Approved NSW & National Recovery Plan floydii (Crystal Creek Walnut) December 2004 © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), 2004. This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW).

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220 Tel: 02 9585 6444 www.environment.nsw.gov.au

Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Crystal Creek Walnut are best directed to:

The Crystal Creek Walnut Recovery Co-ordinator Threatened Species Unit (North East Branch) Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Locked Bag 914 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Tel: 02 6651 5946

Cover illustrator: Catherine Wardrop

This plan should be cited as follows:

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 2004, Recovery Plan for Endiandra floydii (Crystal Creek Walnut) Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville.

ISBN: 1 74122 157 9 Approved Recovery Plan The Crystal Creek Walnut

Recovery Plan for Endiandra floydii (Crystal Creek Walnut)

Foreword The New South Wales (NSW) Government established a new environment agency on 24 September 2003, the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (DEC), which incorporates the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Responsibility for the preparation of Recovery Plans now rests with this new department. This document constitutes the formal National and NSW State Recovery Plan for the Endiandra floydii (Crystal Creek Walnut), and as such considers the conservation requirements of the species across its known range. It identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the Crystal Creek Walnut in nature and the parties who will undertake these actions. The Crystal Creek Walnut is included as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 1994. The Crystal Creek Walnut is a small to medium-sized rainforest tree in the laurel family. About 28 populations are known in south-east Queensland and north-east NSW. The recovery actions detailed in this Recovery Plan include: surveys to improve understanding of distribution, abundance and site characteristics; habitat management; protection of genetic diversity and local genetic adaptation; and investigation into population dynamics. It is intended that this Recovery Plan will be implemented over a five-year period. Actions will be undertaken by the DEC, with support from the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Environment Protection Agency/Parks and Wildlife Service.

LISA CORBYN BOB DEBUS MP Director General Minister for the Environment

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Acknowledgments

The Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) would like to thank the following for their valuable input to the Recovery Plan: Andrew Benwell, Hank Bower, Frank Court, Ralph Cremer, Lance Fitzgerald, Alex Floyd, Janet Hauser, Paul Hopkins, John Hunter, Rob Kooyman, Bill McDonald, Annette McKinley, David Milledge, Andrew Murray, Hugh Nicholson, Nan Nicolson, Shannon Parr, Jason Searle and John Turnbull. Credit is due to Peter Borrelli, Greg Collins, John O’Donnell and others from the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority for their contributions to the plan and ongoing support and commitment to the management and protection of the species. This Recovery Plan was funded by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority as part of a Department of Environment and Conservation (formerly NPWS) Concurrence Condition for the Pacific Highway Upgrade from Brunswick Heads to Yelgun.

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Table of Contents Foreword...... i Acknowledgments ...... ii 1 Introduction...... 1 2 Legislative Context...... 1 2.1 Legal status ...... 1 2.2 Legislative framework for threatened species, populations and communities in NSW...... 1 2.3 Relationship to other NSW legislation...... 2 2.4 Legislative framework for Endangered in Queensland...... 2 2.5 Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999...... 2 3 Species Information...... 3 3.1 Description and taxonomy...... 3 3.2 Distribution ...... 3 3.3 Land tenure ...... 3 3.4 Habitat...... 3 3.5 Life history and ecology...... 3 3.6 Ability of species to recover ...... 4 4 Threats and Management Issues...... 6 4.1 Low numbers ...... 6 4.2 Habitat clearing and fragmentation...... 6 4.3 Development ...... 6 4.4 Weeds ...... 6 4.5 Grazing...... 6 4.6 Roadside maintenance ...... 6 4.7 Poor regeneration ...... 6 4.8 Genetic problems...... 6 4.9 Collection of propagation material ...... 7 4.10 Lack of information about threats ...... 7 5 Previous Recovery Actions...... 7 5.1 Co-ordination...... 7 5.2 Surveys...... 7 5.3 Management plans ...... 7 5.4 Habitat protection and management...... 7 5.5 Community awareness ...... 8 5.6 Other recovery actions...... 8 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions and Performance Criteria...... 8 7 Implementation...... 12 8 Social and Economic Consequences...... 12 9 Biodiversity Benefits...... 12 10 Preparation Details...... 13 11 Review Date...... 13 12 References...... 13

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13 Acronyms Used in this Document ...... 13 Appendix 1: Summary of advice from the NSW Scientific Committee...... 16

Figures Figure 1. Locations of populations of the Crystal Creek Walnut ...... 5

Tables Table 1 Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Recovery Plan ...... 15

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Regulation 1994. This Regulation comes under the 1 Introduction Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. Endiandra floydii Hyland (Crystal Creek Walnut) is a small to medium-sized rainforest tree in the laurel 2.2 Legislative framework for threatened family. It occurs only in New South Wales (NSW) species, populations and communities in and Queensland, and is currently known from 28 NSW populations, of which 22 are in NSW and six in Responsibilities under the NSW Threatened Queensland. The northern-most occurrence is at Species Conservation Act 1995 Pimpama, just north of the Queensland Gold Coast, and the southern extremity of the species’ range is at Recovery plan preparation, exhibition and Byron Hills near Byron Bay, NSW. Many implementation occurrences consist of a small number of adults and The TSC Act and the NSW Threatened Species saplings, and occasional seedlings. Up to 80 trees are Conservation Amendment Act 2002 (hereafter known in some localities. In these instances, single referred to jointly as the TSC Act) provide a trees or small clusters may be scattered over areas of legislative framework to protect and encourage the the order of a square kilometre. About 400 recovery of Endangered and Vulnerable Species, individuals, including all size classes, have been Endangered Populations and Endangered and recorded, but many sites require further survey. Vulnerable Ecological Communities in NSW. The Crystal Creek Walnut was first described and Under this legislation the Director-General of the named in 1989 based on seven collections on the far Department of Environment and Conservation north coast of NSW. An original collection from (formerly National Parks and Wildlife) has a Pimpama in Queensland dates from 1986, but its responsibility to prepare Recovery Plans for all determination as the Crystal Creek Walnut is more species, populations and ecological communities recent (Barry & Thomas 1994). listed as Endangered or Vulnerable on the TSC Act schedules. The TSC Act includes specific This document constitutes the formal National and requirements for both the matters to be addressed by State Recovery Plan for the Crystal Creek Walnut Recovery Plans and the process for preparing and, as such, considers the requirements of the Recovery Plans. This Recovery Plan satisfies these species across its known range. It identifies actions provisions. to be taken to ensure the long-term viability of the Crystal Creek Walnut in nature and the parties who This Recovery Plan was placed on public exhibition will undertake these actions. Attainment of the from 7 March 2003 to 11 April 2003. objectives of this Recovery Plan is subject to The Threatened Species Conservation Amendment Act budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties 2002 states that an approved Recovery Plan must involved. include a summary of advice given by the NSW This plan has been prepared by a botanical expert for Scientific Committee with respect to the plan, the Department of Environment and Conservation details of any amendments made to the plan to take (NSW) (DEC) with assistance from Gold Coast City account of that advice and a statement of the Council (GCCC) and the Queensland Parks and reasons for any departure from that advice. This Wildlife Service (QPWS). Funding was provided to summary is provided in Appendix 1. prepare this plan by the NSW Roads and Traffic The TSC Act requires that a government agency Authority as part of the DEC (formerly NPWS) must not undertake actions inconsistent with a Concurrence Conditions for the Pacific Highway Recovery Plan. The actions identified in this plan Upgrade from Brunswick Heads to Yelgun. for the recovery of the Crystal Creek Walnut are the responsibility of the DEC in NSW, and the GCCC 2 Legislative Context and QPWS in Queensland. Other public authorities may have statutory responsibilities relevant to the conservation and protection of the Crystal Creek 2.1 Legal status Walnut. The Crystal Creek Walnut is listed as Endangered Consultation with indigenous people under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Elders and other 1995 (TSC Act) and the Commonwealth groups representing indigenous people in the areas Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation where the Crystal Creek Walnut occurs have been Act 1999 (EPBC Act). It is also listed as Endangered identified and a copy of the Recovery Plan sent to on the Queensland Nature Conservation (Wildlife) them. Their comments on the draft of this Recovery

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Plan were sought. It is the intention of the DEC to 2.4 Legislative framework for Endangered consider the role and interests of these indigenous Plants in Queensland communities in the implementation of the actions Queensland legislation relevant to the conservation identified in this plan. and recovery of the Crystal Creek Walnut includes Critical Habitat the following: The TSC Act makes provision for the identification ƒ Nature Conservation Act 1992; and declaration of Critical Habitat for species, ƒ Integrated Planning Act 1997; and populations and ecological communities listed as ƒ Endangered. Once declared, it becomes an offence Vegetation Management Act 1999. to damage Critical Habitat (unless the action is specifically exempted by the TSC Act) and a Species 2.5 Commonwealth Environment Protection Impact Statement is mandatory for all developments and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and activities proposed within Critical Habitat. The EPBC Act provides a legislative framework for Key Threatening Processes the protection of threatened species across Australia. An important role of the EPBC Act is to facilitate As of December 2004 there are 23 Key Threatening the preparation and implementation of Recovery Processes listed on the TSC Act. Of these ‘clearing Plans for species listed under the Act in co-operation of native vegetation’ (Scientific Committee 2001) is with the States and Territories in which populations relevant to the Crystal Creek Walnut. In addition to of listed species occur. The Act also seeks to impose this Key Threatening Process, a range of other the obligation (arising from the listing) for processes are recognised as threatening the survival responsible agencies (particularly Commonwealth) of the species in NSW. to adopt protective measures. This Recovery Plan Licensing will be submitted to the Commonwealth for approval under the EPBC Act. Any activity not requiring development consent under the NSW Environmental Planning and Under the EPBC Act, Critical Habitat may be Assessment Act 1979 or the NSW Native Vegetation registered for any Nationally listed threatened Act 2003, which is likely to pick the Crystal Creek species or ecological community. When adopting a Walnut or damage its habitat, requires a Section 91 Recovery Plan, the Commonwealth Minister for the licence from the DEC under the provisions of the Environment and Heritage must consider whether to TSC Act and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife list habitat identified in the Recovery Plan as being Act 1974 as a defence against prosecution. If the critical to the survival of the species or ecological impact is likely to be significant, a Species Impact community. It is an offence under the EPBC Act for Statement is required. a person to knowingly take an action that will significantly damage Critical Habitat (unless the Other conservation measures EPBC Act specifically exempts the action). This The TSC Act includes provision for other measures offence only applies to Commonwealth areas. that may be taken to conserve the Crystal Creek However, an action which is likely to have a Walnut and its habitat, including the making of a significant impact on a listed species is still subject to Stop Work Order or Joint Management Agreement. referral and approval under the EPBC Act. As the Crystal Creek Walnut is listed Nationally 2.3 Relationship to other NSW legislation under the EPBC Act, any person proposing to undertake actions likely to have a significant impact Additional NSW legislation relevant to the on this species should refer the action to the conservation and recovery of the Crystal Creek Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Walnut includes the following: Heritage for consideration. The Minister will then • National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974; decide whether the action requires EPBC Act • Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; approval. This is in addition to any State or Local Government approval required. • Local Government Act 1993; • Rural Fires Act 1997; Administrative guidelines are available from the Commonwealth Department of Environment and • Forestry and National Park Estate Act 1998; Heritage to assist proponents in determining • Rural Fires and Environmental Assessment whether their action is likely to have a significant Legislation Amendment Act 2002; and impact. • Native Vegetation Act 2003.

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3 Species Information • Couchy Creek Nature Reserve, Mooball National Park, Marshalls Creek Nature Reserve and Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, managed by 3.1 Description and taxonomy the DEC; The Crystal Creek Walnut is a small to medium- • reserves at Wongawallen made up of freehold sized tree to 15 m tall in the family . The land managed by GCCC; crown is dark-green and shiny, while the new leaves • roadside reserves managed by Tweed Shire are a distinctive pinkish-brown. The trunk is Council; straight, without buttresses, and often has coppice • within areas impacted by both the Pacific shoots at the base. The bark is grey, sometimes flaky Highway Upgrade between Brunswick Heads to or fissured. The lance-shaped leaves are about 10.5 Yelgun and Yelgun to Chinderah Freeway which cm long and 3.5 cm wide, tapering to a point at the are located within the Byron and Tweed local apex, and narrowing at the base to a petiole of government areas; and length 9 mm. Both leaf surfaces are hairless, or with scattered pale hairs when young. The upper surface • freehold land, owned and managed by various is glossy dark-green and paler underneath. There are private landholders. about seven pairs of primary veins and the midrib is flush with the upper leaf surface. The flowers are 3.4 Habitat inconspicuous, pale-green or creamy, in clusters in the leaf axils. Fruits are black (reddish when The Crystal Creek Walnut occurs in subtropical immature), large and ellipse-shaped with maximum (including littoral) rainforest or wet sclerophyll diameter 30 mm. The flesh is thin and surrounds a forest, often with (Brush Box) single seed of diameter up to 25 mm. in the canopy and occasionally with Araucaria cunninghamii (Hoop Pine) emergents. Disturbed and Further taxonomic description is provided by Hyland regrowth sites may include Cinnamomum camphora (1989) and Harden (2000). (Camphor Laurel) and Lantana camara (Lantana) as weed components. Most locations are on soils 3.2 Distribution derived from paleozoic metamorphics, sometimes with basalt nearby. A small number of sites are on The Crystal Creek Walnut is known from Pimpama, alluvium or sand. Sheltered locations are apparently just north of the Queensland Gold Coast, south to preferred, and landforms including ridgelines, slopes, Byron Hills, six km south of Cape Byron, NSW. gullies and creek flats have been documented. The Several large populations are known. Two are in the altitude varies between close to sea level up to 430 m ranges to the north of Murwillumbah, where above sea level (Floyd 1989). numerous other smaller occurrences are also found. At least 50 individuals are known from the Urliup Habitat characteristics have not been documented Road area (Barry & Thomas 1994) and 40–50 trees for many sites, hence the full range of variation may have been reported from Crystal Creek (R. Cremer not have been recorded. pers. comm.). A further concentration of plants is in Mooball National Park where nearly 80 individuals 3.5 Life history and ecology have been recorded (NPWS survey data, 1997). In Queensland, the largest numbers are in the Life cycle Wongawallen area, in total about 50 individuals with Floyd (1989) records the flowering time of the others likely in unsurveyed adjacent habitat (J. Crystal Creek Walnut as between April and May, Searle, GCCC, pers. comm.). All known but flowering has also been observed in January and occurrences are within 30 km of the coast. It is not February (in cultivation, H. Bower pers. comm.), possible to estimate the total number of individuals August (D. Milledge pers. comm.) and November of the Crystal Creek Walnut as counts or estimates (Trevor Miles pers. comm. quoted in Barry & have not been made for a large number of sites, but Thomas 1994). No information about pollinating at least 400 individuals, including seedlings, saplings agents is available. and mature trees, are known. Fruiting occurs from December to February (Floyd 1989), and in May (Trevor Miles pers. comm. 3.3 Land tenure quoted in Barry & Thomas 1994). Fruit is not The Crystal Creek Walnut is known from the produced every year, and heavy crops are produced following land tenures: at irregular intervals (L. Fitzgerald pers. comm.). Following the severe drought conditions of the 2002 dry season, heavy fruit crops were reported

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throughout the range of the Crystal Creek Walnut. Mullumbimby is dominated by Camphor Laurel, a Seeds germinate readily and rapidly in nursery species that strongly competes for resources with conditions (L. Fitzgerald pers. comm.), after 25–30 natives. days (Barry & Thomas 1994). Like many rainforest species that favour rainforest No information about seedling development is edges and wet sclerophyll ecotones, the Crystal available, and limited observations of growth rates Creek Walnut may have some limited tolerance to are available only from cultivated trees. The large fire. The only direct observation of fire response has energy reserves present in the seeds are likely to been made at Wongawallan, where a management assist early seedling establishment, and they are fire accidentally burnt individuals of the Crystal likely to have the capacity to persist in the forest Creek Walnut. The main trunks were killed by the understorey until conditions favour further growth. fire, but suckers were produced from the base (J. Development may be dependent on the formation of Searle, GCCC, pers. comm.). Suckers have been canopy gaps or the maintenance of a lightened observed around the trunks of trees at many canopy and midstorey on rainforest ecotones, locations – whether these have been produced as a including wet sclerophyll forest. Further response to fire or other damage is currently not investigation is required. known. The large seeds are assumed to be poorly dispersed, A further instance of fire in the habitat of the but may occasionally be dragged by rats and left Crystal Creek Walnut has had unknown unconsumed. Rodents are seed predators, but consequences. In approximately 1995, a wildfire movement of undamaged seeds from the parent tree burned through known and potential habitat has been observed in other rainforest trees (Floyd between Tomewin Road and Urliup Road (F. Court 1990), and may also occur for seeds of the Crystal pers. comm.). No follow up surveys have been Creek Walnut. Seeds will move by gravity on the carried out. steep slopes where some of the known populations It is likely that intense fire, or frequent fire, will kill are found. Floodwaters may move seeds in riparian mature trees and that small plants will be vulnerable sites (Barry & Thomas 1994). to any fire event. A precautionary approach Population structure involving protection of the Crystal Creek Walnut from fire is indicated until more information is Little information about the structure of known available. populations is available. Many of the documented populations consist only of a small number of adults Several occurrences are on roadsides where the or immature trees. Despite the heavy production of habitat of the Crystal Creek Walnut is subject to fruit, seedlings are infrequently observed in the ongoing disturbance from roadside maintenance vicinity of parent trees. However, early observations activities (slashing, roadworks, herbicide spraying). of seed germination in the field following the heavy Weed competition poses an additional threat on fruiting of the 2003 fruiting season have been disturbed roadsides. reported from Crystal Creek (R. Cremer pers. comm.). 3.6 Ability of species to recover High levels of seed predation or disease, seedling Habitat clearing and fragmentation are believed to herbivory or disease or dense canopy closure could be the primary causes of past decline of the Crystal all contribute to seed and seedling mortality. In Creek Walnut. Reforestation initiatives currently addition, it should be noted that inbreeding underway through government, community and depression is likely to contribute to seed and seedling private endeavours will create and reconnect mortality, particularly within smaller populations (M. suitable habitat for the Crystal Creek Walnut. Rossetto pers. comm. 2004). However, regeneration appears to be sparse in the Disturbance and competition vicinity of known adult trees, and seeds are believed to be poorly dispersed. The ability of trees to The Crystal Creek Walnut occurs in previously produce suckers from the base should help to ensure logged areas of Mooball National Park. One the persistence of existing adults, but unmanaged consequence of logging disturbance is forest invasion expansion of known sites will probably be slow, and by Lantana, which may smother seedlings and small colonisation of new ones is unlikely. trees. A formerly cleared regrowth site near

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Figure 1. Locations of populations of the Crystal Creek Walnut

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4.4 Weeds 4 Threats and Management Issues Weed competition threatens the Crystal Creek Walnut at a number of locations. Asparagus 4.1 Low numbers densiflorus (Ground Asparagus) is strongly competing with ground layer vegetation in the Marshalls Creek The low numbers of individuals, and particularly of and Brunswick Heads Nature Reserves. mature trees, leaves the Crystal Creek Walnut vulnerable to the effects of chance catastrophic Lantana is present at a number of sites including events. The loss of isolated trees and small clumps Mooball National Park. distant from other populations may result in local Camphor Laurel, Privet and others weeds are present extinctions and range contractions. at Pimpama and Camphor Laurel is a major competitor near Mullumbimby. 4.2 Habitat clearing and fragmentation Weed control activities may result in accidental and Clearing and fragmentation of known and potential unknowing damage to the Crystal Creek Walnut. habitat for agriculture, development and Like many native laurels, it may be mistaken for infrastructure remains an ongoing threat to Crystal Camphor Laurel. Unskilled clearing of weeds can Creek Walnut. also damage the habitat of the Crystal Creek Walnut. Though disturbed, some relatively large areas of continuous forest habitat remain in the eastern McPherson Range and Burringbar Range. In the 4.5 Grazing foothills and lowlands, clearing has resulted in the Grazing threatens the Crystal Creek Walnut at loss of individuals of Crystal Creek Walnut, and its Pimpama. habitat. Habitat patches are often left isolated in a matrix of agricultural or developed land. There are a number of probable consequences, including edge 4.6 Roadside maintenance effects and long term genetic problems. Many Where the species occurs on road reserves the trees ecosystem processes require large areas for natural are subject to root compaction and physical damage functioning, for instance, regeneration may depend from roadways and roadside maintenance. on dynamic natural disturbance mosaics. Suitable conditions for seedling and sapling development may Several specimens at Tomewin have been destroyed be formed by chance events such as tree or branch by fire and herbicide drift from roadside spraying falls. In a small area this may not occur, or other programs (Kingston et al. 1999). threats may accompany their formation. Fauna, To date, there have been no comprehensive surveys including pollinators or seed dispersers, may not be of roadside vegetation within the known range of the able to persist in small fragments, nor to move Crystal Creek Walnut. In the absence of such between patches across a hostile matrix. The Pacific surveys, individuals of this species, and other Highway Upgrading Program has resulted in works Threatened Species, may be inadvertently damaged being undertaken between Brunswick Heads and or cleared by roadside maintenance activities. Chinderah. Works between Brunswick Heads and Yelgun are in the advance planning stage, while works between Yelgun and Chinderah have been 4.7 Poor regeneration finalised. Activities undertaken or proposed to be Poor seed dispersal and regeneration are inherent undertaken include translocation of individuals, characteristics of the species, limiting its ability to removal of habitat and bisection of habitat, expand and recolonise. specifically at Christies Creek, Sleepy Hollow and some locations north of Brunswick Heads. 4.8 Genetic problems

4.3 Development Reduced and fragmented populations are likely to suffer loss of genetic variation as a result of the loss Another known population is on the edge of the of individuals containing unique genetic variants, Marshalls Creek Nature Reserve adjacent to a and through inbreeding and genetic drift (Ellstrand proposed coastal subdivision, and is threatened by & Elam 1993). In the long term, loss of genetic edge effects and accidental and deliberate damage variation may threaten the evolutionary potential of through human traffic (A. Murray pers. comm.). the Crystal Creek Walnut and reduce its ability to respond to alterations in its environment, including

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climate change. Further studies are required to for the Pacific Highway upgrades between Brunswick measure the extent and spatial distribution of Heads and Chinderah. Associated with the Yelgun genetic variation, to relate such variation to fitness to Chinderah Freeway, targeted surveys were carried and reproductive success, and to understand out in the vicinity of the route to ensure an adequate determinants of the flow of genes within the representation of the affected taxa in compensatory population (pollination and seed dispersal systems). habitat (Stewart 1999, 2000). As many populations of the Crystal Creek Walnut are widely separated, it is likely that distinctive 5.3 Management plans genetic combinations and variants have developed The Plan of Management for the Byron Coast locally. Introducing genetic material from outside Reserves (NPWS 1998) includes Brunswick Heads the population may result in displacement of local Nature Reserve. The plan includes: genotypes. Until appropriate studies have been carried out, planting of the Crystal Creek Walnut • As a specific objective, the protection of the should not be conducted within a buffer zone reserves’ significant natural values including the surrounding wild populations. conservation of littoral rainforest, of and animal communities of coastal and estuarine In the long term, particularly if inbreeding landsystems, and the protection of Critical depression is detected, the introduction of new Habitat required by Endangered plants and genetic material to populations may be considered. animals. • As an action, the implementation of a strategy for 4.9 Collection of propagation material the control of weeds with priority on the The extent of current fruit collection from wild protection of littoral rainforest, and the protection populations for the nursery industry is unknown, but of the habitat of rare and Endangered species. if it is taking place, the regeneration potential of the • As a policy, the suppression of fire with the Crystal Creek Walnut may be adversely affected. objective of reducing the level of unscheduled fire, aiming to protect specific communities 4.10 Lack of information about threats including rainforest, from fire. Many locations of the Crystal Creek Walnut have No Plans of Management are currently in place for not been assessed for threats to the species. Further Marshalls Creek or Couchy Creek Nature Reserves. surveys are required. A plan is in preparation for Mooball National Park. Management plans are in preparation for Council 5 Previous Recovery Actions managed reserves at Wongawallan (J, Searle, GCCC, pers. comm.). 5.1 Co-ordination Plans for the management of pest species are in place in many national parks and nature reserves in north The Rainforest Ecotone Recovery Team was east NSW under the umbrella of the DEC Parks established in 1999 to co-ordinate the recovery of Service Division Northern Rivers Region Pest threatened flora species found in the rainforest Management Plan. Pest Management Plans have ecotones of south-east Queensland. To date, been developed for Brunswick Heads Nature management has been focused on the removal of Reserve and Mooball National Park. threats and rehabilitation measures for species other than the Crystal Creek Walnut, but indirect benefits may have accrued to the Crystal Creek Walnut and 5.4 Habitat protection and management its habitat. Should the Crystal Creek Walnut be found in State Forest, or within 50 m of the boundary, condition 5.2 Surveys 6.22 of the Upper North East IFOA will apply: Taxon-specific surveys for the Crystal Creek Walnut 1. An exclusion zone of at least a 50 m radius must have been conducted rarely, though surveys for be implemented around all individuals. conservation and impact assessment purposes are 2. An exclusion zone at least 50 m wide must be commonly conducted throughout the range of the implemented around all groups of individuals. A taxon, and target all threatened species of potential group is defined as more than one individual occurrence. Examples include surveys conducted located less than 20 m apart. during the Comprehensive Regional Assessment and detailed surveys associated with impact assessments

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Specific on ground management of the habitat of the Action 1.2: Crystal Creek Walnut has not been conducted, apart The DEC will develop a record-keeping system to from the translocation for salvage of plants affected facilitate co-ordination. by the Pacific Highway upgrade from Yelgun to Chinderah. Translocation of individuals is proposed Details of all known populations must be available as part of the Brunswick Heads to Yelgun upgrade. and accessible for coordination and management, and to identify knowledge gaps. A site index, and all However, general weed management has been available census data, habitat description, threat undertaken at Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve. assessments, recovery actions and opportunistic Similar actions by private landowners may have observations should be compiled. assisted the rehabilitation of habitat of the Crystal Creek Walnut, though no such actions have been Performance criteria: A record keeping system will documented to date. be developed during the first year of the plan, and maintained and updated during the life of the plan. 5.5 Community awareness Objective 2: To improve the knowledge base for known populations. The Rainforest Ecotone Recovery Team in south- east Queensland has prepared a poster illustrating Action 2.1: the Crystal Creek Walnut together with other The DEC will review existing knowledge of known species which may share its habitat. populations, identify information gaps, prioritise and arrange site surveys where necessary. 5.6 Other recovery actions Census data, habitat description and threat Ex situ plantings of the Crystal Creek Walnut have assessment are essential background for the been established in public botanic gardens at management of the recovery of the Crystal Creek Canberra, Coffs Harbour, Mullumbimby and Sydney Walnut. Currently this information is not available, and additional private collections (Barry & Thomas or is incomplete, for a large proportion of known 1994). sites. Unsurveyed suitable habitat adjacent or close to known locations should be included in surveys. 6 Proposed Recovery Objectives, Actions Performance criteria: Planning for site surveys is and Performance Criteria undertaken and surveys commenced in Year 1 of the plan, follow up surveys are conducted during the life The overall objective of this Recovery Plan is to of the plan. prevent the decline of populations of the Crystal Creek Walnut in the wild, to ensure ongoing Action 2.2: viability of wild populations, and maintain the The DEC will ensure that all the Crystal Creek Walnut evolutionary potential of the species. records generated by research, surveys or management Specific objectives of this Recovery Plan are listed commissioned by the DEC are entered on the Atlas of below. Recovery actions, each with a performance NSW Wildlife. criteria, have been developed for the nine objectives. It is important that the Atlas of NSW Wildlife Objective 1: To coordinate the recovery of Crystal database contains accurate records of the Crystal Creek Walnut. Creek Walnut as it is a primary resource for researchers, developers, environmental consultants Action 1.1: and land managers. The DEC, in consultation with QPWS and GCCC, will Performance criteria: Consultants and staff coordinate the implementation of the actions outlined in undertaking research, surveys or management this Recovery Plan. commissioned by the DEC within the life of the plan The implementation of a recovery program for a will provide details of new Crystal Creek Walnut threatened species is a complex task, requiring a records in a form suitable for entry on the database coordinated approach. As most populations occur in to the Wildlife Data Team on completion of the NSW, it is appropriate that recovery is coordinated research. by the DEC in consultation with Queensland authorities. Performance criteria: Administrative arrangements are in place within the first year of this plan, and are ongoing for the life of this plan.

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Objective 3: To improve the consideration of the aware of the long-term voluntary protection measures Crystal Creek Walnut in environmental impact and incentive programs available. assessment for developments and activities. Accidental damage to the Crystal Creek Walnut and Action 3.1: its habitat is possible where landowners/managers do not know the species is present, and do not have The DEC will develop and distribute standard survey access to management advice. Any protective and environmental assessment guidelines for the Crystal measures indicated would be developed in Creek Walnut to all relevant DEC and QPWS staff, conjunction with, and would require the consent of, consultants and consent authorities. the relevant landowner/manager. A standard minimum survey effort should be Performance criteria: All landowners/managers of undertaken when determining if the Crystal Creek known locations of the Crystal Creek Walnut are Walnut is present in or near the area of a potential notified of the presence of the species within the first development or activity. Presence of the species year of the plan. Where appropriate, options for should require implementation of effective long-term voluntary protection measures and mitigation measures to reduce the impact of incentive programs are explained, management proposed development or activity. guidelines provided and sources of assistance are The guidelines will address: explained. • maintenance and protection of roadside Action 4.2 populations, and their habitats; To assess the need for detailed site-specific management • protection of plants and their habitats where planning and supply guidelines and assistance as located close to developments; and required. • measures to protect plants and their habits from Planning for habitat management is highly desirable indirect effects of proximity to human activity to ensure that objectives are understood, (rubbish and garden refuse dumping, damage from management is effective and efficient, and that trail bike riding, trampling, clearing of understorey progress towards objectives is monitored. Objectives vegetation). should include the removal or amelioration of specific local threats, and may include habitat Developments or activities frequently include an expansion and rehabilitation, fire management, environmental repair component. Guidelines will erosion control, and protection from livestock. address aspects of habitat restoration and Works should not have adverse impacts on the rehabilitation including: target species, its habitat or other threatened species • possible detrimental effects of misidentification of or ecological communities present or the the species during bush regeneration works; environment generally. • adverse effects on microclimate conditions in Management planning may be expensive and divert regeneration sites during weed removal; resources away from on-ground works. The extent • planting of inappropriate species during habitat of need for formal and detailed planning varies, and reconstruction; and in some circumstances, adherence to habitat management guidelines may suffice. • use of planting material of inappropriate genetic origin. Guidelines to determine the level of management planning required, and recommendations for habitat Performance criteria: Standard survey and management and project evaluation will be supplied environmental assessment guidelines are developed by the DEC. and distributed within the life of the plan. Performance criteria: The site-specific management Specific objective 4: To manage and protect the planning needs of all locations of the Crystal Creek Crystal Creek Walnut and associated habitat from Walnut on DEC estate are assessed and site-specific threatening processes. management plans are prepared or management Action 4.1 guidelines are tailored to requirements, during Year 1 of the plan. Implementation of the plans will be The DEC will notify all relevant landholders/managers ongoing until objectives are met. Where possible, that the Crystal Creek Walnut is present on their land, similar assessments and planning will be undertaken and ensure they have access to information relevant to at locations of the Crystal Creek Walnut on other the conservation of the species. The DEC will liaise with land tenures. relevant landholders/managers to ensure that they are

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Action 4.3 • development of contingency strategies for situations where individuals have been harmed or To control exotic weeds in the habitat of the Crystal future harm is unavoidable. Creek Walnut Planning and assessment measures necessary to Exotic weeds are serious threats to the Crystal Creek protect roadside populations will be included in the Walnut and its habitat at several locations. Ground environmental assessment guidelines (Action 3.1) Asparagus at Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve, and habitat management guidelines (Action 4.2). Lantana at Mooball National Park, and Camphor Laurel and Privet at other locations require Performance criteria: Authorities are notified of management. known locations of the Crystal Creek Walnut on roadsides, and planning and management strategies Planning and assessment measures put in place to and physical protection are in place within Year 1 of control exotic weeds will be included in the the plan. environmental assessment guidelines (Action 3.1) and habitat management guidelines (Action 4.2). Action 4.6: Performance criteria: Exotic weeds are managed To prevent genetic pollution of the Crystal Creek (primary treatment in Year 1 of the plan, follow-up Walnut, the DEC will advise landowners/managers not in Years 2 and 3) in Brunswick Heads Nature to plant the Crystal Creek Walnut into wild populations, Reserve and Mooball National Park. or within a buffer zone around the populations. Action 4.4 Buffers zones should be maintained to prevent possible adverse effects of the movement of genetic To ensure the Crystal Creek Walnut and its habitat are material between cultivated Crystal Creek Walnuts adequately buffered from the effects of adjacent and naturally occurring populations. The DEC will development. estimate the dimensions of a suitable buffer zone Specimens of the Crystal Creek Walnut at Marshalls from theoretical considerations and comparison with Creek Nature Reserve are adjacent to proposed other species of similar ecologies, taking a development. Physical damage, enhanced edge precautionary approach. When results from research effects and human visitation and trampling are into genetics and reproductive biology are available possible impacts. (Action 6.2), recommendations will be refined. Planning and assessment measures put in place to Habitat management guidelines (Action 4.2) will ensure buffering from effects of adjacent include measures to prevent adverse effects on the development will be included in the environmental genetic makeup of wild populations of threatened assessment guidelines (Action 3.1) and habitat flora species. management guidelines (Action 4.2). Performance criteria: The extent of a buffer zone to Performance criteria: Physical barriers are erected at prevent adverse effects of genetic exchange between or near the Nature Reserve boundary in Year 1 of cultivated and wild plants will be estimated from the plan, and management to divert human traffic theoretical considerations, taking a precautionary away from sensitive habitat is in place. approach, in Year 1 of the plan and refined as further information becomes available. Action 4.5 Landowners/managers will be advised of The DEC will undertake liaison with relevant Councils recommendations. and the RTA to ensure the protection of roadside populations of Crystal Creek Walnut. Objective 5: Fire planning and management. Roadside populations require protection from Action 5.1: roadworks, slashing and herbicide. For roadside The DEC will provide information on the ecological populations to be protected, several issues will requirements of the Crystal Creek Walnut to the require addressing. These include: appropriate Bushfire Management Committees and • identification of roadside populations so routine DEC bushfire management planners. maintenance works avoid damage to the species; The Rural Fires Act requires that the ecological • assessment of need for physical protection requirements of threatened species are considered by (barriers); Bushfire Management Committees in preparing Bushfire Management Plans for local government • provision of advice to ensure pruning, earthworks areas. The DEC prepares Fire Management Plans and other management is conducted with minimal damage; and

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that complement the local Bushfire Management estimation of a buffer zone around wild populations Plans, for areas under its control. required to prevent genetic pollution (Action 4.6). Performance criteria: The DEC has provided Performance criteria: The DEC will liaise with information on the ecological requirements of the researchers and research organisations to discuss and Crystal Creek Walnut to the appropriate Bushfire encourage research into genetics and reproductive Management Committees and DEC bushfire biology within the life of the plan. The extent of management planners within the life of the plan. (and requirement for), a buffer zone around wild populations to prevent genetic pollution, will be Objective 6: To investigate population dynamics refined as further information becomes available. and encourage research. Objective 7: Assess need for contingency Action 6.1: strategies to protect genetic content and sources of The DEC will initiate a program of repeated census data propagation material against unforeseen collection, and observations of flowering and fruiting destruction of wild populations. patterns, from representative sites. Action 7.1: Factors limiting regeneration and development are The DEC will collate information on the origin and poorly understood. Regeneration and development reproductive status of the Crystal Creek Walnut in within wild populations is likely to take place over public collections. long time frames and may be episodic. Data collected can be expected to provide some The Crystal Creek Walnut is cultivated in a number preliminary guidance for future investigation. In of public collections. However the DEC has only selecting representative sites, consideration should basic information on the success and origin of these be given to inclusion of sites in all National plantings. In the event of a catastrophic event Parks/Nature Reserve where the Crystal Creek affecting one or a number of wild Crystal Creek Walnut is known to occur. Where practical, areas Walnut populations the genetic material contained affected by fire in the recent past should also be in these plants may provide sources of propagules for represented. re-introduction or population enhancement programs. Performance criteria: Review of available site data will be undertaken to determine appropriate sites for Performance criteria: Information is collated by the data collection, and a program of data collection will DEC on ex situ plantings in public botanic gardens or be designed during Year 1 of the plan. Baseline data other conservation-oriented live collections within to be collected in Year 2, and repeat data collection the life of the plan. to be undertaken in Year 4. Action 7.2 Action 6.2: The DEC will assess the need for collection of The DEC will encourage research into genetics and the representative genetic material from populations of the reproductive biology of the Crystal Creek Walnut. Crystal Creek Walnut, and will collect and store material as indicated. Information on genetics and the reproductive biology of the Crystal Creek Walnut will assist the Should research actions under Objective 6 indicate DEC to refine management actions for Crystal Creek significant local genetic differentiation, or within Walnut. Knowledge of fertility, pollination and population genetic variation, there may be a need to dispersal vectors, germination rates and store samples of genetic material as a record of the environmental constraints to germination and genetic make-up of the species. Genetic material seedling recruitment and persistence will improve will be available for future analysis to guide the basis of management in the future. management should populations be destroyed through development or catastrophic stochastic Research into genetics may demonstrate the events. presence of inbreeding depression, the range of genetic variation and the extent of differentiation Performance criteria: The need for collection and across the population. The results will provide a storage of genetic material will be assessed as guide to enable future genetic management, research results become available. If indicated to be conserving genetic variation and local adaptations, of value, genetic material from as many populations preventing inbreeding depression and permitting as is practical will be collected and held at an future evolutionary development. In conjunction appropriate research institution within the life of the with knowledge of movements of pollinators and plan. seed dispersers, genetic study will refine the

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Objective 8: To integrate the recovery of the 8 Social and Economic Consequences Crystal Creek Walnut with the recovery of other biota. The total cost of implementing the recovery actions will be $222 050 over the five year period covered by Action 8.1: this plan. The inclusion of the Crystal Creek Where practical, the DEC will integrate recovery actions Walnut populations in Couchy Creek Nature for the Crystal Creek Walnut with those of other Reserve, Marshalls Creek Nature Reserve, threatened species, populations or ecological communities Brunswick Heads Nature Reserve and Mooball occurring in similar habitats. National Park, and the purchase for conservation management of the Crystal Creek Walnut habitat at A number of other threatened species, populations Wongawallan by GCCC provide significant formal or ecological communities are known or likely to protection for the species. Management of NSW occur in similar habitats to the Crystal Creek Nature Reserves will be in accordance with the Walnut. The Crystal Creek Walnut occurs in the requirements of the NPW Act and any costs Endangered Ecological Community Lowland incurred will be met by the DEC. The purchase of Rainforest on Floodplain, and also in association the Wongawallen properties has been funded by with threatened flora species such as Endiandra GCCC’s environmental levy, and management is muelleri subsp. bracteata (Green-leaved Rose funded from the same source. Walnut), Corchorus cunninghamii (Native Jute) and Randia moorei (Spiny Gardenia). By integrating the It is anticipated that there will be no significant recovery actions of other threatened biota with those adverse social or economic consequences associated of Crystal Creek Walnut, limited resources can be with the implementation of this Recovery Plan and used more effectively. the overall benefits to society of the implementation of the Recovery Plan will outweigh any negative Performance criteria: Where practical, recovery consequences. actions have been integrated with those of other threatened species, populations or ecological communities. 9 Biodiversity Benefits Objective 9: To involve the community in the The preparation and long term implementation of recovery of Crystal Creek Walnut. Recovery Plans for threatened species, populations and ecological communities, contributes to, and Action 9.1 highlights the importance of, conserving biodiversity. The DEC will provide copies of the species profile for the The conservation of biodiversity has a number of Crystal Creek Walnut to landowners, landcare groups wider community benefits. These include: and other interested community members within the • provision and maintenance of a range of known range of the Crystal Creek Walnut. ecosystem processes; Education of the community about the Crystal Creek • contributing to increased ecological knowledge of Walnut will increase the probability of finding and species, habitats and broader ecosystems; and protecting new populations. Learning conservation principles will have other benefits for biodiversity. • cultural and aesthetic biodiversity values. Suggestions for involvement and management can be conveyed. The appropriate ecological management of the Crystal Creek Walnut’s habitat will contribute to the Performance criteria: Copies of the species profile for conservation of a large number of other rare and the Crystal Creek Walnut to be distributed to threatened species which have been recorded within, landowners, landcare groups and community and adjacent to, known populations. For instance, members known to have specific interest in the 14 additional species of threatened flora, and the Crystal Creek Walnut during Year 1 of the plan, and Endangered Ecological Community Lowland to be available on request throughout the life of the Rainforest on Floodplain, co-occur with the Crystal plan. Creek Walnut at Brunswick Head Nature Reserve.

7 Implementation On land of other tenures in the foothills and lowlands, species co-occurring with the Crystal Table 1 outlines the implementation of recovery Creek Walnut include many which have been actions specified in this Recovery Plan to relevant severely depleted as a result of the extensive clearing government agencies and/or parties for the period of of habitat. In the matrix between reserves on the five years from publication. coast and coastal ranges, the Crystal Creek Walnut

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co-occurs with poorly reserved threatened species Implications for plant conservation’, Annual including the Green-leaved Rose Walnut, Review of Ecology and Systematics, vol. 24, pp. Davidson’s Plum and the Spiny Gardenia. 217–42. Floyd, A.G. 1989, Rainforest Trees of Mainland South- At Wongawallen, the Crystal Creek Walnut occurs eastern Australia, Inkata, Melbourne. in an area set aside for the revegetation of habitat for Calyptorhynchus lathami (Glossy Black Cockatoo). Floyd, A.G. 1990, Australian Rainforests in N.S.W, The threatened flora species Native Jute co-occurs vol. 1, Surrey Beatty, Chipping Norton. with the Crystal Creek Walnut at three sites in the Harden, G.J. 2000. (ed.), Flora of NSW Vol. I. Wongawallen area. Revised edition, New South Wales University Press: Sydney. Conservation actions that retain habitat quality, or permit habitat recovery for the Crystal Creek Hyland, B. 1989, ‘Revision of the Lauraceae in Walnut will benefit a wide range of fauna species, Australia (excluding Cassytha)’, Australian including some classified as threatened, particularly Systematic Botany, vol. 2, nos 2–3. those preferring rainforest and wet sclerophyll forest. Kingston, M.B., Turnbull, J.W., Hall, P.W., Boulton, Threatened fauna species recorded within the range S.C. and Storey, R.J. 1999, Tweed Vegetation of the Crystal Creek Walnut include the rainforest Management Plan 1999 vol. 1, report for Tweed pigeons Ptilinopus magnificus (Wompoo Fruit-Dove), Shire Council, Ecograph, Limpinwood. Ptilinopus regina (Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove) and Ptilinopus superbus (Superb Fruit-Dove). In addition, NSW NPWS 1998, The Byron Group of Coast frogs including Assa darlingtoni (Pouched Frog), Reserves; Plan of Management, NSW NPWS. reptiles including Coeranoscinus reticulatus (Three- Stewart, B.C. 1999, Targeted surveys for Endiandra toed Snake-tooth Skink) and Hoplocephalus stephensii hayesii, Marsdenia longiloba and Syzygium (Stephen's Banded Snake), and mammals including hodgkinsoniae at Sleepy Hollow Lot 119 Dp Planigale maculata (Common Planigale) and Potorous 755721, report to the Roads and Traffic tridactylus (Long-nosed Potoroo) may share the Authority, Landmark Ecological Services P/L, habitat of the Crystal Creek Walnut. Suffolk Park. Stewart, B.C. 2000, Flora Survey, Lot 125, DP 10 Preparation Details 755721; Lot 1, DP 605206; Lot 2, DP 605206 This Recovery Plan has been prepared by Barbara Sleepy Hollow, report to the Roads and Traffic Stewart in consultation with the DEC, the QPWS Authority, Landmark Ecological Services P/L, and the GCCC. Suffolk Park. Funding was provided by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority as part of the DEC (formerly 13 Acronyms Used in this Document NPWS) Concurrence Conditions for the Pacific DEC Department of Environment and Highway Upgrade project between Brunswick Heads Conservation (NSW) to Yelgun DIPNR Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources 11 Review Date EIS Environmental Impact Statement This Recovery Plan will be reviewed within five years of the date of its publication. EPBC Act Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 12 References GCCC Gold Coast City Council IFOA Integrated Forestry Operations Barry, S. & Thomas, G. 1994, Threatened vascular Approval rainforest plants of south-east Queensland, report prepared for ANCA Endangered Species NPWS NSW National Parks and Wildlife Program. Service Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. 1996, Rare or Threatened NSW New South Wales Australian Plants, CSIRO, Melbourne. QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Ellstrand, N.C. & Elam, D.R. 1993, ‘Population RTA Roads and Traffic Authority genetic consequences of small population size:

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SIS Species Impact Statement VCA Voluntary Conservation Agreement TSC Act NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995

Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) Page 14 De prvdRcvr lnTheCrystalCreekWalnut ApprovedRecoveryPlan p artment ofEnvironment andConservation Table 1. Estimated costs of implementing the actions identified in the Recovery Plan

Actio Action Title *Priorit Cost Estimate ($’s/year) Total Responsible #In- ^Cash n no y Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5 Cost ($ Party/Funding kind sources 1.1 Co-ordination 1 1 750 1 750 1 750 1 750 1 750 8 750 DEC 8 750 1.2 Develop record keeping system 1 5 000 1 050 1 050 1 050 1 050 9 200 DEC 9 200 2.1 Improve knowledge base - surveys 1 20 750 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 24 750 DEC 4 750 20 000 2.2 Incorporate records into wildlife Atlas 2 350 350 350 350 350 1 750 DEC 1 750 3.1 EIS guidelines 1 1 050 350 350 350 350 2 450 DEC 2 450 4.1 Habitat management – notify landholders 1 1 050 350 350 350 350 2 450 DEC 2 450 4.2 Site specific management planning 1 3 500 1 750 1 750 1 750 1 750 10 500 DEC 10 500 4.3 Control weeds 1 7 000 3 500 1 750 1 750 1 750 15 750 DEC 15 750 4.4 Protect roadside locations 1 1 750 350 350 350 350 3 150 DEC 3 150 (

NSW 4.5 Prevent genetic pollution 1 350 350 350 350 350 1 750 DEC 1 750 5 Fire planning and management 1 3 500 350 350 350 350 4 900 DEC 4 900 ) 6.1 Research - investigate population dynamics 2 4 000 4 000 4 000 4 000 4 000 20 000 DEC 20 000 6.2 Reproductive biology and genetics 2 20 000 20 000 20 000 20 000 20 000 100 000 DEC 100 000 7.1 Contingency planning – ex situ collections 2 1 750 1 750 3 500 DEC 3 500 7.2 Store genetic material 2 1 750 1 750 3 500 DEC 3 500 8.1 Integrate with other recovery plans 2 1 750 1 750 3 500 DEC 3 500 9.1 Involve community 1 4 750 350 350 350 350 6 150 DEC 6 150 Total Annual cost of the Crystal Creek Walnut 80 050 40 750 33 750 33 750 33 750 222 050 82 050 140 000 Recovery Program

Pa * Priority ratings are: 1 - action critical to meeting plan objectives; 2 - action contributing to meeting plan objectives; 3 - desirable but not essential action #‘In-Kind’ Funds represent salary component of permanent staff and current resources ^‘Cash’ Funds represent the salary component for temporary staff and other costs such as the purchasing of survey and laboratory equipment g e 15 Approved Recovery Plan The Crystal Creek Walnut

Appendix 1: Summary of advice from the NSW Scientific Committee Under Section 66A of the TSC Act, Recovery Plans must include a summary of any advice given by the NSW Scientific Committee, details of any amendments made to the plan to take account of that advice and a statement of reasons for any departure from that advice. The Scientific Committee’s comments on the draft Endiandra floydii Recovery Plan and details of amendments made are tabled below. Section Advice Response A number of species also occur in Noted. No amendment to text required. Queensland, and the idea is that the plan becomes the national plan. However, all identified expenditure is from DEC – no contribution from Queensland is indicated (ie yet research in particular would benefit both states). The Scientific Committee is not able to Noted. No amendment to text required. comment on issues in Queensland. The plan involves considerable Noted. expenditure (even though in the case of some of the research actions the suggested amounts seem unrealistically low). What is the likely-hood of DEC being able to support this level of expenditure? An issue for these, and other rainforest Noted. No amendment to text required. species, is that they are in cultivation. This raises issues of continuing collection, genetic “pollution” and well meaning ‘do it yourself’ ‘recovery’ actions. There may be merit in DEC preparing a Noted. No amendment to text required. more generic position paper about issues raised by horticultural use of threatened species. Action 2.2 What measures can DEC take to ensure The provision of all records made by researchers that all records made by researchers and and consultants is included as a condition of consultants licensed by DEC submit licence. No amendment to text required. records?

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