2014 Blue Lagoon Draft Management Plan Acknowledgements: The work done by Chris and Sally Johns in the preparation of the Draft Action Plan for the Blue Lagoon Reserve Work carried out within the reserve by the Southern Beaches Landcare/Coastcare, the Sorell Primary School and the Dodges Ferry Community We would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land. Contents 1.0 Introduction………………………………………………………….. 1 1.1 Background…………………………………………………………… 1 1.2 Reserve Values………………………………………………………. 3 1.3 Community Consultation…………………………………………….. 3 2.0 Scope…………………………………………………………………. 3 3.0 Goals………………………………………...................................... 4 4.1 Vision Statement…………………………………………………… 4 5.0 Risk Management…………………………………………………… 4 6.0 Flora and Fauna…………………………………............................ 4 6.1 Threatened Species………………………………………………….. 5 6.2 Weeds………………………………………………………………..... 6 6.3 Pine Tree Removal…………………………………………………… 7 6.4 Vegetation Maintenance…………………………………………….. 7 7.0 Urban Impact………………………………………………………… 7 8.0 High Rainfall Events……………………………………………….. 8 9.0 Litter, Waste Management and Water Quality…………………. 8 10.0 Access Management………………………………………………. 9 10.1 Signage………………………………………………………………... 10 11.0 Dog Control and Management……………………………………. 10 12.0 Cultural Heritage……………………………………………………. 10 12.0 Climate Change…………………………………………………....... 11 14.0 Community Support and Resources…………………………….. 11 15.0 Landscape……………………………………………………………. 12 16.0 Management Categories…………………………………………… 13 Table 1: Pine tree Removal……………………………………….. 14 Table 2: Pine tree Removal Timeline……………………………. 14 Table 3: Flora and fauna Management………………………….. 15 Table 4: Access and Dog Management …………………………. 15 Table 5: Water Quality and Litter Management ………………… 16 Table 6: Community Activities ……………………………………. 16 Table 7: Weed Management …………………………………….. 17 17.0 Weed Lifecycle and Control……………………………………. 17 17.1 Mirror Bush …………………………………………………………… 18 17.2 Radiata Pine………………………………………………………….. 18 17.3 Bone Seed……………………………………………………………. 19 17.4 Tree Lucerne………………………………………………………….. 19 Map 1: Site Location…………………………………………………. 1 Map 2: Access………………………………………………………… 20 Map 3: Pine Tree Removal Site Map………………………………. 21 Appendix 1 22 Flora Species List…………………………………………………. 22 Fauna Species List………………………………………………... 22 Avian Species List…………………………………………………. 22 Invertebrate Species List…………………………………………. 22 1.0: Introduction Blue Lagoon Reserve is an important ephemeral wetland and dune system, located in the urban environment of Dodges Ferry. The reserve approximately 7.66 ha in area is approximately 9 km south-east of Sorell and 24 km west of Hobart. Under the Sorell planning scheme the site is zoned Open Space. The reserve is bounded by private property and Carlton Beach Road to the south-east, the Boat- ramp Park and Kannah Street to the north and Frederick Henry Bay to the South- west. The Reserve is owned and managed by Sorell Council. Map 1: Blue Lagoon Reserve 1.1. Background Early settlers cleared most of the native vegetation around the lagoon using the area for various purposes. At one time this included the development of an orchard. Pinus radiata was planted as a wind break with the water used for irrigating the fruit trees. Over time the pines have self-seeded creating a dense forest. Later the lagoon was a popular place for holiday makers with children using small water craft in the Lagoon. In the 1950’s the lagoon held water permanently up to waist depth in places. It was habitat for several small fish species. Southern Beaches Landcare/Coastcare Inc (SBL/C), an active community group, has been caring for the local coastal environment for the past twenty years. The SBL/C is dedicated to the conservation of the local environment in the Dodges Ferry, Lewisham and Primrose Sands area of South East Tasmania. In 2007 the group successfully applied for an Envirofund grant from the Australian Government. The grant, with support from Sorell Council, was for the restoration and rehabilitation of the wetland area known as Blue Lagoon. Key aspects of the Envirofund project included: Staged removal of identified mature Pine trees Revegetation with appropriate local native species Purchase of equipment for water quality monitoring Field days to help educate local people about the lagoon and its environmental values The development of a Management Plan to guide the group and Sorell Council in joint strategic management of the Lagoon. Sorell School Landcare, SBL/C and Sorell Council have worked jointly to remove weeds and undertake revegetation at the lagoon for a number of years. In response to urban development within the surrounding area council has completed works on the natural drainage within the lagoons wider catchment including the Frederick Henry Bay outlet. The outlet drain is only operational after extreme flood events and is subject to ‘silting’ up by windblown sand Drainage works in the catchment included the installation of storm water pits, alteration of the main stream by road works associated with the creation of subdivisions for housing and the underground piping of the natural stream Water from urban areas can contain silt, nutrients and litter significantly impacting waterways and wetlands There is a potential for seepage from septic systems to impact the water quality of waterways and wetlands Reduced rainfall has, in the past, impacted heavily on the lagoon. At times the lagoon has only held water for short periods of time with an approximate depth of 20- 30cm. During these times four wheel drive vehicles have accessed the wetland damaging sensitive plant species and allowed the dumping of garden waste. Despite the general degradation of Reserve the wetland is still an important habitat for native plants and animals particularly frogs and invertebrates. The lagoon is used by both resident birds and sea birds nesting on nearby Spectacle and Little Spectacle Islands, State Nature Reserve. In 2007, with community support, Council obtained an Australian Government funded Green Corps team. Some remedial works were carried out and through this process it was identified that a strategic management plan was required. This reflected the community’s concern for the lagoon’s ongoing environmental well- being. This plan recognises that to obtain a self-sustaining and healthy ecosystem within an urban environment rehabilitation of the wetland is imperative. The success of this plan requires a joint commitment between Council, relevant stakeholders and the community. 1.2. Reserve Values The values of the reserve are categorised in the following key areas; scientific social landscape amenity recreation habitat threatened species Wetlands are considered amongst the most productive habitats in the world. They have historically provided a rich food source for humans as well as important breeding and nursery habitat for numerous fish, shellfish, birds, mammals and plants. As well as hydrologic functions including flood mitigation wetlands recycle carbon, nitrogen, and water to varying degrees. The removal and storage of carbon from the atmosphere is seen as an important process in reducing the greenhouse effect and the threat of global warming. Social values are often considered to be an intangible asset to a community. The realisation of the value to a community is apparent when the cost of remedial works is met by the community. The environment associated with the reserve means different things to different people within a community. These include an educational site for local schools, recreation, public open space and a site containing important remnant habitat. 1.3. Community Consultation The successful implementation of this management plan will be dependent on the continued involvement and collaboration of the local and wider community. 2.0: Scope This Management Plan does not include the adjoining ‘Boat Park’. Although priority is given to the reserve due consideration must be given to impacts from the surrounding Dodges Ferry landscape. The Management Plan includes recommendations to conserve and rehabilitate the reserve to assist Council and stakeholders in investigating potential funding opportunities for future rehabilitation projects. 3.0: Goals To identify, manage and protect Blue Lagoon Reserve’s natural wetland environment To guide the long term restoration of the Reserve To identify appropriate areas for managed recreational opportunities To support funding bids and allocation of resources To explore ways of engaging local community involvement in caring for and experiencing the reserve 4.0. Vision Statement The Blue Lagoon Reserve is valued by the Dodges Ferry and broader community as an ecological and culturally significant location. Blue Lagoon Reserve is actively managed through an integrated approach to conserve and enhance its biodiversity values that include National and State significant species. Opportunities for local residents to learn and engage with wetland environments will be provided for through interpretive signage and informal trails. The Reserve provides low impact, passive tourism opportunities for bird watching, photographers, naturalists and education and science opportunities for local and regional students. 5.0. Risk Management The reserve is owned and managed by Sorell Council with council having the prime responsibility for risk management. Recommendations: Council will work with community groups to coordinate volunteer activities within the reserve. Council to co-ordinate contractors regarding