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FLORA SURVEY REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS FLORA

MERRICKS FORESHORE RESERVE MORNINGTON PENINSULA, VICTORIA

June 1996

Report written by Lincoln Kern and Rohan CumingPlant Survey conducted by Lincoln Kern, Jon Greening and Gidja WalkerMaps Prepared by Jon Greening and Rohan Cuming

Merricks Foreshore Flora Survey 2

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

2.0 MANAGEMENT POLICY AND OBJECTIVES

3.0 RESEARCH METHODS

3.1 Plant Names and Taxonomy

3.2 Plant Lists

3.3 Data Collection Units: Quadrats and Management Blocks

3.4 Maps: Vegetation Quality Assessment and Significant Species

3.5 Vegetation Terminology

4.0 STUDY AREA: GEOLOGY, SOILS AND HISTORY

4.1 Ownership, Management and Area

4.1 Climate

4.2 Geology and Soils

4.3 Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance

4.4 Coastal Erosion

4.5 Human History4.5.1 Aboriginal History4.5.2 European Settlement

5.0 INDIGENOUS FLORA AND THE PRE-EUROPEAN VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

5.1 Methodology

5.2 Pre-European Vegetation

5.3 Modification of the Pre-European Vegetation5.3.1 Changes to Littoral Drift5.3.2 Clearing and Changes to Fire Regimes5.3.3 Biological Isolation and the Role of Wildlife Corridors5.3.4 People Access5.3.5 Stabilisation Works5.3.5 Weed Invasion5.4 Vegetation Community Descriptions

6.0 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF VEGETATION

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6.1 Definition and Assessment

6.2 Significant Plant Species

6.3 Significance of Vegetation Communities

6.4 Sites of Conservation Significance and Interest

7.0 FAUNA SIGHTINGS AND HABITAT

8.0 GENERAL RESTORATION AND REVEGETATION STRATEGIES

8.1 Revegetation Methods8.1.1 Site Selection8.1.2 Species Selection8.1.3 Site Preparation & Maintenance

8.2 Regeneration Techniques

9.0 FIRE MANAGEMENT AND RISK ASSESSMENT

9.1 Using Fire As A Vegetation Management Tool

9.2 Fire Risk and Prevention on the Foreshore

10.0 DRAINAGE AND NUTRIENTS

11.0 MONITORING AND MONITORING SITES

12.0 MANAGEMENT BLOCK DESCRIPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Management Block CR1 Merricks Road/Toilet Block

Management Block CR2 Yacht Club Block

Management Block CR3 The Orchid Block

Management Block CR4 Tennis Court Block

Management Block CR5 Surf Street East Block

Management Block CR6 Regeneration and Cave/Cliff Block

Management Block CR7 Fern Gully Block

Management Block CR8 Lookout or Beach Flat Forest Block

Management Block CR9 Surfies Trail Pine Slide Block

Management Block C1 Minto Creek East Block

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Management Block C2 Minto Creek West Block

Management Block C3 Tree Fern-Rainforest Block

Management Block C4 Bush Block Block

Management Block C5 East Creek Block

13.0 COMPLEMENTARY MANAGEMENT ON PRIVATE LAND ADJACENT TO THE FORESHORE

13.1 The Merricks Beach village

13.2 The Coles' Land: the Bush Paddock and other areas

14. 0 CONCLUSION

15.0 REFERENCES

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

This report describes the indigenous flora and the vegetation communities present on the Merricks Foreshore. This report is based on a comprehensive survey of the flora and will concentrate on the indigenous flora of the Foreshore, its significance as individual species and communities and its significance as habitat.

This report is essentially the second volume of an environmental assessment of the Merricks Foreshore Reserve; it follows on, complements and uses the same base maps and management framework for gathering information that were initially presented in the 'Weed Control Strategy and Management Framework for Merricks Foreshore Reserve' (Kern 1995) delivered to the Merricks Foreshore Committee of Management in January 1995.

Like the Weed Strategy, this report is written as a resource document for decision making and future management. It also provides the baseline data, a framework for further assessment and documentation of the indigenous flora of the Foreshore and is intended to be an educational resource for the management committee, any future Foreshore workers, local residents and other interested parties. The aim is to attempt to provide a resource that is user friendly and doesn't simply sit on a shelf in an office.

2.0 MANAGEMENT POLICY AND OBJECTIVES

Any process of management must be based on well-defined objectives. Management objectives are crucial to defining the type of information gathered, priorities to be determined, recommendations, and subsequent management actions. For the purposes of this report the following objectives are the basis for gathering information and making recommendations:

1) Conservation individual indigenous species, the indigenous vegetation communities and their future viability.

2) Conserving of the innate character of the landscape of the Foreshore.

3) To determine relative significance of different areas of the Foreshore to prioritise future works.

3.0 RESEARCH METHODS


All plant names in this report are based on the Census of vascular plants of Victoria (Ross 1993) with updates from the Flora of Victoria, Volume 2 (Walsh and Entwisle 1994).

Many of the introduced natives were not identified to species. Planted Grevillea species are particularly common on the Foreshore and were often not identified to

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species. Another large area of 'native garden' on the far east end of the Foreshore was also not surveyed in detail.

The taxonomy or names of some plants found on the Foreshore is unclear. Any plants with questions about their status are discussed here:

Acacia sophorae and *A. longifoliaThese two species commonly hybridise and both occur, and their hybrids as well, on the Foreshore but they are often difficult to distinguish. The removal of *A. longifolia is recommended in the Weed Strategy and any odd plants that appear to be hybrids should also be included in any removal program.

Dianella spp.This genus is currently undergoing revision and is consequently somewhat confusing. Botanists Geoff Carr and Peter Horsfall have proposed several new species in this genus but are in the process of discussing the appropriate groupings of these distinctive taxa with the National Herbarium (Val Stasjic, National Herbarium pers. comm.). Two varieties of Dianella revoluta were found during the survey, var. revoluta and var. brevicaulis. However, the Flora of Victoria Vol. 2 (Walsh and Entwisle 1994) cites that D. revoluta var. revoluta is not often found on the coast and that a coastal variety or potentially separate species that has leaves that are flattish or slightly revolute and less glaucous than the typical plant. The potential differences of the plant on the Foreshore appearing to be var. revoluta cannot be determined for certain without more published information. The Dianella longifolia found on the Foreshore appears to be var. grandis but is referred to here as simply Dianella longifolia. This group of species needs further investigation.

Glycine latrobeanaThis plant was identified in quadrats in 1981 (Ferwerda et al) in Management Block C4, below the Bush Paddock on the Coles' land. Quadrat sites were well mapped and the area they were found was searched several times through the Spring of 1994. Two other Glycine species were found, as well a Desmodium, but this species was not found. Hydrocotyle sp. The leaves of a member of this genus was found but no flowering material was found so the exact species was not determined.

Lepidosperma lateraleThe specimens on the Foreshore clearly match with this species and appears to be a large variety, var. majus. However, there was several varieties of this species recognised in Ross (1993) and Ferwerda et al (1981), which are now considered just a wide range of forms within the same species in the Flora of Victoria (Walsh and Entwisle 1994).

Poa spp. Tussock grass is common on the Foreshore. However, there is at least two species that are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Two species were identified on the Foreshore, Poa labillardieri and Poa poiformis, and the specimens were confirmed by the National Herbarium. Poa poiformis is common on coastal sands, cliffs and bluffs while Poa labillardieri only occurs further inland where salt spray is minimal.

Stipa flavescens and Stipa aff. flavescens

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These two taxon are considered to deserve recognition as separate species by Gidja Walker, from observations in the region, particularly at Seaford Foreshore on Port Phillip Bay (Walker and Greening 1992), but this opinion has not been supported by the National Herbarium from the specimens sent to it. In this report any reference to Stipa flavescens may include both taxon.

Distichlis distichophylla and Sporobolis virginicusThese two rhizomatous grasses found in saltmarsh environments are very difficult to distinguish without flowering material. Both species were found in the survey but a record of either may actually include specimens of the other species.

Several other plants were only identified to genus in some of the fieldwork.

3.2 Plant Lists

The plant lists included in the block descriptions in Section 10.0 are based on survey work conducted from August 1994 to January 1995. Survey work consisted of inspecting each block in detail to determine, as best as possible all of the species present. The lists are focussed on each management block and an overall plant list for the Foreshore is presented in Appendix 1.

3.3 Data Collection Units: Quadrats and Management Blocks

The distribution of flora was documented in two different units, in quadrats and the management blocks defined in the Weed Strategy (Kern 1994). Data was collected from ten quadrats on the Foreshore where every vascular plant species observed was recorded and their cover and abundance was visually assessed using a modified Braun-Blanquet scale:

+ cover <5%, few individuals1 cover <5%, several to many individuals2 cover 5-20%, any number of individuals3 cover 20-50%, any number of individuals4 cover 50-75%, any number of individuals5 cover 75-100%, any number of individuals

The quadrats were sited in different environments and conditions to gather certain key information on the weeds present, as baseline data, and to sample different vegetation types. Each quadrat is described in Appendix 2. Each quadrat was 10 metres square, 100 m2, marked with a steel star picket in the southwest corner to allow repeated data collection and monitoring over the long-term. Each star picket was spray painted yellow on the top 30 cm and the quadrat number was etched in the paint in the following form: Q#.

The entire Foreshore was divided into management blocks. Nine Management Blocks have been recognised in the section of the Foreshore adjacent to the village, designated CR1 to CR9 from west, starting from Merricks Beach Road, to east (CR referring to the Rusden report calling the bigger area the Conservation/Recreation Zone). Five Blocks have been defined in the western half, designated C1 to C5 (C referring to the Conservation zone defined by the Rusden students), these are numbered from east to west, starting at Merricks Beach Road. The lists of indigenous plants provided in this report, with each Management Block description, simply indicates the presence of the species in the Management Block.

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This data was used to help determine the present and past vegetation communities. Please refer to Section 5.1 for more detail.

3.4 Maps: Vegetation Quality Assessment and Significant Species

The quality of the vegetation in each block was assessed and mapped within the Weed Strategy (Kern et al 1994). Vegetation quality mapping was limited to the groundstorey for several reasons. Firstly, it is extremely difficult to clearly map all of the different layers of vegetation in forests or woodlands. In addition the woody layers usually consist of fewer species, both indigenous and introduced, which can more easily be mapped by other methods. The rarest plants are more often in the groundstorey as well while a weedy groundstorey often reflects a weedy overstorey and canopy.

For these reasons the significant introduced and indigenous species that must be considered for special management were mapped in black on the same base map that the vegetation quality assessment is done on; this map will have the potential to be used as an overlay to show information that is not presented within a vegetation quality assessment. Significant species include rare indigenous species or tree cover and patches of groundstorey or overstorey weeds. These maps are included with this report.

3.5 Vegetation Terminology

Overstorey, refers to the tree layer, ie. the tallest layer of the vegetation. Indigenous overstorey in the Dry Creek catchment is made up of the Eucalyptus trees and the larger wattle trees.

Understorey, these are the plants beneath the trees. It is generally made up of a shrub layer and a grass and herb, ground layer.

Groundstorey, or ground layer is made up of the grass and herb layer of the vegetation community.

Remnant, refers to what remains of the indigenous vegetation in a landscape that is predominantly cleared.

Vegetation Community, refers to a group of indigenous plants that grow together in areas of similar environment, the soils, microclimate and drainage.

Character Species, are the key species, often dominant in certain layers of indigenous vegetation, in different vegetation communities. They can be seen as the indicator species and used as diagnostic features to identify the particular community.

4.0 STUDY AREA: GEOLOGY, SOILS AND HISTORY

4.1 Ownership, Management and Area

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The study area is Merricks Beach Foreshore Reserve, which is under the management of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Merricks Beach Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management. It is on the south eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula facing Phillip Island in Westernport Bay. It is approximately three kilometres long and consistently narrow.

The land behind the Foreshore is privately owned with a contrast of uses and ownership. The eastern half of the Foreshore, from Merricks Beach Road to the "Pine Slide" area, is adjacent to the Merricks Beach village. The western half of the Foreshore, from Merricks Beach Road to East Creek, adjacent to Point Leo, is below the Coles' grazing paddocks, which extend up to Frankston-Flinders Road. The Coles' bush paddock, the upper reaches of Short Creek and another adjacent area of the Coles' land was surveyed as part of this report as well.

4.1 Climate

The climate of the Westernport coastal region is typically temperate and maritime. The average annual rainfall on the Foreshore is 800 mm, ranging from 750 to 900 mm (LCC 1993). This rainfall relatively reliable and frosts are neither common nor severe. These conditions produce lush and vibrant vegetation where the soil and aspect keeps the moisture on site. The clay soils hold moisture and coastal bluffs are often in shade which prevents evaporation while water is not held in beach sand so the vegetation growing in sand is often totally unrelated to rainfall.

4.2 Geology and Soils

The underlying geology and the soil types that evolve from the available substrate are one of the prime determinants of vegetation in the environment. Climate has an overlay influence, eg. seawinds can restrict vegetation types while a wetter climate may accelerate soil formation in comparison to lower rainfall areas. The Merricks Foreshore and the near hinterlands are a complex of several different geological formations. Unfortunately, the dramatic effects of clearing and development have obliterated much of the indigenous vegetation that would have clearly reflected this diversity of origins; much of the introduced vegetation in the area today is similar across the different soil types. However, many local residents are more than aware of the different characteristics and limitations of the soils in the area from their own observations and experience. A description of those characteristics is detailed here.

Merricks is dominated by three major geological formations. The oldest rock on the surface is the Thorpdale, often referred to as 'older', Volcanics of the Eocene Age, approximately 40 to 50 million years ago (Birch 1994). These volcanic basalt rocks also dominate the coast at Shoreham and Point Leo extend inland to the Red Hill area where the volcanic vent originated. This basalt rock dominates Merricks Foreshore, in the bluffs and offshore platforms, where sand has not accumulated over the top of it. These basalt rocks form brown podsolic soils and brown earth soils, both are clays and easily waterlogged and relatively fertile.

The basalt rocks are overlaid in several areas by Tertiary (more than 5 million years ago) sands, sandy clays and silts. These are partially the result of swamps in the Foreshore's hinterland that drain to the east out of Balnarring Creek. The coastal bluffs on the Foreshore are in effect a dam that results in little drainage from the village area and Merricks Creek basin directly to the sea, much of the water falling in

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the village and the Coles' land flows north to remnant swamps and creeks that flow east. Grey to yellow podsolic soils are formed on these Tertiary sediments, also easily waterlogged and fertile (Calder 1975).

The shore platforms on the Foreshore are variously covered by calcareous dune and beach sand, of much more recent origins. A predominant easterly littoral drift has led to the accumulation of sand forming parallel dune ridges to the east of the Foreshore (LCC 1993). These dune ridges are clearly seen in the barrier system that Merricks Creek flows behind at Balnarring and Somers and culminates at Sandy Point at the entrance to Westernport.

The relationships between geology, soil types and vegetation is explored much further in Section 5.0, which describes the original vegetation communities.

4.3 Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance

Several sites of geological significance were identified on the Foreshore and nearby areas by Buckley (1993) and reviewed by the LCC (1993). These are "features of special scientific or educational value...[that] form the essential basis of geological education, research and reference." State significance describes features important in the context of developing the geological and geomorphological understanding of Victoria. Regional/Local, combined because of the limitations of the relevant study, significance indicates landforms or rock types important in understanding geology and geomorphology on a regional/local scale and applies to clear examples of common features.

The sites include the following:

Table 1. Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance in the Merricks Area Site Significance DescriptionPoint Leo - East Creek Dry Valley State Significance Features related to different sea

level changes

Point Leo Beach Regional/Local Popular gemstone collecting

locality

Coles Beach - High Level Beach Terrace Regional/Local Dunes illustrating a variety of dune

forming processes

Merricks Beach and Palmer Bluff - Regional/Local Weathering and erosion sequence Cliffs and Bluff of marine cliffs and bluffs

Balnarring Beach - Merricks Creek -Regional/Local Clear example of a multiple barrierBarrier System system at stream mouth

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The information in Table 1 highlights the unique geological sites that will need to be incorporated into any management process as well as the unique educational opportunities that are present.

4.4 Coastal Erosion

Erosion is an issue of major concern on the Foreshore but the available evidence of erosion on the Foreshore is sometimes contradictory. The LCC (1993) asserts that the sandy coast to the east has gone from accumulating sediments to a status of net erosion. Several local residents have expressed concern about the erosion on the Foreshore, partially because of the clearing of woody weeds such as Polygala (*Polygala myrtifolia) while others have seen much evidence for dry sand and vegetation expanding seaward.

Harrow Morgan, active in the Merricks Beach Yacht Club for many years, reports that high tide level was at the gates of the club ten years ago and that there was no vegetation in front of the fences. Now there is 5 metres of Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) thickets in front of the fence and high tide level is approximately 50 metres from the gates.

Jenny Ferguson has holidayed on the Foreshore for several decades. She remembers aboriginal middens in on the Foreshore the 40's and 50's that have subsequently eroded away. However, she also remembers the consistent high levels of the tides at the base of the cave steps; now high tide level is significantly below this level.

The large-scale maps produced for this report were based on the aerial photographs of the Foreshore which were taken in 1984. There is clearly much more coastal vegetation on the Foreshore today, it definitely appears to be marching seaward. However, there was a storm in the winter of 1994 that caused a great deal of erosion at the base of the bluff all along the Foreshore and killed many of the young Banksias (Banksia integrifolia) and Coastal Tea-tree that had germinated and grown on the beach sand in many areas. More Banksias below Cole's paddock were killed by storms in the Spring of 1995 as well.

Overall, the beach appears to be stable and expanding, although erosion and deposition are dynamic processes and the long term trends are difficult to identify. A beach and dunes is a dynamic system with what may seem to be catastrophic episodes; these processes of building and destruction must be accommodated in any planning and management.

One related factor to the expansion of beach and vegetation is the presence and spread of exotic dune grasses (*Ammophila arenaria and *Thinopyrum junceiforme), detailed in the Weed Strategy Report. These grasses may be stabilising dunes at an "unnatural" rate, but this is possibly quite desirable. The cliffs are also stable for the most part, except around the cave. The coastal Tree-Fern Communities identified by Ferwerda et al (1981) were considered to be a result of recent landslip over the last few decades, and subsequent moist conditions from seepage out of the cliffs but these areas seem relatively stable as well. Consultation with local residents and much observation appears to demonstrate that, on balance, erosion to not a major problem on the Foreshore. There are areas where sand and soil is unstable but this is part of the inevitable cycles of erosion and deposition that occur in coastal environments.

4.5 Human History

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This section is an brief overview of local history emphasising the ramifications on the landscape, flora, in particular, and fauna, in general. The historical events and actions has left a much modified landscape.

4.5.1 Aboriginal History

People of the Buninyong Balluk Clan of the Boonerwrung Tribe, speaking a language within the Kulin group and one of the five tribes in the Kulin Nation, live on the Mornington Peninsula. There was an estimated 700 people living on the Peninsula when Europeans arrived in the early 1800's (Calder 1975). However all estimates of the original pre-European population should be considered with scepticism. The first European visitors encountered aboriginal people with small pox scars. European diseases preceded the invaders and definitely reduced the original population. They lived in small bands and moved around the Peninsula taking advantage of the different food sources. They also had semi-permanent villages, one site on Westernport Bay may have housed 500 people.

They had significant coastal resources, mostly shellfish, to access. There was ample evidence remaining of their eating habits into modern times; large middens have been found throughout the Port Phillip Bay and Westernport (Calder 1975). Jenny Ferguson again reports that several large middens existed on the Foreshore until the 50's but have been eroded away. Many middens around the Peninsula were quite large, up to .5 hectare.

The inland forests, described as open grassy forests, also provided many resources and were almost certainly a product of Aboriginal burning and management. The open forests provided good hunting territory and "firestick farming" would have encouraged a large variety of plant foods.

European invasion ended the free life of the Boonerwrung and many were killed, taken to Tasmania as slaves for the seal trade or forced to go to missions off of the Peninsula.

4.5.2 European Settlement

European settlement has drastically altered the original ecology of the Foreshore. There has been several waves of settlement, land use and development that have affected the land in different ways.

Early SettlementFamilies were settled at Hastings in 1856 and commenced clearing of the heavily timbered country which extended southward to Flinders (Calder 1975).

The original settlers in the Merricks area were the Coles. The 'Larnoo' homestead was built in 1863 as the centre of the Coles' grazing allotment and lands (Ferwerda et al 1981). The original historic garden at Larnoo was designed by Baron Von Mueller who also recommended the preservation of some indigenous vegetation for aesthetic, ecological and utilitarian reasons in the landscapes created by Europeans in Victoria. The original Cole was one the first people in Victoria to introduce Paspalum (*Paspalum dilatatum) as a pasture grass after the land was cleared. Most of the land around Merricks was cleared at an early stage of settlement for the establishment of the pastoral stations.

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A big impact of settlement in the nineteenth century was the gathering of fuelwood on the Mornington Peninsula, to supply the energy needs of the growing city of Melbourne and steam vessels. This may be one of the more important reasons why there are few large trees left in the area. Sheoak (Allocasuarina spp.) was an especially popular fuel for lime kilns. These lime kilns were common, there were 17 on the Heads alone at one time last century, and voracious in their appetites for wood. Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia) was also a popular fuel; the absence of giant old Banksias elsewhere makes the large ones on the Foreshore all the more significant. A saw-mill was also established at Shoreham in the 1850's; this probably accelerated the loss of large trees on the Peninsula.

Wattle-stripping was also a huge industry, one of Victoria's first. Bark was first shipped from Western Port to Van Diemen's Land before the founding of Melbourne.

World War 2There were several military installations (part of the Homeguard), eg. large guns, for coastal defence placed on the Foreshore during the second World War. According to Jenny Ferguson, large areas of the Foreshore were completely cleared for these guns and trenches on the eastern end of the Foreshore.

Merricks Beach villageThe Village area was originally owned by the Coles', as part of their pastoral run. Most of the houses have been built after the Second World War and are a relatively recent addition to the landscape. The impacts of the development may be as much positive as negatives. The negatives include nutrient run-off from septic tanks, increased traffic in sensitive areas on the Foreshore, the introduction of environmental weeds from gardens and clearing of the Foreshore vegetation to improve views. The old Pine windbreaks on the Foreshore are also a product of this phase; they were planted after World War 2 and are now a significant part of the local cultural heritage. However, many more pines have regenerated since then in haphazard patterns along the Foreshore and in many instances very far from the original windbreaks. They have dramatically altered the structure, ecology and appearance of the Foreshore.

On the other hand, the small number of permanent residents and the large number of temporary residents that the village contains has been a factor for improvement on many levels. The residents have consistently shown their deep concern for the unique character and environment of the Foreshore and hinterland. The local community have contributed much labour to maintain the community assets and have lobbyed for improvements to the area. This level of concern and involvement doesn't usually exist in rural areas and is a real asset for the local environment.

In summary, the vegetation that presently exists on the Foreshore is drastically altered and very different to the original environment found by invading Europeans. The eastern end of the Foreshore has been particularly modified. The only area of vegetation that probably resembles the original in any real sense is the Bush Paddock and adjacent Foreshore. There is an open Eucalypt woodland here with relatively intact cliff faces and possibly strandline vegetation. Most of the beach and sand dune communities on the Foreshore have probably been completely modified through erosion and weed invasion.

5.0 INDIGENOUS FLORA AND THE PRE-EUROPEAN VEGETATION COMMUNITIES

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5.1 Methodology

The aim of this section is to attempt to determine and describe the original composition of the vegetation of the Merricks Foreshore and hinterland. This will be essential information in efforts to preserve and restore indigenous vegetation. This requires a variety of approaches, all adding pieces to the wider picture. Firstly, historical information is combined with the current flora survey as to the species and their location on the Foreshore. Species commonly occurring together on similar soil type, topography and local climate form an alliance referred to as a vegetation community. Previous surveys of the Westernport Catchment (Opie et al 1984) and the Mornington Peninsula (Calder 1972 and 1975) have described a number of vegetation communities occurring regionally. By comparing data collected during this survey with the communities described in these previous surveys and other reports, and with knowledge of vegetation currently occurring in the surrounding area we can gain an idea of how degraded a particular community may be, or how localised it is, or what species may be needed for its reconstruction.

Eight vegetation communities were observed during this survey, and three of them were divided into two or more sub-communities. These are described below, along with the characteristic species and the topography and soil type they occur on.

5.2 Pre-European Vegetation

In defining pre-European vegetation we are looking back, in the Merricks area, some 150 years, to what would be known as an indigenous environment. It must remembered that it wasn't necessarily pristine at that time; land management by aboriginal people clearly modified it in the last 40,000 years. Since the 1850's, it has been estimated that 95% of indigenous vegetation has been destroyed on the Mornington Peninsula through practices of clearing for pasture and timber cutting, and more recently, by encroaching development and land degrading processes such as die-back, erosion, salinity and weed invasion. This section will define and describe in some detail the probable make-up of this indigenous environment.

The Merricks coastline and hinterland would have been very similar to an area The Merricks coastline and hinterland would have been very similar to an area extending SW from Merricks to Flinders along the coast and inland basaltic slopes. Aextending SW from Merricks to Flinders along the coast and inland basaltic slopes. A tall forest of eucalypts (mostly stringybarks) with thick swards of native grasses and tall forest of eucalypts (mostly stringybarks) with thick swards of native grasses and wildflowers would have clothed the slopes as they descended to the coast. Small wildflowers would have clothed the slopes as they descended to the coast. Small creeks, with thickets of paperbarks, blackwoods and dense swathes of sedge, creeks, with thickets of paperbarks, blackwoods and dense swathes of sedge, dissected these forests and drained towards the sea, resting in small estuaries, or dissected these forests and drained towards the sea, resting in small estuaries, or spilling over with heavy rains. In some areas the gullies formed, damp and cool spilling over with heavy rains. In some areas the gullies formed, damp and cool under canopies of large trees, and supported ferns and small rainforest climates. under canopies of large trees, and supported ferns and small rainforest climates. Near the coast in sandier soils, tall white Manna Gums formed open forests, with Near the coast in sandier soils, tall white Manna Gums formed open forests, with grasstrees below, giving way to banksias and sheoaks on the more exposed bluffs. grasstrees below, giving way to banksias and sheoaks on the more exposed bluffs. Down the tussock grass bound escarpment, banksia, beard-heath, and boobialla Down the tussock grass bound escarpment, banksia, beard-heath, and boobialla braced against the wind, and below, more banksia forests and low woodlands of ti-braced against the wind, and below, more banksia forests and low woodlands of ti-tree and wattle reached out to the open beach, where binding plants and grasses tree and wattle reached out to the open beach, where binding plants and grasses like the layering spinifex held the shifting sands.like the layering spinifex held the shifting sands.

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Figure 1. Generalised Vegetation Community Profile on the Merricks ForeshoreFigure 1. Generalised Vegetation Community Profile on the Merricks Foreshore

5.3 Modification of the Pre-European Vegetation

Many events have contributed to the changes to previously original vegetation on Many events have contributed to the changes to previously original vegetation on the Merricks Foreshore. The general historical events were briefly reviewed above. the Merricks Foreshore. The general historical events were briefly reviewed above. The main factors of change fall into several broad categories. However, the specific The main factors of change fall into several broad categories. However, the specific impacts of any of these actions are very difficult to describe or even decipher. The impacts of any of these actions are very difficult to describe or even decipher. The original vegetation formed a pattern of different vegetation types in different original vegetation formed a pattern of different vegetation types in different environments and Aboriginal management created mosaics within these vegetation environments and Aboriginal management created mosaics within these vegetation types. The vegetation communities would have changed over time due to climatic types. The vegetation communities would have changed over time due to climatic patterns. After European occupation a mosaic of action acted as an overlay over the patterns. After European occupation a mosaic of action acted as an overlay over the original vegetation. For example, different "management" actions, such as grazing original vegetation. For example, different "management" actions, such as grazing in one area and clearing and ploughing in another may actually select for different in one area and clearing and ploughing in another may actually select for different groups of plants, and animals, over time even if both hypothetical areas were the groups of plants, and animals, over time even if both hypothetical areas were the same vegetation community to begin with.same vegetation community to begin with.

5.3.1 Changes to Littoral Drift

Beaches change shape constantly forming are a constantly changing buffer betweenBeaches change shape constantly forming are a constantly changing buffer between the sea and land. They change shape through the seasons as well. The flow of sand the sea and land. They change shape through the seasons as well. The flow of sand in the easterly drift mentioned in Section 4.2 could have easily changed over the in the easterly drift mentioned in Section 4.2 could have easily changed over the 150 years. Any changes in the drift of sand along the coast may result in erosion or 150 years. Any changes in the drift of sand along the coast may result in erosion or accumulation of sand in the beach over several years. These changes may be accumulation of sand in the beach over several years. These changes may be natural or the result of human constructions such as piers and breakwaters. It is natural or the result of human constructions such as piers and breakwaters. It is beyond the scope of this study to consider this wider issue but it may be useful to beyond the scope of this study to consider this wider issue but it may be useful to encourage the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to investigate encourage the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to investigate sand movement along the coast. sand movement along the coast.

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It is clear that Merricks Beach has expanded over the last few decades; this may be It is clear that Merricks Beach has expanded over the last few decades; this may be the result of changes in the littoral drift. The beach vegetation has certainly changedthe result of changes in the littoral drift. The beach vegetation has certainly changed over time. The Primary Dune Complex, Dune Ti-tree Scrub and species such as over time. The Primary Dune Complex, Dune Ti-tree Scrub and species such as Coastal Banksia (Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifoliaBanksia integrifolia) has clearly expanded in recent years. ) has clearly expanded in recent years. Although, recent high tides have resulted in the death of many Banksias and She-Although, recent high tides have resulted in the death of many Banksias and She-Oaks below Cole's paddock. This illustrates the dramatic effects of episodic events Oaks below Cole's paddock. This illustrates the dramatic effects of episodic events as a part of the natural process of constant change.as a part of the natural process of constant change.

5.3.2 Clearing and Changes to Fire Regimes

Clearing is probably the most dramatic change to the original vegetation on the Clearing is probably the most dramatic change to the original vegetation on the Foreshore. Most of the hinterland above the Foreshore was cleared at an early stage Foreshore. Most of the hinterland above the Foreshore was cleared at an early stage of settlement and various areas of the Foreshore have obviously been cleared at of settlement and various areas of the Foreshore have obviously been cleared at some point or another. Many large Sheokes (some point or another. Many large Sheokes (Allocasuarina verticillataAllocasuarina verticillata) and Coastal ) and Coastal Banksias remain on the Foreshore so the timber-getting may not have extended to Banksias remain on the Foreshore so the timber-getting may not have extended to the Foreshore. Many of these cleared areas have regenerated from the existing the Foreshore. Many of these cleared areas have regenerated from the existing seedbank, although the results in probably quite different to the original seedbank, although the results in probably quite different to the original communities. The range of intensity of clearing and soil disturbance produces a communities. The range of intensity of clearing and soil disturbance produces a variety of effects, from vegetation dominated by weeds to vegetation with many variety of effects, from vegetation dominated by weeds to vegetation with many weeds mixed with the hardier indigenous species receptive to regeneration and weeds mixed with the hardier indigenous species receptive to regeneration and sometimes minimal clearing may simply result in modified indigenous vegetation. sometimes minimal clearing may simply result in modified indigenous vegetation.

Clearing in the hinterland of the Foreshore may also have changed the hydrology of Clearing in the hinterland of the Foreshore may also have changed the hydrology of the Foreshore as well. The Conservation Area of the Foreshore is backed by cleared the Foreshore as well. The Conservation Area of the Foreshore is backed by cleared paddocks with few trees remaining to respire and keep water tables lower. There arepaddocks with few trees remaining to respire and keep water tables lower. There are substantial soaks at the base of the cliff across the entire area and soil slumps substantial soaks at the base of the cliff across the entire area and soil slumps where moisture has collected have provided unique habitats for Tree Fern where moisture has collected have provided unique habitats for Tree Fern Communities (Ferwerda Communities (Ferwerda et al et al 1981). Some of these soaks have been colonised by 1981). Some of these soaks have been colonised by exotic species, such as Arum Lily (*exotic species, such as Arum Lily (*Zantedeschia aethiopicaZantedeschia aethiopica), Angled Onion (*), Angled Onion (*Allium Allium triquetrumtriquetrum) and Soursob (*) and Soursob (*Oxalis pes-capraeOxalis pes-caprae) although there are clearly some ) although there are clearly some indigenous species that occur in wet areas. The presence or absence of extra indigenous species that occur in wet areas. The presence or absence of extra nutrients may determine which species dominate these areas. Drainage may not be nutrients may determine which species dominate these areas. Drainage may not be a problem in some areas but efforts to control excess nutrients and resultant weed a problem in some areas but efforts to control excess nutrients and resultant weed invasion must be considered in management policy and actions.invasion must be considered in management policy and actions.

Changes in fire regimes occurred early in human colonisation in Australia, with Changes in fire regimes occurred early in human colonisation in Australia, with aboriginal people initially and then Europeans. These changes may be subtle in the aboriginal people initially and then Europeans. These changes may be subtle in the short-term but the changes are often dramatic in the long-term. Any particular fire short-term but the changes are often dramatic in the long-term. Any particular fire regime would have influenced the distribution of vegetation communities; different regime would have influenced the distribution of vegetation communities; different fire regimes may produce different vegetation communities in the same fire regimes may produce different vegetation communities in the same environment. The type and quality of regeneration after fire depends on the timing environment. The type and quality of regeneration after fire depends on the timing and temperature of fire; the interval since previous fires; the amount and timing of and temperature of fire; the interval since previous fires; the amount and timing of rainfall following the fire; the speed at which new shrubs and trees dominate the siterainfall following the fire; the speed at which new shrubs and trees dominate the site and the species present and their mode of regeneration (Walker 1992). However, and the species present and their mode of regeneration (Walker 1992). However, succession after fire is unpredictable and it may not have the desired effect as now succession after fire is unpredictable and it may not have the desired effect as now native vegetation is surrounded by exotic species with potentially huge soil seed native vegetation is surrounded by exotic species with potentially huge soil seed banks. banks.

For example, Coastal Ti-Tree (For example, Coastal Ti-Tree (Leptospermum laevigatumLeptospermum laevigatum) is killed by fire, and if a ) is killed by fire, and if a fire occurs in Spring regeneration is minimal, while a Summer fire will aid in its fire occurs in Spring regeneration is minimal, while a Summer fire will aid in its regeneration (Walker 1992). It will also spread very well without fire as well. Anotherregeneration (Walker 1992). It will also spread very well without fire as well. Another example is terrestrial orchids, they can be common in the understorey of Dune Ti-example is terrestrial orchids, they can be common in the understorey of Dune Ti-Tree Scrub yet are very uncommon on the Foreshore; they decline over time withoutTree Scrub yet are very uncommon on the Foreshore; they decline over time without fire and this might be one reason for their conspicuous absence.fire and this might be one reason for their conspicuous absence.

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Drooping Sheoaks may have been much more common on the Foreshore originally. Drooping Sheoaks may have been much more common on the Foreshore originally. The ecological history of the Merricks Foreshore is unknown but the succession of The ecological history of the Merricks Foreshore is unknown but the succession of vegetation on the Rosebud Foreshore may throw some light on the balance betweenvegetation on the Rosebud Foreshore may throw some light on the balance between Sheoaks and Coastal Banksias. When the original Sheokes were cut in the 1850's, Sheoaks and Coastal Banksias. When the original Sheokes were cut in the 1850's, Banksias regenerated at Rosebud. Sheoaks can regenerate well without fire becauseBanksias regenerated at Rosebud. Sheoaks can regenerate well without fire because their seedlings are very shade-tolerant and can grow in the thick shade of mature their seedlings are very shade-tolerant and can grow in the thick shade of mature Sheoaks. However, they are very susceptible to be grazed out because they are verySheoaks. However, they are very susceptible to be grazed out because they are very palatable to rabbits and domestic stock. They may have gender problems as well, if palatable to rabbits and domestic stock. They may have gender problems as well, if there is not both male and female plants there will be no seed production.there is not both male and female plants there will be no seed production.

5.3.3 Biological Isolation and the Role of Wildlife Corridors

The clearing of the hinterland has significantly isolated the indigenous vegetation onThe clearing of the hinterland has significantly isolated the indigenous vegetation on the Foreshore. The implications of this are significant. Generally, the smaller an the Foreshore. The implications of this are significant. Generally, the smaller an island of vegetation is the less biodiversity it will contain, because many animals island of vegetation is the less biodiversity it will contain, because many animals need large territories and a minimum population level to survive. Smaller areas need large territories and a minimum population level to survive. Smaller areas have greater areas of "edge" habitat and different organisms may require the have greater areas of "edge" habitat and different organisms may require the dramatically different habitats that only exist in the core of large blocks of habitat. dramatically different habitats that only exist in the core of large blocks of habitat. The perfect example of this is the Koala; it was locally extinct on the southern coast The perfect example of this is the Koala; it was locally extinct on the southern coast of the Mornington Peninsula until a link along the coast was recreated at Coolart andof the Mornington Peninsula until a link along the coast was recreated at Coolart and other places in the last two decades, allowing them to expand again from their other places in the last two decades, allowing them to expand again from their sanctuary at Sandy Point.sanctuary at Sandy Point.

The effects of biological isolation can be subtle. Once an animal is missing from an The effects of biological isolation can be subtle. Once an animal is missing from an ecosystem the effects can multiply; plants may not get pollinated or get their seeds ecosystem the effects can multiply; plants may not get pollinated or get their seeds spread. Native orchids may be the victim of this factor; isolated remnants may not spread. Native orchids may be the victim of this factor; isolated remnants may not contain the pollinators they need. contain the pollinators they need.

Recolonisation of remnants by indigenous flora and fauna after disturbance can alsoRecolonisation of remnants by indigenous flora and fauna after disturbance can also be problematic. Seeds and propagules of plants can spread a long distance in birds' be problematic. Seeds and propagules of plants can spread a long distance in birds' guts but the plants spread are often weeds, such as Ivy, Hawthorn, Pittosporum and guts but the plants spread are often weeds, such as Ivy, Hawthorn, Pittosporum and Bridal Creeper. Essentially an isolated remnant can only be regenerated through theBridal Creeper. Essentially an isolated remnant can only be regenerated through the species that remain after isolation. species that remain after isolation.

5.3.4 People Access

It is clear that erosion related to access by the enthusiastic holiday makers and It is clear that erosion related to access by the enthusiastic holiday makers and residents who use the beach has been a problem in the past. There are many paths residents who use the beach has been a problem in the past. There are many paths and a few areas of erosion, particularly the Cave area. Paths themselves cause and a few areas of erosion, particularly the Cave area. Paths themselves cause destruction of vegetation and sometimes their effects multiply when erosion is destruction of vegetation and sometimes their effects multiply when erosion is caused, especially in sand. These pathways and access must be managed. The caused, especially in sand. These pathways and access must be managed. The critical consideration in managing the impact of people is acknowledging the reality critical consideration in managing the impact of people is acknowledging the reality of a high demand for access to various areas of the Foreshore. Access, and the of a high demand for access to various areas of the Foreshore. Access, and the pressures associated with it, cannot and should not be denied, it can only be pressures associated with it, cannot and should not be denied, it can only be focussed into areas where the pressures are more acceptable.focussed into areas where the pressures are more acceptable.

5.3.5 Stabilisation Works

Stabilisation works on the beach areas may have had drastic effects on the Stabilisation works on the beach areas may have had drastic effects on the indigenous vegetation of the Foreshore. In the early 70's many exotic plants were indigenous vegetation of the Foreshore. In the early 70's many exotic plants were recommmended for such work on beaches, including recommmended for such work on beaches, including Marram Grass (*Marram Grass (*Ammophila arenariaAmmophila arenaria) and Sea Wheat-grass (*) and Sea Wheat-grass (*Thinopyrum Thinopyrum junceiformejunceiforme) and Pigface (*) and Pigface (*Carpobrotus Carpobrotus sp.) (Mitchell 1971). Although there is no sp.) (Mitchell 1971). Although there is no evidence that these plants were used for revegetation work on the Foreshore they evidence that these plants were used for revegetation work on the Foreshore they

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are present in major infestations. This problem is addressed in much more detail in are present in major infestations. This problem is addressed in much more detail in the Weed Strategy. the Weed Strategy.

5.3.5 Weed Invasion

Weed invasion as a degrading process is described in much more detail in the WeedWeed invasion as a degrading process is described in much more detail in the Weed Strategy. It is one of the most significant problems and changes occurring in the Strategy. It is one of the most significant problems and changes occurring in the native vegetation on the Foreshore.native vegetation on the Foreshore.

5.4 Vegetation Community Descriptions

The vegetation communities are listed here according to a specific format. The The vegetation communities are listed here according to a specific format. The vegetation is first described. The mature formations refer to the structure of vegetation is first described. The mature formations refer to the structure of vegetation (according to Specht 1970) in a well-developed, undisturbed state; vegetation (according to Specht 1970) in a well-developed, undisturbed state; disturbed habitats, with the ubiquitous weeds, will often vary. Characteristic species disturbed habitats, with the ubiquitous weeds, will often vary. Characteristic species are also listed; the key species to look for to identify the vegetation type. The are also listed; the key species to look for to identify the vegetation type. The environment the community grows in is also described; including soil types and environment the community grows in is also described; including soil types and topography which relates to drainage and microclimate. The comments sections topography which relates to drainage and microclimate. The comments sections focusses on any other relevant information.focusses on any other relevant information.

Other similar vegetation communities on the Mornington Peninsula and on Other similar vegetation communities on the Mornington Peninsula and on Westernport are also highlighted. Several larger regional studies were consulted, Westernport are also highlighted. Several larger regional studies were consulted, including the including the Sites of Botanical Significance in the Westernport RegionSites of Botanical Significance in the Westernport Region by Opie by Opie et alet al (1984), the results of Winty Calder's vegetation studies on the Peninsula published (1984), the results of Winty Calder's vegetation studies on the Peninsula published in in Peninsula Perspective Peninsula Perspective (1975) and the Land Conservation Council's review of the (1975) and the Land Conservation Council's review of the Melbourne area (1991), as well as studies of smaller reserves, as listed below. Melbourne area (1991), as well as studies of smaller reserves, as listed below.

These vegetation communities are mapped. The areas mapped as any one These vegetation communities are mapped. The areas mapped as any one vegetation community include remnants and other areas with suitable soil types andvegetation community include remnants and other areas with suitable soil types and topography where the vegetation type identified would have occurred. topography where the vegetation type identified would have occurred.

Comprehensive lists of the typical species in each community are presented in Comprehensive lists of the typical species in each community are presented in Appendix 3. These lists are inclusive of species that exist on the Foreshore in the Appendix 3. These lists are inclusive of species that exist on the Foreshore in the present and species that may have been typical of undisturbed examples of the present and species that may have been typical of undisturbed examples of the vegetation type. They are based on accumulated data from the remnant vegetation vegetation type. They are based on accumulated data from the remnant vegetation on the Mornington Peninsula, particularly in the southeastern portion of it, and can on the Mornington Peninsula, particularly in the southeastern portion of it, and can be used as a guide for revegetation in different sites. Seeds of some of these be used as a guide for revegetation in different sites. Seeds of some of these species may not be available on the Foreshore but are often available from nearby species may not be available on the Foreshore but are often available from nearby Foreshores and other public land.Foreshores and other public land.

The communities are described here:The communities are described here:

1 Primary Dune Complex

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: open layering or tussock grassland.open layering or tussock grassland.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Dune Thistle (Dune Thistle (Actites megalocarpaActites megalocarpa) ) Ross' Noonflower (Ross' Noonflower (Carpobrotus rossiiCarpobrotus rossii))Hairy Spinifex (Hairy Spinifex (Spinifex sericeusSpinifex sericeus))

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: flat to undulating sand-dunes of the open beach.flat to undulating sand-dunes of the open beach.

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Soils:Soils: shifting alkaline sands.shifting alkaline sands.

CommentsCommentsThis community relates closely to the Coastal Tussock Grassland described by Opie This community relates closely to the Coastal Tussock Grassland described by Opie et alet al (1984), which occurs on the south east of Phillip Island, and also at Sandy Point. (1984), which occurs on the south east of Phillip Island, and also at Sandy Point. The major difference at Merricks is a lack of Cushion Bush (The major difference at Merricks is a lack of Cushion Bush (Leucophyta browniiLeucophyta brownii). ). Important functions of plants in this area are to bind unstable sands with extensive Important functions of plants in this area are to bind unstable sands with extensive rhizomatous root systems, and to buffer communities further inland from strong, rhizomatous root systems, and to buffer communities further inland from strong, salt-laden winds. This allows tree and shrub species to regenerate towards the rear salt-laden winds. This allows tree and shrub species to regenerate towards the rear of the dune.of the dune.

2 Coastal Ti-tree Scrub

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: open to closed scrubs, low woodlands, open forests.open to closed scrubs, low woodlands, open forests.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Kidney Weed (Kidney Weed (Dichondra repensDichondra repens), ), Coastal Ti-tree (Coastal Ti-tree (Leptospermum laevigatumLeptospermum laevigatum), ), Beard Heath (Beard Heath (Leucopogon parviflorusLeucopogon parviflorus), ), Seaberry Saltbush (Seaberry Saltbush (Rhagodia candolleanaRhagodia candolleana))

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: undulating, stabilised sand-dunes extending from the inner undulating, stabilised sand-dunes extending from the inner edge of edge of

the open beach to the base of the escarpment - generally less the open beach to the base of the escarpment - generally less exposed than Primary Dune Complex.exposed than Primary Dune Complex.

Soils:Soils: alkaline to moderately acid coastal sand with low organic alkaline to moderately acid coastal sand with low organic matter matter

content.content.

CommentsCommentsThis community relates closely to the Coastal Tea-tree Scrub described by Opie This community relates closely to the Coastal Tea-tree Scrub described by Opie et alet al (1984), which extends along the coast from Sandy Point to Flinders and on Phillip (1984), which extends along the coast from Sandy Point to Flinders and on Phillip Island and French Island. The understorey tends to be sparse due to the diverse Island and French Island. The understorey tends to be sparse due to the diverse canopy of ti-tree and relatively poor and dry sands/soils. In some areas Beard canopy of ti-tree and relatively poor and dry sands/soils. In some areas Beard Heaths and Coastal Banksias break the canopy, allowing a greater variety of ground Heaths and Coastal Banksias break the canopy, allowing a greater variety of ground flora. flora.

This community is clearly dominated by Coastal Ti-Tree on the Foreshore but some This community is clearly dominated by Coastal Ti-Tree on the Foreshore but some naturalists assert that this seemingly separate vegetation community is actually the naturalists assert that this seemingly separate vegetation community is actually the advance stages of a "coastal heathland" community. There are areas of Coastal Ti-advance stages of a "coastal heathland" community. There are areas of Coastal Ti-Tree Scrub at Sandringham, Sandy Point and elsewhere around Westernport with Tree Scrub at Sandringham, Sandy Point and elsewhere around Westernport with large areas of Ti-Tree thicket mixing with large areas of heathland. Some of these large areas of Ti-Tree thicket mixing with large areas of heathland. Some of these areas were typically short, scrubby coastal heathland in the recent past and it is areas were typically short, scrubby coastal heathland in the recent past and it is theorised that as the heathland ages after a fire many heathland species decline theorised that as the heathland ages after a fire many heathland species decline allowing Coastal Ti-Tree to dominate. Another fire will then bring succession back to allowing Coastal Ti-Tree to dominate. Another fire will then bring succession back to square one and the soil-stored seed of heathland species is triggered to germinate. square one and the soil-stored seed of heathland species is triggered to germinate. However, the general consensus is that the Ti-Tree community on the narrow However, the general consensus is that the Ti-Tree community on the narrow coastal fringe is quite separate from the coastal heathland community and well coastal fringe is quite separate from the coastal heathland community and well adapted to the shifting sand dunes of the littoral environmental. It is the stable adapted to the shifting sand dunes of the littoral environmental. It is the stable sandy areas inland of the beaches that support the true coastal heathland where sandy areas inland of the beaches that support the true coastal heathland where

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Coastal Ti-Tree invades a few decades after a fire when heathland plants begin to Coastal Ti-Tree invades a few decades after a fire when heathland plants begin to decline.decline.

This Dune Ti-tree Scrub community is clearly senescing, with many large trees This Dune Ti-tree Scrub community is clearly senescing, with many large trees declining, in some areas. There also seems to be regeneration of the the dominant declining, in some areas. There also seems to be regeneration of the the dominant shrubs in open areas within thickets and on the margins. This is clearly part of the shrubs in open areas within thickets and on the margins. This is clearly part of the shifting nature of the beach and dune environment; not only does the sand shift shifting nature of the beach and dune environment; not only does the sand shift constantly but the vegetation communities must shift constantly as well, but on the constantly but the vegetation communities must shift constantly as well, but on the slower time scale. It has been discussed elsewhere in this how the woody vegetationslower time scale. It has been discussed elsewhere in this how the woody vegetation is spreading outward onto the beach, with many Banksias and Ti-Tree regenerating, is spreading outward onto the beach, with many Banksias and Ti-Tree regenerating, with other episodes of the same trees being killed by storms. The senescing areas with other episodes of the same trees being killed by storms. The senescing areas may be simply be very stable and gaps have to open up for regeneration to occur. may be simply be very stable and gaps have to open up for regeneration to occur. There are no certain answers to how this community behaves through successional There are no certain answers to how this community behaves through successional processes but it certainly needs observation and possibly formal monitoring over processes but it certainly needs observation and possibly formal monitoring over time. If the areas of senecsing Dune Ti-Tree Scrub begin to cover large areas it may time. If the areas of senecsing Dune Ti-Tree Scrub begin to cover large areas it may worth trying to open up gaps in the canopy to allow regeneration by cutting dying worth trying to open up gaps in the canopy to allow regeneration by cutting dying trees or try small experimental burns and assess the results. trees or try small experimental burns and assess the results.

3 Coastal Banksia Woodland/Open Forest

This community relates to the Coastal Banksia Woodland described by Opie This community relates to the Coastal Banksia Woodland described by Opie et alet al (1984), and in this region appears to be restricted to the coast between Sandy Point (1984), and in this region appears to be restricted to the coast between Sandy Point and Flinders. Probably due to its proximity to the coast at Merricks there is an and Flinders. Probably due to its proximity to the coast at Merricks there is an absence of Coastal Manna Gum (absence of Coastal Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryorianaEucalyptus pryoriana) although this species does ) although this species does appear at the base of the escarpment towards the western end. appear at the base of the escarpment towards the western end.

Two sub-communities can be differentiated at Merricks by the differing Two sub-communities can be differentiated at Merricks by the differing understoreys, reflecting different soil conditions.understoreys, reflecting different soil conditions.

3(a) Coastal Banksia Woodland/Open Forest - Subcommunity A

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: low woodlands.low woodlands.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Coastal Banksia (Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifoliaBanksia integrifolia))Blady Grass (Blady Grass (Imperata cylindricaImperata cylindrica) ) Knobby Club-rush (Knobby Club-rush (Isolepis nodosusIsolepis nodosus))Coast Beard-heath (Coast Beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorusLeucopogon parviflorus))Seaberry Saltbush (Seaberry Saltbush (Rhagodia candolleanaRhagodia candolleana) ) Bower Spinach (Bower Spinach (Tetragonia implexicomaTetragonia implexicoma))

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: undulating to flat, stabilised sand-dunes extending from the undulating to flat, stabilised sand-dunes extending from the inner inner

edge of the open beach to the base of the escarpment.edge of the open beach to the base of the escarpment.Soils:Soils: alkaline to moderately acid coastal sandsalkaline to moderately acid coastal sands

CommentsCommentsThis is a Banksia Woodland with an understorey of Seaberry Saltbush (This is a Banksia Woodland with an understorey of Seaberry Saltbush (Rhagodia Rhagodia candolleana)candolleana), Bower Spinach (, Bower Spinach (Tetragonia implexicomaTetragonia implexicoma) and Blady Grass () and Blady Grass (Imperata Imperata cylindricacylindrica). The latter extends out on to the primary dune, and is found between the ). The latter extends out on to the primary dune, and is found between the yacht club and the Minto Creek outlet.yacht club and the Minto Creek outlet.

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3(b) Coastal Banksia Woodland/Open Forest - Subcommunity B

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: open forests.open forests.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Coastal Banksia (Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifoliaBanksia integrifolia), ), Knobby Club-rush (Knobby Club-rush (Isolepis nodosusIsolepis nodosus))Coast Beard-heath (Coast Beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorusLeucopogon parviflorus))Coast Tussock Grass (Coast Tussock Grass (Poa poiformisPoa poiformis))Bidgee Widgee (Bidgee Widgee (Acaena novae-zelandiaeAcaena novae-zelandiae))

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: undulating to flat, stabilised sand-dunes extending from the undulating to flat, stabilised sand-dunes extending from the inner inner

edge of the open beach to the base of the escarpment - also edge of the open beach to the base of the escarpment - also sandy sandy

soils reaching up slopes where they merge with Eucalypt soils reaching up slopes where they merge with Eucalypt Woodland.Woodland.Soils:Soils: mixtures of sands and loams with higher organic matter and mixtures of sands and loams with higher organic matter and moisture moisture

content than Community 3(a).content than Community 3(a).

CommentsCommentsThis sub-community is a Banksia Open Forest with a medium to dense tussock This sub-community is a Banksia Open Forest with a medium to dense tussock grassland containing bracken. It is based on a mixture of sands and soils, created bygrassland containing bracken. It is based on a mixture of sands and soils, created by run-off and seepage at the base of the escarpment, especially at the western end of run-off and seepage at the base of the escarpment, especially at the western end of the reserve.the reserve.

4. Saltmarsh

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: closed herbland.closed herbland.

Character/indicator species:Character/indicator species:Beaded Glasswort (Beaded Glasswort (Sarcocornia quinquefloraSarcocornia quinqueflora))

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: flat area at the bottom of Minto Creek, at the rear of the flat area at the bottom of Minto Creek, at the rear of the Primary Primary

Dune Complex.Dune Complex.Soils:Soils: saline sands and brackish water.saline sands and brackish water.

CommentsCommentsThere is just a few species here typical of Salt Marsh communities, but references to There is just a few species here typical of Salt Marsh communities, but references to Beaded Glasswort communities in Opie Beaded Glasswort communities in Opie et alet al (1984) and, and observation of similar (1984) and, and observation of similar communities at Somers (at Merricks Creek outflow) suggest species which may communities at Somers (at Merricks Creek outflow) suggest species which may enhance it.enhance it.

5. Riparian Community

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VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: closed scrub to grassy woodland.closed scrub to grassy woodland.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Blackwood (Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylonAcacia melanoxylon) ) Swamp Gum (Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus ovataEucalyptus ovata) ) Pale Rush (Pale Rush (Juncus pallidusJuncus pallidus) ) Prickly Ti-tree (Prickly Ti-tree (Leptospermum continentaleLeptospermum continentale) ) Angled Lobelia (Angled Lobelia (Lobelia alataLobelia alata) ) Swamp Paperbark (Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifoliaMelaleuca ericifolia))

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: lower streamlines with gentle gradient, flats, swamps, soaks.lower streamlines with gentle gradient, flats, swamps, soaks.Soils:Soils: damp to wet acid clay loams, clays and silts.damp to wet acid clay loams, clays and silts.

CommentsCommentsThis community relates to Calder's (1975) Community 25, with affinities to Swamp This community relates to Calder's (1975) Community 25, with affinities to Swamp Gum Woodland identified by McMahon Gum Woodland identified by McMahon et alet al (1992) at Mt. Martha and may be part (1992) at Mt. Martha and may be part of a complex of vegetation that includes a Sword Sedge Sedgeland identified by of a complex of vegetation that includes a Sword Sedge Sedgeland identified by Bedggood Bedggood et alet al (1989) at Woods Reserve. It combines environments adjacent to (1989) at Woods Reserve. It combines environments adjacent to creeks, with Swamp Gum (creeks, with Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus ovataEucalyptus ovata) and grass/sedgelands; to swamps, flats) and grass/sedgelands; to swamps, flats and depressions; and to microclimates in the cooler and damper lee of the and depressions; and to microclimates in the cooler and damper lee of the escarpment slopes supporting Blackwood (escarpment slopes supporting Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylonAcacia melanoxylon) and Swamp ) and Swamp Paperbark (Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifoliaMelaleuca ericifolia). It is characterised by shady, protected ). It is characterised by shady, protected environments and was fairly widespread in the region.environments and was fairly widespread in the region.

6 Escarpment Assemblage

The Escarpment Assemblage is a broad and varied community extending from the The Escarpment Assemblage is a broad and varied community extending from the base to the top of the coastal escarpment. It is consequently divided into 4 sub-base to the top of the coastal escarpment. It is consequently divided into 4 sub-communities, each describing a specific, identifiable environment.communities, each describing a specific, identifiable environment.

Generally, the complete species list for the Escarpment Assemblage reflects a Generally, the complete species list for the Escarpment Assemblage reflects a gradation between the coastal communities, with their sandy soils and extreme gradation between the coastal communities, with their sandy soils and extreme coastal exposure, to the inland woodland communities with their clays and loams coastal exposure, to the inland woodland communities with their clays and loams and more protected environments.and more protected environments.

6(a) Escarpment Shrubby Woodland

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: open to closed grassy scrub and low woodlands.open to closed grassy scrub and low woodlands.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Coastal Banksia (Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifoliaBanksia integrifolia), ), Boobialla (Boobialla (Myoporum insulareMyoporum insulare))Coast Beard-heath (Coast Beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorusLeucopogon parviflorus) ) Common Tussock Grass (Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieriPoa labillardieri) ) Coast Tussock Grass (Coast Tussock Grass (Poa poiformisPoa poiformis) ) Austral Crane's Bill (Austral Crane's Bill (Geranium solanderiGeranium solanderi))

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EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: gentle to steep slopes in very exposed to sheltered sites.gentle to steep slopes in very exposed to sheltered sites.Soils:Soils: heavy red-brown clays, various alkaline to acid sands and heavy red-brown clays, various alkaline to acid sands and loams loams

over clays.over clays.

CommentsCommentsThis sub-community relates to Calder (1975) Community 16. It closely approximates This sub-community relates to Calder (1975) Community 16. It closely approximates Coastal Banksia Woodland Subcommunity 3B, which occurs at the western end of Coastal Banksia Woodland Subcommunity 3B, which occurs at the western end of the reserve. The difference is that Escarpment Shrubby Woodland occurs in more the reserve. The difference is that Escarpment Shrubby Woodland occurs in more sheltered locations and extends further inland. Whereas the Banksia Woodland has sheltered locations and extends further inland. Whereas the Banksia Woodland has banksia as a single dominant species, this community is characterised by an banksia as a single dominant species, this community is characterised by an assortment of co-dominant coastal tree and shrub species in varying configurations. assortment of co-dominant coastal tree and shrub species in varying configurations. The vegetation reflects a gradual transition from coastal to inland communities.The vegetation reflects a gradual transition from coastal to inland communities.

6(b) Escarpment Ti-tree Scrub

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: closed, low ti-tree woodland.closed, low ti-tree woodland.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Small-leaved Clematis (Small-leaved Clematis (Clematis microphyllaClematis microphylla))Coastal Tea-tree (Coastal Tea-tree (Leptospermum laevigatumLeptospermum laevigatum))Common Tussock Grass (Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieriPoa labillardieri))

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: undulating slopes from base to top of escarpment.undulating slopes from base to top of escarpment.Soils:Soils: sands over clay.sands over clay.

CommentsCommentsThis community occurs below the lookout in Block CR8. It extends up the This community occurs below the lookout in Block CR8. It extends up the escarpment and has a sparse understorey due to a paucity of moisture and light. escarpment and has a sparse understorey due to a paucity of moisture and light. The presence of Blackwood (The presence of Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylonAcacia melanoxylon), along with a number of small ), along with a number of small regenerating ferns, suggests that previously this may have been another regenerating ferns, suggests that previously this may have been another community. It is possible that due to some disturbance the ti-tree has colonised up community. It is possible that due to some disturbance the ti-tree has colonised up the slope.the slope.

6(c) Sheoak Sub-community

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: open woodland with a dense sedge/grass understorey.open woodland with a dense sedge/grass understorey.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Drooping Sheoak (Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillataAllocasuarina verticillata))Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifoliaLomandra longifolia))Common Tussock Grass (Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieriPoa labillardieri))Seaberry Saltbush (Seaberry Saltbush (Rhagodia candolleanaRhagodia candolleana))

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: exposed coastal bluffs.exposed coastal bluffs.Soils:Soils: clays and clay loams.clays and clay loams.

CommentsComments

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Whilst some sheoak plants occur in the Escarpment Shrubby Woodland (Sub-Whilst some sheoak plants occur in the Escarpment Shrubby Woodland (Sub-community 3a), this sub-community is characterised by a dominance of this species community 3a), this sub-community is characterised by a dominance of this species on exposed bluffs on clay soils, and are indicative of increased moisture from on exposed bluffs on clay soils, and are indicative of increased moisture from drainage lines and/or groundwater seepage. The understorey is predominantly drainage lines and/or groundwater seepage. The understorey is predominantly dense dense LomandraLomandra, , DianellaDianella and and PoaPoa tussocks, with or without regenerating boobialla tussocks, with or without regenerating boobialla and banksia. This community has clear affinities with the Disturbed Grassy and banksia. This community has clear affinities with the Disturbed Grassy Woodland Complex, dominated by Drooping Sheoak, identified by McMahon Woodland Complex, dominated by Drooping Sheoak, identified by McMahon et alet al (1992) at Mt. Martha.(1992) at Mt. Martha.

6(d) Cliff

VegetationMature formations:Mature formations: stunted shrubs and grassland.stunted shrubs and grassland.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Coast Beard-heath (Coast Beard-heath (Leucopogon parviflorusLeucopogon parviflorus) ) Coast Tussock Grass (Coast Tussock Grass (Poa poiformisPoa poiformis))Seaberrry Saltbush (Seaberrry Saltbush (Rhagodia candolleanaRhagodia candolleana))

EnvironmentTopography:Topography: steep slopes to near vertical cliff faces.steep slopes to near vertical cliff faces.Soils:Soils: basaltic clays and alkaline sands over clay.basaltic clays and alkaline sands over clay.

CommentsCommentsThis sub-community relates to Calder (1975) Community 24, as it refers to basalt This sub-community relates to Calder (1975) Community 24, as it refers to basalt cliffs and is characterised by the severe erosion processes from high levels of wind, cliffs and is characterised by the severe erosion processes from high levels of wind, salt and sand abrasion, whilst underlying clay and rock experience slumping due to salt and sand abrasion, whilst underlying clay and rock experience slumping due to groundwater seepage and surface drainage.groundwater seepage and surface drainage.

7 Fern Gully

VegetationMature formations:Mature formations: closed to open forest.closed to open forest.

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Blackwood (Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylonAcacia melanoxylon))Austral Clematis (Austral Clematis (Clematis aristataClematis aristata))Rough Tree Fern Rough Tree Fern ((Cyathea australisCyathea australis) ) Common Tussock Grass (Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieriPoa labillardieri))

EnvironmentTopography:Topography: basins, slumps and gullies in the upper escarpment.basins, slumps and gullies in the upper escarpment.Soils:Soils: various clays, silts and sandy loams over basaltic clay.various clays, silts and sandy loams over basaltic clay.

CommentsThis sub-community relates to Calder (1975) Community 12, the environment This sub-community relates to Calder (1975) Community 12, the environment differing in that here the gullies are not deep streamlines such as can be found at differing in that here the gullies are not deep streamlines such as can be found at Shoreham and Red Hill, but slumped clays on the coastal escarpment, except within Shoreham and Red Hill, but slumped clays on the coastal escarpment, except within the Short Creek gully just east of the bush paddock where a Soft Tree Fern the Short Creek gully just east of the bush paddock where a Soft Tree Fern ((Dicksonia antarcticaDicksonia antarctica) was found. A close approximation to this community can be ) was found. A close approximation to this community can be found along the Shoreham Foreshore where, as at Merricks, Rough Tree Fern found along the Shoreham Foreshore where, as at Merricks, Rough Tree Fern ((Cyathea australisCyathea australis) can be found. Other areas at Merricks included in this community) can be found. Other areas at Merricks included in this community

25


occur below the bush paddock where tree ferns have colonised the slumps in damp, occur below the bush paddock where tree ferns have colonised the slumps in damp, sheltered sites under a tall canopy of Manna Gum and/or Coastal Banksia.sheltered sites under a tall canopy of Manna Gum and/or Coastal Banksia.

8 Eucalyptus Woodland

This broad community extends inland from the top of the escarpment for the whole This broad community extends inland from the top of the escarpment for the whole length of the reserve, and has been divided into three sub-communities which have length of the reserve, and has been divided into three sub-communities which have no distinct boundaries, due mainly to the extensively cleared land and consequent no distinct boundaries, due mainly to the extensively cleared land and consequent lack of visible delineation.lack of visible delineation.

General definitions have been given which relate to three characteristic woodland General definitions have been given which relate to three characteristic woodland communities, based on Calder (1975) Communities 11, 15, and 13. The species lists communities, based on Calder (1975) Communities 11, 15, and 13. The species lists for these communities have been extended by local observation and extrapolation. for these communities have been extended by local observation and extrapolation. Where little to no indigenous vegetation remains, as applies to this community, soil Where little to no indigenous vegetation remains, as applies to this community, soil type is a key indication of the original sub-community. As this varies greatly from type is a key indication of the original sub-community. As this varies greatly from site to site, and many species are common to two or more of the sub-communities, site to site, and many species are common to two or more of the sub-communities, considerable latitude can be taken in establishing a particular suite of plants for a considerable latitude can be taken in establishing a particular suite of plants for a particular site. particular site.

A more accurate definition of these vegetation communities could be established by A more accurate definition of these vegetation communities could be established by better soil data for the Merricks hinterland and more research on the correlation of better soil data for the Merricks hinterland and more research on the correlation of soil types with vegetation in the surrounding areas. This is an area for further soil types with vegetation in the surrounding areas. This is an area for further investigation.investigation.

8(a) Coastal Manna Gum Woodland

VegetationMature formations:Mature formations: open forest to grassy woodlandopen forest to grassy woodland

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Blackwood (Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylonAcacia melanoxylon) ) Bidgee Widgee (Bidgee Widgee (Acaena novae-zelandiaeAcaena novae-zelandiae))Coastal Banksia (Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifoliaBanksia integrifolia))Coastal Manna Gum (Coastal Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryorianaEucalyptus pryoriana))Narrow-leaf Peppermint (Narrow-leaf Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiataEucalyptus radiata) ) Weeping Grass (Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoidesMicrolaena stipoides))Common Tussock Grass (Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieriPoa labillardieri) ) Small-leaf Bramble (Small-leaf Bramble (Rubus parvifoliusRubus parvifolius) ) Small Grass Tree (Small Grass Tree (Xanthorrhea minorXanthorrhea minor) )

EnvironmentTopography:Topography: undulating slopes and plains undulating slopes and plains Soils:Soils: alkaline to neutral sandy loams over basalt alkaline to neutral sandy loams over basalt

CommentsThis community relates closely to Calder (1975) Community 11, and possible This community relates closely to Calder (1975) Community 11, and possible affinities to the Grassy Low Open Forest community identified by Cheal et al (in affinities to the Grassy Low Open Forest community identified by Cheal et al (in prep.) and the Coastal Manna Gum-Narrowleaf Peppermint Grassy Woodland prep.) and the Coastal Manna Gum-Narrowleaf Peppermint Grassy Woodland identified by Bedggood identified by Bedggood et alet al (1990) at Woods Reserve, which defines an area from (1990) at Woods Reserve, which defines an area from the coast to approximately 400m inland, from Merricks to Main Creek west of the coast to approximately 400m inland, from Merricks to Main Creek west of Flinders, occurring on basaltic slopes. At Merricks, the community appears to be Flinders, occurring on basaltic slopes. At Merricks, the community appears to be confined to areas adjacent to the coastal escarpment, extending down towards the confined to areas adjacent to the coastal escarpment, extending down towards the beach to the west of the reserve. At the eastern end, near the tennis courts, a beach to the west of the reserve. At the eastern end, near the tennis courts, a

26


variation without eucalypts occurs, dominated by a grassy forest of Banksia and variation without eucalypts occurs, dominated by a grassy forest of Banksia and Blackwood, with thickets of Prickly Ti-tree, suggesting greater dampness. Previously Blackwood, with thickets of Prickly Ti-tree, suggesting greater dampness. Previously this may have contained eucalypts. To the east of this area a stand of mature this may have contained eucalypts. To the east of this area a stand of mature Monterey Pine probably occupies more of this community's range. To the west, Monterey Pine probably occupies more of this community's range. To the west, directly down from Larnoo Homestead, a large stand of Coastal Manna Gum exists directly down from Larnoo Homestead, a large stand of Coastal Manna Gum exists with a population of Small Grass Trees (which do not occur in Calder (1975) with a population of Small Grass Trees (which do not occur in Calder (1975) Community 11). This stand and the continuation towards Point Leo is of particular Community 11). This stand and the continuation towards Point Leo is of particular significance due to its almost total depletion along the coast and its relevance as significance due to its almost total depletion along the coast and its relevance as habitat and especially as a corridor for koalas.habitat and especially as a corridor for koalas.

8(b) Messmate Open Forest (on grey silty loams)

VegetationMature formations:Mature formations: shrubby, grassy or layered open forest or woodlandshrubby, grassy or layered open forest or woodland

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Prickly Moses (Prickly Moses (Acacia verticillataAcacia verticillata) ) Common Heath (Common Heath (Epacris impressaEpacris impressa))Messmate (Messmate (Eucalyptus obliquaEucalyptus obliqua))Common Raspwort (Common Raspwort (Gonocarpus tetragynusGonocarpus tetragynus))Prickly Ti-tree (Prickly Ti-tree (Leptospermum continentaleLeptospermum continentale) ) Tree Everlasting (Tree Everlasting (Ozothamnus ferrugineusOzothamnus ferrugineus) )

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: ridges, hillsides and gully slopes.ridges, hillsides and gully slopes.Soils:Soils: light to dark silty, grey loams over basalt - typified by a fine light to dark silty, grey loams over basalt - typified by a fine texture.texture.

CommentsCommentsThis community elates to Calder (1975) Community 15, with affinities with the This community elates to Calder (1975) Community 15, with affinities with the Messmate-Narrowleaf Peppermint Sclerophyll Forest identified by Bedggood Messmate-Narrowleaf Peppermint Sclerophyll Forest identified by Bedggood et alet al (1990) at Woods Reserve, and, probably, originally extended NW to Merricks general(1990) at Woods Reserve, and, probably, originally extended NW to Merricks general store. It represents the best indication of vegetation for the Merricks Village area. store. It represents the best indication of vegetation for the Merricks Village area. The grey fine-textured soils define the zone, as no indigenous species remain.The grey fine-textured soils define the zone, as no indigenous species remain.

8(c) Messmate Woodland (on brown earths and clay loams)

VegetationVegetationMature formations:Mature formations: open forest, woodland, grassy/shrubby understoreyopen forest, woodland, grassy/shrubby understorey

Characteristic Species:Characteristic Species:Austral Clematis (Austral Clematis (Clematis aristataClematis aristata))Tasman Flax-lily (Tasman Flax-lily (Dianella tasmanicaDianella tasmanica))Messmate (Messmate (Eucalyptus obliquaEucalyptus obliqua))Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifoliaLomandra longifolia) ) Common Tussock Grass (Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieriPoa labillardieri) )

EnvironmentEnvironmentTopography:Topography: gentle slopes and gullies.gentle slopes and gullies.Soils:Soils: brown and red clays and clay loams - the soils here are typifiedbrown and red clays and clay loams - the soils here are typified by a by a

dark colour and heavy texture, crumbling and cracking clays dark colour and heavy texture, crumbling and cracking clays when when dry, and "gluggy" when wet.dry, and "gluggy" when wet.

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CommentsCommentsThis community approximates Calder (1975) Community 13, and refers to heavier, This community approximates Calder (1975) Community 13, and refers to heavier, dark clay soils. A narrow band of this exists along the top of the escarpment along dark clay soils. A narrow band of this exists along the top of the escarpment along the eastern end of the reserve. Other areas west of Merricks Beach Road and inland the eastern end of the reserve. Other areas west of Merricks Beach Road and inland carry these heavier clay soil, which are covered in thick swards of Kangaroo Grass carry these heavier clay soil, which are covered in thick swards of Kangaroo Grass ((Themeda triandraThemeda triandra), Blackwood (), Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylonAcacia melanoxylon) and Swamp Paperbark ) and Swamp Paperbark ((Melaleuca ericifoliaMelaleuca ericifolia), with Narrow-leaf Peppermint (), with Narrow-leaf Peppermint (Eucalyptus radiataEucalyptus radiata) on the ) on the ridges. This association is found otherwise in the Shoreham and inland to Red Hill ridges. This association is found otherwise in the Shoreham and inland to Red Hill and Main Ridge areas.and Main Ridge areas.

6.0 CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF VEGETATION6.1 Definition and Assessment

Significance in the biological context means very much what it means in common usage, being defined as noteworthy or of considerable importance. Sites of botanical significance are assessed according to defined biological criteria and are independent of any land-use classifications, the status and ownership of land is not relevant. Significance is an assessment of the qualities of the vegetation in relation to its current distribution, conservation status and integrity.

There are two components to significance - scale and degree. The determination of degree is related to the qualities of the site in relation to overall distribution, condition or importance of other sites possessing such values, within a range defined by the scale of reference. Scale and degree are generally combined into levels of significance and defined by scale alone. The scale of significance, for the purposes of this study, are within the following areas:

Local: The Merricks Foreshore and adjacent areas, from Flinders to Sandy Point and Hastings and the immediate hinterland or approximately the southeast corner of Mornington Peninsula.

Regional: Mornington Peninsula

State: Victoria

National: Australia

Several things should be noted in relation to conservation significance. It is not a static condition, the significance of indigenous flora and fauna will change over time according to the evolving condition of the flora and fauna and the ongoing impacts, positive or negative, on it. All remnant vegetation and populations of indigenous plants in the study are of local significance given the major depletion and poor condition of vegetation in the region as a whole, particularly a substantially cleared area such as the Mornington Peninsula.

There is only an estimated 14% percent of the area of the Peninsula with remaining "near-natural vegetation" (Calder 1975). There has been much more clearing and destruction of remnant vegetation since Calder's study. There is probably only 5% of the original vegetation remaining on the Mornington Peninsula. In this context any native vegetation remaining is of regional significance since so little native vegetation is left in the region.

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6.2 Significant Plant Species

The significance of plant species is based on the following criteria:

· Naturally uncommon or rare on the Peninsula (Regionally significant) or Victoria (State significant);

· Formerly widespread in the region or Victoria but now depleted through habitat destruction or degradation;

· Remnant population(s) with important information content for botanical research or the regional vegetation;

· Species which are taxonomically or biogeographically interesting;

· Potentially valuable source of propagation material for revegetation.

· Unique occurrences, large specimens or substantial populations, of common or wide-spread species.

11 species considered to be of Regional Significance were found on the Foreshore. The large Coastal Banksias occurring on the Foreshore are considered to be of Regional Significance because of the size. Another species of Regional Significance was found in the Bush Block. Some species of local significance are also listed here. They are of interest because of their rarity on the Foreshore, but not necessarily in the region.

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Table 2. Flora of Conservation Significance and InterestSpecies Common

NameSign

.Rat.

Locat. Veget.Comm

.

Pop.Stat

us.

Refer.

Acrotriche prostrata

Trailing. Ground-berry

R C3, C4Q9, BB

EW D WR

Agrostis aemula Blown Grass

R CR6 EW B, C BB

Banksia integrifolia #

Coastal Banksia

R CR1,CR7CR8

CBW E This study

Blechnum ?minus Soft Water Fern

L CR5 B, C This study

Caladenia latifolia Pink Fairies

L CR2,CR3

DTS C This study

Carex appressa Tall Sedge L CR7 FG, RC C This study

Cymbonotus preissianus

Austral Bear's Ear

L CR5 DTS A This study

Cynoglossum suaveolens

Sweet Hound's Tongue

R C2, C4 EW C RM, MM

Desmodium gunnii

Slender Tick-trefoil

C3, C4, Q10

EW D This study

Dianella longifolia Pale Flax-lily

R C4, Q10

EW A BB, WR

Dicksonia antarctica

Soft Tree Fern

C4 RC A This study

Dipodium roseum Hyacinth Orchid

L C3, C4, BB

EW C This study

Dodonea viscosa ssp. spatulata

Wedge-leaf Hopbush

R C4 EW A This study

Galium propinquum

Maori Bedstraw

R CR3 CBW, EW

B, C This study

Goodenia ovata Hop-leaf Goodenia

L CR7 A This study

Hemarthria uncinata

Mat Grass L C3 EW D This study

Imperata cylindrica

Blady Grass

R C1, C2, C4

PDC D MM, ME

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Lepidosperma gladiatum

Coast Sword Sedge

L C5 DTS A This study

Opercularia ovata Broad-leaf Stinkwort

R C4, C5 EW C BB, CH, ME, MM, QR, WP

Polystichum proliferum

Mother Shield Fern

L CR7 FG A This study

Pteris tremula Tender Brake

L CR7, CR8

FG C This study

Pterostylis pedunculata

Maroonhood

R CR2 DTS B, C RM, WP

Pultenea stricta Rigid Bush Pea

R BB EW C This study

Sarcocornia quinqueflora

BeadedGlasswort

L C1, C2 SM B, C This study

Solenogyne dominii

Solenogyne

L CR5 EW C This study

Sporobolis virginicus

Salt Couch L C1, C2 SM B, C This study

Tetragonia tetragonioides

New Zealand Spinach

L C3 DTS C This study

Tricoryne elatior Yellow Grass Lily

R C3, C4, CR5, CR6, CR8

EW E MM, WR

Xanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea

Small Grass Tree

R CR 8, C3, C4, C5, BB

EW D MM

Key:# Large Old Specimens

Significance RatingsR RegionalL Local

Locations: Management Blocks as defined in Weed Strategy Report: CR1 or C1 etc.Quadrats (from this study): Q1 etc.Bush Block: BB

Vegetation Communities:Primary Dune Complex: PDCDune Ti-tree Scrub: DTS

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Coastal Banksia Woodland: CBWSaltmarsh: SMRiparian Community: RCEscarpment Assemblage: EAFern Gully: FGEucalyptus Woodland: EW

Population Status (in the Foreshore Reserve):A- only one plant recordedB- less than 10 plants recordedC- localised, one or few small populationsD- localised, one or several large populationsE- scattered but not abundantF- common, population relatively large

References:BC - McMahon et al 1987 (Balcombe Creek report)BB - Beaglehole 1983 (Melbourne Check List)CH - Cheal et al in prep (Melbourne area survey)HC - Carr et al 1989b (Heritage Cove, Hastings report)ME - Carr et al 1989 (Mt. Eliza report)MM - McMahon et al 1992 (Mt Martha report)QR - Carr and McMahon 1988 (Quarry Reserve, Mt. Eliza)RM - Robinson et al 1986 (Melbourne area survey)SE - Walker 1992 (Seaford Management Plan)SH - Bedggood 1989 (Shoreham survey)WR - Bedggood et al 1990 (Woods Reserve report)WP - Opie et al 1984 (Westernport Study)6.3 Significance of Vegetation Communities

The specific conservation significance rating for vegetation communities, including both the flora and fauna that depend on specific conditions within the community, is primarily based on its rarity, condition and reservation status according to the following criteria:

· Distribution and abundance (of the community) in the region, State or nation;

· Level of depletion since European occupation;

· Number and ranking of significant species (of which rarity is an important criterion) occurring in the community.

· Size and extent of vegetation of similar floristic composition and structure, usually being based on ground coverage of the community. Larger stands of a particular community are considered more valuable than smaller areas.

· Level of disturbance, particularly in relation to human-related disturbance.

· Vulnerability to weed invasion, one of the most serious threats to the conservation of many plant communities; different vegetation communities differ in susceptibility.

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· The reservation status of the community is potentially nil, poorly or moderately represented, or with substantial areas reserved with conservation management in place.

With all of these factors considered the vegetation communities are ranked, based on information from other studies and other workers in the area, primarily, but also within the context of this study and the authors' knowledge.

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Table 3. Summary of Conservation Significance of Vegetation Communities defined on the Merricks Beach Foreshore Reserve. [Reference section is based on key for Table 2.]

Vegetation Communi-ty

Pre-Euro-pean Distribu-tion

CurrentDistribu-tion:Local Region State

Vulnera-bility to weed invasion

Degree of Distur-bance in study area

Reserva-tion Status in Region

Botanical Signifi-cance

Refer-ences

Primary Dune Complex

Common in specificenviron-ment

Reduced to modi-fied fragments

Fairly common

Exten-sive

High High Fair Regional This study, WP

Dune Ti-tree Scrub



Fairly common

Exten-sive

High High Fair Regional This study, WP

Coastal Banksia Woodland/Open Forest



Un-common

Common High High Fair Regional This study, WP, SE

Saltmarsh Common in specificenviron-ment

Some reserves

Common Common Low High Fair Local This study, WP

Riparian Commun-ity

Wide-spread but in res-trictive environments

Rare Rare Wide-spread but de-pleted and degraded

High High Very Poor

Regional Calder 1975, CH,ME, MM,SH

Escarp-ment ShrubbyWoodland



Un-common

? Low to Moder-ate

Moderate ? Local This study, SE

Escarp-ment Ti-tree Scrub



Un-common

? High High ? Local This study, SE

Sheoak Sub-community

Common Rare Very Rare

Very Rare

High Moderate to High

Very Poor

Regional Calder 1975, Frood and Calder 1987, Mc-mahon et al 1990

Escarp-ment Cliff



Un-common

? Low Low ? Local This study, SE

Fern Gully Wide-spread but in res-trictive environments

Rare Rare Common High High Poor Regional This study

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Coastal Manna Gum Woodland

Wide-spread

Reduced to frag-mented remnants


Res-tricted

Moder-ate

Moderate Very poor

HighRegional

Calder (1975), BC, HC, ME, WR, WP

Messmate OpenForests (grey silty loams)

Wide-spread



Common Moder-ate

High Very poor

High Regional

Calder (1975), BC, HC

MessmateWoodland(brown earths and clay loams)

Wide-spread



Common Moder-ate

High Very poor

Regional Calder (1975)

6.4 Sites of Conservation Significance and Interest

All areas identified on the vegetation quality map as substantially intact (green) and somewhat intact (blue) indigenous vegetation are important remnants. Several areas however deserve special mention. Two divisions were recognised - sites of regional significance and sites of local significance or interest. All of these areas should be the core areas for regeneration work.

6.4.1 Sites of Regional Significance

Eucalyptus Woodland Communities in Blocks C3, C4 and the Coles' Bush PaddockThis is the most intact areas of native vegetation on the Foreshore and is in the Conservation Zone on the western end of the Foreshore. This area is in remarkably good condition, particularly the section on the Foreshore, and several regionally significant species are present in this area. There are also extensive stands of Rough Tree Ferns in this area so the area also has examples of Fern Gully vegetation. It is one of the few areas on the southern coast of the Mornington Peninsula with the whole spread of vegetation communities, from Primary Dune Complex on the beach to Eucalyptus Woodland on the plateau above still relatively intact.

Drooping Sheoak Sub-community on Escarpment in Blocks C2 and C3This narrow, cliff-top band of Drooping Sheoak Grassy Woodland is small but remarkably intact. It is the best area to see relatively undisturbed examples of this community on the Foreshore.

Fern Gully in Block CR7 (Just off the track near the Lookout in Block CR8.)There is Rough Tree Ferns, several other Fern species and large Banksias here. This site is of interest because of two ferns not occurring elsewhere on the Foreshore, Mother Shield Fern and Tender Brake, as well as one of only two populations of Carex appressa found on the Foreshore.

6.4.2 Sites of Local Significance

Maroonhoods in CR2A small colony, four flower stems, was found on the edge of the path near the toilet block in spring 1994.

Management Block CR2, CR3 and CR4 (Just east of the Yacht Club.)

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This area contains most of the Pink Fairy orchids (Caladenia latifolia) on the Foreshore. These orchids occur in the stable sand underneath the Ti-tree canopy.

N.B. Orchids are often fairly common in stable, undisturbed understoreys in Dune Ti-Tree Scrub. Good areas to see this diversity is at Sandy Point and on French Island. The areas of Ti-tree on the Foreshore with stable, mostly weed-free understorey were extensively searched for orchids throughout late winter and spring but only these two species were observed.

Regeneration Areas in CR5 and CR6 (Between the Cave Track and Bluff Road.)This area has already been substantially improved by the Foreshore Committee; the efforts simply need to be maintained. These areas are excellent examples of the potential of soil-stored seed and the regeneration of indigenous vegetation, combined with strategic weed control and planting, of course.

Lookout in Block CR8This site is valuable for its' distinctive grassy understorey community; a community that could be encouraged to spread. There is one orchid species here and several other species unique to open areas on the cliff tops.

Swamp Paperbark Wetland in Block CR8There is a small patch of Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) at the base of the cliff on the beach flat in Block CR8. It is substantially invaded by weeds but is still the only remnant of these wetlands found on the Foreshore.

Mouth of Minto Creek: SaltmarshThis creek mouth, the border of Blocks C1 and C2, contains a few salt tolerant species that are typical of Saltmarsh environments. This area is brackish, mostly an influence of high tides flowing into the depression in the sand that the creek flows into. There might possibly be salinity problems in the creek, considering the level of clearing in its catchment, but these plants are probably independent of salt in the creek waters. These plants could be a source for propagation material in other appropriate areas.

7.0 FAUNA SIGHTINGS AND HABITAT

During the flora survey several species of fauna were also observed.

Many small runways were found in a large patch of Blady Grass in the western end of Block C1. This is typical habitat for Swamp Rats (Rattus lutreolus), according to Strahan (1983), and apparently the animal has been found in other similar areas on the Westernport coast (Gidja Walker, pers. comm.).

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) were seen moving through the Foreshore on several occasions while doing fieldwork. They, apparently move up and down the coast in remnant vegetation searching for food, primarily Coastal Manna Gums (Eucalyptus pryoriana). The problem is that there isn't many of these trees left along the coast. The pressure on the remaining trees may be quite substantial because of the population moving up and down the coast. For example, there are very few eucalypts remaining on the French Island and it is suspected that the high levels of Koalas on the island have driven the trees to local extinction (Clive Gordes pers.

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comm.). It would be useful to plant many more food trees for these animals and widen their travel corridors; it might be a good selling point to get local home owners to plant trees: "please create Koala habitat!"

Rohan Cuming observed a Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aguila audax) in Coles' Paddock in February 1995, above the Conservation Zone of the Foreshore. It would be useful to confirm any other sightings and determine where it is nesting. If the nest site is on the Foreshore it should be protected from any interference in the breeding season. Wedge-tailed Eagles will establish new nests in large areas of remnant bushland (Beardsell in prep) but will abandon any nest if they are disturbed, by too many walkers or other visitors, in the breeding season.

A comprehensive fauna survey is recommended as well. This could initially involve collecting the information that already exists, by reviewing relevant literature and reports, consulting local residents or naturalists and relevant government agencies as well as commissioning specific fauna surveys. This could be a cooperative effort between several Foreshores or other adjacent landowners in the Merricks area. Several issues could be addressed in a regional way as well, possibly the role of the coast corridor for Koala movement and habitat or the use of the coast by fairy penguins. The new Coastal and Bay Management Council proposed by the State Government might a have a role in regional management measures.

Summary of RecommendationsPlant many more Coastal Manna Gum trees and widen the coastal corridor where possible with more revegetation.

Determine if a Wedge-tailed Eagle is nesting on the Foreshore and establish some kind of monitoring process to ensure the eagle remains undisturbed in the breeding season

A comprehensive fauna survey is recommended for the Foreshore or local area. A fauna survey should be integrated with this flora survey to determine the appropriate management regimes for both flora and fauna.

8.0 GENERAL RESTORATION AND REVEGETATION STRATEGIES

The other terms that may need defining are regeneration (or restoration) and revegetation. Regeneration can be defined as recreating the original vegetation and ecological processes of an ecosystem, a tall and maybe impossible order, and often includes the revegetation process as well. For the purposes of this report restoration is defined as the preservation and replanting of indigenous vegetation and actions to eliminate introduced plants within them. The definition of revegetation as used in this report is limited to replanting areas dominated by introduced plants with indigenous species through more intensive work such as planting tubestock and direct seeding.

There are a range of techniques and methods available for the protection, management and restoration of indigenous bushland. The weed control methods outlined in the Weed Strategy (Kern 1994) are an important aspect of such work but it is also important to consider and emphasise the bigger perspective, how do you restore an ecological balance?. Revegetation and regeneration are used to characterise two broad approaches to reversing the degradation of natural bushland.

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Revegetation generally implies that the remnant vegetation lacks the capacity to regenerate naturally - large numbers of species of the vegetation community are locally extinct (both as adult plants and as soil-stored seed), soils have been modified through clearing, ploughing, fertilising, compaction or grazing, with the loss of indigenous species and replacement with exotic ones. The goal of revegetation varies with the site and the land use requirements of the manager and can include revegetation for stream protection; shelterbelts; buffering, protecting and/or extending remnant bushland; providing habitat and habitat links for native fauna. Tubestock planting and/or direct seeding of indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses, weed control and grazing management are the main techniques.

Regeneration recognises that the vegetation structure and soil conditions exist to allow bushland to recover once degradation processes (eg. weed invasion, overgrazing, erosion) are halted. The goal is to protect and preserve the integrity of natural bushland. Identification and management of degradation processes and natural regeneration through self seeding or resprouting of existing indigenous species are emphasised with limited reintroduction's of missing or depleted species through planting or seeding.

8.1 Revegetation Methods

8.1.1 Site Selection

Revegetation methods outlined here will be linked to the vegetation quality key described and mapped in the Weed Strategy (Kern 1994). When determining appropriate restoration methods for land refer to the vegetation quality maps. Red and orange areas will be appropriate for revegetation works, although care should be taken in orange areas to preserve the small areas of indigenous vegetation remaining. These quality ratings will provide an indication of vegetation quality on the land and can be cross referenced here for an outline of restoration methods appropriate for that vegetation quality. It is important to choose methods appropriate to the existing vegetation quality of the site. Inappropriate methods such as trying to establish indigenous groundstorey species in areas with weedy understorey is time consuming, expensive and may fail. Conversely, using herbicide to kill indigenous groundstorey to direct seed or plant trees is also a waste of time and money and sometimes rare plants and genetic material.

8.1.2 Species Selection

Where vegetation communities are to be reintroduced, determine the type of vegetation community to be re-established (refer to Indigenous Vegetation Community, Maps 1 to 10). Appendix 3 lists the species found in each vegetation type so that, in planning a planting or direct seeding project, species and species numbers can be selected. Different numbers of the species will be necessary for planting in any particular site. For example, eucalypt trees and tussock grass species are both classified as "dominant" in particular vegetation communities but eucalypts will be planted in very low numbers, maybe 1 in 5 to 10 m2, but tussock grasses may be appropriate to plant to a density of up to 4 tubes per m2.

The site may also have been extremely modified over time. The drainage of a site may have changed over time due to development, such as when runoff from driveways and houses increases the water in creeks. Species from other nearby

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communities, still using local provenance material, may be more appropriate for such a site. For example, sites in Merricks village may have been altered and now have very different characteristics than in the past. Absorption trenches will be appropriate sites for water-loving species from riparian habitats and shady areas may be appropriate for local ferns and other species from the wetter communities in the area.

Hardy species must be the first to be planted in modified areas as well. The spaces and niches occupied by weeds must be replaced by vibrant and regenerating indigenous plants. This may necessitate choosing vigourous species that spread easily through rhizomes or seed recruitment. Tussock grasses, such as Poa and Themeda, are good examples; in areas with few exotic grassy weeds these species can fill up the spaces quickly, preventing weed invasion, and produce seed within one year that can begin to regenerate in bare ground. Plants like Prickly Tea-tree (Leptospermum continentale) and Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) can sucker very well in some conditions and form thickets. Kangaroo Apples (Solanum spp.) regenerate very well from seed in disturbed conditions.

Trees and shrubs can also be a useful first step in a revegetation project. Trees and shrubs are easier to grow and maintain weed-free than groundstorey species. They can actually encourage indigenous species by drying the soil out, allowing easier and more efficient planting of grasses and herbs in later stages of revegetation.

8.1.3 Site Preparation & Maintenance

The basic premise of site preparation is to provide the new plants with optimum growing conditions in the establishment phase within the site constraints. There are a number of factors to consider depending on the site conditions - existing indigenous vegetation; access for machinery; the design of the planting; whether or not herbicides are an option; cost and so on. Successful site preparation should be planned at least 12 months ahead so that the right techniques can be implemented at the right time.

There are several factors to consider when deciding on site preparation techniques:

· The potential for natural regeneration of indigenous species. Spraying knockdown herbicide will kill desirable seedlings as well as weeds. Techniques which disturb the soil, damage regenerating plants and encourage weed growth are not advised where there is a potential for natural regeneration.

· The condition of the soil.Be aware of the site history: whether the site has been cut or filled, compacted or whether there are erosion problems that require correction before planting.

· The type and degree of weed infestation - determine the species to be controlled and their life cycle.

Commonly used weed control techniques have already been described, weed control is usually the most important aspect site preparation. While each technique has been described separately they will usually be used in an integrated way. For example, an area of exotic grass such as Kikuyu to be planted out may be mown or burnt first, allowed to regrow for a short time producing green pick, then sprayed out with a non-selective herbicide for a planting, with the resulting planting of indigenous trees and shrubs mulched with a recycled wood mulch. Relevant revegetation techniques, not described in the Weed Strategy, are listed here.

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MattingThere are a range of organic and synthetic matting available, they are rolled out over planting sites, holes are cut for plants, and secured with steel pegs. To withstand flooding, all matting types need to be secured with star pickets, strained wire and clips when used on stream banks which increases costs. Weed mat has proved useful particularly on stream banks where plants and mulches laid down over autumn/winter may be swept away by spring floods and on steep slopes that are relatively bare of vegetation or soils that are unstable and highly erodable. Organic weed mats, such as Jutemat, come in large roles or small squares for individual plants and can be used with great flexibility in weedy conditions.

Brush MattingBrush matting can be used to stabilise slopes and prevent erosion after weed control work and act as a mat type mulch for plantings or direct seeding. Where appropriate material is available, indigenous species can be used, especially shrub species such as Tea Tree (Leptospermum sp.) and Swamp Paperbark. If the brush is holding seed and is of local provenance then it is also contributing to the revegetation of the site. Brush from woody weed control work such as Broom can be used if it is not holding seed. In either case the stems are laid across the slope and on very unstable/eroding slopes can be pinned down using wire and star pickets.

Pre Planting/Seeding Weed ControlWeeds compete with establishing plants for light, nutrients, water and can significantly reduce the growth of the desired plant. Use the following methods as appropriate:

· Scalping - removing the top 10cm of soil and the soil stored weed seed bank; done by hand for small areas, with machinery for larger areas.

· Mowing/slashing or burning- used prior to herbicide spraying, particularly in areas with pasture grasses or a generally weedy understorey, to reduce biomass and encourage active growth. This will maximise herbicide application and make the site more accessible for planting or seeding.

· Smothering - laying barrier and mulch materials over weeds and leaving in place for 6 to 12 months to smother weeds. For example, weeds are mown or slashed; a barrier material such as 6 sheet thickness of wet, overlapping newspaper or overlapping corrugated cardboard then 10cm of mulch.

· HerbicideSpot spraying - A measured dose of herbicide can be sprayed to create spots using knockdown herbicides such as Glyphosate and, optionally for future weed suppression, a residual herbicide (Caution around indigenous species is necessary with residual herbicides; they may leach from where they are sprayed and prevent the regeneration of indigenous species). This is a useful technique for areas where there is a mix of indigenous understorey plants and introduced plants - the exotics can be spot sprayed for planting sites allowing the indigenous plants to persist.

Plant Selection · Species selection as above· Plants should be grown from seed of local provenance - ie., seed collected from

naturally occurring plants in the general locality of the planting and under sustainable collection techmiques.

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· For tree and shrub planting, plant tubestock (usually 150mm long) rather than advanced plants. Tubestock will establish faster in the field, may have less root distortion than advanced plants and grow faster, easily overtaking advanced stock in height in a couple years. They are also less expensive and easier to plant.

Protecting PlantingsTree guards and fencing are commonly used techniques to protect revegetated areas until the plants become established and can withstand the stress of rabbits, native animals, wind, vandalism and domestic stock.

Direct seedingDirect seeding can enable relatively large scale revegetation works at lower cost - time and labour - than comparable hand planting. The main limitation is often the lack of suitable seed. There are two main techniques developed for revegetation, either hand seeding of over and ground storey indigenous species or mechanised seeding of indigenous trees and shrubs.

Overstorey speciesIndigenous, as well as Australian native, trees and shrubs have been successfully direct seeded by hand or mechanically on farmland since the 1930's. The techniques for farmland situations are quite well defined a range of publications are available to help design a project.

Ground Storey species - GrassesRe-establishing indigenous grasses is an important aim of long term bushland restoration projects. An understorey of indigenous tussock forming grasses provides a matrix of inter-tussock spaces that provide sites for the germination of indigenous trees, shrubs and herbs and habitat for ground dwelling fauna. Direct seeding of indigenous grasses requires good initial weed control, particularly to remove exotic grasses. Once indigenous grasses have germinated, the site can be maintained with selective herbicides. Below is an outline of useful grasses, both dominants in the understorey in their respective vegetation communities on the Foreshore. . Common Tussock Grass (Poa labillardieri)Coastal Tussock Grass (Poa poiformis)With good weed control achieved, relatively large areas can be direct seeded at the cost of seed collection, site preparation and selective herbicide maintenance of exotic weedy emergents. Plants establish rapidly, gaining sizes over the growing season of 0.5 m in 6 months. The Merri Creek Management Committee, in Melbourne, have tried a number of methods including direct seeding into dead Blackberry canes to re-establish ground cover and seeding under a layer of fine Jute Mat which acts as a mulch and stops seed washing away on slopes during rain. Collect seed over December/January and sow in autumn, winter and spring in bare soil, after thorough weed control.

Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra)Kangaroo Grass is a dominant species of grasslands and grassy woodlands and is a dominant groundstorey species in some areas of the dry slopes in open areas where Eucalypt Woodlands would have occurred on the Foreshore and in the hinterland. Much work has been done to develop restoration techniques particularly at Organ Pipes National Park, Yarra Bend Park, Merri Creek Parklands and Yarra Valley Parklands. Much of the Merricks Beach Road Reserve between the beach and the Frankston- Flinders Road is dominated by this grass and would be a good source of

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straw or seed for direct seeding purposes on the Foreshore (with permission from the Council).

Seed is usually collected by harvesting the straw, with brush cutters and rakes or various mechanical harvesters, such as hay bailers or forage harvesters, in late January. It ripens progressively and it is best to harvest when about half the seed is ripe. The straw can then be immediately laid out over the site, the seeds burrow into the ground and the straw is burnt or raked off the following spring/summer. Burning the straw in the autumn after laying can open up gaps to allow warmer soil the next Spring when the seeds will germinate. Weed control can be maintained over the intervening period as seed usually does not begin to germinate until the following spring/summer, when warm weather arrives.

Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides)Weeping Grass is also an excellent grass for direct seeding because of its high germination rates and competitive nature once established. It is a common component of grassy understoreys in general and on the Foreshore. Established plants also produce seeds progressively over summer if the summer isn't too dry. The seed should be broadcast on bare ground in late Autumn or winter. Mechanised Direct SeedingThere are 2 options with mechanised direct seeding - hydroseeding and a modified tractor mounted plough and seed box such as the 'Hamilton Direct Seeder'. These services are available through contractors and information on mechanised direct seeding machinery can be supplied by Greening Australia Victoria. The pasture areas above the Conservation Zone may be appropriate sites for such works, direct seeding machines are an excellent method to establish long narrow shelterbelts.

Broad scale mechanised direct seeding can produce great results: rapid establishment of trees and shrubs due to unchecked root growth; random distribution of species, and a low cost per plant. However, if seed lots have low viability, or seed is predated, or if rain doesn't follow up germination and soil moisture is low, or if site preparation is inadequate, then direct seeding can be a relatively expensive failure. Seed from rare species, in short supply or with poor germination may be too valuable to use for direct seeding, as well.

8.2 Regeneration Techniques

One of the guiding principles in bushland regeneration is to work from the good areas to bad - the 'Bradley' method (Bradley 1988 and Buchanon 1989). The aims are to retain and protect remnant indigenous vegetation. It is important to identify, stabilise and expand good quality remnants. This is often where most significant species are and where weeding will have the most impact in terms of natural regeneration of indigenous species. The processes of degradation of these good quality areas should be identified and halted/ameliorated and conditions should be altered on the edge of remnants to allow regeneration to expand outward.

Actions include:· Eliminating weeds in areas of good quality indigenous vegetation and suppress

weed seed production and the further spread of weeds in infested, degraded vegetation. Weed removal should be staged particularly where erosion is likely to result from weed control.

· Carry out selective tubestock planting or direct seeding.

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· Establish buffer plantings - reduce 'edge effects' on remnants by strategic planting of indigenous vegetation. For example, an isolated patch of a exotic grass on the edge of good quality vegetation may be a good area for tubestock planting.

· Conduct burns for regeneration purposes. Monitor closely with good assessments, using quadrats or photo points, to document before and after and plan ample time for follow-up weed control on any one burn site.

The restoration strategies for specific areas outlined below are generalised guidelines. The restoration strategies are linked to the Vegetation Quality Assessment Maps in the Weed Strategy. When determining appropriate restoration strategies for your land refer to the vegetation quality maps. These provide an indication of the existing vegetation and habitat quality in different areas of the Foreshore and can be cross referenced here for an outline of restoration strategies appropriate for that vegetation quality and condition. The strategies outlined here are designed to enhance existing indigenous vegetation quality; to enhance habitat opportunities and links for indigenous animals; to protect and enhance the quality of water flowing into with a recognition of urban and rural existing land use.

Areas With Good Quality Understorey: Green and Blue Areas on the Vegetation Quality MapsThese areas are mostly indigenous and will have weeds of differing risk and invasiveness. The main task here will be weed control. Fire may be useful for weed control and regeneration as well. Minimal planting, of appropriate species that may be absent, may be appropriate in bare areas but should not be necessary in most circumstances.

Areas With Poor Quality Understorey: Orange and Red Areas on the Vegetation Quality MapsWeed control will be the first step in these areas. Fire will also be useful here; many surprises can come up in even the most decraded appearing understorey. Any remaining indigenous species should be preserved and encouraged by selective handweeding, spot spraying, etc. Many species will need to be reintroduced through planting or direct seeding.

9.0 FIRE MANAGEMENT AND RISK ASSESSMENT9.1 Using Fire As A Vegetation Management Tool

The use of fire in weed control work was extensively discussed in the Weed Strategy (Kern 1995) and there is also great potential to use fire as a tool for native vegetation regeneration and management. However, it needs to be emphasised that fire must be used with extreme caution.

There is a conspicuous lack of indigenous peas, heaths and orchids, and even the regeneration of wattles, on the Foreshore. This may be an indication of lack of fire since these types of species are often dependent upon fire for regeneration. There is potentially a soil seedbank of such species, ie. an inherent but unseen biodiversity, that would respond to the clearance of weeds and possibly fire. Species unseen for many years have regenerated after weeding and fire on many sites around the Mornington Peninsula. However, the clearing of pines, and small burns in some

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areas, in CR6 has produced much natural regeneration of native grasses but little, if any, of the other species with soil-stored seed mentioned above. This may be negative indication of the potential for natural regeneration of species that may have formerly occurred on the Foreshore.

Fire will still be an important tool for weed control and regeneration when it is used with caution. Caution is critical because of the immense potential for triggering the germination of weeds such as Boneseed, causing erosion when the soil is bare and exposed and the possible disadvantage and/or destruction that fire may be to many indigenous species. Some vegetation communities on the Foreshore are poorly adapted to fire, such as the Primary Dune Complex, Dune Ti-Tree Scrub, Saltmarsh, Riparian Community, Escarpment Assemblage and Fern Gully. Fire should always be avoided in these vegetation communities because they may eliminate some species in these communities.

There are few more general rules to consider when using fire for regeneration purposes that are best summarised:

· Only use controlled burns in the grassy ecosystems on the Foreshore, ie. Coastal Banksia Woodland/Open Forest and Eucalyptus Woodland, for weed control and regeneration.

· Experiment with small regeneration burns in order to understand the dynamics of regeneration and weed control.

· Attempt to implement an appropriate fire regime, ie. timing and frequency, in appropriate areas; controlled burns should not be conducted in Winter/Spring when plants are attempting to flower and reproduce and burns should not conducted to often in any one site, possibly only once every 5-10 years.

· Always expect the worst, monitor regeneration and plan for significant weed control efforts after a controlled burn.

· Any wild fire should be seen as an opportunity for weed control and an area burnt by fire should be monitored for regeneration and weed germination.

9.2 Fire Risk and Prevention on the Foreshore

Fire risk and prevention is a much bigger issue when considering the protection of property than when the management of vegetation or fauna is concerned. Houses are destroyed forever but most native vegetation can regenerate after a burn with most species intact and fauna can recolonise. The unintentional burning of vegetation on the Foreshore is not as big of a problem as the potential for fire to spread to private land. Each land manager is responsible for ensuring that the fire risk on their land is minimised and will be responsible for damage off of their land if neglegence on the part of land owners and managers can be proved.

Fire risk is the combination of two key factors, the existence of fuel sources and the possibility of ignition. There is ample fine fuel, this is the critical fuel because pieces bigger than 6 mm in diameter do not ignite easily, in many areas of the Foreshore. There is also great potential for accidental or intentional ignition, because many humans are present in the dry summer season and can be a major risk. It is very difficult to eliminate the fuel load across wide areas of the Foreshore but it is possible to isolate and therefore minimise the risk of a fire spreading as well as prevent the possible ignition by raising awareness of visitors to the Foreshore.

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Works on the Foreshore are designed well for preventing the spread of fire onto adjacent private land but they need maintenance. This infrastructure includes the public roads in between private land and the Foreshore, eg. Surf Street, Bluff Road and Cliff Road, and the fire access track between Bluff Road and Cliff Road. The periodic trimming of some overhanging vegetation on Surf Street and Bluff Road may be advisable to ensure easy access in the event of fire and to prevent the spread of fire. The fire access track, between Bluff Road and Cliff Road should be assessed before each fire season for adequate access, ie. a 4 x 4 metre space for Country Fire Authority (CFA) vehicles, and minimal fuel loads along its length. Some portions of this access track may require slashing each year, particularly the open grassy sections in CR6 and CR5.

Eliminating fuel loads is an important job as well. There are two major methods: clearing through slashing or removing brush and controlled burns. Slashing and clearing are expensive and often destructive and should avoided in most areas of the Foreshore except along access tracks and other zones designed as fire breaks. Local CFA brigades are often willing to conduct controlled burns and it is possible to conduct a burn with a mixture of objectives: fuel reduction, regeneration and weed control. However, the CFA may have different objectives than the Foreshore committee. Objectives and methods must be clear to ensure that a controlled burn meets the appropriate goals without endangering conservation values; vehicle access must be controlled, fire breaks should be constructed sensitively and some vegetation communities should be avoided.

The Foreshore is conducive to controlled burns, there are generally excellent breaks on the north, ie. the Cole's paddock and the village roads, and the south, ie. the beach (although a burn should not extend down to the beach, it is only one edge where a fire will definitely stop if it gets out of control). The periodic paths across the Foreshore may be the beginning for appropriate firebreaks on the other edges of controlled burns.

So, in summary, use controlled burns and involve the local CFA if possible but always use caution and plan well for the burn itself and for follow-up works. If good follow-up weed control is not possible after a fire leave it be, any soil-stored may have already lasted 50 years and another few probably won't make a difference for any possible regeneration.

10.0 DRAINAGE AND NUTRIENTS

Most environmental problems do not recognise arbitrary borders of land ownership and management. The drainage issue on the Foreshore is no exception. The Merricks Beach residents have voted to use on-site sewage treatment methods in the future but this may have implications for the environment on the Foreshore.

The small creek that flows onto to the Foreshore next to the tennis court drains most of the Village area. If any septic systems are used improperly the effects would be felt on the Foreshore and may already occur. The creekline on the Foreshore is infested with weeds, such as Wandering Jew, Nasturtium and Blackberry, and these weeds may be encouraged by the nutrients in wastewater flowing from the small creek. The Environmental Protection Authority has a series of sample sites to determine what the possible effects that on-site sewage treatment has on water quality in the drainage water in Merricks Beach. One of their water sampling sites is

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supposedly in the the small creek next to the tennis court. Their sampling may indicate possible problems with septic systems and define the problem with water quality that could be flowing onto the Foreshore. Any information on water quality should be used to help define appropriate management actions. It is beyond the brief of this report to examine the issue in detail but it is an important issue that must considered by the land managers.

11.0 MONITORING AND MONITORING SITESIt is important to monitor your valued assets, whatever they are. In modern society there is a great deal of talk of quality control and accountability, especially in relation of financial assets. Well, shouldn't these same standards of accountability be applied to any other important assets, including our local biodiversity. The loss of global biodiversity is seen by many people as a a major environmental crisis, mostly as an international issue, like the loss of rainforest. Biodiversity is a very local issue as well. The imperative is about ensuring that our management actions are meeting our management objectives. Any assessment of the effectiveness of management actions should be quantitative and scientific as well as qualitative and subjective. For example, the population levels of key species will be at least one set of data that will be unambiguous while assessing the opinions of local residents and their feelings about the management of the Foreshore may be quite subjective depending on the way people are consulted. Monitoring can be subjective. The first aspect of monitoring is very human centred, the questions that need be considered are often external:· Is the appearance of the reserve and its place in the landscape acceptable in the

opinion of local residents, Council, etc.?· Is the money and other resources that are available being used as effectively

and efficiently as possible in meeting management objectives? The second aspect of management is purely biological. Quantitative data may be taken, based upon a small sample of the resource, and it will often need to be qualitatively considered? The crucial process may include periodically asking several general questions about management actions including:· Are the populations of significant indigenous species decreasing, stable or

expanding?· Are indigenous species regenerating and replacing themselves?· Is the vegetation providing the kind of wildlife habitat that is desired?Monitoring does not need to be an intimidating process. It can be very simple or quite complex and many different parties may need to be used for any comprehensive monitoring. Monitoring activities can be a way for people to observe wildlife and plants, this can be an excellent method of public education for people who want to learn as they contribute to conservation efforts. Monitoring activities can also be a great activity for community groups. This has been well demonstrated by several groups around Victoria. The Friends of Sherbrooke Forest have been surveying and weeds for many years. The Friends of French Island State Park have an ongoing program of taking surveying vegetation in the heathland of the park. The Friends of Brisbane Ranges have been monitoring Koala populations for many years. Any monitoring program should always be

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developed with the help of relevant scientists even if they are initiated by a Friends group. A Friends group may also need some on the ground guidance to conduct monitoring activities. There are four key directions and methods that could be used to collect information and data that can provide a basis for monitoring the biological results of management actions. If the right kind of general data is collected over time there will be excellent opportunities for researchers (government scientists and students) to analyse in the future. There is a great potential to collect data over several years that could be turned over to researchers, possibly tertiary students or scientists, for compiling, analysis and reporting. Potential directions include: 1) The monitoring of significant species (as listed in Table 2).Their are several species of conservation significance in the Foreshore. Monitoring these individual species is very important and may be the simplest part of a monitoring program. If the population is small every individual may be counted annually. Seed production and recruitment of seedlings could also be done on annual basis. If the population of significant species is relatively large, data may have to be based on a small sample (either randomly or a specific site, area or group of plants used over many years). The monitoring of significant species will be straightforward; there are just a few key plants to identify. 2) Quadrat data.Quadrat data is the basis for scientific analysis of vegetation and is used as a basic data unit for plant lists and vegetation communities across large areas. The cover abundance of each plant species is determined, is it present and how much of the ground does it cover, in a small area, usually 10 to 20 m2. The method, as used on the Foreshore is described in Section 3.3. Quadrat sites can be viewed as a potential and inclusive framework for long term monitoring. Periodic collection of quadrat data taken in the same way over many years could provide enlightening information about the ecological dynamics of the vegetation. Such a program may involve taking data every Spring at the same quadrat site or sites. Several years of quadrat data taken by a Friends group or consultants may provide a set of research data for tertiary students that they would never have time to accumulate on their own. Taking quadrat data is a great educational activity for people with an interest in plants, also. Several Friends groups around Victoria have similar monitoring programs that their members enjoy, learn a great deal from and provide valuable information. The challenge of identifying every single species of plant in 20 square metres can provide a great impetus for learning for anyone, amateurs, students or botanists unfamiliar with the local plants. However, it does need to at least led by someone with very good plant knowledge.The quadrat sites used in this survey were marked for future data collection. 3) Monitoring weeds.Weeds are the most significant management issue on the Foreshore, their spread threatens the existence of the indigenous flora. Many are also quite easy to recognise. Monitoring the spread of weeds and the effectiveness of weed control efforts can be very important.Specific programs may involve weed control trials. The results of such experiments may be of interest to other workers in native vegetation management as well.

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The quadrat sites mentioned above may be a good location to place monitoring sites. Monitoring the abundance of a key weed species or group of weeds within a quadrat framework might be a simpler option than collecting comprehensive quadrat data. 4) Photography Points Photographs of the vegetation do not provide clear, empirical data for the most part. None the less photographs, within themselves and over time, can provide excellent information about a site. The authors have initiated sten photography points across the site, using the star pickets used to mark the quadrats, and initial photographs from these points are included with this report. Photographs, taken annually or in different seasons, are probably one of the easiest methods and level of monitoring. They have their limitations but they can still provide excellent information.This section has dealt with a general framework and some directions for monitoring for conservation on the Foreshore. The resources are often not available for many monitoring methods but some level of evaluation is critical to determining the effectiveness of management efforts. 12.0 MANAGEMENT BLOCK DESCRIPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This section details additional recommendations for different areas of the Foreshore. It is based on the Management Blocks defined and described in the Weed Strategy. The general background for each of these Management Blocks was presented in the Weed Strategy. In this report the Blocks will be considered from an indigenous perspective, broadening the concerns from an assessment of the weed problem to restoration strategies or recommendations for ensuring the conservation of the indigenous vegetation within the Block. The emphasis in this report will be information about sites of significance, indigenous vegetation communities and the considerations or management issues specific to the Block being considered. The intent is to be brief in this section and add new information.

Additional long term objectives are also sometimes proposed here to add to the general goals for the management of each block. Management recommendations and tasks are then outlined. These are mostly short term activities, although many of them will take several years to finish, especially considering follow-up work.

Indigenous plant lists are also included for each Management Block here. They are simply an indication of presence within the Block. More specific locations of some species are recorded with the quadrat data in Appendix 2 or mapped on the significant species maps and some significant species are discussed here.

The information presented under each of the headings may not seem very comprehensive or detailed, although certainly enough work has been defined to keep many workers occupied for quite a long time. The information presented is intended to be the beginning of an ongoing process of defining the long term objectives and ongoing management works. It is also the beginning of the essential recordkeeping process detailed in the Weed Strategy. The Long Term Objectives and Management Recommendations detailed here are quite simply only suggestions of long-term directions and specific actions for the short-term; these recommendations must be considered, potentially revised, prioritised and updated over time.

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Management Block CR1 Merricks Road/Toilet BlockDescription:This block has remnants of Primary Dune Complex and Coastal Ti-Tree Scrub, although their is an unnatural wet depression below the toilet that holds water in the winter. It is substantially weed infested, with many mats of Ivy, but large areas have been cleared of them and many indigenous plants have been planted over the last year and a half. Some plantings have been successful with much indigenous groundstorey being established. The plantings in the wet depression have not been so successful because species selection was possibly not appropriate; wetter species would have been more appropriate.Long Term Objectives:Maintain revegetation plots and possibly enrich with more species when the soil-stored weed seed bank has declined.Use the open area at the end of the Merricks Beach Road as a showcase for indigenous wildflowers and revegetation work.Initiate more revegetation works around large Coastal Banksias.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Enrich planting in wet depression with more appropriate species:Rushes (Juncus spp.)Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia) *found at base of cliff in Block CR8

Management Block CR1 Indigenous Plant List:

Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeActites megalocarpa Dune ThistleAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak (planted)Banksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaCorrea alba White Correa (planted)Crassula sieberiana Native CrassulaDichondra repens Kidney WeedGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus pallidus Pale RushLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rush (planted, local prov.)Microlaena stipoides Weeping GrassMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushRubus parvifolius Native BrambleSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleSpinifex sericeus Hairy SpinifexTetragonia implexicoma Bower Spinach

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Management Block CR2 Yacht Club Block Description:This block surrounds the Yacht Club and contains remnants of Primary Dune Complex and Coastal Ti-Tree Scrub. The area above the Yacht Club is unique, being on of the few areas on the Foreshore with swards of Coastal Spear Grass (Stipa flavescens). It also contains two of the four orchid species found on the Foreshore.Long Term Objectives:Maintain revegetation areas above and to the west of Yacht Club and possibly enrich with more species when the soil-stored weed seed bank has declined after a few years of weed control.Consider the slow replacement of introduced natives with indigenous trees and shrubs in the area above the Yacht Club.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Monitor the Pink Fairy (Caladenia latifolia) population in southeast corner under Ti-tree canopy and the small clump of Maroonhoods (Pterostylis pedunculata) in southwest corner.Continue spraying work on Bridal Creeper (*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides) next Winter in the eastern part of the Management Block.Follow-up the weeding of Apple of Sodom (*Solanum linnaeanum) just east of Yacht Club. This was the only infestation found on the Foreshore and the status of the patch should be checked following control works in late 1994.


Acacia pycnantha Golden Wattle (planted, prov. unknown)Acaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeActites megalocarpa Dune ThistleAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak (planted, prov. unknown)Banksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaCaladenia latifolia Pink FairiesDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDichondra repens Kidney WeedGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rush (planted, local provenance)Microlaena stipoides Weeping GrassMuehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing LignumPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPterostylis pedunculata MaroonhoodRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushSenecio spathulatus Coast GroundselSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleSpinifex sericeus Spinifex GrassStipa flavescens Spear GrassTetragonia implexicoma Bower Spinach

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Management Block CR3 The Orchid BlockDescription:This block is below Surf St. and contains remnants of Primary Dune Complex and Coastal Ti-Tree Scrub. This area has the largest population of Pink Fairies on the Foreshore with many colonies in the Coastal Ti-tree Scrub along the entire block on the beach side. A large patch of English Ivy (*Hedera helix) was removed in Spring 1995 because it endangered the orchid patches.Long Term Objectives:Consider the slow replacement of introduced natives with indigenous trees and shrubs in the area along Surf St.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Monitor the Pink Fairy population in southeast corner under the Coastal Ti-tree thickets.Continue spraying work on Bridal Creeper (*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides) next Winter in the western part of the Management Block.


Acacia sophorae Coastal WattleAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeActites megalocarpa Dune ThistleAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak (planted, prov. unknown)Banksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaCaladenia latifolia Pink FairiesClematis aristata Forest ClematisClematis microphylla Small-leaved ClematisDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDichondra repens Kidney WeedGalium propinquum Maori BedstrawGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushSenecio biserratus Jagged Fire WeedSenecio spathulatus Coast GroundselTetragonia implexicoma Bower Spinach

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Management Block CR4 Tennis Court BlockDescription:This block is below the tennis courts and contains areas of Primary Dune Complex, Coastal Ti-tree Scrub and may have contained Riparian Forest along the little creek that flows through the block before it was disturbed. The northeast corner also contains a remnant of the Eucalyptus woodland community. Most of the block is very badly invaded with large mats of English Ivy. The gully line itself has almost no indigenous plants growing in it. The creek bed is predominantly weeds such as Blackberry, Nasturtium (*Tropaeolum majus) and Wandering Jew (*Tradescantia albiflora). The creek flows into a small swale behind the foredune that is dominated by Marram Grass (*Ammophila arenaria). In the creek just above the Foreshore is an EPA sampling site for monitoring water quality for Merricks. Long Term Objectives:Continue the Ivy and Blackberry control, using large old Banksias as focus points for regeneration and revegetation.Initiate ongoing projects to revegetate the creek line with species from the Riparian forest community in conjunction with a water quality monitoring and improvement programConsider slowly replacing the introduced native trees with indigenous plants. Management Recommendations and Tasks:Follow-up the control of Tree Tobacco (*Solanum glauca) in this area in the near future. It was the largest infestation on the Foreshore before it was cut and painted but some may have survived the control efforts.


Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcacia sophorae Coastal WattleAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeActites megalocarpa Dune ThistleAllocasuarina littoralis Black She-oak (planted, prov. unknown)Allocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak (planted, prov. unknown)Apium prostratum Sea CeleryBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaClematis microphylla Small-leafed ClematisDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDianella revoluta var. revoluta Black Anther Flax LilyDichondra repens Kidney WeedHydrocotyle sp. PennywortIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus pallidus Pale RushJuncus sp. RushLeptospermum continentale Prickly Tea Tree (planted, prov. unknown)Leptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLobelia alata Angled LobeliaLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassMuehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing LignumMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaPoa labillardieri Common Tussock Grass

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Poa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPrunella vulgaris Self-healPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushSenecio biserratus Jagged Fire WeedSenecio hispidulus Rough Fire WeedSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleStipa flavescens Spear Grass

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Management Block CR5 Surf Street East BlockDescription:This Management Block is a mixture of two soil types and three major vegetation communities. The Primary Dune Complex and Coastal Ti-tree Scrub occurs on the sandy areas adjacent to the beach while Eucalyptus Woodland occurs on the upper flats with clay soil. The upper flats are areas where the Foreshore initiated regeneration works several years and is grassy open forest.Long Term Objectives:Keep the open grassy Eucalyptus Woodland open through a controlled burning program, integrated with adequate weed management programs scheduled after burns.


Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcacia mearnsii Black WattleAcacia sophorae Coastal WattleAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oakBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaCassinia aculeata DogwoodCymbonotus preissianus Australe Bear's EarDanthonia penicillata Slender Wallaby GrassDanthonia racemosa Clustered Wallaby GrassDanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby GrassDanthonia semiannularis Tasmanian Wallaby GrassDeyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grassDichondra repens Kidney WeedElymus scaber Common Wheat GrassEucalyptus pryoriana Coastal Manna GumHydrocotyle sp. PennywortIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus pallidus Pale RushLepidosperma gladiatum Coast Sword SedgeLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeptospermum continentale Prickly Tea TreeLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLomandra longifolia var. longifolia Spiny Mat-rushMelaleuca ericifolia Swamp PaperbarkMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassOxalis perennans Native OxalisOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushSenecio odoratus Scented GroundselSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleSolenogyne dominii SolenogyneStipa flavescens Spear GrassThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Grass Lily

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Management Block CR6 Regeneration and Cave/Cliff BlockDescription:This Management Block is mostly elevated above the beach and is fringed with basalt cliffs and has clay soils that support a large area of Eucalyptus Woodland. A small area of Coastal Ti-Tree Scrub also exists here as well the distinctive Cliff community. The Foreshore has concentrated many regeneration efforts in the upper flats in this block with excellent results. The last of the Pines has been taken out and much planting and regeneration has occurred in the last year since the removal occurred.Long Term Objectives:Continue to maintain the open nature of the regenerated open woodland with an integrated controlled burning and weed control program.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Spot spray Blackberries in Eucalyptus woodland area.Conduct follow-up maintenance of recently planted and regenerated areas where Pines were removed in the last year.Use jutematting and fencing to protect the areas around and above the cave.Plant the small area in the southwest corner of the block that was cleared of Blackberries in November 1995 with overstorey shrubs and trees.Continue weeding Sweet Pittosporum, Blackberry etc in the southwest corner to extend the regeneration works throughout the Management Block.Management Block CR6 Indigenous Plant List:

Agrostis aemula Blown GrassAgrostis avenacea Common Blown GrassAcacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcacia pycnantha Golden WattleAcacia mearnsii Black WattleAcacia sophorae Coastal WattleAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oakBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaBursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa Sweet BursariaCarex breviculmis Short-stem SedgeCassinia aculeata DogwoodClematis aristata Forest ClematisCorrea alba White Correa (planted, prov. unknown)Danthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby GrassDanthonia duttoniana Brown-beak Wallaby GrassDanthonia racemosa Clustered Wallaby GrassDanthonia semiannularis Tasmanian Wallaby GrassDeyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grassDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDianella revoluta var. revoluta Black Anther Flax LilyDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume GrassDichondra repens Kidney WeedElymus scaber Common Wheat GrassEucalyptus pryoriana Coastal Manna GumHydrocotyle sp. PennywortGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's Bill

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Gonocarpus tetragynus Common RaspwortHydrocotyle sp. PennywortIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus pallidus Pale RushJuncus sp. RushKunzea ericoides Burgan (possibly planted, unknown prov.)Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeptospermum continentale Prickly Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLomandra filiformis ssp. filiformis Wattle Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaOxalis perennans Native OxalisOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa morrisii Velvet Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushRubus parvifolius Native BrambleSenecio biserratus Jagged Fire WeedSenecio hispidulus Rough Fire WeedSenecio spathulatus Coast GroundselSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleStipa flavescens Spear GrassThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Grass Lily

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Management Block CR7 Fern Gully BlockDescription:This block is mostly a steep slope with soil that is deep enough to support remnants of Escarpment Shrubby Woodland including Rough Tree Ferns (Cyathea australis) and many weeds, particularly Blackberries. There is a narrow strip along the top that would have been Eucalyptus Woodland but is now dominated by Pines. Over the last year and a half the lower strata of this area, ie. extensive areas of Sweet Pittosporum, was cleared and replaced with plantings of indigenous grasses, herbs, shrubs and trees. There is a a unique Fern Gully in the eastern end of this block in a small indentation in the cliff. There are large stands of Tall Sedge (Carex appressa) in the drainage line below the Fern Gully as well several large and significant Coastal Banksias in the same area.Long Term Objectives:Maintain the plantings underneath the Pine Trees on the upper flat and slowly and carefully remove the Pine Trees over the next few years as the indigenous vegetation grows back.Use the Fern Gully and adjacent drainage line as a focus for regeneration efforts, to preserve and enhance this unique environment.


Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcacia pycnantha Golden Wattle (planted, prov. unknown)Acacia sophorae Coastal WattleAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAgrostis avenacea Common Blown GrassAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oakBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaCarex appressa Tall SedgeClematis aristata Forest ClematisClematis microphylla Small-leafed ClematisCyathea australis Rough Tree-fernDanthonia linkii Wallaby GrassDanthonia racemosa Clustered Wallaby GrassDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyEucalyptus pryoriana Coastal Manna Gum (planted, prov. known)Goodenia ovata Hop-leaf GoodeniaIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeptospermum continentale Prickly Tea TreeLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLobelia alata Angled LobeliaLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassMuehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing LignumMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaOxalis perennans Native OxalisOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock Grass

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Polystichum proliferum Mother Shield FernPrunella vulgaris Self-healPteridium esculentum Bracken FernPteris tremula Tender BreakRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushRubus parvifolius Native BrambleStipa flavescens Spear GrassVeronica gracilis Slender SpeedwellViola hederacea Native Violet

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Management Block CR8 Lookout or Beach Flat Forest BlockDescription:This block has the long narrow upper flat dominated by Pine similar to CR7, as well as a large area of Coastal Ti-tree Scrub at the base of the cliff below. Many of the Sweet Pittosporums were cleared from under the Pines in the last year and a half and much of it was replanted with indigenous species. The Lookout is a unique area, with a groundstorey dominated by several native grasses. This understorey is clearly an example of a small part of the Eucalyptus woodland community. This is also where the Common Sun-orchid (Thelymitra pauciflora) was found. There is also a unique wetland at the base of the cliff dominated by Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca ericifolia). Long Term Objectives:Enlarge and expand the grassy understorey of the Lookout by removing a few introduced trees and shrubs on both edges each year to allow the slow expansion of native grass.Maintain the plantings underneath the Pine Trees on the upper flat and slowly and carefully remove the Pine Trees over the next few years as the indigenous vegetation grows back.Use the wet swamp at the base of the cliff as another focus point for revegetation, particularly up slope of it.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Spot spray the Bridal Creeper infestation below the Lookout next Winter.


Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAdiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair FernAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oakBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaCassinia aculeata DogwoodCentella cordifolia CentellaClematis aristata Forest ClematisCyathea australis Rough Tree FernDanthonia linkii Wallaby GrassDanthonia racemosa Clustered Wallaby GrassDeyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grassDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDianella revoluta var. revoluta Black Anther Flax LilyDichondra repens Kidney WeedEpacris impressa Common HeathEucalyptus pryoriana Coastal Manna GumEuchiton involucratus Common CudweedGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillGoodia lotifolia Goodia (likely planted, prov. unknown)Isolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus pallidus Pale RushLeptospermum continentale Prickly Tea TreeLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard Heath

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Lomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rushMelaleuca ericifolia Swamp PaperbarkMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaOxalis perennans Native OxalisOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernPteris tremula Tender BreakRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushSenecio spathulatus Coast GroundselSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Grass LilyWahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling BluebellXanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea Small Grass Tree

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Management Block CR9 Surfies Trail Pine Slide BlockDescription:This block is similar in topography and atmosphere to Management Block CR7 and CR8. However, the upper flat is much more open because of the efforts of local residents to open up a view. An original Pine windbreak, prossibly one of the original sources of seed of all other Pines on the Foreshore, is in this area as well.Long Term Objectives:Preserve the Pine windbreak for heritage conservation and initiate a program to control the regeneration of the Pines elsewhere. Retain the open atmosphere of the block.Remove Pines outside of the windbreak over time and regenerate and replant the area with indigenous species.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Follow-up the efforts of local residents in cutting Sweet Pittosporum by cutting the stumps again and painting.Management Block CR9 Indigenous Plant List:

Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcacia sophorae Coastal WattleAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oakBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaClematis microphylla Small-leafed ClematisDianella revoluta var. revoluta Black Anther Flax LilyDichondra repens Kidney WeedGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillHydrocotyle sp. PennywortIndigofera australis Austral Indigo (possibly planted, unknown prov.)Isolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus pallidus Pale RushLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassMuehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing LignumMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPrunella vulgaris Self-healPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushRumex brownii Slender DockSenecio spathulatus Coast GroundselSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleSpinifex sericeus Spinifex GrassTetragonia implexicoma Bower Spinach

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Management Block C1 Minto Creek East BlockDescription:This Management Block extends from the Merricks Beach Road to Minto Creek. There are three vegetation communities present: Coastal Ti-tree Scrub, Coastal Banksia Woodland and Primary Dune Complex. There is Riparian vegetation and Salt Marsh at the mouth of Minto Creek as well. This block contains a unique variation of the Primary Dune Complex that is dominated by Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica). Long Term Objectives:Use this area, in a sustainable way, for a unique resource for revegetation. Selectively harvest small shoots of Blady Grass for planting elsewhere, replacing exotic dune grasses.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Follow-up the hand pulling of Sea Spurge over the next few years to ensure the success of past efforts.Management Block C1 Indigenous Plant List:

Acacia sophorae Coastal WattleAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeActites megalocarpa Dune ThistleAgrostis avenacea Common Blown GrassAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oakBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaCarex appressa Tall SedgeClematis aristata Forest ClematisClematis microphylla Small-leafed ClematisCrassula sieberiana Native CrassulaDanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby GrassDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDianella revoluta var. revoluta Black Anther Flax LilyDichondra repens Kidney WeedDistichlis distichophylla Australian Salt GrassEpilobium billardierianum Robust Willow HerbEuchiton involucratus Common CudweedGalium propinquum Maori BedstrawGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillImperata cylindrica Blady GrassIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus pallidus Pale RushKunzea ericoides Burgan (planted, prov. unknown)Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassMuehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing LignumMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaOxalis perennans Native OxalisPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey CudweedPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRhagodia candolleana Seaberry Saltbush

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Rubus parvifolius Native BrambleSarcocornia quinqueflora Beaded GlasswortSenecio biserratus Jagged Fire WeedSenecio hispidulus Rough Fire WeedSpinifex sericeus Spinifex GrassSporobolis virginicus Salt Couch Stipa flavescens Spear Grass

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Management Block C2 Minto Creek West BlockDescription:This Management Block is predominantly a long steep cliff with many soaks at the base of the cliff. The cliff-top in the eastern half of the block is a remarkably intact example of the Sheoak Sub-community on the Foreshore. The western end of the block is dominated by Blackberries and the uncommon weed, Cape Honeyflower (*Melianthus major).Long Term Objectives:Monitor the Sheoak Sub-community for weed infestations and regeneration.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Initiate control efforts on the Cape Honey-flower. It is a high priority weed for the Foreshore and the region, as it is quite uncommon and appears to be regenerating well on the Foreshore.Management Block C2 Indigenous Plant List:

Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeActites megalocarpa Dune ThistleAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oakBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaComesperma volubile Love CreeperCotula coronopifolia Water ButtonsCrassula sieberiana Sieber's StonecropCynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound's TongueDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDianella revoluta var. revoluta Black Anther Flax LilyDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume GrassDichondra repens Kidney WeedDistichlis distichophylla Australian Salt GrassGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillGonocarpus tetragynus Common RaspwortImperata cylindrica Blady GrassIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea TreeLobelia alata Angled LobeliaLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaOxalis perennans Native OxalisPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushRubus parvifolius Native BrambleSarcocornia quinqueflora Beaded GlasswortSenecio hispidulus Rough Fire WeedSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleSpinifex sericeus Spinifex GrassSporobolis virginicus Salt Couch Stipa flavescens Spear Grass

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Management Block C3 Tree Fern-Rainforest BlockDescription:This block contains part of a Site of Regional Significance. The upper slopes on the western end, adjacent to Short Creek, contain a good quality example of the Eucalyptus Woodland community (To see it one has to walk through the paddock from Minto Creek or scramble up the slope to the right of Short Creek). The new owner of the land above the Foreshore has put up a new fence in the last year because of the recent proper determination of the boundaries and fenced off some good areas from grazing. This is all above a cliff supporting the Cliff sub-community and the two different sub-communities of Coastal Banksia Woodland. There is also Riparian Forest along Short Creek and this is also where one plant of Soft Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica) was found.Long Term Objectives:Monitor and maintain the important Eucalyptus Woodland vegetation on the upper flats. A controlled burning program integrated with a weed control would be appropriate.Blackberry is a big problem across the slopes and above the cliff face as well. A long term strategy for the area should be worked out. Temporary access tracks for a herbicide operator may be helpful. Develop a rehabilitation strategy for the many wet soaks infested with Arum Lily and Angled Onion at the base of the cliff or slope. This strategy may include spraying or handweeding the weeds and replanting indigenous species that are adapted to the wet soils.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Spot spray Blackberry in the Eucalyptus Woodland in the northwest corner of the site.Management Block C3 Indigenous Plant List:

Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAcaena ovina Australian Sheep's BurrAcrotriche prostrata Trailing Ground-berryAcrotriche serrulata Honey PotsAdiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair FernAsperula scoparia Prickly WoodruffBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaBursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa Sweet BursariaClematis aristata Forest ClematisClematis microphylla Small-leafed ClematisCoprosma quadrifida Prickly Current BushCyathea australis Rough Tree FernDanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby GrassDanthonia penicillata Slender Wallaby GrassDanthonia racemosa Clustered Wallaby GrassDesmodium gunnii Slender Tick-trefoilDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDianella revoluta var. revoluta Black Anther Flax LilyDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume GrassDichondra repens Kidney WeedDicksonia antarctica Soft Tree FernDipodium roseum Hyacinth Orchid

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Distichlis distichophylla Australian Salt GrassEucalyptus obliqua MessmateEucalyptus ovata-pryoriana Hybrid GumEucalyptus pryoriana Coastal Manna GumEucalyptus radiata Narrow-leaf PeppermintHemarthria uncinata Mat GrassGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillGlycine clandestina Twining GlycineGonocarpus tetragynus Common RaspwortIsolepis inundata Club SedgeIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus subsecundus Finger RushLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeptospermum continentale Prickly Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLobelia alata Angled LobeliaLomandra filiformis ssp. filiformis Wattle Mat-rushLuzula meriodonalis WoodrushMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassOlearia ramulosa Twiggy Daisy BushOpercularia ovata Broad StinkweedOxalis perennans Native OxalisOxalis exilis Wood SorrelOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRanunculus sp. ButtercupRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushRubus parvifolius Native BrambleSenecio hispidulus Rough Fire WeedSenecio odoratus Scented GroundselSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleStellaria pungens Prickly StarwortStipa flavescens Spear GrassTetragonia implexicoma Bower SpinachTetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand SpinachThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Grass LilyXanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea Small Grass Tree

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Management Block C4 Bush Block BlockDescription:This Management Block contains what is the probably the most significant and undisturbed vegetation on the Foreshore. The hinterland of most of the block is the Coles' Bush Block and there is a unique layering of the different vegetation from the water line to the slopes above. There is an area of Primary Dune Complex while the Coastal Banksia Forest extends down to the strand line on the High Beach Terrace, described in the section on Geomorphological Sites of Significance. This area of Coastal Banksia Forest on the beach line towards the western end of the block is at the foot of a beautiful open gully that has excellent examples of Eucalyptus Woodland at the upper extremes. This wide, sheltered gully is the best access to the Bush Block, Blackberry thickets or steep slopes cut off access in many other areas, and is a best area to sight the Hyacinth Orchid (Dipodium roseum) in January each year. This is also the area where Ferwerda et al (1981) studied the tree fern communities that exist on wet, slumped soils on the bluff. Overall, this is a site of Regional Significance and is of unique botanical interest because so much of these coastal cliffs have been cleared around the Peninsula.Long Term Objectives:This area is possibly the most significant vegetation of the Foreshore but rarely gets visitors and little management attention. The weeds needing attention include Sweet Pittosporum and Blackberry which are the worst weeds in dryer areas while Arum Lily and Angled Onion are the worst weeds down below in wet spots. A cooperative management agreement with the owner of the Bush Block should be initiated. A controlled burning program integrated with adequate weed control works would be appropriate in the Eucalyptus Woodland community in the upper slopes of the block.Management Recommendations and Tasks:Handpull or spot spray the large infestation of Ragwort (*Senecio jacobaea) on the High Beach Terrace.

Management Block C4 Indigenous Plant List:

Acacia melanoxylon BlackwoodAcacia stricta Hop WattleAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAcaena ovina Australian Sheep's BurrAcrotriche prostrata Trailing Ground-berryAcrotriche serrulata Honey PotsAdiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair FernAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oakAsperula scoparia Prickly WoodruffBanksia integrifolia Coast BanksiaBursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa Sweet BursariaClematis aristata Forest ClematisCoprosma quadrifida Prickly Currant BushCyathea australis Rough Tree FernCynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound's TongueDanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby GrassDanthonia racemosa Clustered Wallaby GrassDanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby Grass

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Desmodium gunnii Slender Tick-trefoilDianella longifolia Pale Flax-lilyDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume GrassDichondra repens Kidney WeedDicksonia antarctica Soft Tree FernDipodium roseum Hyacinth OrchidDistichlis distichophylla Australian Salt GrassDodonea viscosa ssp. spatulata Wedge-leaf Hop BushEucalyptus obliqua MessmateEucalyptus ovata Swamp GumEucalyptus pryoriana Coastal Manna GumEucalyptus radiata Narrow-leaf PeppermintGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillGeranium potentelloides Crane's BillGlycine clandestina Twining GlycineGlycine tabacina Variable GlycineGonocarpus tetragynus Common RaspwortHypericum gramineum Small St. John's WortImperata cylindrica Blady GrassIsolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeJuncus pallidus Pale RushLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword SedgeLeptospermum continentale Prickly Tea TreeLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard HeathLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rushMelaleuca ericifolia Swamp PaperbarkMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassMyoporum insulare Common BoobiallaOpercularia ovata Broad StinkweedOxalis perennans Native OxalisOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernPultenea stricta Rigid Bush-beaRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushRubus parvifolius Native BrambleSenecio hispidulus Rough Fire WeedSenecio odoratus Scented GroundselSpergularia media Coast Sand-spurreyStellaria pungens Prickly StarwortThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTricoryne elatior Yellow Grass LilyViola hederacea Native VioletXanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea Small Grass Tree

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Management Block C5 East Creek BlockDescription:This Management Block is mostly a long exposed cliff with few trees, except for a few isolated Pines. There are several areas where dense swards of Coastal Tussock Grass (Poa poiformis) dominate but in many other areas exotic grasses dominate. The management of most of this block is under some disagreement. The Merricks Foreshore Committee asserts that they manage up to East Creek while the Point Leo Committee reckon that they manage the creek line and for a few hundred metres further. The area was mapped and documented despite this disagreement. Long Term Objectives:This area is likely to receive even less attention from the Merricks Foreshore Committee than Management Block C4 because it is even more distant and much less significant. It still deserves management attention because of several weeds that exist, such as Red Hot Poker (*Kniphofia uvaria) and Blackberry. Management Block C5 Indigenous Plant List:

Acrotriche prostrata Trailing Ground-berryAdiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair FernBlechnum ?minus Soft Water-fernCotula coronopifolia Water ButtonsDesmodium gunnii Slender Tick-trefoilDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume GrassDichondra repens Kidney WeedDodonea viscosa ssp. spatulata Wedge-leaf Hop BushEinadia nutans Berry Salt-bushHypericum gramineum Small St. John's WortGlycine tabacina Variable GlycineImperata cylindrica Blady GrassLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rushMelaleuca ericifolia Swamp PaperbarkMicrolaena stipoides Weeping GrassOpercularia varia Narrow StinkweedOxalis perennans Native OxalisPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassPteridium esculentum Bracken FernRubus parvifolius Native BrambleRumex brownii Slender DockSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo AppleXanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea Small Grass Tree

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13.0 COMPLEMENTARY MANAGEMENT ON PRIVATE LAND ADJACENT TO THE FORESHORE13.1 The Merricks Beach village

There are probably two major negative effects with their origins in the Merricks Beach village. The first is introduced weeds. Some introduced plants have certainly invaded the Foreshore from sources on private land. Nutrients from overflowing septic systems may also be effecting the Foreshore; the EPA is apparently monitoring the creeks on the Foreshore to determine the level of water quality. Both issues are important for public discussion and possibly monitoring by government, the residents and landowners on the Foreshore need to be aware of the possible impacts that their residences.

The Merricks Beach village is also a valuable area for positive action. The house lots can become an extension of the habitat that exists on the Foreshore. Residents should be encouraged to plant indigenous species. Coastal Manna Gums (Eucalyptus racemosa) and Messmates (E. obliqua) could be the flagship species, the centre of efforts to extend Koala habitat. Other indigenous species could be presented as part of the overall package.

13.2 The Coles' Land: the Bush Paddock and other areas The remnant vegetation, including the Bush Block above C4 and smaller areas of bush above C3, on the Coles' land is an essential component of the Regional Site of Significance that occurs on the Foreshore. The Site of Significance is inclusive of both public and private land. Several rare plant species were found on the Bush Block that were not found on the Foreshore as well; these are listed at the end of this section. The remnant vegetation on private land is significant in itself and enhances the significance and habitat values of the Foreshore.

The ideal situation would be similar standards of conservation management across both public and private land. Unfortunately this may not be possible because the owners of private land naturally have their own objectives. It would still be worthwhile for the Foreshore Committee to work with the landowner and the local Shire in attempting to initiate a coordinated management program.

The Bush Block is now lightly grazed and there are several areas of Blackberry thickets. The Blackberry problem is certainly a shared problem between the Foreshore and the Bush Block so there is the potential for cooperative projects for controlling them. It may also be possible for the Foreshore to cooperate on fencing and replanting projects to enhance the conservation values of both the Foreshore and the Coles' land.

Bush Block Plant List:Based on plant survey in the remnant bushland on the Cole's property at Merricks, above the Foreshore Management Block C3 and C4 between August 1994 and January 1995.

N.B. This list is not exhaustive; it includes plants not found on the Foreshore and other significant plants.

Acacia stricta Hop WattleAcrotriche prostrata Trailing Groundberry

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Acrotriche serrulata Honey PotsBursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa Sweet BursariaCassinia aculeata DogwoodDipodium roseum Hyacinth OrchidDrosera peltata ssp. peltata Tall SundewEpacris impressa Common HeathEucalyptus obliqua MessmateEucalyptus pryoriana Coastal Manna GumEucalyptus radiata Narrow-leaf PeppermintGlycine clandestina Twining GlycineJuncus pallidus Pale RushJuncus pauciflorus Loose-flower RushPultenea stricta Rigid Bush-peaThemeda triandra Kangaroo GrassTetratheca ciliata Pink BellsViola hederacea Native VioletXanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea Small Grass Tree

14. 0 CONCLUSIONThe first part of this report was the presentation of the results of the flora survey, including an assessment of the significance of the flora and the vegetation communities. This is essential background information for management prescriptions and strategies.

The vegetation communities have been described and linked to a set of maps and lists. This is an essntial guide for revegetation works across the Foreshore and on adjacent private land.

A range of management issues and actions have also been discussed and appropriate actions have been proposed. Specific actions in specific areas must be left for future consideration by the Committee of Management but an attempt has been made to point to future directions.

The last large section deals with specific management blocks as defined in the Weed Strategy. The lists for these specific areas will provide information for seed collecting and monitoring significant species.

In summary, this document is baseline data and information about the indigenous flora of the Foreshore. It is also a resource document for education and management directions. The hope is that it won't collect dust on a shelf but will be used and referred to often, as a guide to management actions on the Foreshore for several years to come.

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15.0 REFERENCESBarca, R. (1992). 'Ecological burning - maintaining indigenous vegetation and controlling weeds.' From 'Fire and the implications for bush management in the Mornington Peninsula - a community information day.' The Briars, Mornington, 29 November 1992.Beardsell, C (in prep). Sites of Faunal and Habitat Significance in North East Melbourne. Vols. 1-7. Draft report prepared for the North East Regional Organisation of Councils by Dunmoochin Biological Survey.Bedggood, S.E. (1989). Vegetation assessment of the sgnificance of the vegetation of allotments 88, 89 and 90, Blake St., Shoreham, Victoria. Report prepared for Peninsula Planning Pty. Ltd. by Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.Bedggood, S.E. and Carr, G. W. (1990). An assessment of the significance of Warrangine, High Street, Hastings, Victoria. Report prepared for Urban Land Authority by Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.Bedggood, S.E., Jaremovic, R. and MacMahon, A.R.G. (1992). Vegetation and Faunal Survey, Assessment of Significance and Management Recommendations for Woods Reserve, Shire of Mornington, Victoria. Report prepared for Shire of Mornington by Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.Birch, B. (1994). Volcanoes in Victoria. Royal Society of Victoria, Melbourne.Bradley, J. (1988). Bringing Back the Bush: The Bradley method of bush regeneration. Lansdowne Press, Sydney.Beaglehole, A.C. 1983. The Distribution and Conservation of Vascular Plants in the Melbourne Area, Victoria. Western Field Naturalists Clubs Association, Portland, Victoria.Buchanan, Robin A. (1989). Bush Regeneration: Recovering Australian Landscapes. TAFE NSW Student Learning Publications, Sydney.Buckley, R. W. (1993). Sites of Geological and Geomorphological Significance along the Victorian Coast. Unpublished report, Geological Survey of Victoria.Calder, W.B. (1972) The natural vegetation pattern of the Mornington Peninsula. Unpublished MSc Thesis. University of Melbourne.Calder, Winty (1975). Peninsula Perspectives: Vegetation on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria. Jimaringle Publications, Canterbury, Melbourne.Carr, G.W. and McMahon, A.R.G. (1988). Vegetation and management of Quarry Reserve, Mt. Eliza, Victoria. Report prepared for City of Frankston by Ecological Horticulture Pty. Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.Carr, G. W., Todd, J.A., MacMahon, A.R.G. and Bedggood, S.E. and (1989). Description and significance of the vegetation on the proposed Mount Eliza Estate, Mount Eliza, Victoria. Report prepared for Steven and Hawkings Pty. Ltd. by Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.Carr, G.W., Bedggood, S.E. and Todd, J.A. (1989b). Revegetation, landscape plantings and vegetation management at the proposed Heritage Cove development, Hastings, Victoria. Report prepared for Trin Pty. Ltd. by Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.Cheal D.C., Lau, J.A., Robinson, R.W., Ellis, J.E. and Cameron, D.G. (in prep.) Vegetation Survey and Sites of Botanical Significance in the Melbourne Area. Dept.Conservation, Forests and Lands, Melbourne.

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Costermans, L. F. (1981). Native Trees and Shrubs of Southeastern Australia. Weldon Publishing, Sydney.Dunn, I.. and Rennick, S. (1990). The Mornington Peninsula: A Field Guide to the Flora, Fauna and Walking Tracks. Vega Press.Elliot, Gwen. (1990). Australian Plants Identified. Hyland House, South Yarra, Melbourne.Ferwerda, F., Williams, R.J. and Ashton, D. H. (1981). Coastal Tree Fern Communities at Coles' Beach, Westernport, Victoria. Proceedings of Royal Society of Victoria 93(1).Foreman, D.B. and Walsh, N.G. (1993). Flora of Victoria, Volume 1 Introduction. Inkata Press, Melbourne.Frood, D. and Calder, M. (1987). Nature Conservation in Victoria. Volume 1. Study report. Victorian National Parks Association, Melbourne.Geological Survey of Victoria (1967). Western Port Geological Map, Zone 7, No. 868. Department of Mines, Melbourne, Victoria. A.C. Brooks, Government Printer.Kern, L. (1995). Weed Control Strategy and Management Framework for Merricks Foreshore Reserve. Report prepared for Merricks Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management, Practical Ecology Services, Melbourne.Land Conservation Council (1991). Melbourne Area, District 2, Review: Descriptive Report. LCC, Melbourne, Victoria.Land Conservation Council. (1993). Marine and Coastal Special Investigation: Descriptive Report. LCC, Melbourne.Land Conservation Council (1994). Melbourne Area, District 2, Review: Final Recommendations. LCC, Melbourne, Victoria.Marks, G.C. and Smith, I.W. (1991). The Cinnamon Fungus in Victorian forests. History distribution, management and control. Lands and Forests Bulletin No. 31. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.McMahon, A.R.G., Carr, G. W. and Bedggood, S. E. (1987). The vegetation on public land in the Balcombe Creek Catchment, Mornington Peninsula - an assessment of significance and management issues. Prepared for the Shire of Mornington.McMahon, A.R.G. (1990). The conservation status of major plant communities in Australia: Victoria. Report prepared for Australian National Parks Wildlife Service, Canberra. Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.McMahon, A.R.G., Carr, G. W., and Bedggood, S.E. (1992). The Vegetation and Management of Mount Martha Park, Mount Martha, Victoria. Report prepared for Shire of Mornington by Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.Mitchell, A. (1971). Conservation of Coastal Dunes. Victoria's Resources, Sept.-Nov.Opie, A.M., Gullan, P.K., van Berkel, S.C. and van Rees H. (1984). Westernport Opie, A.M., Gullan, P.K., van Berkel, S.C. and van Rees H. (1984). Westernport Regional Environmental Study. Sites of Botanical Significance in the Westernport Regional Environmental Study. Sites of Botanical Significance in the Westernport Region. Vols. I and II. Prepared for the Environmental Studies Division, Ministry for Region. Vols. I and II. Prepared for the Environmental Studies Division, Ministry for Conservation, Victoria. Victorian Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Conservation, Victoria. Victorian Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, ESP No 328, 1984.ESP No 328, 1984.Presland, G. (1985). Aboriginal Melbourne: The Lost Land of the Kulin People. McPhee Gribble Publishers, Ringwood, Victoria. 2nd Edition: 1994.

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Ross, J.H. (1993). A census of the vascular plants of Victoria. Fourth Edition. National Herbarium of Victoria.Robinson, R.W., Ellis, J.E. and Lau, J.A. (1986). Vegetation Survey of the Melbourne metropolitan area. Resource Assessment Report No. 86-1. Von Mueller Institute, Dept. of Conservation Forests and Land.Specht, R.L. (1970) Vegetation. In Leeper, G.W. ed. The Australian Environment. 4th ed. CSIRO, Carlton, Victoria.Strahan, R. (ed.) (1983). Complete Book of Australian Mammals. Australian Museum and Cornstalk Publishing, North Ryde, NSW.Straker, A. (1992). Revegetation Works on Merricks Foreshore. Unpublished report prepared for Merricks Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management.Tame, Terry (1992). Acacias of Southeast Australia. Kangaroo Press, Sydney.Triggs, B. (1984). Mammal Tracks and Signs: A field guide for south-eastern Australian. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.Walker, G. L. and Greening, J. (1992). Management Plan for Habitat Restoration in Seaford Flora and Fauna Reserve. Unpublished report prepared for Seaford Foreshore Committee, Save the Bush Program, National Trust (Victoria).Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.(eds.) (1994). Flora of Victoria, Volume 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and and Monocotyledons. Inkata Press, Melbourne.Willis, J.H. (1970). A Handbook to Plants in Victoria Volume 1. Monocotyledons. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. Willis, J.H. (1972). A Handbook to Plants in Victoria Volume 2. Dicotyledons. Melbourne University Press, Melbourne.

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Appendix 1. Vascular plant species recorded for Merricks Foreshore Reserve, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria - August 1994 to January 1995

Taxonomic nomenclature follows Ross (1993) and the second volume of the Flora of Victoria (Walsh and Entwisle 1994).

*denotes exotic species+ recorded by other studies (Ashton et al 1984 and data from Flora Branch, Department of Conservation and Environment in Appendix 2) but not found in this study.N.B. This list does not include several species found only on the Bush Block, they are presented in Appendix 3.

FERN and FERN ALLIES

ADIANTACEAEAdiantum aethiopicum Maidenhair Fern

BLECHNACEAEBlechnum ?minus Soft Water Fern

CYATHEACEAECyathea australis Rough Tree Fern

DENNSTAEDTIACEAEPteridium esculentum Bracken Fern

DICKSONIACEAEDicksonia antarctica Soft Tree Fern

DRYOPTERIDACEAEPolystichum proliferum Mother Shield Fern

PTERIDACEAEPteris tremula Tender Break

GYMNOSPERMS

PINACEAE*Pinus radiata Monterey Pine

MONOCOTYLEDONS

ALOEACEAE*Kniphofia uvaria Red Hot Poker

ARACEAE*Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily

COMMELINACEAE*Tradescantia albiflora Wandering Jew

CYPERACEAECarex appressa Tall SedgeCarex breviculmis Short-stem Sedge*Cyperus eragrastis Umbrella SedgeIsolepis inundata Club Sedge

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Isolepis nodosa Knobby Club SedgeLepidosperma gladiatum Coast Sword SedgeLepidosperma laterale Variable Sword Sedge

IRIDACEAE*Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora Montbretia*Freesia leichtlinii Freesia*Gladiolus undulatus Gladiolus*Sisyrinchium iridifolium Blue Pigroot*Watsonia meriana cv. bulbillifera Watsonia

JUNCACEAEJuncus pallidus Pale RushJuncus subsecundus Finger RushLuzula meriodonalis WoodrushLuzula sp. Woodrush +

LILIACEAE*Allium triquetrum Angled Onion*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis AgapanthusDianella longifolia Pale Flax-lilyDianella revoluta var. brevicaulis Black Anther Flax LilyDianella revoluta var. revoluta Black Anther Flax Lily*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper*Myrsiphyllum scandens Asparagus FernTricoryne elatior Yellow Grass Lily

ORCHIDACEAECaladenia latifolia Pink FairiesDipodium roseum Hyacinth OrchidPterostylis pedunculata MaroonhoodThelymitra sp. Sun Orchid

POACEAEAgrostis aemula Blown GrassAgrostis avenacea Common Blown Grass*Agrostis capillaris Brown-top Bent*Aira caryophyllea Silvery Air Grass*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Avena sativa Oat +*Briza maxima Greater Quaking Grass*Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass*Bromus diandrus Great Brome*Catapodium rigidum Fern Grass*Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass*Critesion marinum Sea Barley*Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass*Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog's Tail Grass*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot GrassDanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby GrassDanthonia duttoniana Brown-beak Wallaby GrassDanthonia penicillata Slender Wallaby GrassDanthonia racemosa Clustered Wallaby GrassDanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby GrassDanthonia semiannularis Tasmanian Wallaby Grass

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Deyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grassDichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume GrassDistichlis distichophylla Australian Salt GrassEchinopogon ovatus Common Hedgehog Grass +*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldt GrassElymus scaber Common Wheat Grass*Festuca arundinacea Tall FescueHemarthria uncinata Mat Grass*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog GrassImperata cylindrica Blady Grass*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass*Lolium rigidum Annual Rye GrassMicrolaena stipoides Weeping Grass*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu*Piptatherum miliaceum Rice Millet*Poa annua Winter GrassPoa labillardieri Common Tussock GrassPoa morrisii Velvet Tussock GrassPoa poiformis Coastal Tussock GrassSpinifex sericeus Spinifex Grass*Sporobolis indicus var. africanus Rat's Tail GrassSporobolis virginicus Salt Couch Stipa flavescens Spear GrassStipa aff. flavescens Spear GrassThemeda triandra Kangaroo Grass*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue*Vulpia fasciculata Sand Fescue

XANTORRHOEACEAELomandra filiformis ssp. filiformis Wattle Mat-rushLomandra longifolia Spiny Mat-rushXanthorrhoea minor ssp. lutea Small Grass Tree

DICOTYLEDONS

AGAVACEAE*Agave americana Century Plant

AIZOACEAE*Carpobrotus edulis Hottentot FigTetragonia implexicoma Bower SpinachTetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand Spinach

APIACEAEApium prostratum Sea CeleryCentella cordifolia CentellaHydrocotyle sp. Pennywort

APOCYNACEAE*Vinca major Blue Periwinkle

ARALIACEAE

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*Hedera helix English Ivy

ASTERACEAEActites megalocarpa Dune Thistle*Aster subulatus AsterCassinia aculeata Dogwood*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle*Conyza albida Canadian FleabaneCotula coronopifolia Water ButtonsCymbonotus preissianus Australe Bear's EarEuchiton gymnocephalus CudweedEuchiton involucratus Common Cudweed*Gamochaeta purpurea Purple Cudweed*Gazania linearis Gazania*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's EarLagenifera stipitata Common Lagenifera +*Leontodon taraxicoides Hairy HawkbitLeptorhynchos tenuifolius Wiry Buttons +Olearia ramulosa Twiggy Daisy-bushOzothamnus ferrugineus Tree EverlastingPseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed*Senecio jacobaea RagwortSenecio biserratus Jagged Fire WeedSenecio hispidulus Rough Fire WeedSenecio odoratus Scented GroundselSenecio spathulatus Coast GroundselSolenogyne dominii Solenogyne*Sonchus asper Prickly Sow Thistle*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Taraxacum Sect Hamata Dandelion

BASELLACEAE*Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine

BORAGINACEAECynoglossum suaveolens Sweet Hound's Tongue*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not

BRASSICACEAE*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Cardamine hirsuta Common Bitter-cress*Hirschfeldia incana Hoary Mustard*Rhaphanus maritimus Sea Radish

CAMPANULACAEAELobelia alata Angled LobeliaWahlenbergia gracilis Sprawling Bluebell

CAPRIFOLIACEAE*Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle

CARYOPHYLLACEAE*Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-eared Chickweed*Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leafed AllseedSpergularia media Coast Sand-spurrey

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*Stellaria media ChickweedStellaria pungens Prickly Starwort

CASUARINACEAEAllocasuarina littoralis Black She-oakAllocasuarina verticillata Drooping She-oak*Allocasuarina torulosa Rose She-oak

CHENOPODIACEAE*Chenopodium album Fat Hen*Chenopodium murale SowbaneEinadia nutans Berry SaltbushRhagodia candolleana Seaberry SaltbushSarcocornia quinqueflora Beaded Glasswort

CLUSIACEAEHypericum gramineum Small St. John's Wort

CONVOLVULACEAEDichondra repens Kidney Weed

CRASSULACEAE*Crassula multiclava ssp. multiclava Exotic CrassulaCrassula sieberiana Native Crassula

EPACRIDACEAEAcrotriche prostrata Trailing Ground-berryAcrotriche serrulata Honey PotsEpacris impressa Common HeathLeucopogon parviflorus Coastal Beard Heath

EUPHORBIACEAE*Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge*Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge

FABACEAEDesmodium gunnii Slender Tick-trefoil*Dipogon lignosus Dolichos Pea*Genista monspessulana Montpelier BroomGlycine clandestina Twining GlycineGlycine latrobeana Clover Glycine +Glycine tabacina Variable GlycineGoodia lotifolia GoodiaIndigofera australis Austral Indigo (possibly planted, unknown prov.)*Kennedia nigricans Black Coral Pea*Lotus creticus Cretan Trefoil*Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic*Medicago truncatula Barrel Medic*Oxylobium sp. Planted OxylobiumPultenea stricta Rigid Bush-pea*Trifolium fragiferum Strawberry Clover*Trifolium glomeratum Cluster Clover*Trifolium repens White Clover*Trifolium subterraneum Subterrenean Clover*Ulex europaeus Gorse*Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Common Vetch

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Viminaria juncea Golden Spray (planted?)

GENTIANACEAE*Centaurium eyrthraea Common Centaury

GERANIACEAE*Geranium molle Dove's FootGeranium solanderi Austral Crane's BillGeranium potentilloides Crane's Bill

GOODENIACEAEGoodenia ovata Hop-leaf Goodenia

HALORAGACEAEGonocarpus tetragynus Common Raspwort

LAMIACEAEPrunella vulgaris Self-heal

MALVACEAE*Modiola caroliniana Carolina Mallow

MIMOSACEAE*Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle*Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle*Acacia decurrens Early Black Wattle*Acacia elata Cedar Wattle*Acacia floribunda White Sallow Wattle*Acacia howittii*Acacia longifolia Sallow WattleAcacia mearnsii Black WattleAcacia melanoxylon Blackwood*Acacia mitchellii Mitchell's WattleAcacia pycnantha Golden Wattle*Acacia saligna Golden Wreath WattleAcacia sophorae Coastal WattleAcacia stricta Hop Wattle

MELIANTHACEAE*Melianthus major Cape Honey-flower

MORACEAE*Ficus carica Fig

MYOPORACEAEMyoporum insulare Common Boobialla

MYRTACEAE*Agonis flexuosa W.A. Honey Myrtle*Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush*Callistemon pallidus Lemon Bottlebrush*Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush*Eucalyptus cladocalyx Sugar Gum*Eucalyptus globulus ssp. ? Blue GumEucalyptus obliqua MessmateEucalyptus ovata Swamp Gum

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Eucalyptus pryoriana Coastal Manna GumEucalyptus radiata Narrow-leaf Peppermint*Eucalyptus lehmanii Bushy YateKunzea ericoides Burgan (planted)Leptospermum continentale Prickly Tea TreeLeptospermum laevigatum Coastal Tea Tree*Melaleuca armillaris Giant Honey MyrtleMelaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark*Melaleuca hypericifolia Red Honey Myrtle*Melaleuca stypheloides Prickly-leafed Tea Tree

OLEACEAE*Fraxinus rotundifolia ssp. rotundifolia Desert Ash*Ligustrum vulgare European Privet

ONAGRACEAEEpilobium billardierianum Robust Willow Herb

OXALIDACEAEOxalis exilis Wood Sorrel*Oxalis incarnata Pink Wood SorrelOxalis perennans Native Oxalis*Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob*Oxalis purpurea Large Wood-sorrel

PASSIFLORACEAE*Passiflora mollissima Banana Passionfruit

PHYTOLACCACEAE*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed

PITTOSPORACEAEBursaria spinosa var. spinosa Sweet Bursaria*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Sollya heterophylla Bluebell Creeper

PLANTAGINACEAE*Plantago coronopus Buck's Horn Plaintain*Plantago lanceolata Ribwort*Plantago major Greater Plaintain

POLYGALACEAEComesperma volubile Love Creeper*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort

POLYGONACEAE*Acetosa sagittata Rambling DockMuehlenbeckia adpressa Climbing LignumRumex brownii Slender Dock*Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock*Rumex crispus Curled Dock*Rumex pulcher Fiddle Dock

PRIMULACEAE*Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernal

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PROTEACEAEBanksia integrifolia Coast Banksia*Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea (planted)*Grevillea spp. Grevillea hybrids (planted)*Hakea salicifolia Willow Hakea*Hakea suaveolens Sweet Hakea

RANUNCULACEAEClematis aristata Forest ClematisClematis microphylla Small-leafed ClematisRanunculus sp. Buttercup

ROSACEAEAcaena novae-zelandiae Bidgee-widgeeAcaena ovina Australian Sheep's Burr*Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster*Craetaegus monogyna Hawthorn*Malus domestica Apple*Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum*Rosa rubiginosa Briar Rose *Rubus procerus BlackberryRubus parvifolius Native Bramble*Rubus ulmifolius Blackberry +

RUBIACEAEAsperula scoparia Prickly WoodruffCoprosma quadrifida Prickly Current Bush*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush*Galium aparine Cleavers*Galium divaricatum Bedstraw +Galium propinquum Maori BedstrawOpercularia ovata Broad StinkweedOpercularia varia Narrow Stinkweed

RUTACEAECorrea alba White Correa (planted)

SAPINDACEAEDodonea viscosa ssp. spatulata Wedge-leaf Hop Bush

SCROPHULARIACEAE*Veronica arvensis SpeedwellVeronica gracilis Slender Speedwell

SOLANACEAE*Lycium ferricissimum African Boxthorn*Nicotiana glauca Tree TobaccoSolanum laciniatum Kangaroo Apple*Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade

TROPAEOLACEAE*Tropaeolum majus Nasturtium

VIOLACEAEViola hederacea Native Violet

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*Viola odorata Common Violet

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Appendix 3. Indigenous Vegetation Communities on the Merricks Foreshores: Species Lists for Revegetation

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1.0 INTRODUCTION AND STRATEGY OBJECTIVES

This report examines the introduced flora on the Merricks Foreshore and the impact these species have on the indigenous vegetation of the Foreshore Reserve. This is a major issue on the Foreshore; even many people with little knowledge of weeds can see the extensive infestations of some introduced species. This report is based on a comprehensive survey of the introduced flora and will detail the introduced flora of the Foreshore, its impact in general and the methods of management and/or control.

Any process of management must be based on well-defined objectives. Management objectives are crucial to defining the type of information gathered, priorities to be determined, recommendations, and subsequent management actions. For the purposes of this report the following objectives are the basis for gathering information and making recommendations:

1) The extent and impact of introduced plants will be assessed and documented.

2) Techniques and recommendations for weed management and control are generally defined for the next five to ten years.

3) Conserving individual indigenous species, the indigenous vegetation communities and their viability is considerd a high priority.

4) Conserving the indigenous and local character of the landscape of the Foreshore is valued in itself and is also a high priority.

The concept of introduced flora must also be clarified for this report. For the purposes of this report any plant that is not part of the recent pre-European vegetation communities and is growing and/or regenerating on the Foreshore is an introduced plant. This group may include exotic plants (exotic to Australia), and plants introduced from elsewhere in Australia. All introduced plants found on the Foreshore are detailed and considered here.

Introduced plants are also defined further by scientists, government and conservationists. Environmental weeds are plants that invade indigenous vegetation, usually adversely affecting regeneration and survival of the indigenous (original or local native) flora and fauna (Carr et al 1992). "Noxious weeds" are legally defined by the Noxious Weeds Act of 1958 and were declared as such because of problems they cause in agricultural situations, although they are usually a problem in indigenous vegetation communities as well. The Noxious Weeds Act was replaced by the Catchment and Land Protection Act in Autumn 1994 which will allow the defining of both noxious weeds and environmental weeds within different regions of the State, it remains to be seen how this will affect the legal and regulatory structure affecting introduced plants. Both environmental and noxious weeds are noted in Table 1.

The other words that may need defining is restoration and revegetation. Restoration can be defined as recreating the original vegetation and ecological processes of an ecosystem, a tall and maybe impossible order, and potentially includes the revegetation process as well; a great deal of the use of the word, in the international scientific community, is inclusive and broad in the sense defined above. However, for the purposes of this report restoration concerns remnants of indigenous vegetation and work to eliminate introduced plants within them. The definition of revegetation as used in this report is limited to replacing areas dominated by introduced plants with indigenous species through more intensive work such as planting tubestock and direct seeding.

General management issues and processes will be considered and a detailed structure to manage the Foreshore is proposed through the defining of management zones and a recordkeeping system. Data on the introduced flora is presented within this management framework. The management framework

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proposed is intended to be appropriate for a range of data collection, management works and recordkeeping, as will be evident in the Flora Survey Report that will be produced over the Spring and Summer of 1994.

Finally, this report is written as a resource document for decision making and management into the future. It is an assessment and documentation of the introduced flora of the Foreshore. It is also written as an educational resource for the management committee, any future Foreshore workers, local residents and other interested parties.

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2.0 STUDY AREA

The study area is Merricks Beach Foreshore Reserve, which is under the management of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources through the Merricks Beach Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management. It is on the south eastern side of the Mornington Peninsula facing Phillip Island in Westernport Bay.

It is approximately three kilometres long and has a varied geology. Most of the underlying rocks are of volcanic origins. Outcrops of these rocks can be seen in many of the steep cliffs on the Foreshore, and have produced gray clay soils. Coastal sand deposits are also quite substantial, as is obvious along the beach; producing a shifting beach environment, dune vegetation or coastal forest.

The geology, soils and climate are prime determinants of the indigenous vegetation communities that exist on the Foreshore and also influence the type and distribution of introduced plants. Different weeds invade different vegetation communities and have different modes of spread.

3.0 METHODS


All plant names in this report are based on the Census of vascular plants of Victoria (Ross 1993) and the Flora of Victoria, Volume 2 (Walsh and Entwisle 1994).

Some species were not flowering at the time of the survey, and therefore are difficult to identify. They are classified to genus level and will be identified further as work on the flora survey progresses (to be added to the flora survey report).

Many of the introduced natives were not identified to species as well. Planted Grevillea species are particularly common on the Foreshore and were often not identified to species. Another large area of 'native garden' on the far east end of the Foreshore was not surveyed in detail either.

3.2 Plant Lists

The plant lists included in the block descriptions in Section 13.0 are based on survey work conducted from August 1994 to January 1995. Survey work consisted of inspecting each block in detail to determine, as best as possible all of the introduced species present. The lists are focussed on each management block and an overall weed list for the Foreshore is presented in Table 1.

These plant lists can greatly assist public education. Plant identification for people with limited knowledge can be made much easier by a having a concise list that limits, for the individual, the plant species that may be in a specific area. Any reference books can then be used with much greater ease. The larger list in Table 1 is relevant for any location across the Foreshore.

4.0 WEED MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL METHODS

4.1 General Weed Management Considerations

A weed can be defined as a plant growing where it is not wanted and may include any species in the plant kingdom. For the purposes of this report and in line with current conservation practices, all plants which are non-indigenous to a particular area, exotic to Australia or introduced from elsewhere in Australia, are regarded as weeds and just because they are "weeds" does not mean they will be unwanted and targeted for elimination and control.

Some of these species are colonisers of disturbed sites and belong to the early stages of succession. These plants are comparatively short lived and will eventually be replaced by other species over time, often indigenous species. Some weeds are common in indigenous vegetation but actually occupy very little space and would be difficult to eliminate. Other weeds however pose a serious threat to indigenous vegetation because of their ability to readily invade disturbed and undisturbed areas and dominate the

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groundstorey, shrub or tree layer of an ecosystem. These different types of weeds are classified according to their invasive potential in Table 1.

Environmental weed invasion is considered to be one of the greatest threats to indigenous vegetation in Victoria (Carr et al 1992) and Australia (ANPWS 1991) and the management of these invasive species is a high priority and must form the basis of an integrated management program.

Most of the weeds found throughout the study area are a direct result of escapes from agricultural and horticultural use. Many of these species, particularly pasture and lawn grasses and several "native" species, have been purposely sown or planted in the past. An increasing number of weed species are now common and widespread throughout the Foreshore and pose a serious threat to the indigenous vegetation.

A total of 146 introduced species were found on the Foreshore during this study (see Table 1) and there was a total of 50 species found on the Foreshore that are commonly used in gardens and agriculture today or in recent times, ie. the horticultural escapes detailed in Table 2, although several other introduced more species found as weeds on the Foreshore were used historically but have disappeared as garden plants.

Their are three major considerations when attempting to prepare and implement a weed program in an isolated remnant of indigenous vegetation such as Merricks Foreshore. They can be expressed as perspective, access and selectivity. These three aspects are part of the complex process of, firstly, considering the weed problem and, secondly, addressing it.

Firstly, perspective is important in determining priorities. Managers often focus very selectively on weed problems, it may a be a focus on a few 'noxious' weeds or focussing on small areas when a problem across an area is massive. Perspective of the weed problem is vital; this basically involves survey of the species present, their extent, their existing and potential impact, the consideration of other values (aesthetics, landscape values, indigenous species etc.) and the resources available. This report is a significant part of the process of determining priorities; this is the information that the managers will use to make decisions. Priorities are determined by having a 'big picture' of the problem.

Secondly, to have perspective for survey and identification of the problem, access is essential. Merricks Foreshore highlights this well; many areas of the Foreshore are inaccessible, and the values and problems of these areas are impossible to determine without getting in there to conduct surveys and assess the vegetation present. Some areas are incredibly difficult to access, temporary tracks may be appropriate and using materials like aerial photographs may be useful to gather information without needing physical access. Creating access may also actually be the first step in weed control; pathways should be cut through weedy areas rather than high quality indigenous vegetation if possible.

The third issue is strictly to do with implementation: selectivity. Selectivity in weed control is a crucial element of weed control and management in native bushland; the largest conundrums of weed control work is figuring out how to be selective. The weeds we want to control or eliminate are often interspersed with the indigenous flora and fauna we wish to preserve. In this situation weed control work must be selective. It may involve selective herbicides, careful application methods, timing of herbicide application when indigenous plants are dormant or less intensive methods such as cutting and painting or drilling and filling. It may also involve selective mowing or suppression techniques such as mulching. The weed control methods proposed here are all designed to be selective and protect the conservation and health values we consider important. Selectivity is an overriding consideration when designing the weed control work.

Several other general considerations must be kept in mind when planning weed control or elimination:

· The weeds may be providing important habitat for indigenous fauna species or holding soil and dunes together. Weed removal must be staged and occur alongside revegetation work with indigenous species appropriate to the sites in question.

· Removing weeds will very often cause more weeds or even a succession of weeds to emerge. Again a staged removal of weeds and replacement with indigenous species, either through regeneration or replanting, must be programmed. Vigilance, to ensure that indigenous species are regenerating and to keep weeds at bay, will require repeated visits to such sites.

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· Some weeds are ubiquitous yet tolerable in indigenous vegetation and must sometimes, at least until the bigger management problems are tackled in any particular site, be accepted as a part of the indigenous vegetation; these include Ribwort (*Plantago lanceolata), Hare's Tail Grass (*Lagurus ovatus) and Cat's Ear (*Hypochoeris radicata).

· Some weeds have a significant effect on indigenous vegetation where they are present but do not spread readily into other areas without human assistance; these kinds of weeds must be controlled or eliminated in areas of indigenous vegetation but may not need to be controlled across a larger area. The best example of this type of weed is Couch Grass (*Cynodon dactylon); it has a significant impact within remnant vegetation but does not spread rapidly out of degraded areas, particularly if kept mown to reduce seed spread and production. If weed control and replacement is not possible or desirable the aim should be to stabilise areas of exotic vegetation so that seeds and vegetative parts that can spread are contained or prevented.

· Some weeds are noxious and very adept at spreading across large areas with the help of birds, other animals and water, and attempts should be made to control such weeds as Sweet Pittosporum (*Pittosporum undulatum), Blackberry (*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg.) and English Ivy (*Hedera helix) across a landscape such as the Foreshore and adjacent private land if possible; these high priority weeds are detailed in Table 1 and in Section 6.0.

· Different weeds require different methods and the same species of weed in different situations may require a range of methods. For example, Blackberry has been sprayed in some areas on the Foreshore where the groundstorey is predominantly exotic and indigenous vegetation is not in close proximity but selective cutting and painting or spot spraying may be the best method in some significant areas where there is substantial indigenous vegetation intermixed with the Blackberry thickets (possibly followed up by careful spot spraying).

· The ecology and growth habits of a weed define and limits the range of methods that may be suitable for controlling the weed. The proximity to indigenous vegetation, resources available, money, labour, tools and materials, and other management objectives will further limit or influence the method or methods chosen in any particular site.

· The effectiveness of weed control must always be monitored and follow-up control will inevitably be required. The initial control will always involve a large commitment of resources; well-planned and well-timed follow-up should involve significantly less resources and effort. Without sufficient follow up work weed problems will usually return to their past status in a short time, either in a few months or a few years.

· Herbicide use is seen as a crucial part of the range of weed control techniques available. As there is a great deal of justifiable concern over herbicide use, the aim of any herbicide use should be to use the minimum amount of herbicide that is necessary to obtain the desired results. At all times the highest standards of safety for workers and the public alike must be maintained. The long term aim should be to create a system, a self-regenerating indigenous ecosystem, that requires no regular herbicide use.

4.2 Weed Dispersal and Prevention

The way in which weed species spread is critical to the future management of the foreshore and must be addressed as part of the overall development of a weed control strategy. The various modes of dispersal can be summarised as follows:

· Purposeful sowing and planting. This pertains to pasture and lawn grasses in particular and several invasive Australian natives and other introduced garden plants; eg. Giant Honey-myrtle (*Melaleuca armillaris) and (*Polygala myrtifolia) were planted in gardens and possibly on the Foreshore and these and several more species commonly used in gardens are now regenerating and spreading.

· Water-borne seed and other propagules. This pertains to movement of plant material along drainage lines on the foreshore. Kikuyu (*Pennisetum clandestinum), Soursob (*Oxalis pes-caprae) and Paspalum (*Paspalum dilatatum) spread particularly well by water as well as Sea Rocket (*Cakile maritima) on the beach.

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· Vegetative spread. Some weeds such as English Ivy (*Hedera helix), *Oxalis spp., various succulents and Couch (*Cynodon dactylon) are often easily spread in this way when pieces of the plants are moved from place to place.

· The dumping of garden refuse and prunings. Many weeds, particular ones that spread vegetatively as mentioned above, may have arrived on the Foreshore by this means. Dumping clippings of Hawthorn (*Crataegus monogyna), Mirror Bush, Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.) and introduced Hakeas (*Hakea spp.) will also spread any seeds that remain on the material.

· Spread of seed by birds, foxes and other animals. This applies particularly to plants with fleshy fruit, eg. Blackberry, Mirror Bush (*Coprosma repens), Bridal Creeper, English Ivy and Sweet Pittosporum.

· The movement of seed and other propagules in soil, on machinery, humans and other animals (Wace 1988).

· Wind-borne seed. This pertains to most of the daisy family, especially the various thistles, Dandelion (*Taraxacum Sect. Hamata) and Cat's Ears (*Hypochoeris radicata).

The management and control of some the above factors will reduce the rate of spread of many weeds currently found within the Foreshore, and help to prevent invasion by as yet unrecorded species.

Several of these factors are the direct result of human activities and can be readily controlled. Other mechanisms for dispersal such as water, wind and animal dispersed seed need to be addressed within a broader context. This implies a wider approach. This approach should involve the control of environmental weeds that spread by wind or animals on any adjacent public land and educational programs encouraging residents to avoid planting environmental weeds and avoid dumping garden refuse on the Foreshore.

4.3 Factors Influencing The Establishment of Weeds

Weed propagules come to a particular site by a variety of methods (detailed above). Once those seed propagules arrive other factors may help their establishment. The two main factors are soil disturbance and increased nutrient levels. Both of these processes have contributed significantly to weed establishment at Merricks Foreshore in general and in the management blocks considered in this report.

Few introduced species will invade undisturbed natural vegetation. Soil disturbance is a major factor promoting weed invasion on the Foreshore. It has come in many forms over the years, induced naturally and by humans. Soil disturbance must be minimised or prevented if at all possible to prevent the invasion of weeds. Soil disturbance among exotic vegetation may also introduce other weeds that are less desirable than the ones that were originally there; the best example is roadside disturbances that destroy grasses and allow the invasion of Blackberry.

Increased nutrient levels also favour exotic plants and encourage them as weeds. Most native Australian plants are adapted to very low nutrient levels. However, many exotic plants thrive with increased nutrient levels. Increased nutrient levels in native vegetation can be caused by several processes, including runoff from streets, gardens and septic systems and the dumping of garden refuse. Sandy soil is particularly nutrient poor and plants well-adapted to these conditions grow in such soils; some studies indicate that nutrient enrichment of such soils causes fundamental changes in such soils. Clay soils can actually absorb nutrients much easier because there are many more sites for nutrients to bind to and be neutralised but nutrient enrichment is still a major problem in these soils.

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Several recommendations for general weed prevention and their spread are critical to implement on the Foreshore:

· Manage access by vehicles and people to minimise the soil disturbance that can damage indigenous vegetation and create weed problems with strategic fencing or stairways, planting and signage.

· Manage any infrastructure construction, fencing, paths etc. to minimise soil disturbance and initiate weed control and revegetation with indigenous species after any works are completed.

· Practice weed hygiene. Do not move soil and clean slashing and earthmoving equipment of soil and seeds in between work sites. Manage vehicle access to prevent the weed seeds they can spread (a study in a Canberra carwash found 160 species of weeds in the sludge (Wace 1988)). Only such vigilance will prevent certain weeds, especially *Oxalis spp., Couch Grass, Paspalum etc., from spreading unnecessarily. Spreading soil and gravel is also a significant factor in the spread of soil pathogens such as Cinnamon Fungus (Marks and Smith 1991).

· Keep the borders of the Foreshore secure and open to prevent dumping of building refuse and garden refuse. Preventing garden rubbish dumping is a crucial part of weed hygiene. Securing Foreshore edges and entrances, with fences and lights where appropriate, is part of preventing such dumping; education of local residents is also important.

· Manage nutrient loads coming into indigenous vegetation drainage lines, the creeks on the Foreshore and minimising the deposition of dog faeces. Never use fertiliser on indigenous plants. Assess the levels and the impacts of septic tank and road runoff flowing into indigenous vegetation on the Foreshore. Several creeks flowing through the Foreshore from the Village area are clearly loaded with nutrients, considering the abundance of weeds down the drainage lines.

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4.4 Weed Control Strategies

In any weed control work in the Foreshore, it is essential that the various weeds present are prioritised relative to their invasive potential or capacity. This prioritising will be on different levels, within the smaller management blocks proposed in this report or across the Foreshore and will be addressed later.

Invasive species which pose a serious and immediate threat to the management areas concerned are detailed in the management recommendations elsewhere in this report and must be given the highest priority in any management program. Many of these weeds are so abundant that they will always be a problem. In many cases control must be the aim because complete eradication will not be possible, except in areas where significant indigenous vegetation occurs.

The most invasive weeds in the Foreshore are divided into three groups for the purposes of this section describing the various techniques that can be used for weed control; woody weeds, groundstorey weeds and scrambling vines. Each require specific methods of control. A number of weed control techniques have been developed and have proven effective for various groups of weed species.

This section deals with a general description and assessment of relevant methods for weed control across the Foreshore. Detailed recommendations for treatment of major weed species present in the Management Blocks are given in the relevant sections dealing with each Block. A summary of weeds in the entire Foreshore, risk assessment and the range of effective control methods is presented in Table 1. Specific weeds, control methods and priority areas are addressed in Sections 6.0 and 7.0.

Relevant weed control treatments and techniques are summarised as follows.

4.4.1 Woody Weeds The control of woody weeds, both trees and shrubs, is comparatively straightforward, given extensive and appropriate resources.

The timing of control of woody weeds with any of the methods detailed below is important.

Successful control of deciduous shrubs and trees can only be achieved by treating these species from spring to early autumn; this period coincides with the active translocation of nutrients between the upper canopy of the plants and the root system.

Depending on the degree of infestations of these species and the level of labour available to undertake a weed control program, woody weeds may be removed from the site by cutting the plant above ground level and painting the stump with herbicide. This is generally referred to as cut and paint. This technique can be labour intensive and time consuming requiring the removal of large amounts of material from the site. This technique is still very economical, despite the thinking that herbicide spraying is the cheapest alternative; cutting and painting requires little follow-up while spraying can have inconsistent results and much follow-up is often required. Soil disturbance and erosion can be minimised when using this technique because all roots are left in the ground. The use of poison is also very well targeted, herbicide is not spread around the environment where it isn't needed and where it may be a problem. Any resprouting after cutting and painting can be sprayed with much less herbicide and off-target damage.

Evergreen shrubs and trees can usually be controlled all year but the timing may be influenced by the timing of seed production. Woody shrubs that are cut and painted may be left in the bush if seeds or fruits are not present on the plants. Removing plants with seeds and fruits developed on them and ready to germinate should not be removed from the site of infestation, it is better to let these propagules stay where the weed infestation is rather than carrying out the plant material and possibly spread the seeds over wider areas. Priority for woody weed control will vary over the year; they should be targeted to prevent seed production for yet one more year. The best time for control is up to the time of flowering but before the seed is close to ripening.

If there are large quantities of woody material to be disposed of it is very tempting to save the costs of removing it. These materials could be mulched, and reused in planting sites, if no seeds are on plants and access for chipping machines is readily available. Burning is a reasonable and useful method and can be put to good advantage. Material must be stacked in a safe burning site, a good distance from trees with reasonable fire breaks, and burnt with the proper precautions and fire fighting equipment. Burning sites can also be chosen with the aim of encouraging the regeneration of indigenous vegetation. There might

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be indigenous vegetation present that will be encouraged by burning or it may simply be a case of potluck where the presence of seed in the soil that is triggered by burning (such as wattles and peas) is only shown after the fire event. Burning woody materials may also trigger the germination of weed species, such as Broom; weed control in such sites might turn out to be a high priority. Burning sites can also be excellent replanting sites.

If the infestations of woody weeds is of many ages, the priority should be bigger, older specimens that are producing seed; younger plants not yet producing seeds can often be left for the next years' control program.

When using the cutting and painting method, it is critical that the stumps are painted with herbicide immediately after they are cut. And also, to increase the surface area for herbicide uptake, it is often useful to pare away the bark from the stump using a sharp knife. Delay, supposedly longer than 20-30 seconds, in treating the stump will lead to callousing and reduced penetration and uptake of the herbicide.

Other control techniques include treating plants using either the drill and fill or frill and fill methods (refer to Brodie et al 1991 in Appendix 1). These methods involve creating a hole in the bark of a tree or shrub, into the cambium layer, with a drill, chisel or tomahawk and applying poison with a squeeze applicator or paintbrush type applicator. These methods are significantly less time consuming and less labour intensive, allowing treatment of much larger areas. Using these methods can allow the retention of dead woody weeds in situ causing minimal site disturbance, saving the labour of removing the material and having less impact on indigenous wildlife because their shrubby habitat doesn't get removed, the plants just die and stop producing seeds.

Foliar application of herbicide or spraying is the method usually employed for many woody weeds but is not necessarily appropriate for many of the woody weeds present in the management areas considered in this report. Some woody weeds too intertwined with desired indigenous vegetation or other techniques will be effective.

For example, Blackberry is killed by a herbicide selective on broadleaved plants or dicots, called triclopyr or 'Garlon'. Grasses exposed to Garlon are not usually affected but the Garlon would kill indigenous shrubs and small native herbs. For this reason cutting and painting may be the most appropriate method for these weeds in areas with a good quality indigenous understorey with indigenous shrubs present while spraying is more efficient and safe in areas where the vegetation is more degraded. An integration of methods will sometimes be the most effective. An area might be 'prepped' for spraying by cutting and painting woody weeds that are intertwined with indigenous shrubs. This process would define clear, safe zones around the desired plants and leave distinct patches of the weed of concern isolated which could then be safely sprayed with herbicide.

Selective herbicides, such as Garlon, are also quite useful for woody weeds, particularly Blackberry, that are small and discrete in the grassy understoreys of some areas of the Foreshore. These plants can be selectively sprayed with no damage to surrounding grasses and the spraying will not create bare ground that may be receptive to weeds.

Some species of woody weeds can be controlled by simply ringbarking or cutting at the base. Species such as Pine (*Pinus radiata), Sallow Wattle (*Acacia longifolia) and young Polygala (*Polygala myrtifolia) do not resprout if treated this way. When ringbarking it is important to only cut as deep as the cambium layer (just through the bark).

Fire is also a useful tool in controlling woody weeds; fire, planned or unplanned, can disadvantage some woody weeds and encourage indigenous species. Prescribed fires have been used to control Boneseed (*Chrysanthemoides monilifera) at Arthur's Seat (Barca 1992), Sweet Pittosporum at Woods Reserve near Mornington (Bedggood et al 1990) and Pines (*Pinus pinaster) on French Island (Corbett 1991). Montpelier Broom (*Genista monspessulana) is also possible to control in this way (Adams and Simmons 1991).

The species controlled in all of these situations have been quite different but they have common ecological attributes and the process of control is similiar. Fires will kill adults of all four species in a very efficient manner but will often allow or encourage some regeneration. Follow-up weed control at two stages is crucial, directly after a fire to kill any adults that don't get killed and within one to two

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years to control regeneration after the fire. Boneseed and Broom are particularly important to do follow-up weed control work as they have large quantities of soil-stored seeds that are stimulated into mass germination by fire; fire is actually an excellent method of eliminating the majority of soil-stored in one event but weed control is crucial if a weedy thicket is to be prevented.

Prescribed fires for woody weed control, which would have to be quite large-scale, may not be possible or desired on the Foreshore because of its size and proximity to housing. However, there are a great many strategic firebreaks on the Foreshore, such as the beach, the fire track and paddocks above and narrow cliffs in some stretches. Consultation with the local CFA and local residents may be appropriate to determine if such prescribed fires, coordinated by the CFA, would be acceptable to all the parties concerned.

As well, if an unplanned bushfire occurs at any time it can provide an excellent opportunity for weed control afterwards; any fire should be followed by weed control and monitoring of indigenous species and their regeneration.

4.4.2 Groundstorey Weeds Groundstorey weeds include several different types of plants and many different species occur on the Foreshore. Exotic perennial grasses are the predominant species that dominate the groundstorey in many areas on the Foreshore. A variety of weed control strategies can be used on these types of weeds. Choosing the most appropriate control strategy however is dependent on the species present and the overall sensitivity of the site.

It is recommended that a combination of the following techniques be used in the management of remnant vegetation on the Foreshore. It is important not to approach the weeds and techniques in a dogmatic fashion; the methods chosen in different areas may vary a great deal.

The general features and application of each technique are outlined below.

1. Mowing and Slashing.It is important to consider that mowing is a suppression (rather than elimination) technique. Although slashing machinery is widely used in the clearing of degraded and weed infested sites, it does not allow for the removal of rootstocks which will readily resprout and refill the available space within a short time and is rarely successful in the long-term. This is almost invariably due to a lack of integration with other weed control methods. The use of machinery in areas where indigenous plants may be damaged is generally unacceptable. Use of machinery should be generally confined to badly degraded areas and used very selectively in good quality remnants.

There are, however, some circumstances where mowing can be used as part of an integrated management program. Use of a hand mower with a catcher can be effective in the removal of seed heads from exotic grasses, preventing dispersal of seed on site, and leading to their eventual replacement by more desirable indigenous species. This technique has been used with great effectiveness at Farmtrees Nursery; for ten years they have mowed the exotic grass before it flowers, let all of the native grass set seed and now have paddocks dominated by native grass. The same kind of hand mower, cleaned in between jobs of course, can also be used for harvesting indigenous grass seed.

Mowing may also be used as the first step in the control of certain weeds, allowing access for herbicide work or hand weeding. Slashed vegetative material should be removed from any site when using mowing as an aid to weed control. Grass clippings encourage weeds and the removal of slash is also beneficial in removing biomass and nutrients from remnant vegetation so that exotic species may be disadvantaged by lowering nutrient levels. Removal of clippings may also allow easy access for herbicide use and spot spraying.

Slashing may also be appropriate in weed dominated areas near indigenous vegetation remnants. Well timed slashing may prevent weed seed production that would end up invading the valued remnants.

When using this technique however, timing, frequency and regulating cutting height are essential in ensuring effective removal of flower heads, and minimising damage to indigenous plants. Slashing may also be required for fire management purposes. Slashing and mowing must always be done in dry

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conditions and only on reasonable slopes in order to prevent soil disturbance which will exacerbate weed problems.

2. Spraying HerbicidesFollowing the development of various chemicals such as Glyphosate or 'Round-up', herbicides are playing an increasingly more important role in the battle against weeds. When used carefully, herbicides can be an effective and successful control method. A variety of selective herbicides are also available and are very effective in the control of many weeds if used in the right situations. Certain criteria for successful weed control remain, however. Glyphosate for example, is not only slightly residual and will not suppress weed seeds in the soil. Follow-up weed control and treatment of sites is therefore essential.

Depending on the nature of weeds present and the degree of initial weed infestation, more than one application of herbicide may be required to ensure effective control prior to planting out. There is a suite of spring and summer growing weeds and another group of weeds that are predominantly winter growing. A successful weed control program using herbicides must be spread over several months in order to eliminate the entire suite of weeds on any one site, including many that will only be seen or actively growing at certain times of the year. For example, Couch Grass is actively growing in the summer and dormant in the winter; any revegetation plot that contains this species must be sprayed in the Summer for effective results.

Several other weeds are also only susceptible to herbicides at key times of the year. Weeds such as Angled Onion (*Allium triquetrum), Soursob (*Oxalis pes-caprae), and Watsonia (*Watsonia meriana cv. bulbillifera) are all perennials with summer dormancy. They all sprout in late Autumn and exhaust the food stored in their bulbs or corms to grow their foliage and flowers. This time is called the "bulb exhaustion phase", it is when the underground parts of the plants are at their smallest and the plant is at its weakest point in its' lifecycle. Spraying will be most effective at this point in time, sometime in July or August when the species just begins flowering and the bulbs are thin and flaccid.

Wick applicators are also a useful method to minimise "off-target damage" from spray drift in the process of selective weed control, an important part of restoration work.

3. Hand WeedingHand weeding is an effective control strategy for the removal of comparatively small areas of weeds growing in close proximity to indigenous vegetation, and is ideally suited to and often required in the regeneration of high quality remnants of indigenous vegetation.

This technique often requires a fairly high level of plant identification skill and sensitivity. Of particular importance is the ability of workers to readily identify many species of weeds at various ages and distinguish indigenous species, and to exercise care, causing minimal soil disturbance and damage to indigenous vegetation. Sensitive workers with minimal plant ID skills can be used in areas with easily recognised weeds or few indigenous species that are also easily recognised.

Hand weeding is labour intensive and is not applicable to all sites, however it has proven to be a most appropriate method for use in high quality remnant groundstorey with minor levels of weed invasion or for areas with woody weeds sprouting. The odd weed, that can be removed with minimal soil disturbance, can easily be removed by hand and large areas can be covered in such a way.

Even in densely weed infested sites, significant improvements can be achieved by a combination of hand weeding and spot spraying individual weeds, to reduce weed competition. This technique of "spot weeding" involves removing a small number of competing weeds growing next to individual indigenous plants that are in a sea of weeds. Larger areas of weeds may then be sprayed with herbicide leaving the odd remnants in such an area to spread into the formerly weed infested areas.

Conversely, islands of weeds in good quality indigenous vegetation may need to be isolated from surrounding indigenous plants by handweeding, still allowing effective weed control while protecting the indigenous vegetation.

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4. BurningFire, either planned or unplanned, can be used in a number of ways to assist in the control of groundstorey weeds. Indigenous vegetation can be quite thick and intertwined with weeds, it is necessary to be selective to protect desirable plants. Burning the vegetation on the ground reduces weeds to discrete clumps which can then be spot sprayed without affecting the indigenous plants. It may also be useful for plants like Blackberry, where thickets are burnt and the small regrowth is much easier to control. This technique has also been used with good results when controlling exotic perennial grass. The new growth in introduced species that is more receptive to herbicide which can then be more easily treated with wick applicator or spot sprayed.

Burning annual exotic grasses before they set seed in early to mid-Spring can significantly reduce the following years crop of seedlings, although some soil stored seed may germinate which will require follow-up. This method is most appropriate for Large Quaking Grass (*Briza maxima). *Briza seed is only viable for one year. If one year's crop is destroyed by burning with a hand held weed burner in November and any strays are followed up the next Winter by handweeding or burning, the infestation can be significantly reduced quickly and efficiently. *Vulpia spp. is also very susceptible to Spring burning, usually in September (R. Robinson pers. comm.).

An integrated and cautious approach must be taken as fire can be a tool for weed control and the regeneration of indigenous species. If a fire occurs a soil stored seed bank may be stimulated to grow. If weeds are not controlled in such a situation they may swamp the indigenous seedlings and the opportunity for indigenous regeneration may be lost forever on that site; the seed of many indigenous species that have been stored in the soil for decades will be wasted. Adequate resources must be available for proper follow-up after any burn.

When considering the use of fire as a management tool, it is critical that a careful and detailed assessment of the vegetation is made prior to any treatment. Managing the weeds that regenerate after a fire is a crucial part of the process and the resources available for such work must be matched to any planned works.

Certain areas should not be burnt, in particular the Fern Gullies and creek lines. Many of the indigenous species of these communities will be significantly disadvantaged or destroyed because they have evolved under low fire frequency conditions.

[A detailed series of recommendations for fire management will be presented in the Flora Survay Report. These recommendations will further clarify the use of fire for regeneration.]

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5. Weed Matting and MulchesUse of weed matting and mulches is only applicable to degraded areas where revegetation works with nursery stock is required, although it may also have some limited application for treatment of the edges adjacent to higher quality remnant vegetation sites.

A wide variety of material such as carpet underfelt, 'Jutemat', newspapers, wood chips or plastic weed mats can be used to suppress weed growth. Plastic weed mats should be used in very few situations. In contrast organic mulches are very advantageous because they quickly break down through natural processes of decomposition and allow natural regeneration to occur. However, heavily weed infested sites require mulch that is long lasting, two to three years, or replacement of mulch and other regular maintenance to successfully suppress weed growth.

Although mulches are effective in suppressing weed growth from soil stored seed, they can also suppress indigenous plant regeneration. In areas of low weed levels where there is also a likelihood of soil stored seed of indigenous species, both the type and use of mulch should be carefully considered or at least restricted to more heavily weeded areas. It is generally recommended therefore that heavy mulch only be used where the soil seed bank is heavily infested with weed seed.

Selecting the right type of mulch for a given site is very important. All mulch material, whether purchased from commercial sources or provided free from council, must be thoroughly inspected to ensure that it is weed free. The chipper operators from the Shire of Hastings were very clear about avoiding weed seeds when chipping material on the Foreshore so wood chips from that source should be weed free.

The most desirable mulch for use in natural bushland regeneration work is derived from indigenous local materials (eg some SEC trimmings) but chips of native Australian plants will also be appropriate. This kind of material is dry and low in nutrients, and comprises the most suitable chemical and physical properties to encourage the re-infection of the soil by native micro flora and fauna. These micro-organisms play a vitally important role in nutrient recycling and in maintaining an ecologically healthy environment for indigenous vegetation and fauna.

It should also be noted that the seeds of some species of weeds (especially wind dispersed weeds eg., Sow Thistle, *Sonchus oleraceus) can often germinate on the surface of mulch and weed mats. Regular monitoring and removal of these weeds is essential.

There may also be areas where mulch might not be necessary. If there are bare spots or sparse cover on the ground it may not be appropriate to use mulch at all. Plants must be planted sensitively with minimal soil disturbance in these situations. Planting can be much more economical and natural regeneration is more likely to occur in such conditions. Some annual indigenous species, such as indigenous Stonecrops (Crassula spp.) and many local orchids, occupy such sites and they would be eliminated by the use of mulch.

4.4.3 Scrambling VinesThe weeds that fall into this caregory pose a serious threat to vegetation within the Foreshore because of their highly aggressive and invasive nature. They include English Ivy, Bridal Creeper, Bluebell Creeper (*Sollya heterophylla), Japanese Honeysuckle (*Lonicera japonica) and Dolichos Pea (*Dipogon lignosus). They are usually able to spread vegetatively as well as as by seed and therefore require an intensive integrated approach to firstly contain their spread then act towards removing them from the site. With their ability to climb and compete for light in the upper canopy they tend to flower and set prolific quantities of seed, which is then stored in the soil or spread by birds, other fauna, or the wind. The first step in controlling these species is to locate, and cut and paint, all the stems just above ground level. The hanging vines should be left as removal is likely to cause damage to the remaining vegetation and habitat, and theey quickly rot and fall away. The elimination of seed production is the important first step.

Clearing the ground surface in important and sensitive areas will be the second step of a control program. Follow up is required to control reshooting and to handweed seedlings germinating from soil stored seed. This method will succeed with most scramblers or vines on the Foreshore and broadscale spraying is

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generally unnecessary. The handweeding and cutting and painting is a labour intensive process but it is generally effective while spraying would be an impossible task in many situations.

Some vine thickets can be better controlled by another process. The entire thicket can be removed with cutting tools and rakes, left to dry in stacks elsewhere and burnt or taken to the tip depending on the species, leaving what appears to be bare ground. The roots of the vines will subsequently resprout and the shoots can be sprayed with herbicide when they are small and green, using little herbicide with maximum effectiveness. Many vines will need to be resprayed several times.

One exception is Bridal Creeper which is an extremely serious weed and the fineness of the stems make it difficult to control through cut and painting. Spraying with herbicide is the only realistic option for controlling the weed and its spread. Glyphosate is effective on this plant but the application must be well-timed, at the beginning of flowering, usually in July. It is presently in small scattered populations on the Foreshore. Many other places around the Mornington Peninsula and beyond it is a major problem, in fact it is considered one of the ten worst environmental weeds in all of Australia (ANPWS 1991). This weed will be discussed further in Section 6.0.

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5.0 DETERMINING WEED CONTROL PRIORITIESThis report will make several recommendations about priorities in a weed control program for the Foreshore. What are the processes, and the research, behind these recommendations? This section will present the considerations of determining such priorities.

The conventional wisdom in bushland management is the premise that the overriding priority should be the protection of remnant vegetation. Weed control should initially be implemented in good quality indigenous vegetation to safeguard and stabilise that all-important and rare resource in a region and landscape such as the Mornington Peninsula (Calder 1986). Weed control should then implemented outward, from good areas to bad, a concept first advanced by the Bradley sisters in Sydney (Bradley 1988). Staged weed control will allow indigenous vegetation to spread and revegetate land cleared of weeds.

Another framework to consider priorities for land management is the following:

· retention of valuable indigenous vegetation first;

· restoration of remnants second and

· revegetation as a last resort.

This framework helps managers decide what needs to happen first; it also works in an economic sense, the cost of the management increases dramatically when restoration or revegetation is necessary.

These are the main ideas behind choosing priority areas.

For example, there are very few orchids left on the foreshore, any that are left are a valuable and unique resource. The patches of orchids (Caladenia latifolia) in Management Block C3 is threatened by a large expanding patch of English Ivy. The existence of this threat close to a rare plant on the Foreshore makes it a much higher priority for control than might otherwise be the case for other Ivy patches.

The main approach to selecting priority areas is to focus on the resources that are considered valuable and addressing the threats to these assets. The whole array of threats should be prioritised and addressed in a realistic order, as resources allow.

Priority weeds are selected on another premise. They are chosen for the general threat they may pose across the Foreshore. The general threat is assessed through research on the specific species involved and the personal experience of the author. The references listed are considered and relevant parties with local experience are consulted. The information about general threats are combined with what is observed and surveyed on the Foreshore itself.

Priority weeds across a landscape such as the Foreshore and adjacent land are weeds that have two main and connected characteristics. Firstly, once established they dominate and prevent the regeneration of indigenous vegetation. Secondly, they pose serious and long reaching implications if allowed to produce seed. They may be spread long distances by birds or animals, little clumps of English Ivy, Hawthorn and Cherry Plum seedlings under tree branches are the prime example of this method of spread. Plants like Cape Broom or Polygala can store huge quantities of seed in the soil which will be a problem for many years to come. Control efforts across the landscape will be very important in addressing the general and widespread threats that some weeds present.

The second type of priority weed is the species that are potentially very invasive but presently occur only in small areas or quantities on the Foreshore. These are possibly the highest priority weeds since it can be so critical (and personally satisfying to the workers and managers) to eliminate the problem when it is small. The prime example of this type of weed is Cape Honey Flower (*Melianthus major); it occurs on the Foreshore in one small but growing infestation.

The Vegetation Quality Assessment maps will also show clear directions for working with this principle of working from good areas to bad and highlighting priority areas. Green areas will denote the areas to work within and from. Red islands within blue or green areas will also be priority areas. Linking green and blue areas surrounding by red or orange areas will also be priorities.

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Granted, priority weeds will likely be attacked first in priority areas but many weeds are so invasive they should be controlled whereever resources allow. The highest priority weeds are detailed in Section 6.0 and all of the introduced plants on the Foreshore are detailed and assessed in Table 1. The weeds detailed in that table that are classed both as H in the Priority column and 1 in the Risk column are weeds that should be addressed as the most significant weed problems on the Foreshore.

The general aim is to eliminate weeds in areas of good quality indigenous vegetation and suppress seed production and the spread of weeds from areas of infested/degraded vegetation.

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6.0 PRIORITY WEEDS

This section will address several weeds on the Foreshore in detail. They are what we consider priority weeds. They certainly will not all need to be controlled or eliminated. A discussion of the species here are included for one or more of the following reasons:

· They are in small infestations on the Foreshore but are potentially serious and should be eliminated. Their locations will be detailed in the final report.

· They are common across the Foreshore, causing significant impacts on the indigenous vegetation and strategies need to be devised to deal with them.

· A range of techniques need to be considered for control and there is a need for integrating control methods for the different circumstances on different sites.

6.1 Woody Weeds*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle

This species is a serious environmental weed on the Foreshore and can dominate the tree canopy and should be controlled across the Foreshore. It hybridises easily with other Acacias with spike-type flowers, such as the indigenous Coastal Wattle (Acacia sophorae), and causes problems in this way (Leon Costermans pers. comm.). Every year of seed production will add to the long term problem because of their long-term viability in the soil.

It can simply be cut close to the ground and it will not resprout so it would be suitable for groups of workers who do not want to use herbicides. If there is a need to leave the trees in place this species can also be drilled and filled.

There may also be a reaction from the public if this species is targeted in a significant way. Any removal process could be implemented slowly over time, with the replanting of indigenous wattles occurring concurrently.

Identification of Sallow Wattle can be difficult. It is the only Wattle with consistently long, straight, narrow and pointed phyllodes and spike-type flowers. Blackwoods (A. melanoxylon) and Coastal Wattle are commonly confused with it but both of these have blunt tips on wider phyllodes while Blackwoods have globular flower heads. The best reference to get identification clarified is Leon Costerman's books listed in the references.

*Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle

This wattle from Western Australia has proven to a major problem in dry coastal vegetation elsewhere in Victoria (Carr et al 1992). There is at least one small, planted grove of this tree on the Foreshore, right above the Cave track. It has a potential to spread extensively and dominate indigenous vegetation.

The other compelling reason to eliminate this species is its tenacity when trying to kill it; if it spreads it is hard to get rid of. Unlike other wattles it resprouts with vigor when cut or cut and painted. And it often resprouts even when drilled and filled. Drilling and filling is the only effective way to kill it but it usually takes at least one follow-up session after a few months.

N.B. Please refer to Appendix 2 for a comparison of wattle species, both introduced and introduced discussed above.

*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed

Boneseed is a massive problem in other areas of the Mornington Peninsula, such as Arthur's Seat and elsewhere in Victoria. Once established it completely dominates indigenous vegetation.

The dominance of Boneseed is encouraged by fire. The perfect example of this is the You Yangs Regional Park west of Melbourne. There were extensive infestations of the weed throughout the park when a wildfire burned most of the area in 1985. The fire stimulated an enormous amount of seed after the burn and made the problem significantly worse (Blood 1993).

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The Foreshore has significant infestations of Boneseed, mostly large old specimens with many small ones constantly germinating randomly across the foreshore. There is a major problem in the making because of the potentially huge store of seed in the soil; a bushfire could create the same situation that exists at Arthur's Seat or the You Yangs. A fire would probably stimulate large thickets of Boneseed whereever it might occur on the Foreshore.

These factors dictate certain strategies. Firstly, the seed production must be curtailed; killing large, vigorous specimens should be a high priority. These large old specimens can often be handpulled with minimal soil disturbance but cutting and painting may be required in sensitive areas such as steep cliffs. Secondly, handpulling small Boneseed is a constant task; any walk on the Foreshore needs to include hand pulling small seedlings. And, thirdly, a fire protection strategy (to be addressed elsewhere) is crucial and any fire, planned or unplanned, must stimulate a weeding program. Fire will regenerate both indigenous and introduced species; if the indigenous species are to survive they need to be saved from the enormous competition that will come from introduced species if left unchecked.

*Lotus creticus Cretan Trefoil

This weed is very rare in Victoria but seems to have a good potential to a major environmental weed in sandy dune environments. It was introduced from Europe as a plant for stabilising sand dunes on the Bellarine Peninsula in the late 1980's and is doing quite well in beaches near the Barwon River. It has also been found in Frankston and the Merricks infestation is the third site known by the National Herbarium. This infestation is small, a few plants in about 10 square metres, straddling Management Blocks CR3 and CR4 but seems to be doing well on the edge of the Tea Tree thickets facing the beach. The plant is almost rhizomatous, its branches seem to creep through sand and grow long distances from the original plants.

This plant is important to control before it spreads beyond the area it is in now. Handweeding should be an appropriate and quick method for removal; it must disposed of carefully as well.

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*Melianthus major Cape Honey Flower

This plant is limited to a large patch or infestation in Management Block C3. This infestation has increased significantly within the last decade (Jo Ferguson pers. comm.). The impacts of this plant on the indigenous vegetation are very clear in inspecting the site; most of the groundstorey is eliminated and regeneration of any indigenous plants is not occurring. A species of the same genus, Tufted Honey Flower (*Melianthus comosus) is a declared noxious weed in Victoria and has become naturalised in many areas of Victoria. Geoff Carr, the environmental weed expert in Victoria, did not know of any other infestations on the Mornington Peninsula. The local effects and the isolated nature of this infestation make compelling reasons for eliminating this plant on the Foreshore as soon as resources allow.

Noxious Weeds of Australia (Parsons and Cuthbertson 1992) recommends control by 'grubbing' out the plant taking care to remove the bulk of the roots. The use of the herbicide picloram is described as effective but the use of this chemical in indigenous vegetation is not recommended because of its ability to kill many other plants through soil leaching. It may be useful to attempt trials on this plant using other less toxic herbicides, using cutting and painting techniques or spraying.

*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco

Management block CR4 (near the tennis courts) contains a large infestation of this plant and it is, fortunately, mostly limited to this area, or adjacent blocks. It can be a big problem, Sweetwater Creek and Kananook Creek in Frankston has many acres of this plant choking the indigenous vegetation. The next couple of years is a very strategic time to hand pull or cut and paint this weed. If this relatively small population can be controlled bigger problems will be prevented.

*Pinus radiata Monterey Pine

Pines are often co-dominant with Sweet Pittosporum. Together they dominate the overstorey and groundstorey, eliminating and/or preventing any regeneration of indigenous species and other introduced plants as well (an advantage also). They collectively produce an extremely species poor vegetation community for both flora and fauna and they also spread very efficiently; their impact on indigenous flora and fauna is very significant.

The Foreshore Committee has already demonstrated very well, in Management Block CR5 and CR6, that regeneration of indigenous vegetation occurs quite adequately after the clearing of Pines and produces a diverse indigenous vegetation community that supports a strikingly different and more diverse group of birds and other animals than Pine-dominated areas. The last stage of Pine removal in winter 1994 has produced another impressive regeneration site. Significant regeneration has occurred, of both weeds and indigenous plants, and was followed by handweeding and small areas of plantings throughout the site (discrete clumps of 10-15 grasses, herbs with a a few trees and shrubs included); the result is impressive including a high diversity of indigenous plants.

Regeneration of indigenous vegetation in the earlier regeneration areas occurred because of surviving indigenous plants and soil-stored seed and a staged program of Pine removal, weed control and complementary plantings. Many seeds of indigenous species will sit and wait for the chance to grow until any Pines and Pittosporum are cleared above them. Such a regeneration program must be staged in order to match the important weed control works that must be done over a year or more with available resources.

However, removing Pines has proved to be a controversial issue on the Foreshore. It can be seen as a conflict of values; some people value the Pines themselves or their significance within the landscape and others value the indigenous vegetation that is suppressed by them and regenerates after their removal. These values must be balanced over time. If the recreation of an indigenous landscape is considered more important than the species poor Pine-dominated areas still existing a staged removal and regeneration is crucial to any success in both a biological and a public relations sense.

There is ample room for compromise on this issue; the values of both extremes of opinion on the future of Pine trees on the Foreshore can be accommodated. The significant Pine windbreaks and individuals can be kept and managed while other Pines are removed and those areas can then be regenerated. The

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regeneration of small Pines caused by remaining large trees will also require management efforts; ie ongoing control.

The initial step must be a stabilising effort. The rows of old Pines, that may be considered 'significant' in the landscape, may be appropriate to keep for the long-term. Any plans to keep such old windbreaks must consider insurance risks from falling branches and the costs of removing the unwanted regeneration and spread of the Pines. It is important to remove, by handpulling, cutting, ringbarking or drilling and filling, any young Pines regenerating in indigenous vegetation along the Foreshore.

In the long-term it will be important to identify the important windbreak or lines of Pines that are valuable components of the Foreshore landscape through community consultation and establish a strategy to maintain them. After this is achieved the other large Pines, that are not considered valuable in the landscape, that are scattered in a wide band on the upper flats in Blocks C7, C8 and C9, should be gradually removed and regeneration and revegetation work should be done in those areas; this regeneration process is certainly long term, possibly up to 10 to 15 years.

*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum

Sweet Pittosporum is very common on the Foreshore. It dominates many areas as well as being interspersed among indigenous vegetation. It is a high priority weed because of its ability to dominate indigenous vegetation and its sticky berries are readily by birds and foxes. The plant also releases chemicals into the soil that restrict the germination of other plants producing an extremely species poor environment. It must be removed in stages to prevent soil erosion and allow regeneration.

The method commonly used method on the Foreshore has been cutting and painting (Jo Ferguson, pers. com.). Drilling and filling is also very effective and can be advantageous because the trees don't have to be removed from the site. Handpulling small specimens on any walk across the Foreshore will also help get the problem under control, this will be an action that be an ongoing activity for many years.

Sweet Pittosporum appear to have separate male and female plants, despite the lack of recognition of this by botanists (Lorimer 1991). It isn't too difficult to tell the difference; females tend to have persistent berries while the trees that have no berries at any point are males. This difference can be exploited for staged and effective control.

A crew could be sent through the Foreshore drilling and filling female trees (any with berries). This will kill many living Pittosporum, allowing regeneration of indigenous species, and stop the production of berries but there will still leave many trees, males producing no seed, and it will make a concrete start on their control.

The control work conducted on this species in the Spring of 1994 concentrated on cutting and painting males because the goal was to remove and mulch the trees with certainty that no Sweet Pittosporum seed would contaminate the resulting mulch. Drilling and filling female trees and leaving them in situ reduces the risks of spreading seed any further than might naturally happen.

[Please refer to Section 4.4.1 of this report for information on using fire to control Sweet Pittosporum.]

*Solanum linaeanum Apple of Sodom

This weed is in one small infestation in the east side of the Yacht Club, Block C2. The fruits are very fleshy and full of seeds, being a relative of Tomatoes and Kangaroo Apple (Solanum laciniatum). This infestation was initially attacked by the Greening Australia LEAP crew in October 1994 but follow-up work is crucial because the job was not done thoroughly and there will be more regeneration. The plants can be handpulled or cut and painted and then taken to the landfill if there is still fruit on the plant.

6.2 Scrambling Vines*Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine

This plant has proven to be a very significant weed in Sydney and sub-tropical regions further north. Fortunately, it hasn't proven to spread very far in temperate Victoria, so far. Their is one small infestation of this plant in Block CR9, the Surfies Track to Pine Slide Block. This can be controlled by cutting and painting or spraying.

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*Dipogon lignosis Dolochos Pea

This plant has proven to be major problem in other Foreshore areas of the Mornington Peninsula; it is one of a suite of creepers that can invade and dominate sandy coastal environments, the Foreshore reserves on Port Phillip Bay are particularly badly affected. There were two small infestations of this plant on the Foreshore, one above the Cave Track in CR6 and another on the Pine Slide track in CR9. These infestations are relatively small at this point and are a high priority for control, to prevent their spread.

The best technique for these small infestations will be removal by hand and cutting and painting of stems on the ground. Follow-up by more cutting and painting or spot spraying will be critical.

*Hedera helix English Ivy

English Ivy is possibly the most significant weed on the Foreshore. Once established its impact is very significant, on both the understorey and mature trees. No indigenous species survive or regenerate in ground covered by Ivy. It is also capable of killing mature trees by swamping them. These two major effects is related to their reproductive ecology. Ivy on the ground does not usually produce berries. It is when Ivy grows on trees that it can then produce many fruits that birds can then spread.

Ivy is introduced to new areas by birds eating berries and depositing them elsewhere; many small groups of seedlings can be found around the Foreshore quite distant from existing infestations. Ivy is also spread in garden rubbish and spreads very well outward through its own growth.

The control of Ivy can proceed in several different ways. The method that produces instant results is handweeding, despite being labour intensive. Handweeding is only effective with good follow-up; reshooting of Ivy vines that were missed the first time through must be caught as they resprout in the months after handweeding.

Ivy is also easy to kill on trees. The base of vines can be cut and the vines in the trees will die. The large Ivy stems on the ground should also be cut and painted. Vines on trees with fibrous bark may need to be loosened to ensure that the vines do die. Any Ivy on tree ferns must be removed piece by piece because of the ability of the plant to sink roots into the crevices filled with organic matter in the tree fern stems (Freshwater 1991).

Killing Ivy on trees is a high priority activity. There are many large trees, particularly Banksias, at risk of death from strangulation along the Foreshore. Cutting and painting the vines on the trees will not solve the problem in the long-term but it will stop berry and seed production and give many indigenous trees a reprieve. Even if there was little or no work done on the Ivy infestations on the ground, the periodic, every few years, removal of Ivy off of trees would keep many trees alive and completely minimise seed production.

Ivy is resistent to spraying with herbicides such as Glyphosate. However, the ranger at Balnarring does have reasonable success controlling Ivy with Glyphosate with many, at least half a dozen, applications over a year or so; he does an initial spray, plants trees and shrubs and does several follow-up sprays. There are some problems with this technique. The high quantity of Glyphosate used in any particularly area of soil can be very significant and may actually contribute to the groundstorey weed problem by contributing nutrients such as phosphorous. It is also still quite labour intensive, requiring significant follow-up by skilled operators, and may eliminate any regeneration of indigenous species in the same area. Nonetheless, spraying would have a role in controlling Ivy. It may best be used after rolling up mats of Ivy, using Glyphosate on the small reshoots. It could also be used in big infestations, knocking them back to control them more easily with other methods. In summary, spraying is a relatively untried technique with Ivy and efforts should be well monitored and adjusted if necessary as any works progress.

*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper or Smilax

This plant is a major weed across Australia and on the Foreshore. It is a high priority for control because of its ability to dominate indigenous vegetation and spread readily with its' fleshy berries.

There are two major methods for control.

Hand digging of the substantial rhizomes of this plant is effective when the efforts are thorough and methodical; it is very labour intensive and causes a great deal of soil disturbance. For these reasons hand

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digging has a very minor role in its control; possibly only in significant sites where such plants as orchids would be killed by herbicide use.

Spraying with Glyphosate in July or August, at the bulb exhaustion time (Pritchard 1991), is also very effective and cost effective. Some spraying of Bridal Creeper every winter will be very important. If possible, it is recommended that some time and money is budgeted annually for an operator to rove the Foreshore with a backpack spray unit working on this weed.

*Rubus fruticosus .spp. agg. Blackberry

Blackberry is one of the worst weeds on the Foreshore. Not only does it dominate the indigenous vegetation once established but it prevents access for people to large areas of the Foreshore. There is also pressure to control this because it is one of the most easily identified 'noxious' weeds on the Foreshore and farmers on adjacent land who make big efforts to control it on their land want to see its' control elsewhere.

Past control efforts have concentrated on foliar spraying of the plant over large areas. This method will certainly continue to be necessary; the huge infestations require a cost effective method. However, some potential problems with the technique should be considered in any future control programs.

Firstly, non-target damage can be a big problem. Large-scale and high-volume spraying can kill much more than Blackberry in the targeted area, including some indigenous plants and many weeds that might stabilise the soil.

Secondly, follow-up is often difficult, not effective or simply not done. In order to achieve the goal of long-term replacement of weeds with indigenous plants, cautious follow-up and possibly plantings of tubestock is critical. Without follow-up, a sprayed Blackberry thicket is often just as thick two years later as it was before treatment.

Access to the extensive Blackberry thickets is the crux of the problems detailed above. If all a spray operator can do is take their hose from a rig and stand on the edge of a cliff and spray a cloud of poison over a thicket, often a mix of indigenous and introduced, then off-target damage will be a problem and follow-up work and any required planting will be impossible. There is probably little point in such a Blackberry spraying program anyway because it can't meet all of the necessary goals; a staged approach integrating access, follow-up and planting as necessary will be the most cost effective in the long-term.

Access is the first issue to be addressed. Tracks should be cut into and around thickets, possibly cutting and painting canes around sensitive vegetation, to prepare for spraying. These thickets should then be knocked down, possibly burnt and follow-up spraying should occur. Planting of indigenous trees and shrubs may then be necessary to shade out Blackberry and other weeds in the long-term.

Spot spraying is necessary in grassy understoreys where Blackberry is just taking off. This is actually one of the highest priorities on the Foreshore, particularly in Blocks CR5, CR6, C2, C3 and C4; it is a stabilising effort for the Blackberry problem as a whole, as well as protection of valuable and rare indigenous vegetation.

Burning is a strategy that will be useful in several ways. If large thickets are burnt, with or without spraying, the resulting follow-up spraying is made much easier. If grassy understoreys are burnt spot spraying for many other weeds will be easier as well.

*Sollya heterophylla Bluebell Creeper

Bluebell Creeper is a major weed in several areas of Mornington Peninsula. It is particularly encouraged by fire. A prescribed fire at Arthur's Seat a few years resulted in the mass germination of the weed; the seed came from an adjacent garden with a fence covered with Bluebell Creeper (Barca 1992). It is not yet common on the Foreshore but many individual plants are scattered in the regeneration areas in Blocks CR5 and CR6. The potential of this plant as a weed is massive, this is well demonstrated around the Peninsula.

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Control methods include cutting and painting and careful handpulling. The problem is sometimes identification, Bluebell Creeper invades indigenous vegetation types that also contain Common Apple Berry (Billardiera scandens), an indigenous vine that is incredibly similar to Bluebell Creeper. Apple Berry has not yet been found on the Foreshore but it is possibly present, being a species commonly growing in grassy open forests.

6.3 Exotic Perennial Grasses*Agrostis capillaris Brown-top Bent

Brown-top Bent is a common lawn and pasture grass and dominates the groundstorey once established. It is not common within the Foreshore, only on the edges adjacent to the private land and gardens above. Control should be a high priority.

Spot spraying with Glyphosate is the most effective control method for this species although handweeding or smothering is effective in small areas. The plants must be green and lush for spraying to be effective. Control can be difficult when the plants are mixed with indigenous grasses and herbs; burning the groundstorey and spraying the regrowth will facilitate the control of the weed.

*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass

Sweet Vernal Grass is a common plant among the indigenous grasses in the open understorey of the open coastal forests on the Foreshore. Considering the other immense weed problems on the Foreshore this weed is not a high priority as it does not seem to dominate the understorey completely but simply mixes in with native grasses. It is a perennial grass with small tussocks and will sometimes grow quite thick in some areas so it is may be a higher priority in some areas than others.

Control is labour intensive. Hand weeding is possible in significant areas. Spot spraying or wick wiping with Glyphosate is very efficient and even more so after burns in the grassy understorey. It is a cool season grass, growing leaves in winter and flowering in late Spring.

*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass

Panic Veldt Grass is a very common weed in the Tea Tree and Banksia forests on the sandy beach flats of the Foreshore. It is mostly a winter growing grass and must be dealt with in the wet season. It can completely dominate the groundstorey and will out-compete many indigenous plants, such as orchids, for space, water and nutrients. It is a high priority for control around significant species in the groundstorey but not on a wider level.

Control methods include hand weeding, spraying and burning. Repeated burning of the small shoots of this plant with a handheld flame thrower can disadvantage it over time.

*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu

Kikuyu is a high priority weed in some areas of the Foreshore. It is an excellent lawn grass because once established it grows in a thick mat totally excluding other plants. It is not abundant across the Foreshore, only in a few areas.

Control is possible through hand weeding but the only labour effective control method is spraying with Glyphosate. It must be sprayed in summer and only lush green shoots should be sprayed. Burning the thatch of unmowed patches will make spraying alot easier and more effective. Follow-up is also critical; hidden rhizomes will reshoot over time.

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7.0 PRIORITY AREASThese areas are chosen as priority sites for weed control and regeneration work; applying the principle of working from good to bad. These sites are the important assets of the Foreshore and management efforts should be concentrated on protecting these sites and expanding them. [The values and significance of these sites will be detailed further in the Flora Survey Report.]

Another way of considering these sites is considering them as "focus" sites (the language used in Section 13.0 in the Block Descriptions) for works. These are the interesting places as well and they are probably the best places to get people interested in working on the Foreshore. Works can focus on these sites and spread out from them as they are stabilised.

These sites are simply listed here and their values are briefly described. For more details look under the Block Descriptions in Section 13.0, where recommended works are detailed.

Recommended priority areas are as follows:

Tree Fern and Grassy Woodland Communities in Blocks C3 and C4

These are the most intact areas of native vegetation, with several significant species, on the Foreshore and are in the Conservation Zone on the western end of the Foreshore.

Around Toilet Block and Yacht Club (Management Blocks CR1 and CR2.)

This area will provide sites for complete revegetation. It is also a focus for community education considering the traffic and exposure.

Management Block CR3 (Just east of the Yacht Club.)

This area contains most of the Pink Fairy orchids (Caladenia latifolia) on the Foreshore .

Regeneration Areas in CR5 and CR6 (Between the Cave Track and Bluff Road.)

This area has already been substantially improved by the Foreshore Committee; the efforts simply need to be maintained.

Cave Area and Cave Track (The eastern end of CR6 and western end of CR7.)

This area is used by many people and the new steps completed here can be a useful structure to work around.

Fern Gully in Block CR7 (Just off the track near the Lookout in Block CR8.)

There is Tree Ferns, several other Fern species and large Banksias here.

Lookout in Block CR8

This site is valuable for its' distinctive grassy understorey community; a community that could be encouraged to spread.

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8.0 INTRODUCED PLANTS AND INDIGENOUS GRASSES ON THE FORWARD DUNES OF THE FORESHOREThere is clear evidence from the aerial photos provided to the authors that the dunes on the Foreshore are stabilising and that grasses and Coastal Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) are expanding towards the sea in some sections of the Foreshore. Although, the strong storm in December did erode the beach and vegetation behind a great deal in many areas as well.

The crucial issue here is that different species of plants produce different kinds of dunes. In the early 1980's a scientist named P.C. Heyligers (Bell 1987) conducted a study to document the role of plants in initiating dune formation. He found several surprises, firstly that one quarter of the 50 plant species that now occupy foredunes in south-eastern Australia are exotic. There were three species in particular, Sea Rocket (*Cakile maritima), Sea Wheat-grass (*Thinopyrum junceiforme) and Marram Grass (*Ammophila arenaria), forming dunes in a dramatically different ways than indigenous species and establishing dunes in places where indigenous species were not capable of stabilising the sand.

Indigenous dune grass, Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus), produce dunes that are low broad mounds. Spinifex sends out rhizomes and flows up and down with dunes as they change in size, producing a more stable beach environment.

In contrast, Marram Grass (*Ammophila arenaria) produce dunes much more quickly that are much larger. These dunes also "blow out" much easier than Spinifex dunes. Marram Grass doesn't flow up and down with sand levels; the larger, much taller sand dunes formed by the exotic grasses can blow out from below resulting in steep erosion fronts on dunes.

This process is quite easy to see in some beach environments. Seaford Foreshore on Port Phillip Bay has many examples of Marram Grass dunes that are quite unstable and producing steep erosion fronts. There are extreme examples in the Port Fairy area, where dunes are enormous, 15 to 20 metres high, and blow out with disastrous results. Huge volumes of sand can be on the move very quickly.

This process is clear on Merricks Foreshore, also. There are large areas with indigenous Spinifex and Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica) that are smooth rounded dunes. Even larger areas are dominated by the introduced grasses, Marram and Sea Wheat Grasses, and large dense dunes are formed with steep erosion fronts.

The issue here may more ideological than practical. The biodiversity of Foreshore dunes is not significant when comparing the vegetation with other terrestrial environments and the differences between exotic and indigenous grass in these areas is not seen by the vast majority of visitors to the beach. In addition, the exotic grasses provide a service that could be considered more important than encouraging indigenous species, they are holding the sand together very well. There are several issues to be considered before considering action. Firstly, is the indigenous beach vegetation desired and a priority to re-establish? Secondly, is their a distinct advantage in the types of dunes created by indigenous dune plants on a practical level? And lastly, where does this issue fit on the list of priorities for weed control and management in general on the Foreshore?

Once the issues queried above are considered the possible actions must be determined. There are several, if the goal is to discourage the exotic grasses and encourage the indigenous. Wholesale destruction of exotic beach grasses is not recommended in any sense, stability of the dunes is important. Several actions are still possible.

The control for Marram and Sea Wheat Grass will include handweeding, being meticulous in getting all rhizomes, spraying and wick wiping with a herbicide such as Glyphosate, a surfactant may be necessary.

Potential actions to encourage indigenous grass include the following:

· Eliminate small infestations of exotic grasses within large areas of indigenous beach grasses.

· Begin to control and push back the invasion front of exotic grasses on the edges of areas of indigenous beach grass through handweeding or herbicide spraying.

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· Use areas of indigenous beach grasses as nurseries to replant areas where exotic grass is removed. Rhizomes of indigenous grasses can be selectively collected, leaving the majority in place, and replanted in other areas.

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9.0 INTRODUCED 'NATIVE' AUSTRALIAN PLANTS AND THEIR USE ON THE FORESHORENative plants, being 'native' Australian plants introduced from elsewhere in Australia, are clearly seen as important and desirable garden plants on private land adjacent to the Foreshore and have been used extensively in revegetation on the Foreshore reserve itself over the last two decades.

Unfortunately, these native plants have produced many negative as well as positive impacts on the Foreshore, the level and severity of these impacts vary according to your perspective. Native plants are well appreciated on an aesthetic level and various indigenous fauna use such species as habitat to some level but their negative impacts can be significant.

These impacts include:

· 'Native' plants drastically change the indigenous, as opposed to 'native', character of the Foreshore and its vegetation. This is basically an aesthetic consideration and can be a ideological issue rather than biological.

· They can contaminate the gene pool of related local plants by hybridising with them (Carr et al 1992). This is major consideration on the Foreshore for wattles with spike flowers (see Section 6.0 for more information) and indigenous eucalyptus species, particularly Coastal Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryoriana) of which unhybridised populations are very difficult to find if you are concerned with collecting indigenous seed for revegetation (Rohan Cummings pers. com.).

· They can become environmental weeds and dominate the Foreshore and its native vegetation. This is readily apparent by inspecting the Foreshore and from the information gathered in this report. For example, was originally spread in its use as a garden plant; it is native to East Gippsland.

Native plants and their potential impacts are detailed, in part, in Table 2. They are part of the larger group of "Horticultural Escapes"; garden plants that have become environmental weeds. The control of some native plants is likely to cause some controversy; Table 2 is a attempt to assess the existing infestations of each species and/or their potential impact in a rational and objective way. Decisions about control priorities will be necessary, if control action is actually needed for some species, and the need for community consultation and education can then be determined.

There is two key recommendations in regards to 'native' plants on the Foreshore:

· Initiate a policy of planting only indigenous plants, local species propagated from local seed, on the Foreshore.

· A less restrictive policy would simply avoid environmental weeds, using Carr et al 1992 or the list in Table 2 as a reference for which species should be avoided.

An indigenous policy will preserve the indigenous atmosphere of the Foreshore and prevent any potential but presently unknown environmental weeds in the form of introduced natives. A less stringent planting policy, but still critical for preserving the remaining indigenous atmosphere of the Foreshore, could avoid the worst and most invasive of the introduced natives in selected areas.

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10.0 EDUCATIONAL STRATEGIES FOR THE ISSUE OF ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDSEducational strategies must start with identification of the problem. Why do people plant environmental weeds in their gardens? The preliminary results of a study being conducted by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on community attitudes about environmental weeds is proving what some people realise from personal experience already. Basically, people plant and spread environmental weeds because of ignorance. In general, the average person has little botanical knowledge and does not realise the problems that they create with the plants they put in their gardens or their actions beyond their gardens. People also do not realise the impact of dumping garden refuse in bushland or disturbing soil. The idea that weeds are a problem in native bushland is widely accepted but the dimensions of the problem are not apparent to the average person.

The perfect example of the level of this ignorance was demonstrated in a debate spread on the pages of the local paper in 1992 in the Shire of Eltham, on the northern edge of Melbourne. The Shire encouraged the removal of introduced wattles, such as Cootamundra Wattle (*Acacia baileyana) and Sydney Black Wattle (*A. decurrens). Several letters to the editor in the local paper bordered on hysteria about the imminent destruction of all the beautiful wattles of the area. Many locals lumped all species of wattle together and feared their destruction because of a campaign against a few of the introduced species spreading into bushland.

People do care about bushland and indigenous vegetation when they know the problems and issues. This has been demonstrated in many places where educational campaigns have been undertaken and the recent survey mentioned above. Admittedly, some people are told there is a problem but somehow refuse to see it; it may be that they don't spend any time in their local bushland and/or don't know their local indigenous vegetation. The awareness of the problem is still continually expanding and more organisations and individuals are continually doing important work in educating the public. It is important for all land managers to tell local residents about the impacts of their garden plants and their activities.

Informing people about the problem of environmental weeds is a formidable task. Many will simply not take the time to read, listen or attend meetings, workshops, walks and working bees. Despite this it is important to prepare educational materials for people. It might be periodical newsletters, weed information sheets or plant identification sheets (a sample is included in Appendix 2). Many of these materials can be borrowed or adapted from other sources, local government, government departments etc. A series of workshops or courses on local flora and environmental weeds for the community may be utilised by a small interested group, written materials will also reach quite a few more but unfortunately some people in the community will always be hard to access, educate and involve.

It is also difficult to encourage people not to plant a range of species if they do not have some readily available alternatives. Information on alternative plants to environmental weeds is crucial and may best be presented with any educational material prepared. People need an alternative, it's like the dumping of garden rubbish; if burning is banned and councils don't collect green waste often enough it becomes a problem and gets dumped in the nearest convenient public open space. The alternatives will of course include indigenous plants but a list of introduced species that are not invasive will also be welcomed by the public.

It is important to show people the alternatives to environmental weeds as well. This can be done on the Foreshore by presenting well-restored indigenous landscapes, particularly in prominent locations, possibly the area at the end of Merricks Beach Road, the Tennis Court or the Cliff Road area. The landscapes might be small and colourful and close to well-travelled tracks or large areas. Showing off such areas in field days or walk, talk and gawks may be part of the public education program.

The local nurseries might be a good point of contact for educating local residents as well. Gardeners tend to visit nurseries often and the nursery is one of the only consistent points of contact with gardeners. It is often the gardeners in a community who make a real effort to 'beautify' their own land, and often adjacent land as well, according to their image of beauty and practicality. The gardeners are the people in the community with the energy to work with plants and the landscape; if could be useful to harness this energy to help the objectives of Foreshore management or to at least get them to eliminate environmental

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weeds in their own gardens. The nursery is one of the only consistent contact points for such people; cooperation with nurseries in compiling information and sharing it with customers might go a long way towards solving many environmental weed issues.

It may also be important to educate on other levels. Educating the local residents is tackling the problem from one direction and certainly the most crucial part of the effort. It is also important to get wider action on the matter. This may include writing letters to local nurseries asking them not to sell certain plants or lobbying the local council or State Government to ban the sale of environmental weeds. The new State law, the Catchment and Land Protection Act is another vehicle for action on wider levels. It may be quite useful to have other authorities take action and be the bad guys; they have distance while the Foreshore Committee is local and could offer constructive information and alternatives.

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Summary of recommendations for environmental weed education:

· Compile (or borrow from other programs) information sheets on the local environmental weeds, concentrating on the worst ones (it is important not to overwhelm people), and provide written information on alternative species appropriate for local gardens for local residents.

· Provide information for local residents about what is happening on the Foreshore in an annual or bi-annual newsletter.

· Information days and workshops for local residents. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Parkcare Programs in the Dandenongs and middle Yarra, Coast Action Programs or the "Discover your Environment" program run by the Shire of Eltham would be appropriate models or inspiration for such a program in the area. The local council or grant programs such as Melbourne Parks and Waterways or the National Landcare Program may be willing to support a series of such information days within the Merricks village area or beyond; there would actually be a great potential for cooperating with adjacent Foreshore committees or the council.

· Work with local nurseries to encourage them to avoid the sale of environmental weeds and distribute information about the environmental weed problem. There are now few environmental weeds sold in nurseries but some are still quite significant problems, eg. Bluebell Creeper (*Sollya heterophylla).

· Lobby the local council and State Government to limit or ban the sale of the worst environmental weeds.

· Work with or support the work of the local Catchment Advisory Committee (part of the Implementation of the new Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994).

· Investigate the possibility of involving local schools in projects on the Foreshore, including tree plantings and biological control projects.

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11.0 A MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK AND RECORDKEEPINGLand management is a complex process, it must include the consideration of past actions and results, the objectives of management and the resources available. The author have attempted to highlight many of the considerations for weed management in this report and detailed much specific information that will be necessary for implementing management actions. However, this is only part of the management picture and must be integrated with much other information and other objectives. Land management can be made easier by establishing a framework within which information is gathered, processed and analysed. This is what is attempted here with the defining of management zones and blocks.

Recordkeeping and ongoing analysis is an important process in land management in general, as well, and weed control in particular. It allows for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of management actions. A key question must be continually asked when managing land and indigenous vegetation: are the management actions effective in meeting the management objectives? It is impossible to answer such a question accurately without good recordkeeping and without having good baseline data to measure from.

It is also important to evaluate how the flora and fauna is faring under a management regime. It may be just as important to monitor and have clear records of money spent, reasons why certain actions were taken and volunteer time contributed for accountability. In these economic times the few dollars that are available must be spent wisely and expenditure must evaluated and rationalised.

A recordkeeping system is a necessity and is essentially the basic process of monitoring. The Flora Survey Report will detail more extensive monitoring activities. The recordkeeping system we will propose here is the minimal 'monitoring' that should happen when doing any work on the Foreshore.

The basic recordkeeping unit is the management block, discreet areas well defined by tracks or streams. Each unit should have a site folder prepared for it, if they don't already exist, that goes out on site with workers or is used in the office and serves as a reference and organiser. There may need to be more than one copy maintained. Each site folder should contain basic background information, such as the relevant sections of this report and other reports, any works plans and monitoring and recordkeeping sheets with maps to detail the location of any management works.

A proposed general daily recordkeeping sheet is included in Appendix 1, there may be some redesigning necessary to serve all your purposes well. It has blanks for details that are important as well and space for notes and other information that will change from time to time. These should be filled out on each day that work is done. One has to be vigilant and fill in sheets on every working day to ensure accurate records.

The recordkeeping sheets should also be double-sided with a map of the site photocopied on the back. The areas worked in can then be easily drawn or highlighted. The small Management Block maps in this report are intended for this purpose.

Works plans are also very important. A yearly work plan should be prepared for each Management Block integrating all the resources and parties available to do any necessary work. It is very important to look far ahead in planning restoration and revegetation works, many projects may have stages that must be done over an entire year and in tune with the seasons and growth cycles of the vegetation. Work plans can also be another way of assessing the effectiveness of management efforts, especially if combined with summary reports prepared on an annual basis.

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12.0 MANAGEMENT BLOCK DESCRIPTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONSThis is the section of the report that gets down to detailed descriptions and recommendations for different areas of the Foreshore. Two management zones were defined in the management report written by Rusden students. These zones have been further divided into Management Blocks. We have recognised 9 Management Blocks in the section of the Foreshore adjacent to the village, designated CR1 to CR9 from west, starting from Merricks Beach Road, to east (CR referring to the Rusden report calling the bigger area the Conservation/Recreation Zone). Five Blocks have been defined in the western half, designated C1 to C5 (C referring to the Conservation zone defined by the Rusden students), these are numbered from east to west, starting at Merricks Beach Road (see map 3). The areas were defined by discrete boundaries, usually by existing tracks or creeks on either end and bounded by the high water mark on the lower edge and roads or private property on the upper edge. We are open to any appropriate informal names for these Blocks that the committee may suggest.

The descriptions will include a general description of the management issues related to each Block and what makes the sites significant. Many of the recommendations presented here will refer to information presented in the section of this report dealing with general management problems but concerning the specific problems in each block. It also gives a good baseline description to work from so that in future changes to vegetation or success in weed control can be more easily assessed. The intent is to use a kind of short hand in this section after presenting the general information elsewhere.

Long term objectives propose general goals for the management of each block. This is a framework for conducting any works in the Block in question and defining the long term vision for the specific area of the Foreshore.

Management recommendations and tasks are then outlined. These are mostly short term activities, although many of them will take several years to finish, especially considering follow-up work.

We have also included weed lists for each specific area here. The high priority weeds within the specific management blocks are detailed with the symbol H after the common name.

The weed lists included may seem quite intimidating, the sheer diversity of introduced plants that may be present is often mind boggling. It is important to bear in mind that the indigenous vegetation is surprisingly resilient and regeneration can be vigorous once weeds are removed or suppressed. The health of indigenous overstorey species will also noticeably improve once the understorey is restored. The weed lists are long but it does not mean that an effort should be made to exterminate them all, that would be an impossible task and possibly undesirable considering their value for habitat and soil stability in many circumstances.

Finally, the information presented under each of the management headings may not seem very comprehensive, although certainly enough work has been defined to keep many workers occupied for quite a long time. The information presented is intended to be the beginning of the ongoing process of defining the long term objectives and ongoing management works. It is also the beginning of the essential recordkeeping process detailed in Section 11.0. The Long Term Objectives and Management Recommendations detailed here are quite simply only suggestions of long-term directions and specific actions for the short-term; these recommendations must be considered, potentially revised, prioritised and updated over time.

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Management Block CR1 Merricks Road/Toilet BlockDescription: This block is at the end of Merricks Beach Road; one boundary is the track to the beach from the end of the road. The eastern edge is the track in between the toilet block and the Yacht Club.

This block has massive weed infestations across the entire width except for an overstorey of Coastal Banksia on the inward side and some Coastal Tea tree on the bay side. The common weeds among the trees in this area are English Ivy and Kikuyu, both weeds that totally smother any plants growing on the ground while English Ivy will eventually kill many trees. There was a large patch of Blackberry in the wet depression on the bay side of the toilet block but this has been sprayed, slashed and burnt in August 1994; this wet depression was planted in October 1994. The regeneration of Knobby Club Sedge (Isolepis nodosa) and Poa tussocks and the germination of Kangaroo Apple (Solanum aviculare) is already evident.

Long Term Objectives:The long term aim for this block should be elimination of the major weeds and revegetation of the groundstorey with vigorous indigenous plants that compete well with weeds. This area is so degraded their is not much hope for finding or re-establishing a large diversity of indigenous plants, although they should be looked for as revegetation efforts occur.

This area could be a showcase of the showier indigenous plants in often seen locations, as an 'entrance', to start presenting a better view of the Foreshore to the large quantity of people who frequent this area. Small conspicuous areas could be planted with local wildflowers. The structural species, such as Sword Tussock Grass (Poa spp.), Knobby Club Sedge and Spiny Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia) could be planted more widely in order to achieve a domination of the understorey by indigenous.

The nodes for revegetation could be the large Banksias in the Block. The health of the individual trees would be enhanced.

This may be a good area for a display board with information about the Foreshore as well.

Management Recommendations and Tasks: · Maintain all weeded areas and any plantings to ensure the effectiveness of the work.

· Continue efforts to control Ivy, particularly on tree trunks, and Kikuyu and revegetate with indigenous plants.

· Cut and Paint or Drill and Fill the Hawthorn on the Block.

· Spot spray Bridal Creeper within the Management Block.

· Assess the need for the existing, but ragged, fencing on the beach within the Management Block and repair or remove it once its necessity is determined. This fence was apparently built to slow the flow of sand, manage people and encourage regeneration in the area. It appears it has been effective, but is it still necessary?

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Management Block CR1 Introduced Plant List:

*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Acacia mitchellii Mitchell's Wattle*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass*Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-eared Chickweed*Conyza bonariensis Fleabane*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster H*Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn*Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass H*Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge*Galium aparine Cleavers*Hedera helix English Ivy H*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Leontodon taraxicoides Hairy Hawkbit*Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle H*Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic*Melaleuca armillaris Honey Myrtle*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob H*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu H*Piptatherum miliaceum Rice Millet*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum H*Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum H*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry*Rumex crispus Curled Dock*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Sporobolis indicus var. africanus Rat's Tail Grass *Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat Grass*Trifolium repens White Clover*Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Common Vetch*Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue*Watsonia meriana cv. bulbillifera Wild Watsonia H

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Management Block CR2 Yacht Club BlockDescription: This Block is the area surrounding the Yacht Club compound. It stretches from the path near the toilet block beyond the Yacht Club to the first path that stretches from the road to the beach. The vast majority of the block is covered with an overstorey of Coastal Tea Tree, except for the area above the Yacht Club where many introduced natives have been planted. The Yacht Club compound itself is the location of many introduced plants that are not found elsewhere on the Foreshore; the hard packed, sun-lit expanse of the site provides unique conditions.

A significant feature of the Block is the giant Banksia near the entrance to the Yacht Club. It should be monitored and cared for. This will involve appropriate and minimal pruning if it is necessary for safety reasons and continuing or maintaining the indigenous revegetation around the tree, since a diverse ground and shrub storey will enhance its health..

There is very little indigenous understorey left anywhere on this Block. There is a small patch of Sword Tussock Grass, Spear Grass (Stipa flavescens) and other native grasses on the flat above the Yacht Club. Plantings of indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses have also been placed in this area. The growth of these species will enable the replacement of the existing 'native' canopy in the long term.

There is some orchids, Pink Fairies (Caladenia latifolia) under the Tea Tree canopy right off the beach east of the Yacht Club. There are very few other understorey plants around the orchid patches, fortunately. There is also a very small clump of Maroonhood orchids (Pterostylis pedunculata) just off the track under the Tea Tree on the southwest corner. These are some of the few orchid species found on the entire Foreshore.

Long Term Objectives:Maintain and supplement the plantings on the flat above the Yacht Club with the aim of replacing the present introduced overstorey with indigenous species. Control of exotic grass in the understorey will be an ongoing concern.

Maintain the plantings in other areas and supplement the regenerating vegetation over time.

Manage it to retain and encourage the orchids, both patches, by keeping weeds at bay and preventing disturbance.

Management Recommendations and Tasks: · Follow-up the removal of Apple of Sodom east of the Yacht Club, by the LEAP crew in September

1994, to ensure the elimination of this noxious weed; it is the only infestation on the Foreshore.

· English Ivy, Mirror Bush have been removed on the strip of Tea Tree on the western edge of the Yacht Club; it was subsequently planted with a variety of indigenous species. Maintenance is crucial to make this area a success; follow-up handweeding, particularly of stray bits of English Ivy, and spot spraying will be necessary.

· Many small seedlings of Mirror Bush and Ivy were found in the bare ground under the large old Tea Trees across the Block; probably from bird droppings. Hand pulling small weed seedlings will be a continual task in these areas.

· Maintain the plantings above the Yacht Club as well to ensure their success. This will involve handweeding and spot spraying. Kikuyu is a significant problem in this area and it will need several treatments before it is really under control and the indigenous grass species are dominating.

The two orchid sites in this Block need special treatment:

1)The site with Maroonhoods, a clump of three individuals was found this Spring, is right on the path in the south western corner and is vulnerable to trampling. Strategic placement of brush, Tea Tree branches, over the clump has been effective in keeping people on the path. Sensitive hand weeding may also be needed around this clump.

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2) The areas with Pink Fairies in the southeast corner is much more sheltered and very few people walk in this area. Strategic brush piles or plantings may be needed to manage access in the future. The ground around the orchids is quite bare and few weed species are invading the area so the best action is to observe and monitor the orchids over many years to get an idea of their population dynamics and any declines in the population.

Ensuring the growth of Seaberry Saltbush (Rhagodia candolleana) and Bower Spinach (Tetragonia implexicoma) on the Yacht Club compound fence on the east side near the orchid sites will create a barrier to wind borne seed from the Yacht Club compound.


*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Agapanthus*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-eared Chickweed*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster H*Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass H*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass H*Erigeron kravinskii Sea Daisy*Eucalyptus sp. Bushy Yate*Gazania linearis Gazania H*Galium aparine Cleavers*Gladiolus undulatus Gladiolus*Hakea salicifolia Willow-leaf Hakea*Hedera helix English Ivy H*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic*Medicago truncatula Barrel Medic*Melaleuca armillaris Giant Honey Myrtle*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco H*Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob H*Oxalis incarnata Pale Wood-sorrel H*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu H*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Plantago coronopus Buck's Horn Plaintain*Poa annua Winter Grass*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Rosa rubiginosa Briar Rose *Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry*Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom H*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Sporobolis indicus var. africanus Rat's Tail Grass *Stellaria media Chickweed*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass

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*Trifolium repens White Clover*Veronica arvensis Speedwell*Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Common Vetch

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Management Block CR3 The Orchid BlockDescription: This Block is bounded by two major tracks. The west side is the first track from beach to road to the east of the Yacht Club. The eastern edge is the next major track over; this track leaves Surf St. near the corner of Foam St..

This Block is called the Orchid Block because of the existence of several clumps of Pink Fairy Orchids (Caladenia latifolia) that are growing under a canopy of Tea Tree. The road side of the block is a mowed lawn of Kikuyu with many Australian natives planted. The centre of the block is made up of a canopy of Coastal Tea Tree; the section of the Coastal Tea Tree thicket adjacent to the beach is where the orchids are but they are threatened by a large infestation of English Ivy creeping down the slope. There are also large clumps of Black Anther Flax Lily (Dianella revoluta) amongst indigenous grasses on the eastern edge under the Tea Tree near the beginning of the beach.

There is a infestation of an exotic pea called Cretan Trefoil (*Lotus creticus). It is right off the beach growing in pure sand. The leaves are very gray and it actually appears almost rhizomatous, sending running branches through the sand. (Please see Section 6.0 for more information.)

Long Term Objectives:Stabilise the important populations of orchids and Black Anther Flax Lily.

This is also one area where the eradication of Ivy is near possible and should be of high priority because of the important indigenous species.

The area adjacent to the road, dominated by Australian natives and Kikuyu Grass, should be slowly replaced with indigenous species.

Management Recommendations and Tasks:· Prevent access to orchid areas. See the management advice under Block CR2 for further actions.

· Cut and Paint the few Tree Tobacco seedlings in the block.

· The patch of Ivy in the centre of the block should be rolled and handweeded as a high priority.

· The northeast corner of this block is a centre of weeds: Tradescantia on the ground and several invasive native trees and shrubs. These weeds should be high priority for control.

· Handweed the Cretan Trefoil in the southeastern corner of the Block.

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*Acacia elata Cedar Wattle*Acacia baileyana Cootamundra Wattle*Acacia dealbata Silver Wattle*Acacia floribunda White Sallow Wattle*Acacia howittii*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Agapanthus H*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster H*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Galium aparine Cleavers*Gazania linearis Gazania H*Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary-leaf Grevillea*Hakea salicifolia Willow Hakea*Hakea suaveolens Sweet Hakea*Hedera helix English Ivy H*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Lotus creticus Cretan Trefoil H*Melaleuca hypericifolia Red Honey Myrtle*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco H*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu*Pinus radiata Radiata Pine H*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry H*Solanum linnaeanum Apple of Sodom H*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade*Stellaria media Chickweed*Taraxacum Sect. Hamata Dandelion*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Tradescantia albiflora Wandering Jew H*Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Common Vetch

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Management Block CR4 Tennis Court BlockDescription: This Block is inbetween the Tennis Court and the beach. The western edge is the track just off the end of Foam Street. The eastern edge is the path from the extreme western end of Cliff Road, near the large Agapanthus plantings, down by the large Plum tree in the bush and on to the beach.

This Block is in very poor shape, there is an overstorey of large old Banksias in some areas, particularly the upper flat areas, and a Tea Tree overstorey on the beach side of the block, with significant weeds throughout the Block, except in the northeastern corner. The creeklines are particularly weed infested; the weeds in the creeks include Blackberry, exotic perennial grasses and the only patch of Nasturtium and one of two clumps of Wandering Jew (*Tradescantia albiflora) on the Foreshore. The creekline may be enriched with nutrients from the drainage of the village area; the two creeklines that converge on this Block drain almost all of the land in the Merricks Village, with much potential for picking up nutrients.

The creek ends in a small wet depression behind the dunes. This depression is basically a Marram Grass marsh.

The weeds in this Block are extensive. English Ivy covers almost halve of the Block and is producing a great deal of seed because many vines are covering and killing many indigenous trees. This area is the largest infestation of Tree Tobacco on the Foreshore as well.

The upper edge, on the edge of the Tennis Court, is a mowed Kikuyu lawn with many planted Australian natives. The northeastern corner of the Block is planted with Agapanthus and many introduced Grevilleas as well; this area certainly does not have an indigenous feel to it and the Agapanthus and at least one Grevillea species has begun to regenerate in the adjacent grassy understorey in the bush.

Long Term Objectives:Control of Ivy on this Block will be a significant ongoing project.

The water flowing into and through the creeklines of the Block should be monitored for pollutant levels, strategies for denutrification may be necessary in the long-term and the creeks can be a focus for revegetation. Consider long-term strategies to replace the Marram Grass in the swamp the creeks end in with indigenous species.

The upper parts of the Block appear very thick with weedy shrubs but there is an area of beautiful, large, old Banksias just inside the upper edge of this Block, directly opposite the tennis court. These Banksias and the immediate area around them may be another focus for revegetation.

Management Recommendations and Tasks: · Begin the attack on English Ivy; cut and paint the vines on trees initially, possible spray the larger

areas with Glyphosate or gradually roll back the mats of Ivy and remove, starting on the edge of significant areas.

· Initate a Blackberry control program in the Block. Hacking out a few more access tracks may be necessary to do a thorough job.

· Handweed the Cretan Trefoil in the southwestern corner of the Block (see the description in Section 6.0).

· Cut and paint the Tree Tobacco in the Block, in the northeast corner. Follow-up will be critical as well. (Some of this work was done in November 1994.)

· Remove the Wandering Jew and Nasturtium from the creekline and replant with indigenous plants appropriate to wet sites (please refer to the Flora Survey Report).

· Cut and paint Banana Passionfruit on the Block, opposite of the Tennis Court.


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*Acacia floribunda White Sallow Wattle*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Agapanthus*Agonis flexuosa WA Willow Myrtle*Agrostis capillaris Brown-top Bent H*Allocasuarina torulosa Rose She-oak*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Brassica sp. Mustard*Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass*Bromus diandrus Great Brome*Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush*Callistemon pallidus Lemon Bottlebrush*Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush*Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-eared Chickweed*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle*Conyza albida Fleabane*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster H*Craetaegus monogyna Hawthorn H*Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass H*Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Eucalyptus cladocalyx Sugar Gum*Eucalyptus globulus ssp. ? Blue Gum*Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge H*Freesia leichtlinii Freesia*Galium aparine Cleavers*Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea*Grevillea robusta Grevillea*Grevillea spp. Grevillea Hybrids*Hakea salicifolia Willow Hakea*Hakea suaveolens Sweet Hakea*Hakea sp. Hakea*Hedera helix English Ivy H*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle H*Lotus creticus Cretan Trefoil H*Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leafed Tea Tree*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco H*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum*Passiflora mollisma Banana Passionfruit H*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu H*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Prunus cerasifera Plum*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry*Rumex crispus Dock*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade

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*Sonchus asper Prickly Sow Thistle*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Taraxacum officinale Dandelion*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Tradescantia albiflora Wandering Jew H*Rorippa nasturtiumaquaticum Nasturtium*Veronica arvensis Speedwell*Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Common Vetch

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Management Block CR5 Surf Street East BlockDescription: This block extends from the path leading from the Agapanthus patch in front of 10 Surf St. down to the beach to the path leading from the end of Bluff Road to the beach. The upper edge of the Block on Surf St. consists of a drainage line parallel to the street that is dominated by various exotic grasses and rushes.

The Block has an upper flat that is dominated by a mostly indigenous overstorey and a grassy understorey dominated by native grass, including Weeping Grass (Microlaena stipoides) and Poas. This area is the result of a great deal of work on the part of the Foreshore Committee in their regeneration program.

The Block drops off on the beach side and has an overstorey of Coastal Tea Tree and some Sweet Pittosporum with many weeds in the understorey. The Tea Tree thicket thins out as it approaches the beach, there is then open dune vegetation on the beach side.

Long Term Objectives:Maintain and enhance the grassy woodland on the upper flat.

Manage the Coastal Tea Tree thicket on the lower half of the Block to eliminate the weedy understorey.

Manage the drainage line on the edge of Bluff Rd. to eliminate the major weed problem caused by increased water availability.

Management Recommendations and Tasks: · Spot spray exotic grass in the open grassy understorey on the upper flat.

· Spot spray Bridal Creeper in the Tea Tree thicket on the lower half of the Block.

· Drill and fill or cut and paint the woody weeds, particularly *Acacia longifolia, the odd Pines and Desert Ash, in the Block.

· Remove Agapanthus tussocks that have spread into the bush on the upper flat.

· Spray the exotic weeds in the drainage line on Bluff Road and replant with appropriate indigenous plants.

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Management Block CR5 Introduced Plant List:*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle H*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Agapanthus H*Agonis flexuosa Willow Myrtle*Allium triquetrum Angled Onion H*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Craetaegus monogyna Hawthorn H*Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass H*Cyperus eragrostis Drain Sedge*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Eucalyptus ssp. Planted Eucalypts*Fraxinus rotundifolia ssp. rotundifolia Desert Ash H*Geranium molle Doves-foot*Grevillea rosmarinifolia Rosemary Grevillea*Hakea salicifolia Willow-leaf Hakea*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Lagurus ovata Hare's Tail Grass*Malus domestica Apple*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco H*Oxylobium sp. Planted Oxylobium*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum Grass*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Pinus radiata Radiata Pine H*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Plantago lanceolata Ribwort*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry H*Rumex pulcher Fiddle Dock*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Trifolium repens White Clover

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Management Block CR6 Regeneration and Cave/Cliff BlockDescription: This Block stretches east from the track that starts at the end of Bluff Road, and extends to the beach, to the future site of steps just east of the Cave. The Block is a plateau stretching to a steep cliff right on the beach. There is very little vegetation on the beach below the cliff because of the tide activity on the beach.

It is essentially the large regeneration area that was initiated several years by the Foreshore Committee. This work could be expanded quite easily to regenerate the entire Management Block. The existing regeneration areas need maintenance and the margins of the Block as well the eastern end need to be consolidated. There is one small patch at the east end of the Block, above the Cave, where the Pine trees and several clumps of exotic succulents were removed in Winter 1994. Planting of small areas was subsequently done in this area. This area should be a high priority for encouraging regeneration; expanding the excellent work that has already been done across the majority of the Block.

The southwestern corner of the Block is still an inpenetrable thicket of Blackberry, other weeds and indigenous plants where regeneration work has not been initiated.

There is a path looping from the cave area to the cliff frontage. The cliff is eroding badly at one point, the result of much foot traffic up the cliff.

Long Term Objectives:Maintain, enhance and expand regeneration areas to fill the entire Block.

Target east end of block around the Cave track for regeneration work, weed control and supplemental planting.

Conduct erosion control work on cliff face, appropriate fencing and plantings of prickly plants (Acacia paradoxa, A. verticillata and Bursaria spinosa) on top to discourage access.

Management Recommendations and Tasks:· Hand pull or cut and paint Boneseed, Sallow Wattle, Bluebell Creeper and the odd small Montpelier

Broom across the older regeneration areas (most of the Block).

· Spot spray the discrete Blackberry clumps across the older regeneration areas.

· Cut and paint and remove Passion Fruit and large Boneseed on cliff face.

· Continue handweeding the perennial grass and exotic succulent (a particularly persistent weed) in the recent regeneration areas in the northeast and northwest corners (where the Pines were cut in winter 1994).

· Hand dig Agapanthus on the upper edges and replace with tussocky indigenous plants such as Dianellas or Poas.

· Spot spray exotic grass and plant appropriate indigenous grass species or wait for their spread in the older regeneration areas.

· Target Brown-top Bent (*Agrostis capillaris), and other exotic grass, with spot spraying on the upper edges of the Block to prevent it's spread into the Block.

· Handpull and remove the Dolochos Pea on the slope on the Cave Track.

· Remove other weeds around the Cave Track and replant with indigenous plants after the construction of the steps.

· Begin to make inroads into the large Blackberry thickets in the southwest corner of the Block by making pathways and conduct spraying work. Plan for future plantings to replace the introduced vegetation.

Management Block CR6 Introduced Plant List:*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle

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*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Agapanthus H*Agave americana Century Plant*Agrostis capillaris Brown-top Bent H*Allium triquetrum Angled Onion H*Allocasuarina torulosa Rose She-oak*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Briza maxima Greater Quaking Grass*Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass*Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Montbretia H*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Crassula sp. Crassula (exotic succulent)*Crataegus monogyna Hawthorn*Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass*Cynosurus echinatus Rough Dog's Tail Grass*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Dipogan lignosus Dolichos H*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Freesia leichtlinii Freesia*Genista monspessulana Montpelier Broom H*Gladiolus undulatus Gladiolus*Grevillea sp. Grevillea*Hakea salicifolia Willow-leaf Hakea*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovata Hare's Tail Grass*Leontodon taraxicoides Hairy Hawkbit*Melaleuca decussata Totem Poles*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco H*Oxalis incarnata Pale Wood-sorrel*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum*Passiflora mollisma Banana Passionfruit H*Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu H*Pinus radiata Radiata Pine H*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Plantago lanceolata Ribwort*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Rosa rubiginosa Briar Rose*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry H*Rumex crispus Curled Dock*Sisyrinchium iridifolium Blue Pigroot*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade*Sollya heterophylla Bluebell Creeper H*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Sporobolis indicus ssp. africanus Rat's Tail Grass*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Vulpia fasciculata Sand Fescue

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Management Block CR7 Fern Gully BlockDescription: This Block extends from the Cave track to the track immediately to the west of the bench and lookout that has been cut and constructed on the cliff top. The top of the path that defines the east edge of this Block can be difficult to find if you don't know where it is, because it is just a wide spot in the Pine needles, but it is a major path.

The Block is made up of three distinct sections, an upper flat dominated by Pines and Pittosporums with very little understorey, a steep cliff face with a few Tree Ferns among much Blackberry and Pittosporum and a gully with several fern species and a forested beach flat. The beach flat forest is very narrow on the western end but widens out on the western end. There is a small regeneration area, where Pine trees were removed and many indigenous plants have regenerated, on the upper edge in the centre of the Block that could be expanded in the future.

The steep cliff face is in mixed condition. It is bare and eroded in some areas but it does not appear very unstable.

The beach flat is a woodland dominated by Banksias and Pittosporums. The edge of this forest is right on the beach which is mostly shifting sand that supports little plant life. There are several very large and significant Banksia trees on the beach flat in the southeastern corner of the the Block.

A unique Fern gully is just off the path on the eastern end of the Block. It is a sheltered flat perched inbetween the cliff face and the beach flat forest. There is Tree Ferns and several other smaller ferns; a unique site on the Foreshore.

Long Term Objectives:Concentrate regeneration and revegetation work in the fern gully in the east end of the block, using the area as a focus for revegetation.

Work out from the Lookout, slowly removing woody weeds and leaving or planting indigenous trees and shrubs, to expand the grassland already established here.

Eliminate the woody weeds and creepers in the understorey of the beach flat forest.

Consider the continuation of the regeneration program in the areas dominated by Pines and Pittosporum, already initiated in Block CR6. Many Pittosporums have already been cut out of the understorey, chipped and taken away in this Block. Plantings of trees, shrub and grasses have also been done in the open spaces created between the large Pines remaining.

Management Recommendations and Tasks: · Cut and Paint and drill and fill *Acacia saligna and hand dig Agapanthus and replace with Poas or

Dianella or other tussocky plants; all in north west corner, above Cave Track.

· Target Fern Gully on eastern end for weed control, a small amount of Tree Tobacco, scattered Blackberry and many Arum Lilies, and possible planting of Poas, ferns and shrubs.

· Initiate a Blackberry control program in some portions of the Block. Creating access paths from the beach may be one step in the process of getting the Blackberry under control.

· Drill and fill Pittosporums on beach flat forest, possibly beginning with the females.

· Remove the small infestations of Polygala on the edge of the beach.

· Cut and paint the small infestation of Tree Tobacco in the Fern Gully in the east end of the Block.

Management Block CR7 Introduced Plant List:*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle H*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Agapanthus*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Briza maxima Greater Quaking Grass

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*Cakile maritima Sea Mustard*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush*Crassula sp. Crassula H*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Ficus coronata Fig Tree*Hedera helix English Ivy H*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Leontodon taraxicoides Hairy Hawkbit*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco H*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Plantago lanceolata Greater Plaintain*Pinus radiata Radiata Pine *Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum H*Plantago lanceolata Ribwort*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade*Sonchus asper Prickly Sow Thistle*Sonchus oleraceus Milk Thistle*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat Gras*Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily

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Management Block CR8 Lookout or Beach Flat Forest BlockDescription: This Block extends from the track from the top to the beach that is just west of the cleared view point and bench to the 'Surfie's' track that goes from the end of Cliff Road to the beach.

The two Block names mentioned above refer to two distinct features of the Block, the view point that has been cut to the edge of the cliff and the large flat expanse of Banksia forest on the beach flat.

The Block is a continuation of the landform in Block CR7, being made up of three distinct sections, an upper flat dominated by Pines and Pittosporums with very little understorey, a steep cliff face with a few Tree Ferns and a forested beach flat.

The area on the upper flat that was cleared for the lookout has produced interesting vegetation, a large open grassy area with several unique plants. There is a Sun Orchid species (Thelymitra sp.), Common Heath (Epacris impressa) and much Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) and great diversity of other plants. These species and others can only grow in such grassy openings.

The steep cliff face is in mixed condition. There are large thickets of Blackberry in some areas and the Tree Ferns and Banksias extend up the cliff in some areas.

The beach flat is a woodland dominated by Tea Tree. The beach flat forest is very wide on this Block even though many parts of the flat are inaccessible because of the extensive Blackberry thickets. The edge of this forest is right on the beach which is mostly shifting sand that supports little plant life. There is one large, old Banksia in the southwest corner of the Block; it could be a good focus for revegetation.

Long Term Objectives:Consider a regeneration program on the upper flat if the any Pines and Pittosporum are ever removed. Small and strategic regeneration areas might be the first step in such a process.

Focus on the extensive beach flat forests for weed control works, keeping the issues of erosion and access in consideration. This area might be a good area to focus community efforts; it is a unique and limited environment on the village end of the Foreshore.

Management Recommendations and Tasks: · Drill and fill or cut and paint the Pines on the cliff face.

· Conduct weed control works in the beach flat forest:

· Drill and fill or cut and paint and burn Sweet Pittosporum and Mirror Bush.

· Spray, or cut and paint near indigenous vegetation, the Blackberry thickets.

· Spot spray Bridal Creeper in the winter.

· Drill and fill or cut and paint Sweet Pittosporum along the upper Block and plant in the open gaps created among the Pines.

· Cut and paint the small isolated infestations of Privet on the upper flat in the northeastern corner and on the beach flat in the southeast corner.

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Management Block CR8 Introduced Plant List:*Acacia decurrens Sydney Black Wattle H*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Agapanthus*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Briza maxima Greater Quaking Grass*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Conyza albida Fleabane*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Cordyline australis Cabbage Tree*Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Montbretia*Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass*Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Galium aparine Cleavers*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Kennedia nigricans Black Coral-pea*Ligustrum vulgare European Privet H*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Pinus radiata Radiata Pine H*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry H*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Sporobolis indicus var. africanus Rat's Tail Grass *Trifolium repens White Clover*Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily

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Management Block CR9 Surfies Trail to Pine Slide BlockDescription:This Block extends from the 'Surfie's Trail' to the end of the Merricks Foreshore at the 'Pine Slide' and is bordered on the upper side by Cliff Road. The name proposed here is long but it seemed difficult to pick another appropriate name; this is certainly open to change.

The Block is a continuation of the landform in Block CR8, although it becomes quite narrow on the eastern end, being made up of three distinct sections, an upper flat dominated by Pines and a few Pittosporums with very little understorey and a large, shrubby 'native garden' on the eastern end, a steep cliff face and a forested beach flat that becomes very narrow near the Pine Slide end.

The upper flat is again dominated with Pines and Sweet Pittosporum producing a species poor community but this area is unusual. The local residents have taken management goals into there own hands and cut, but not painted producing many new shoots, many of the Sweet Pittosporums in the understorey and have created good views from their homes. Further down at the end of Cliff Road a large native garden has been established on Foreshore land for several years. Many different native plants, although most are not particularly invasive in native vegetation, have grown in this garden blocking views for a couple of houses on the end of Cliff Road.

The steep cliff and beach flat have more of the plants found in Blocks CR6 and CR7, Banksia and Tea Tree forest with Blackberry, Pittosporum, Bridal Creeper etc. in the understorey.

Long Term Objectives:Establish contact and an ongoing relationship with the residents on Cliff Road who are doing extensive work on the Foreshore that are potentially at odds with the management goals of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Foreshore Committee. The goals of both parties should be integrated through consultation; there must be some room for compromise on both sides. The residents are potentially excellent allies, if their motivation to change to Foreshore can be used to meet the goals of the Foreshore as well.

Establish which Pines are significant and retain and manage them. Gradually remove any others and initiate regeneration programs.

Management Recommendations and Tasks: · Work with the local residents to ensure they cut and paint Pittosporums, rather than simply cut them.

· Consult the residents adjacent to the native garden and work to remove any invasive species in the site. Ask the residents to cease planting 'natives' and work with them to convert the area to indigenous plants over time.

· Consider a regeneration program if any Pines are removed or damaged.

· Remove the large patch of Ivy on the cliff edge in the centre of the upper flat.

· Consider indigenous landscaping on the Foreshore side of Cliff Road as an entrance to the Foreshore and an educational tool.

· Cut and paint the small area, the only infestation on the Foreshore, of Madiera Vine and the patch of exotic succulent (*Crassula sp.) on the upper flat opposite #20 Cliff Road.

· Cut and paint or handweed Polygala, Dolichos Vine and numerous Desert Ash seedlings on Pine Slide slope.

· Eliminate Gazania on retaining boards on southeastern corner of Block.

· Slash and spot spray Pampas Grass on beach flat and in 'native garden'. This weed has proved itself to be a major problem in coastal environments in Victoria.

· Cut and paint or drill and fill Pine Trees on cliff slopes.

· Concentrate woody weed, Blackberry and Pittosporum in particular, in beach flat forest.

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Management Block CR9 Introduced Plant List:*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis Agapanthus*Agrostis capillaris Brown-top Bent*Anredera cordifolia Madeira Vine H*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernal*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass H*Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster H*Crassula multiclava ssp. multiclava Crassula*Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora Montbretia H*Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Dipogan lignosus Dolichos*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge*Fraxinus rotundifolia ssp. rotundifolia Desert Ash H*Hedera helix English Ivy*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle H*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Myosotis sylvatica Forget-me not*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco*Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Pinus radiata Radiata Pine*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Plantago lanceolata Ribwort*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum*Rosa rubiginosa Briar Rose *Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry H*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Vinca major Blue Periwinkle*Viola odorata Common Violet

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Management Block C1 Minto Creek East BlockDescription: This Block extends west from the track at the end of Merricks Beach to the first creek to the west, often called Minto Creek. The eastern end of this block has several large Banksias in the overstorey, as well as areas covered by Coastal Tea Tree; there is also infestations of several scrambling viness in the east end.

Most of the Block is quite narrow, backed by the paddock below the Minto Homestead. There is a great deal of indigenous beach grass, Blady Grass (Imperata cylindrica) and Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus), in the western end with many Swamp Rat, an indigenous rodent, burrows. This area can be a nursery and source of beach grass for revegetation elsewhere on the Foreshore.

Long Term Objectives:

This area has great potential to be dominated by indigenous beach grass, large areas of the area are already dominated by such grasses. These indigenous beach grasses should be divided and spread and infestations of Marram Grass and Sea Wheat Grass within the areas of indigenous grasses should be eliminated.

Stabilise and expand the saltmarsh vegetation in the creek mouth.

The local landowners must be encouraged and co-operated with in improving and maintaining good water quality.

Management Recommendations and Tasks:

· The upper boundary of the Block, on the paddock edge, should be finalised and revegetation may be necessary.

· Cut and paint small population of Tree Tobacco in eastern end.

· Cut and paint Hawthorns on upper edge of the Block.

· Clear the vines and spot spray the regrowth of Japanese Honeysuckle on the upper edges of the Block.

· Handpull the small Mirror Bush and Ivy seedlings in the Tea Thickets on the east end of the Block.

· Spot spray Marram Grass within the areas dominated by indigenous beach grasses and use these areas as nurseries for revegetating other beach sites.

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Management Block C1 Introduced Plant List:*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Acetosa sagittata Climbing Dock H*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anagallis arvensis Scarlet Pimpernal*Brassica sp. Mustard*Bromus catharticus Prairie Grass*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Cardimine hirsuta Common Bitter-cress*Carpobrotus sp. Introduced Pigfaces*Chenopodium album Fat Hen*Chenopodium murale Sowbane*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle*Conyza bonariensis Fleabane*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Cotoneaster pannosus Cotoneaster H*Craetaegus monogyna Hawthorn H*Cynodon dactylon Couch Grass*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge H*Euphorbia peplus Petty Spurge*Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue*Galium aparine Cleavers*Geranium molle Dove's Tail*Gladiolus undulatus Gladiolus*Hedera helix English Ivy*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Kunzea ericoides Burgan*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Leontodon taraxicoides Hairy Hawkbit*Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle H*Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic*Melaleuca armillaris Giant Honey-myrtle*Melianthus major Cape Honey-flower H*Modiola caroliniana Carolina Mallow*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco H*Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob H*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Plantago lanceolata Ribwort*Poa annua Winter Grass*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum*Rhaphanus maritimus Sea Radish*Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock*Rumex crispus Curled Dock*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Common Vetch*Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue*Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily

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Management Block C2 Minto Creek West BlockDescription:

This block stretches west from Minto Creek to where the slope lessens and the Foreshore vegetation broadens out significantly, please refer to the Management Block map. These boundaries make the entire block very similar, it is long, narrow, mostly cliff backed by a narrow band of She-oaks and the paddock fenceline and with beach vegetation up to the base of the cliff. There is clearly much seepage out of the cliff that accumulates at the base of the cliff creating a unique moist vegetation type invaded by weeds such as Soursob (Oxalis pes-caprae) and Arum Lily.

There is also a remnant of Samphire (Sarcocornia quinqueflora) on the west side of Minto Creek as well as Australian Salt-grass (Distichlis distichophylla). This is probably the only bit of Saltmarsh on the entire Foreshore and it has the potential to be expanded within the wetland around the mouth of Minto Creek.

The narrow strip of indigenous vegetation on the top of the cliff between the cliff and fence is in very good shape as well, an indigenous grassy understorey with just a few weeds.

The western end of the Block is a track that was cut through the Cape Honey-flower infestation and the track should be kept open over time in order to use it as an access point for weed control.


The local landowners must be encouraged and co-operated with in improving and maintaining good water quality.

Stabilise and expand the saltmarsh vegetation in the creek mouth.

Woody weed removal will be a long term need.

Controlling the weeds invading the narrow upper flat will also be an important ongoing issue.


· Spot spray Blackberry and handpull Boneseed in grassy understorey on clifftop.

· Cut and paint or handpull the large Boneseed bushes across the cliff face.

· Spot spray the *Oxalis pes-caprae across the base of the cliff and consider replacing these weeds with indigenous moisture loving plants.

· Cut and paint or handweed the Cape Honey-flower at the western end of the Block.

· Continue handweeding and cutting and painting the Polygala on the beach.

· Handweed the Sea Spurge along the beach.

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Management Block C2 Introduced Plant List:

*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Bromus sp. Bromes*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Carpobrotus edulis Pigface*Cerastium glomeratum Mouse-eared Chickweed*Chenopodium murale Sowbane*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Ehrharta longifolia Annual Veldt Grass*Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge H*Galium aparine Cleavers*Gladiolus undulatus Gladiolus*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Lolium rigidum Annual Rye Grass*Lolium perenne Perennial Rye Grass*Lycium ferocissimum African Boxthorn*Medicago polymorpha Burr Medic*Melianthus major Cape Honey-flower H*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper H*Myrsiphyllum scandens Asparagus Fern*Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco H*Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob H*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry*Senecio jacobaea Ragwort H*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Vicia sativa ssp. sativa Common Vetch*Vulpia bromoides Squirrel-tail Fescue*Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily

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Management Block C3 Tree Fern-Rainforest Block

Description:

This Block extends from the eastern edge of Block C2, where the Foreshore widens out and the cliff ends, to the next creek that is referred to as Short Creek by Ferwerda et al 1981. It is still a relatively narrow band of vegetation, with some forest on the top plateau, coastal tree fern community on the slope and huge Coastal Banksias on the edge of the beach on the flat.

This Block is the beginning of remnants of the Coastal Manna Gum (Eucalyptus pryoriana) forest, that grows above coastal bluffs, on the Foreshore. Admittedly much of the open grassy forest in this Block is invaded by weeds. Although there is a significant area on the western end of the Block that was grazed for quite a long time and has now been fenced; it contains many uncommon species on the Foreshore.

The Coastal Banksia forest on the beachflat is quite degraded some areas with large infestations of Arum Lily; they dominate several damp spots along with Angled Onion.

Several dry slope areas are heavily infested with Blackberry, also. The other major problem in this Block is the major infestation of Cape Honey-flower (Melianthus major) on the eastern end.


Work to eliminate woody weeds in the understorey of the beach flat forest and up the slopes.

Address the problem of seepage at the base of the cliff where water-loving exotic weeds thrive. Can this seepage be slowed by tree planting above? The minimal action is replacing the exotic plants with indigenous water loving plants.

Create access to the Block to show people what is actually here.


· Spot spray Blackberry and other weeds in grassy forest on western end above Short Creek to preserve the open grassy forest.

· Cut and paint or handweed the Cape Honey-flower at the eastern end of the Block. The plant is certainly marching outward; work on the outlying individuals first.

· Use the track on the east end of the Block as access over time to deal with the Blackberry, Sweet Pittosporum and Cape Honey-flower.

· Handpull or cut and paint Polygala and Sea Spurge on the beach sand.

· Handpull or spot spray Angled Onion and Arum Lily in wet soaks at the base of cliff in Banksia forest at the eastern end.

· Handpull Ragwort around Short Creek.

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*Allium triquetrum Angled Onion H*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Aster subulatus Aster-weed*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Carpobrotus edulis Pigface*Centaurium eythraea Common Centaury*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Craetaegus monogyna Hawthorn*Cyperus eragrostis Umbrella Sedge*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge H*Galium aparine Cleavers*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Melianthus major Cape Honey-flower H*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper*Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob H*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Pinus radiata Monterey Pine*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Prunus cerasifera Cherry Plum*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry H*Rumex conglomeratus Clustered Dock*Senecio jacobaea Ragwort*Solanum nigrum Black Nightshade*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily H

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Management Block C4 The Bush Block Block

Description:

This Block extends from Short Creek to where the Foreshore vegetation narrows after the Bush Block (please refer to Map 3). It is a very large being quite long and the vegetation extends far inland because of the extension of the Bush Block beyond the Foreshore itself. The eastern end of the Block is a steep basalt cliff with a narrow strip between the edge and the paddock fenceline but most of the Block is gentle slopes falling to a strip of beach flat forest. The Block is narrow at either but is quite wide in the middle section.

The beach flat forest is quite open and there is large quantities of native grass in the understorey along with a large infestation of Ragwort, which is scattered along the beach flat and up the slope in some areas.

This Block may contain most of the original, relatively undisturbed indigenous vegetation in the entire Foreshore. There are large areas of open grassy forest with a Coastal Manna Gum and Narrow-leaf Peppermint overstorey and many native grasses and uncommon indigenous plants. There is substantial weed infestations as well, Blackberry and Pittosporum in particular, up the slopes and across the flat above. The high quality vegetation in this Block is contiguous with good quality indigenous vegetation in the 'Bush Block' owned by the Coles, although that area is grazed and and somewhat degraded from the impact of the cattle.

The trees in the 'Bush Block' may also help preserve the good quality vegetation on the beach flat as well. These trees use a good deal of water through respiration thereby preventing water soaking into the ground and flowing out of the bottom of the cliff. Elsewhere along the Foreshore there is many soaks that appear to encourage exotic plants; these sections are consistently below cleared paddocks.


Protect the high quality vegetation in this Block with sensitive weed control, working from the best areas out.

Work with the Coles or their representatives in cooperative management of the adjacent areas of land to ensure that the weeds, particularly Blackberry, are dealt with in both places.


· Handpull or spot spray, with selective herbicide, the Ragwort on the beach flat and slope.

· Handpull or cut and paint Polygala on beach flat, Boneseed and other weeds

· Drill and fill or cut and paint Pines in Block.

· Work out from areas of good quality grassy understorey on upper flat and slope:

· Drill and fill Pittosporums.

· Cut and paint or spray Blackberry.


*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Ammophila arenaria Marram Grass*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Centaurium erythraea Common Centaury*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed H*Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush H*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge H

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*Galium aparine Cleavers*Gladiolus undulatus Gladiolus*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Lagurus ovatus Hare's Tail*Leontodon taraxicoides Hairy Hawkbit*Myosotis sylvatica Wood Wood Forget-me-not*Myrsiphyllum asparagoides Bridal Creeper*Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Pinus radiata Radiata Pine H*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum H*Plantago lanceolata Ribwort*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry H*Senecio jacobaea Ragwort H*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Thinopyrum junceum Sea Wheat-grass*Watsonia meriana cv. bulbillifera Wild Watsonia H*Zantedeschia aethiopica Arum Lily H

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Management Block C5 East Creek Block

Description:

This block is at the very end of the Foreshore; the southwest end is East Creek, the end of Merricks Foreshore. The eastern end is where Block C4 becomes very narrow.

This Block is a narrow strip for its entire length, backed by the paddocks, house and facilities of a winery. It is mostly steep cliff as well.

The vegetation is very degraded for the most part, although there are some areas on the cliffs dominated by native grasses (predominantly Poa sp.). There are also many Pines along this stretch, some seem to be in windrows while others are scattered in indigenous vegetation. There is very little vegetation on the beach itself.

A large part of the slope near East Creek was burnt in Spring 1994. Most of the vegetation in this area is introduced and is regenerating quite well.


Preserve and expand the areas of native grass on the cliff face.

Identify significant Pine trees in the Block, establish a program to manage them and control the rest ensuring proper regeneration of indigenous vegetation.


· Drill and fill or cut and paint some of the Pines if they are considered insignificant in the landscape.

· Spot spray Blackberry on the narrow cliff top in eastern end of Block.

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*Acacia longifolia Sallow Wattle*Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal Grass*Cakile maritima Sea Rocket*Centaurium erythraea Common Century*Chrysanthemoides monilifera Boneseed*Coprosma repens Mirror Bush*Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Grass*Ehrharta erecta Panic Veldt Grass*Ehrharta longiflora Annual Veldt Grass*Euphorbia paralias Sea Spurge H*Galium aparine Cleavers*Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Grass*Hypochoeris radicata Cat's Ear*Kniphofia uvaria Red-hot Poker*Leontodon taraxicoides Hairy Hawkbit*Medicago sp. Medic*Myrsiphyllum scandens Asparagus Fern*Oxalis pes-caprae Soursob*Phytolacca octandra Inkweed*Pinus radiata Radiata Pine H*Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum H*Plantago lanceolata Ribwort*Polycarpon tetraphyllum Four-leaf Allseed*Polygala myrtifolia Myrtle-leaf Milkwort H*Rubus fruticosus spp. agg. Blackberry H*Senecio jacobaea Ragwort*Sonchus oleraceus Sow Thistle*Thinopyrum junceiforme Sea Wheat-grass*Trifolium fragiferum Strawberry Clover*Trifolium glomeratum Cluster Clover*Trifolium repens White Clover*Trifolium subterraneum Subterrean Clover

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14.0 REFERENCES

Adair, R. (1993). 'Biological control of environmental weeds'. Plant Protection Quarterly Vol. 8(4).

Adams, R. and Simmons, D. (1991). 'The invasive potential of Genista monspessulana (Montpelier Broom) in dry sclerophyll forest in Victoria'. Vic. Nat. Vol. 108 (4)

Anonymous. Mornington Peninsula Pest Plants. Published by City of Frankston and the Shires of Hastings and Mornington.

Auld, B. A. and Medd, R. W. (1987). Weeds, an illustrated botanical guide to the weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Melbourne.

Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. (1991). Plant Invasions: The Incidence of Environmental Weeds in Australia. ANPWS Publications, Canberra.

Barca, R. (1992). 'Ecological burning - maintaining indigenous vegetation and controlling weeds.' From 'Fire and the implications for bush management in the Mornington Peninsula - a community information day.' The Briars, Mornington, 29 November 1992.

Bedggood, S.E., Jaremovic, R. and MacMahon, A.R.G. (1992). Vegetation and Faunal Survey, Assessment of Significance and Management Recommendations for Woods Reserve, Shire of Mornington, Victoria. Report prepared for Shire of Mornington by Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd., Clifton Hill, Victoria.

Bell, A. (1988). 'Alien dune plants reshape our beaches'. Ecos 54, Summer 1987-88)

Blood, K. (1993). 'Environmental group expectations of biological weed control'. Plant Protection Quarterly Vol. 8(4).

Bradley, J. (1988). Bringing Back the Bush: The Bradley method of bush regeneration. Lansdowne Press, Sydney.

Brodie, L., Roxburgh, J. and Whiley, L. (1991) Bush Regenerators Handbook. National Trust of Australia (NSW).

Buchanan, Robin A. (1989). Bush Regeneration: Recovering Australian Landscapes. TAFE NSW Student Learning Publications, Sydney.

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