aotus ericoides on better drained knolls (DNI). (2) Burkes Track to Temma– Greenes Point Track (309): heathy buttongrass moorland (MBW); Eucalyptus obliqua damp forest (WOB) with Pomaderris apetala and Melaleuca ericifolia prominent in tall shrub layer plus Dicksonia antarctica; dry heathy Eucalyptus nitida woodland (DNI) with Leptospermum glaucescens, Lepidosperma concavum and Hypolaena fastigiatum (sands over siltstone), grading into dry coastal heaths and scrubs dominated by Leptospermum glaucescens (SCH).

The rare woody shrubs Epacris curtisiae and Spyridium parvifolium var. parvifolium have been recorded to the west of the Burkes Track junction (328) in open heathland and Eucalyptus nitida forest, respectively, though are not considered to be under direct threat from vehicles. The vegetation over much of the area is recovering from a fire in November 2003. Phytophthora cinnamomi symptoms appear ubiquitous for susceptible vegetation types, with Sprengelia incarnata the main casualty.

Fauna: This track includes several stream crossings. Evidence of burrowing crayfish, ground parrots (Pezoporus wallicus), Tasmanian devils, spotted-tailed quolls and brown tree frogs (Litoria ewingii) in the vicinity of this track.

Management issues: This track is a source of land degradation due to bogginess on peat soils towards the eastern end, and gully erosion on sandy soils towards the western end. The existence of the track is linked to the infection of susceptible vegetation communities with Phytophthora.

Recommendations: • Restrict access to the summer period (1st December – 30th March), to reduce soil degradation and spread of Phytophthora. No permits should be issued outside this period. • Investigate options to stabilise deep gully erosion in sandy country towards the western end of the track, as a potential priority under the proposed rehabilitation strategy. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 117 ______

Bird Fence Track (314) Date assessed: 21 February 2006 Length: 0.7 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

314: Dry coastal heath (SCH) on sands at the western 314: Aerial view of Bird Fence Track (Temma to end of Bird Fence Track. Greenes Creek Track in foreground). The ‘bird fence’ partially encloses the sandblow on the coast.

Route: This track is a route to the coast between the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309) and the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308), joining the latter near an area that was fenced in the 1980s to protect foraging habitat for the orange-bellied parrot.

Track condition: The track is mostly across rocky ground with a thin veneer of sand except as it approaches the Dartys to Gannet Point Track, where deeper sand is encountered. The terrain is mostly flat lying. Parallel routes exist 100–200 m off the main track at the eastern and western ends, with some braiding and rutting at a boggy patch towards the middle.

Geodiversity: This track traverses a portion of the TGD-listed Site 8: Western Tasmania Blanket Bogs.

Flora: Dry heathy Eucalyptus nitida scrub with Leptospermum glaucescens prominent (SSC) at inland end; wet heathland/scrub dominated by Melaleuca squarrosa and/or Leptospermum scoparium (SHW) in lower lying areas; dry coastal heathland on deep sands with Banksia marginata, Hibbertia sericea, Aotus ericoides and Pteridium esculentum (SCH).

Fauna: Provides access to bird enclosure established in the 1980s to protect foraging habitat for the orange-bellied parrot (Brown & Wilson 1984). The ‘bird fence’ is in disrepair due to encroaching mobile dunes in the north and fire damage in the south (Schahinger 2005).

Management issues: This track is required for management purposes to access the ‘bird fence’. It is also currently used by ORVs as an access to the foreshore via Dartys to Gannet Point Track. The heath communities are susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Recommendation: Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy (other than for management), in accordance with the recommendation for the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308). APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 118 ______

Greys North Track (315) Date assessed: 24 February 2006 Length: 2.3 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to shack site)

315: Soil degradation, western end of track. 315: Dry Eucalyptus obliqua forest (DOB), middle section.

Route: This track provides access between the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309) and a shack on private land south of the Balfour Track (313).

Track condition: The western end of the track crosses peat soils, which have been extensively braided and churned up by ORVs. South of Symes Creek the track ascends a ridgeline, where it is also deeply rutted, prior to entering private land.

Geodiversity: This track falls within an area identified as significant for Site 8: Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs geoconservation site. Soil degradation on the western portion of this track is having a significant impact on the blanket bog soils. The eastern part of the track enters an area of basalt associated with Site 9: Dawson River Basalt Soils.

Flora: Dry coastal heathland and scrubs dominated by Leptospermum glaucescens (SCH), grading into dry/damp heathy Eucalyptus nitida woodlands (DNI); wet heathland/scrub dominated by Melaleuca squarrosa and/or Leptospermum scoparium (SHW); Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest (DOB); ‘dryish’ Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME) at elevated eastern end of track (not considered at risk). The heathy communities are susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Fauna: No issues

Management issues: • Significance damage to peat soils is occurring on the western section of this track. • The track increases the risk of spreading Phytophthora to susceptible heathy vegetation types.

Recommendations: • The following options should be considered to alleviate soil degradation: (1) harden the route, (2) re- route the track onto ground with a firmer base, (3) close the track to general access. • The track should be closed if access to the shack or private land is no longer required. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 119 ______

Gannet South Track (317) Date assessed: 29 February 2006 Length: 0.6 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Thornton Management zone: Natural (controlled access) Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to shack site)

317: Gannet South Track, with Temma to Greenes 317: Presumed periglacial colluvium at the quarry. Creek Track in foreground.

Route: This track is an access to the coast near Gannet Point, extending between the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309) and the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308). A gravel pit the eastern end is a source of roading material.

Track condition: The track has an all-weather surface of gravel from the quarry at its eastern end. It suffers from a proliferation of sidetracks on the northern side.

Geodiversity: The quarry is developed in poorly sorted angular siliceous gravels similar to deposits at Rocky Cape that have been interpreted as the product of frost shattering under glacial climatic conditions (Colhoun 1977). If correct, this interpretation implies that intense periglacial weathering occurred close to the present sea level in parts of northwest Tasmania during the Pleistocene. The Gannet Point deposit has been tentatively identified as a periglacial feature and is provisionally listed in the TGD (Site 10: Gannet Point ?Periglacial Colluvium).

Flora: Dry heathland dominated by Leptospermum glaucescens, grading into dry heathy Eucalyptus nitida scrub (SSC), both on Precambrian siltstones with a high surface rock cover; wet heathland/scrub dominated by Leptospermum scoparium and Melaleuca squarrosa (SHW) in lower-lying areas. The heathy communities are susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Fauna: Calls of the common smooth froglet were heard at quarry.

Management issues: It is not clear whether the quarry complies with the Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice 2003, which states that quarrying in reserves under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 requires a mining lease under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995, a documented quarry management plan and potentially a local government planning permit. The Code indicates that new quarry proposals would only be approved in ‘exceptional circumstances’, for example where the cost of importing material from outside the reserve is prohibitive. The quarry involves extraction of material from a potentially significant geoconservation ste. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 120 ______

Recommendations: • Assess potential alternative gravel sources. If the quarry is no longer required, rehabilitate the site (potentially retaining a representative section for study purposes). • If it is desirable to continue to operate the quarry, this should be subject to a more detailed assessment of potential impacts to geoconservation values. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 121 ______

Gannet Gulch to Smiths Gulch Track (318) & Swampy Loop Track (320) Date assessed: 29 March 2006 Length: 1.4 km (318) & 0.2 km (320) Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Thornton Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

318: Elevated cobble beach with wind-pruned scrub, 320: Wind-pruned scrub (SSC) surrounding degraded marsupial lawns (SSC & GHC) and sea spurge in wetland (AHF). foreground (FWU).

Route: This track is a southerly continuation of the Dartys Corner to Gannet Point Track (308), joining the Temma to Greenes Point Track (308) just north of Smiths Gulch. The Swamp Loop Track is a minor deviation through a small wetland adjacent to the main track.

Track condition: The track traverses rocky ground and is in reasonably good condition. The Swamp Loop Track crosses boggy ground and has been churned up by ORVs engaged in ‘circle work’.

Geodiversity: The track traverses the crest of a small elevated cobble beach at GR 309160E 5425400N, one of a number of such features listed in the TGD (Site 28: Tarkine High-level Cobble Beaches).

Flora: The Gannet Gulch to Smiths Gulch Track passes through dampish heaths with occasional low Eucalyptus nitida on sandy peats in southeast (SCH & SHW); areas in north with outcropping Precambrian siltstones — mosaic of marsupial lawns (GHC), occasional small soaks/wetlands (AHF) and wind-pruned coastal heaths/scrubs (SSC; facies dominated by (1) Leptospermum glaucescens and Melaleuca ericifolia, (2) Cyathodes abietina); dunes of low relief in far north with depauperate Poa rodwayi grasslands (GTL; northwest variant) and culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland (FRG). Marsupial lawns, soaks and Poa rodwayi grasslands are highly susceptible to physical damage by vehicles, and have been subject to damage by past use (e.g., GR 309250E 5425721N). The Swampy Loop Track passes through wind-pruned coastal heathland/scrubs dominated by Leptospermum glaucescens and Melaleuca ericifolia (SSC); wet herbfields and marsupial lawns (GHC) and a Freshwater aquatic herbland (AHF). The heathy communities are susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Fauna: Smooth froglets were recorded in tea tree scrub.

Management issues: Any increase in vehicular traffic is likely to have a negative impact on plant communities and may damage the elevated cobble beach. The Swampy Loop Track is unnecessary and contributes to the degradation of a small wetland.

Recommendations: APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 122 ______

• Gannet Gulch to Smiths Gulch Track: If made available to vehicular access, the impact of this track on the cobble beach and vegetation should be monitored. If necessary, the track should be re-routed at the cobble beach. • Swampy Loop Track: Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy. If the Gannet Gulch to Smiths Gulch Track (318) is made available to vehicular access, fence off the track to prevent further damage to the wetland. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 123 ______

Smiths Gulch South Track (322) Date assessed: 29 March 2006 Length: 0.2 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Thornton Management zone: Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to shack site)

322: Smiths Gulch from the air. 322: Glasswort patches (potential food source for the orange-bellied parrot) associated with springs on the foreshore at Smiths Gulch.

Route: This short track provides access to shacks at Smiths Gulch off the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309). The track does not appear to extend north of the shacks, as implied on the PWS digital tracks layer.

Track condition: The track is surfaced with gravel and in good condition.

Geodiversity: Springs comprising small terraced ponds occur on the foreshore to the north of the shacks. These are not currently threatened by ORVs.

Flora: The track passes through coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae, with Leucopogon parviflorus and Banksia marginata (SAC); some sea spurge infestations on coastal side (FWU).

Fauna: Patches of glasswort (Sarcocornia spp.) to the north of the shacks provide potential foraging habitat for orange-bellied parrots.

Management issues: None noted.

Recommendation: No specific recommendations. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 124 ______

Brooks Creek Backtrack (323) Date assessed: 29 March 2006 Length: 0.2 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

323: Acacia longifolia coastal scrub (SAC) 323: Wetland and Melaleuca swamp forest south of track.

Route: This short track provides access to an alternative crossing of Brooks Creek, just upstream of the ford on the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309).

Track condition: The track has a soft sandy base and is somewhat overgrown. The crossing point is deep water and would not suitable for most vehicles under present conditions. A wetland adjacent to the track has been subject to off-road deviations by ORVs and is churned up in places.

Geodiversity: The track traverses a minor dune landform.

Flora: Coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae and Leucopogon parviflorus (SAC); Freshwater aquatic herbland and Lacustrine herbfield (AHF & AHL) fringed by Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME) to immediate south.

Fauna: Past records indicate presence of green and golden frogs (Litoria raniformis) and striped marsh frogs (Limnodynastes peronii) in this area. The calls of brown tree frogs were heard when the site was visited during this study.

Management issues: The Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest and wetland — both threatened plant communities — are also important fauna habitat and should be protected from disturbance. The track is redundant — it is not a viable crossing point on Brooks Creek.

Recommendations: • Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy. • The wetland adjacent to the track should be fenced off to prevent further damage by stock and vehicles. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 125 ______

Ordnance Point Track (324) Date assessed: 29 March 2006 Length: 0.4 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

324: Aerial view of Brooks Creek and Ordnance Point. 324: Ramp onto beach with sea spurge infestation (FWU).

Route: This short track extends between the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309) and the foreshore on the northern side of Ordnance Point.

Track condition: The eastern end of the track is on soft sand partially surfaced with gravel. A ramp with a moderate gradient leads onto the beach.

Geodiversity: Rocky Cape Group correlates outcrop intermittently along the foreshore and show complex structural features. The fordune near the point is subject to an active sandblow. Ordnance Point itself is a small rocky island linked to the mainland by a low isthmus.

Flora: Track passes through coastal scrub/heath dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae, with Leucopogon parviflorus, Banksia marginata, Rhagodia candolleana and Tetragonia implexicoma (SAC); bare sand (OSM) with sea spurge infestations (FWU) at the beach/dune vegetation interface.

Fauna: A wide sandy beach strewn with debris providing excellent nesting potential — numerous shorebirds, including the rare fairy tern.

Management issues: The beach is an important habitat for nesting shorebirds.

Recommendation: If made available for vehicular access, no permits should be issued from 1st September to 31st March, to alleviate pressure on nesting shorebirds. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 126 ______

Greenes Point Track (325) Date assessed: 29 March 2006 Length: 0.3 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

325: Low coastal scrub, marsupial lawns and sea spurge, 325: Vegetated dune at Greenes Point showing incipient with Poa rodwayi grassland (GTL) on dune faces in sandblow at crest. background.

Route: This short track leads onto Greenes Point from the Temma to Greenes Creek Track (309).

Track condition: The principal route is close to the foreshore on the northern side of Greenes Point. Sidetracks to the south extend onto vegetated dunes behind the point, creating potential route-finding difficulties and erosion hazards.

Geodiversity: The track falls within the boundary of the TGD-listed Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes. A small vegetated foredune complex (GR 311211E 5422330N) on the eastern side of Temma to Greenes Creek Track is a significant component feature. The integrity of this feature is compromised by ORVs driving on the slopes and crest (in some cases to access camp sites on the eastern side), trampling by stock and recent fires. Holes up to 1 m deep and 3–6 m in diameter are developing on the seaward side of the dune crest, with potential to become much larger sandblows.

Flora: Low coastal scrub/heath dominated by Leucopogon parviflorus and/or Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae, with Banksia marginata (SAC); Poa rodwayi grassland community (GTL, northwest variant); marsupial lawns (GHC); culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland (FRG). Dense sea spurge infestations in lower-lying areas behind rocky coastline (FWU).

Fauna: The Poa rodwayi grassland is potential foraging habitat for orange-bellied and blue-winged parrots.

Management issues: This track threatens the integrity of the threatened Poa rodwayi grassland community at Greenes Point. Sidetracks in the vicinity are contributing to a potentially serious erosion issue on a nearby vegetated dune.

Recommendations: • Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy. • Monitor incipient sandblows on the vegetated foredune — these may require active rehabilitation if they continue to enlarge. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 127 ______

Carvings Track (326) & North Carvings Track (327) Date assessed: 29 March 2006 Length: 0.2 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

326: Temma end of track with low coastal scrub (SSC) 326: Ramp down to beach with sea spurge infestations and marsupial lawns (GHC). (FWU) and Poa rodwayi grassland (GTL).

327: Wetland adjacent to North Carvings Track in 327: The same site in winter conditions. summer conditions.

Route: These tracks are an access onto the foreshore off the Temma – Greenes Creek Track (309) at Greenes Creek.

Track condition: The two tracks cross flat grassy ground to merge at a short ramp down to the sandy foreshore. The ramp is eroded to a depth of up to about a metre in sand and midden material. A small wetland adjacent to North Carvings Track has been churned by ORVs.

Geodiversity: The track falls within the boundary of the TGD-listed Site 28: Sandy Cape Dunes.

Flora: Wind-pruned coastal scrub with Melaleuca ericifolia and Leucopogon parviflorus (SSC); wetland (AHF); marsupial lawn/Poa rodwayi grassland community mosaic (GHC/GTL, northwest variant); sea spurge infestation at coast end (FWU).

Fauna: Track enters small beach with potential for nesting shorebirds.

Management issues: A number of issues arise at this site: APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 128 ______

• The native grassland and wetland are subject to direct physical impacts from vehicles. This problem is exacerbated by the lack of a single obvious route. For example, there are parallel tracks on either side of a small Melaleuca copse, while a sidetrack to the west allows access to sensitive dune vegetation (Poa rodwayi grassland, GTL) and exposed middens. • A small wetland just off the track has been damaged by ORVs using it for ‘circle work’. • Vehicles accessing the beach will exacerbate erosion at the break of slope and potentially disturb shorebirds during the breeding season.

Recommendations: • Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy. • Fence off the grassland and wetland adjacent to the track, to exclude stock and vehicles. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 129 ______

Burkes Track (328) Date assessed: 24 February 2006 Length: 2.3 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Thornton Management zone: Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to shack site)

328: Heathy Eucalyptus obliqua woodland (DOB). 328: Western buttongrass moorland (MBW) regenerating Note abrupt transition in soil colour. from recent fire.

Route: This track provides access to a shack that burnt down about 1.8 km south off the Balfour Track (313). The shack was reputedly built in the belief that the site was on a small parcel of private land within the APCA. In fact the end of the track and the shack site is about 400 m short of the private land.

Track condition: The track generally has a firm rocky base but is quite rough in places. The gradient is very steep (20°) approaching the point where the track crosses the headwaters of the Dawson River. The northern portion is on peat soils and somewhat rutted.

Geodiversity: An abrupt transition in soil colour near Proudfoot Creek at GR 312640E 5427950N suggests a change in soil parent material, possibly associated with the presence of basalt (although not mapped as such on latest geological maps – see Site 9: Dawson River Basalt Soils). The track falls within an area identified as significant for the TGD-listed Site 8: Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs. Fine-grained Precambrian rocks displaying complex small-scale bedding features crop out adjacent to the track on the southern side of the Dawson River (GR 312620E 5427450N).

Flora: Western buttongrass moorland dominated by Melaleuca squamea (MBW) in poorly drained areas (peats) in north; wet scrubs dominated by Melaleuca squarrosa along drainage lines (SHW); low Eucalyptus nitida woodland with Leptospermum scoparium, Bauera rubioides and Gleichenia dicarpa (DNI); dry Eucalyptus obliqua low woodland with a diverse heathy understorey (DOB) and Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest with Leptospermum scoparium and Acacia verticillata prominent in medium shrub layer (DOB) in elevated basalt areas in the south. The rare woody shrub Spyridium vexilliferum was recorded within the heathy Eucalyptus obliqua community (50–100 plants) — the species is not considered at risk as the track in the immediate area is robust and appears to receive little traffic.

Fauna: The principal creek crossing is on a rocky base and the presently low numbers of vehicles using it are unlikely to cause sedimentation problems. Despite searching no tadpoles or fish were seen.

Management issues: • This track passes through heathy plant communities that are susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 130 ______

• Any increase in vehicular traffic on this route, or increased use under wet conditions, would be likely to cause significant soil degradation on the peaty northern section. Sedimentation at creek crossings would also be expected to increase, with potential adverse effects on aquatic fauna.

Recommendation: The track should be closed if access to the private land parcel is no longer required or an alternative access is developed. If ongoing access is required, this should be during the summer period if possible (1st December – 30th March), to reduce soil degradation and spread of Phytophthora. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 131 ______

Mt Balfour Track (330) Date assessed: 24 February 2006 Length: 4.2 km Map sheet: Balfour 3242 Land system: Balfour Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

330: Degradation of peat soils on northern section of 330: Aerial view of same area. track.

. 330: Western lowland sedgeland (MSW) on the northern 330: Mt Balfour Palaeosol and Buried Wood slopes of Mt Balfour. geoconservation site.

Route: This track links the Balfour Track (313) and the Heemskirk Road via a route over Mt Balfour (elevation 436 m). A joint PWS-Forestry Tasmania radio repeater station is located on the summit of Mt Balfour.

Track condition: The Balfour Track end is exceptionally boggy, particularly in the vicinity of creek crossings on the western portion. Peat soils at these locations have been grossly disturbed, with drivers fanning out for hundreds of metres in attempting to avoid the worst patches. Fresh wheel ruts in excess of 1 m deep were observed at several points. A firmer gravel base is encountered on the lower slopes of Mt Balfour, accompanied by an increase in gradient, attaining ~20° on the western side of the mountain and ~25°on the eastern side. Steep slopes, the orientation of the track perpendicular to the slope, the lack of any provisions for drainage and the presence of highly erodible siliceous slope deposits have contributed to the development of deep gullies on the track. This problem is particularly acute on the western side, where the depth of erosion has been limited only by the shallowness of the surficial cover (~0.5 m to bedrock). Lobes of eroded material advancing down drainage lines adjacent to the track are sufficiently thick and extensive to themselves have been subject to gullying. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 132 ______

Geodiversity: • The track falls within an area identified as significant for the TGD-listed Site 8: Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs site. The track is a source of locally severe degradation to the blanket bog peat soils. • Rounded siliceous gravels of potential scientific interest crop out on the track at GR 322020E 5428320N (Site 22: Mt Balfour-Temma Rounded Gravels). • Large woody fragments in a peaty soil buried beneath poorly sorted angular siliceous gravels are exposed by gully erosion on the track at GR 322045E 5427980N. This site has potential to shed light on past environments and vegetation at this site. The presence of dateable material provides opportunities to constrain the age of the extensive swathe of colluvium that mantles the slopes of the Norfolk Range (Site 17: Mt Balfour Palaeosol and Buried Wood) • Fossil plant material of Tertiary age has been described from a cutting on the Heemskirk Road at GR 324160E 5427300N, ~100 m south of its junction with the Mt Balfour Track. This is Site 16: Balfour Oligocene Plant Fossil Locality, which is listed on the TGD as a site of international significance.

Flora: Heathy buttongrass moorland dominated by Melaleuca squamea, Bauera rubioides and Cordifex hookeri (MBW) on flat poorly drained areas (peats); wet scrub dominated by Melaleuca squarrosa along drainage lines (SWW); sedgy heaths dominated by Leptospermum nitidum, Philotheca virgata, Cordifex hookeri and Lepidosperma filiforme, with occasional copses of Eucalyptus nitida (MSW) on rocky Precambrian quartzitic slopes. The rare woody shrub Epacris curtisiae is an occasional component of the sedgy heath communities from the mid-slopes to the summit of Mt Balfour; Epacris curtisiae resprouts from fire but is highly susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, with mortality noted in all areas of occurrence.

Fauna: • Ground parrot recorded next to track at GR 321697E 5429013N. • Tadpoles in puddles in wheel rut at GR 322817E 5427541N — brown tree frog; also crayfish burrows common here. • Smooth froglet heard and tadpoles observed in puddle at GR 323425E 5427861N. • White-lipped whip snake at GR 323854E 5427418N. • Numerous crayfish burrows and many brown tree frogs calling along track route.

Management issues: • ORVs using this track are degrading peat soils in the headwaters of the Thornton River. • The track is subject to severe gully erosion, particularly on the western slopes of Mt Balfour. • Diversion of drainage along the track instead of creeklines has the potential to affect burrowing crayfish in the area. • The track creates potential for further spread of Phytophthora in an area containing susceptible species, such as the rare Epacris curtisiae. • Track gradients are exceptionally steep and exceed those recommended in the Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice 2003. In its current condition this track is potentially hazardous to users. • Advice from Forestry Tasmania indicates that access to the radio repeater on Mt Balfour for maintenance purposes is by helicopter.

Recommendations: • Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy. • Investigate options to stabilise gully erosion on the track as a matter of priority. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 133 ______

Yafflers Hole Track (331) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 0.2 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Recreation Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to camp site)

331: Yafflers Hole camp site.

Route: This track provides access to a camping area near Greenes Creek, off the Thornton Falls Track (401).

Track condition: The track has a sandy base with a few deep ruts.

Geodiversity: No issues.

Flora: Coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae and Leucopogon parviflorus (SAC); marsupial lawns (GHC).

Fauna: No issues.

Management issues: None noted.

Recommendation: The surface of this track requires maintenance. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 134 ______

Dawkins Track (332) Date assessed: 29 March 2006 Length: 0.2 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to shack site)

332: Wind-pruned coastal scrub (SSC). 332: Shack on Dawkins Track.

Route: This short track branches off the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308) to a shack north of Gannet Point.

Track condition: Minor rutting is evident. A vegetated dune formed partly of midden material overlooking the shack shows signs of erosion from ORVs.

Geodiversity: Vegetated dunes behind Dawson Bay are part of the Bird Fence-Gannet Point Dunes geoconservation site.

Flora: Wind-pruned coastal scrub dominated by Melaleuca ericifolia and Leucopogon parviflorus (SSC); marsupial lawns (GHC). Sea spurge infestations at coastal fringe (FWU).

Fauna: No issues noted.

Management issues: The track will be redundant in the event that access to the shack is no longer required.

Recommendation: This track should not be available to vehicular access if access to the shack is no longer required. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 135 ______

Bird Fence South to Coast Track (333) Date assessed: 30 March 2006 Length: 0.3 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

333: Low coastal scrub and Isolepis sedgeland (FRG). 333: Elevated cobble beach behind modern beach, Dawson Bay. Note vehicle tracks across the crest.

Route: This short track extends off the Dartys to Gannet Point Track (308) and is used to access a small promontory on the northern side of Dawson Bay.

Track condition: The route is somewhat obscure and does not appear to be used with any frequency. Some boggy patches exist near the point.

Geodiversity: An elevated cobble beach incorporating midden material occurs near the point at GR 308710E 5427100N (Site 28: Tarkine High-level Cobble Baches). Vehicles have driven across the crest of this feature, which is presently still in good condition. A number of small springs occur along the rocky foreshore — in some cases these have been pugged up and degraded by cattle (Site 37: Coastal Springs in Quaternary Sands).

Flora: Low coastal scrub and heath dominated by Banksia marginata, Leucopogon parviflorus, Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae and Beyeria lechenaultii (SCA); culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland with an exotic grass element (FRG); Poa rodwayi grasslands (GTL, northwest variant).

Fauna: Orange-bellied and blue-winged parrot habitat (Poa rodwayi grasslands).

Management issues: The western section of the track was fenced off in the 1980s to protect foraging habitat for the orange-bellied parrot (Brown & Wilson 1984). The fence was burnt down in October 2004, allowing access to the coast, creating the potential for stock and ORVs to damage the threatened Poa rodwayi grassland community and exposed partially consolidated calcareous sands.

Recommendations: • Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy, to protect foraging habitat for the orange-bellied parrot. • Reinstate the damaged fence APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 136 ______

Thornton Falls Track (401) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 3.0 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access east of the junction with Yafflers Hole Track (331).

401: Dry coastal heathland (SCH). 401: The rare herb Ranunculus acaulis bisected by track near junction with Yafflers Hole Track (331).

401: Eastern section of track on boggy peat soils. 401: Aerial view showing Thornton Falls Track at margin of the transgressive sand sheet near Greenes Creek.

Route: The track extends between Greenes Creek and a point overlooking the incised course of the Thornton River 2 km to the east. It links with the Kenneth Bay Track (402) and Yafflers Hole Track (331).

Track condition: The track initially crosses a transgressive sand sheet where navigation can be difficult, as there is generally no clear route. Route finding is particularly problematic towards the margin of the mobile sands where the take-off point onto the steep vegetated slope above is not obvious. Beyond this point the route crosses flattish terrain on peat soils overlying sand. The track is deeply rutted in places and would be boggy in wet conditions.

Geodiversity: The sand sheet at the western end of the track forms part of the TGD-listed Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes. Peat soils associated with the TGD-listed Site 8: Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs are encountered towards the Thornton River.

Flora: Bare sand (OSM) at coastal end; dry coastal heath dominated by Banksia marginata, Hibbertia sericea and Leptospermum scoparium, with occasional low Eucalyptus nitida (SCH); wet heath dominated by Melaleuca squarrosa and Leptospermum scoparium (SHW), with traces of buttongrass at margins; dry heathy Eucalyptus APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 137 ______nitida scrub on sand (SSC). Vegetation recovering from fire in November 2003. The track bisects a population of the rare dune buttercup (Ranunculus acaulis) close to the junction with Yafflers Hole Track (331); the species occurs in nearby areas of moist sand and vehicular impacts are not considered a significant issue. Symptoms consistent with Phytophthora cinnamomi present in the heath communities.

Fauna: Red capped plover with two eggs recorded 100 m up from junction with the Kenneth Bay Track at 315179E, 5414988N.

Management issues: • Damage to heath vegetation will be an ongoing problem around the margins of the mobile sand sheet as drivers attempt to locate the continuation of the track onto the vegetated slope above. • Use of the track under wet conditions will exacerbate damage to soils and vegetation on the eastern section. • The track creates a risk of further spread of Phytophthora due to presence of susceptible heathy vegetation. • There may be a case to re-route the track at its eastern end to avoid areas of mobile sand, possibly from a take-off point at the Yafflers Hole camp area. However, this will not alleviate soil degradation and Phytophthora spread at the western end of the track, and would probably result in an increase in the severity and extent of these problems. The route is arguably more suited as a walking route, with appropriate precautions to reduce Phytophthora spread.

Recommendation: Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy east of the track’s junction with Yafflers Hole Track (331). APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 138 ______

Kenneth Bay Track (402) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 11.0 km Map sheet: Ordnance 3042 & Venables 3140 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural (controlled access) Current access policy: Authorised with permit

402: Exposed hardpan beside fenced middens near 402: Marram hummocks and transgressive dunes, Sandy Greenes Creek. Cape Beach.

402: View north along Kenneth Bay showing the 402: Impounded drainage south of Wild Wave Creek. extensive beach and transgressive sand sheet.

402: Thornton River crossing and loss of private vehicle 402: Drowned vehicle, Pedder River (July 2006). (photo: Tony Atkins). APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 139 ______

Route: This track is the access between Greenes Creek and Sandy Cape via Sandy Cape Beach. Kenneth Bay is a designated beach access under the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area Management Plan 2002.

Track condition: Sandy Cape Beach can be hazardous to vehicles due to highly changeable conditions and several river crossings. A number of vehicles have been lost at crossing points on the Thornton and Pedder Rivers.

Geodiversity: The track falls within the TGD-listed Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes. Significant component features include the 10 km long beach and a series of transgressive dunes that extends inland for up to 1.3 km. Localised infestations of marram grass are responsible for occasional small beehive-like foredunes, although the dunes are mostly marram-free. Drainage impounded behind the dunes has formed a sizeable lake south of Wild Wave River, also listed in the TGD (Site 35: Wild Wave River Dune-barred Drainage). Palaeosols are exposed in sandblows at many sites (Site 14: Arthur-Pieman Coastal Palaeosols site).

Flora: Greenes Point end: coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae and Leucopogon parviflorus (SAC) and marsupial lawns (GHC). Rest of track along Sandy Cape Beach with bare sand (OSM) and pockets of marram (FMG). The rare dune buttercup (Ranunculus acaulis) grows to the immediate west of the track beside the Greenes Point exclosure fence (along with sea spurge); the species occurs in nearby areas of moist sand away from the track and is not considered at risk.

Fauna: Tasmania devil prints abundant at the northern end of Sandy Cape Beach. The beach is an important shorebird habitat; the 2006 bird surveys suggested greater productivity at its southern end, including the mouth of the Pedder River.

Management issues: The sandy coastal landforms on and adjacent to the route are dynamic features and not at risk of damage by ORVs. Palaeosols are an exception, being relict features prone to erosion or compaction if driven on. Transgressive duns behind Sandy Cape Beach host many such features.

Recommendation: No specific recommendations. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 140 ______

Pedder Park Track (403) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 0.8 km Map sheet: Venables 3140 Land system: Temma Management zone: Recreation Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to camp site)

403: Aerial view over Pedder River from northeast 403: Wetland and Carex appressa sedgeland. (wetland right centre).

Route: This track provides access from Sandy Cape Beach to camp sites at ‘Pedder Park’, near the point where the Pedder River discharges onto Sandy Cape Beach.

Track condition: The track has a sandy base that becomes soft towards the beach. Some braiding is evident. The present position of the Pedder River at the back of the beach very close to the foredune constrains vehicular access onto the beach via this route to quad and trail bikes.

Geodiversity: This track traverses two TGD-listed sites: • Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes – extensive suite of relict and active dune; • Site 34: Pedder River Estuary – an unusual assemblage of landforms produced through interaction of fluvial and coastal processes.

Flora: Marram grassland at coastal end (FMG) with sea spurge infestations (FWU). Track passes through openings in coastal scrub with culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland and exotic pasture grasses (FRG); small areas of coastal scrub dominated by Leptospermum laevigatum (SCA) and Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME) at eastern end of track at camping area. The swamp forest is not seriously impacted by the track, though there was evidence of old trees being chopped for firewood in the camping area.

Fauna: Freshwater aquatic herbland (AHF) on the south side of Pedder River with a large area of Carex appressa — potential Marrawah skipper habitat. Black-fronted dotterel recorded in immediate area.

Management issues: The following issues were noted: • A wetland and Carex appressa sedgeland to immediate north of track are sensitive features subject to recent damage by ORVs; • The area of camp sites should be confined within present limits, to reduce further damage to soils and vegetation.

Recommendations: • Fence off the wetland and Marrawah skipper habitat (a 100–150 m stretch west of the junction with the Airport Track (404)). • Manage the Pedder Park camp site to maintain the area of cleared ground within present limits. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 141 ______

Airport Track (404) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 3.1 km Map sheet: Venables 3140 Land system: Temma Management zone: Recreation & Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to camp site)

404: Isolepis nodosa sedgeland (FRG) 404: Leptospermum laevigatum coastal scrub (SCA).

Route: This track is located several hundred metres inland of Sandy Cape Beach and parallel with it. It provides access to a crude landing strip and camp sites at Pedder Park. The track links to Sandy Cape Inland 1 Track (405) and Pedder Park Track (403).

Track condition: The track is generally flat lying on well-drained sands. Its location is protected from the prevailing winds, reducing the risk of erosion. The ground becomes somewhat boggy towards the landing strip.

Geodiversity: The track traverses vegetated dunes within the TGD-listed Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes.

Flora: Mosaic of culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland and exotic pasture grasses (FRG); coastal scrub on sands dominated by Leptospermum laevigatum, with Leucopogon parviflorus, Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae, Myoporum insulare and Tetragonia implexicoma (SCA); Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME). The middle section of track bisects the Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest community for c. 250 m, though its impact is considered minimal.

Fauna: No issues.

Management issues: Sidetracks onto vegetated dunes in the vicinity of the landing strip are causing unnecessary damage to soils and vegetation.

Recommendation: Close redundant sidetracks in the vicinity of the landing strip. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 142 ______

Sandy Cape Inland 1 Track (405) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 2.0 km Map sheet: Venables 3140 Land system: Temma Management zone: Recreation & Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to camp site)

405: Northern end of track, with Sandy Cape Beach 405: Southern end approaching Native Well Bay. behind.

Route: This track leads from Sandy Cape Beach near the Pedder River outlet to Cutting Track 2 (408) near Native Well Bay. It provides a more direct route between the beach and camping areas at Sandy Cape than the circuitous Cutting Track 2. However, due to loose sand and the intervention of the Pedder River, the latter track is a more suitable route for conventional four-wheel drive vehicles.

Track condition: The section of track immediately behind Sandy Cape Beach is deep loose sand on moderate gradient slopes. South of the junction with Airport Track (404), the track is flatter on a firmer sand base, with occasional large potholes up to 1 m deep. Some braiding has occurred on this section.

Geodiversity: The track traverses dune landforms within the TGD-listed Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes.

Flora: Marram grassland (FMG) at coastal end; mosaic of culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland and exotic pasture grasses (FRG); low Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME); marsupial lawns (GHC); coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae and/or Leptospermum laevigatum (SAC/SCA). The middle section of track bisects a small patch of Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest, though its impact is considered minimal.

Fauna: No issues

Management issues: The northern section of the track crosses the foredune behind Sandy Cape Beach on soft sand at a location subject to onshore winds from the northwest. The deep sand can create difficulties for larger four-wheel drive vehicles and the site is clearly prone to erosion. However, this is the most direct route from the beach to camping areas at Sandy Cape and should be retained if possible, in order to avoid displacing impacts to other access points off the beach.

Recommendation: Stabilise or close the northern end of the track if monitoring indicates significant ongoing erosion. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 143 ______

Sandy Cape Inland 2 Track (406) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 1.1 km Map sheet: Venables 3140 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

406: Eastern termination of track at sand front. 406: Coastal scrub recovering from fire.

Route: This track extends eastwards from Club 24 Track (409) to the front of a mobile dune at GR 314350E 5411610N (February 2006). The track reportedly once continued to Blue Lagoon and was used for grazing access; an alternative account links the construction of the track to marram grass planting in the 1970s. Quad bikes now use the track as an access onto the mobile sands.

Track condition: The track has a loose sandy base and is quite overgrown.

Geodiversity: This track traverses aeolian landforms associated with the TGD-listed Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes. The mobile sand front at the eastern end of the track is the margin of a major transgressive sand sheet north of Sea Devil Rivulet.

Flora: Track passes through coastal scrub dominated by Leptospermum laevigatum with Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae (SAC/SCA), eastern third recovering from fire in November 2003 — Isolepis nodosa, Carpobrotus rossii and Tetragonia implexicoma common at ground level.

Fauna: No issues.

Management issues: The main use of this track is by ORVs seeking access onto the mobile sand sheet north of Sea Devil Rivulet. ORV impacts around the margins of mobile sand sheets create additional pressure on natural systems already under stress due to the encroaching sands.

Recommendation: Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 144 ______

Cutting Track 2 Track (408) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 2.7 km Map sheet: Venables 3140 Land system: Temma Management zone: Recreation & Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit (east of junction with Sandy Cape Inland 1 Track)

408: Northern end of the track. Eroded sandrock in 408: Quad bike tracks across deflated midden at same foreground; granite outcrop behind site.

Route: This track extends between the southern end of Sandy Cape Beach (Venables Corner) to Native Well Bay, connecting with various other tracks: Kenneth Bay Track (408), Cape Fishing Tracks (412), Cape Fishing Track 2 (413), Sandy Cape Inland 1 (405), Loop Track (411) and Sandy Cape to Interview River Track (501).

Track condition: Cutting Track 2 is a low gradient route across a generally firm sandy substrate, except at a steeper ramp onto the beach at Venables Corner.

Geodiversity: Crumbly orange-brown ‘sandrock’ crops out about 10 m above sea level near Venables Corner (GR 312500E 5413015N), forming small tower-like features just off the track. Thermoluminescence dating suggests that the sand was deposited at 55,600+/-3,000 years BP (W3978) during glacial climatic conditions (Site 12: Sandy Cape-Rupert Point Sandrock). The feature is presumably a remnant of more extensive sands that once mantled Sandy Cape.

Flora: Mosaic of marram grassland (FMG), culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland with an exotic pasture component (FRG), and coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae (SAC).

Fauna: No issues.

Management issues: The sandrock outcrop is at risk of damage if the site continues to be accessed by ORVs and stock. The site should be fenced off and the track re-routed away from the sandrock (although use of the track to access a nearby shack limits the options in this regard). Nevertheless, to relieve pressure on the site, consideration should be given to developing an alternative ramp down to the beach east of the present location.

Recommendations: • If made available for vehicular access, investigate options to re-route the track in favour of a ramp down to the beach east of the present location at Venables Corner. • Fence off the sandrock outcrop near Venables Corner, to exclude ORVs and stock. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 145 ______

Club 24 Track (409) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 0.4 km Map sheet: Venables 3140 Land system: Temma Management zone: Recreation Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to camp site)

409: Club 24 Track. 409: Club 24 Track.

Route: Club 24 Track extends off Sandy Cape Inland 1 Track (405) to camp sites in the Recreation Zone. A continuation beyond the camp sites is known as Sandy Cape Inland 2 Track (406).

Track condition: Well-defined track on sandy base.

Geodiversity: The track traverses aeolian landforms associated with the TGD-listed Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes.

Flora: Track traverses a mosaic of culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland with an exotic pasture component (FRG), and coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae (SAC).

Fauna: No issues.

Management issues: None noted.

Recommendation: No specific recommendations. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 146 ______

Kitchen Track (410) & Loop Track (411) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 0.4 km & 0.3 km Map sheet: Venables 3140 Land system: Temma Management zone: Recreation Current access policy: Authorised with permit (access to shack site)

410: Loop Track. Note the area of bare sand exposed to erosion.

Route: These tracks are about 100 m east of and parallel to the southern portion of the Sandy Cape Inland 1 Track (405). They too provide a connection between Cutting Track 2 (408) and Club 24 Track (409) and are used to access camp sites and a shack.

Track condition: For part of their length these tracks occupy a narrow swale between vegetated dunes. There is extensive sheet erosion of the sandy substrate in the vicinity of the shack.

Geodiversity: A vegetated linear transgressive dune on the western side of the tracks is about 0.5 km long and a significant component feature of the TGD-listed Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes.

Flora: Mosaic of culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland with an exotic pasture component (FRG), with small areas of coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae (SAC).

Fauna: No issues

Management issues: The only management reason for maintaining these tracks is to access the shack and campground.

Recommendation: These tracks should be closed if access to the shacks is no longer required. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 147 ______

Cape Fishing Track (412) & Cape Fishing Track 2 (413) Date assessed: 23 February 2006 Length: 2.8 km & 0.6 km Map sheet: Venables Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

412: Marram grassland (FMG). 412: Coastal grassland (GHC).

412: Tufa-depositing spring, Sandy Cape. 412: Marram grassland (FMG).

Route: These tracks are used to access the Sandy Cape light and various fishing spots in the vicinity. The Cape Fishing Track (412) is a loop off Cutting Track 1 (408) and parallels the seaward margins of cape. Cape Fishing Track 2 (413) is an alternative route between Cutting Track 1 and Cape Fishing Track near Koonya Inlet.

Track condition: The tracks are in good condition compared to many others in the area, with only one or two boggy patches in the south.

Geodiversity: Sandy Cape is the most northerly outcrop of the Interview Granite. The granite is a resistant rock that has withstood erosion by the sea better than rock types to the north and south, leaving Sandy Cape as a promontory jutting out from the adjacent landmass. The shoreline is a rugged succession of small bays, inlets and reefs. Springs discharge close to sea level along the shore southeast of the light. Some of these are depositing tufa — calcium carbonate in the form of whitish crusts and barriers — reflecting the high shell content of the sands that mantle the granite bedrock.

Flora: Mosaic of Marram grassland (FMG), culturally induced Isolepis nodosa sedgeland with an exotic pasture component (FRG), and coastal scrub dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae (SAC). Coastal grasslands dominated by Poa poiformis close to the Sandy Cape light (GHC). APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 148 ______

Fauna: Orange-bellied parrot habitat, spotted-tailed quolls, Tasmanian devils, white-bellied sea eagles, marine seabirds (including shy albatross) and fairy terns recorded in this area, but not under threat from existing tracks.

Management issues: • Cape Fishing Track 2 (413) is redundant. • The potential for further proliferation of tracks is a concern.

Recommendations • Cape Fishing Track: No specific recommendations. • Cape Fishing Track 2: This track is redundant and should not be available for vehicular access. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 149 ______

Sandy Cape to Interview River Track (501) Date assessed: 22 February 2006 Length: 22.4 km Map sheet: Venables 3140 & Interview 3239 Land system: Temma Management zone: Natural Current access policy: Authorised with permit

501: Johnsons Head – recent ridgeline disturbance with 501: Low coastal scrub (SAC) with sea spurge (FWU) at exposure of midden. margins (approaching Lagoon River from north).

501: Dune formed partly in midden material near ‘Dago 501: Steep ramp onto vegetated dune at ‘Dago Creek’. Creek’ (sea spurge in foreground). The route over the midden can be avoided by driving around its seaward side.

Route: This track is the northern portion of the coastal route between Sandy Cape and Pieman Head. It extends south from Cutting Track 2 (408) near Native Well Bay at Sandy Cape, joining the Interview River to Pieman River Track (601) at the Interview River.

Track condition: The route mainly traverses sandy beaches and deflated sand country. A number of river crossings are involved. Sections of rocky coastline force the route inland onto vegetated dunes at Johnsons Head and between Italian River and Lagoon River. The inland sections are in poor condition. The route is not always clear due to the encroachment of dunes and the existence of multiple tracks on some sections. The track is deeply eroded into the slopes of vegetated dunes and middens, in places occupying a trench several metres deep due to the combined effects of erosion by vehicles and wind. For example, the ramp off the beach at ‘Dago Creek’ (GR 318000E 5404160N) is a 3 m deep cutting on a 15° slope of loose sand. The track originally passed inland of this point; however, the inland route is now impassable due to encroachment by mobile sands and the development of a large crater-like sandblow at one point, forcing vehicles to bypass this section on the foreshore. There is strong circumstantial evidence APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 150 ______that the sandblow was triggered by ORVs, as it appears to have propagated wheel ruts that breach the soil- vegetation cover, exposing the underlying sand to wind deflation. In the same area this study saw new bypass tracks that had obviously been developed between field inspections in February and November 2006.

Geodiversity: The track traverses an area containing an outstanding suite of sandy coastal and aeolian landforms, including major transgressive dune fields that extend inland for up to 2 km. The significance of these landforms is recognised in their listing in the TGD (Site 26: Sandy Cape Dunes, Site 27: Skull Creek- Interview River Transgressive Sandsheets). Significant component features include numerous palaeosols exposed within mobile sand areas (Site 14: Arthur-Pieman Coastal Palaeosols). The dune landforms have evidently developed during at least two principal phases of sand deposition. The stratigraphic relationship between the ‘Possum Banks Sand’ and the older ‘Big Eel Sand’ is significant and clearly exposed at locations near Italian River (Site 15: Possum Banks Sand-Big Eel Sand Unconformity).

Flora: (1) Beaches — bare sand with occasional marram grass hummocks (OSM and FMG).

(2) Johnsons Head: native grasslands dominated by Poa rodwayi (GTL, northwest variant) occur on stable dunes inland of the existing track; Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME) remnants in the swales with Carex appressa at margins. Marram grasslands (FMG) in north and south, with sea spurge infestations (FWU); mainly exotic grasslands and wet herbfields behind frontal dunes with Catapodium marinum, Plantago major and sweet melilot (Melilotus indicus) prominent (FRG); low heathland dominated by Leucophyta brownii (SCH) colonising disturbed dune areas.

(3) Italian–Lagoon Rivers: Exposed hardpan base in north with sparse coastal grasslands dominated by Austrofestuca littoralis (GHC). Dune areas: succulent herbfields and low heaths dominated by Carpobrotus rossii and/or Leucophyta brownii (SCH); wetlands dominated by water ribbons (Triglochin sp.) and Villarsia reniformis (AHF), with low Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest (NME) at margins; native grasslands dominated by Poa rodwayi (northwest variant of GTL); low dune scrub dominated or co-dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae, Myoporum insulare and Leucopogon parviflorus (SAC), with occasional sea spurge infestations (FWU); dry coastal heaths dominated by Leptospermum glaucescens (SCH). Threatened plants: dune buttercup (Ranunculus acaulis) and New Holland speedwell (Veronica novae-hollandiae).

Fauna: (1) Beaches: High productivity suggested by bird surveys on beach between Sandy Cape and Johnsons Head, cf. low productivity evident near entrance to Interview Mine Track (503). The contrast may be a reflection of the rocky bays to the north providing better habitat for food species than the sandy beaches to south.

(2) Johnsons Head: Carex appressa sedgeland provides potential Marrawah skipper habitat.

(3) Italian–Lagoon Rivers: Aquatic wetlands with Carex appressa at margins (potential Marrawah skipper habitat). Foraging habitat for the orange-bellied and blue-winged parrots provided by Poa rodwayi grasslands, and species such as cushionbush (Leucophyta brownii) and buzzy (Acaena novae-hollandiae).

Management issues: The Sandy Cape to Interview River Track poses a significant ongoing threat to the integrity of the coastal strip. Of major concern is the environmental damage at Johnsons Head and between the Italian River and Lagoon River. The following issues should be addressed:

(1) Track condition. Sections of the route are barely negotiable due to steepness, encroachment of mobile sands, initiation of sandblows or a combination of these factors. The area south of Italian River is most problematic in this regard. Track gradients at some points exceed those recommended in the Tasmanian Reserve Management Code of Practice. These characteristics contribute to the attraction of the area as a venue for ORVs, but are linked to a range of environmental problems (see below). (2) Track proliferation. The track is not well defined in places with many choices of potential route. In fact the route is constantly changing due to the dynamic nature of the sandy terrain. Consequently, the area subject to ORV impacts becomes progressively larger, offset to some extent by natural recovery. However, some previously disturbed areas have been repeatedly impacted, inhibiting the recovery APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 151 ______

process. Evidence of this was observed at Johnsons Head, where recent damage by ORVs along dune ridges adjacent to the track is hampering the gradual establishment of native species on previously disturbed areas. (3) Weed invasion. Track erosion has increased opportunities for colonisation by the highly invasive sea spurge, with consequent negative impacts upon the threatened dune buttercup and New Holland speedwell. (4) Erosion. Serious erosion problems on sections of this track are likely to increase in extent and severity if subject to ongoing use by ORVs. Ground disturbance by vehicles compounds the effect of relentless onshore winds acting on a substrate of highly erodible sand. Wheel ruts breaking through the soil-vegetation cover on vegetated dunes appear to have triggered and/or exacerbated sandblows, as at ‘Dago Creek’. (5) Impacts to geodiversity. The scale of track erosion at sites such as at ‘Dago Creek’ is evident at the landform level. That is, the natural morphology (form) of the landforms has been modified or destroyed due to sandblows and other forms of erosion. (6) Impacts to vegetation. Vegetation communities of conservation significance are being directly impacted by vehicular traffic. For example, the Poa rodwayi grasslands on dunes between the Italian and Lagoon Rivers and also at Johnsons Head (Schahinger 2002) are subject to considerable pressure from ORVs driving on the dune crests and grassy swales. There is a high risk that this activity will lead to sandblows, with attendant impacts to the vegetation and landforms. (7) Impacts to wetlands. The track impinges on the integrity of wetlands impounded by dunes near ‘Dago Creek’ and Italian River. The ‘Dago Creek’ wetland has been seriously impacted by the track, which passes across its margin, resulting in loss of habitat for aquatic species, sedimentation of the pond, changes to the morphology of the landform and undercutting the adjacent slope, causing sand to slump into the wetland. These impacts compound those arising due to the encroachment of sandblows on the western side. (8) Impacts on nesting shorebirds. The section from Sandy Cape to Johnson Head shows evidence of high productivity for shorebirds, which is threatened by vehicular traffic.

While it could be argued that these issues could be addressed by re-routing relevant sections of track further inland, this would create new impacts in essentially undisturbed areas containing sensitive wetlands and swamp forests. It would also increase the risk of Phytophthora cinnamomi being spread into susceptible heath and heathy moorland vegetation.

Recommendation: Close the track between Sea Devil Rivulet and Lagoon River (practical considerations suggest that this will require closing the coastal route south of Native Well Bay). APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 152 ______

501: Deflated area with ORV impacts to palaeosols, near 501: Sandblow formed on former track at ‘Dago Creek’. Monster Creek. The present route utilises the steep ramp in the foreground; the earlier track can be seen in the upper part of the photo and is now impassable.

501: Track damage to wetland south of ‘Dago Creek’ 501: Aerial view of the same feature showing track (AHF) with Melaleuca ericifolia scrub at margins (NME). proliferation

501: ‘Gibber field’ near Italian River, with clumps of 501: Intact vegetated dunes at Johnsons Head, with Austrofestuca littoralis in background. Leucophyta brownii colonising disturbed areas in foreground. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 153 ______

Interview Mine Track (503) Date assessed: 28 March 2006 Length: 7.6 km Map sheet: Interview 3239 Land system: Temma & Thornton Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

503: Coastal access through mobile sand into Acacia 503: Wet sedgy heathland on lower plateau (SHW) longifolia coastal scrub (SAC).

503: Interview Mine Track crossing flat-lying terrain on 503: Track braiding on organic soils developed on the ‘upper coastal erosion surface’. aeolian sands.

503: Relics at Interview Mine. 503: In situ rock crusher at the same site.

Route: This track provides access to the Interview Mine and nearby workings. Wolfram was discovered near the Interview River in the early 1890s, with a mining lease granted there as early as 1891. The area APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 154 ______was mined sporadically over the next 100 years, the principal workings being known as “Kenny’s”, “Reward” and “Cooney’s” (Bacon 1992). The scale of operations intensified in the 1980s when a backhoe was used to create a series of costeans (exploratory ditches) that are still prominent from the air. The western end of the route branches off the Sandy Cape to Interview River Track (501) between Monster Creek and the Interview River leading north to the area of mining activity.

Track condition: The coastal end of the track crosses soft sandy terrain and is poorly defined. The route becomes more clearly defined inland, crossing flat ground with a generally firm sandy base. Braiding has occurred at several boggy patches and redundant parallel routes have developed off the main track. Ruts up to 0.5–0.8 m deep were noted southwest of the junction with the Interview to Elliots Track (504). In the 1990s consideration was given to rehabilitating disturbance associated with the former mining operations, though this was rejected in favour of allowing natural revegetation to continue (Bacon 1992).

Geodiversity: The Interview Mine is a TGD-listed site (Site 4: Interview Mine Tin-Tungsten Vein Mineralisation). The mine comprises a horizontal adit that extends for an unknown distance into the granite country rock. Quartz veins containing probable tourmaline and muscovite are exposed in the walls a short distance into the adit. The track traverses an area of significance for the TGD-listed Site 8: Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs site.

Flora: Bare sand at coastal end (OSM); coastal scrub on sands dominated by Acacia longifolia subsp. sophorae and Leucopogon parviflorus with Hibbertia sericea and Isolepis nodosa (SAC), grading into dry scrubs dominated by Banksia marginata and/or Melaleuca ericifolia (SAC); wet sedgy heaths dominated by Melaleuca squarrosa, with Leptospermum scoparium, Epacris lanuginosa, Chordifex hookeri and the occasional buttongrass (SHW); dry heaths dominated by Leptospermum glaucescens and Acacia mucronata (SCH); dry Eucalyptus nitida woodland (DNI) with a heathy understorey. Symptoms consistent with Phytophthora cinnamomi common in wet heaths, with Sprengelia incarnata the main casualty (Phytophthora had been recorded from the immediate area in the 1970s).

Fauna: Crayfish burrows on and off road; smooth froglet present (common); Tasmanian devil prints on lower section of track towards beach.

Management issues: The following concerns were noted: • The track creates a high risk of spreading Phytophthora infection to susceptible heathy vegetation. • The route across the area of mobile sands behind the beach is poorly defined, creating potential for new routes if ORV drivers are not familiar with the correct take-off point. • Use of the track under wet conditions will exacerbate existing erosion and soil degradation issues, with parts of the track showing deep ruts and braiding on peat soils. The open heathy country encourages pioneering of new routes off the main track, damaging soils and vegetation. • The Interview Mine is potentially significant in relation to historic mining heritage. A crusher, trolley and other relics remain at the site, although there is a risk that these will be pilfered or vandalised. Management of the physical evidence of mining activities at this site should be considered in the context of prescriptions for historic heritage under the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area Management Plan 2002 (PWS 2002, pp. 25–29). The present neglected condition of the mine makes it a potentially hazardous site for visitors. There is no current mining lease over the area, the most recent being forfeited in 1989.

Recommendations: • If the recommendation concerning the closure of the Sandy Cape to Interview River Track (501) is followed, this track will, in effect, also be closed. • If made available for vehicular access, no permits should be issued during the summer period (1st December – 30th March). • Assess the management requirements for mining heritage in the Interview River area. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 155 ______

Interview to Elliots Track (504) Date assessed: 28 March 2006 Length: 6.1 km Map sheet: Interview 3239 Land system: Granite Creek & Thornton Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

504: Western buttongrass moorland (MBW) with Epacris 503: Eucalyptus nitida dry forest (DNI) at eastern end of curtisiae affected by Phytophthora. track.

504: Development of parallel tracks. 504: Mine working adjacent to Interview River.

Route: This track extends between the Interview Mine Track (503) and the Interview River to a point about 4.5 km east of the mine, past the junction with Elliots Track (602). The track was evidently initiated to facilitate prospecting and mining activities in this area.

Track condition: The condition of the Interview to Elliots Track suggests that it is less frequently used than the Interview Mine Track. Despite this, parts of the track are clearly very boggy under wet conditions, with extended reaches comprising multiple sets of deep parallel ruts.

Geodiversity: A water-filled pit, partially collapsed tunnels and spoil heaps are associated with former mining activity on the Interview River (Site 5: Interview River Mine Workings). The country rock at this site is a thinly bedded bluish siltstone that dips steeply in a northeasterly direction. Metallic minerals in quartz occur in the spoil, presumably a form of tin-tungsten mineralisation, as at the Interview Mine. In this case mineralisation has occurred within the Precambrian rocks that were intruded by the granite. The track traverses an area of significance for the TGD-listed Site 8: Western Tasmanian Blanket Bogs site. APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 156 ______

Flora: Western section supports wet heathland dominated by Melaleuca squarrosa, Leptospermum scoparium and Epacris lanuginosa, with occasional buttongrass (SHW); Western buttongrass moorland with Melaleuca squamea, Bauera rubioides and Chordifex hookeri prominent (MBW), with occasional Eucalyptus nitida; Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest (DOB); Eucalyptus nitida dry forest (DNI). Area recovering from fire in November 2003. The rare woody shrub Epacris curtisiae is a common element of the heathy buttongrass moorlands, especially in the more eastern sections of the track. Symptoms consistent with Phytophthora cinnamomi were evident in the heathy moorlands and wet heaths, with Epacris curtisiae and Sprengelia incarnata the main casualties.

Fauna: Crayfish burrows; brown tree frogs calling at Interview River end of track; wombat scats. Wedge- tailed eagle (Aquila audax fleayi) pair seen and a nest location recorded at a safe distance from the track. Potential ground parrot habitat.

Management issues: • This track traverses heathy vegetation that is susceptible to Phytophthora infection. Large untracked areas of susceptible vegetation are considered to be at risk of infection if the Interview to Elliots Track remains open. There is some concern regarding the possible use of this track (and 602) as a jumping-off point for unauthorised excursions towards the southern parts of the Norfolk Range, potentially linking up with other tracks in that area. No evidence of the track being used for this purpose was found during this study, although the potential clearly exists. • The route would be very boggy when wet; use under these conditions would exacerbate existing impacts to peat soils. • The disused mine workings are potentially hazardous places for visitors.

Recommendations: • If the recommendation concerning the closure of the Sandy Cape to Interview River Track (501) is followed, this track will, in effect, also be closed. • If made available for vehicular access, no permits should be issued during the summer period (1st December – 30th March). APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 157 ______

Interview River to Pieman River Track (601) Date assessed: 7–9 November 2006 Length: 11.4 km Map sheet: Interview 3239 & Hardwicke 3238 Land system: Granite Creek & Neasey Plains Management zone: Natural Current access policy: No current access

601: Rutting and braiding through wet heathland (SHW). 601: Wetland adjacent to track damaged by ORVs.

601: Acacia longifolia coastal scrub (SAC) north of Rupert 601: Sandblow near Rocky Creek – granite exposures on Point with exposed midden material and sea spurge. right, coastal heathland (SCH) left background.

601: Freshwater aquatic herbland (AHF) and Lacustrine 601: Interview River – access from beach through herbland (AHL) damaged by ORVs near Lanes Tor. mobile sands exposing ferruginous hardpan.

Route: The Interview River to Pieman River Track is a coastal route between Hardwicke Point near Pieman Head and the Interview River, where it continues as the Sandy Cape to Interview River Track APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 158 ______

(501). The southern end passes through the Pieman River State Reserve. Sidetracks provide access onto the coast at Rupert Point and Pieman Head.

Track condition: The track is in poor condition. Bogholes have developed on poorly drained sections, which are extensively braided in places. Parts of the route are on sandy substrates exposed to vigorous onshore winds — these tend to be deeply eroded and in some cases subject to sandblows (e.g., GR 324420E 5393060N). Gradients are very steep at a ramp onto the beach north of Rupert Point and at creek crossings such as Ford Creek and Rocky Creek. The track is eroded to a depth of 1–2 m at these sites. Rubbish including the rusting remains of abandoned ‘buggies’ is prominent at points along the route.

Geodiversity: The geology of the coastal section between the Interview River and Pieman Head comprises Precambrian sedimentary rocks – finely laminated siltstone and mudstone (Interview Siltstone) and interbedded quartzite, siltstone and conglomerate (Rupert Beds). Devonian Granite crops out to the east and briefly on the coast between Rocky Creek and the Interview River. The Quaternary geology is characterised by mobile pinkish sand which is best displayed near the Interview River, and fine mostly vegetated white sand forming sand sheets and minor dunes. A number of sites of geoconservation significance were recorded on or close to the track (see Appendix 3): • Site 6: Pieman Heads Coastal Landforms and Type Locality; • Site 11: Rupert Point Screes; • Site 12: Sandy Cape-Rupert Point Sandrock; • Site 14: Arthur-Pieman Coastal Palaeosols; • Site 28: Tarkine High-level Cobble Beaches; • Site 32: Pieman Head Dolomite Karren; and • Site 39: Lanes Tor Granite Monoliths.

Of these, the Sandy Cape-Rupert Point Sandrock, Arthur-Pieman Coastal Palaeosols and Tarkine High- level Cobble Beaches are sensitive to ORV impacts.

Flora: The track passes through areas of mobile sand (OSM) to the immediate south of the Interview River, with colonising plants such as Leucophyta brownii and Carpobrotus rossii, while stabilised dune areas support scrubs dominated by Leucopogon parviflorus, Acacia longifolia var. sophorae and Myoporum insulare (SAC). A significant dune-barred wetland (AHF) is present on the coastal side of the track opposite Lanes Tor, with lacustrine herbfields at its margins (AHL). To the south the track follows the coastal terrace: coastal heathland are present on dunes of low relief (SCH), the usual co-dominants being Banksia marginata, Aotus ericoides, Leptospermum glaucescens and Leptospermum scoparium. The dunes have impeded drainage from the terrace in places, lower-lying areas supporting wet heathland and scrubs (SHW) with Melaleuca ericifolia, Melaleuca squarrosa and Acacia verticillata prominent. The rocky coastline supports a mosaic of succulents (ASS), marsupial lawns and wet herbfields (GHC), as well as wind-pruned coastal heaths dominated by Cyathodes abietina and Leptospermum scoparium (SSC). A large proportion of the coastal and wet heathland is recovering from a fire in late 2003. Significant species & communities: the rare herb Stackhousia viminea was recorded within coastal heathland in the northern section of the track, though ORV activity is not considered a risk to the species. Patches of the rare herb Ranunculus acaulis (coast buttercup) were recorded in damp sands at several points along the track, with signs of direct damage by ORVs and competition from the introduced sea spurge. Threatened communities present include dune-barred wetlands and fringing herbfields (AHF & AHL).

Fauna: The track traverses habitat of numerous species, including the white-bellied sea eagle, shorebirds, marine seabirds, orange-bellied parrots, blue-winged parrots, Tasmanian devils, spotted-tailed quolls, brown tree frogs, Tasmanian and common froglets. There were many examples of Tasmanian devil prints and scats along the track. Several blue-winged parrots were seen foraging and flying in flocks of up to six, and white-bellied sea eagles were seen foraging near Pieman Heads. A patch of Carex appressa was recorded at GR325373E 5390154N, providing potential habitat for Marrawah skipper.

The track cuts across the upper part of a small beach at GR 325496E 5388988N, which would exclude the use of this beach for nesting shorebirds. Coastal incursions by quad bikes were observed on several APCA Vehicle Track Assessment: Geoconservation, Flora and Fauna Values and Impacts 159 ______occasions, with deliberate skidding through succulent herbfields (including glasswort, a prime food source for orange-bellied parrots).

There are at least twenty creek or stream crossings that are affected by the track and vehicles to a point that they may require the installation of culverts or hardening. Effects include diversion of drainage, increased sedimentation, braiding and the formation of large boggy pits. Confirmed species in these creeks include brown tree frogs, and Tasmanian and common froglets (time prevented extensive surveying for dwarf galaxias). Several wetlands were recorded along the track, with significant damage attributable to ORV activity.

Management issues: This track traverses an area containing a suite of significant natural values. ORVs using the track are causing a range of environmental impacts, including some steep and badly eroded sections, deeply rutted boggy sections on poorly drained soils, and extensive track braiding and sandblows. Some users have evidently attempted to mitigate damage by putting down slash on boggy sections (e.g., northern side of Rocky Creek); at best this has resulted in only a temporary improvement to track condition while damaging nearby vegetation. In addition, tracks through coastal dunes function as conduits for the introduced sea spurge, with dense infestations to the immediate north of Rupert Point. Phytophthora cinnamomi was recorded from the Rupert Point area in the 1970s; its spread by ORVs poses a continuing threat to the integrity of coastal heathland communities (Schahinger et al. 2003).

The field assessment for this study observed much damage to marsupial lawns, wetlands and succulent herbfields adjacent to the track as a result of ‘circle work’ by quad bikes. Despite no permits being issued for this track, two parties of 3–4 quad bikes were observed during the course of one day. Both groups were involved in diving using shore-based compressors. One group had come from the Pieman River, the other via Sandy Cape. The latter group may have camped south of the Interview River, where an unattended campfire with large burning logs was noted. Accidental or deliberate firing of the bush, cutting of vegetation, unauthorised camping and littering are evidently ongoing problems.

Recommendations: • Maintain the current PWS no vehicular access policy. • This track may be more suitable as a walking experience, provided Phytophthora hygiene protocol is followed. • Fence wetlands adjacent to the track, to prevent non-permitted vehicles causing further damage.