Vegetation of the Ringarooma Ramsar Wetlands, Tasmania

Non-Forest Vegetation Program Department of Primary Industries and Water May 2006 Vegetation of the Ringarooma Ramsar Wetlands

Summary Wetlands have important biodiversity values and are listed as threatened vegetation communities in Tasmania. The Ringarooma wetland system is one of ten sites registered under the Ramsar Convention in Tasmania. The Ringarooma wetlands are part of the Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River Ramsar site. Ramsar wetlands are protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The Ringarooma wetland system contains blackwood and coast paperbark swamp forests; scented paperbark scrub; and wetlands including, freshwater aquatic sedgeland and rushland and freshwater and lacustrine herblands. All of these vegetation types are threatened in Tasmania.

The area also contains lowland grassy sedgeland, coastal heathland, lowland sedgy heathland, wet heathland, and black peppermint coastal forest and woodland. While none of these are recognised as threatened they provide the context in which the threatened communities occur. Heath in the area is particularly important for biodiversity.

Purple loosestrife, native gypsywort and ribbon weed occur in the wetland environments and shiny grasstree occurs in the heath. The fish, dwarf galaxias, occurs in the waterways. These are all species listed as threatened on the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. The Ringaroooma wetlands contain potential habitat for a number of other threatened species.

The Ringarooma wetlands span Crown Land and private property. The area is grazed by dairy cows. The Crown Land area is included in the Mt Cameron Regional Reserve and is grazed under temporary grazing licences and used for duck shooting. Parts of the study area on private property to the east of the Ringarooma River have been converted from sedgy and rushy wetland to introduced pasture, and this impacts on the conservation values of the Ramsar site. Given the conservation values of the area it is recommended that the Crown assess the appropriateness of current management practices in the section of the Ramsar site, for which it is responsible.

The Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is triggered by any action that is likely to have a significant impact on the ecological character of a declared Ramsar wetland. Note that the ecological character is defined under the Act as “..the sum of biological, physical, and chemical components of the wetland ecosystem, their interactions, which maintain the wetland and its products, functions and attributes.” This means that all actions relating to stock grazing (including nutrification, clearance and conversion of native vegetation) in the Ringarooma Ramsar wetlands have the potential to trigger the Act. The Crown needs to assess if its current management practices have a significant impact on the

ii Non-Forest Vegetation Program May 2006 Vegetation of the Ringarooma Ramsar Wetlands ecological character of the wetlands and take appropriate action. It is recommended that private landholders are made aware of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and how it applies to Ramsar sites.

Willow, gorse, blackberry and boxthorn are ‘declared weeds’ under the Weed Management Act 1999 and are present in the area along with other weeds, including introduced herbs and grasses. Active management of the major weeds is recommended.

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Contents INTRODUCTION ...... 5

BACKGROUND AND AIM ...... 5 STUDY AREA...... 6 METHODS...... 9

PLANT COMMUNITIES...... 10

SWAMP FORESTS...... 12 Coast paperbark swamp forest ...... 12 Blackwood swamp forest...... 13 WETLANDS...... 14 Freshwater aquatic sedgeland and rushland...... 14 Freshwater aquatic herbland...... 15 Lacustrine herbland...... 15 SCENTED PAPERBARK SCRUB...... 17 LOWLAND GRASSY SEDGELAND ...... 17 HEATH...... 18 Coastal heathland and lowland sedgy heathland ...... 18 Wet heathland ...... 18 BLACK PEPPERMINT COASTAL FOREST AND WOODLAND ...... 19 THREATENED SPECIES...... 19

MANAGEMENT ISSUES ...... 24

WEEDS ...... 24 STOCK ...... 27 ROOT ROT FUNGUS ...... 28 APPENDIX 1 ...... 29

APPENDIX 2 ...... 30

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Introduction

Background and Aim The Non-Forest Vegetation Program deals specifically with issues relating to non- forest plant communities, particularly those currently listed as threatened (rare, vulnerable and endangered). Wetlands are a threatened non-forest vegetation type in Tasmania. In Tasmania, non-forest vegetation may soon be protected under State legislation.

The Ringarooma wetlands are a part of the Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River Ramsar site. The Ramsar Convention provides a framework for international cooperation in the conservation of wetlands. Ramsar wetlands are protected under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This Act places obligations on all people to ensure that their actions do not significantly affect matters of national environmental signficance.

The Ringarooma wetlands qualify as a Ramsar site for the following reasons:1 • The area is of geoscientific significance. The Chimneys, a small section in the middle of the marshes, is thought to be older than any other lake in the area. The site contains excellent examples of wetland systems for the Flinders Biogeographic Region • The site supports at least four nationally threatened fauna species • The flood plain supports a number of species that are rare or vulnerable and are poorly reserved in Tasmania

Staff from the Non-forest Vegetation Program visited the Ringarooma wetlands with the Water Assessment Section of the Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW) on 16th and 17th of January 2006. The aims were to: • identify the plant communities within the Ramsar site • identify threatened plant species and threatened fauna habitat • identify issues pertaining to the management of native vegetation

The landscape of the Ringarooma wetlands, its geomorphic history and potential and future changes in its landscape are well described.2 Past and future changes in its landscape have definite implications for the native vegetation in the area.

1 From the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (as required by the Ramsar Bureau). 2 Jerie K. and Houshold, I. (2001) The Ringarooma wetlands: a temporary landscape (Or: The Muddy Truth about Mining Sediments and Conservation).

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This report describes the current plant communities and their location and the threatened flora and fauna of the Ringarooma wetlands. It gives an indication of which plant communities would be most affected by changes in water availablity. The Water Assessment and Planning Branch (DPIW) will incorporate this information into a Water Management Plan for the Ringarooma catchment. The Department of Primary Industries and Water may also use this report to review its management of this Ramsar wetland.

Study area The study area is located in northeast Tasmania (refer Map 1) on the lower reaches of the Ringarooma River. The size and shape of the study area was largely determined by the Water Assessment Section of the Water Assessment and Planning Branch (DPIW). It falls within the Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River Ramsar site (refer Map 2) but does not include the whole Ramsar site, which extends to the northwest where it reaches the coast and south and southeast along the Ringarooma River and its tributaries.

The study area covers approximately 960 hectares. The site is largely a sandy floodplain that includes extensive marshes, such as Fosters Marshes, and shallow lagoons, including Shanty’s Lagoon and Bluey’s Lagoon.

The area between the Ringarooma River and the western boundary of the study area is Crown Land (refer Map 3) and includes areas utilised under temporary grazing licenses and for duck shooting.3 The Crown Land area has been included in the Mt Cameron Regional Reserve. The area east of the Ringarooma River is owned by Rushy Holdings Pty. Ltd.4 and is grazed by dairy cows.

The study area is surrounded primarily by land cleared for agriculture. In recent years, landuse has changed from extensive cattle grazing to more intensive dairy operations.

3 From the Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands (as required by the Ramsar Bureau). 4 Confirmed on LIST database 11/05/06.

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Map 1: Location

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Map 2: Flood Plain Lower Ringarooma River Ramsar site

Map 3: Crown land

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Methods The main sources of information included field survey, DPIWE GIS database (GTSpot), the relevant ‘Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands’ and past reports on the area. Sources of information are cited throughout the report. Field survey, TASVEG mapping and aerial photographs were used to produce the vegetation map (Map 4).

Field survey included visiting selected areas of Crown Land and private land within the study area, based on accessibility, and with the aim of visiting as much of the variation in the vegetation and landscape as possible. Plant communities were described and location recorded. Threatened flora and threatened fauna habitat were noted. An extensive, but not comprehensive, list of vascular plant species was compiled. Management issues were noted.

Fieldwork was undertaken on the 16th and 17th of January, 2006. There are limitations associated with a once-off survey including the time of year (not all plants are in flower or are conspicuous at the same time and some flora can be overlooked), and sampling is undertaken in representative areas for each vegetation type but does not cover the whole area.

Appendix 1 shows the coverage of the study area during field survey.

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Plant communities Seven plant communities occur in the study area. Table 1 details these communities and their conservation status within Tasmania. Map 4 shows their location. Appendix 2 contains a species list.

Table 1: Plant communities

Plant community Tasmanian Conservation Status

Melaleuca ericifolia swamp forest Vulnerable

Wetlands including a mosaic of: - Freshwater aquatic herbland Vulnerable - Freshwater aquatic sedgeland and rushland - Lacustrine herbland

Not threatened Acacia melanoxylon swamp forest (Rare in the Flinders bioregion)

Melaleuca squarrosa scrub Not threatened

Lowland grassy sedgeland Not threatened

Heath including a mosaic of: Not threatened - Coastal heathland - Wet heathland - Lowland sedgy heathland

Eucalyptus amygdalina coastal forest and woodland Not threatened

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Map 4: Vegetation

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Swamp forests Coast paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) swamp forest and blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) swamp forest are threatened vegetation communites in Tasmania.

The occurrence of the two communities is shown in Map 4. However, the reality is a much more complex mosaic than can be shown on this map. Generally, blackwood swamp forest is closely associated with the main watercourse, the Ringarooma River, although it tends to occupy sites with slightly better drainage than coast paperbark. Coast paperbark swamp forest occurs on the margins of the blackwood swamp forest and adjacent to the heath. It also fringes many of the wetland areas.

There is potential for the blackwood swamp forest to be more extensive in the area. In areas not visited, particularly the extensive coast paperbark swamp forest in the north of the study area, the vegetation map relies on TASVEG5 mapping. It is possible that this area also forms a similar mosaic to that observed in the south of the study area.

The two swamp forest communities share similar species in the understorey. In general, they are in good condition. They appear, in the areas visited during survey, to be free from the impact of stock trampling. However, it is not possible to assess the impact of upstream dairy farms on this environment specifically. More generally, it is likely that nutrient enrichment is occurring in the native system via water draining from the surrounding agricultural landscape. This is likely to lead to a change in the floristics and structure of the vegetation overtime, including an increase of exotic species.

The high threat woody weed, blackberry, is present. It is most common on the edges of the agricultural areas and where gaps in the canopy allow a greater amount of light to enter. A small number of exotic herbs and grasses also occur in these communities.

In general, both of these communities require poorly drained or intermittently inundated environments to survive. It is possible that the dominance of blackwood or coast paperbark is largely due to the amount of disturbance a site receives.

Swamp forests would certainly undergo a reduction in distribution and abundance if a long term decrease in water availability was to occur. Management issues for swamp forests include the presence of an adequate water flow to maintain an intact and functioning ecosystem that can sustain itself over time.

More specific information on each type of swamp forest is given below.

Coast paperbark swamp forest Coast paperbark swamp forest tends to occupy a zone that is poorly drained and sometimes waterlogged. This community regenerates readily in response to some disturbances. Regeneration of coast paperbark occurs in relation to openings in the canopy, such as those caused by individual fallen trees and larger gaps caused by wind-throw or flood.

5 Mapping of the vegetation of Tasmania by the Tasmanian Vegetation Mapping Program

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Coast paperbark swamp forest is dominated by coast paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia). The understorey is variable in the Ringarooma marshes. In areas where the coast paperbark forms a continuous canopy and light levels are low the understorey is simple and tends not to have shrubs. A lack of shrubs was also observed in areas that have frequent disturbance such as that caused by flooding. Where disturbance is highest the ground may remain bare, while elsewhere ferns and sedges occur and cover extensive areas. Batswing fern (Histiopteris incisa) and ruddy groundfern (Hypolepis rugosula) occur in response to disturbance induced canopy gaps.

Plate 1: Coast paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) Plate 2: Coast paperbark occurs in association forms bands of forest in the west of the study with wetlands throughout the study area area

Plate 3: Coast paperbark is associated with the Plate 4: Coast paperbark surrounds some Ringarooma River in the south of the study wetlands in the Shanty’s area area

Blackwood swamp forest Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon) swamp forest occurs on the alluvial flats that are generally inundated or very poorly drained. In the Ringarooma marshes this community shows an association with the Ringarooma River and some of the smaller drainage channels that meander through the area.

Blackwood is the dominant tree, although coast paperbark also occurs. The amount of coast paperbark in any area is probably associated with the level of flood disturbance

13 Non-Forest Vegetation Program May 2006 Vegetation of the Ringarooma Ramsar Wetlands that occurs at the site, the more disturbance the more coast paperbark. Coast paperbark appears to colonise gaps more rapidly than blackwood.

The understorey is variable. In the south of the study area shrubs such as banksia (Banksia marginata), woolly tea-tree (Leptospermum lanigerum), native currant (Coprosma quadrifida) and dogwood (Pomaderris apetala) are present in low numbers. The most conspicuous components of this community tend to be ferns and sedges, such as hardwater fern (Blechnum wattsii), fishbone fern (Blechnum nudum), leafy flatsedge (Cyperus lucidus), tall sedge (Carex appressa), arching swordsedge (Lepidosperma ensiforme) and rushes (Juncus species).

Plate 5: Blackwood swamp forest

Wetlands Wetlands are a vulnerable vegetation community in Tasmania.

At least three distinct wetland communities are present in the study area: freshwater aquatic sedgeland and rushland, freshwater aquatic herbland and lacustrine herbland. With further survey other types of wetland may be identified.

The size, shape and species composition of the wetlands is largely related to the amount of water present and the length of time for which water is present each year. Changes in water availability would have a direct impact on the wetland environments.

Freshwater aquatic sedgeland and rushland This wetland community is dominated by sedges and rushes. In the Ringarooma area different species dominate depending on water availability. At sites that are permanently inundated or inundated for long periods of time tall spikesedge (Eleocharis sphacelata) tends to be the dominant species.

In areas that are seasonally inundated and poorly drained, species such as leafy flatsedge (Cyperus species), tallsedge (Carex species), swordsedge (Lepidosperma species) and rush (Juncus species) tend to dominate. Usually only one species dominates at a time. However, where greater levels of disturbance are present, such as

14 Non-Forest Vegetation Program May 2006 Vegetation of the Ringarooma Ramsar Wetlands in the Fosters Marshes (in the east of the study area) a number of species may assume prominence.

Where this community occurs at the drier end of its environmental range blackberry may be a problem. Blackberry was observed to have invaded this community at one site south of Shanty’s Lagoon.

Freshwater aquatic herbland This community is characterised by emergent herbs such as pondweed (Potamogeton species), watermilfoil (Myriophyllum species) and river ribbons (Vallisneria species). Greater waterribbons (Troglochin procerum) is also present in some areas. Permanent or semi-permanent water is required to support this type of wetland.

The introduced plant, cape pondweed (Aponogeton distachyos), was observed in Shanty’s Lagoon (on the western side of the study area).

Lacustrine herbland Lacustrine herblands occur on the margins of wetlands such as those listed above. The lacustrine herblands in the Ringarooma marshes occupy the ecotone between the aquatic wetlands and the heath communities. The most extensive lacustrine herbland observed occurs on the western edge of Shanty’s Lagoon. This community is relatively diverse and includes species such as, angled lobelia (Lobelia anceps), jointed swampstalks (Lilaeopsis polyantha), bogsedge (Schoenus species), clubsedge (Isolepis species), mossy pennywort (Hydrocotyle muscosa), white purslane (Neopaxia australasica) and swamp mazus (Mazus pumilio).

This community is likely to be particularly susceptible to stock trampling and other disturbance that may pug the soil. The establishment of weed species such as buckshorn plantain (Plantago coronopus) is a threat to this community. Weeds will spread where inappropriate disturbance occurs.

Plate 6: Wetland areas are extensive in the Plate 7: Freshwater aquatic herbland Ringarooma marshes

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Plate 8: Cape pondweed Plate 9: Lacustrine herbland

Plate 10: Freshwater aquatic sedgeland and Plate 11: Freshwater aquatic sedgeland and rushland dominated by leafy flatsedge rushland - middle of photo (Cyperus species). Blackberry is present at this site.

Plate 12: Freshwater aquatic sedgeland and rushland dominated by tall spikesedge (Eleocharis sphacelata) - centre of photo

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Scented paperbark scrub This community may be more extensive than what has been mapped. It occurs in association with coast paperbark swamp forest on flat poorly drained sites.

No specific sampling was undertaken in this community. For management purposes this community is most similar to coast paperbark forest and comments relating to coast paperbark swamp forest are relevant to scented paperbark scrub in the Ringarooma marshes. Lowland grassy sedgeland Lowland grassy sedgeland was observed at one location in the study area. It occurs on a sand dune in the Fosters Marshes. Lowland grassy sedgeland is more typically associated with more fertile substrates such as dolerite and basalt and possibly results from over-grazing.

At the Fosters Marshes the lowland grassy sedgeland is dominated by sagg (Lomandra longifolia) interspersed with native and introduced grasses. A small amount of kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra) is associated with the top of the dune. Wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia species) and spear grass (Austrostipa species) are common and make up about 30% cover. Introduced grasses also make up about 30% cover and introduced herbs and thistles form a prominent part of the vegetation. Native herbs and shrubs are sparse.

It is almost certain that management for grazing has lead to the establishment of the large proportion of exotic grasses in this area. Stock trampling and soil erosion was observed on the dune.

It is unlikely that this community would be impacted on by a change in water availability in the Ringarooma River.

Plate 13: Lowland grassy sedgeland at The Plate 14: Lowland grassy sedgeland dominated Chimneys by sagg

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Heath Heath is the dominant vegetation type along the western boundary of the study area. Three types of heath are readily identifiable and form a mosaic in this area. Coastal heathland and lowland sedgy heathland would be unlikely to be impacted on by a change in water availability in the Ringarooma River. There is potential for wet heathland to be impacted on, it generally occurs along the margins of wetlands.

Coastal heathland and lowland sedgy heathland Coastal heathland and lowland sedgy heathland form a mosaic across the area shown as heath on Map 4. Coastal heathland is more floristically diverse than lowland sedgy heathland. Both communities are associated with sandy soil.

In the study area coastal heathland includes shrubs such as smallfruit needlebush (Hakea microcarpa), guinea flower (Hibbertia species), ants delight (Acrotriche serrulata), banksia (Banksia marginata), common wedgepea (Gompholobium huegelii) and necklace sheoak (Allocasuarina monilifera).

In the study area, lowland sedgy heathland is dominated by sagg (Lomandra longifolia) and lacks many of the shrubs and herbs found in coastal heathland. Coastal heathland can become lowland sedgy heathland where excessive firing or root rot infection has eliminated many heath and shrub species.

Symptons of root rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) were observed in the north of the study area in association with these communities.

Wet heathland Wet heathland is associated with areas of poor drainage. It was observed along the western edge of Blueys Lagoon in the northwest of the study area. Its distribution is strongly associated with the ecotone between the wetland environment and the drier coastal heathland and lowland sedgy heathland communities.

It varies from coastal heathland and lowland sedgy heathland in that it includes species typical of wetter environments including woolly tea-tree (Leptospermum lanigerum) and swamp heath (Epacris lanuginosa).

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Plate 15: Coastal heathland is widespread in Plate 16: Coastal heathland the east of the study area

Plate 17: Coastal heathland verges on Plate 18: Lowland sedgy heathland becoming lowland sedgy heathland where graminoid component is high

Black peppermint coastal forest and woodland Small areas of this community are present in the study area. They are dominated by a combination of black peppermint (Eucalyptus amygdalina) and cabbage gum (E. pauciflora). In most areas the trees show signs of dieback. The understorey is similar to that associated with coastal heathland and lowland sedgy heathland.

Threatened Species The following table contains information on known habitat and potential habitat in regards to threatened species. This is cross-referenced with plant community. There is potential for other threatened species to occur in the wetlands and surrounding vegetation, some examples are given below.

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Table 2: Threatened species by plant community Bold type = threatened species known to occur in the study area; plain type = potential habitat is present in study area. *GTSpot location. #Sites confirmed during fieldwork by the Non-Forest Vegetation Program.

Plant community Threatened fauna - Threatened flora – known and potential habitat known and potential habitat

Grey goshawk (Accipiter Purple loosestrife (Lythrum Melaleuca ericifolia swamp novaehollandiae): potential salicaria): occurs in open areas in forest nesting habitat where the this community.*# community contains blackwoods.

Grey goshawk (Accipiter None currently known novaehollandiae): potential nesting habitat.

Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus Acacia melanoxylon swamp maculatus maculatus): potential forest habitat (blackwood swamp forest and coastal heathland) is widespread in study area. Almost certain to be present. Known from private land west of study area.

Dwarf galaxias (Galaxiella Purple loosestrife (Lythrum pusilla): known to occur in salicaria): occurs in freshwater waterways in the study area. aquatic sedgeland and rushland Associated with shallow slow- wetlands in the study area.*# flowing water with aquatic vegetation.* Native gipsywort (Lycopus australis): occurs in association Wetland with lacustrine herbland in the study area. Observed at one location on the western edge of Shanty’s Lagoon.*#

Ribbon weed (Vallisneria americana): occurs in freshwater aquatic herbland in study area.*#

Melaleuca squarrosa scrub None currently known None currently known

Lowland grassy sedgeland None currently known None currently known

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Table 2 (continued): Threatened species by plant community

Plant community Threatened fauna - Threatened flora – known and potential habitat known and potential habitat

Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus Shiny grasstree (Xanthorrhoea maculatus maculatus): potential bracteata): occurs in sandy heath habitat (blackwood swamp in the northwest of the study area. forest and coastal heathland) is The morphology of the widespread in study area. Xanthorrhoea species is confusing . Almost certain to be present. Some plants show intermediate Known from private land west characters of X. australis, X. of study area. bracteata and X. arenaria. Until taxonomy is resolved these plants have been placed tentatively into X. bracteata. Both X. bracteata and Heath X. arenaria are currently listed as threatened species.

Eastcoast everlasting (Xerochrysum bicolor): heath in study area is potential habitat. Known from private land west of the study area.

Tailed spider-orchid (Caladenia caudata): heath in the study area is potential habitat. Known from private land south of the study area. This orchid would not have been in flower at the time of survey.

Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus None currently known maculatus maculatus): potential habitat (blackwood swamp Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and coastal heathland) is coastal forest and woodland widespread in study area. Almost certain to be present. Known from private land west of study area.

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Plate 19: Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) Plate 20: Purple loosestrife in Fosters Marshes area

Plate 22: Shiny grasstree (Xanthorrhoea bracteata)

Plate 21: Native gypsywort (lycopus australis)

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Map 5: Threatened species Known sites are shown. For information on potential habitat refer to Table 2 and cross-reference with Map 4.

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Management Issues

Weeds The management of weeds in the study area needs to be part of a wider weed management and catchment management program. The woody weeds observed in the study area were willow, blackberry, boxthorn and gorse. Woody weeds are the main priority for weed management action. Willow, blackberry, boxthorn and gorse are ‘declared weeds’ under the Weed Management Act 1999. They have approved weed management plans associated with the Act.

There is potential for these weeds to be more widespread than indicated on Map 4. Other weeds including introduced grasses and herbs are present in the study area. These have not been mapped.

While disturbance from activities associated with stock grazing has a high likelihood of introducing and spreading weeds in the environment, natural disturbance associated with flooding does not generally lead to weed invasion.

Plate 23: Willows scattered through the Fosters Marshes (appear lighter in colour than native trees)

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Table 3: Weeds Weed Status Comments

Gorse Declared Roughly a dozen plants were observed on private land adjacent to the (Ulex weed6 western edge of the study area. Gorse could be eradicated at this site europaeus) and potential spread into adjacent heath avoided.

Gorse occurs in dense patches along the western edge of Blueys Lagoon. Removal of gorse in this area would need to form part of a larger gorse management strategy.

Willow Declared Scattered old growth trees along the western side of Fosters Marshes. (Salix species) weed No detailed mapping undertaken – mapping is indicative only. Further survey would be required to determine an accurate extent and location of willows in the Fosters Marshes.

Removal of willow in this area would need to form part of a larger willow management strategy.

Blackberry Declared In swamp forest. Very difficult to eradicate from this position as (Rubus weed entangled in native vegetation. Low priority for removal – removal fruticosus) would be extremely difficult. The likelihood of establishment after any disturbance is high. Biological controls may be the only feasible approach in this environment.

Boxthorn Declared One old growth plant observed in the south of Fosters Marshes. Cut (Lycium weed and paint would be an appropriate way to eradicate this plant. The ferocissimum.) site would then require monitoring and treatment for any regrowth or juvenile plants that appeared.

Foxglove Over 100 plants observed but may be more widepread. Targeted (Digitalis removal of plants at this site would be appropriate. purpurea)

Cape pondweed Observed in Shanty’s Lagoon. This herbaceous plant is originally (Aponogeton from South Africa. Apparently, cape pondweed is patchily distachyos) distributed in eastern Australia and despite its copious seed production shows no sign of becoming more than a minor weed.7 Mature plants were observed in Shanty’s Lagoon.

Removal of weeds from waterways is a notoriously difficult task. The full distribution of this species throughout the wetlands is unknown.

6 Declared weed under the Weed Management Act 1999. 7 Romanowski, N. (1998) Aquatic and Wetland Plants – A field guide for non-tropical Australia.

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Map 5: Weeds Sites for willow are indicative only. There is potential for all weeds to be more widespread than shown. Note that willows were not observed in swamp forest in the areas surveyed. They appear to be associated with more open environments in the study area.

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Stock Cattle are grazed in the Fosters Marshes. The Fosters Marshes are privately owned. Cattle impact of varying degrees was noted in the marshes. The most direct impact related to grazing management is the conversion of unpalatable sedgeland and rushland to introduced pasture. Conversion of the wetland environment to introduced pasture has happened in the north of the Fosters Marshes and introduced grasses are also prominent in the south.

Other impacts include the building of roads, potentially to assist in cattle movement; pugging of the soil and nutrient enrichment of the environment by the cattle. On site nutrient enrichment and indirect nutrient enrichment via water movement have the potential to make the waterways less favourable for the threatened dwarf galaxias.

Plate 24: Cattle in the Fosters Marshes

Plate 25: Pugging in drainage line in the south Plate 26: Pugging associated with track in the of Fosters Marshes Fosters Marshes

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Root rot fungus There are very few heath environments in Tasmania that are not currently under threat from root rot fungus (Phytophthora cinamomi). A soil sample was collected from the west of the study area (refer Map 4) in an area where grasstrees (Xanthorrhoea species) were observed to be dead and dying. The soil sample tested negative for root rot fungus, although testing for root rot fungus in sandy, well-drained soils is very difficult and unreliable.

However, it is considered very likely that the fungus is present. Field evidence includes: dead and dying grasstrees (a highly susceptible species); and the lack of diversity in some areas of the heath suggesting the possibility of past infection with the fungus.

Soil samples taken from relatively dry sandy soil around grasstrees is seldom reliable for testing for root rot fungus. With the presence of strong symptoms it would be more reliable to assume its presence.8

8 Tim Rudman (DPIW) - communication via email 2/2/06

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Appendix 1

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Appendix 2 The following species list was compiled on 16th and 17th of January, 2006. Additional species would be likely to be added if survey work was carried out at other times of year and in other parts of the Ringarooma wetlands. e = endemic i = introduced

Species list for the Ringarooma wetlands. Type Family Species name Common name Dicotyledonae APIACEAE Centella cordifolia swampwort Hydrocotyle hirta hairy pennywort Hydrocotyle muscosa mossy pennywort Lilaeopsis polyantha jointed swampstalks ASTERACEAE Cassinia aculeata dollybush Chrysocephalum apiculatum common everlasting i Cirsium vulgare spear thistle i Cotula coronopifolia water buttons Euchiton collinus common cottonleaf Helichrysum scorpioides curling everlasting i Hypochoeris radicata rough catsear i Leontodon taraxacoides hairy hawkbit Senecio species fireweed CAMPANULACEAE Lobelia anceps angled lobelia Pratia pedunculata matted pratia Wahlenbergia sp. bluebell CARYOPHYLLACEAE Scleranthus biflorus twinflower knawel Stellaria pungens prickly starwort CASUARINACEAE e Allocasuarina monilifera necklace sheoak CLUSIACEAE Hypericum japonicum matted st johns-wort DILLENIACEAE Hibbertia riparia erect guineaflower DROSERACEAE Drosera peltata pale sundew Drosera pygmaea dwarf sundew ELATINACEAE Elatine gratioloides waterwort EPACRIDACEAE Acrotriche serrulata ants delight Astroloma humifusum native cranberry Epacris lanuginosa swamp heath Leucopogon virgatus var. twiggy beardheath virgatus Styphelia adscendens golden heath EUPHORBIACEAE Amperea xiphoclada broom spurge FABACEAE Aotus ericoides golden pea Bossiaea cinerea showy bossia Bossiaea prostrata creeping bossia Dillwynia glaberrima smooth parrotpea Gompholobium huegelii common wedgepea Kennedia prostrata running postman i Lotus species Birdsfoot-trefoil i Medicago lupulina black medick Platylobium formosum handsome flatpea Platylobium triangulare arrow flatpea i Trifolium repens white clover i Ulex europaeus gorse GENTIANACEAE i Centaurium erythraea common centaury GERANIACEAE Geranium retrosum grassland cranesbill

30 Non-Forest Vegetation Program May 2006 Vegetation of the Ringarooma Ramsar Wetlands

GOODENIACEAE Goodenia elongata lanky native-primrose Selliera radicans shiny swampmat HALORAGACEAE Gonocarpus micranthus subsp. creeping raspwort micranthus Gonocarpus serpyllifolius alpine raspwort Gonocarpus tetragynus common raspwort Gonocarpus teucrioides forest raspwort Myriophyllum simulans amphibious watermilfoil Myriophyllum species watermilfoil LAMIACEAE Lycopus australis australian gypsywort i Prunella vulgaris selfheal LAURACEAE Cassytha species dodderlaurel LENTIBULARIACEAE Utricularia species bladderwort LYTHRACEAE Lythrum hyssopifolia small loosestrife Lythrum salicaria purple loosestrife MENYANTHACEAE Villarsia reniformis running marshflower MIMOSACEAE Acacia dealbata subsp. dealbata silver wattle

Acacia melanoxylon blackwood Acacia verticillata subsp. prickly moses verticillata MYRTACEAE e Eucalyptus amygdalina black peppermint Eucalyptus ovata black gum Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. cabbage gum pauciflora Eucalyptus viminalis subsp. white gum viminalis Kunzea ambigua white kunzea Leptospermum lanigerum woolly teatree Leptospermum scoparium var. common teatree scoparium Melaleuca ericifolia coast paperbark Melaleuca gibbosa slender honeymyrtle Melaleuca squamea swamp honeymyrtle OXALIDACEAE Oxalis perennans grassland woodsorrel PITTOSPORACEAE Bursaria spinosa prickly box PLANTAGINACEAE i Plantago coronopus subsp. buckshorn plantain coronopus i Plantago major great plantain POLYGONACEAE i Acetosella vulgaris sheep sorrel Persicaria species waterpepper Polygonum species beardgrass i Rumex crispus curled dock i Rumex pulcher subsp. pulcher fiddle dock PORTULACACEAE Neopaxia australasica white purslane PRIMULACEAE i Anagallis arvensis var. arvensis scarlet pimpernel

PROTEACEAE Banksia marginata banksia Hakea microcarpa smallfruit needlebush Persoonia species geebung RANUNCULACEAE Ranunculus amphitrichus river buttercup Ranunculus lappaceus woodland buttercup i Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup RHAMNACEAE Pomaderris apetala dogwood ROSACEAE Acaena novae-zelandiae common buzzy i Rubus fruticosus blackberry RUBIACEAE Coprosma quadrifida native currant Galium australe tangled bedstraw SCROPHULARIACEAE i Digitalis purpurea foxglove

31 Non-Forest Vegetation Program May 2006 Vegetation of the Ringarooma Ramsar Wetlands

Mazus pumilio swamp mazus i Parentucellia viscosa yellow glandweed SOLANACEAE i Lycium ferocissimum african boxthorn i Solanum speices nightshade STYLIDIACEAE Stylidium graminifolium narrowleaf triggerplant THYMELAEACEAE Pimelea humilis dwarf riceflower

Monocotyledonae APONOGETONACEAE i Aponogeton distachyos cape pondweed

CENTROLEPIDACEAE Centrolepis strigosa subsp. hairy bristlewort strigosa CYPERACEAE Baumea juncea bare twigsedge Baumea species twigsedge Carex appressa tall sedge Carex fasicularis sedge Carex inversa knob sedge Cyperus gunnii flecked flatsedge Cyperus lucidus leafy flatsedge ?i Cyperus tenellus tiny flatsedge

Eleocharis acuta common spikesedge Eleocharis sphacelata tall spikesedge Gahnia sieberiana redfruit sawsedge Isolepis inundata swamp clubsedge Isolepis nodosa clubsedge Isolepis species clubsedge Lepidosperma concavum sand swordsedge Lepidosperma gladiatum coast swordsedge Lepidosperma ensiforme arching swordsedge Schoenus apogon common bogsedge Schoenus species bogsedge HYDROCHARITACEAE Vallisneria americana var. river ribbons americana IRIDACEAE Diplarrena moraea white flag-iris Patersonia fragilis short purpleflag JUNCACEAE i Juncus articulatus jointed rush Juncus australis southern rush Juncus bufonius toad rush Juncus pallidus pale rush Juncus procerus tall rush Luzula species rush JUNCAGINACEAE Triglochin procerum greater waterribbons Triglochin striatum streaked arrowgrass LEMNACEAE Wolffia australiana tiny duckweed LILIACEAE Burchardia umbellata milkmaids Dianella revoluta spreading flaxlily Hypoxis hygrometrica golden weatherglass ORCHIDACEAE Gastrodia sesamoides short potato-orchid Lyperanthus suaveolens brown beaks Microtis species onion orchid Spiranthes australis spiral orchid Thelymitra sp. sun orchid POACEAE i Agrostis capillaris browntop bent Agrostis species bent grass i Aira caryophyllea silvery hairgrass i Anthoxanthum odoratum sweet vernalgrass Austrodanthonia species wallaby grass Austrostipa species spear grass i Briza minor lesser quaking-grass

32 Non-Forest Vegetation Program May 2006 Vegetation of the Ringarooma Ramsar Wetlands

i Cynosurus echinatus rough dogstail i Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot Danthonia sp. wallabygrass Deyeuxia quadriseta reed bentgrass Dichelachne crinita longhair plumegrass Ehrharta stipoides weeping grass Elymus scaber rough wheatgrass i Holcus lanatus yorkshire fog i Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass Pentapogon quadrifidus var. five-awn speargrass quadrifidus I Phalaris species canarygrass Phragmites australis southern reed Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei silver tussockgrass

Themeda triandra kangaroo grass i Vulpia species POTAMOGETONACEAE Potamogeton ochreatus blunt pondweed Potamogeton tricarinatus floating pondweed RESTIONACEAE Empodisma minus spreading roperush Eurychorda complanata flat cordrush Hypolaena fastigiata tassel roperush Leptocarpus tenax slender twinerush Sporadanthus tasmanicus branching scalerush XANTHORRHOEACEAE Lomandra longifolia sagg e Xanthorrhoea bracteata shiny grasstree XYRIDACEAE Xyris species yelloweye

Pteridophyta AZOLLACEAE Azolla filiculoides BLECHNACEAE Blechnum nudum fishbone waterfern Blechnum wattsii hard waterfern DENNSTAEDTIACEAE Histiopteris incisa batswing fern Hypolepis rugosula ruddy groundfern Pteridium esculentum bracken DICKSONIACEAE Dicksonia antarctica soft treefern DRYOPTERIDACEAE Polystichum proliferum mother shieldfern Rumohra adiantiformis leathery shieldfern GLEICHENIACEAE Gleichenia dicarpa pouched coralfern LINDSAEACEAE Lindsaea linearis screw fern POLYPODIACEAE Microsorum pustulatum subsp. kangaroo fern pustulatum SELAGINELLACEAE Selaginella uliginosa swamp spikemoss

33 Non-Forest Vegetation Program May 2006