CASE STUDY 2:
RIPARIAN REVEGETATION AND EXCLUSION FENCING.
This case study was made possible through the State NRM ‘Raising Capability’ Program
FACT FILE
LOCATION:
PROJECT NAME:
THE PROPERTY LOCATION:
PROPERTY USE:
LANDHOLDERS:
REVEGETATION CONTRACTOR
Scott River
Regional Estuaries Initiative
Milyeanup Road, Scott River
FARMING – GRAZING OF CATTLE
Tim & Zoe Prosser
Cape Life
BACKGROUND
Tim and Zoe Prosser manage a large beef operation on their Scott River property. They are passionate about protecting their native bush/vegetation and waterways while also running a successful business. They have been active in land care projects in previous years. Tim and Zoe have previously undertaken the fencing of 57 Hectares of remnant bush and are keen to ensure their land and waterways health for the longterm. They understand the theory behind the riparian revegetation work and understand the implications for the land and water quality if the work is not completed. Tim and Zoe are aiming to achieve sustainable farming.
MOTIVATION
Tim heard about the REI program opportunity through being a member of the Lower Blackwood LCDC. The land was generally grassed creeklines that were starting to wash a little. The main thing they wanted to achieve was to get the creeks fenced and revegetation done to try and keep the creeks in good condition because the project area is one of their major creek lines and they could see real value in having them fenced off. It was also a chance to get some shelter belts for a couple of paddocks.
CHALLENGES
The weather was a challenge, having a late cold start made spraying difficult for getting the creeks ready. Also, the cold wet winter delayed planting and made access difficult
CONTRACTOR CONSIDERATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS & ADVICE
SPECIFIC FARM CONSIDERATIONS
Weed control - There were two pre-planting weed control works completed before planting took place. The timing of these works was crucial to eliminate weed competition for planted seedlings.
Fencing - Fencing of the riparian zones to protect the area from livestock damage. The fencing was installed by the land owner ten metres either side of the high-water mark at both creek lines.
Stock crossing points – two stock crossing points for creekline 1 and one stock crossing point at creekline 2.
CHALLENGES
Weed control was delayed due to weather restrictions.
Some of the plants suffered due to being planted too soon after herbicide application.
Tree guards installed for one third of the shrub/tree species – those that are prone to predation and damage from adverse weather conditions.
PLANT SELECTION
PLANTING TECHNIQUE
Planting was undertaken with pottiputkis (planting tool) and a small hand held auger depending on the species requirements and seedling pot size.
OUTCOME
15,000 seedlings, including trees sedges and rushes, have now been planted along thes creekline to stabilise the banks.
To prepare for their revegetation works, Tim & Zoe previously installed 3.5 km of stock exclusion fencing, stock crossing points and undertook two pre‐planting weed control sprays. The timing of the weed control works were crucial to the process, eliminating weed competition for the seedlings.
Tim & Zoe have also fenced off a beautiful and pristine Melaleuca wetland, providing a perfect habit for native orchids .
Maintenance requirements
There will be ongoing weed control – A follow up weed control in spring to ensure the seedlings have minimal competition leading into summer. Herbicide applications need to be undertaken carefully, hand spraying around seedlings or using grass selective herbicides;
Tree guard maintenance – Tree guards were installed with stake facing the prevailing wind to minimise movement but will need monitoring, particularly post significant wind/weather events. Staged removal will be required.
Fence integrity/maintenance to ensure live stock are kept out.
According to Tim, the main value in using the Lower Blackwood LCDC to assist with this project was the knowledge and access to all the relevant people to get the job done properly so that it lasts.
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