Evaluating natural and cultural integrity in Queensland’sprotected areas

Fiona Leverington

Chris Mitchell

Queensland is committed to maintaining for future generations a Parks system which:

protects and conserves comprehensive, adequate and representative samples of the State’s natural and cultural values;

inspires and encourages the community to engage with, understand, appreciate, and conserve parks, nature and cultural heritage; and

is recognised and supported by the community as an important part of Queensland’s social, cultural and economic life.

System commitment

What is natural integrity?

Integrity is the condition of an ecosystem where biological diversity and ecosystem processes are optimal and are likely to persist.

It is a characteristic of whole, sound and entire functioning ecosystems as well as their components.

 Natural resource management on parks consists of the activities aimed at maintaining or restoring natural integrity.

Cultural integrity

Is a characteristic of parks where cultural values are kept intact and ‘alive’. These values include living culture like the ties between people and the land but also– material culture

Can we answer any of these basic

questions about our management?

• What is the state of our parks and forests?

• Are we managing them effectively? • What are the emerging threats?

• What can we do better?For most of our protected

areas we have no idea!

A framework for measuring management effectiveness of protected areas (WCPA)

Elements of evaluation

Context Planning Input Process Output Outcome

Explanation Where are we now Assessment of importance, threats and policy environment

Where do we want to be? Assessment of PA design and planning

What do we need? Assessment of resources needed to carry out management

How do we go about it? Assessment of the way in which management is conducted

What were the results? Assessment of the implementation of management programs and actions; delivery of products and services

What did we achieve? Assessment of the outcomes and the extent to which they achieved objectives

Criteria assessed

Significance Threats Vulnerability National context

Protected area legislation and policy System design Reserve design Management planning

Resourcing of agency Resourcing of site Partners

Suitability of management processes

Results of management actions Services and products

Impacts: effects of management in relation to objectives

Focus of evaluation

Status Appropriateness

Resources Efficiency Appropriateness

Effectiveness Effectiveness Appropriateness

A framework for evaluating management effectiveness

• Measures inputs, processes and some outputs

• Gives us information about whether we have the right standards and tools for management

• Can be fairly rapidly conducted state-wide

• It does not tell us if our parks and forests are doing OK!

QPWS – 2 major approaches 1.Rapid assessment

Southern Region Conservation Performance

Overall conservation

Cultural values research

Pest animal management

Fauna management

Pest plant management

Cultural values management

Natural values research

Rare and threatened species management

Fire management

Resource information

Native vegetation management

2.Integrity evaluation

• Looks at the OUTCOMES of management – I.e. are our parks doing the conservation job they are supposed to do?

• Tells us where we are doing Ok and where we are in trouble

• Flags threats from local and global sources

Together

Rapid assessment and integrity evaluation give us a rich picture of our management effectiveness

Four themes for evaluating natural

integrity• 1.Biodiversity at ecosystem, species, population

and genetic levels

2. Ecosystem processes/ functions: The values and desired conditions of the park in relation to ‘ecosystem services’ such as providing clean water, climate control, erosion protection etc.

• 3.Other park values such as aesthetic beauty, cultural links to nature and presentation opportunities

4.Threats and opportunities, impacts and responses such as fire, pest plants and animals, visitor numbers, new corridors

Pest plants – buffel grass

Pest animals - pigs

Tourism impacts

Desirable framework for monitoring

GOAL INDICATORS NOTES

CONDITION (note these are broad indicators only and more specific indicators need to be defined)

 

Biodiversity    

Maintenance of diversity at landscape/ subregional level

Progress to C.A.R. system -( % of regional ecosystems represented in parks) Progress to an integrated subregional conservation strategy

Existing SOE indicator. Measured statewide.

Maintenance of diversity at ecosystem level

Extent and condition of key ecosystems identified for each park

Satellite imagery with ground truthing -

  Status of threatened ecosystems Satellite imagery with ground truthing -

  Spatial change of RE boundaries Satellite imagery with ground truthing -

GOAL INDICATORS NOTES

Biodiversity    

Biodiversity at species and genetic level

Park-specific taxa and genetic diversity measurements -eg presence/abundance data on all species at a range of sites where possible

For presentation in park NIS

Ecological processes

   

Catchment protection and water quality protection

Standard indicators for water quality of selected systems Extent of modification of waterways in park

Use EPA standard systems for monitoring

Other values as defined for individual park

As defined in NIS  

Other values    

Cultural and scenic values relating to landscape and biodiversity

As defined in NIS for individual park May also be common indicators at subregional level.

GOAL INDICATORS NOTES

THREATS AND POTENTIAL

   

Internal fragmentation

Extent of internal fragmentation e.g. roads, powerlines.

Develop A-E condition and change rating

Connectivity of park with surrounding landscape

Percentage of boundary properties cleared Complex indicators for connectivity are also available

Grazing impact % of bare groundproportion of annual and perennial grasses

Standard reporting from Q-graze

Impacts of visitors and park operations

Measure against limits of acceptable change. Indicators include extent of bare ground, erosion, nutrient levels, disturbance/ feeding of animals/

Develop A-E condition and change rating

Impacts of pest species

Abundance and impact of pest animals Need consistent monitoring and reporting mechanisms

  Abundance and impact of pest plants Need consistent monitoring and reporting mechanisms

Others Park specific (could include diseases, pollution, disturbance by park operations or other activities)

 

GOAL INDICATORS NOTES

MANAGEMENT

RESPONSES-             

Indigenous and community involvement in management

Qualitative report for each park  

Control of pests

Effectiveness of pest animal and plant control programs (% reduction of impacted area of pest plants; estimated reduction in pest animal numbers)-           

Level of control effort and process reported in rapid assessment

Rehabilitation of degraded systems

% of denuded/ degraded land successfully replanted

 

Interpretive opportunities offered

Qualitative report on activities  

Use as benchmark for landscape monitoring

-Extent to which parks in region are links to broader landscape management -.Improved conservation practices in area

 

Fire management

- Adherence to adaptive fire plans-          fuel loads-          timing-          species response-          Fire plans and fire management are protecting resources

Park-specific reporting only. Statewide process reporting (rapid assessment)

How can we have standard indicators for biodiversity?

Across so many different ecosystem types?

Evaluating change over time –

What is normal cyclical change? What is serious damage to the system? When are we seeing real climate change?

How do we report on ecosystem processes like catchment protection or healthy waterways?

Money for lots of new, internal park monitoring programs? Not likely!

A solution• Use the statewide framework for broad

evaluation categories

• Work towards defining and measuring system-wide indicators or regular measures in cooperation with others

• For now, focus on specific values for each park and observe how they are protected over time

• Use good data where we have it – but recorded subjective reports are better than nothing!!

Natural integrity statements

• provide a framework for monitoring, including and integrating that which is already occurring.

• facilitate reporting at park and statewide level about the extent to which the integrity and the values of the Parks system, and of individual parks, are being maintained

• Now more qualitative and specific to each park – potential for more standardisation of measures

Natural values of reserve Management goalSignificant landscapes and regional ecosystems

The park contains a mosaic of vegetation and habitat types representative of the Mulga Lands bioregion

to maintain existing regional ecosystems in a healthy condition and re-establish a fire regime for natural ecological diversity

One of two protected areas conserving important wetland systems within the protected area estate of south-west Queensland, with the lakes and wetland systems having a high level of integrity.

Maintaining water quality, suitable for waterfowl breeding, diversity of wetland systems due to range of water depth, differences in salinity levels within and between individual lakes and wetlands

Scenic values

Panaromic views over wetland systems and mulga land systems

Ensure that no park developments impinge on these values

Discuss below any regional ecosystems that are endangered or ofconcern or are of subregional significance or consideredof special importance as habitat

Then estimate current status

• Monitoring results/ studies/ papers where they exist

• Observations of rangers, scientists and others

• Recorded in one-day discussion session

•Both qualitative and quantitative, subjective and objective information is recorded•Emphasis on recording KNOWN information and opinions

The park contains a mosaic of vegetation and habitat types representative of the Mulga Lands bioregion

to maintain existing regional ecosystems in a healthy condition and re-establish a fire regime for natural ecological diversity

Park is recovering from many years of grazing- changes are starting to occur however full recovery will happen gradually over many years.Monitoring vegetative states (see attached)

One of two protected areas conserving important wetland systems within the protected area estate of south-west Queensland, with the lakes and wetland systems having a high level of integrity.

Maintaining water quality, suitable for waterfowl breeding, diversity of wetland systems due to range of water depth, differences in salinity levels within and between individual lakes and wetlands

Currently has good integrity indicated by qualities listed under management goals. Backed up by regular observations and recordings by M & J Handley

Natural values of reserve Management goalStatus of park 2002

Excel sheets prepared with staff in one-day workshops list the current status of the park’s values

Natural values of reserve Management goal

Rare and threatened plants

Acacia ammophila - park protects the largest known population

to maintain viable populations across the park - keep stock and feral goats out

status has improved since park gazettal - removal of grazing has improved recruitment. Drought threatens new seedlings.

other rare and threatened plants (listed in park profile)

maintain viable populations no known likely loss

Rare and threatened animals

pink cockatoo Cacatua leadbeaterimaintain population . Need hollow-bearing trees for nesting. Need to ID nesting trees

Live constantly in area - like feeding on Acacia ammophila when in pod. Known to nest on park

freckled duck

Maintain populations (continue monitoring, recording numbers - determine long-term significance of lakes for populations)

Lakes are believed to be a significant habitat and possibly breeding areas for freckled ducks. Always some present

Species of special significance and common species

Migratory waders maintain the range of desirable habitats for migratory birds

habitat fluctuates with seasons - but always some good feeding areas (Question data from birding groups)

Status at baseline review - Year

Discussion groups identifies level threats and potential improvements to the park

Threats to natural integrity Level and extent of impact (year of baseline review) ( 2003)

Potential impact over next 5 years given existing management practices (2008)

Pest plants Low High Low High

High High

noogoora burr (Xanthium occidentale), Bathurst burr (Xanthium spinosum), mother-of-millions (Bryophyllum tubiflorum)

Not significant infestations at this point in time. Infestations are sprayed as necessary.

Unlikely to change. Intrusions by large numbers of cattle may increase the area of infestation.

Note: summarise and refer to more detailed data where it exists

Threats and responses

Cultural integrity

 

 

Currawinya National Park Cultural heritage values

Values Management Goal Status in baseline review (2002)

Known values and significance to Indigenous people

Spiritual, ceremonial, burials and physical artefact sites; continued ties with country by traditional people

Ensure sites are recorded and recommendations are made for the sites, and that traditional owners are able to access these sites.

Sites are being progressively recorded. Recommendations have been made for recorded sites. Continual contact with traditional owners on cultural issues.

Historical, scientific and aesthetic values

Ensure sites and history are recorded and recommendations are made for the sites, and that traditional owners continue to be consulted in relation to potential impacts on those values.

Ongoing consultation with traditional owners and recommendations put into practice

important drought refuge and hunting and gathering sites and convergence sites for many groups moving through area - big areas counted on as reliable source of food, water and stone tool materials

managing landscape to conserve these traditional values and significance - no management activities should erode these values. Should be writing statements of significance for all the areas

landscape recovering after grazing - good example of conservation with limited driving over cultural sites

Comparisons over time Designed for future or retrospective comparisons

Value Goal 1993 2003

The park has a mosaic of Channel Country and Mitchell grass landsystems within a relatively small area.

Maintain the mosaic and prevent the establishment of large monocultures.

Some moncultures are beginning to develop, in particular Eremophila bowmani. The ecotones between gidgee and Mitchell grass systems are beginning to be dominated by gidgee.

Fire has been used to reduce gidgee seedlings and Eremophila in small areas. In general ecotones have increasing densities of gidgee.

Old stands of gidgee with large mature trees

Maintain old growth stands while allowing succesional regeneration over areas of the park.

Old growth stands in the north west of the park are in good condition. Some stands towards the southern end of the park are showing signs of seedling gidgee invasion.

Stands towards the southern end of the park appear to have minimal seedling regeneration. Gidgee seedlings appear to be increasing in more mixed open communities.

Recorded by:Lochern National Park

Checked/Reviewed by:Natural Integrity Statement 1 - Natural and Scenic Values

Natural values of reserve

Management goal1993

Catchment protection

Protection of minor creeks flowing to Bluebush Lagoon/Thomson River

Improve catchment quality by increasing ground cover. Ensure vistor facilities do not impact on water quality e.g.camping wastes do not impact on water quality at Broadwater

Ground cover has increased with the removal of grazing and low rainfall levels.

Values-based evaluation• The first step is listing the

major values of the park or forest, and the desired condition of those values

• Values are individual but fit into the statewide framework

• Very simple and basic -can be derived from management plans where they exist

1993 2003

The park has the potential to protect functioning of ecological systems in an area surrounded by grazing properties. Gidgee communities are little understood in regards to shrub dynamics.

To measure and increase protection of ecosystem functioning by decreasing grazing pressures and promoting alternative fire regimes.

All ecosystem functions are similar to those on surrounding properties. Very few cryptograms are present, pasture levels are low, fire has been excluded for long periods (>20 years) in most areas of the park.

Ground cover has increased with a large increase in cryptogram cover. Increased ground cover appears to have allowed more natural functioning of the systems. Shrub layer appears to be in better condition than on surrounding properties. Some shrubs preferr

Outputs

• Excel spreadsheet will have all the information in one place

• Hyperlinked or included documents e.g. species lists (snapshot), maps, monitoring report, photos can all be put on one CD

• CDs or hard copies can be distributed to park and district staff

• Excel sheets have some quantitative measures designed to be ‘rolled up’ (e.g. threat level)

• Word reports

Tregole National Park 2003 7,580 ha

Southwest District, Southern Region CONSERVATION PURPOSE Tregole National Park was set aside primarily to conserve and present the largest stand of ooline in Queensland's protected area estate. Ooline is considered vulnerable due to clearing for agriculture and grazing. VALUES AND STATUS Place in the landscape Ecological services Tregole National Park lies in the upper catchment of the Warrego River, however drainage lines within the park do not provide permanent sources of water. These drainage lines have small areas of localised weed infestations and are scouring from past landuse. Land Use Most of the vegetation communities conserved within Tregole have been extensively cleared elsewhere in the region to make way for grazing and, to a lesser degree, dry-land cropping. Broad acre clearing has occurred on neighbouring properties right up to the park boundary in various locations. The estimated total extent of clearing adjacent to the park is 45% of the circumference of the park. Broad acre clearing also occurred on the park, prior to gazettal. Cattle, goat and sheep grazing occurs on neighbouring properties. Stock from adjacent properties occasionally enter the park due to sections of the boundary fence being in disrepair. The old Charleville Road divides the northern and southern blocks of the park. To the east, the Morven Town Common abuts the park. Stock route fences in this area need constant monitoring and, in places, repair or replacement. Conservation values and status Bioregions Approximately 3500 ha of the park occurs in the Brigalow Belt South bioregion and 4000 ha in Mulga Lands bioregion. Landscape and Regional Ecosystems Need a line or two here to describe the ‘lie of the land’ and the other major ecosystems on the park – ie mosaic of mulga/ eucalypt woodland or whatever… The prolonged drought is causing stress to plant communities. Areas cleared for grazing are slowly regenerating. Prescribed burns carried out in 1996 appear to have had no negative impact.

Substantial numbers of myall Acacia pendula seedlings are regenerating in the Mitchell grass grasslands. This is likely to relate to the exclusion of fire from these areas. Ten regional ecosystems are conserved on the park. One is endangered, five are of concern and four are not of concern.

Id No. Description Status 11.9.10

Acacia harpophylla, Eucalyptus populnea shrubby open forest.

E

6.5.1 Acacia aneura, Eucalyptus populnea, E. melanophloia open forest.

OC

6.5.4 Eucalyptus populnea +- Eremophila mitchellii +- Acacia aneura +- Callitris glaucophylla woodland.

OC

11.7.1 Acacia harpophylla, Casuarina cristata woodland or low open forest on lower scarps on duricrusts.

OC

11.9.3 Dichanthium sericeum and/or Astrebla spp. grassland or open woodland.

OC

11.9.11 Acacia harpophylla with emergent Eucalyptus spp. tall shrubland

OC

Plans and Agreements Management Plan (short format)

Legislative Framework Nature Conservation Act 1992

Ooline Cadellia pentastylis

Word summaries are being prepared to provide a simple ‘State of the parks’ report.

Native plants and animals Tregole National Park conserves samples of the brigalow province habitats, and the largest stand of ooline in Queensland’s protected area estate. Two recorded vulnerable species and two rare species occur on the park.

Scientific name Common Name Status Cadellia pentastylis ooline V Cacatua leadbeateri Major Mitchell’s

cockatoo V

Melithreptus gularis black-chinned honeyeater

R

Lophoictinia isura square-tailed kite

R

The ooline community appears to be healthy at present. Seedling numbers appear to have increased since grazing has been removed. Major Mitchell’s cockatoo is regularly recorded, though not believed to be resident on the park. Tregole is close to the eastern limit of their distribution. One known sighting of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus has been made. This species is not thought to be resident on the park. Cultural values and significance Indigenous culture The park was part of the network of walking trails that once crossed the Australian mainland. The presence of two wells used for water collection indicates the areas value for nomadic tribal activities. Grinding marks near the wells suggest that the area may have also been used for tool manufacture. Site surveys have been conducted with Departmental staff, but no direct contact with traditional owner groups has been made. Non-Indigenous culture Most built infrastructure from the previous grazing enteprise was in poor state of repair when the park was gazetted. Infrastructure of note includes the shearing shed, tack room and storage shed. All internal fences and roads with no management use have been removed. Dams installed during previous pastoral activities have some value for firefighting, but they also help support populations of pigs, foxes, domestic/wild dogs and goats. They are therefore being allowed to deteriorate naturally. MANAGEMENT ISSUES Pest plants Localised infestations of velvety tree pear, buffel grass, noogoora burr, bathurst burr, mother-of-millions and saffron thistle occur on the park. Treatment methods have been effective at the local level. If there were to be Intrusions by large

numbers of cattle, this could increase areas of infestation. Pest animals The major pest animal species found on the reserve include pigs, goats, foxes, cats, rabbits and honey bees. Cattle and sheep also intrude onto the park from time to time. The use of goat contractors in the past has not been effective, and their use increases security risks. Cattle owners using the Morven Town Common are not responsive to removal of stock from the park, unless the stock route inspector gets involved or moves are made to impound the stock. Fire Tregole National Park poses a moderate to high risk of wildfire depending on the seasons. Native species are being allowed to regenerate. Fire management activities are undertaken in areas that were previously cleared to promote floristic diversity and reduce introduced species. All prescribed burns have been controlled effectively, and fuel loads surrounding the homestead have been reduced. MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS Nature conservation a) Protecting and maintaining viable populations

of rare and threatened species such as ooline Cadellia pentastylis.

b) Conserving natural plant and animal communities typical of the mulgalands and brigalow belt south bioregions.

Cultural heritage conservation a) Identifying and, if appropriate, conserving

through specific management strategies, areas of cultural and historic significance.

Presentation a) Providing a range of recreational opportunities

consistent with conservation objectives Multiple use a) Promoting continued research into the effect of

grazing and fire on ooline and myall recruitment and survival.

Community relations a) Making neighbours, local government,

Aboriginal groups and other interested parties aware of park management issues by, where appropriate, involving them in the process of managing the park

Benefits• Helps with ecosystem-based adaptive

management• Stimulates reflection, discussion and

immediate improvement• Integrates scientific, traditional, community

and staff knowledge• Integrates natural and cultural evaluation• Incurs little cost• Is locally-based and relevant to field staff• Also yields results at system level

And maybe it will make a difference!