Clarence Catchment Regional Vegetation Management Plan - Draft Issues Paper

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLANCLARENCE CATCHMENT

*** DRAFT ***ISSUES PAPER

Prepared by

Greg SteenbeekeDepartment of Land and Water Conservation, Grafton.

Utilising funding sourced from the National LandcareProgram/Natural Heritage Trust

by Clarence Catchment Management Committee.

DRAFT ISSUES PAPER - CLARENCE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

List of Contents.LIST OF TABLES.......................................................

1. INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT..........................................1.1. THE CLARENCE CATCHMENT.............................................

1.1.1. Land Description including Geology..................................................................................1.1.2. Climate..................................................................................................................................1.1.3. Land Use................................................................................................................................

1.2. PROJECT METHODOLOGY................................................1.3. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION............................................1.4. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS............................................1.5. KEY PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES:.......................................2. KEY ISSUES.......................................................2.1. VEGETATION AND BIODIVERSITY.....................................

2.1.1. Biodiversity Principles...........................................................................................................2.1.2. Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species...........................................................................2.1.3. Vegetation Types with Restricted Distributions..................................................................2.1.4. ‘High Conservation Value’ Vegetation Types.......................................................................2.1.5. Riparian Vegetation..............................................................................................................2.1.6. Wetlands................................................................................................................................2.1.7. Coastal Lands........................................................................................................................2.1.8. Rainforests.............................................................................................................................

2.1.8.a. Littoral Rainforests..........................................2.1.8.b. Subtropical Rainforests.......................................2.1.8.c. Warm-temperate Rainforests....................................2.1.8.d. Cool-temperate Rainforests....................................2.1.8.e. Dry Rainforests...............................................

2.1.9. Genetic Integrity....................................................................................................................2.1.10. Dry Forests..........................................................................................................................

2.2. MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY ACTIONS................................2.2.1. Commuity Awareness...........................................................................................................2.2.2. Maintaining and Conserving Biodiversity...........................................................................2.2.3. Management of Fire in Grazing Situations.........................................................................2.2.4. Management of Hazard Reduction and Wildfire..............................................................2.2.5. Management of Roadside Vegetation.................................................................................2.2.6. Protected Lands.....................................................................................................................2.2.7. Wildlife Corridors..................................................................................................................2.2.8. Greenbelt Areas.....................................................................................................................2.2.9. Weed Management...............................................................................................................2.2.10. Marine, Maritime and Estuarine Communities................................................................2.2.11. Pasture Management.........................................................................................................2.2.12. Appropriate Revegetation..................................................................................................

2.3. FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF VEGETATION................................2.3.1. Seed Supply............................................................................................................................2.3.2. Seedling Supply.....................................................................................................................2.3.3. Harvesting of Natural Forests..............................................................................................2.3.4. Harvesting of Natural Plant Products.................................................................................2.3.5. Ecotourism.............................................................................................................................

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2.3.6. Agroforestry...........................................................................................................................2.3.7. Plantation Establishment and Management......................................................................2.3.8. Bush Tucker............................................................................................................................2.3.9. Apiaries.................................................................................................................................

3. CONCLUDING REMARKS................................................3.1. IDENTIFIED ONGOING PROJECTS.........................................3.2. IDENTIFIED PRIORITY PROJECTS.......................................3.3. PROJECTS THAT SHOULD BE FUNDED......................................3.4. EDUCATION........................................................APPENDIX A...........................................................A.1. AUGMENTING DOCUMENTATION AND MATERIALS..........................

A.1.1. Active Geographic Information Systems for maintaining accurate details of vegetation.........................................................................................................................................

A.1.1.1. Multiple GIS Layers...........................................A.1.1.1.a. Protected Lands.................................................A.1.1.1.b. Significant Vegetation Types........................................A.1.1.1.c. Rare Species (TSC and ROTAP).......................................A.1.1.1.d. Noxious Species..................................................A.1.1.1.e. Reserves and Conservation Areas....................................A.1.1.1.f. Prescribed and Significant Streams...................................A.1.1.1.g. Greenbelt Zones..................................................A.1.1.1.h. SEPP Zones......................................................A.1.1.1.i. Acid Sulfate Soils.................................................A.1.1.1.j. Fire Management and Prescribed Burning..............................A.1.1.1.k. Clearing Rates...................................................

A.1.2. Data Availability and Custodians........................................................................................

APPENDIX B...........................................................B.1. LIST OF REPORTS ON VEGETATION OF THE CLARENCE CATCHMENT.................B.2. BRIEF LIST OF REPORTS AND LOCAL STUDIES CONSIDERED RELEVANT TO VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLANNING.....................................................B.3. PAPERS AND STUDIES USED AS REFERENCES FOR THIS STUDY BUT NOT CITED IN THE TEXT..................................................................APPENDIX C...........................................................C.1. PRINCIPLES DERIVED FROM OTHER SOURCES:................................

C.1.1. Clearing..................................................................................................................................C.1.2. Wetland Management..........................................................................................................C.1.3. Rivers and Estuaries..............................................................................................................C.1.4. Ecological Goals / Objectives from RTA Roadside Environment Strategic Plan:.............C.1.5. Strategy Plan for Key Natural Resource Issues in the Clarence Catchment:..................

APPENDIX D...........................................................D.1. RARE, ENDANGERED AND THREATENED PLANT SPECIES LIKELY TO OCCUR IN THE CLARENCE CATCHMENT......................................................APPENDIX E...........................................................E.1. LAND AND ACTIVITIES EXEMPTED FROM THE RVMP PROCESS..............

E.1.1. Lands Exempted....................................................................................................................E.1.2. Clearing Activities Excluded..................................................................................................



LIST OF TABLES.


DRAFT ISSUES PAPERCLARENCE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

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1. Introduction to Project.The project was originally conceived by The Clarence CatchmentManagement Committee, which had become aware of the need for astrategic planning instrument for the Clarence Catchment in anumber of workshops and public meetings. Acknowledgement thatthe position would require a coordinated effort, and theemployment of an officer to undertake that, the soughtfunding from the National Landcare Program in the 1995/6round. This project failed to obtain funding in that year, butin a resubmitted form managed to do so in the 1996/7 round.The title of the position was noted as ‘Local GovernmentLiaison Officer’, with the obvious relationships between thelead agency (DLWC) and the 11 councils of the catchmentbecoming obvious in the title.The preferred outcomes of the project were:· A vegetation management plan for the Clarence Catchment;· The development of coordinated and community accepted

policies for the management of vegetation within thecatchment;

· Identifications to councils and community groups of theprocesses involved with vegetation management planning;

· Identification of high priority vegetation managementprojects within the catchment for support and funding; and

· Assisting councils to access sources for data andinformation on vegetation and biodiversity.

During the early part of the timeframe there were problemswith a clear direction for the project. This resulted from theconfused state of vegetation management in DLWC while theNative Vegetation Conservation Act (NVC Act) was beingcomposed. However, once the NVC Act had been passed (1 January1998), there were few impediments to the direction, with onlythe lack of ministerial response on boundaries causing ongoingconcern.

1.1. The Clarence Catchment.

The Clarence River Catchment occupies an area of approximately22 700 km2 in North Eastern New South Wales. The physicallimits of the catchment are the Richmond Range on the North-eastern boundary, the McPherson Range (including AcaciaPlateau) on the Northern boundary (which is also the State



Border with Queensland), the New England Range (Great DividingRange) along the western side southwards to Ben Lomond, theDoughboy Range along the South-western side and the DorrigoPlateau on the South-eastern side, and the Coast Range alongthe eastern Boundary. For planning and sociological purposes,the catchments of the Wooli Wooli and Sandon rivers east ofthe Coast Range are also included in the ‘Clarence Catchment’.

1.1.1. Land Description including Geology.The Clarence shows a great diversity of landforms throughoutit’s extent. The mainly basin-shaped eastern section isdominated by rolling lowland hills surrounding an extensiveflooplain. However, the erosion of the sandstone-dominatedCoast Range has resulted in sharply rising hills, dissectedinto narrow ridges. The higher altitude lands on the westernand south-western parts predominately show rolling topography.The escarpment area dividing these two parts is steep andmountainous country dissected by deep gorges and ravines, withrapid changes in slope and elevation over short distances.Small areas of riparian terrace occur along the majorwatercourses, and form disjunct areas of flatter topography.Altitudes throughout the catchment range from sea-level alongthe coast (and to some distance inland along the Clarence) toa maximum of 1584 metres at Round Mountain west of Ebor.The geology of the area reflects the presence of two majorgeological units. The southern end of the Clarence-Mortonsedimentary basin forms the eastern half and extendsnorthwards along the Richmond Range (where there are frequentoutcrops of Tertiary basalt capping). The rocks of this basinare mainly coarser-grained sediments (sandstones, arenites),although strata of shale and coal occur within the basin also.The western plateau forms largely from the weathering of anumber of granite and granitoid plutons, the rollingtopography showing their presence. The escarpment areas also consist of two separate bodies. Thesouthern end is dominated by metamorphosed materials derivedfrom sediments, with shales, slates argillites and quartzitesas the majority of materials present. The northern end of theescarpment is dominated by acid volcanics, such as rhyoliteand tuff. Serpentinite forms a belt roughly seperating the twoareas, with main outcrops in the Baryulgil area.



The Dorrigo Plateau and areas of the New England Plateau nearGuyra have extensive areas of Tertiary volcanics (basalt andtrachyte mainly). This has given these areas rich soils andhas resulted in extensive agricultural development to thedetriment of the natural vegetation.

1.1.2. Climate.The climate of the Clarence is largely sub-tropical maritime,with a distinct summer maximum rainfall and generally a warm -hot Summer and cool - mild Winter. Snow and frosts are notuncommon during Winter on higher lands in the western parts ofthe catchment, while the coastal lowlands can reach quite hightemperatures during the Summer.Wettest parts of the catchment lie in the South (DorrigoPlateau), and along the coast, with an area of higher rainfallalso occurring on the eastern edge of the north-southescarpment (mainly in the Gibraltar Range area), the DorrigoPlateau and escarpment areas near Coffs Harbour, and thenorthern end of the Richmond Range.

1.1.3. Land Use.Use by Aboriginal people of the vegetation was limited to toolmaking, and harvesting foods and madicines. Extensive changesto the vegetation was limited to the use of fire which wasmainly used in open areas to attract game. Little evidenceexists of past fire practices in the Clarence.After Europeans arrived the vegetation suffered extensive andrapid change. The first clearing was conducted by timbercutters (‘Cedar Getters’), harvesting the rainforest species(mainly Red Cedar) along the rivers. Later, the arrival ofgraziers saw an extensive pastoral industry arise. Many of thelands used for grazing (both coastal and on the tablelands)were probably occupied by 1870, with the industry continuingto be important throughout the catchment. Beef and dairyproduction mainly occur along the coastal zone, while thewestern plaeux support a sheep and beef industry.The development of a cropping industry in northern NSWcommmenced with sugar cane planted on the floodplain of theClarence in 1864. Other crops reaching prominence in the areainclude that based on a native teatree (Melaleuca alternifolia),



which is harvested mainly for oil. Cropping is not a largeindustry in the Clarence, and this situation is likely tocontinue due to poor soils and lower rainfall away from thecoast.Mining has been carried out in various locations since theearly 1800’s. Gold and tin have been mined in the upperClarence since the 1850’s, and significant quantities ofsilver, copper, manganese and antimony have also beenextracted. The serpentinite belt near Baryulgil yieldedasbestos, while the mineral sands along the coast have beenmined for rutile.

1.2. Background information.

A range of information has been collected of the vegetation resources of the Clarence. However, the bulk of this relates to the Crown Lands, gained through projects such as the North-East Forests Biodiversity Study (NEFBS) and the Natural Resources Audit Council (NRAC) audit of Upper North-East New South Wales.

Local governmentname

Area within theClarenceCatchment

Area (& %) of NationalPark, State Forest andother excluded lands.

Bellinger 51653 14192 (27.48%)Coffs Harbour 64503Copmanhurst 315797 83114 + 1125 (26.68%)Dumaresq 5250 153 (2.91%)Grafton 8217 24 (0.29%)Guyra 492675 151270 (30.70%)Kyogle 154936 42478 (27.42%)Maclean 104838 25537 + 8687 (32.64%)Nymboida 513600 246529 (48.00%)Richmond River 25256 + 7245 (Tenterfield 439674 119822 (27.25%)Ulmarra 168688 59958 + 4183 (38.02%)



1.3. Project Methodology.The coordinator, once appointed, met with staff of eachcouncil on an individual basis, usually meeting with theDirector of Planning or Environmental Services. A number offormal addresses to Councils were also made once the formatfor planning under the NVC Act became evident.Data on vegetation in conservation areas was obtained from theNSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, through both the headoffice (Hurstville) and the Northern Zone Office (CoffsHarbour). For forestry areas, a separate set of data wasobtained from State Forests (NSW) at Pennant Hills.Approaches were made to a number of local consultants andenvironmental groups, and information obtained from themincluded the location of particular rare species, or areaswith higher conservation priorities.Information gained from the Vegetation Management unit atGrafton DLWC was also used to determine priorities within theregion for areas with higher conservation values, and toillustrate areas where the vegetation is either in low, mediumor high risk of clearing pressures. There was also involvement in the development of the regionalGreenbelt network, a project of the Department of UrbanAffairs and Planning. Much of the information gained from thatproject is also included here.

1.4. Supporting Documentation.The NSW North East Plants Database was developed as part of this project. It allows the determination of likely identity lists for plants, as well as a capability of creating lists ofspecies which suit particular criteria (habitat, altitude, growth rates or occurrence in a catchment). It satisfies in part the desire to make biodiversity information available to the councils of the Clarence Catchment.Other documentation relevant to the project is contained in the Appendices.



1.5. Legislative Requirements.The main legislative requirements imposed upon the preparationof Vegetation Management Plans come from the Native VegetationConservation Act, 1997 (the NVC Act). This governs themanagement of vegetation upon both private and Crown lands,with the exception including urban lands, lands covered understate planning policies 14 and 26, and Crown Lands managed fortheir vegetation (State Forests, National Parks and NatureReserves). Some clearing activities are also exempted from theoperations of the Act, and they include minimal clearing foron farm purposes, damage resulting from noxious plantscontrol, clearing approved in a designated development andminimal disturbance from road maintenance and construction. Afull coverage of the exempted lands and exempted activities isgiven in Appendix E.A plan, once produced, operates as a Regional EnvironmentalPlan under Part 3 of the Environmental Planning and AssessmentAct, 1989. This places it in a superior position to the LocalEnvironment Plans which must be prepared by Local Governments.

1.6. Key principles and objectives:

{ Maintaining viable populations of all species, with emphasisplaced on monitoring populations of rare and endangered species.{ Reducing threats to existing vegetation through sensible useof fire, control of clearing, and reducing the extent and severity of weed and feral animal infestations.{ Promoting the use of locally harvested and grown propagationmaterials for regeneration works.{ Retention of vegetation where the inherent values of the vegetation are not severely compromised and to maintain and enhance areas with low area to boundary ratios, and connectingcorridors.Values would include: w Suitability as fauna habitat (diversity of ages/species/structure, rare species);w Flora conservation (diversity of species, reproducing/potentially reproductive populations, rare species refuge);



w Stabilisation of surface and landform structure (reductionof soil erosion), and prevention of other forms of land degradation - especially salinisation and acid soils; w Protection of water quality; w Suitability as sustainable fodder source; w Suitability as stock and wildlife refuge (from drought, heat, cold, wind, etc); w Potential income source (bush foods, ecotourism, wildflower production); w Extent of the type as represented throughout the catchment.

Other principles relating to specific issues areas are givenin the relevant section, and are marked with this symbol (v).



2. KEY ISSUES.

2.1. VEGETATION AND BIODIVERSITY.

2.1.1. Biodiversity Principles.v Conserve the diversity of each site at an optimum level forthe available area and resources within the remnant vegetation.v Establishing vegetation around a remnant to reduce the drain on available resources within that vegetation.

2.1.2. Rare, Threatened or Endangered Species.A diverse array of nationally significant species occur in theClarence Catchment - some 226 taxa in total. Their habitatsand distributions are equally varied. However, few are knownto be entirely conserved, and very few would have a majorityof the extant populations in reserves (see below). Seventy-oneare not apparently represented in reserves at all in eitherthe North Coast or Northern Tablelands botanical regions. 11 species are endemic to the Clarence, with centres ofpopulation around Gibraltar Range (Acacia cangaiensis, A. floydii,Dodonaea serratifolia, Persoonia rufa, Telopea aspera, Zieria sp L (Z. floydiims)) and the Baryulgil area (Eucalyptus ophitica, Acacia ruppii). Ofthe 11 species, 4 are noted as not being represented inconservation reserves - National Parks, Nature Reserves andFlora Reserves (they being Acacia ruppii, Eucalyptus ophitica, Melichrushirsutus and Tylophora woollsii), while only one (Zieria floydii ms.) isfound entirely within conservation areas (Mann River NatureReserve).For the complete list of species noted in the ROTAP orlegislative schedules, please refer to Appendix D.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Location of significant species.

· Identify, locate and store to GIS all locations of significant species.

NPWS Ongoing

b) Habitat · Model habitat, and NPWS, SFNSW Ongoing,



requirements ofsignificant species.

map to high reliability (at 1:25k scale) likelyhabitat for significant species.

but should bedone ASAP

c) Population sizes of significant species.

· Ongoing assessment ofpopulation sizes ofsignificant species.

NPWS, DLWC, SFNSW

Done while conducting other work.

d) Strategic planning for species not represented or poorly represented in reserves.

· Undertake species recovery and species action planning processes for priority (non-conserved) species.

NPWS funding should besourced, ongoing.

e) Ability to identify significant species widespread throughout the community.

· Develop a series of rare plant brochures similar to weeds brochure for public identification purposes.

NPWS, DLWC, AG,SFNSW

Should befunded.

2.1.3. Vegetation Types with Restricted Distributions.There are a number of vegetation types which are limited tovery few locations. Generally this occurs as a result of thecombined factors of geology and exposure. However, in a numberof types it results from the clearing for lands that have highpotential for agricultural production. It is the latter casethat has resulted in the loss of Flooded Gum Forest from theClarence Floodplain.The main Vegetation Alliances of the Clarence are, in order:ALLIANCE % of Crown

Land canopy cover

ranking

Yellow box - White Box - Redgum alliance

0.003229% high



Western box - Ironbark Alliance 0.013639% highCool-temperate Rainforests. 0.018931% highGrey Box - Ironbark Alliance 0.409872% highMaritime Alliances (saltmarshes andmangroves)

0.424542% high

Snow Gum Alliance 0.546589% highWarm Temperate Rainforests 0.622497% mediu

mRedgum Alliance 0.831762% highDry Rainforests 2.595205% mediu

mScribbly Gum - Stringybark - Silvertop Ash Alliance

3.589767% high

Blackbutt Alliance 6.901583% medium

Subtropical Rainforest 8.710087% lowSydney Blue Gum - Bangalay Alliance 13.00314% mediu

mGrey Gum - Grey Ironbark Alliance 14.43018% lowMessmate - Brown Barrel Alliance 18.20309% lowSpotted Gum Alliance 24.72323% lowA ranking of the various alliances was determined byconsideration of the amount likely to have occurred in 1750,compared to the amount now, and the likelyhood of furtherdevelopment pressure within that type. In this way,Subtropical Rainforests, although only 8.7% of the total areaof Crown Land in the Clarence, ranks low because a majority ofthe land likely to have been the type would be within thecrown estate, and to have nearly 9% of the total Crown Estateas rainforest cover represents quite a good level ofconservation.Principles.v Identification of threatened and limited vegetation types.v Assessment of the threatened and limited vegetation types, ranking importance on values such as presence and number of rare species, percent of original distribution (from computer modelling), isolation of patches by land clearing or other factor, and on the presence of species near distributional limits.



v Denoting zones of high endemism and ensuring greater protection criteria are applied to these zones.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Percentage of original distribution still remaining.

· Map current occurrenceover modelled occurrences from 1750 dataset.

NPWS current?

b) Percentage of original distribution represented in reserves.

· Compare current values(GIS) in reserves with 1750 values.

NPWS current?

c) Factors affecting the distribution ofthese types with a view to rehabilitation if required.

· Research to show required habitat andclimatic features for each type.

NPWS, CSIRO, SFNSW, universities

fundingshould be sourced

d) Factors affecting the survival / natural processes within each habitat type.

· Research to show required habitat andclimatic features for each type.

NPWS, CSIRO, SFNSW, universities

fundingshould be sourced

e) Widespread education of land managers about the typesshowing restricted distribution.

· Brochures and informaldiscussion with landholders to identify significanttypes.

· Development of property agreements to identify and protect significant remnants and open avenues for funding.

NPWS, DLWC, SFNSW, AG, Landcare, Farmers’ groups.

high priority



2.1.4. ‘High Conservation Value’ Vegetation Types.High Conservation value relates not only to the values of thebiotic environment (such as species complexity -‘biodiversity’, suitability as habitat for all forms of life,and source for propagules), but to various physical featuressuch as the ability of the vegetation to maintain soilstability, present a pleasing panorama or provide linksbetween other types of vegetation.Although consideration will be made of vegetation typesshowing some physical inflence in the environment (such asriparian zones etc.), in the context of this report, the termwill be taken to encompass those types where the vegetationshows at least one of the following characteristics:· greater diversity; · has old growth form;· wilderness characteristics;· is poorly (or is not) reserved;· is threatened by ongoing land management practices;· has populations of rare or threatened species; and · may have value as habitat for localised, endemic or rare orthreatened fauna.

The other physical benefits of vegetation are addressed underseparate headings.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Definition of high conservation value as a function of thespecies richness, habitat suitability andgeneral rarity of the type.

· Definition suitable tomost situations available for implementation by any department or vegetation worker.

NPWS done?

b) Education ofthe inherent values of HCV vegetation to both the

· Production of information bulletins, guides and brochures givinginformation on the

DLWC, Landcare high priority



landholder and community at large.

values in laymans terms with express relationships to farm productivity.

c) Identification of areas of HCVvegetation throughout the catchment.

· Mapping of HCVV to GISfor all land tenures. Distribution to all land management agencies.

NPWS, DLWC, Ag, SFNSW

high priority

2.1.5. Riparian Vegetation.Riparian vegetation is important for a number of reasons. It’sprotection is generally restricted to the protection ofvegetation to a distance of 20 metres from the bed or bank ofprescribed streams on a state-wide basis, or in the NativeVegetation Conservation Act, 1997, of any stream identified ina regional vegetation plan. However, the distance to whichriparian vegetation can extend outwards from the stream islargely dependent upon the combined factors of floodplainmorphology and how perennial the flow is in the stream. The structure of vegetation in the riparian zone is largelydependent upon two factors. The frequency with which a streamexperiences fast or over-bank (flood) flows, and thesurrounding vegetation communities. Other influencing factorsinclude the local topography (steeper gullies are more likelyto have wetter forests extending to some distance upslope onmore protected aspects), and of course the disturbance historyof the site.The vegetation has the ability to utilise nutrient ladenrunoff, or to slow passage of nutrient laden water, causingdeposition of the suspended materials, therefore acting as anutrient buffer. Principles.v Retention and enhancement of riparian vegetation.v Catchment headwater needs protection to ensure water quality and amenity.v Protection and maintenance of areas with higher conservation values (vegetation type of limited distribution; populations of rare species).



v Restriction of access for stock and vehicle movement through suitable fencing, crossings and watering points.v Protection of stream form and vegetation structure through proper assessment of the impacts of river flows.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Education for both the rural and aboutthe physical, social and environmental benefits of riparian vegetation bothlocally and forthe wider community.

· Prepare brochures and guides for the planting and maintenance of riparian lands, including reasons for the protection of riparian zones.

DLWC, Ag DLWC guides prepared(Alan Raine, Greg Steenbeeke)

b) Extent or width of riparian community - especially on the floodplain.

· Determine the best width for riparian zones in various situations, with options for management based on a zoning system.

DLWC, NPWS, SFNSW, Ag, Waterways

Project potential? Medium -high priority.

There is potential for the implementation of a zoning systemto include within the term and coverage of Riparian Lands anarea extending out from the stream where there is stillinfluence upon the local vegetation types. One referencesuggests that tan ideal minimum width is 30 metres, withincreases dependent upon the angle of slope, and what isintended to be filtered. 1.A minimum value depending on stream order; 2.Width depending on the catchment area of that stream (1st- 3rd order streams may need wider, higher order streamsmay need less);· Larger catchments will need wider riparian strips asthere is more likelyhood of flooding flows exceeding thebanks, and therefore more potential for erosion of areasdistant from the definable channel. Lower order streams



will have a high percentage of inflow derived from theslopes above the banks, so the riparian strip is mainlyacting as a filter. Once a stream reaches about 4thorder, there is a majority of flow being sourced fromupstream, rather than across the banks. The riparianstrip is then acting more as structure andstabilisation, so the main activity of the riparianstrip is the protection of the immediate (and proximal)bank from slumping and movement, rather than as a filterfor overbank flows.

1.Additional consideration for flow and bank structure:· Consideration of the actual over-bank inflow that

section of stream is likely to experience.· Consideration of the flow ‘behaviour’ (hydrology) of thestream.

1.Consideration of the purpose for which the buffer zoneexists.

Wider ‘core’ riparian zones are probably of less relevancewhere the stream is ‘mature’, such as on the floodplain, asthe amount of overbank inflow is quite negligible, and themain benefit of the vegetation is in stabilising the bankstructure. When this scenario is considered, a peak width of30 metres should be applied where there is still inflow fromthe edges of the stream, and where there is the potential oflarge (possibly extreme) changes in the water level as aresult of storm or other discharge event.

2.1.6. Wetlands.The definition of ‘wetland’ has always been somewhat confused.In various references, the term applies to any vegetationwhich at some point in the lifecycle relies upon water beingpresent at or near the base of the plant, while in others, thedefinition relates to those plants which grow in areaspermanently or ephemerally covered with moving or standingwater. The definition which has been accepted for use in theNVC Act is similar to the latter, and states:

“..Any shallow body of water (such as a marsh, billabong, swamp or sedgeland) that is:

(a) inundated cyclically, intermittently or permanently with water, and

(b) vegetated with wetland plant communities.”



Therefore, any area which shows typical wetland plants (thoseliving in water or on wet land), and which is at some stagecovered with water, is able to be considered as a wetland.Within the Clarence there are categories of freshwater wetlands, as well as a number of categories of estuarine and tidal wetlands. These are shown in the table below.

FRESHWATER ESTUARINEPerched and Window Lakes andSwamps

Mangroves

Hanging Swamps (phreatic) SaltmarshesIn-stream Wetlands (pluvial) Seagrass BedsFloodplain Wetlands (of various types)

Tidally-influenced, CoastalWetlands

Ponds, Dams and Ditches Estuarine Swamp ForestsSwamp ForestsEach generally occupies a particular location in thelandscape. Sometimes the wetland is quite restricted in it’sposition (such as window and dunal swamps, and hangingswamps).The diversity within a wetland is usually a function of theseason, the water temperature and clarity, the altitude andthe disturbance history. Many ephemeral wetlands show a peakdiversity soon after flooding, with invertebrate faunadiversity increasing significantly when conditions becomefavourable. Flora diversity peaks soon after flooding-inducedgermination, although a percentage of the germinants (mainlythe non-wetland species) are soon drowned. In perennialwetlands, the diversity is often a response to the disturbancehistory and the season. Warmer and wetter seasons induce agreater response from the annual and ephemeral wetlandspecies.Identification and location of wetland areas is not a majorissue in the Clarence catchment following a recent projectwhich identified and mapped the location of wetlands(including the types of wetlands) throughout the Clarencecatchment.Principles.v Adequate protection for wetlands through limiting stock useand maintaining natural flows of water.



v Rehabilitating natural wetlands through suitable and sustainable land use and management practices. ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Flooding regimes / hydrology in wetlands under tidal influence.

· Determine hydrologicalregimes allowing highest productivityof tidally influenced wetlands.

DLWC, NPWS, Ag, Fisheries,Landcare, landholders,

priority project- gain funds

b) Loss of biodiversity inwetlands due towater management practices.

· Prepare / source information that presents data showing how hydrology influencesproductivity and whyproductivity should be viewed for the whole catchment system rather than solely on-farm.

DLWC, Universities, Fisheries, Ag,Landcare, landholders, CRCC

part ofabove project. Also consider as studentproject.

c) Education ofthe community on biological aspects of wetlands, especially wider communitybenefits such as breeding areas of predatory birds.

· Prepare brochures and guides presenting information on the breeding habits of animals using the wetlands as feeding and rookery areas.

· Promote the use of wetlands as an attraction to the property and potential source of income (eco-tourism,birdwatching)

DLWC, universities, Landcare, CRCC, landholders groups, tourism operators, NPWS, Ag, Aboriginal Land Councils,NSW Fisheries

source info - consider as studentproject. Medium priority

d) Research andinformation needs.

Functions of and resource turnover in wetland environments, tolerance to disturbanceand the effects of grazing.

NPWS, DLWC, AG, Universities, TAFE

Studentprojects - medium priority.

e) Determining · Knowledge of the Universities, Medium



management requirements.

requirements that wetland species have for their survival - fire; hydrology; use of buffering zones; managing grazing intensity, timing and locations; upland management of sediment and chemical movement into the wetland; groundwater management practices (salinity, volumes).

NPWS, DlWC, RBG Sydney

priority - projects by students - possibly seek external funding.

f) Management of water and requirements: - Hydrology - Drainage

· Determination of a hydrological regime(frequency, timing and depth of flooding) that accounts for a variance in water level as needed by most species.

· Monitoring the effectsof drainage of a wetland - both biotic (species density, composition) and abiotic (oxidation of ASS and peaty soils; loss of trapping sediments and pollutants in water moving through the wetland). This problem is related

DLWC, ClarenceRiver County Council, Universities, Landholders, NPWS

Medium priority - currently in consider-ation?



to the constructionof channels and canals, which also have the effect of hastening water movement through the wetland.

- Water Quality - Policies

· Water quality is generally affected by the volume and frequency with which the wetland is flooded., the quality of the inflow and the speed with which the water moves through the wetland.

· Policies have been developed for the management of wetland areas. Morelocality-specific policy development is now needed.

DLWC, Universities, Landcare


- Channels and levees - Floodgates - Weirs - Penstocks & Dropboards - Causeways

· Effects on the hydrological regimeof levees, banks and floodgates - reducing the frequency, depth and duration of flooding, restrict tidal movement and may lead to stagnation of trapped waters (mosquitoes favour stagnant water).

· Weirs, causeways and pipes restrict the

Clarence RiverCounty Council, DLWC,Ag, NPWS, Local Govenrnment Health Staff, Fisheries




movement of animals(mainly fish) into and through wetlandareas; permanently pond water on the upstream side; and possibly raise thewatertable on the upstream side - potentially hazardous if the groundwater is saline. They can also reduce the water circulation, leading to eutrophication.

· Drainage and lowering watertable resulting in ASS leaching.

- Water extraction

· Water extraction can reduce the flow of water into wetlands, reducing the extent and frequency of inundation. In tidal areas the reduction of inflowand fresh water flowing through thewetland can result in the migration / transgression of saline waters into the wetland.

DLWC Medium priority. currently in consider-ation?

g) Harvesting wetland species.

· Fishing, forestry (Melaleuca commercially and fenceposts and firewood for on

Fisheries, State Forests,NPWS, Landcare

Medium priority. Potential



farm use), and grazing are the main harvesting of wetland species which need to be considered.

studentproject?

h) Recreationaluse.

· Hunting, fishing, birdwatching, artistry, boating, walking.

· Ecotourism

Landholders, NPWS, fisheries, Waterways Authority, RAOU, Aboriginal community

discussion needed.Medium priority

i) Aboriginal significance.

· Sites of aboriginal significance need to be recognised.

Aboriginal Community, Landholders, NPWS

discussion needed - medium - high priority.

j) Other land uses.

· Cropping (teatree, sugar cane).

· Extractive industry - peat, mineral sandsand construction materials (sands and gravels)

Ag, Industry groups, DLWC, Dept of Mines

medium - high priority

k) Introduced species.

· Exotic waterplants.· Exotic fauna - fish,

amphibians, mammals.

· Noxious plant control.

landholders, Local Govt Authorities (including Clarence RiverCounty Council), NPWS, Ag.

medium priority

l) Fire. · Many wetland species are capable of withstanding fire only during the periods when there is water on the surface, or the soils is fully saturated. Fires during dry periods

Landcare, FireAuthorities, NPWS, Ag

use existing research to apply locally- studentproject



will cause death ofsubsoil rhizomes and growths, and may ignite peaty soils.

?

m) Land use controls.

· SEPP 14, LEP controls,DA controls.

DUAP, Local Govt


n) International, National and Interstate issues.

· RAMSAR, JAMBA, CAMBA, NPWS, RAOU establish status

2.1.7. Coastal Lands.The coastal lands are one area in which vegetation managementshould be considered of high importance on the grounds thatthe vegetation is acting as a barrier between the active coastand the urbanised areas nearby.

Principles.v Ensuring the stability of dune systems within natural guidelines.v Ensuring vegetation cover on dune fronts and crests is retained.v Protecting the water quality for water-reliant ecosystems, especially in the margins of lakes and intake/recharge areas for aquifers, through the maintenance of vegetation cover and reduced incidence of fire.v Reducing the occurrence and spread of weeds and potential weed species through education, awareness and action.v Allowing for a succession of vegetation types through time and space.



ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Development pressures and unauthorised vegetation removal.

· Foster understanding by the community of the protective effects (wind, waves) of vegetation.

· As a final resort impose penalties forclearing.

· Planning for urbanisation should account for a barrier of coastal vegetation.

DUAP, Local govt, DLWC, Dunecare

Medium - high priority

b) Poorly managed plantings.

· Present information togroups / individualscontemplating planting on the suitable indigenous species, sources of materials and ongoing care, including explanations of succession.

DLWC, Dunecare, Local govt

high priority.

c) Weed invasion - spreading & dumped.

· Brochures / guides presenting information on potentially weedy species (features also, not just names) and proper disposal of garden waste.

Dunecare, local govt.

source funding.

d) stabilisation of mobile alluvium / aeolium.

· Prioritise activities along shorter sections of coastline (maximum 20km) to allow localgroups to address

Dunecare, DLWC, NPWS, Local govt.

high priority



these areas sooner. · Identify potential

blowouts early in their development with a view to stabilising by planting or works.

e) Fire management.

· Identify zones where management is based on frequency of fires suiting the proximity to property and the biological needs of the species in the vegetation.

DLWC, Local govt fire control officers, local community, NPWS, Dunecare


f) vermin harbour.

· Remove introduced and noxious plants near habitation (where possible) and any dumped waste that may act as a harbour.

Dunecare, local govt

medium priority

g) Incorrect / poor mapping ofSEPP 26.

· Address mapping of SEPP 26 (Littoral rainforests) to ensure accuracy of boundaries and completeness of coverage.

DUAP, DLWC, NPWS

Medium priority - many ‘at risk’ okay

h) Education orawareness of vegetation condition and the necessity of vegetation as a part of the frontal protection of land and as a biologically diverse

· Prepare / present information (brochures, noticeboards) on theprotecting effects of frontal vegetation, and the value to the community of the species present in the vegetation (wildlife,

DLWC, Dunecare, NPWS,

medium priority. Source fundingby sponsor-ship



community. wildflowers, sand stabilisation)

2.1.8. Rainforests.Generally in areas where there are more humid conditions and better or damper soils, although the seral progression in muchg of the Clarence will see the development of a rainforestsuite in areas where disturbance (including fire and grazing) is light or lacking for an extended period.. Nutrient status of the soil is generally irrelevant.Principles.v Adequate representation of all rainforest types and associations.v Protection of rainforests through the use of buffer zones of vegetation afforded as high a conservation value as that ofthe rainforest it is protecting.v Protection of rainforests from fire through the use of fuel-reduction techniques which are specifically targetted to protect the rainforest and it’s vegetation buffer.

2.1.8.a. Littoral Rainforests.Littoral rainforests is a term used for several broad-leafcommunities generally restricted to sandy soils of moderatenutrient status or on richer soils derived from basalt andslate within a short distance of the coast, where they maysuffer from severe wind shear and salt spray. Their presenceis probably related to a low occurrence of disturbance andshallow watertables in the case of sand. Many suffer fromencroachment of urban development and invasion by exoticspecies (mainly Bitou Bush). The implementation of a protection order (State EnvironmentalPlanning Policy no. 26) was largely to ensure that these areaswere considered during the planning and development process.They are important for coastal biodiversity, and a number ofspecies are restricted in habitat preference to littoralrainforests.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Areas of littoral

· Identify, map and formally recognise

DUAP, NPWS, DLWC

medium priority



rainforests notcovered by SEPP26 or NPWS protection.

areas as being SEPP 26 lands.

- see ‘coastallands’ entry.

b) Impacts of urban pressure and urban runoff / nutrients.

· Formulate planning guidelines to protect areas of littoral rainforest,including the identification and protection of a buffer zone.

DUAP, local govt.

high priority

c) Weeds. · Identify weed species likely to impact on littoral rainforestsand maintain controlby best methods.

Dunecare, NPWS, DLWC, local govt weed inspectors.

high priority

2.1.8.b. Subtropical Rainforests.Although representing the majority of rainforests within theClarence Catchment, the widespread nature of the various formswithin the description ‘Sub-tropical rainforest’ results in asituation where it is probable that there is adequatereservation of the type within the Clarence Catchment (seesection 2.1.3). However, more consideration of the variousalliances is needed to ensure that there is adequaterepresenation of some of the lowland forms, which by theirlocation and composition were often among the first vegetationtypes cleared in the early European settlement of the ClarenceValley.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Clearing / development andgrazing pressures.

· Education for land holders on managing these areas as part of a property, and allowing for the regeneration and protection of rainforest areas.

· Identification of areas into formal

DUAP, DLWC, Landcare, CMC

medium priority



instruments for protection.

b) Weed invasion / lackof regeneration.

· Identify main weed species, and advise on effective controland suppression techniques.

· Promote regeneration in rainforests through the use of timed stock exclusion and exclusion of fire.

NPWS, DLWC, Landcare, local govt weed inspectors.

medium priority

2.1.8.c. Warm-temperate Rainforests.Restricted to a reasonably narrow altitude band, this type hassuffered extensive modification by timber cutters. Only 0.62%of the Crown lands in the Clarence support this type, whichis probably close to it’s northern limit in the north-westernparts of the Catchment (Gibraltar Range - Washpool and intothe Timbarra Catchment).ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME



· Identification of areas into formal instruments for protection.


high priority



· Promote regeneration in rainforests


high priority, seekfundingfor rehab. project



through the use of timed stock exclusion and exclusion of fire.

s

2.1.8.d. Cool-temperate Rainforests.Restricted to higher altitudes, where it is usually dominatedby Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii). This form has beensubjected to enormous clearing and development pressures inthe past (mainly while Dorrigo Plateau was being developed).Many of the northernmost occurrences of the form (MtNothofagus within the Catchment and on the eastern side of theRichmond catchment along the Tweed Range) are protected ineither flora reserves or national parks. Some developmentpressure still applies to isolated patches on the DorrigoPlateau.






medium - high





high



c) Disjunct occurrences.

· Identification of suitable habitat forrainforest regeneration to forma less disjunct corridor of the typefrom north (Mt Nothofagus) to south(Dorrigo)

NPWS, Landcare, GA, SFNSW

high

2.1.8.e. Dry Rainforests.Frequently maligned by landholders, the dry rainforests areone of the more common types within the Clarence, but theirstructure and biotic features being less ‘desirable’, therehas been less pressure to ensure their formal protection. Anumber of species are restricted in NSW to dry rainforestswithin the Clarence, with continuation of their distributionnorthwards into Queensland (Erythroxylum australe), or solelywithin the Clarence (Zieria floydii ms, Macrozamia moorei). Theposition and Climate of the Clarence promotes the developmentof this type in preference to wetter rainforest forms,especially in the middle-catchment areas between OBX Crossingand Legume.Taken in their broadest sense in the current context. the termused here also refers to both wattle and vine thickets. Vinethickets are a specialised community favouring dry, rockyhillsides, and contain representatives from a number ofrainforest genera, and in some cases will also containepiphytes. Wattle thickets form even aged stands in drierconditions, often similar to that supporting dry rainforests.The canopy is often nearly closed, resulting in a very limitedand sparse understorey. Rainforest genera do not often inhabitthis environment.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME


· Education for land holders on managing these areas as part of a property, and allowing for the regeneration and


medium - high



protection of rainforest areas.






high

c) Poor community understanding of the biological importance of dry rainforest areas.

· Education using brochures explainingthe habitat, shelterand amenity values of dry rainforest.

NPWS, GA, Landcare

high

2.1.9. Genetic Integrity.The issue of genetic integrity within the region is one whichhas received a great deal of concern from some members of thecommunity. The potential for introduction of non-local genestock into plantation timber established in the area is high.The issues involve the use of bulk seed source for seedlings(generally from non-local provinence), and the production ofplants in large numbers for planting into essentiallymonoculture stands for timber production.It is stressed that this issue is largely concerned with theextensive timber plantation schemes, such as those promoted byState Forests. Many of the LandCare/DuneCare groups throughoutthe region produce their own plants, or obtain them fromgrowers who are producing plants from within the region orclose by. A number of groups (eg. Green Point, Yuraygir,Clarence Rainforest Rescue and Kangaroo Creek) have expressed



their use of locally sourced material in any regenerationworks undertaken.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Seed / genome sourcingand provenance.

· Establishment of a networked resource linking seed collectors, collections and plant suppliers to ensure accuracy of sourcing is known.

Landcare, Clarence Valley Seed Netbank, GA, agencies (mainly SFNSW and NPWS)

Establish ASAP, maintain with funding.

b) Potential for non-indigenous genetic material to be introduced intothe regional environment.

· Brochures, leaflets and education materials explainingclearly the reasons for using locally sourced materials.

· Identifying and publicising species which have the potential to breed with indigenous species, and developing brochuresrecommending alternative indigenous species with the same attributes.

Landcare, GA, local govt, nurseries, Ag., SFNSW,

medium - many alreadyunder- stand and some material is available.

2.1.10. Dry Forests.The management of grazing and other land-uses within naturaldry forests is one issue that it was considered needed to beaddressed. With the bulk of farming activities (especiallygrazing activities) occurring in these widespread forests ofthe catchment, there was need for the options undertaken, andhow the land is managed. Options requiring considerationinclude the clearing and removal of forests, control ofregrowth, rates of stocking and the use of fertilisers. Manyof these will have some impact on the everyday management offarming activities.




a) Sustainability of activities undertaken in dry forests andwodlands.

· Determining sustainability values for grazing and harvesting consistent with the productivity of the vegetation type.

DLWC, Ag, Universities, industry

Medium - high - identify gaps for funding

b) Ensure management allowing multiple land-use.

· Develop guidelines forclearing activities,fertilising, and fire use consistent with wildlife needs.

DLWC, Ag, NPWS, landholders

Medium - high.

c) undertaking management within the confines of an established code of practice.

· Implementation and useof the hardwood forests code, and development of othercodes to cover regeneration control, grazing practices and fertiliser application / pasture ‘improvement’.

DLWC, SF NSW, Ag, universities.

High.

2.2. MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY ACTIONS.

2.2.1. Commuity Awareness.The development of community awareness, and accuracy in theirinterpretation of the policy, actions and planning processesis necessary to ensure their eventual accepatnce of theoutcomes from this project. Media outlets, field days andcommunity workshops are all seen as vital parts of theproject. The development of a regular column, newsletter orflyer is a recommendation that should be considered strongly.The involvement of community in the planning process, and thepromotion of the process by members of the local community totheir peers and associates is an activity that should beundertaken.




a) General understanding of the implications ofvegetation management - species and habitat preservation, shelter areas for stock and source areas ofpredators and beneficial insects.

· Brochures and other material explaining in clear terms the various benefits of vegetation retention, enhancement and management, including the avenues for funding and likely on-farm returns implied fromvegetation management.

DLWC, NPWS, Ag, SFNSW, Landcare, farmers’ groups

high - some material alreadybecoming available throughSydney DLWC.

b) Targetted school / TAFE /Tertiary activities involving vegetation management in rural and agricultural situations.

· School and education groups involved in establishing, maintaining and monitoring of regenerated areas.

· Involvement of vegetation workers and farmers in classroom / lab activities explaining their role in the vegetation management process.

TAFE, DSE, DLWC, NPWS, Landcare, local Government, universities

high

c) Publicising areas where native vegetation is aproductive partof farming, while retainingstructural and biological diversity.

· Brochures and media coverage of ‘successstories’ showing on-farm integration of natural and regenerated areas. Clear explanation ofthe financial benefits incurred inall aspects.

DLWC, Ag., Landcare, media outlets

high



d) Better community understanding of the NVC and related legislation (TSC etc.)

· Brochures that are accepted by the community, free seminars and workshops about the Acts (not debating them though)

DLWC, NPWS, landcare, Industry groups (NSWFA etc)

high - need for local forums

2.2.2. Maintaining and Conserving Biodiversity.Although biodiversity receives a lot of attention, thecommunity in general has a limited understanding of whatconstitutes biodiversity. The ability to manage thebiodiversity as part of the whole farm system is one areaneeding attention.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Maintaining source materials for regeneration works - production of planting stock from locally sourced materials.

· Establishment of a networked resource linking seed collectors, collections and plant suppliers to ensure accuracy of sourcing is known.


Establish ASAP, maintain with funding.

b) Reducing theimpact from non-indigenous species capableof breeding with indigenousspecies.

· Identifying and publicising species which have the potential to breed with indigenous species, and developing brochuresrecommending alternative indigenous species with the same attributes.

GA, Landcare, DLWC, Nurseries, NPWS

medium - high

c) Ensuring genetic diversity in regeneration

· Production of plants for regeneration projects from seeds,and collection of

Landcare, Nurseries, GA

high innon-commer-cial



stock. seeds for regeneration projects from a number of widely spaced individuals within one population (or from a few neighbouring populations in the general area).

situations where productqualityis lessimpt.

d) Ensuring local source for plantation stock.

· Utilising a network ofseed collectors, collections and plant suppliers to ensure accuracy of sourcing is known.


Initiate ASAP,involving all bodies.

e) Reducing / eliminating theincorporation of non-indigenous plantation areas into areas of natural vegetation.

· Implementing a policy recommending a buffer zone of sufficient width to stop most dispersal between plantations and native vegetation. Maintaining buffer zone free of non-indigenous species.

DLWC, DUAP, Local govt, SFNSW

high

f) Control of seedlings and suckers escaping from plantation areas.

· Maintaining a buffer free of non-indigenous species between plantations and natural vegetation that is part of the plantation area.

Landholder, plantation mgr, state forests, NPWS,GA, Landcare, ‘Work for the Dole’ schemes on public lands.

medium - high,ongoing

g) Identification of areas where continued habitat degradation is occurring.

· Mapping and assessmentof areas to identifywhere habitat degradation is occurring.

DLWC, NPWS, Ag, SFNSW

medium-high, ongoing



2.2.3. Management of Fire in Grazing Situations.Management of fire is an issue which has also received a greatdeal of attention. A recent paper by Benson and Redpath (1997)illustrates a number of misconceptions that are widespread inthe community and may lead to the inaccurate and unsustainableuse of fire as a management tool.The management of regeneration, undesirable growth, andpasture maintenance are all situations in which fire has beenconsidered. In some of these instances fire is aninappropriate tool, and a short term answer to a problem. Infact, the use of fire may only promote the recurrence of theproblem.The use of fire at an inappropriate time is another aspect ofthis problem. At certain times of the year, the use of firepromotes the growth of undesirable grasses (eg Blady Grass,Imperata cylindrica). Accurate records of the frequency, intensityand timing of fire to do both the least damage to species, andthe greatest good in promoting regrowth of ‘fresh pick’ forgrazing is sorely needed.Principles.v Determination and application of a fire regime that accounts for the juvenile period of the species occurring in that vegetation type.v Sensible and sustainable use of fire as a tool to reduce the potential impacts upon life and property, while maintaining the maximum diversity within the surrounding natural vegetation.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Ensuring fire is used asa tool for the ultimate benefit of the vegetation.

· Conduct trials into the effect of a variety of fire and grazing regimes on pastures and native vegetation.

· Prepare information showing the results of a variety of fireregimes on vegetation and

Ag, Universities, NPWS, DLWC, Landcare, local govt

High priority



pasture composition for a wide variety of situations.

b) Implementinga fire regime (frequency and intensity) thatdoes not promote the growth of undesirable or commercially poor species.

· Education materials showing the more desirable species and the fire regimesthat suit them, including time, intensity and frequency of burning, and the time required to build sufficient quantity into the sward.

Ag, universities, DLWC, local govt

High priority

c) Tailoring fire use in natural vegetation (including grasslands) to suit the growthand reproduction patterns of native species,especially those beneficial to rural production.

· Identify desirable species likely to disadvantaged in current fire regime,and tailor regime tosuit these species while giving them competitive advantage over undesirable species.Use database and other sources for identifying suitablespecies, and identification materials to allow landholders to identify their presence and the portion of the swardthey make.

Ag, DLWC, local govt, NPWS, Landcare, farmers’ groups

High priority

d) Limiting annual use of fire to areas where pasture diversity and

· Formally identify areas where annual burning is necessaryto protect property and life.

DUAP, local govt, Ag,

Medium priority



vegetation structure are poor.

· Prepare materials for landholders to illustrate alternative methods of producing suitable stock fodder, or of agronomic practices necessary to reduce the growth of undesirable species (eg blady grass) that are favoured byfrequent or poorly timed firing.

e) Developing aseries of ‘firemanagement zones’ with differing regimes.

· Identify areas of natural vegetation with higher susceptibility to frequent fire and develop a managementplan that utilises this information. Maintain frequent burning regimes on those areas where property protection is the aim.

Local govt, NPWS, DUAP

Medium,priority

f) Suitable fire regime.

· Identify a fire regimethat maintains existing vegetation types, including seral and successional processes.

NPWS, SF NSW, DLWC, NSW RFS,Universities, researchers

Medium - high,priority

g) Long-term impact of various fire regimes

· Assessment of the effects of the fire regime on each species and on the vegetation as a whole.


Medium - high,priority.



2.2.4. Management of Hazard Reduction and Wildfire.The implementation of a Fire Management Plan as required underthe Rural Fires Act calls for the development of managementoptions that account for issues such as the location of rarespecies; life and property; use of retardants and otherchemicals; the timing and extent of control. Many of theseissues are discussed below.ISSUES:a) Location of threatened species that are fire sensitive.

· Accurate knowledge of the location and extent of threatenedspecies.

· Knowledge of the sensitivity species have to fire.

NSW Rural FireService, NPWS,SF NSW, DLWC, RBG, landholders

Medium - High,priority. Source funding.

b) Resolution of pre-fire actions needed to manage species.

· Undertaking planning and implementation of actions to protect populations of threatened species.

NPWS, SF NSW, NSW RFS

Medium - high,priority.

c) Determining species sensitivity to chemicals used in fire-fighting.

· Knowledge of the sensitivity species have to the various chemical employed.

NPWS, RBG, Medium,priority.

d) Regime of controlled burning.

· Determine suitable regime for the vegetation composition.

NPWS, NSW RFS,DLWC, Landholders

Medium,priority.

e) Suitable fire regime.

· Identify a fire regimethat maintains existing vegetation types, including seral and successional processes.


Medium - high,priority

f) Long-term impact of various fire

· Assessment of the effects of the fire regime on each


Medium - high,priorit



regimes species and on the vegetation as a whole.

y.

2.2.5. Management of Roadside Vegetation.The roadside is one area where vegetation management is ahighly visible, and very public issue. There are a number ofcouncils undertaking roadside planning in the Catchment(Severn, Kyogle, Nymboida, Bellingen and Ulmarra councils),generally with funding sourced from either NHT or NLP. Othercouncils (Grafton mainly) are considering applying for NHTfunds for conducting similar planning.Roadsides have a main purpose in the movement of motortraffic. As a corridor for wildlife movement, theirsuitability is dependent upon a number of factors, including:· the width of the corridor;· the diversity and structure of the vegetation within the

corridor;· linkages to larger patches of natural vegetation.Where a corridor is narrow, has little diversity in eitherstructure or composition, and is isolated, there is littlevalue. Wildlife present in the corridor may be forced onto thecarriageway, there is often a source of dust to coatvegetation, or erosion may be active in the table drain andbattering of edges. Narrower corridors are also highly proneto weed invasion, as not only can vehicles act as a weedsource, but the surrounding lands offer little protectionfrom, and a great source of, weed propagules. Should fireescape from burning in nearby grazing or agricultural landsthere is little refuge available for wildlife.Conversely, the involvement of a wider corridor function (aswould happen in the case of a Travelling Stock Route orsimilar) enhances the ability for it to operate as a wildlifecorridor. With a greater area for structural diversity, alower boundary:area ratio, and more habitat for wildlife torefuge from vehicles and fire, the wider corridors are muchmore desirable for environmental reasons. However, they alsoprovide a greater source area for vermin (mainly rabbits) andhave higher potential to act as a fire conduit.The NSW Roadside Environment Committee has developed a packageof information that sovers the various stages of development



of a roadside plan and the subsequent implementation (NSW REC1997). This package is broken into a number of documentsdetailing assessment, planning and implementation phases.According to the assessment sheet, high value roadsides have acombination of features such as· Width (wider is better, divisions at 0, 5 and 21 to separate

categories)· Vegetation Condition (degraded, modified, near natural)· Introduced Species (dominant, scattered, isolated clumps or

few / none)· Regeneration (presence of young native trees, and how

extensively they occur)· Potential Fauna Habitat (whether there are the followingpresent: trees, trees with hollows, shrubs, native herbs andgrasses, fallen logs/litter, rocks/crevices, wet/marshyareas/creeks.

In the planning phase, a number of issues arise when thevarious uses are considered. These include the use by grazingand travelling stock, the control and management of fire andfuel, the control of weeds, road maintenance and construction,heritage sites and areas known to harbour rare species. Eachof these issues should preferably be individually addressed ina roadside management plan.Principles.v Retention and enhancement of roadside vegetation.v Burning of roadside vegetation is to be on a rotation permitting germination, growth and establishment of local vegetation types.v Soil disturbance in roadside reserves should be minimised.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Use of the corridor as a grazing area bylocal stock while not in a declared drought.

· Identify areas where the vegetation is susceptible to frequent grazing, orwhere the continued survival of species may be jeopardised by unsuitable stock management.

Ag, RLPB, NPWS, local govt

high, ongoing



b) Timing and intensity of grazing as a tool for management of weeds and fuel loads.

· Develop a management plan for grazing that identifies the frequency and intensity with whichan area should be grazed to ensure fuel loads and weedsare controlled, while not jeopardising the reproduction of species in the corridor.

RLPB, local govt

high, priority

c) Grazing thatis conducted ata time that is detrimental forcontinued regeneration ofthe natural vegetation.

· Limiting stock access (timing and intensity) to sensitive and regenerating areas during periods when vegetation may be susceptible to grazing pressure.

RLPB, local govt, Ag, landholders

high

d) Reduction offuel loads and ignition sites.

· Use of stock to graze fodder material oncethe seed has been shed.

· Removal of bulky fuel (mainly felled timber from works) to stockpile areas for removal as firewood or chipping.

RLPB, Landcare, landholders, local govt, contractors, fire control officers,

medium,ongoing

e) The restriction of necesssary maintenance andconstruction work to a minimum area.

· Identifying within thecomplete work zone areas where the vegetation is in better condition, orwhere there is the potential for erosion, clearly

local govt, contractors, RTA,

high



mark these areas, and place stockpile,vehicle access and turning sites in areas where native vegetation conditionis poorest or preferably where there is no native vegetation. Negotiation with adjacent landholdersto use and remediatecleared areas on private lands duringworks.

f) The removal of timber to a stockpile site for disposal.

· Placing timber cuts and fellings in the stockpile site for removal for firewood, to lessen vermin harbours and reduce fire damage in natural vegetation. Advertising of ‘freefirewood’, or makingavailable to NPWS for campsite fuel.

local govt, contractors, RLPB, NPWS

high, ongoing

g) Weed control.

· Undertake controls to the level required by the Noxious Plants Act.

local govt / county councils, landholders

high, ongoing

h) Standardisedidentification of areas known to be significant (rare / threatened species, particularly

· Implement a standardised scheme of marking along roadsides that is understood by road crews and contractors. An example may be the use of a coloured

local govt, RTA, GA, contractors, NPWS, SFNSW

high



good or representative areas of vegetation, or heritage sites)to ensure workers unfamiliar withthe region are aware of the need to consultwith supervisors before work is commenced.

band (blue, green, red, etc) on marker posts to signify theconservation status of that section.

i) Positioningof fire breaks within adjoining cleared lands and not in the road corridor.

· Education and information materials regarding the definitions of clearing along fencelines in the NVC Act, the potential loss of biodiversity and habitat within the road corridor, and the RTA policy that firebreaks should besited within clearedlands.

RTA, DLWC, local govt, Landcare, GA, NPWS, SFNSW

high. Education needed.

j) Clearing around timber /combustible fence posts to the minimum extent necessary to reduce surrounding fuel and ignition sources.

· Clear definition of the ‘minimum extent necessary’, and education and information materials distributed to show the determination.

DLWC (as NVC Act custodians)

high (see i.)



k) Reduce erosion and weed invasion.

· Mowing and wick-weeding of verge andtable-drain to reduce loss of protective vegetation cover andbinding properties of roots.

· Limited grading near road edge (within 1mof tar edge) on roads where growth is causing excessivedamage or impeding drainage.

local govt, RTA, contractors

high, ongoing

l) Siting of rest areas and services.

· Placing extensive restareas in lower valueareas, with small stopping areas in places where there is higher value vegetation for reasons such as views or heritage places.

local govt, RTA, NPWS.

high

m) Identification of areas where the corridor may become a multi-purpose corridor without affecting the natural environment, and the converse (will have an effect).

· Mapping of areas that are suitable for thepurpose of multiple functionality.

local govt, NPWS, DLWC, RTA, water authorities, NorthPower, Telstra

high

n) Maintaining natural

· Leaving scattered fallen timber, and

local govt, contractors

high



habitat. trees developing nesting hollows thatare not a potential danger.

2.2.6. Protected Lands.The protection of lands over 18° slope has been enshrined inthe NSW Soil Conservation Act since it’s inception. However,the mapping of areas of slope such as this has often beencontroversial, resulting in a poor level of mapping to showthese lands, and the reliance on generally subjectivemeasurements when the land is considered for clearing or othervegetation management practice. The use of a digital elevationmodeller removes this subjectivity, but introduces furthererrors and concerns to the project.The declared riparian zones of Prescribed Streams is anotherarea of Protected Land. Selection of a stream often appearedarbitrary and showed little regard for stream structure, waterflow characteristics or the condition of the riparian zone.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Adequacy of mapping and consideration.

· Assessing the level ofmapping, or developing a layer of mapping generatedby a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) consistent with the angle of slope used.

DLWC, CMA high

b) Formulation of a general rule for streaminclusion.

· Determining an order, size or physical characteristic by which a stream can be defined.

· Refining of current ‘prescribed stream’ provisions to include a wider range of streams.

· Giving a minimum

DLWC, landholders, community groups, industry groups, Ag, Fisheries.

high



protection level to a stream, and developing this consistent with stream size, structure, conservation status,and both the patternof flow and the volume of water it carries.

c) Determination of other protected lands.

· Developing a set of guidelines that can be applied to any parcel or area of land to determine ifit is, or should be considered for, Protected Land status.

Landcare, DLWC, NPWS, GA,

high

2.2.7. Wildlife Corridors.Wildlife corridors can exist in a number of situations, andmay be inherently used as an identified migration route or maybe used because it is the last remnants of habitat linking twopopulations. In many cases, the true corridor results fromeither the legal protection of vegetation along certainwaterways (under the Soil Conservation Act, 1938), theforesight of a landholder to retain or plant vegetation inshelterbelts, or the retention of natural vegetation in areastoo steep to allow clearing or alternative land use. Newopportunities have arisen with the Native VegetationEnhancement Fund being available for use in projects wherepermanent protection of the vegetation is envisioned.




a) Appropriate width of corridor to allow for positive biological values while not impeding farm productionor other corridor uses (see roadside management.)

· Research to determine appropriate corridorwidth in various situations.

· Regeneration of land adjacent to existingcorridors to enhancethe functionality.

· Education materials explaining the valueof corridors to wildlife and to a variety of farming needs (shelter, etc)and alternative income sources (native foods, wildflowers)

universities, DLWC, Landcare, NPWS,Ag, aboriginalcommunity, SFNSW,

medium - high,ongoing

b) Appropriate floristic composition of corridor for the wildlife utilising the corridor.

· Identify major local food source species.

· Incorporate as many aspossible.

· Aim to have food source available over the longest possible period withpeaks during known migration times.

Ag, Landcare, NPWS, RAOU, Corridors for Wildlife

high, ongoing

c) Maintenance of diversity incomposition andstructure within the corridor.

· Ensure a diverse rangeof species are planted into corridors, with the acknowlegdement of ongoing (if irregular) maintenance as individuals die.

Landcare, Corridors for Wildlife, landholders,

high

d) Corridor design allowingfor species

· Utilise, where possible, species with longer life

Landcare, Corridors for Wildlife, landholders,

high



with a suitablelongevity.

spans as main species, with shorter-lived species along boundaries and near edges where they maybe easily replaced after senescence.

e) Use of fire in the corridorin an optimal manner to balance the need for protection of surrounding lands and the need to producea self-sustaining habitat.

· Establish minimum firing period as suits species with the longest juvenileperiod.

· Ensure fires are not too closely timed ortoo intense as to cause death of a majority of individuals.

NPWS, universities, Landcare, RBG,landholders, local govt

medium - high

f) maintenance of nesting sites, harboursand microhabitats suiting the wildlife inhabiting or using the corridor.

· Maintaining a number of trees with hollows unless they represent a very real danger.

· Ensuring ground is notcleared of all fallen logs, leavingsome for habitat.

· Ensuring a diversity of landforms within the corridor if possible.

landholders, Landcare, Corridors for Wildlife

medium - high

g) placement and design of corridors to allow connectivity between larger areas of natural

· Ensuring that corridors link larger areas of habitat, with emphasis on corridors between the largest patches of habitat.

SFNSW, Landcare, landholders, DLWC, Ag, NPWS, Corridors for Wildlife

high



habitat. · Funding (if applicable) those corridors planted between areas of natural vegetation where these have a benefit to wildlife movement.

· Not supporting with funding those corridors planted solely for stock shelter.

2.2.8. Greenbelt Areas.Greenbelts are larger areas of natural vegetation with amosaic of other land-uses embedded within. The purpose of agreenbelt is to identify areas where a series of inter-connecting patches and corridors provide a number of differentroutes for migrating animals, and in which the vegetationpropagules are able to move with relative ease.Principles.v Developing a conservation-based set of development guidelines for areas identied as essential for the North CoastGreenbelt Network.v Ranking actions within greenbelts into three levels of response -

è likely to harm.è no noticeable effect.è promoting greenbelt effectiveness.


a) Extension ofthe network.

· Establishment of greenbelts in areas where existing vegetation is available.

· Funding projects aimedat producing furthercontributions to thenetwork.

DUAP, DLWC, NPWS, Landcare, landholders, Ag, SFNSW

high



· Identifying areas where potential exists for new greenbelts.

b) Location of greenbelts intoareas where there is natural or potential wildlife movement patterns in existence.

· Identification of current and potential migration routes.

· Prioritising planting projects occurring in these areas.

· Involving landholders in the benefits of natural vegetation through education and extension.

NPWS, SFNSW, DUAP, Landcare, landholders, RAOU, AKF, WWF,

high - priority.

2.2.9. Weed Management.Weed management strategies used throughout the catchment vary not only from one shire to another, but also between the various weeds. Other problems arise when there is a weed that has been considered in one part of the catchment, but not in others (eg. Camphor Laurel), still allowing a source or propagation materials, or when a weed is a major environmentalweed but has not been recognised in official weed management strategies (eg. Privet).Principles.v Reducing the extent and diversity of weeds in areas of vegetation identified as being of conservation importance.v Reducing the extent of weeds in areas already threatened byother processes (esp. by clearing, fragmentation and urbanisation).v Identifying plant species as potential weed species, and endeavouring to control their spread and/or introduction to the area through information and education.v Identifying weeds as being of environmental importance, notjust economic and social importance. Developing strategies forthe control of environmental weeds.




a) Control measures appropriate to the situation and necessity.

· Develop priority listsfor weeds in particular situations.

· Determine the effectiveness of certain weed controlmethods.

· Maintain a register ofaction-outcome for weed control based on situation and conditions, listing all activities undertaken and theireffectiveness.

local govt, Ag, NPWS, SFNSW, DLWC, Landcare, landholders

medium - ongoing

b) Potential weed species.

· Identify and publicisecertain species which have the potential for weediness, and include appropriate controls.

· Education of land managers and nurseryfolk of potentially weedy species and control methods.

nurseries, Ag,NPWS, DLWC, customs / AQIS,

high

c) Identification,control and monitoring of weedy species.

· Map and monitor major outbreaks of all weeds, and all outbreaks of significant weeds (declared, potentially declared).

local govt, Ag, NPWS, SFNSW

high - priority, source funding

2.2.10. Marine, Maritime and Estuarine Communities.Although excluded from considerations in the NVC Act, thereare strong community desires to see at least the estuarine



vegetation types (mangroves, seagrasses) addressed in theplan. Most of the development pressures arise as a result ofclearing for stock access, mosquito control and in moreurbanised areas there is also the desire to clear forwaterfront access and views. Seagrass areas are adverselyaffected by the use of powerboats in shallow waters, and thebottow-scraping netting practices often employed by fishers.ISSUES.ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Loss of estuarine mangroves and seagrasses as aresult of inappropriate commercial and recreational use of areas.

· Restricting netting practices (time, intensity, type) in rich seagrass communities.

· Imposing penalties (monetary and accessrestriction) in areas where mangrovedestruction is occurring.

fisheries, fishery co-operatives, recreational water-sports groups, Clarence Pro-Am Fishing Group

medium - determine appropriate actions with industry& community

b) Loss of reedbeds and mangroves from the foreshore in urbanised areas.

· Education about the importance of mangroves and reedbeds as protection against wash from boats.

· Promoting the use of pontoon and extendedjetties for river access.

local govt, DLWC, fisheries,

medium - high.Better education appearsto be the key.

c) Loss of seagrasses

· Many seagrass beds areaffected by the use of powerboats and nets in shallow waters.

Fishing industry, recreational boat users

As for point a).

d) Loss of foredune vegetation in areas where urbanisation isoccurring, potentially

· Education on the protective nature offoredune vegetation.

· Community management of foredune vegetation through management planning

DUAP, Local Govt, Landcareand other community groups

high. Fostering more community involvementshould be an



resulting in areas of mobilesand.

processes, incorporating the biological aspects of dunal vegetation.

· Strict controls (structures mainly) on the use and management of dunal areas.

appropriate method. Seek funding for education projects.

2.2.11. Pasture Management.Pasture management is a contentious issue, largely spurred bythe consideration of native grass patures undisurbed after 10years as ‘native vegetation’ and therefore subject to theconstratints of the Act. Many areas will see limited ongoingmanagement of pastures, with bursts of activity on a long termcycle as landholders improve and re-claim into an activestatus the pastures on their property.ISSUES: (Largely derived from Chris Nodolny at Armidale -uncertainty can be blamed for poor addressing of issues here).ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Management of the pasture sward as a vegetation community, allowing for sustainable use, and adequate cultural management (fire, cultivation, grazing rates) to ensure the vegetation community is not losing species diversity or richness.



b) Measurement of coverc) Seasonality of composition.d) Definitions of regrowth.e) Species and communities most threatened, including species of uncertain status.f) Role and importance of native grasslands in the context of remnant vegetation management in the region.g) Native grasslands codeof practice.

2.2.12. Appropriate Revegetation.In this case, the term appropriate applies to a number offeatures that can be shown by the vegetation. These includeseral stage, species composition, source of propagationmaterials, and vegetation type. Other factors needing to beconsidered include the location and timing of planting, andthe eventual purpose of the planting (erosion control, shadeand shelter belt, wildlife corridor).




a) Use of appropriate species.

· Using available information (NE Plants DB) to provide species and natural habitats.

DLWC, Landcare, NPWS, Ag, GA

High - Use DB for lists.

b) Consideration of biological processes when designing and implementing rehabilitation programs.

· Education on the biological processes(succession particularly) needing consideration when designing long term regeneration projects.

DLWC, Landcare, GA,

High - simple education materials should be funded.

c) Use of material sourced from local provenance.

· Ensuring that locally sourced material is used in regenerationprojects.

Landcare, GA, landholder, nurseries.

High - Priority issue. Coordinated effort needed.

2.3. FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF VEGETATION.

2.3.1. Seed Supply.The supply of seed for regeneration works and to seedcompanies is one source of income that can be obtained for arelatively low level of both financial and time input. Anumber of companies collect and retail seeds, proving apossible customer for the seed collected. Combined with agrowing interest in native species, for regeneration works,fiewood plantings or for agroforestry, or where there areroadworks, the collection of seed can be profitable.Prices vary between companies as well as between species.Listed below are some representations.species supplier 25 g 100g 1kgEucalyptus andrewsii ssp. andrewsii

D. Orriell (WA) $9.50 $275

(New England Blackbutt) Aust. Seed Company (NSW)

$9.90 $31.00

$254



Eucalyptus nicholii (Willow Peppermint

D. Orriell (WA) $22.50 $600

- ROTAP species) Aust. Seed Company (NSW)

$24.90 $78.10

$640

Eucalyptus dunnii (Dunns White Gum -

D. Orriell (WA) $45.00 N/A

ROTAP species and sought timber tree)

Aust. Seed Company (NSW)

$44.00 N/A

Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Redgum)

D. Orriell (WA) $7.50 $175


$6.70 $21.00

$172

Acacia fimbriata (Fringed Wattle)

D. Orriell (WA) $5.50 $160


$5.10 $15.90

$130

Allocasuarina torulosa (Forest Oak)

D. Orriell (WA) $9.50 $255


$9.40 $29.30

$240

Flindersia australis (Australian Teak)

D. Orriell (WA) $13.00 N/A


$13.00 N/A

Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box)

D. Orriell (WA) $4.50 $75


$3.60 $11.00

$90

Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia)

D. Orriell (WA) $4.50 per 100 seeds

$20 per 1000.


$3.00 per 100 seeds

$18 per 1000.

Melia azedarach (White Cedar) D. Orriell (WA) $3.50 $55Aust. Seed Company (NSW)

$5.90 $48

Melaleuca quinquenervia D. Orriell (WA) $7.50 $195(Paperbark teatree) Aust. Seed Company

(NSW)$7.10 $180

Some local firms will also purchase seed. One is given below, and others can be found without a great deal of difficulty.Castanospermum australe(Black Bean)

Oud’s Amazone Nursery, Federal (Lismore area)

(02) 66884208 phone or 6688 4166 fax

bought at $1/kg



The supply of local seed to projects is not only desirable,but to some parties a necessary part of the project. Through acoordinated network, these seeds can be sourced and suppliedto growers for local projects.For landholders considering using trees off their ownproperties for on-farm projects, the timing of tree felling tocoincide with ripening of seeds is ideal. Then either thelandholder or a local group can be involved in collecting anycapsules or fruit for the harvesting of seed.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Maintenance of genetic integrity for an area.

· Development of a coordinated supply and storage network for locally sourced seed materials, including publication of theircurrent stock and available materials.

Landcare, GA, DLWC? NPWS?

High - priority need acoordinated response- prioritise for funding.

b) Use of direct seeding when appropriate.

· Determine suitability of project for direct seeding

· Ensuring seed is available for the direct seeding work.

Landholder, GA, consultants, seedbank network.

Medium-high. Use networkagain.

c) Timing tree felling to coincide with ripening of fruit.

· Ready access to ripening times for species to ensure removal of trees at the correct time.

· Coordinate the collection of seeds by self or local group.

· Ability to identify ripe or ripening fruit.

DLWC, NPWS, GA, Landcare

High - best seed source for trees. Use / make landholders aware ofthe network of people



2.3.2. Seedling Supply.The supply of seedlings to the various projects is anopportunity to gain some return from seed and propagationmaterials collected either in or near the works areas. In manycases, a small propagation unit can be established for aminimal funds outlay, and this reduces the later costs ofpurchasing plants. It can also act to provide some incomelater by providing grown-on plants for other local projects.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Coordinated supply of seedlings and stock allowing for the recognition of provenance.

· Development of a network of suppliersthat maintain materials of known provenence and amounts of each.

· Regular publication and updating of available stock.

Local landcaregroups, umbrella bodies, SFNSW,NPWS, DLWC, Ag

High

b) Use of seedlings in appropriate areas and situation.

· Determining if the project is suiting the use of seedling / growing plants (as opposed to seeds).

· Ensuring sufficient material is available for the project.

DLWC, advisors(landcare specialists), landcare umbrella bodies, local seed networks.

High

2.3.3. Harvesting of Natural Forests.There are a number of issues with harvesting from naturalforests. These include the methods used to select and felltrees, the areas from which trees are removed and the age andstand structure of any remaining forests.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Conservationof areas withinthe forest of higher

· Harvesting plans accounting for the protection of areas that have higher

SFNSW, DLWC, NPWS, Landholders doing private forestry.

High



conservation values.

biological value.· Understanding of the

factors that led to the higher conservation status to determine if these factors are also occurring in other areas within the forests, (thereby possibly allowing sustainablelogging activities within these areas).

b) Determination of sustainable logging rates for particular situations.

· Establishing maximum harvest values basedon the factors of species, soil, nutrient, rainfall, altitude, stand density, and exposure.

· Developing a sustainable logging plan for areas of private land that are in considerationbased upon growth rates and research.

universities, DLWC, Ag, SFNSW, NPWS

High - Priority issuefor gfunding wherethe info isnot alreadyknown.

c) Strict adherence to the Code of Practice once developed for each of the forest types.

· Development of the codes of practice for each forest type.

· Education and dissemination of thecode(s).

· Random audit of the code implementation.

DLWC, SFNSW, landcare, landholders

High - priority.

d) Timing harvesting to permit the maximum return

· Felling trees when theseed is ripe enough to be collected/harvested

High - priority - work



from each species (in both timber andother products).

for use in local regeneration works.

with seed harvesters network.

2.3.4. Harvesting of Natural Plant Products.A number of natural plant products may be harvested fromnatural forests. These include fruits, seeds, flowers, oilsand foliage. The ability to harvest these in a sustainablemanner largely depends on regulating numbers or amounts toallow sufficient for both wildlife needs and a commercialreturn. It is also important to have assessed the likelymarket for the products, and whether viable returns on theproduct are possible.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Collection of seeds, flowers and foliage needingtight regulation to ensure resources for wildlife are not depleted.

· Determining the level of wildlife use of the resource.

· Licensing (at absoluteminimum charge) for harvesting from natural stands to ensure wildlife minimum resource not depleted.

aboriginal community, NPWS, Landcare, DLWC, Ag, Fisheries

medium - high.

2.3.5. Ecotourism.This is one area where there is enormous potential for theClarence Valley. The main advantages it has are in it relyingupon the maintenance of natural vegetation, and in producing areasonable income for very small landholder input. Ifstockhand and shearers accomodation is available to beconverted to reasonably comfortable amenities, the costs areless than the development of purpose-built accommodation.The upper valley is quite close to the growing population ofSouth East Queensland, and there is a potential desire shownby some members of that community for farm stay and similar



accommodation. However, the targetting of the accommodation,amenities and available recreation activities to particularportions of the community will enhance the returns.ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Development of a sustainable eco-tourism industry allowing for profit from native vegetation in anon-destructivemanner.

· Promotion of ecotourism as a viable business among landholders.

· Coordination of ecotourism (as a cooperative?) to widen the advertising base to non-rural areas (eg Brisbane / Gold Coast, Toowoomba / Sydney / Newcastle) increasing effectiveness.

· Establish maximum visitor numbers to ensure sustainability.

Local govt, Landholders, DLWC, Ag, NPWS, local / regional tourism bodies, SCU, EPA

High. Fund investigationsthroughtourismbodies.

b) Pollution and weeds problems.

· Establish maximum visitor use to ensure sustainability.

· Provide areas for wash-down of recreational vehicles, including the promotion of reasons, before and after use on the property.

EPA, NPWS, Local Govt, DLWC.

High.

2.3.6. Agroforestry.Agroforestry is an area of growing interest. With a low returnfor cattle, and increasing return for timber, the financialbenefits of managing the two resources together are swayingmore in the favour of re-establishing timber.




a) Use of species indigenous to the area.

· Ensuring that species planted are indigenous to the area.

· Managing natural regeneration as a method of ensuring local sourcing.

· Determining lists of suitable local species that providegood returns.

SFNSW, Landcare, community, landholders, DLWC, Ag, NPWS

ongoing

b) Use of appropriate species.

· Ensuring that species used are suitable for the habitat thatwill develop as the stand matures.

· Utilising species thatwill provide highestreturns for their products.

· Utilising species which produce less waste at harvest.

SFNSW, DLWC, Ag, Landcare, NPWS, landholders, community

Medium - high,ongoing

c) Maintaining diversity of stand structurein natural forests.

· Producing areas withinthe forests having mixed stand structure in relatively short distances through the use of small area harvests.

DLWC, SFNSW, landholders, contractors, industry,

Medium - high,ongoing

2.3.7. Plantation Establishment and Management.Plantations may take a number of forms, depending upon theeventual product. Most are being prepared for the developmentof a timber resource, but other plantations are also worthconsidering, such as cut flowers, fruits, foliage and oils.Issues involved with the development and establishment ofplantations are varied, but relate to the siting of



plantations, the species involved and the sources of thatmaterial, and maintenance of the plantation (as required underthe Timber Plantations (Harvest Guarantee) Act).ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Use of indigenous stock.

· Using stock produced from local sourced seed / propagation material.

SFNSW, landholder, DLWC,

Ongoing. Priority issue

b) Use of herbicides during establishment.

· Limiting herbicide useto the minimum required to reduce competition for the preferred crop, and discontinuing use once stand is 2 metres tall.

· Using herbicides that are less harmful forthe environment if runoff or disturbance occurs (ie, those that are more likely to be quickly degraded andwhich may bind to soil particles and lose effectiveness once bound).

EPA, DLWC, SFNSW, landholders, Ag

High, ongoing

c) Removal of entire area of habitat at harvesting.

· Retaining areas and corridors of established vegetation as refugehabitat until regeneration or replanting is established.

· Harvesting in a mosaicpattern, staggered spatially and in time across the plantation area.

SFNSW, DLWC, landholders, Ag, NPWS,

Ongoing. Prioritise preparing of simple education materials.



2.3.8. Bush Tucker.The use of indigenous foods is beginning to become morewidespread, and certainly has the potential to become a majorindustry for those who become involved at an early stage. Agreat diversity of species can be cultured in a commercialsense, and products are equally varied. Among the major issuesthat have arisen are the use of select clones from non-indigenous stock, and the use of pest and wildlife managementpractices in what may otherwise prove a rich habitat forwildlife dependent upon fruit or flower products generaratedfor commercial gain. ISSUES:ISSUE ACTIONS RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME

a) Use of indigenous stock when a species is native to the area.

· Ensuring indigenous material is sourced for the plantings.

· Developing and selecting better clones from each region for use within that region.

aboriginal community, landcare, landholders, Ag, industry

High, ongoing

b) Development of a local cooperative or industry group catering to increased use of bush tucker.

· Developing a coordinated group ofgrowers, that will increase marketing ability and ensure dispersal of information throughout the groupon a shared product.

· Identify and target local products for which a market can be / is developed.

aboriginal community, landcare, landholders, Ag, industry

High,ongoing

A number of native foods associations exist, including the Australian Rainforest Bushfood Industry Association, based at Lismore (phone 6628 4372, fax 66284386).



2.3.9. Apiaries.The use of both natural and exotic vegetation as a bee-sitehas been a long standing tradition. In some areas, bees arevital to ensure adequate pollination occurs, particularly instone and pome fruit orchards. However, bees have a number ofnegative effects on the vegetation such as reduced pollinationof native plants (mainly pea-flowers) through by-passing ofthe physical pathway the pollinator must take to accessnectar. An apiary may also act as a nursery for diseases thatcan be distributed around the native vegetation.


a) Competition between native and exotic bees

· Ensuring that bees arenot causing undue competition in areaswhere native bees are vital for pollination.

NPWS, RLPB, Ag Ongoing.



3. CONCLUDING REMARKS.The following is a brief summary of the various projects and issues raised, targetting areas where there is a need for funding and financial assistance, and where efforts should be directed within the near future.

3.1. Identified Ongoing Projects.A number of projects could be identified as requiring continuing activity. These included:· Location details for significant species, and the

maintenance of a reliable, up to date register of their approximate locations for the use of council and govt staff.

· Determination of population sizes for significant species.· Strategic planning for species poorly conserved.· Establish a plant propagation material resource network

which will coordinate, maintain and disseminate information relating to the provenance and amounts of collected and stored seed, and the growing plants producedby various people / groups throughout the catchment for regeneration works.

· Rehabilitation projects to establish vegetation in areas where little remains, such as throughout the floodplain and on the tablelands.

· Regeneration and development of widlife corridor networks across a number of properties as part of the Greenbelt Planning / Implementation process.

· Ongoing weed control, including the development of a regional registry of weed outbreaks, methods used for controlling and success.

· Wetland studies.· Riparian studies.· Education materials for the general implications of

vegetation management legislation.· Control of plants and materials ‘escaping’ from plantations

into natural vegetation.· Idenitification of areas where habitat degradation is

occurring at an accelerated rate.· Long-term examination of the effects of grazing stock on

Travelling Stock Routes, Reserves and Camps.· Use of stock to reduce fuel loads and weeds in TSR’s.



· Removal of timber from roadworks to a stockpile site for useby public or NPWS. Make note of free availability with simple signage carrying conditions.

· Development of corridors having a width and species composition suitable for wildlife movement and establishment.

· Use of locally-sourced materials of indigenous, appropriate species in regeneration, agroforestry and plantations.

· Develop closer links with local bush tucker organisations toallow the formation of a cooperative marketing and production body.

· Studies into the relationships between introduced honeybees and native bees, with particular reference to both competition and pollination effects (cross-pollination between species and reduced pollination of some species).

3.2. Identified Priority Projects.The following projects arose from consideration of actions foreach issue. Many of them should be considered as being of highpriority.· Habitat requirements of significant species - especially

those without a conserved population.· Widepread community ability to identify priority species · Factors affecting the rehabilitation of vegetation types

with restricted distributions.· Research into the factors affecting the distribution of rare

vegetation types.· Baseline assessment of rare vegetation types, especially

those restricted to particular geologies (eg. serpentinite), or certain landscape positions.

· Determination of satisfactory riparian zone widths for all stream types within the catchment.

· Identification of all areas of High Conservation Value Vegetation throughout the catchment.

· Education materials about the inherent values of high conservation value vegetation.

· Re-establishing a tidal regime of flooding on those areas where tidal flooding would have occurred (low altitude wetlands), with one of the benefits being a study of the effects on wildlife and biodiversity.

· Riparian commmunity studies to determine optimum widths for protected lands status.



· Stabilisation of mobile dunes.· Addressing poor or inadequate coverage by SEPP14 and SEPP 26

of lands meeting those criteria.· Sponsoring and developing a network of Property agreements

across the Catchment to allow greater local input to vegetation projects and management.

· Determining species sensitivity to fire and disturbance, to suggest the best time, frequency and intenity of activity (fire, cultivation) to manage the species.

· Development of roadside environment plans for the local govtareas not yet done or undertaking the process (Maclean, Copmanhurst, Tenterfield, Guyra).

· Simple online / CD-ROM identification guide utilising the NENSW Plants database as base.

·

3.3. Projects that should be funded.The following list is projects that have been idenified at various ratings for funding. Sources would include NHT, TCM Enhancement and sponsorship, with the size and estimated cost of the project being the main criteria for pursuing a particular funding source.· Development of more ‘information centres’ for the public at

beach-access points explaining the importance of coastal vegetation and the values of the species present.

· Establishment of a networking organisation between all of the seed collectors, seed storers and propagators throughout the region to allow greater exchange of information and materials to those needing plants for regeneration.

· Extension / broadening of the Greenbelt and Corridor networks to allow better linkages through a number of different avenues rather than a select few, especially where wildlife (including flora) movement has been idetified as a major feature of the locality.

· Factors affecting the distribution of significant vegetationtypes with a view to rehabilitation if required.

· Factors affecting the natural processes within each type.· Flooding regimes and hydrology in wetlands under tidal

influence.



· Guides to allow identification of significant species to become a widespreadability within the community.

· Identification, control and monitoring of weedy species.· Information on potentially weedy species and proper disposal

of garden waste (attach to council rates information?)· Location of fire sensitive significant species populations.· Loss of biodiversity in `wetlands due to water management

practices.· Management requirements of wetland species.· Native food market development.· Rehabilitation projects to combat environmental weeds in

rainforests.· Required widths of the riparian community (in progress?)· Sensitivity of local species to the effects of fire under

varying regimes.· Simple education materials about harvesting and native

vegetation management processes that the landholder can undertake to ensure greater viability and environmentally sensible use of native vegetation lands.

· Simple education materials about succession and seral processes.

· Strategic plannig for species poorly or inadequately (or not) conserved in reserves.

· Studies into visitor interest in farm-stay accomodation and likely markets.

· Sustainability levels for activities undertaken in dry forests and woodlands.

3.4. Education.Many of the more successfully implemented activities willresult from the provision of adequate, clear educationmaterials. The following list provides a summation of theeducation materials which are considered necessary for theimplementation of many actions listed in the plan.· Identification guides for

rare and significant species;coastal species identification - especially at young

juvenile stage;riparian species and those suitable for use in

riparian rehabilitation projects (following on from Alan Raine’s Riparian

Guide);



· A simple glossary and guide fo use by landcare groups andthose working with vegetation to allow them to understandthe terminology.

· A guide to show the successional stages in vegetation types,and why it is that succession needs to be considered inrevegetation works.

· Development of a ‘process manual’ for landholders wishing todiversify into the farmstay / ecotourism field.

· The importance of mixed stand structure and composition forthe continued health and productivity of a vegetationtype.

· Mosaic and strip harvesting methods.· Diversification using indigenous plants - bush food,wildflowers, plant products (foliage, fruit, etc.).


APPENDIX A TO DRAFT ISSUES PAPERCLARENCE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

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APPENDIX A.

A.1. AUGMENTING DOCUMENTATION AND MATERIALS.

A.1.1. Active Geographic Information Systems formaintaining accurate details of vegetation.

A.1.1.1. Multiple GIS Layers.

A.1.1.1.a. Protected LandsA layer to illustrate the areas declared as protected in the plan. This may include the 18° slope characters, protected streams and other sensitive lands. Allows for rapid assessment of the areas of protected land within any landholding.

A.1.1.1.b. Significant Vegetation Types.A layer illustrating the extent of significant vegetationtypes as determined in the plan.

A.1.1.1.c. Rare Species (TSC and ROTAP).Locations (to within a 10,000 sq metre grid? (hectare size)). Resolve in committee the area and location detailing needed to give workable answers.

A.1.1.1.d. Noxious Species.Locatins of larger noxious weed outreaks, and possibly a layer modelling the likely occurrence given characteristics of the species.

A.1.1.1.e. Reserves and Conservation Areas.Areas reserved for the benefit of the environment.

A.1.1.1.f. Prescribed and Significant Streams.Prescribed streams as already listed, and significant streams layer to show all those waterways considered to be significant for vegetation management.

A.1.1.1.g. Greenbelt Zones.As determined from the DUAP study.



A.1.1.1.h. SEPP Zones.As determined from DUAP records. May also include areas which are recommended for inclusion and reasons.

A.1.1.1.i. Acid Sulfate Soils.Utilising the mapping held by DLWC.

A.1.1.1.j. Fire Management and Prescribed Burning.Optimal and preferred regimes best suiting the vegetationand habitats present in any particular polygon.

A.1.1.1.k. Clearing Rates.Rates of clearing within each polygon, based upon mappingalready conducted. May expand or broaden at a later stageto show a cumulative algorithm using known data (as a basis) and the amounts of each area / polygon considered and approved for clearing under the permitting system.


Ensuring data is available toall govt requests at maximum of costof transfer

· Distribution throughout the various agencies of lists of data held, maintained and created that is relevant to the region.

· Regular updating of the lists of available materials / layers.

Ag, NPWS, SFNSW, DLWC, universities, DUAP, local govts, CSIRO

A.1.2. Data Availability and Custodians.Layer custodian data format data

typecoverage scale currency

Coastal wetlands (SEPP 14)

Dept of Planning

Genamap hard copy GIS, HC Tweed Hds - Camden Haven

1:25 000 current

Llittoral rainforests (SEPP26)

Dept of Planning


1:25 000 current

Sensitive coastallands

Dept of Planning


1:25 000 current



Vegetation systems (Roberts)

NPWS E-RMS GIS NC + parts New Eng & Hunter Regions

1:100 000

Jun-92

Protected lands DLWC (CaLM) Genamap GIS North Coast 1:25 000Protected lands DLWC (CaLM) Genamap GIS North Coast 1:50 000Protected lands DLWC (CaLM) Genamap GIS North Coast 1:26 720Soil Landscapes DLWC (CaLM) Genamap GIS parts of North

Coast1:100 000

Soil Landscapes DLWC (CaLM) Genamap GIS parts of North Coast

1:250 000

Landsat imagery DLWC (CaLM) Landsat TM NSWNorth East forests biodiversity d'base

NPWS E-RMS GIS North Coast

Vegetation systems

NPWS E-RMS GIS North Coast

ROTAP D'Base NPWS E-RMS GIS North CoastForest Cover NPWS E-RMS GIS NC + parts New

Eng & Hunter Regions

1:100 000

Jun-92

Atlas of Australian wildlife

NPWS DBMS NSW

Census of Aust'n vertebrate species

NPWS DBMS NSW

Census of Aust'n plant species

NPWS DBMS NSW

Fire history NPWS E-RMS GIS parts of NSW - some NPWS estates

Rainforest mapping

NPWS E-RMS GIS parts of NE NSW

Old growth forests

NPWS E-RMS GIS parts of NE NSW

Fauna surveys NPWS E-RMS GIS parts of NSW - some NPWS estates

Vegetation surveys

NPWS E-RMS GIS parts of NSW - some NPWS estates

Herpet. records -CSIRO catalogue

NPWS DBMS NSW

Australian Museumcatalogue

NPWS DBMS NSW

RAOU catalogue NPWS DBMS NSWvegetation NPWS hard copy Border Ranges 1:25 000vegetation (Griffith)

NPWS hard copy Broadwater 1:25 000 1984

Vegetation map & rainforest inventory

NPWS hard copy Dorrigo NP 1:25 000

Rainforest inventory (Williams, Roberts)

NPWS hard copy Gibraltar RangeNP

1:25 000

Vegetation NPWS hard copy Nymboida NP 1:25 000Vegetation NPWS hard copy Washpool NP 1:25 000Vegetation NPWS hard copy Yuraygir NP 1:25 000 1985



(Griffith)wetlands survey (Pressey)

NPWS hard copy Lower Clarence 1:25 000 1982

Vegetation (Wilson)

NPWS hard copy Iluka peninsula

Rainforest remnants

Gilmore & Helman, 1991)

hard copy Clarence Valley 1:25 000 1991

Vegetation (Atlasof Aust. resources 6)

Carnahan, 1990 hard copy North coast 1:500 000

1990

vegetation (Austeco Pty Ltd)

Coffs Harbour City Council

digital hard copy GIS Orara & Bucca valleys

1:25 000

Forest Types NSW State Forests

digital hard copy GIS state forests &forested lands in Clarence catchment.

1:25 000

Marine & estuarine biophysical, cultural and socio-economic data for NSW

NSW Fisheries MEPA GIS

Mangroves, salt marshes and sea grasses (for years 1942, 1971,1981)

NSW Fisheries Genamap GIS Clarence River estuary

Nov-91


APPENDIX B TO DRAFT ISSUES PAPERCLARENCE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

APPENDIX B.

B.1. List of Reports on Vegetation of the Clarence Catchment.AUTHOR YEAR TITLE PUBLISHER / CUSTODIAN

BENSON, John and ASHBY, Elizabeth

1996 Vegetation of the Guyra1:100 000 Map Sheet.

Royal Botanic Gardens,Sydney.

BINNS, Doug 1992 Flora Survey, Glen Innes management area, northern region.

NSW Forestry Commission.

CARR, David 1996 A field guide to the Trees and Tall Shrubs of the North-West Slopes.

Greening Australia, Armidale.

CENTRE FOR COASTAL MANAGEMENT

1990 Vegetation Survey, Elcom Transmission Line, Grafton to Coffs Harbour

Southern Cross University report for the NSW Electricity Commission.

CLAYTON, K.N. 1992 The rare and threatenedflora of Gibraltar Range National Park andmanagement strategies for conservation.

University of New England, Armidale. Minor thesis

DODKINS, M. and BENSON, J.

1984 Plant Species List for Mt Neville Area.

NSW National Parks andWildlife Service internal report, Mt Neville Natural Area investigation.

FLOYD, Alex 1980 Vegetation of the CoffsHarbour Area, in The Natural History of the Coffs Harbour District.

Department of Continuing Education, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour.

FLOYD, Alex G. 1976 Flora of Sherwood Nature Reserve.

Forestry Commission ofNSW

FORESTRY COMMISSION OF NSW

1992 Proposed Forestry Operations, Dorrigo Management Area: Environmental Impact Statement

Forestry Commission ofNSW

GRIFFITH, S. 1992 Thesium australe. Species Recovery Plan

NSW National Parks andWildlife Service, Hurstville.

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GRIFFITH, S.J. 1983 A survey of the vegetation of Bundjalung National Park

University of New England, Honours Thesis.

GRIFFITH, S.J. 1984 A survey of the vegetation of Yuraygir National Park

NSW National Parks andWildlife Service, Northern Region Report

HARDEN, Gwen J.

1991 - 1993

Flora of New South Wales, Volumes 1 - 4.

Royal Botanic Gardens,Sydney, University of NSW Press.

HARDEN, Gwen J. and WILLIAMS, JohnB.

1979 A guide to the common trees and shrubs found in rainforests in Dorrigo National Park.

University of New England.

HARDEN, Gwen J. and WILLIAMS, JohnB.

undated

A guide to some common and unusual fruits found in rainforests.


HOLLINGER, E. 1990 The role of vegetation in streambank stabilisation - a case study on the Orara River.

SCU Lismore IntegratedProject

JOHNSTON, Anthony

1987 Northern section of theYuraygir National Park Management Plan


KAHN, Lewis and HEARD, Belinda

1997 Pasture Plants of the Slopes and Tablelands of NSW

NSW Department of Landand Water Conservation, Armidale

LOCKWOOD, Jocelyn

1991 Plan of Management - Bald Rock National Park.


McPHERSON, David

1992 A Draft Plan of Management for the Tidal Wetlands of the Lower Clarence Estuary,North-East New South Wales


MORGAN G. and TERREY, J.

1990 Land conservation for the New England Tableland: A regional plan.

World Wide Fund for Nature, Sydney.



NADOLNY, Chrisand BENSON, John

1993 The biology and management of the PigmyCypress Pine (Callitris oblonga) in NSW. Species management report 7.

NSW National Parks andWildlife Service

OSGERBY, Benjamin

1995 An interpretive guide to Gibraltar Range and Washpool National Parks.


PERRY, Tim 1992 Fire Management in Bundjalung National Park, north-eastern NewSouth Wales

SCU Lismore Honours Project

ROBERTS, G. 1992 Vegetation systems of north-east New South Wales mapped from Landsat TM imagery.

Unpublished report, NSW National Parks andWildlife Service, Hurstville.

SHERINGHAM, Paul and WESTAWAY, John

1995 Significant Vascular Plants of Upper North-eastern New South Wales

NSW National parks andWildlife Service.

SIMON, Peter 1994 A site plan for the Boonoo Boonoo National Park Falls Picnic Area


WHALLEY, R.D. B., ROBINSON, G.G. and TAYLOR, J.A.

1978 General effects of management and grazing by domestic stock on the rangelands of the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales

Australian Rangelands Journal 1(2): 174 - 190.

WHITE, J.M. 1986 Managing the New England Lagoons for waterbirds.

University of New England, master of natural Resources thesis.

WILLIAMS, JohnB.

1985 New England Eucalypts: a key to the indigenousspecies.


WILLIAMS, JohnB. and HARDEN,Gwen J.

1979 A Field Guide to Mangroves of New South Wales



1980 Rainforest Climbing Plants: A field guide to the rainforest




climbing plants of New South Wales using vegetative characters.


1979 New England Acacias: A short key to the commonspecies of the New England Tableland, N.S.W.


B.2. Brief list of reports and local studies considered relevant to vegetation management planning.ALEXANDER, Jon

1994 A methodology for assessing ecological resources on private land.


ALLETSON, Thomas

1993 Rainforest regenerationand effluent re-use: A Lennox Head waste management alternative.


ANDERSON, Jason

1992 Soils and vegetation onunmined and sand-mined wet heath in Northern New South Wales, Australia


ANDRZEJEWSKI,Daniel

1994 The effectiveness of buffer zones to controlagricultural runoff.


BAILEY, Darren

1992 The influence of light intensity on successional processes in the sub-tropical rainforest.


BROWN, Christopher

1995 Ecological restoration of a remnant rain-forest on a private property.


CLARK, M. 1991 TCM and landcare Review: Case study of the Dorrigo Plateau.


CLEARY, Katrina

1993 The role of non-governmental organisations in




environmental policy making and management.

CLYDESDALE, Joshua

1993 The potential for ecotourism in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales.


CRAVEN, John 1994 Community mapping: an environmental management and planningtool.


CURTIS, David 1989 Vegetation changes on the Northern tablelandsof New South Wales.

University of New England PhD thesis.

DEEGAN, John 1993 Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Nees and Eberm) within the Richmond-Tweed region of northern New South Wales - A review of current literature and suggestions for future management.


EARLY, Owen 1995 Conservation agreements: background information and case studies including management plan.


EAST, Margaret

1992 Revegetation prioritiesfor the preservation ofnative vegetation remnants.


EMTAGE, Nick 1995 Landholders perceptionsof the planting and management of trees.


FAHY, Leanne 1994 Options for action in achieving the conservation of naturalresources.


FERGUSON, Sophie

1995 Invasion by Senna in north eastern New SouthWales, ecology and




management implications.

FRANCIS, Kerri

1994 Nature conservation on pivate land, governmentand community roles: Clark’s Scrub, a case study.


GILL, Annette 1996 Effects of aerial spraying of Bitou Bush on invertebrate fauna.


GIMELLARO, Vanessa

1996 Riparian Zone conservation and regeneration in Australia.


GRIFFITH, S.J.

1992 Species recovery plan, Zieria prostrata ms.

Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra, Endangered species program.

GRIFFITH, S.J.

1992 Species recovery plan, Thesium australe.


GRIFFITHS, J. 1991 An investigation of Australian Native Plantspecies which may be useful in soil erosion control.


GROSSE, Suellen

1995 Agroforestry. The role of legumes in the viability of trees on farms.


HAGER, T.C. and BENSON, J.S.

1994 Review of the conservation status of vegetation communities in NSW, part 3, Assessment of the conservation status of forest plant communities in North-eastern NSW.

Australian Heritage Commission, Canberra; Royal Botanic Gardens,Sydney.

HALL, Karen 1995 A field guide booklet for the identification of cabinet timber




species, for the Northern Rivers Region,N.S.W.

HUNTER, J., JAY, A., NICHOLSON, H., NICHOLSONN., and HORTON, S.

1992 Species Recovery Plan, Acronychia littoralis.


JARRETT, John 1993 An inventory of wetlandvegetation commmunitiesusing Thematic Mapper Digital Data.


JOHNSON, Ross 1992 A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) inventory of the Big Scrub Rainforest Remnants as a conservation managementtool.


JOLLEY, Scott 1995 A review of rehabilitation techniques at open-cut coal mines.


JONES, D.J. and HILL, K.

1992 Macrozamia johnsonii, a newspecies of Macrozamia (Zamiaceae) from Northern NSW.

Telopea 5: 31-35

KELLY, Anne Louise

1993 The maintenance of floristic diversity in a ‘valuable’ Big Scrub remnant.


KRAUS, Chris 1996 Comparison of the mangrove rehabilitationtechniques used in North Creek, Ballina.


LANGBEIN, Sueanne

1996 Draft plan of management for Eureka Hall remnant.


LYNCH, Joanne 1989 The rehabilitation of tidal wetlands


MACKEY, Di 1996 Rural planning SCU Lismore Integrated



approaches - comparative study of coastal and inland areas.

Project

MANNERS, B. 1990 Environmental management of mangrovesin the urban setting ofCoffs Creek, New South Wales.


McFADDEN, Keith

1993 The regeneration of coastal wetlands, Fingal Peninsula, NSW.


McVERRY, Simon

1995 A socio-economic evaluation of the Clarence River commercial fishery.


MENKE, Norbert

1996 Reconstructing pre-European vegetation in Australia in 1750.


MOORE, D.M. and FLOYD, A.G.

1994 A description of the Flora and an assessmentof impacts of the Proposed Forestry Activities in the Grafton Forest Management Area.

State Forests, NSW, Grafton EIS supportingdocument 2.

MURPHY, D. 1991 An historic account of the decline of the Big Scrub, northern NSW, and the measures taken to protect and manages it remaining remnants.


NADOLNY C. and BENSON J.

1993 The biology and management of the PigmyCypress Pine (Callitris oblonga) in NSW.

NSW National Parks andWildlife Service species management report no. 7.

NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

1995 Flora of North-east NSW: North East ForestsBiodiversity Study, report no. 4.

NSW National Parks andWildlife Service, Hurstville, NSW.

NICHOLLS, John

1994 Recruitment of Rhizophorastylosa within the rivers




of the Solitary IslandsMarine Reserve, NSW.

NICHOLSON, Dean

1993 The potential effects of sea level rise on coastal wetland communities.


OLDE, P.M. and MARRIOTT,N.R.

1994 A taxonomical revision of Grevillea arenaria and Grevillea obtusifolia (Proteaceae: Grevilleoideae)

Telopea 5: 711-734

OSWALD, Peta 1996 Comparison of internodal growth rate for Aristolochia praevenosa and Aristolochia elegans and their management.


OWEN, Stacey L.

1989 Agroforestry: An economic evaluation.


PERRY, Tim 1992 A review of aspects of the ecology of Ligustrum lucidum and L. sinense thatmay affect the conservation of rainforest remnants in north eastern New SouthWales.


PIMM, Sandy 1995 A Geographic Information System (GIS) Database and Rationale for the Greening Australia Corridor: Nightcap Range to Broken Head, Northern New South Wales.


ROBINSON, Shane

1996 Non-wood, non-farm production benefits of farm forestry in the Richmond Catchment.


SHRUBB, Valerie

1993 Trees as windbreaks andshelter on cattle producing properties.




SIMPSON, Andrew

1993 The reforestation of grazing leases in the western Border Ranges National Park: some management options.


SIMPSON, Andrew

1994 Suitability of direct seeding for establishing trees and shrubs on farmland of the north coast of NSW.


SPENCER, Joanne

1994 An evaluation of the eucalypt joint venture plantation scheme between State Forests and private landholdersin the Northern Rivers Region of NSW.


STATE FORESTSOF NSW

1994 Grafton Management AreaProposed Forestry Operations Environmental Impact Statement Vol. A.

State Forests of NSW, Sydney

TAYLOR, Kevin 1992 The management of Ligustrum spp. on the FarNorth Coast of New South Wales.


THOMPSON, Jacob

1992 A comparative assessment of post-firefloristic recovery of rehabilitated sand-mined and natural (unmined) wet heath communities in Bundjalung National Park.


TROWBRIDGE, Russell

1993 The contribution of ecotourism to regional economic development.


TRUDGEON, Daniel

1993 Information booklet on mangrove rehabilitationconcerning species, methods and areas




suitable for rehabilitation.

TRUMAN, George

1991 The significance of hydrological boundariesfor the conservation management of wetland communities.


TWEEDIE, T.D., CHAPMAN, W.S.and HEYWARD, R.W.

1993 Fora survey, Urunga andCoffs Harbour management area, Northern Region.

State Forests of NSW, Forest Ecology and Silviculture Section Research Division.

van BLADEL, Martina

1992 Multiple use forestry -how well does Whian Whian State Forest comply?


WHALEY, Michael

1991 Conservation on privateland in NSW - who pays?


WILLIAMS, J.B.

1994 Notes on Melichrus sp A (M. hirsutus ms J. Williams): Taxonomic features, conservation status, distribution, ecology and associated species.

Unpublished (possibly available through NPWSNorthern Zone Office, Coffs Harbour).

WILSON, Cherrie

1996 Decision support systemfor regeneration and revegetation of sub-tropical rainforests.


B.3. Papers and studies used as references for this study but not cited in the text.

BRIGGS, J.D. and LEIGH, J.H.

1995 Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (3rd Edition)

CSIRO, Melbourne

BRIGGS, J.D. and LEIGH, J.H.

1988 Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (2nd Edition). Special Publication 14.

Australian NationalParks and WildlifeService (nowAustralian NatureConservation Agency)

DAVIE, Jim 1997 Is biodiversity really the link between

Pacific ConservationBiology, 3: 83-90.



conservation and ecologically sustainable management?A reflection on paradigm and practice.

EMTAGE, Nick and SPECHT, Alison

1996 Revegetation programs: a case for niche marketing.

‘Conservation OutsideNature Reserves’conference, centre forConservation Biology,University ofQueensland.

McPHEE, M.J.,AYRES, J.F. and CURLL, M.L.

1997 Growth periodicity of introduced pastures on the northern tablelandsof New South Wales.

Australian Journal ofAgricultural Research,48: 831-841


APPENDIX C TO DRAFT ISSUES PAPERCLARENCE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

APPENDIX C.

C.1. Principles derived from other sources:

C.1.1. Clearing.Principles derived from the NSW Vegetation Forum Report on Native Vegetation in New South Wales.{ Native vegetation management should be based on the overall goal of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) as defined in the Protection of theEnvironment Administration Act 1991, recognising environmental, economic and social values.

{ Native vegetation mangement requires the continuing partnership of Government, land managers and the wider community.

{ Native vegetation management policy should encourage the move towrds informed community-based non-regulatory approaches.

{ This native vegetation management model should apply to all land except areas managed specifically for their native vegetation values, eg areas covered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service Act, some planning instruments under the Environmental Protection and Assessment Act, as well as land managed under the Forestry Act (with associated environmental regulation).

{ Management of native vegetation should be a component of integrated natural resource management, which also includes management of soil, water, biodiversity and cultural heritage.

{ A tiered approach of state guidelines, (bio)regional management plans, local plans/agreements and a permit system should be adopted. (Linking plans ranging from regional to local scales will need to be addressed).

{ Native vegetation policy must encourage the development of ‘best practiceguidelines’.

C.1.2. Wetland Management.Principles from the NSW Wetlands Management Policy document:) Water regimes needed to maintain or restore the physical, chemical and biological processes of wetlands will have formal recognition in water allocation and management plans.

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) Land use and management practices taht maintain or rehabilitate wetland habitats and processes will be encouraged.) New developments will require allowance for suitable water distribution to and from wetlands.) Water entering natural wetlands will be of sufficient quality so as not to degrade the wetlands.) The construction of purpose-built wetlands on the site of viable natural ones will be discouraged.) Natural wetlands should not be destroyed, but when social or economic imperatives require it, the rehabilitation or construction of a wetland should be required.) Degraded wetlands and their habitats and processes will be actively rehabilitated as far as is practical.) Wetlands of regional or national significance will be conserved.) The adoption of a stewardship ethos and co-operative action between land and water owners and managers, governmnent authorities, non-government agencies, and thegeneral community is necessary for effective wetland management.

C.1.3. Rivers and Estuaries.From the Riparian Zone Policy Discussion Paper.š Those uses of rivers and estuaries which are non-degrading should be encouraged.š Non-sustainable resource uses which are not essential should be progressively phased out.š Environmentally degrading processes and practices shouldbe replaced with more efficient and less degrading alternatives.š Environmentally degraded areas should be rehabilitated and their biophysical functions restored.š Remnant areas of significant environmental values shouldbe accorded special protection.



š An ethos for the sustainable management of river and estuarine resources should be encouraged in all agencies and individuals who own, manage or use these resources, and its practical application enabled.

C.1.4. Ecological Goals / Objectives from RTA Roadside Environment Strategic Plan:> Identify and manage roadside corridors and adjoining lands to maximise ecological values, considering social and economic functions of the transport link.

> To maintain and establish indigenous vegetation to conserve ecological values and optimise opportunities for linkage of natural areas of vegetation / habitat.

> To control the number of weeds in road corridors in order to maintain and enhance ecological values of roadside and adjoining vegetation.

> To control pest species within roadside corridors, consistent with maintaining native flora and fauna values.

> To maintain and increase habitat for wildlife in roadside corridors while identifying and minimising conflict between animal movement and traffic.

> To minimise soil erosion in the road corridor and sedimentation of the downstream environment through the implementation of appropriate soil conservation strategies.

> To protect watercourses and their associated habitats through strategies designed to minimise the adverse effects of the construction and use of road corridors on river environments and their catchments.

> To identify the effects of bush fires and bush fire control and management strategies on the ecology of corridors and to promote ecologically sound bush fire control practices while not compromising the protection of lives andproperty.

> To site stockpiles where visual amenity and vegetation are not affected.

> To provide for the placement of public utility services in roadside corridors, whilst not compromising the ecological and social functions.

C.1.5. Strategy Plan for Key Natural Resource Issues in the Clarence Catchment:

Vegetation management and Biodiversity section.



Goals:

ª To re-establish vegetative cover on over-cleared slopes, degraded land, and in riparian corridors.ª To maintain or enhance biodiversity in the catchment.ª To encourage vegetation mangement which is ecologicallyand economically sustainable.Strategies:

ª Encourage revegetation and regeneration of sensitive orunstable areas, with native species.ª Promote farm management that maintains/regenerates vegetation on sensitive or unstable areas, and enhances biodiversity.ª Encourage better management of existing vegetation.ª Promote the economic and ecological importance of vegetation to the community.


APPENDIX D.

D.1. Rare, Endangered and Threatened Plant Species likely to occur in the Clarence Catchment.

The following presents in tabular form information for each of the nominated species from the NSW North East Plants database (developed as part of this project).

Table D1. ROTAP (Rare or Threatened Australian Plants) coding for each species (the standard applied by Briggs and Leigh, 1988, 1995).1 Total range limited to one population.2 Total range of populations is less than 100 kilometres.3 Total range of populations is greater than 100 kilometres.K Species rarity status poorly known.R Species considered rare.E Species considered endangered.X (x) Species considered extinct. Large X refers to species

considered extinct over full range, small x refers to those species considered extinct within that region.

C Species occurs within formal conservation areas (National Parks, Nature Reserves and Flora Reserves).

i Populations conserved are considered inadequate for the ongoing maintenance of the species.

a Populations conserved are considered adequate for the ongoingmaintenance of the species.

t Populations of the species is found entirely within conservation areas.

- The adequacy of conservation status is not known.+ The species occurs naturally outside Australia.

Other coding is applied to each species in the following ways:· Italics are used to denote species which are adequately

conserved within the conservation areas (a species). Although the species is important (and may have legalimportance if listed in the Threatened Species Conservation Act or the Endangered Species ProtectionAct), the need to formally recognise populations intoconservation agreements has less urgency. However, recognition of populations distant, isolated or out-of-typical-habitat should be made.

APPENDIX D TO DRAFT ISSUES PAPERCLARENCE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

· Bold type is used to denote those species which are notfound within conservation areas. These species should be part of targetted campaigns for conservation.

Table D2. List of ROTAP species, or those scheduled in the TSC Act or ESP Act likely to occur in the Clarence Catchment.

Genus species sub-taxon conserved TSC coding

rotap 88coding

ROTAP 95 coding ESP act coding

Acacia barringtonensis 3RCa (-Ca NT, - NC)Acacia brunioides ssp.

brunoides3RC- (-C NT, - NC)

Acacia brunoides ssp. granitica

n 3RC- (- NT)

Acacia cangaiensis 2RC- (-C- NT, -C- NC)

Acacia floydii n 2RC- (- NC)Acacia latisepala 3RC- (-C- NT)Acacia macnuttiana endangere

dAcacia maidenii 2VCi (-Ci, NT)Acacia pycnostachya n vulnerabl

e2V

Acacia ruppii n endangered

2E vulnerable

Acacia tessellata 2RC- (-C- NT, -C- NC)

Acianthus amplexicaulis 3RC- (-Ci NC)Acianthus apprimus n 2RAcianthus exiguus 3RC- (-C- NC)Acomis acoma 3RC- (-Ci NC)Acronychia baeuerlenii 3RC- (-Ci & -C-

NC)Acronychia littoralis endangere

d3ECi (-Ci NC) endangered

Aldrovanda vesiculosa endangered

Allocasuarina rupicola 2RC- (-C- NT)Alloxylon pinnatum 3RCa (-C- & -Ca & -Ci

NC)Almaleea cambagei n endangere

d2V

Amorphospermum whitei vulnerable

3RCa (-Ca & -Ci NC) vulnerable

Amphibromus pithogastrus n 3KAngophora robur vulnerabl

e2RC- (-C- NC) vulnerable

Argophyllum nullumense 3RCa (-Ci & -C- & -Ca NC)

Arthraxon hispidus n vulnerable

3VC-+ (- NC, - NT)

endangered

Arthropteris palisotii endangered

Austrobuxus swainii 3RCa (-Ci & -C- & -Ca NC)

Backhousia anisata 2RCa 2RCa (-Ca NC)Baloghia marmorata vulnerabl

e3VC- (-Ci NC) vulnerable

Bertya brownii n 2RC- (- NC - noreference)

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Boronia chartaceae n 3RC- 3RBoronia granitica n endangere

d3VC- (-C- NWS, - NT)

endangered

Boronia repanda n endangered

2E 2E endangered

Boronia rubiginosa 2RCa 2RCa (-C- NT, - NC, - NWS)

Boronia umbellata vulnerable

2VC- 2VC- (-C- NC)

Bosistoa floydii 2RCi (-Ci NC)Bothriochloa biloba n vulnerabl

e3V vulnerable

Brasenia schreberi 3V 3RC-+ (-x NWP, -C- NC)

Bulbophyllum argyropus 3RCi+ (-Ci NC)Bulbophyllum weinthalii 3RCi (-Ci NC)Caesia parviflora var. minor endangere

dCallistemon acuminatus 3RC- (-Ci & -C-

NC)Callistemon flavovirens n 3RC- (- NT)Callistemon pungens n 3RCallitris baileyi n endangere

d3RC- (- NC)

Callitris monticola 3RC- (-Ci NT, -C- NC)

Callitris oblonga vulnerable

3VCa (-Ci & -Ca NT) vulnerable (also sp. aff. oblonga, A.MGray 22495)

Calophanoides hygrophiloides endangered

Carex capillacea n 3RC-+ (- NT)Chiloglottis palachila 3RC- (-C- NT)Chiloglottis platyptera 2KC- (-C- NT)Chiloglottis sphyrnoides n 3KC- (- NC)Conospermum burgessiorum 3RCa -Ca NT)Cordyline congesta 2RC- (-C- NC)Corybas undulatus n 3KC- (- NC)Corynocarpus rupestris subsp.

arborescens3RC- (-Ci NC)

Corynocarpus rupestris subsp. rupestris

vulnerable

2VC-t (-C- NC)

Cryptandra lanosiflora 3RCa (-C- & -Ca NT, -C- NC)

Cryptocarya dorrigoensis 2RCa (-C- NT, -Ca NC)Cryptocarya floydii 3RCi (-Ci NT, -

Ci NC)Cryptocarya foetida vulnerabl

e3VCi (-Ci NC) vulnerable

Cryptocarya nova-anglica 3RCa (-C- & -Ca NT, -C- NC)

Cryptostylis hunteriana vulnerable

3VC- (C- NC) vulnerable

Daviesia elliptica 3RC- (-C- NT)Dendrobium schneiderae 3RC- (-C- NC)Dendrocnide moroides endangere

dDenhamia moorei 2RC- (-C- NT, -

C- NC)Desmodium acanthocladum vulnerabl

e2VC- (-C- & -CiNC)

vulnerable



Dichanthium setosum vulnerable

vulnerable

Dillwynia species A 2RC-t (-C- NT)Discaria pubescens 3RCa (-C- NWS, -C-

NT, - NC)Diuris pedunculata n endangere

d2E

Diuris tricolor n 3KDiuris venosa vulnerabl

e2VC- (-C- & -CiNT)

vulnerable

Dodonaea hirsuta n 3RC- (- NT, - NC)

Dodonaea rhombifolia 3RCa (-C- NWS, -Ca NT, - NC)

Dodonaea serratifolia 2RC- (-C- & -CiNT, -C- NC)

Drynaria rigidula extinctEndiandra hayesii vulnerabl

e3VC- (-C- & -CiNC)

vulnerable

Endiandra introrsa 3RCa (-C- & -Ca NC)Endiandra muelleri subsp.

bracteataendangered

Eriostemon myoporoides subsp. epilosus

3RC- (-C- NT, -NC - no reference)

Eucalyptus approximans endangered

2RC- (-C- NT)

Eucalyptus caleyi n vulnerable

2V (ssp. ovendenii only)

Eucalyptus camphora subsp. relicta

endangered

3VC- (- NT)

Eucalyptus codonocarpa 3RC- (-Ci & -C-& -Ca NT)

Eucalyptus dorrigoensis 3KC- (-C- & -CaNT, - NC - no reference)

Eucalyptus dunnii 3RCa (-Ci & -Ca NC)Eucalyptus elliptica 3KC- (-C- NT)Eucalyptus fusiformis n 2RC- (- NC)Eucalyptus glaucina vulnerabl

e3VCa (-Ca NC) vulnerable

Eucalyptus macrorhyncha vulnerable (ssp cannonii)

Eucalyptus magnificata n 3KEucalyptus mckieana n vulnerabl

e2V vulnerable

Eucalyptus microcodon endangered

2RC- (-Ci NC)

Eucalyptus nicholii n vulnerable

3V vulnerable

Eucalyptus olida 2RCa (-Ca NT)Eucalyptus ophitica n 2KEucalyptus psammitica n 3KEucalyptus rubida subsp.

barbigerorumn vulnerabl

e3V vulnerable

Eucalyptus rummeryi 3RC- (-Ci & -C-NC)

Eucalyptus scias subsp. apoda n 3KEucalyptus tetrapleura vulnerabl

e2VCa (-Ci & -Ca NC) vulnerable

Eucalyptus youmanii n 2REuphrasia bella vulnerabl 2VCit (-Ci NC) vulnerable



eEuphrasia ciliolata 2KC- (-C- NT)Euphrasia collina subsp.

muellerin endangere

d2EC- (x NT, x NC)

endangered

Euphrasia orthocheila subsp. orthocheila

3RC- (-C- NT, xNC)

Euphrasia orthocheila subsp. peraspera

3RC- (-C- NT, xNC)

Euphrasia ramulosa 3RC- (-C- NT)Floydia praealta vulnerabl

e3VC- (-Ci & -C-NC)

vulnerable

Gahnia insignis 3RCa (-C- NC)Gaultheria species A

(viridicarpa)viridicarpa vulnerabl

e2VCit (-Ci NT)

Geijera paniculata endangered

Gentiana wissmannii vulnerable

2VC- (-C- NT)

Gingidia montana endangered

2VCit+ (-Ci NT)

Glycine species A 2KC- (-C- NC)Goodenia fordiana 2RC- (- NC - no

reference)Goodenia macbarronii vulnerabl

e3VC- (- NWP, -C- NWS, - NT)

vulnerable

Grevillea acanthifolia subsp. stenomera

3RC- (-C- NT, -Ci NC)

Grevillea acerata 2RC-t (-C- NC)Grevillea beadleana endangere

d3ECi (-Ci NT, -NC)

endangered

Grevillea scortechinii subsp. sarmentosa

vulnerable

2VC- (-C- NT) vulnerable

Hakea ochroptera n 2K (-NC)Hakea species A

(Girraween - Torrington)

n 3RC- (- NT)

Haloragis exalata subsp. velutina

n vulnerable

3VC- (- NC) vulnerable

Hibbertia hexandra endangered

3RC- (-Ci NC)

Hibbertia kaputarensis 2RC- (-C- NT, -NWS - no reference)

Hibbertia marginata vulnerable

Hibbertia species B n 2K (- NC - no reference)

Hibbertia villosa 3KC- (-C- NT)Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia vulnerabl

e3RC- (-C- NC) vulnerable

Hydrocharis dubia vulnerableHypolepis elegans n extinct 3KC-+ (- NC)Isotropis foliosa n 3KC- (- NT, -?

NC)Keraudrenia corollata var.

denticulata3RC- (-C- NT, -NC)

Kunzea bracteolata 3RC- (-C- NT, -C- NC)

Lastreopsis silvestris 2RCa (-Ca NC)Lepidium hyssopifolium n endangere

d3ECi+ (x NT) endangered

Lepidium peregrinum n extinct 3X (x NWS) extinctLeucopogon cicatricatus 3RC- (-C- NT, -



NC)Leucopogon recurvisepalus 3RC- 3KC- (-C- NC)Lindsaea incisa endangere

dMacadamia tetraphylla vulnerabl

e2VC- (-Ci & -C-NC)

vulnerable

Macrozamia moorei endangered

2RC- (-C- NC)

Macrozamia pauli-guilielmi subsp. flexuosa

n 2K

Marsdenia liisae 3RC- (-C- NC)Marsdenia longiloba n endangere

d3RC- (- NC) endangered

Melaleuca groveana vulnerable

3RC- (- NT, -CiNC)

vulnerable

Melaleuca tortifolia 2RC-t (-C- NT)Melichrus sp A (hirsutus) endangere

dMillettia australis 3VC- 3RC-+ (-C- & -

Ci NC)Muehlenbeckia costata n 3KC- (- NT)Muellerina myrtifolia n endangere

d3RC- (- NC)

Myriophyllum implicatum n extinct 3V vulnerableNeoastelia spectabilis vulnerabl

e2VCit (-Ci NT)

Olax angulata vulnerable

2VCi (-Ci NC)

Olearia flocktoniae 2ECi (-Ci NC) endangeredOlearia gravis n 3KC- (- NWS, -

NT)Olearia stilwelliae 3RCa (-Ca NC)Ozothamnus adnatus n 3KC- (- NT)Ozothamnus vagans 2RCa (-Ci & -Ca NC)Ozothamnus whitei 3RC- (-C- NT, -

C- NC)Parsonsia dorrigoensis vulnerabl

e2VCi (-Ci NC)

Parsonsia tenuis 2RC-t (-Ci NC)Persicaria elatior n vulnerabl

e3V vulnerable

Persoonia daphnoides 3RC- (-C- NT)Persoonia procumbens 2RC- (-C- NT)Persoonia rufa 2RCa (-Ca NT)Persoonia terminalis subsp.

terminalisn 2R

Persoonia volcanica 2RC- (-C- NC)Phaius australis vulnerabl

e3VCa (-Ci & -Ca NC) vulnerable

Phaius tankervilleae n endangered

3VC-+ (- NC) vulnerable

Phebalium ambiens 3RC- (-C- NT)Phebalium elatius subsp.

elatiusn 3K

Phebalium glandulosum subsp. eglandulosum

n endangered

2VCi (- NT)

Phebalium rotundifolium 3RC- (- NWS, -C- NT)

Pimelea umbratica 2RC- (-C- NC)Pimelea venosa n 2V vulnerablePittosporum oreillyanum 2RCat (-Ci NC)Plectranthus alloplectus n endangere

d2RC- (- NC)



Plectranthus cremnus n 3KPlectranthus suaveolens 3KC- (-C- NT, -

NC)Podolepis monticola 2RCa (-C- & -Ca NC)Podolobium aestivum 3RC- (-C- & -Ci

NC)Pomaderris notata 2RC-t (-Ci NC)Pomaderris queenslandica endangere

dPrasophyllum dossenum n 3RProstanthera species B 2RC- (-Ci NT)Prostanthera species F vulnerabl

e2VCit (-Ci NC)

Prostanthera staurophylla n vulnerable

2R

Psilotum complanatum endangered

Pterostylis nigricans n vulnerable

3V

Pterostylis woollsii n 3RC- (- NWS, - NT, - NC)

Pultenaea campbellii n vulnerable

3K vulnerable

Pultenaea pycnocephala 3RCa (x NT, -C- & -Ca NC)

Pultenaea species B 2RC-t (-C- NT, - NWS -no reference)

Pultenaea stuartiana n vulnerable

3VC- (- NT) vulnerable

Quassia species A 3RC- (-Ci & -C-NC)

Quassia species B n endangered

2E endangered

Ricinocarpos speciosus 3RCi (-Ci NT, -Ci NC)

Rutidosis heterogama vulnerable

vulnerable

Sarcochilus aequalis 3RC- (-C- NC)Sarcochilus fitzgeraldii vulnerabl

e3VC- (-C- & -CiNC)

vulnerable

Sarcochilus hartmannii vulnerable

3VC- 3VC- (-C- NC) vulnerable

Sarcochilus weinthalii n vulnerable


Sauropus albiflorus subsp. microcladus

endangered

Schistotylus purpuratus 3RCi (-Ci NT, -Ci NC)

Senecio macranthus n 3RC- (-C- NWS, - NT)

Senna acclinis n endangered

3RC- (- NC)

Sophora fraseri n vulnerable


Tasmannia glaucifolia vulnerable

3VCi (-Ci NT) vulnerable

Telopea aspera 2RCa (-Ca NT)Thelionema grande 3RC- (-C- NT)Thesium australe vulnerabl

e3VCi+ (- NT, -Ci NC)

vulnerable

Thismia rodwayi 3RC-+ (-C- NC)Tinospora tinosporoides vulnerabl

e3RC- (-Ci & -C-NC)

vulnerable



Trichosanthes subvelutina 3RC- (-Ci NC)Tylophora woollsii n endangere

d2E endangered

Wahlenbergia glabra n 2RC- (- NC)Wahlenbergia scopulicola endangere

d2RC- (-C- NC)

Westringia glabra var. glabra 2RC- (-C- NT)Westringia sericea 3RC- (-C- NC)Zannichellia palustris n 3R+Zieria species L

(floydii)endangered

2RC-t (-C- NC)

Zieria species Q (prostrata)

n endangered

2E endangered

Counts 227 71 94 9 208 55taxa in total not

represented in reserves in the Catchment(36 not conservedanywhere)

considered under the Threatened SpeciesConserv’nAct

mentioned in the1988 ROTAP list

mentioned in the 1995 ROTAP list

considered in the national Endangered Species Protection Act.


APPENDIX E TO DRAFT ISSUES PAPERCLARENCE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

APPENDIX E.

E.1. LAND AND ACTIVITIES EXEMPTED FROM THE RVMP PROCESS.

E.1.1. Lands Exempted.· Land zoned ‘residential’ (but not ‘rural residential’ areas)

‘urban’, ‘village’, ‘township’, ‘industrial’ or ‘business’;· Land covered by SEPP 14 (Coastal Wetlands) or SEPP 26

(Littoral rainforests)· Land that is a state forest, national forest, flora reserve

or timber reserve under Forestry Act 1916, and land acquired for the purposes of a state forest (but not a plantation forest);

· Land dedicated or reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act);

· Land acquired under s. 145 of the NPW Act for preserving, protecting and preventing damage to relics or aboriginal places;

· Land subject to a conservation agreement entered into under Part 4, D.7 of the NPW Act;

· Land subject to an interim protection order made under part 6A of the NPW Act;

· Land subject to a conservation instrument within the meaning of the Heritage Act 1977;

· Land that is Critical Habitat (presumably as defined in the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995); and

· Lord Howe Island.· It applies only to the State Protected Land within a number of cities and shires as listed in Schedule one of the NVC, which are all wholly or mostly urbanised lands within the Sydney area.

E.1.2. Clearing Activities Excluded.Clearing activities excluded from the NVC Act operations include:

· Any clearing authorised in the Rural Fires Act 1997 or the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 when carriedout in relation to an emergency within the meaning of the latter Act;

Produced by Greg SteenbeekePage E1 15/10/2022


· Any clearing carried out in accordance with a bush fire management plan under the Rural Fires Act 1997* ;

· Any clearing authorised under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993+ ;· Any clearing carried out in accordance with a property

management plan approved by the Director-General of National Parks and Wildlife for the purposes of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC);

· Any clearing authorised under a license issued under Part 6, Division 1 of the TSC,

· Any clearing that is, or that is part of, a designated development within the meaning of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EPA);

· Any clearing authorised to be carried out under Part 7, Divisions 3 or 4 of the Fisheries Management Act, 1994 (FMA);

* Section 54 of the Rural Fires Act states that a plan may restrict or prohibit the use of fire or other particular fire hazard reduction activities in all or specified circumstances or places to which the plan applies. Division 2 notes various situations in which hazard reduction work (including burning) may be conducted by authorised person/s. However, a notice requiring the establishment of a fire break cannot require an owner or occupier to kill or remove trees that are reasonably necessary:

for shade, shelter, windbreak or fodder purposesfor the protection of threatened species, populations, communities

or critical habitats within the meaning of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.An objection raised by a person must be considered with an attempt at resolution by that person and the Fire Control Officer. Grounds for consideration include the provisions in any bush fire risk management plan applicable to the land (and in force), the presence of a fire brigade officer (section 66(5), the proper needs for conservation, and any other matters as prescribed in the regulations.+ Part 3 of the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 notes that private occupiers of land must control noxious weeds on the land, as must public authorities control noxious weeds on land occupied by them. Control must be to the extent as required for the category of weed (section 9). Where a road is not fenced on either side it is the land-owners responsibility to controlthe weeds. Where not fenced on either side, it is the requirement of the owner to control up to the centre of their side of the road - where the road forms the boundary (and is unfenced) then to half the width of the road. If the road forms the boundary, but is fenced on one side (oppositeside to that of the owner) it is the responsibility of the owner to control weeds on both sides of the road. Where the road falls within one the property of one owner, and is unfenced, then that owner is responsible for controlling weeds along the portion of the road falling on their property (both sides). If the



· Any clearing authorised under a license issued under Part 7A,Division 6 of the FMA;

· Any clearing carried out in accordance with a license issued under section 131 of the NPW;

· Any clearing authorised under the Mining Act, 1992Y ;· Any clearing authorised under the Petroleum (Onshore) Act

1991;· any clearing carried out in accordance of the Timber

Plantations (Harvest Guarantee) Act 1995 harvesting code ofpractice;

· Any clearing involving the removal or lopping of any tree or other vegetation in accordance with section 88# of the Roads Act 1993 (RA);

· Any clearing carried out in accordance with a consent under Part 9, Division 3$ of the RA;

· Any clearing carried out in accordance with a permit under Part 3A of the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948; and

· Any clearing carried out in accordance with a licence, permit, authority or approval under the Water Act 1912.

Y Mining Act Pt 5 s. 74(3) notes that consent is still required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act for the ‘erection of buildings,the opening of roads or the subdivision of land.Section 166 notes that the holder of an authority (mining lease or mineral claim) must obtain the consent of the owner or occupier of the land, or if that person refuses or attaches unreasonable conditions, the approval of a warden.Part 11 concerns protection of the environment, specifies a number of things, including the need to conserve and protect flora and fauna. An EIS is also required for all mining operations.# Section 88 of the Roads Act states: Tree Felling: A roads authority may,despite any other Act or law to the contrary, remove or lop any tree or other vegetation that is on or overhanging a public road if, in its opinion, it is necessary to do so for the purpose of carrying out road work or removing a traffic hazard.$ Part 9, Division 3, states, in part: A person must not remove or interfere with a structure, work or tree on a public road otherwise than with the consent of the appropriate roads authority (s. 138b). The consent granted under Division 3 may relate to a specific structure, workor tree, or to structures, works and trees of a specified class (s. 139 in part).


Documents

Clarence Catchment Regional Vegetation Management Plan - Draft Issues Paper