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Specialising in natural resource and social planning; community consultation and facilitation; values mapping and consensus building, mediation and conflict resolution; policy development; program and organisational diagnosis and development.
Grassy White Box Woodlands |
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project outline |
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Project Update: Summer 1999-2000New partnership at BalaA partnership of conservation interest and trust has evolved between Young Rural Lands Protection Board and the GWB Taking Action Now! Project with an agreement to provide funds towards fencing and noxious weed control on the Bala Travelling Stock Reserve, north east of Boorowa. The site has a large proportion of White Box trees with a grassy understorey.This reserve has attracted a deal of interest in the past from botanists Kevin Thiele & Suzanne Prober, as well as being placed on the national heritage register. The geographic location of this reserve in an otherwise “treeless” landscape ensures its importance, as well as forming part of a vegetation corridor which is well utilized by key fauna species such as the Superb Parrot. Joe Mooney, RLPB ranger, is very protective of his reserves and views this involvement as worthwhile for the ongoing protection of significant flora and fauna. The aim of fencing is to limit unnecessary access by vehicles and stock overall, and to promote regeneration in one particularly species-rich area within the reserve which will not be grazed. Ongoing site assessments will provide clues and information as to regeneration of vegetation in controlled grazing versus ungrazed areas. Article by Karen Walker, RLO in the southern region of the project
Last summer we first identified kangaroo grass (Themeda australis) and barbwire grass (Cymbopogon refractus) on the site and this spring we found, for the first time, some yam daisies (Microseris scapigera). These were once an abundant source of food for Aborigines but now only found in ungrazed woodlands. Another new species this spring is (Indigofera australis), a small shrub from the Fabaceae family. This probably grew from a seed dropped by birds and joins three other species which have arrived in a similar fashion, kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus), northern silver wattle (Acacia leucaclada) and western silver wattle (A. decora). Snow grass (poa spp.) has now become the dominant grass on the site mixed with red grass (Bothriochloa macra), wallaby grass (Danthonia spp.) and common wheat grass (Elymus scaber). Amongst these grasses this year, there is a great abundance of chocolate lilies (Dichopogon fimbriatus), early nancy (Wurmbea dioica) and Bulbine lily (Bulbine bulbosa). For the first time in the six years of stock exclusion, I have intervened and planted two dozen Hardenbergias grown from locally collected seed. If you have a remnant vegetation site, I would encourage you to get some help identifying the species present and use the list in the monitoring of the site. This help can be obtained from the Rural Liaison Officer (RLO) in your area, Greening Australia or DLWC. Another useful tool is to take regular photos from a set point and note the vegetation changes. As we visit landholders in our role as RLOs for the Grassy Whitebox Woodland project, we are seeing a growing awareness amongst them as to the importance of biodiversity in the landscape. As we soak up all the information we can on the subject, we are constantly amazed at the interaction between the trees, the birds, the insects and reptiles, not to mention the soil microorganisms and fungi. Retaining this variety of all life forms is, at last, being accepted more and more as an investment in the future of a truly sustainable farm.
Gavin said, “I am from a family who has long been committed to environmental conservation. I grew up with salinity and some of my earliest childhood recollections include helping my late father (Jack Wall) plant trees, rip rabbits and reclaim gully, sheet and tunnel erosion in addition to pasture establishment. I certainly appreciate the efforts of dedicated farmers who manage the biodiversity on their properties with an enduring passion in the interests of present and future generations. History will kindly judge the forethought and commitment of these environmentally conscious farmers. It is important to note that the health of individuals has a direct correlation to the health of the environment. The GWB project demonstrates the degree of commitment individuals have displayed by their appropriate management of these valuable remnant areas. This management does not necessarily imply a total “lockup / fence out” philosophy, rather sites are managed in a way that is at least sustainable, but preferably encourages regeneration. Depending on season, closely monitored periods of grazing which may include lambing or off-shears shelter, may well be desirable to enhance the regeneration of remnant sites. We really need to revisit the terminology of “lockup / fence out”, as it implies loss of use when in fact the fence (with gate) should be regarded as a management tool.”
Are you interested in conservation and you are:
What are the aims of the project? Our aims are to:
Gavin Wall 5 Bellevue Parade Kooringal, 2650. Telephone: (02) 6926 6886. Mobile: 0419 463 789 Email: gavinwall@ozemail.com.au
Each site had its own uniqueness and levels of biodiversity varied. However what they all had in common was owner managers who were enthusiastic, and keen to learn more. Increasing biodiversity seems to relate to grazing management, with the rotational graziers having sites with a more diverse grass layer. Periods of rest seem to be key. The other observation I have made, is that when it is well managed, grass does in fact grow thickly under the trees in White Box Woodlands. A Manilla landholder suggested that rabbits were the main cause of lack of ground cover under trees. His theory was that they like the shade and constantly nibble at the plants placing them under stress so they taste sweeter, causing a vicious circle which results in bare ground. The Manilla, Barraba, Bingara and Inverell areas have many White Box communities, with locals questioning the rareness of GWB. Remember it is not the White Box Tree that is rare but the whole plant community. The majority of White Box communities existing today in the North West slopes of NSW are Shrubby White Box Woodlands, where conditions are harder. However within these areas, pockets of better soil have lead to the existence of hidden areas of Grassy White Box Woodlands. One landholder at Bingara suggested that if I came for a day’s horse ride with him I would be rewarded with many special sites in his hills. I’m working myself up to this challenge. (How would Community Solutions cope with this travel claim? Maybe a tube of Dencorub!) Over the next six months I plan to offer my services as guest speaker on the topic of GWB to any interested groups within my area. Please phone me to book a date.
Geoff Tonkin & Mollie Whitehorn
Karen Walker
Project Leaders
and Please make contact with one of the above people if you would like to be placed on the mailing list for this regular Update.
management group members were also sorry to lose Sue Salvin the NSWFA representative from the management group. Sue has left the NSWFA and is now working on carbon credits with NSW State Forests. Gavin Wall, (see article pp 2-3) is representing the Association temporarily until a permanent replacement is chosen.
The management group will be discussing with the NHT the potential for the project to commission or receive submissions for innovative group projects which may include the development of scientific assessment skills and their application, trials of management options, development of data collection frameworks and educational activities. More details on this will be available in the next Update. |
CONTENTS:Successful applicants for 1999-2000 Delivering Nature Conservation and Resource Management Options to Farmers Report from the Northern Region |
Article by Geoff Tonkin, who works as a team with Mollie Whitehorn to fill the RLO position in the Central West
Gavin Wall is representing the NSW Farmers’ Association on the management group and Reference Group for the GWB project
from RLO Toni McLeish
Stuart McMahon from the NSW Government’s Farming for the Future Program attended his first management group meeting in late November, and has promised an article on the work of his Program for the next Update.