Cross property planning project update - April 2013

• Whole farm integrated weed management strategies workshops
• Cross property connectivity planning groups formalised
• What we know now about conservation and biodiversity on our properties?
• What native plants and animals are on my property?
• Using native species to manage invasive weeds
• Cross property planning funding trees in Humula and Kyeamba
• Whole of landscape connectivity mapping for the Junee cross property group

Whole farm integrated weed management strategies workshops

Over the past 3 months Alison Elvin from Natural Capital has been working with individual landholders in the Humula and Kyeamba cross property planning groups to assist with developing whole property integrated weed management plans.  The plan is designed to identify threats to biodiversity and production on the properties; the location of the major infestations of identified weeds; and a 5-10 year management and monitoring strategy based on a combination of cultural, mechanical and chemical controls.

On-ground weed management work identified through the plans has been partially funded through a $4,000 grant to landholders, with further funding available in 2014.

A final workshop has been planned for May 7 at Humula and May 8 at Ladysmith Hall with Alison Elvin and Jenene Kidston from NSW DPI.  Landholders will have an opportunity to discuss their integrated weed management plans and their future control strategies.  The days will also include a site visit in the afternoon to inspect previous control work undertaken through the project.

Cross property connectivity planning groups formalised

The enthusiastic response of landholders to be part of the cross property planning project across Junee, Humula and Kyeamba has resulted in the formation of an official register of group members.  Group members on the register will be sent a letter shortly outlining the project steps and funding available to their group for on-ground work relating to the project themes:

a) biodiverse plantings

b) protecting and enhancing existing vegetation

c) managing threats to biodiversity.

What we know now about conservation and biodiversity on our properties?

The project aims to help landholders develop skills, knowledge and understanding of conservation and biodiversity on their own properties and across the landscape through workshops, meetings and the provision of funding for on-ground work for tree planting, protection of existing remnant vegetation and managing threats to biodiversity through weed and feral animal management.

In order to determine where the on-ground funds should be directed and to assist the project with planning activities and workshops, a survey of cross property participants will be conducted throughout Humula and Kyeamba from May and Junee from late June 2013.

What native plants and animals are on my property?

Have you ever wondered what species of birds, mammals and insects are hiding on your property?  What about all the strange plants that you cannot identify?  Members of the cross property plannign groups at Junee, Kyeamba and Humula will soon be able to find out.  The project is funding flora and fauna surveys to be conducted in spring 2013.  A public spot lighting evening will be held in conjunction with the survey days. More information to come.

Using native species to manage invasive weeds

Three trials to examine the ability of native species to suppress invasive weeds are to be established in Humula, Kyeamba and Illabo.  The trials aim to compare the competitive ability of (a) grasses, (b) Acacias, (c) shrub legumes, and (d) miscellaneous ground covers and forbs against introduced species.

Treatments will include varying plant densities; the effect of sugar to provide a competitive advantage to natives over introduced species; the use of transplanted seedlings compared to seed; and the use of micorrhiza to see if there is any improvement in establishment and growth of the native species.

The Humula trial planned for Laurie & Nicole Skye’s property ‘Miowere’ hopes to compare the competitiveness of native species against St John’s wort in an existing fenced remnant on the property.  Work will commence on this trial throughout May.

In addition to examining the competitiveness of native species to manage introduced species, the Illabo trial will also have an integrated pest management (IPM) component.  In this trial at Bill & Maria Muller’s property ‘Nanlong’ mixed populations of native species will be planted, within an existing mature remnant, so the area will flower year round and can therefore provide resources for a range of beneficial insects that can help with regulating pest numbers.  Pest and beneficial Insect diversity and abundance will be measured within the remnant, across the neighbouring cropping paddocks and also in a control remnant about 1 km away, where no additional vegetation is planted, to determine the effects of native understory on insect populations.

Cross property planning funding trees in Humula and Kyeamba

Easter proved a busy time for many Humula cross property planning group members.  Around 700 trees were provided with project funds to assist landholders to replace trees that had been lost from the previous cross property planning project in the area (Communities in Landscape (CiL) Project 2009-2011).

A further 1000 trees will be delivered to Kyeamba cross property planning group members in late April 2013.

Whole of landscape connectivity mapping for the Junee cross property group

Susie Jackson from the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage has been contracted by the project to work with landholders in the Junee cross property planning group to develop a 'whole of landscape' connectivity plan for the area.  Over the last few weeks Susie and Landcare Project Officer Sam Shannon have visited a number of properties around Bethungra, Illabo and Junee to discuss proposed on-ground works and to help landholders create vegetation linkages across their properties.

One property that was visited belonged to Bill & Maria Muller from ‘Nunlong’, Illabo.  Bill plans to use his on-ground funding to help improve the biodiversity around an existing dam and create linkages with it to existing vegetation through a new wildlife corridor and scattered paddock trees.