Walls of Jerusalem National Park Recreation Zone Plan Implementation Project NATURAL VALUES ASSESSMENT 4 April 2019 For Parks and Wildlife, Tasmania (PWS013) Andrew North [email protected] Philip Barker [email protected] 163 Campbell Street Hobart TAS 7000 Telephone 03. 6231 9788 Facsimile 03. 6231 9877 Walls of Jerusalem National Park – Recreation Zone Implementation Project Natural Values Assessment Solomons Throne from unnamed tarn near Dixons Kingdom Camp ii North Barker Ecosystem Services PWS013 04/04/2019 Walls of Jerusalem National Park – Recreation Zone Implementation Project Natural Values Assessment Summary Background The Walls of Jerusalem National Park - Recreation Zone Plan 2013 recommends infrastructure improvements to camping sites and walking tracks to accommodate growth in visitation to the Walls of Jerusalem National Park. The Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service have identified four implementation projects: Lake Adelaide - formalised campsite set back from the lake including toilets. Wild Dog Creek – Additional set of tent platforms. Dixons Kingdom - formalised campsite to the southwest of the existing cabin with platforms and toilets plus new tracks linking to the Walls of Jerusalem Track and to Dixons Kingdom hut. Dixons Kingdom to Lake Ball, Jaffa Vale – track realignment and upgrade. Vegetation There are five listed threatened native vegetation communities (Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002) within or in close proximity to the proposed developments. Highland Poa grassland (GPH) Highland grassy sedgeland (MGH) Sphagnum peatland (ASP) Athrotaxis cupressoides open woodland (RPW) Athrotaxis cupressoides rainforest (RPP) Sphagnum peatland equates to the nationally listed ecological community Alpine sphagnum bogs and associated fens. The total extent of vegetation impacted is approximately 3000 sqm. Much of this will not be entirely removed but will be modified in some way through branch and shrub removal for tracks, or smothering or shading from boardwalks, bridges, toilets and tent platforms. Threatened communities will be impacted and cannot be entirely avoided. However, any losses are mitigated by the areas of currently disturbed vegetation in inappropriately located informal tracks and camping sites that will better regulated through the formalisation of these facilities. The extent of impact to the Alpine sphagnum bogs and associated fens is not considered to be significant and so will not trigger the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Threatened Flora Two threatened flora species were recorded: spreading daisy Brachyscome radicata (TSPA rare) alpine violet Viola cunninghamii (TSPA rare) Due to the season of survey whereby flowering was finished it is possible that both species may be more widespread than mapped. They are both located in grassy vegetation near Dixons Kingdom. Although not present in the camping area they were both recorded in close proximity to the northern access track western option. The Viola may also occur in the eastern option. iii North Barker Ecosystem Services PWS013 04/04/2019 Walls of Jerusalem National Park – Recreation Zone Implementation Project Natural Values Assessment Threatened Fauna Evidence of activity of Tasmanian devils was observed in Jaffa Vale and it is very likely that this and two other vertebrate carnivore species (spotted-tail quoll and eastern quoll) are wide ranging throughout the study area. There is nothing to suggest that any disturbance to significant habitat features will result. Although dens may be present in the vicinity that could result in temporary disturbances impacts to any threatened fauna that may utilise habitat in the area is unlikely to be significant. Significant Weeds Plant Pathogens – Phytophthora cinnamomi (PC) No significant or declared weeds were recorded. No symptomatic evidence of PC was observed. The area is outside the altitudinal range of PC Impact Assessment The proposed works will have minor impact to native vegetation including some threatened vegetation communities. It may also affect two threatened flora species abut is unlikely to impact upon the breeding success of threatened fauna. Impact to the most sensitive vegetation community Sphagnum peatland (ASP) can be minimised by utilising appropriate infrastructure to limit trampling. The proposed developments can comply with the Meander Valley Interim Planning Scheme 2013. Acknowledgments Field work and photographs: Andrew North Report: Andrew North, NBES Mapping: Linda Drummond, NBES Acknowledgements: Daniel Johansson; PWS, Client contact North Barker Ecosystem Services, 2019. This work is protected under Australian Copyright law. The contents and format of this report cannot be used by anyone for any purpose other than that expressed in the service contract for this report without the written permission of North Barker- Ecosystem Services. iv North Barker Ecosystem Services PWS013 04/04/2019 Walls of Jerusalem National Park – Recreation Zone Implementation Project Natural Values Assessment Contents 1. INTRODUCTION AND METHODS 1 1.1 Background ..................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Study Area and Methods ................................................................................. 2 1.2.1 Study Area .................................................................................................................2 1.2.2 Geoconservation........................................................................................................2 1.2.3 Landscape .................................................................................................................2 1.2.4 Water Quality .............................................................................................................3 1.2.5 Field survey ...............................................................................................................4 1.2.6 Limitations ..................................................................................................................4 2. RESULTS – BIOLOGICAL VALUES 6 2.1 Vegetation ................................................................................................... 6 2.1.1 TASVEG communities ...............................................................................................6 2.1.2 RFA priority communities ..........................................................................................7 2.1.3 Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens. .........................................................7 2.1.4 Lake Adelaide Camp .................................................................................................8 2.1.5 Wild Dog Creek ....................................................................................................... 10 2.1.6 Dixons Kingdom ...................................................................................................... 12 2.1.7 Lake Ball Track ..................................................................................................... 124 2.2 Plant Species of Conservation Significance .............................................. 18 2.2.1 Previous records from vicinity ................................................................................. 18 2.2.2 Current Survey ........................................................................................................ 19 2.2.3 Significant / Sensitive Species ................................................................................ 20 2.2.4 WHA flora values .................................................................................................... 21 2.3 Introduced plants ....................................................................................... 21 2.4 Plant Pathogens ........................................................................................ 21 2.5 Fauna Species of Conservation Significance ............................................. 22 2.5.1 Threatened Mammals ............................................................................................. 22 2.5.2 Threatened Birds .................................................................................................... 23 2.5.3 Other threatened or migratory species ................................................................... 24 2.5.4 WHA Fauna Values ................................................................................................ 25 3. SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS TO NATURAL VALUES 26 3.1 Lake Adelaide Camp ...................................................................................... 26 3.2 Wild Dog Creek camp extension .................................................................... 27 3.3 Dixons Kingdom ............................................................................................. 28 3.4 Lake Ball Track .............................................................................................. 30 v North Barker Ecosystem Services PWS013 04/04/2019 Walls of Jerusalem National Park – Recreation Zone Implementation Project Natural Values Assessment 3.5 Vegetation Loss ............................................................................................. 31 4. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AVOIDANCE, COMPLIANCE AND MITIGATION 35 4.1 General .......................................................................................................... 35 4.2 Threatened – Significant Vegetation Communities ........................................