Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve Interim Management ... Web view45Balmattum Nature Conservation...

BALMATTUMNATURE CONSERVATION

RESERVEInterim Management Statement

PARKS VICTORIASeptember 2001.

This Interim Management Statement was written by James Ross1 and Dr. Doug Robinson2 for Parks Victoria.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Tony Long, Glenn Mawson, Anne Casey and Tracey Stolman of Parks Victoria provided project management, advice and information. Tim Barlow (Trust for Nature), Chris Smith, Brian Nelson, Geoff Barrow, Julie Flack (Parks Victoria), Sue Berwick, Chris Ashe (DNRE), Gary Washusen (Shire of Strathbogie) and Ian Chanter all provided advice and information.

Euroa Environment Group and Birds Australia provided the original stimulus for the creation of this important conservation reserve.

Cover Photo:

Gilgai Wetland with Swamp Billy-buttons (Craspedia paludicola). Doug Robinson.

1 - 7 Rushall Street, Fairfield (Victoria) 30782 - RMB 2036, Violet Town (Victoria) 3669

SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIONS

INTERIM MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

• Maintain existing conservation values and biodiversity across the area.

• Protect and maintain native vegetation communities and habitat for significant flora and fauna.

• Restore and enhance native vegetation communities and fauna habitat.

• Control short and long-term processes that will affect conservation values.

• Facilitate scientific research and environmental monitoring.

• Conserve features of archaeological, historical and cultural significance.

• Allow for the future development of limited areas for public education and appreciation of grassy woodland conservation.

• Cooperate with local, State and interstate government authorities, the community and other interested organisations to assist with the management of the Reserve.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS

THREATENED SPECIES: Maintain and enhance habitat for rare or threatened flora and fauna and control or eliminate processes that threaten populations of these species. Ensure that the Reserve is managed to provide suitable habitat for woodland fauna occurring in the region.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES: Manage vegetation in accordance with the three vegetation management zones identified.

STOCK GRAZING: In general, exclude stock grazing from relatively intact areas. Maintain stock grazing as a primary tool for controlling biomass in the Reserve where this is required in the short term.

VEGETATION RESTORATION: Implement revegetation programs to restore shrub and tree cover within specific areas of the Reserve and enhance floristic and habitat diversity across the Reserve.

RESEARCH AND MONITORING: Establish survey programs for flora and fauna. Establish a comprehensive monitoring framework to assess overall management and to compare the outcomes of different management regimes.

TRIAL ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT REGIMES: Establish trials to investigate the potential benefits of alternative management regimes including grazing and burning.

PEST PLANTS AND ANIMALS: Control and where possible eliminate pest plants and animals, especially where they pose an immediate threat to significant species or communities.

KANGAROOS AND NOISY MINERS: Monitor and, where necessary, control Eastern Grey Kangaroo populations to ensure that the population is maintained at a level that allows for sustained vegetation recovery within the Reserve. Remove Noisy Miners from the Reserve and monitor effects.

ROAD RESERVES: Investigate incorporation of unused, unlicensed road reserves into the Reserve and undertake active management programs on Old Euroa Road.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Provide and maintain adequate fencing and access tracks for the management and protection of the Reserve. Erect signs to notify all persons of the status of the Reserve.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VISITORS: Encourage and support community groups and local landholders to be involved with the management of the Reserve. Control and manage visitation to ensure that public access does not threaten conservation values.

HERITAGE PROTECTION: Identify and protect cultural and heritage values throughout the Reserve.

LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION: Develop vegetation links on roadsides, stream reserves and with nearby remnants and assist and encourage adjoining landholders to protect woodland conservation values.

CONTENTS

SUMMARY OF MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND DIRECTIONS

1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................................1

2. PURPOSE OF THIS INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT.................................................................................1

3. DESCRIPTION.........................................................................................................................................................3

4. SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION VALUES..................................................................................................................3

NATURE CONSERVATION..................................................................................................................................................3HERITAGE CONSERVATION...............................................................................................................................................6

5. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES.........................................................................................................................................7

6. MANAGEMENT CONTEXT..............................................................................................................................................8

HISTORICAL.......................................................................................................................................................................8STRATEGIES & PLANS.......................................................................................................................................................8PAST MANAGEMENT...........................................................................................................................................................8VEGETATION RESPONSE TO MANAGEMENT......................................................................................................................9

7. THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION ...............................................................................................................12

TEMPERATE-WOODLAND BIRD COMMUNITY ....................................................................................................................12GREY-CROWNED BABBLER ...............................................................................................................................................13BUSH STONE-CURLEW .....................................................................................................................................................13SWIFT PARROT ................................................................................................................................................................13OTHER SIGNIFICANT FAUNA ............................................................................................................................................15FRAGRANT LEEK-ORCHID ................................................................................................................................................15SWAMP BILLY BUTTONS ...................................................................................................................................................15BULOKE ..........................................................................................................................................................................15

8. INTERIM MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS .........................................................................................................17

OVERALL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK .............................................................................................................................17VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES .................................................................................................................................17STOCK GRAZING .............................................................................................................................................................20VEGETATION RESTORATION .............................................................................................................................................20TREE DIEBACK ................................................................................................................................................................21RESEARCH AND MONITORING ..........................................................................................................................................22FIRE ...............................................................................................................................................................................23PEST PLANTS ..................................................................................................................................................................25PEST ANIMALS ................................................................................................................................................................25KANGAROOS ...................................................................................................................................................................26NOISY MINERS ................................................................................................................................................................26ROAD RESERVES .............................................................................................................................................................26INFRASTRUCTURE ............................................................................................................................................................27COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & VISITORS ..........................................................................................................................28HERITAGE PROTECTION ..................................................................................................................................................28

9. LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION ....................................................................................................................................30

10. FUTURE MANAGEMENT ISSUES ...............................................................................................................31

RE INTRODUCTION OF THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNA ..............................................................................................31PREDATOR-PROOF/KANGAROO-PROOF FENCING ............................................................................................................31WOODLAND THINNING ....................................................................................................................................................31

REFERENCES .....................................................................................................................................................................32

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: FLORA.......................................................................................................................................................35APPENDIX 2: FAUNA......................................................................................................................................................37APPENDIX 3: VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OF BALMATTUM RESERVE (BERWICK IN PREP)...........................................38APPENDIX 4: HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNIFICANT WOODLAND FAUNA............................................................40APPENDIX 5: GRAZING MANAGEMENT.............................................................................................................................42APPENDIX 6: REPORT ON HERITAGE FEATURES...............................................................................................................43APPENDIX 7: INDIGENOUS HERITAGE – INITIAL REPORT...............................................................................................44APPENDIX 8: ADJOINING LANDHOLDERS..........................................................................................................................45

MAPS

MAP 1. LOCATION OF BALMATTUM NATURE CONSERVATION RESERVE AND OTHER PUBLIC LAND..............................2MAP 2. BALMATTUM NATURE CONSERVATION RESERVE..............................................................................................4MAP 3. CURRENT AND RECENT LOCATIONS OF THREATENED FAUNA .........................................................................14MAP 4. THREATENED FLORA ........................................................................................................................................16MAP 5. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES ................................................................................................................18MAP 6. PRIORITY WEEDS .............................................................................................................................................24

TABLES

TABLE 1. WOODLAND SPECIES SUITABLE FOR ESTABLISHMENT IN THE RESERVE..........................................................21TABLE 2. PRIORITY WEED SPECIES ..............................................................................................................................25

1Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve - Interim Management Statement

1. INTRODUCTION

In 2001 the Victorian Government acquired land from Halsall’s to be protected and managed as Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve.

The Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve is located on Old Euroa Road northeast of Euroa and has a total area of approximately 220 hectares. It supports significant sized remnants of two threatened vegetation communities - Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic. The acquisition of this property is of considerable significance for the protection of these communities and for the regional conservation of a number of threatened plant and animal species. Although, the property is partly cleared it is generally in good condition and strategically located to achieve a number of nature conservation objectives. Balmattum Reserve is of particular importance for the conservation of a suite of woodland bird species, many of which are threatened or declining within the region and across Victoria.

The initial management of the Reserve should be based on an understanding of the past and present management that has, at least to some extent, shaped the values that persist today. The use of strategic stock grazing for biomass control in parts of the reserve coupled with ongoing natural tree and forb regeneration and appropriate weed and pest animal control programs will largely ensure that the current values are maintained.

While it is important that initial management is conservative, the reserve also has considerable conservation potential that can be achieved through active management programs. This Interim Management Statement outlines the development of an adaptive management program designed to enhance faunal habitat by increasing structural and floristic diversity across the reserve and controlling threatening processes.

2. PURPOSE OF THIS INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

This Interim Management Statement will guide management of the Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve in the short term following its purchase and dedication as a new protected area.

The key purposes of this Interim Management Statement are to:

• Develop a concise statement on the management arrangements required to enable Parks Victoria to establish the new reserve and maintain its existing values reflecting the relevant legislative, policy and conservation context for the reserve.

• Provide direction on the establishment of appropriate monitoring to determine whether existing values are being maintained and short-term management objectives achieved.

• Provide guidance on the development of future management programs through summarising broad options for enhancing the conservation values of the reserve.

• Develop an adaptive management program including appropriate research and monitoring to determine the most effective long-term management to maintain and where possible enhance conservation values within the reserve.


Map 1. Location of Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve and other Public Land.

Water Frontage ReserveCrown Land Reserve

Water Frontage Reserve

Violet Town

BALMATTUM NCR

Water Frontage Reserve

Euroa


3. DESCRIPTION

The Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve consists of 221 hectares on the corner of the Old Euroa and Maher’s Road to the north east of Euroa in the Parish of Balmattum (Map 1). The property is rectangular and includes four allotments, CA 80 (129 ha), CA 93A (40 ha), CA 93b (32 ha), CA 93C (19 ha). It is bordered on the north and west sides by public roads, on the east side by an unlicensed unused road reserve and on the southern side by an unused road reserve, part of which is licensed to the adjoining landholder. Access to the land is via two gates on Old Euroa Road. The boundary is fully fenced; the fences are in generally fair to good condition although some sections have been recently damaged.

The land is mostly level with slight rises occurring across the site. A minor creek begins east of the northeast corner of the property and flows northwest into Lambingunyah Creek. A second creek flows through the southwest corner of the property roughly parallel to the southern boundary.

The land has been partly cleared, as indicated by the many tree stumps, but still retains an open tree cover of River Red Gum and Grey Box across much of the property (see Map 2).

Balmattum Reserve is on the Riverine Plains of Northern Victoria within the Victorian Riverina Bioregion. The landscape is predominantly flat, older alluvial plains. The surrounding landscape has been extensively cleared and modified for agriculture with remnant vegetation largely restricted to roadsides and creeklines, bushland reserves and occasional small areas on private land. Much of the remnant native vegetation in this district is highly degraded, especially in the understorey. Public land close to Balmattum Reserve that supports significant native vegetation is shown in Map 1.

Soils are finely textured clay loams and fertile self-mulching clays that develop a gilgai, profile and are seasonally inundated. Average annual rainfall is approximately 650mm with the majority of rain falling between May and October. Mean daily temperatures are probably similar to those recorded at Benalla, where the mean daily temperature is highest in January (31.1°C) and lowest in July (12.7°C). Mean minimum temperatures vary from 14.7°C to 3.2°C in January and July respectively (Bureau of Meteorology 1994).

4. SUMMARY OF CONSERVATION VALUES

NATURE CONSERVATION

In all regions of southeastern Australia where temperate lowland grasslands and grassy woodlands occurred, less than 1% remains covered in native vegetation. Those areas that remain are often small, degraded and highly fragmented or restricted to roadsides and other linear reserves. All temperate lowland native grassland and grassy woodland communities are now threatened in Victoria with little protected in conservation reserves (Lunt et al 1998; DCE 1992). The Broad Vegetation Type known as Plains Grassy Woodland in Victoria has been reduced from over 4 million hectares to 124,000 ha statewide (2.9%) (Lunt and Bennett, 1999). However, within the Victorian Riverina Bioregion, Plains Grassy Woodlands have been reduced to just 1% of their former extent and 94% of all tree cover has disappeared since European settlement (DNRE 1997).

The Reserve includes areas of two Ecological Vegetation Classes: Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic. Full descriptions of these communities from Berwick (in prep) are provided in Appendix 3.

Areas of Plains Grassy Woodland are open woodland with a high species diversity of grasses, sedges, lilies, orchids and herbs. The overstorey is dominated by Grey Box with some River Red Gum, Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii and White Box Eucalyptus albens (confined to southwest corner). The dense grass layer includes Austrostipa spp., Elymus scabrus, Austrodanthonia spp., Themeda triandra, Chloris truncata, Eryngium ovinum, Dianella revoluta, Schoenus apogon, Isolepis marginata, Carex appressa, Juncus spp., Arthropodium spp. Burchardia umbellata, Bulbine bulbosa, Tricoryne elatior, Lythrum hyssopifolia, Leptorhynchos squamatus, Drosera peltata subsp. peltata, Goodenia pinnatifida, Calocephalus citreus, Hypoxis vaginata and Microtis parvifolia.


Map 2. Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve

Maher’s Road

Old Euroa Road

BoundaryUnlicenced, unused Road Reserves

0 200m 400m 600m 800m


Areas of Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic are open woodland interspersed with scattered small ephemeral wetlands. The overstorey is dominated by River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Grey Box Eucalyptus microcarpa with a variety of forbs (perennial and annual) and grasses common in the understorey. Species present include Austrodanthonia caespitosa, Austrodanthonia setacea, Leptorhynchos squamatus, Convolvulus erubescens, Arthropodium spp., Brachyscome spp., Goodenia gracilis, Calotis anthemoides, Isolepis spp., Carex spp. and Agrostis avenacea. Gilgai wetlands are small, shallow “microwetlands” (generally 2-6 m diameter) that support a rich diversity of wet plants including herbs, rushes and sedges. Common species include Austrodanthonia duttoniana, Amphibromus spp., Triglochin procerum, Myriophyllum crispatum and Craspedia paludicola.

Both Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic and Plains Grassy Woodland are regarded as being of very high priority for conservation on the Riverina Plain and endangered within the Riverina Bioregion (DNRE 1997; Todd 1998; Traill & Porter 2001). Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic has been reduced to 6% of its former extent in the Goulburn Broken part of the Riverina Bioregion and Plains Grassy Woodland has been reduced to just 1% of its former extent (Goulburn Broken CMA 2000). Both communities are currently very poorly reserved. The addition of the site to the conservation reserve system therefore significantly increases the current reservation status of these communities in the Goulburn Broken part of the Riverina Bioregion.

A total of 99 indigenous vascular plant taxa have been recorded for the reserve and adjoining roadside (Appendix 1). Balmattum Reserve supports three species of State conservation significance (Fragrant Leek-orchid Prasophyllum suaveolens*, Swamp Billy-buttons Craspedia paludicola and Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii) and fifteen species of regional significance.

Fifty-five species of native fauna have been recorded at the reserve (Appendix 2). Of these, Bush Stone-curlew and Grey-crowned Babbler are classified as endangered in Victoria. The record of the regionally rare Australian Owlet-nightjar from the Reserve is the first known sighting of this species in the district.

Despite the fact that the Reserve has been partly cleared, the Reserve is a large remnant of woodland vegetation, that has an intact gilgai structure and a diverse and healthy understorey. As a result it retains a number of features that makes it of very high conservation significance in the region. These include:

• It is the largest remnant of woodland/gilgai vegetation in this district and is one of the five largest remnants of woodland vegetation in the Goulburn Broken part of the Riverina Bioregion. Accordingly, it has an exceptional capacity to function as a large patch for those fauna species needing large areas of woodland vegetation

• It is set in an area with high landscape connectivity, being connected to several tree-lined roads and one creek system, and close to other patches of Plains Grassy Woodland.

• It is centrally located within a district population of the Grey-crowned Babbler and has the potential to provide a source habitat for that population

• It contains a considerable number of very large Grey Box and River Red Gums.

• It supports a high diversity of plant species many of which are typical of more temperate sites and absent from woodland remnants in lower rainfall areas (e.g. Arthropodium strictum, Tricoryne elatior, Caesia calliantha, Microseris scapigera, Burchardia umbellata, Deyeuxia quadriseta and Austrodanthonia tenuior).

• It approaches the southeastern limit of Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic vegetation and includes some species that are typically found in drier regions and are at the edges of their range (e.g. Calotis anthemoides, Chamaesyce drummondii and Enteropogon acicularis).

In addition to the specific values identified, the status of grassy woodland communities in general, and populations of woodland dependant fauna in particular, are in decline both locally and in the region as a whole (Robinson & Traill 1996). Balmattum Reserve is an important refuge for many species that may become threatened throughout their range in the future. Similarly, the Reserve provides significant habitat for the survival of many species on a regional basis and as potential habitat for the re- introduction of species that have become extinct or declined in grassy woodland habitats.

* Fragrant Leek-orchid Prasophyllum suaveolens has only been recorded, to date, on the roadside of the Old Euroa


R o ad adj o i n ing t he Reser v e.


HERITAGE CONSERVATION

The Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd. is the local authority for Aboriginal cultural heritage in Balmattum Reserve. All Aboriginal material and sites are protected under the Victorian Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 and the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984.

The Reserve includes some features of heritage value including Aboriginal scar trees, and post- European farming structures. In addition to their inherent value, they are of some importance in interpreting the overall conservation values and condition of the Reserve.

An initial investigation of the site’s Indigenous heritage values has identified four scar trees, comprising one coolamon scar and three shield scars (Appendix 7). Two of the shield scar trees and the coolamon scar tree are located in the dense stand of trees near the shearing shed. The third shield scar tree is near the centre of the Reserve. Additionally, a grafted ring tree was located on the opposite side of the Old Euroa Road from the Reserve, within the roadside reserve, towards the northwest corner of the Reserve.

Given the large size of trees in the Reserve, there is high potential for additional scar trees to be identified. There is also a possibility that scattered artefacts, a work site or campsite may also be located.

The Reserve includes a shearing shed with associated infrastructure and a hay shed. Shearing sheds such as this are a common or typical building type in this area and country Victoria generally and hence the building is not likely to be of more than local historic interest. However, it may have some value in interpreting the past landuse of the site and it could be argued that it contributes to the rural landscape character of the area. Its relatively good condition and attractive siting could make it suitable for a new use on the site if appropriate. The hay shed is in poor condition and of considerably less value. Comments on the heritage values of the Reserve are provided in Appendix 6.


5. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

The Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve is assigned to Category Ia of the IUCN list of National Parks and Protected Areas (ANCA 1996). Category Ia – Strict Nature Reserve: Protected area managed mainly for science – is defined as an, “Area of land and/or sea possessing some outstanding or representative ecosystems, geological or physiographical features and/or species, available primarily for scientific research and/or environmental monitoring”.

The (interim) management objectives for the Balmattum Reserve are derived from the objects of theNational Parks Act 1975 and the Application of IUCN Protected Area Management Categories.

• Maintain existing conservation values and biodiversity across the area.

• Protect and maintain native vegetation communities and habitat for significant flora and fauna.

• Restore and enhance native vegetation communities.

• Control short and long-term processes that will affect conservation values.

• Facilitate scientific research and environmental monitoring.

• Conserve features of archaeological, historical and cultural significance.

• Allow for the future development of limited areas for public education and appreciation of grassy woodland conservation.

• Cooperate with local, State and interstate government authorities, the community and other interested organisations to assist with the management of the Reserve.

The maintenance of existing conservation values, control of processes that affect conservation values, restoration and enhancement of native vegetation communities and the establishment of appropriate research and monitoring are of immediate concern. Hence these management objectives are of most relevance in the context of this Interim Management Statement.

The Balmattum Reserve is the largest remnant of woodland/gilgai vegetation in this district and is one of the five largest remnants of woodland vegetation in the Goulburn Broken part of the Riverina Bioregion. Accordingly, its protection provides an exceptional opportunity for the conservation of woodland fauna that require relatively large areas of vegetation. Management of the Reserve should therefore be concerned with not only the protection of the site’s intrinsic values but also its potential values and its strategic role within the local and regional conservation context.

The main aim of vegetation management at Balmattum Reserve is to increase the complexity, health and diversity of the vegetation. Management should therefore promote a mosaic of different grassy woodland habitats across the site with some areas of relatively dense woodlands, and other areas of open woodland, wetlands and open grassy areas. Achieving this aim is fundamental to the protection and enhancement of woodland fauna habitat at the Reserve.

Within the time frame of this Interim Management Statement the Management Objectives will be effected through implementing the Interim Management Directions identified throughout this document.


6. MANAGEMENT CONTEXT

HISTORICAL

The grassy woodlands and creeks of the Riverine Plains were an important source of food and other resources for Aboriginal people. Over thousands of years Aboriginal people managed the land using fire as a means of promoting particular plants and controlling the vegetation structure to favour certain game. This management would have had a significant influence on the ecosystems that were present at the time of European settlement.

Following the explorations of Hume and Hovell and Thomas Mitchell, the fertile plains of this region were rapidly and almost completely settled. Although both sheep and cattle were stocked, sheep grazing generally pre-dominated.

The first settlers in the region recorded areas of “Box” (Eucalyptus microcarpa), “Gum” (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), “She-oak” (Allocasuarina spp.) and “Cherry Trees” Exocarpus cupressiformis. The density of overstorey described varied from “scattered” and “lightly wooded” to “moderately wooded” in these communities (Berwick in prep).

The increasing intensity of agricultural development since settlement has resulted in serious environmental degradation and contributed to widespread salinity, invasion by pest plants and animals, loss of biodiversity and a general decline in ecosystem health in this region.

STRATEGIES & PLANS

Numerous government policies and legislative instruments are of direct relevance to the management and protection of the Reserve. These include the Victorian and Commonwealth Biodiversity Strategies (DNRE 1997; Commonwealth of Australia 1996), the National Reserve System Program, the Draft Conservation Program for Native Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands (DCE 1992), the Draft Goulburn Broken Native Vegetation Plan (Goulburn Broken CMA 2000) and the Box-Ironbark Forests and Woodlands Investigation Draft Report (ECC 2000).

Legislation of relevance to the management of the reserve includes the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Action Statements required under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act have been developed by DNRE for the Grey Crowned-babbler and Bush Stone-curlew.

The Reserve is part of an area identified in the Draft Goulburn Broken Native Vegetation Management Plan as being a high priority for works and a target area for the Catchment Management Authority’s Woodlands and Wildlife project funded through the Natural Heritage Trust.

The Reserve is included in the Natural Resources and Environment/Trust for Nature/CMA Bioregional Planning project that is identifying strategic areas for works using a focal bird species approach for the Riverine Plains and Inland Hills of the Goulburn Broken catchment.

It is in the project area for the CMA/CSIRO Heartlands project that includes funding for on-ground experimentation and habitat protection works.

The Reserve is also a key location for the Birds Australia Grey-crowned Babbler Project as it provides the nexus between two larger populations at Molka and Sheep Pen.

PAST MANAGEMENT

To some extent one can surmise the past landuse of the Reserve by the current condition of the vegetation. It is likely that there was considerable tree regeneration following European settlement and the subsequent cessation of burning by Aboriginal people. Many of the large number of stumps on the Reserve are likely to be from this regeneration which was subsequently cut for firewood or cleared in the 1920s and 1950s. There are a large number of young River Red Gums in parts of the reserve from


episodic flood events in the last 25 years. In the past decade a small number of large trees have been removed from the northern end of the Reserve as evidenced by mounds of disturbed soil and some fallen trees.

The land was used for low-intensity sheep grazing for many years prior to 1997 when all stock were removed. It is likely that the heavy soils precluded heavy grazing. Since 1997 there has been no stock- grazing on the reserve apart from the occasional animal straying from adjoining properties.

One section of the Reserve adjoining the southern boundary (about 10 ha) has been completely cleared and sown patchily to rye and clover. The remainder of the Reserve has, in all probability, not been ploughed, sown down nor had fertiliser added for many decades.

Unused road reserves adjoining Balmattum Reserve have, in general, experienced lower levels of disturbance. All areas would have been grazed by stock, kangaroos and rabbits to some extent but they generally retain a comparatively higher level of tree cover with little evidence of clearing.

The Old Euroa Road retains an excellent overstorey of Grey Box, River Red Gum and White Box with some shrubs and a relatively rich understorey. The road reserve has been subject to intermittent fuel reduction burning and to occasional episodic grazing (mostly through stock movements by local landholders).

VEGETATION RESPONSE TO MANAGEMENT

A number of authors have cautioned that stock grazing may be detrimental to the maintenance of conservation values within grassy woodland communities, either as a continuous management practice or in dry seasons (Moore, 1964; Lunt, 1991; McIntyre et al 1993; Prober & Thiele1996; Barlow 1998). However, maintenance of low intensity grazing may be a strategic management course to maintain existing conservation values (Fensham 1991; Barlow 1998; Lunt et al 1999). It is noteworthy too that the present floristic composition of native grassy remnants is profoundly influenced by recent and historical management (Lunt 1995; Foreman 1996).

As a general statement, continuous grazing results in changes to species composition of native grasslands favouring C3 grasses (commonly called winter-growing or cool-season grasses) over C4 grasses (summer-growing, warm-season grasses), short-growing species over tall, introduced species over natives and annual species over perennials. Low intensity or selective grazing pressure may remove highly palatable species such as native peas (e.g. Swainsona spp.), daisies (e.g. Microseris scapigera), orchids and lilies from the vegetation altogether (Davies 1997) and may prevent regeneration of woody species (Lunt et al 1999).

Cessation of grazing may have short-term effects of promoting a ‘flush’ of heavy growth from species such as *Anthoxanthum odoratum, *Avena spp., *Cirsium vulgare, *Holcus lanatus, *Phalaris aquatica and *Picris echioides. Over a longer time-frame of ten years, Lunt and Morgan (1998) found that there were considerable changes in plant composition in a fertile open native grassland at Derrimut following the change from a basic grazing regime to one of mosaic burning. The major change was the increase in tall forbs with windblown seeds (mostly thistles). In the absence of any biomass removal either by fire or grazing, tall perennial grasses are likely to dominate the vegetation with a consequent reduction in species diversity.

The interaction of burning and on-going grazing has been poorly studied in grasslands and grassy woodlands. Leigh and Holgate (1979) note that fire predisposes grassy communities to increased grazing from both marsupials and stock, which may impose additional physiological stress on recovering plants, especially more palatable species.

Kangaroos may exert considerable grazing pressure in grassy woodlands and can be highly selective grazers with a pronounced preference for monocots (Robertson 1985). They tend to avoid grazing on herbs and woody plants where fodder is plentiful. High numbers of kangaroos can severely degrade vegetation and prevent regeneration of native woody species (Cheal 1993). Kangaroos will also avoid feeding on rank growth and thus maintain a low open grass cover in areas favoured for grazing.

The contrast between vegetation on the adjoining Old Euroa Road and the Reserve is a stark indication of the effects of tree clearance and continuous stock grazing on native vegetation communities. The


heavy seasonally inundated soils that occur across much of the Reserve may have meant that the usual grazing pressure was relatively low. Nevertheless, it is clear that the natural shrub layer has been totally removed, the number of trees across the site as a whole has been significantly reduced and tree regeneration was prevented by past stock grazing. In addition a comparison of the ground flora of the roadside and the Reserve indicates that the composition and structure has been altered and its diversity and richness considerably reduced.

Since grazing was removed in 1997, the composition and structure of the vegetation has changed to some extent. Along with considerable regeneration of trees, there has also been some improvement in the condition of the understorey. The first biological survey of the property (Robinson & Mann 1999) recorded 53% cover of weed species in the spring of 1998. On re-inspection in spring 1999 this cover was of the order of 35% with the majority of this due to introduced annual grasses. Not all changes are beneficial, however, and in many areas where the natural tree cover has been removed, the removal of stock grazing has resulted in a dense cover of grasses (both native and introduced) to the probable detriment of native forb species.

At present vegetation within the Reserve can be generally categorised into three main “classes”:

1) Relatively IntactRelatively intact vegetation is found in patches throughout the Reserve but is generally concentrated in the central area and on the eastern and western fringes. This class includes areas that have active tree regeneration and a relatively rich understorey. It includes areas of Plains Grassy Woodland and PlainsGrassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic and areas dominated by either Eucalyptus camaldulensis orEucalyptus microcarpa. There is a consistent but relatively low cover of native grasses and moderate to high flora and fauna values. The shrub layer that would have been part of these woodland communities has been completely removed through the effects of stock and rabbit grazing. Trees have been thinned or removed from within these areas and most mature trees are of reasonably consistent age.

It is assumed that the relatively open ground cover and successful regeneration of overstorey species will continue in the continued absence of stock grazing. These areas also include most of the large old trees on the block.

2) Moderately IntactThis class includes Plains Grassy Woodland areas that have had much or all of the overstorey removed and Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic areas on heavy soils where the overstorey has been completely removed. Most of these areas have a high cover of grasses (both native andintroduced) and moderate flora and fauna values. Native forbs may be locally common and some‘microwetlands’ in these areas are in good condition. There is little, if any, tree regeneration. The shrub layer that would have been part of these woodland communities has been completely removed through the effects of stock and rabbit grazing.

Moderately disturbed vegetation is found generally surrounding the central woodland area and in patches throughout the Reserve.

3) Severely DisturbedThis class includes those sections where the understorey is overwhelmingly dominated by introduced species including those parts that have been ploughed. These areas have a high cover of grasses especially introduced species, high cover of weeds and low flora and fauna habitat values. Few nativeforbs are present. The shrub layer that would have been part of these woodland and creeklinecommunities has been completely removed. There is no active tree regeneration in these areas.

Severely disturbed areas occur along the western half of the southern boundary, in the shearing-shed block and along the northeast drainage line.


Plains Grassy Woodland with good regeneration of River Red Gum and Grey Box and with an open understorey following four years of stock exclusion.


7. THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION

TEMPERATE-WOODLAND BIRD COMMUNITYThe temperate-woodland bird community comprises a suite of bird species characteristically found within box-ironbark and box woodland communities on the inland slopes and plains of the Great DividingRange (Robinson & Traill 1996; Traill & Duncan 2000). It includes ‘…many species of nectar-feeder,ground-seed feeder, open-ground insect-eaters and hollow nesters’, reflecting the ‘…long growing season and year-round availability of food, the preponderance of eucalypts and associated habitat components such as abundant tree hollows, peeling bark, nectar and other carbohydrates, the grassy ground-layer and the open structure of the vegetation.’ (Robinson & Traill 1996).

Because of the clearing of nearly all temperate woodlands for agriculture, the temperate-woodland bird community has become seriously threatened (Robinson 1993, 1994; Robinson & Traill 1996; Reid 1999; Traill & Duncan 2000), with many character species in Victoria being listed as threatened or in decline (SAC 2000). The woodland bird community is consequently itself now listed as a threatened ecological community in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (SAC 2000). This listing comprises 24 species of bird considered to be woodland-dependent in Victoria and includes three of the key species of threatened bird recorded at Balmattum Reserve or nearby – Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus magnirostris, Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor, Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis.

Of the other 21 species of woodland bird included in the listing seven have been recorded within five kilometres of the Reserve or on the Reserve itself – Painted Button-quail Turnix varia (Reserve), Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla (Reserve), Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans, Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus, Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris pallidiceps, Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis and Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus victoriae. A further seven species of woodland bird that have been identified as ‘decliners’ in recent studies have also been found within five kilometres of the Reserve or on the Reserve itself. These are Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax (Reserve), Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus (Reserve), Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus, Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus, Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera, Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta and Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis (Robinson 1994; Reid 1999).

The contribution of the Reserve to the conservation of all of these woodland bird species is significant and a major management aim should be to ensure that the Reserve is managed to provide suitable habitat for these species.

The broad ecological requirements for the 17 woodland bird species found close to or within the Reserve are listed in Appendix 4. In summary, the key features are:

• Mature trees, both live and dead;• Hollow-bearing trees, logs and stumps;• Patches of dense tree and understorey cover of 10ha or more;• Abundant fallen timber;• Short grass cover (< 10 cm high) within the dense tree cover patches;• Maintenance of edge habitat and mosaic of dense patches and patches of nearly bare, open

ground;• Additional patches of understorey and Buloke throughout the Reserve, including away from

existing stands of eucalypts;• Additional patches of White Box as a nectar source; and• Vegetated links > 50 m wide between the Reserve and nearby creeks.

The key threats to the woodland bird community and its habitat within Balmattum Reserve comprise incremental loss of the mature eucalypts because of exposure and dieback, dense grass growth, predation by cats and foxes, and competition by Noisy Miners.


GREY-CROWNED BABBLERThe Grey-crowned Babbler is a communally-breeding species of woodland bird that requires about 4-20 ha of habitat to support each family group (Robinson et al in press). Its key habitat elements in theeastern Riverina are:

• fertile box woodland sites;• high numbers of mature box trees (on average, 10.9 trees/ha with a diameter greater than 90

cm and 26 trees/ha with a trunk diameter greater than 60 cm);• an understorey of eucalypt regeneration, Bulokes or Golden Wattles for nest sites and cover;

and• short sparse ground layer of vegetation (< 10 cm high, < 40% cover).

Within Balmattum Reserve, the most suitable habitat occurs in Plains Grassy Woodland along Old Euroa Rd, the unused road along the eastern edge of the property and in scattered sites throughout the property where there are high densities of mature Grey Box and River Red Gum. One group of babblers currently lives along the northern edge of the Reserve while other groups have occupied habitat close to the shearing shed and along the unused road in the past five years.

The major threats to the Grey-crowned Babbler and its habitat within Balmattum Reserve are cat and fox predation, dense grass growth and incremental loss of the mature trees because of exposure and dieback. The major extrinsic threats to the species are local extinction of other babbler groups because of changed land use and increased rates of cat predation, and subsequent isolation of any groups found at Balmattum Reserve.

Across Victoria, the Grey-crowned Babbler population has declined in abundance by an estimated 94% in the last 200 years (Robinson et al. in press) and now consists of only 500 groups. Of the 84 populations of the species still found in Victoria, just six contain more than 20 family groups. Balmattum Reserve is part of the district that links two of these larger populations (Map 3) and its management for babbler conservation is therefore critical.

BUSH STONE-CURLEWThe Bush Stone-curlew is a large, long-lived ground-feeding and ground-nesting bird. Although a pair’s home range typically measures more than 200 ha, much of that land may include open paddocks. Thespecies’ prime habitat requirements are small patches of tree cover for shelter, abundant fallen timber and very short (< 10 cm high) grass cover. Within Balmattum Reserve, these habitat elements are bestrepresented next to Old Euroa Road, along the unused road along the eastern edge of the property andamong some of the dense stands of trees scattered through the Reserve. The major threats to the Stone-curlew and its habitat within the Reserve are fox predation, dense grass growth and weed invasion by grasses such as *Phalaris aquatica.

A pair of Bush Stone-curlews used to live in the White Box patch near the shearing shed but has not been observed in the last five years. Recent sightings elsewhere in the district are shown in Map 3.

SWIFT PARROTThis nationally endangered parrot breeds in Tasmania but spends the winter months in the temperate woodlands of southeastern mainland Australia. Its main winter food sources are eucalypt-nectar and lerps and the local distribution of the species varies annually depending on where eucalypts areflowering most heavily. Two of the key food trees for the species are Grey Box (flowering or lerpinfested in autumn) and White Box (flowering in winter). The other key habitat elements on the mainland appear to be dense canopy cover or high connectivity at a local scale, and mature trees. The major threats to the Swift Parrot and its habitat within Balmattum Reserve are loss of mature trees and competition from Noisy Miners.

Swift Parrots have not been recorded from Balmattum Reserve but have been recorded feeding on flowering White Box only one kilometre away. Groups of up to 40 birds are regularly seen in the Violet Town and Euroa districts and are likely to use the Reserve.


Map 3. Current and Recent Locations of Threatened Fauna

Violet Town

BALMATTUM NCR

Euroa

Grey-crowned Babbler Bush Stone-curlew


OTHER SIGNIFICANT FAUNAThere has been very limited survey for fauna on the Reserve. It is possible that it supports populations of a number of other notable species including reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. There are anecdotal records of Fat-tailed Dunnarts in the local area and there is suitable habitat on the site for thisspecies. Squirrel Gliders (endangered in Victoria) and Tree Goannas are moderately common indistricts to the north and west of the Reserve.

FRAGRANT LEEK-ORCHIDFragrant Leek-orchid (Prasophyllum suaveolens) is a highly endangered orchid, to 25 cm tall, with a single onion-like leaf and a spike of 10-25 green and red-brown flowers. Flowering is in September toOctober. Descriptions of this species can be found in Lunt et al (1998) and Backhouse and Jeanes(1995).

Fragrant Leek-orchid is regarded as endangered in Victoria (NRE 2000) and nationally and is listed as endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. It occurs in fertile grassy areas of the Victorian Volcanic Plain, Victorian Midlands and the Riverina. Most populations are in remnant grasslands on rail and road reserves and contain just a few plants. A relatively large population occurs in the Terrick Terrick National Park.

At Balmattum a small population of Fragrant Leek-orchid has been recorded on the road reserve of the Old Euroa Road (Map 4). Suitable habitat also occurs within the Reserve, adjacent to the population. Threats may include the small population size, illegal collection, prolonged stock grazing, accidental destruction during road maintenance or construction and weed invasion.

SWAMP BILLY BUTTONSSwamp Billy Buttons (Craspedia paludicola) is an erect, perennial herb, to 75 cm tall, with narrow leaves at the base of and along red to purple flower stems, that bear a large, yellow, hemispherical flower. Flowering is from September to February. Descriptions of this species can be found in Lunt et al (1998)and Foreman and Entwisle (1999).

Swamp Billy Buttons is regarded as vulnerable in Victoria (NRE 2000). It occurs in swampy areas and drainage lines usually in heavy clay soils. It is widespread and occurs in the Victorian Volcanic Plain, Victorian Midlands, Wimmera, Wannon, Gippsland, East Gippsland and the Riverina, and also in sub- alpine bogs in the eastern highlands and snowfields.

At Balmattum there is a large population of Swamp Billy-buttons occurring in gilgai wetlands (Map 4). Threats may include prolonged or heavy stock grazing and weed invasion.

BULOKEBuloke (Allocasuarina luehmannii) is a long-lived, dioecious tree from 5-15 metres tall with furrowed bark and ascending branchlets to 40cm long. Descriptions of this species can be found in Lunt et al (1998)and Walsh and Entwisle (1996).

Buloke is regarded as vulnerable in Victoria (NRE 2000) and is listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. It is widespread in the Wimmera, Mallee and northern Victoria with small populations west of Melbourne.

Ten mature trees have been located within Balmattum (Map 4) and other plants occur on the Old Euroa Road. These individuals are generally healthy and both male and female plants are present. A large number of seedlings to 1.5m high occur in the vicinity of one Buloke in the central west of the Reserve. Threats to the species within the Reserve include intense or repeated burning and rabbits and stock preventing recruitment.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – THREATENED SPECIESMaintain and enhance habitat for rare or threatened flora and fauna and control or eliminate processes that threaten populations of these species. Ensure that the Reserve is managed to provide suitable habitat for woodland fauna occurring in the region.


Map 4. Threatened Flora

Maher’s Road

Old Euroa Road

Boundary

Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii (seedlings)

Fragrant Leek-orchid Prasophyllum suaveolens(approximate location)

0 200m 400m 600m 800m

Major areas of Swamp Billy-buttons Craspedia paludicola


8. INTERIM MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

The following management arrangements are considered necessary to maintain the existing conservation values of the site in the short to medium term. The intention is to develop on-going programs to enhance the conservation values of the site and to develop a framework for an ecological research and monitoring program aimed at determining whether key management objectives are being achieved.

OVERALL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

The main aim of vegetation management at Balmattum Reserve is to increase the complexity, health and diversity of the vegetation. Management should therefore promote a mosaic of different grassy woodland habitats across the site with some areas of relatively dense woodlands, and other areas of open woodland, wetlands and open grassy areas. Achieving this aim is fundamental to the protection and enhancement of woodland fauna habitat at the Reserve.

Woodland fauna depends upon sympathetic management of the Reserve to ensure that habitat requirements of a range of target species are met (i.e. by promoting structural and floristic diversity, removing or controlling threats). However, effective management of woodland fauna also requires a strategic local and regional approach to ensure that sufficient interconnected habitat is available (Bennett et al 1998; Lunt & Bennett 1999).

The adoption of adaptive management principles in the management of the Balmattum Reserve will emphasise that learning from management outcomes is a specific objective of conservation management. The following approach recommended by Lunt and Morgan (1998) will be adopted.

(1) Retain pre-existing management as the primary management tool, so that the impacts of alternative management regimes can be compared against the status quo;

(2) Implement a small number of different management regimes in a consistent manner;(3) Fully document all management activities within each treatment; and(4) Establish monitoring regimes that will explicitly compare the outcomes of the different management

regimes.

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES

The Reserve will be divided into three zones for the purposes of vegetation management (Map 5). These zones broadly reflect the vegetation ‘classes’ identified in section 6, but are not equivalent to them. For example some Relatively Intact vegetation is included within VMZ2, whereas some Moderately Disturbed vegetation is included within VMZ1.

The purpose of the different zones is to allow for different management regimes that are both sympathetic to existing values in the various parts of the Reserve and that will further the aim of promoting habitat diversity across the Reserve. This approach will also allow for the development of meaningful monitoring and research programs.

VMZ1This Zone is based on Relatively Intact areas of Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic and includes woodlands dominated by either Eucalyptuscamaldulensis or Eucalyptus microcarpa that have active tree regeneration and a relatively richunderstorey. The natural shrub layer is absent. Treecover has been thinned and many of the trees are very large and old.

It is assumed that the relatively open ground cover and successful recent regeneration of overstorey species will continue. There is no general requirement for biomass reduction in this Zone.


Map 5. Vegetation Management Zones

VMZ1VMZ1

VMZ2 VMZ3

VMZ1

VMZ1

VMZ3

VMZ2

VMZ1

VMZ2

VMZ1

BoundaryProposed Internal Fencing Proposed Access Track

0 200m 400m 600m 800m


Areas*

Adjoining Old Euroa Road and eastern boundary (20ha), large patches in centre of Reserve (25ha), in southeast corner (10ha), on eastern boundary (10ha) and on northern boundary (15ha). (80ha total)

Management Objectives• Control weeds,• Protect and promote structural diversity through both natural regeneration and active restoration

programs.• Protect large, old trees.

Proposed Management• Fence areas to protect from stock grazing. Priority should be given to the central area and strips

along the eastern and western boundaries.• Control priority weeds, especially *Phalaris aquatica and *Carthamus lanatus.• Instigate revegetation programs to restore shrub layer.• Monitor understorey for structure, diversity and cover of native and weed species.• Monitor effects of kangaroo grazing.

VMZ2This Zone is based on woodland areas that have had most or all of the overstorey removed including areas on heavy soils. There is a high cover of grasses (both native and introduced) and moderate floraand fauna values. Native forbs may be locally common and some ‘microwetlands’ in these areas are in good condition. There is little, if any, tree regeneration and the natural shrub layer is absent. Treecoverhas been thinned or even totally removed. Remaining trees may be very large and old.

Biomass reduction is required in this zone.

AreasThroughout Reserve (120ha total).

Management Objectives• Control weeds and the potential for weed invasion.• Maintain and improve existing flora and fauna values through biomass control.• Allow for natural regeneration of native understorey species.

Proposed Management• Control priority weeds.• ‘Crash’ graze once with cattle in late summer to reduce biomass.• Commence seasonal grazing with sheep to maintain low open, ground cover.• Monitor and if necessary protect ‘microwetlands’.• Monitor understorey for structure, diversity and cover of native and weed species.• Monitor effects of all grazing.

VMZ3This Zone is based on areas where the understorey is overwhelmingly dominated by introduced species including those parts that have been ploughed. These areas have a high cover of grasses especiallyintroduced species, high cover of weeds and limited flora and fauna habitat values. Few native forbs are present. The shrub layer has been completely removed. There is no tree regeneration in these areas.

AreasNortheastern drainage line (5ha), east of and including shearing shed surrounds (15ha). (20ha total)

Management Objectives• Control weeds and the potential for weed invasion into other parts of the reserve.• Improve fauna habitat by restoring overstorey and structural diversity.• Restore habitat connections.

* Areas given are approximate, actual areas to be determined on-site.


Proposed Management• Fence areas.• ‘Crash’ graze with cattle in late summer to reduce biomass.• Control priority weeds.• Graze with sheep to maintain low open, ground cover prior to revegetation programs.• Instigate revegetation programs with tree and shrub species.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONESManage vegetation in accordance with the three vegetation management zones identified.

STOCK GRAZING

The density of standing grass vegetation must be controlled in some areas of the Reserve in order to maintain and enhance habitat for a range of flora and fauna species and to allow for revegetation programs. As the Reserve has a long history of grazing by domestic stock it is proposed that this should be used as the primary means of achieving this aim. It is emphasised that in this context stock grazing is employed as a tool for achieving specific management outcomes rather than a commercial use.

Stock grazing on the Reserve should be conducted under an agreement with a local landholder. The terms of the agreement should include clauses relating to stocking rates, timing and areas of grazing, feeding, watering points, stock exclusion (including total removal of stock under drought conditions) and pest plant and animal control (see Appendix 5). All stock numbers, type and movements must be recorded.

Initial ‘crash’ grazing to reduce biomass within VMZ2 & VMZ3 should be conducted with cattle in late summer. Subsequent grazing should be with wethers and should be conducted in late summer and autumn. It is preferable that grazing take place early in this period rather than late. Sheep should not be grazed in the Reserve from August to December (inclusive) except in VMZ3 areas prior to revegetation programs. General stocking rates should be of the order of 3-5 dry sheep equivalent/ha although if sheep are to be in the reserve for a short time only then higher stocking rates may be used.

The aim of grazing is to achieve a relatively open, short grass cover. Vegetation should be monitored and grazing removed once this desired structure has been achieved.

Stock grazing should take place across all VMZ2 (and VMZ3 areas prior to revegetation). It is possible that this total area could be divided into two or three areas with each part grazed more intensively on an annual rotation. There is probably sufficient water in the 3 dams to allow for this approach.

Stock grazing may be required for short periods within VMZ1 areas to reduce ground cover to satisfactory levels. There is a potential conflict, however, between establishing shrub layers and having these areas grazed. In general, protection and establishment of shrubs should be given priority in such circumstances with grazing excluded until shrubs are sufficiently advanced to withstand short-term grazing by stock. Grey Kangaroos will maintain some continuous grazing pressure although they are likely to avoid areas of rank grass.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS – STOCK GRAZINGIn general, exclude stock grazing from relatively intact areas. Maintain stock grazing as a primary tool for controlling biomass in the Reserve where this is required in the short term.

VEGETATION RESTORATION

Management of grazing across VMZ1 and VMZ2 will allow further tree regeneration and enhance the quality of the understorey as well as contributing to habitat requirements of fauna. However, shrub and tree cover restoration will require active revegetation programs in some areas.

The objectives of this program are to:• enhance floristic and habitat diversity in a mosaic across the Reserve;


• restore shrub species to woodland communities;• link areas of existing habitat; and• assist in controlling weed invasion in degraded areas through replacing existing weed cover with

native vegetation.

Restoration programs should be conducted in VMZ1 areas with the central area being the first priority.

Individual Buloke, not included within VMZ1 areas, may also benefit from small stock-exclosures toprevent mechanical damage, soil compaction and nutrient enrichment around their bases. Fencingwould also protect seedlings.

Establishment of all plants should be by niche seeding to reduce soil disturbance but maximise cost- effectiveness or by seedlings where this is not feasible. Provenance of all species should be from within the Goulburn Broken Catchment Riverina Bioregion and from similar soil types.

Revegetation programs are required along the two drainage lines and in highly disturbed areas along the southern boundary. Although this revegetation is not an immediate priority it will improve habitat connectivity with the surrounding landscape, reduce weed invasion and increase habitat diversity. Plantings along drainage lines should be at least 50 metres in width.

A small area of White Box occurs in the vicinity of the shearing shed. Within this woodland, the understorey is seriously degraded and is dominated by introduced annual grasses and Cape Weed. Increasing the number and area of White Box and other tree species within the Reserve will improve habitat for a number of fauna species and accordingly White Box, White Cypress Pine and Yellow Box seedlings should be planted on this area of freer draining soil. As stock grazing should continue in this area as a means of controlling weed growth, individual guarding of seedlings may be necessary.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS – VEGETATION RESTORATIONImplement revegetation programs to restore shrub and tree cover within specific areas of the Reserve and enhance floristic and habitat diversity across the Reserve.

Table 1: Woodland species suitable for establishment in the ReserveSPECIES COMMON NAME USEAcacia acinacea Gold-dust wattle Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy WoodlandAcacia pycnantha Golden wattle In degraded areas and enrichment planting in Plains Grassy WoodlandAcacia verniciflua Varnish wattle Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy WoodlandAllocasuarina luehmannii Buloke Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy WoodlandBursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy WoodlandCallitris glaucophylla White Cypress-pine South west corner; on lighter soilsEucalyptus albens White Box South west corner; on lighter soilsEucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum In degraded areas and on heavy soilsEucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland on lighter soilsEucalyptus microcarpa Grey Box In degraded areas and enrichment planting in Plains Grassy WoodlandEutaxia microphylla Common Eutaxia Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy WoodlandPittosporum phylliraeoides Weeping Pittosporum South west corner, on lighter soilsPultenaea laxiflora Loose-flower Bushpea Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy WoodlandTempletonia stenophylla Leafy Templetonia Enrichment planting in Plains Grassy Woodland

TREE DIEBACK

Tree Dieback is occurring sporadically across the Reserve and, although it is not severe at present, it requires monitoring and investigation. The cause of this dieback is not clear. Factors that may be contributing are exposure, lack of insectivorous birds due to absence of suitable habitat or Noisy Miner attack, insect attack, nutrient enrichment, senescence and drought (Reid & Landsberg 1999). The proposed interim management for the Reserve will address some of these possible causes, however specific programs may need to be developed to alleviate stress on effected trees.


RESEARCH AND MONITORING

A comprehensive monitoring program is required to assess the efficacy of the interim management in meeting the vegetation management objectives and assess the outcomes of different management regimes.

Vegetation AssessmentExcluding grazing where vegetation condition does not warrant biomass reduction and maintaining the historical stock grazing regime in other areas is a conservative option for the initial management of theReserve. The potential of other management regimes to maintain or improve biodiversity values shouldbe investigated.

It is proposed that trials be established to investigate the effects of:

• excluding grazing on a rotational basis (graze one year in three).• using ecological burning.• macropod grazing.• excluding grazing from areas of Moderately Disturbed vegetation.• grazing areas of Relatively Intact vegetation.

Trial plots will be relatively large (i.e. 0.25 ha or greater) and use removable/collapsible fencing where required. It is expected that sufficient replicates of grazed/ungrazed areas should be available within the different vegetation classes and vegetation management zones.

Assessment methods will involve quadrat surveys and censuses of threatened and regionally significant flora species under various management regimes.

A baseline monitoring grid should be established within the first year. A mixture of small (2m x 2m) and large (10m x 10m) quadrats should be employed. Outcomes should be assessed after one year and three years with a final assessment after six years. Parameters that are of significance include vegetation structure and height, relative cover of native and introduced species, native species and introduced species richness, litter and bare ground. Monitoring of tree health throughout the Reserve should also be conducted.

Many of these programs would be suitable as joint projects in conjunction with universities, special interest groups or other interested bodies.

Fauna AssessmentInformation on the presence and distribution of fauna across the Reserve has not been systematically collected. Detailed fauna surveys should be conducted and the development of a monitoring programfor fauna species established in the first year.

To some extent habitat structure and condition can be used as an analogue for fauna monitoring. Key indicators include the amount of bare ground, litter, vegetation height, structure and cover. This data should be interpreted in reference to the potential habitat values of the various vegetation communities and the desired habitat characteristics for fauna, especially significant species (see Appendix 4).

The following studies are required to provide both general and specific information on fauna values:

• A program of pitfall trapping to provide general baseline information on the distribution and abundance of ground-dwelling reptiles, frogs and small mammals;

• A spotlight survey program to provide general baseline information on the distribution and abundance of nocturnal fauna including owls, Fat-tailed Dunnarts, possums and gliders;

• Survey programs for bats;• Survey programs for invertebrates, including yabbies; and• Rudimentary analysis of predator scats.


These studies should, where possible, extend beyond the Reserve and include areas of nearby and adjoining habitat. Many of these programs and projects would be suitable as joint projects in conjunction with universities, special interest groups or other interested bodies.

Although this Interim Management Statement includes management actions directed at providing suitable habitat for a range of woodland fauna, it is expected that it will take many years before the appropriate structure and diversity exists across the Reserve. Consequently while use of the Reserve by those species listed in Appendix 4 should be monitored in the short-term, the success or otherwise of the management approach should be judged over a longer timeframe of 5-10 years.

Ecological BurnsEcological burns should be trialed in woodland and grassland areas to investigate their potential for enhancing flora values and as a possible means of controlling biomass. Burns should be in a mosaic and at a management scale (i.e. 0.25 ha). Caution must be exercised in the conduct of these burns.

Using fire as a management tool in grassy ecosystems with a long history of grazing either to control weeds or as a means of reducing biomass is greatly complicated by the varying responses of exotic and native species. Lunt (1990) found that following a single burn in April at the Derrimut Grassland Reserve native grasses such as Themeda triandra, Agrostis avenacea, Austrodanthonia caespitosa and Austrodanthonia setacea were more abundant in burnt plots than in unburnt areas. However, there was also a significant increase in *Aira cupaniana, *Briza minor, *Romulea rosea and *Vulpia bromoides in response to the burn. Some introduced species have been found to be less frequent following autumn fires (Lunt 1990; McDougall 1989). Ecological burns should be trialed in different seasons to assess whether seasonality of burns leads to a significant difference in species composition.

Burning may stimulate germination of soil-stored seed of shrub species including hard-seeded species such as acacias and may assist some species (including orchids such as Prasophyllum suaveolens) to regenerate or re-invade the Reserve from the Old Euroa Road. It is unlikely, however, that much soil- stored seed of shrub species remains away from the roadside fringe.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – SURVEY AND MONITORINGEstablish survey programs for flora and fauna.Establish a comprehensive monitoring framework to assess overall management and to compare the outcomes of different management regimes.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – TRIAL ALTERNATIVE MANAGEMENT REGIMESEstablish trials to investigate the potential benefits of alternative management regimes including grazing and burning.

FIRE

Although fires from natural and human sources would have been a part of the ecology of this region for many thousands of years, they have been largely excluded from the Reserve since European settlement. There is little evidence of recent fires (such as burn scars on trees and burnt stumps) although some trees show signs of lightning strikes.

Extensive or frequent fires are likely to have profound effects on habitat for woodland fauna including threatened species. Accordingly, wildfire should be excluded from and prevented from occurring within the Reserve.

Old Euroa Road, Mahers Road and the proposed access track on the southern and eastern perimeter are all effective fire breaks. The proposed stock grazing regime will also reduce fuel loads. Under no circumstance should ploughed or graded firebreaks be constructed within the Reserve. If adjoining landholders require further breaks then Parks Victoria should offer to construct them on the landholders’ land adjacent to fences.


Map 6. Priority Weeds

Maher’s Road

Old Euroa Road

■ Toowoomba Canary-grass - *Phalaris aquatica

■ Saffron Thistle - *Carthamus lanatus

■ Other Thistles (Various species)

■ Bathurst Burr - *Xanthium spinosum


PEST PLANTS

All of the Reserve suffers from weed invasion to some degree, largely as a result of previous land use.

Most of the weed cover consists of annual and perennial grasses (including Wild Oats *Avena barbata,Rye-grass *Lolium spp., Hair-grass, *Aira spp., Fescues *Vulpia spp, Large Quaking Grass *Brizamaxima, Lesser Quaking Grass *Briza minor and Bromes *Bromus spp.), introduced Asteraceae (including thistles, *Hypochoeris spp., *Sonchus spp. and Cape Weed *Arctotheca calendula), clovers*Trifolium spp., Plaintains *Plantago spp. and Onion Weed *Romulea rosea. Many of these species are ubiquitous in grasslands and grassy woodlands and their presence does not pose a major threat to conservation values in the short-term. Effective management of grazing and preventing soil disturbanceare the most important management actions with regard to these species. Active programs ofvegetation restoration in those parts of the Reserve that are highly disturbed will also assist in removing and controlling weed threats.

There are a small number of weed species that do present a threat to conservation values if their current small infestations are allowed to spread. These species are listed in Table 2 and their approximate current distribution recorded in Map 6.

Table 2: Priority Weed SpeciesCommon Name Species Name Distribution Control

Toowoomba Canary- grass

*Phalaris aquatica Small clumps widespread on heavier soils and in wet areas throughout the Reserve. Severe along northeastern drainage line.Also on disused roads and Old Euroa Rd.

Annual spray and/or burning program.

Bathurst Burr *Xanthium spinosum Occasional plants chiefly on bare ground surrounding dead trees and stumps.

Annual spray and/or removal program.

Wild Oats *Avena barbata Dense infestations on Old Euroa Rd. Annual burning, and/or pulse grazing.

Saffron Thistle *Carthamus lanatus Sparse, widespread, chiefly in northern areas.


Various thistles Sparse, widespread, chiefly in northern areas.


Cape Weed *Arctotheca calendula Dense infestation in shearing shed block. Minor occurrences in disturbed areas.

Annual spray program (broad-leaf herbicide) andrevegetation in shearing shed block.

PEST ANIMALS

Red Foxes, rabbits, hares and probably cats are present within the Reserve.

Foxes are a major threat to a wide range of fauna and should be controlled and preferably eliminated from the site if conservation objectives are to be met. Predation by Red Fox is listed as a threatening process under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (SAC 1991) and the Action Statement for Bush Stone-curlews makes a commitment to ‘give priority to feral predator control programs at important sites within the Bush Stone-curlew’s range…’ (Robinson & Johnson 1997). Although feral cats have not been sighted at the reserve, they potentially represent a similar threat as foxes to native fauna and is also listed as a threatening process under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (SAC 1995).

Rabbits are not present in large numbers due largely to the heavy soils across much of the Reserve. Rabbits and rabbit warrens are found in the White Box area surrounding the shearing shed, and, to a lesser extent, along the eastern and western boundaries. These populations should be controlled. Hares are present but seem unlikely to constitute a threat to habitat condition although they may prove problematic when restoration programs commence.


Control programs for all these species would be made more effective if conducted in conjunction with neighbouring landholders.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – PEST PLANTS AND ANIMALSControl and where possible eliminate pest plants and animals, especially where they pose an immediate threat to significant species or communities.

KANGAROOS

The Reserve supports a population of Eastern Grey Kangaroos. This species is not a pest and the present number (of the order of 60-100) is not a threat to conservation values within the Reserve. However, it is likely that this population will increase steadily and that within the foreseeable future kangaroos may have a significant impact on flora and habitat values.

Large numbers of kangaroos would also affect management of neighbouring properties and potentially threaten good relationships with these landowners. Kangaroos may also present a road hazard on the adjoining Old Euroa Road if numbers become high and their movements beyond the Reserve boundary increase.

In the short to medium term the population should be monitored and some culling may be required. The aim should be to ensure that the population is maintained at a level that allows for sustained vegetation recovery. Neighbours may be issued with permits under the Wildlife Act 1975 to control Eastern Grey Kangaroos causing damage to private property, however, kangaroo control should be the responsibility of Parks Victoria.

NOISY MINERS

Noisy Miners are considered a threat to existing and potential populations of woodland bird species within the Reserve. Noisy Miner removals have been shown to result in substantial increases in numbers of insectivorous birds for at least 12 months after removal, even where the experimental sites are small or degraded (Grey et al. 1998). As a corollary of this increased bird species richness and diversity, Stothers et al (1999) recorded improvements in tree health because of reduced insect numbers. There is a strong case for a program to remove Noisy Miners from Balmattum Reserve due to the risk of mature tree loss through dieback and the subsequent effects on biodiversity.

The effects of removal should be monitored including tree health, populations of other bird species and re-invasion by Noisy Miners.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – KANGAROOS AND NOISY MINERSMonitor and, where necessary, control Eastern Grey Kangaroo populations to ensure that the population is maintained at a level that allows for sustained vegetation recovery within the Reserve.Remove Noisy Miners from the Reserve and monitor effects.

ROAD RESERVES

Unused road reserves on the eastern boundary and the eastern end of the southern boundary are unlicensed and should be incorporated into the reserve. Parks Victoria should contact the Shire and adjoining landholders to facilitate this process. (N.B: a list of adjoining landholders is attached)

The adjoining section of Old Euroa Road should be managed by Parks Victoria as an adjunct to the Reserve, especially given the known presence of the endangered Fragrant Leek-orchid Prasophyllum suaveolens. In spring there are high numbers of Wild Oats which could be readily controlled. The roadside is currently used by local landholders for moving stock.

Burning may be a useful management tool on the roadside: its past and future use should be discussed with the local CFA.


INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – ROAD RESERVESInvestigate incorporation of unused, unlicensed road reserves into the Reserve and undertake active management programs on Old Euroa Road.

INFRASTRUCTURE

BuildingsThere is a shearing shed with associated yards and infrastructure in the southwestern corner. The shearing shed is in relatively good condition and its attractive siting and surrounds could make it suitable as a base for research projects and educational programs (See Appendix 6).

Some of the fencing and yards associated with the shed should be retained but other less significant infrastructure should be removed. The sheep dip is likely to be highly contaminated and should be either emptied of liquids and filled in or the liquid treated in situ before filling. The hayshed to the east of the shearing shed should be removed.

TracksThere are no tracks within the reserve and the heavy soils and gilgais restrict vehicle movement. Old Euroa Road and Maher’s Road provide a measure of vehicle access to the western and northernboundaries of the Reserve. A single perimeter track, inside the interior fence should be constructed adjoining fencelines along the southern and eastern sides of the Reserve to provide access formanagement vehicles and as a simple firebreak. The tracks should be designated as “managementvehicles only”, and all vehicles, with the exception of those required for fire management tasks, should remain on the track at all times.

DamsThe property has three dams all of which are in fair to good condition and hold ample water for the stocking requirements of the Reserve and for fire control. Stock access to the dam in the southwestern corner may be problematic due to restoration requirements in this area. Consideration should be givento either piping water from this dam to a trough, or if it is not required for stock, to lowering the dam andallowing more water to flow along the southwestern drainage line.

FencingAll boundary fencing must be maintained in stockproof condition. Fencing on the southern and northern boundaries is generally in good condition and requires little maintenance. Fences on the easternboundary and along Old Euroa Road have damaged sections and require some maintenance.

Additional fencing is required to exclude stock grazing from areas of VMZ1 and VMZ3 (see Map 5). These fences are only required to prevent sheep movement and may be only necessary for the medium term. Fence construction should take place in summer when the ground is dry and damage to vegetation will be minimal. Electric fencing could be used for stock control where this is practical.

SignsSigns notifying the public of the existence of the Reserve should be erected at the southwestern, northwestern and northeastern corners. The signs should inform the public that all plants and animalsare protected within the Reserve and that firewood collection and hunting are not permitted.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS – INFRASTRUCTUREProvide and maintain adequate fencing and access tracks for the management and protection of the Reserve. Erect signs to notify all persons of the status of the Reserve.


COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & VISITORS

Special Interest GroupsParks Victoria will meet on an annual basis with community representatives including neighbours, Trust for Nature, CFA, Shire of Strathbogie, indigenous organisations and conservation groups to discuss theongoing management of the Reserve and address issues of concern as they arise.

Friends of the Grey-crowned Babbler, Birds Australia and the Euroa Environment Group (as well as local landholders) have all expressed interest in assisting with on-going management and research connected with the Reserve in accordance with this Interim Management Plan. Such co-operation and assistance should be encouraged and supported.

Visitor ManagementPublic awareness of the Balmattum Reserve is likely to be relatively low outside the local community and special interest groups. It can be expected that a small number of groups and individuals may wishto visit the Reserve especially in spring and early summer.

Major constraints on visitation are that:• the site supports rare and threatened species;• domestic stock will be present; and• there are no visitor facilities within the Reserve and limited information about it.

The following procedures on visitor access should be adopted:• Only passive recreation based on the conservation values of the Reserve be permitted;• Visitors should visit the Reserve with organised groups and notify Parks Victoria staff.• Publicity and information regarding the site must be consistent with the management objectives;• No vehicles, including bicycles, should be allowed within the Reserve except for

management purposes;• No pets or horses should be allowed within the Reserve; and• All gates must remain locked.

In the first few years following its reservation it is unlikely that the level of visitation will conflict with the conservation management objectives for the grassland. However, the potential effects of recreational use such as trampling of vegetation, weed spread, disturbance to fauna and interference with research and monitoring should be noted.

Plant and Firewood CollectionAny collection of plant material for propagation must be conducted under permit and must be for legitimate conservation purposes only. The management of Balmattum Reserve and other sites in the region will require considerable vegetation restoration in the future. Accordingly, any collecting of seedor other material within the Reserve must only be for use within protected sites within the local region.

Firewood collection or collection of wildflowers or other plant parts will not be permitted within the Reserve or adjoining road reserves. Old Euroa Road is a ‘significant roadside for nature conservation’.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND VISITORSEncourage and support community groups and local landholders to be involved with the management of the Reserve. Control and manage visitation to ensure that public access does not threaten conservationvalues.

HERITAGE PROTECTION

All historic and cultural heritage sites within the Balmattum Reserve should be identified and marked on relevant management maps. Specific guidelines for the management of Aboriginal heritage sites should be developed. Further advice on the identification, management and interpretation of historic and cultural sites within the Reserve should be sought.


Known sites within the Reserve have received relatively little study and more information could be gained from these areas (See Appendix 7). Further survey for indigenous heritage features should be conducted. However this survey should be postponed until the grass cover is reduced to a level where a detailed ground survey can also be conducted. Prior to commencing any further survey, the Traditional Owners and appropriate Aboriginal Council should be determined, and notified of and invited to attend the survey.

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria is yet to be notified of the scar trees and grafted ring tree. It is recommended that notification does not occur until after grass mass is reduced. Notification would involve a site visit with AAV and would probably occur during additional survey work. Following full survey work, all Aboriginal archaeological and cultural sites recorded, will come under the protection of the Victorian Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 and the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984.

The biggest threats to the site and the scar trees and possible artefacts are from fire and illegal wood (including firewood) removal. In the event of fire, controlled or otherwise, trees must be protected.

Individual scar trees must not be signed or otherwise specially marked.

The Shire of Strathbogie should be notified of the grafted ring tree on the Old Euroa Road Reserve. It is located well away from the road edge and should be safe from mechanical disturbance. In the event of fire, the tree should be foamed down and/or raked around.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – HERITAGE PROTECTIONIdentify and protect cultural and heritage values throughout the Reserve.


9. LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION

The Reserve is in a high priority area for a number of programs aimed at improving vegetation cover and condition and protecting threatened fauna species. The Reserve can act as a focus and a catalyst for these programs in the local area.

Management and development of vegetation links should be encouraged to improve and maintain connections to other major vegetation nodes. In particular, roadsides, stream reserves and nearby remnant blocks should be targeted. Adjoining landowners on the eastern end of the southern boundary, on the eastern boundary and on the opposite side of Maher’s Road should be assisted and encouraged to fence off woodland areas from grazing. Significant areas for conservation on public land in the region are shown on Map 1.

The nearest creeklines all include species of bird not yet recorded on the Reserve. Habitat links, greater than 50 m in width should be established between the Reserve and these creeklines.

Sub-division of land in the immediate vicinity of Balmattum Reserve or conversion to some intensified agricultural uses may increase threats to conservation values on the Reserve and in the landscape as a whole. For example, broadacre olive plantations or vineyards attract Currawongs, Starlings and Indian Mynahs and woodlots of ironbarks may attract more Noisy MIners and large aggressive honeyeaters.

An Environmental Significance Overlay in the Shire of Strathbogie Planning Scheme should be used to protect conservation values in the local area.

INTERIM MANAGEMENT DIRECTION – LANDSCAPE CONSERVATIONDevelop vegetation links on roadsides, stream reserves and with nearby remnants and assist and encourage adjoining landholders to protect woodland conservation values.


10. FUTURE MANAGEMENT ISSUES

RE INTRODUCTION OF THREATENED FLORA AND FAUNARe-introduction of threatened flora and fauna into secure areas is an acknowledged component of long- term conservation of native grassland and grassy woodland communities (Lunt 1991). However, the development of such programs requires careful planning and execution to ensure that the aims of re-introductions are likely to be successful and that the existing values of the recipient site are notcompromised.

Balmattum Reserve may provide suitable habitat for the conservation of several species that are not currently known to occur within the site. Any proposal to re-introduce or introduce fauna or flora to Balmattum Reserve must satisfy relevant policy and planning guidelines and be consistent with recovery and action plans developed for the species. Bush Stone-curlews and Rufous Bettong are two possible targets for re-establishment. However, the suitability of Balmattum Reserve as a recipient site for these species or the desirability of developing re-introduction programs would require further consideration.

PREDATOR-PROOF/KANGAROO-PROOF FENCINGThe implications of establishing predator-proof and/or kangaroo-proof fencing surrounding the Reserve should be investigated. Such a fence may simplify a number of management issues and provideopportunities for active conservation programs within the Reserve. However, it may have negative effects including restricting fauna movement in general and impose greater on-going managementrequirements. The establishment cost of such a fence would also be high.

WOODLAND THINNINGIt is possible that some areas of eucalypt regeneration may eventually require thinning to achieve a desired woodland structure. In areas that currently have a relatively intact tree cover, tree density may be largely self-limiting. Where there is thick regeneration at present, such as in some River Red Gumareas, this may act as a surrogate shrub layer for fauna species and should be left at present.


REFERENCES

ANCA (1996). Application of IUCN Protected Area Management Categories. Draft Australian Handbook. Australian Nature Conservation Agency, Canberra.

Backhouse, G. & Jeanes, J. (1995). The Orchids of Victoria. Melbourne University Press: Melbourne.

Barlow, T.J. (1998). Grassy Guidelines. How to manage native grasslands and grassy woodlands on your property. Trust for Nature (Victoria), Melbourne.

Bennett, A., Brown, G., Lumsden, L., Hespe, D., Krasna, S. & Silins, J. (1998). Fragments for the Future. Wildlife in the Victorian Riverina (the Northern Plains). DNRE, Melbourne.

Berwick, S. (In prep). Draft Pre-1750 EVC Mapping, Goulburn Broken CMA Region. DNRE, Benalla.

Bureau of Meteorology (1993). Climate of Victoria. In Foreman , D.B. & Walsh, N.G. (eds.). (1993).Flora of Victoria. Volume 1: Introduction. Inkata Press, Melbourne.

British Columbia Forest Service (1998) Adaptive Management Home Page. Internet address: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/amhome/amhome.htm

Cheal, D.C. (1993). Effects of stock grazing on the plants of semi-arid woodlands and grasslands.Proc. Roy. Soc. Vic. 105 (1):57-65.

Commonwealth of Australia (1996). The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Biodiversity. Canberra.

Davidson, I. & Chambers, L. (1992). Vegetation management for Superb Parrot foraging habitat in Victoria. Dept of Conservation and Environment, Victoria.

Davidson, I. & Robinson, D. (1992). Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis. FFG Action Statement No. 34. Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, Melbourne.

Davies, R. J-P. (1997). Weed management in temperate native grasslands and grassy woodlands in South Australia. Black Hill Flora Centre, Botanic Gardens of Adelaide.

DCE (1992). Draft Conservation Program for Native Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands in Victoria.Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.

DNRE (1997). Victoria’s Biodiversity: Sustaining our living wealth. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.

ECC (Environment Conservation Council) (2000). Box-Ironbark Forests and Woodlands Investigation.Draft Report for Public Comment. Environment Conservation Council, Melbourne.

EPBC (1999). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.

Fensham, R.J. (1991). Management Plan Case Study: Sherwood Bush, Epping Forest, Tasmania. In Tasmanian Native Bush: A Management Handbook. ed. J.B. Kirkpatrick, Tasmanian Environment Centre, Hobart.

Foreman, P. W. (1996). Ecology of Native Grasslands of Victoria’s Northern Riverine Plain.Unpublished M.Sc. Thesis. School of Botany, La Trobe University, Bundoora.

Goulburn Broken CMA (2000). Draft Goulburn Broken Native Vegetation Plan. Volume 1: Native Vegetation Management Strategy. Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Shepparton.

Grey, M.J., Clarke, M.F. & Loyn, R.H. (1998). Influence of the Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala on avian diversity and abundance in remnant Grey Box woodland. Pacific. Conserv. Biol. 4: 55-69.

Landsberg, J. & Wylie, F.R. (1983). Water stress, leaf nutrients and defoliation: a model of dieback in rural eucalypts. Aust. J. Ecol. 8: 27-41.

Landsberg, J., Morse, J. & Khanna, P. (1990). Tree dieback and insect dynamics in remnants of native vegetation on farms. Proc. Ecol. Soc. Aust. 16: 149-165.

Leigh, J.H. & Holgate, M.D. (1979). The responses of the understorey of forests and woodlands of the Southern Tablelands to grazing and burning. Australian Journal of Ecology (1979) 4: 25-45.

Lunt, I. D. (1991). Management of remnant, lowland grasslands and grassy woodlands for nature conservation: A review. Victorian Naturalist 108, 56-66.


Lunt, I. D. (1995). European management of remnant grassy forests and woodlands in south-eastern Australia - past, present and future? Victorian Naturalist 112, 239-249.

Lunt, I.D. & Bennett, A.F. (1999). Temperate woodlands in Victoria: distribution, composition and conservation. In Temperate Eucalypt Woodlands in Australia: Biology, Conservation, Management and Restoration. ed. R.J. Hobbs & C.J. Yates. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Chipping Norton.

Lunt, I. D. and J.W. Morgan (1998). Second generation management of grassland reserves: lessons from first generation reserves. Report to Environment Australia and the Victorian Grassy Ecosystems Reference Group. La Trobe University, Melbourne.

Lunt, I., T. Barlow & J. Ross (1998). Plains Wandering. Exploring the grassy plains of south-eastern Australia. Victorian National Parks Association, Trust for Nature (Victoria), Melbourne.

Lunt, I.D. (1990a). Impact of an autumn fire on a long-grazed Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) grassland: implications for management of invaded, remnant vegetations. Victorian Naturalist 107, 45-51.

Lunt, I.D., P. Foreman and B Wilson (1999). Terrick Terrick National Park environmental information, assessment and mapping. Unpublished report to Parks Victoria, Melbourne.

McIntyre, S., Lavorel, S. and Tremont, R. M. (1995). Plant life-history attributes: their relationship to disturbance response in herbaceous vegetation. Journal of Ecology 83, 31-44.

Moore, R. M. (1964). Ecological effects of grazing on grasslands in south-eastern Australia. Proceedings of the IXth International Grassland Congress, Brazil , pp. 429-433.

NRE (1999). Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 1999. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

NRE (2000). Rare or Threatened Vascular Plants in Victoria - 2000. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria, East Melbourne, Victoria.

Prober, S. M., and Thiele, K. R. (1995). Conservation of the grassy white box woodlands: relative contributions of size and disturbance to floristic composition and diversity of remnants. Australian Journal of Botany 43, 349-366.

Reid, N. & Landsberg, J. (1999). Tree decline in agricultural landscapes: what we stand to lose. In Temperate Eucalypt Woodlands in Australia: Biology, Conservation, Management and Restoration. ed. R.J. Hobbs & C.J. Yates. (2000) Surrey Beatty & Sons, Chipping Norton: Sydney.

Reid, J.R.W. (1999). Threatened and declining birds in the New South Wales Sheep-Wheat belt. !.Diagnosis, characteristics and management. Consultancy report to NSW NP&WS. CSIRO Wildlife and Ecology, Canberra.

Robertson, D. (1985). Interrelationships between kangaroos, fire and vegetation dynamics at Gellibrand Hill Park, Victoria. Ph.D. thesis, University of Melbourne.

Robinson, D. & Johnson, G. (1997). Bush Stone-Curlew Burhinus grallarius: Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement No 78. Dept of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.

Robinson, D. & Mann, S. (1999). The plants and animals of the Balmattum Property, Old Euroa Road, Moglonemby.

Robinson, D. & Traill, B.J. (1996). Conserving the woodland birds in the wheat and sheep belts of southern Australia. RAOU Conservation Statement no. 10. Birds Australia, Melbourne.

Robinson, D. (1994). Research Plan for Threatened Woodland Birds of Southeastern Australia.Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Melbourne. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Tech Report Series No. 133.

Robinson, D. (1993). Vale Toolern Vale: the loss of our woodland birds. Wingspan 9: 1-3, 20-21.

Robinson, D., Davidson, I. & Tzaros, C. (in press) Biology and Conservation of the Grey-crownedBabbler in Victoria. Flora and Fauna Technical Report. Department of Natural Resources &Environment: Melbourne.

Ross, J.H. (2000). A Census of the Vascular Plants of Victoria. 6th Edn. Royal Botanic Gardens: Melbourne.


SAC. (1991) Flora and Fauna Guarantee – Scientific Advisory Committee. Final Recommendation on a Nomination for Listing. Predation of native wildlife by the introduced Red Fox Vulpes vulpes.. Dept of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.

SAC. (1995) Flora and Fauna Guarantee – Scientific Advisory Committee. Final Recommendation on a Nomination for Listing. Predation of native wildlife by the introduced Cat Felis catus. Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, Melbourne.

SAC. (2000) Flora and Fauna Guarantee – Scientific Advisory Committee. Final Recommendation on a Nomination for Listing. Victorian temperate-woodland bird community. Dept of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.

Stothers, K., Loyn, R., Grey, M., Clarke, M. 7 MacNally, R. (1999). A Dominant Bird. Habitat alteration and Noisy Miners. Information Sheet No. 10 in Wildlife in Box-Ironbark Forests Information Kit. DNRE, Melbourne

Todd, J.A. (1998). Identification of priority areas for protection and the establishment of protected area networks in the Riverina Bioregion Victoria. Unpublished Report to Parks, Flora and Fauna, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.

Traill, B.J. & Duncan, S. (2000). Status of birds in New South Wales temperate woodlands region.Consultancy report to the NSW NP&WS. Australian Woodlands Conservancy, Chiltern.

Traill, B.J. & Porter, C. (2001). Nature Conservation Review, Victoria 2001. Victorian National parks Association, Melbourne.

Tremont, R.M. & S. McIntyre (1994). Natural Grassy Vegetation and Native Forbs in Temperate Australia: Structure, Dynamics and Life Histories. Australian Journal of Botany 42, 641-658.

Walsh, N.G. & T.J. Entwisle (eds.). (1994). Flora of Victoria. Volume 2. Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons. Inkata Press, Melbourne.

Walsh, N.G. & T.J. Entwisle (eds.). (1996). Flora of Victoria. Volume 3. Dicotyledons: Winteraceae to Myrtaceae. Inkata Press, Melbourne.

Walsh, N.G. & T.J. Entwisle (eds.). (1999). Flora of Victoria. Volume 4. Dicotyledons: Cornaceae to Asteraceae. Inkata Press, Melbourne.


APPENDIX 1: FLORA

Native vascular plant species recorded for Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve from Robinson & Mann (1999) and other sources.

E = Taxa is endangered in Australia (EPBC 1999) e = Taxa is endangered in Victoria (NRE 2000)v = Taxa is vulnerable in Victoria (NRE 2000)FFG = Taxa is listed under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. reg. = Taxa regarded as regionally significant by Robinson & Mann (1999)

Status Species Name Common Name OccurrenceAcacia verniciflua Varnish Wattle RoadsideAcaena echinata Sheep’s Burr UncommonAgrostis aemula var. aemula Blown Grass UncommonAgrostis avenacea Common Blown-grass Moderately Common

v FFG Allocasuarina luehmannii Buloke RareAmphibromus macrorhinus Long-nosed Swamp Wallaby-grass Moderately CommonAmphibromus nervosus Common Swamp Wallaby-grass UncommonAphelia gracilis Slender Aphelia RareAristida behriana Brush Wire-grass RareArthropodium fimbriatum Nodding Chocolate-lily RareArthropodium minus Small Vanilla-lily UncommonArthropodium strictum Chocolate-lily UncommonAsperula conferta Common Woodruff RareAustrodanthonia caespitosa Common Wallaby-grass Uncommon

reg. Austrodanthonia carphoides Short Wallaby-grass RareAustrodanthonia duttoniana Brown-back Wallaby-grass CommonAustrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass Common

reg. Austrodanthonia tenuior Wallaby-grass RareAustrostipa aristiglumis Plains Spear-grass RoadsideAustrostipa scabra Rough Spear-grass RareBothriochloa macra Red-leg Grass UncommonBrachyscome basaltica Swamp Daisy Uncommon

reg. Bulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lily RareBurchardia umbellata Milkmaids Rare

reg. Caesia calliantha Blue Grass-lily RareCallitris glaucophylla White Cypress-pine RoadsideCalocephalus citreus Lemon Beauty-heads Uncommon

reg. Calotis anthemoides Cut-leaf Burr-daisy RareCarex inversa Knob Sedge Moderately CommonCarex tereticaulis Rush Sedge UncommonCassinia arcuata Drooping Cassinia RareCentipeda cunninghamii Common Sneezeweed UncommonChamaesyce drummondii Flat Spurge UncommonChloris truncata Windmill-grass RareConvolvulus erubescens Australian Bindweed Uncommon

v Craspedia paludicola Swamp Billy-buttons UncommonCrassula peduncularis Purple Stonecrop RareCrassula sieberiana Austral Stonecrop RareCymbonotus preissianus Austral Bears-ears RareDeyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grass UncommonDianella longifolia Pale Flax-lily RareDianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily Rare

reg. Dichelachne sp. Plume-grass sp. RareDrosera peltata Pale Sundew RareEleocharis acuta Common Spike-sedge UncommonEleocharis pusilla Small Spike-rush Moderately CommonElymus scaber Common Wheat-grass UncommonEnteropogon acicularis Spider Grass Rare


Eryngium ovinum Blue Devil UncommonEucalyptus albens White Box UncommonEucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum CommonEucalyptus melliodora Yellow Box RareEucalyptus microcarpa Grey Box CommonGeranium retrorsum Common Cranesbill UncommonGoodenia gracilis Slender Goodenia Moderately Common

reg. Goodenia pinnatifida Cut-leaf Goodenia RareHaloragis heterophylla Variable Raspwort RareHomopholis proluta Rigid Panic RareHydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort RareHypericum gramineum Small St John’s Wort RareHypoxis vaginata Yellow Star Moderately CommonIsoetopsis graminifolia Grass Cushions Uncommon

reg. Isolepis cernua Nodding Club-sedge RareIsotoma fluviatilis Swamp Isotome Moderately CommonJuncus holoschoenus Joint-leaved Rush UncommonJuncus sp. Knob Rush RareJuncus subsecundus Finger Rush Moderately Common

reg. Leptorhynchos squamatus Scaly Buttons Moderately CommonLevenhookia dubia Hairy Stylewort Rare

reg. Linum marginale Native Flax UncommonLomandra filiformis Wattle Mat-rush UncommonLomandra multiflora Many-flowered Mat-rush RareLythrum hyssopifolia Hyssop Loosestrife Moderately Common

reg. Microseris scapigera Yam Daisy RareMicrotis parvifolia Slender Onion-orchid RareMyriophyllum crispatum Water-milfoil UncommonOxalis perennans Perennial Wood-sorrel UncommonPimelea curviflora Curved Rice-flower RarePlantago gaudichaudii Narrow-leaf Plantain RarePoa sieberiana Tussock Grass Rare

E,e Prasophyllum suaveolens Fragrant Leek-orchid RoadsideRumex brownii Slender Dock Uncommon

reg. Rumex dumosus Wiry Dock RareSchoenus apogon Bog Rush UncommonSolenogyne dominii Solenogyne Moderately Common

reg. Swainsona procumbens Broughton’s Pea RareThelymitra sp. Sun Orchid Rare

reg. Themeda triandra Kangaroo Grass RareThysanotus patersonii Twining Fringe-lily Rare

reg. Tricoryne elatior Yellow Grass-lily UncommonTriglochin procerum Water Ribbons RareUtricularia dichotoma Fairies Aprons Moderately CommonVittadinia cuneata Fuzzy New Holland Daisy RoadsideVittadinia gracilis Woolly New Holland Daisy RareWahlenbergia communis Tufted Bluebell RareWahlenbergia gracilenta Annual Bluebell RareWahlenbergia stricta Tall Bluebell RareWurmbea dioica Early Nancy Uncommon


APPENDIX 2: FAUNA

Fauna recorded from Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve by Robinson & Mann (1999) and Robinson pers. obs..

Native Birds MammalsAustralian Black Duck Eastern Grey KangarooWood Duck Common Ringtail PossumWhite-faced Heron KoalaStraw-necked Ibis *Brown HareBlack-shouldered Kite *RabbitBrown Goshawk *Red FoxWedge-tailed EagleLittle Eagle Reptiles and FrogsBrown Falcon Tree GoannaAustralian Hobby Marbled GeckoPeregrine Falcon Common FrogletNankeen Kestrel Plains FrogletStubble Quail Spotted Grass-frogPainted Button-quail Spur-winged Plover Bush Stone-curlew GalahSulphur-crested Cockatoo Little CorellaEastern Rosella Red-rumped ParrotLittle LorikeetPurple-crowned Lorikeet Musk LorikeetLaughing Kookaburra Australian Owlet-nightjarTawny FrogmouthBlack-faced Cuckoo-shrike Welcome SwallowTree Martin Richard’s PipitWillie WagtailSinging Bushlark Brown SonglarkGrey-crowned Babbler Golden WhistlerNoisy MinerWhite-winged Chough MudlarkStriated Pardalote Yellow-rumped ThornbillGrey Butcherbird Pied ButcherbirdAustralian MagpiePied Currawong Australian Raven Little Raven*Common Starling

* = Introduced species.


APPENDIX 3: VEGETATION COMMUNITIES OF BALMATTUM RESERVE (BERWICK IN PREP)

Plains Grassy Woodland EVCHabitat, Geo l ogy and Soil s : Plains Grassy Woodland (PGW) occurs on a variety of (largely alluvial) geology and landsystem types. In the south west of the study area PGW occurs on basalt plateaus atan annual rainfall of ~700mm or less. At the southern end of the Box Ironbark ecosystem PGW occurson the terrace immediately above the flood plain and/or on the next alluvial terrace. PGW occurs on various alluvial soil types of the Northern plains. PGW occurs in valleys in the southern region of the study area, on sandy loam to clay loam soils where the rainfall is greater than ~ 600mm. PGW also occurs on some tertiary alluviums.

The PGW EVC was mapped at sites of higher effective rainfall. The floristic community Riverina Plains Grassy Woodland occurs on the Northern plains at an annual rainfall less than ~550mm. RPGW is distinguished by the presence of chenopods (e.g. Einadia, Chenopodium, Maireana genera) and grasses typical of the Northern Plains (particularly C4) such as Windmill Grass Chloris truncata, Spider Grass Enteropogon acicularis, Red Leg Grass Bothriochloa macra.

PGW occurs below the hill Grassy Woodland EVC (Low Rises, Shrubby Granitic-outwash or Slopes Box communities), Box Ironbark Forest and abuts Creekline Grassy Woodland and the riverine EVCs. Wetlands are often scattered throughout.

Stru c tur e : PGW is an open woodland with an understorey of scattered shrubs (inferred from the few relatively intact sites)and a high species diversity of grasses, sedges, lilies, orchids and herbs.

Flor i s tic s : There are several floristic entities of this EVC including:

1. Southern entity : the overstorey is predominantly River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis and often Grey Box E. microcarpa. The shrub layer includes: Gold-Dust Wattle Acacia acinacea, Hedge Wattle A. paradoxa, Dwarf Bush-pea Pultenaea humilis, Guinea-flower Hibbertia spp. , Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa and occasionally Whirrakee Wattle near creeks around Broadford. Black Wattle may also occur in the south west of the study area. A Wattle A. leprosa/ausfeldii (to be confirmed) occurs at a site south of Heathcote. The groundlayer species which typify this vegetation include: a dense layer of Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, with grasses such as Spear grasses Stipa spp., and Common Wheat-grass Elymus scabrus. Typical forbs include Blue Devils Eryngium ovinum, Common Everlasting Chrysocephalum apiculatum, Lemon Beauty-heads Calocephalus citreus, Sundew Drosera peltata, Pink Bindweed Convolvulus erubescens, Scaly Buttons Leptorhynchos squamatus, Chocolate Lily Arthropodium strictum, Early Nancy Wurmbea dioeca, Yellow Rush-lily Tricoryne elatior, Bulbine Lily Bulbine bulbosa, Common Onion-orchid Microtis unifolia and Milkmaids Burchardia umbellata. Sedges and rushes include: Schoenus apogon, Isolepis spp., Carex spp., Juncus spp.

2. Northern entity : e.g. Dookie Extension Rd, Euroa: the overstorey includes Yellow Box E. melliodora, White Box E. albens, Grey Box E. microcarpa, Yellow Gum E. leucoxylon and Buloke Allocasuarina leuhmannii (with or without River Red Gum E. camaldulensis). Mallee Wattle A. montana, Gold-dust Wattle A. acinacea, Hedge Wattle A. paradoxa, Spreading Wattle Acacia genistifolia, Golden Wattle Acacia pycnantha, Dwarf Bush-pea Pultenaea humilis, Showy Parrot-pea Dillwynia sericea and Sweet Bursaria Bursaria spinosa can be found in the shrublayer. The dense grass layer includes Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra, Spear Grass Stipa spp. Tall Wheat Grass Elymus scabrus and Wallaby Grass Austrodanthonia spp. Forbs include Blue Devils Eryngium ovinum, Chrysocephalum apiculatum and Flax-lily Dianella revoluta.Significant S p eci e s : Buloke Allocasuarina leuhmannii is depleted in Victoria. Spreading Eutaxia Eutaxia diffusa is rare in Victoria

Distr i butio n : Formerly an extensive distribution across the northern alluvial plain which extends across the upper half of the study area. PGW also once occurred on the Mansfield plain; valley floors around Merton, Yea and Seymour; and on the low Basaltic plateaus south west of Seymour and north of Kilmore.


Plains Grassy Woodland / Gilgai Wetland Mosaic (Gilgai Plains Woodland/ Wetland Mosaic) Habitat, Geo l ogy and Soil s : Gilgai Plains Woodland/ Wetland mosaic occurs in a particular part of the landscape: typically a shallow basin with a large wetland at the lowest point, surrounded by low hills and plains. Soils are heavy self-mulching clays which develop a gilgai profile, resulting in a small scale mosaic of “micro wetlands” within Plains Grassy Woodland (Frood 1999). Annual rainfall ranges from 600mm down to 400mm.Adjacent EVC’s commonly include Plains Grassy Woodland, Low Rises Grassy Woodland, wetland communities and riparian communities such as Creekline Grassy Woodland.

Stru c tur e : An open woodland, with a scattered medium shrub layer, is interspersed regularly with scattered small wetlands. The Gilgai Plains Woodland component of this mosaic has scattered grasses amongst the hummocks of the gilgai soils, which support a variety of forbs (perennial and annual) and notably geophytes. The wetland component comprises small, shallow “microwetlands” with a rich diversity of wet plants including herbs, rushes and sedges.

Flor i s tic s : The dominant tree species is typically River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis which may be co-dominant with Blakeleys Red Gum E. blakelyi or White Box E. albens and Grey Box E. microcarpa. Few shrub species have been recorded from remnants where they grow, scattered, on the higher soil: Hedge Wattle Acacia paradoxa and Golden Wattle A. pycnantha. Ground layer species include: Chocolate Lilies Arthropodium sp., Daisies Brachyscome sp., Cut-leaf Burr-daisy Calotis anthemoides, Cyperus spp, Isolepis spp., Carex spp., Blown Grass Agrostis avenacea.

Significant S p eci e s : Plains Leek Orchid Prasophyllum campestre is rare in Australia and endangered in Victoria.

Distr i butio n : Greytown; Waranga Basin area (extinct); north west to south west of Benalla; Winton and Glenrowan West; Tungamah; south of Echuca; footslopes of Mt Camel and on the heavy soil around the wetlands in the Lake Cooper and Timmering area.


APPENDIX 4: HABITAT REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNIFICANT WOODLAND FAUNA.

SPECIES RESERVE STATUS REQUIREMENTS MANAGEMENT IN RESERVEArea Connectivity Food Nest Sites Habitat

Wedge-tailed Eagle Breeding resident > 1000 ha Tolerant Live animals, carrion

Large live trees Open woodland, short grass cover No disturbance in breeding season.

Painted Button-quail Occasional visitor > 10 ha ? Seeds & insects on ground

Sheltered sites on the ground

Dense overstorey or middle-storey, sparse ground cover with well- developed litter & grass tussocks

Open ground between grass tussocks for foraging & visibility; fox & cat control.

Swift Parrot Not recorded. Regular visitor to district.

Tolerant Tolerant. Nectar, lerps Not relevant Box woodland with abundance of winter-flowering eucalypts; dense overstorey cover

White Box; mature trees because of more reliable nectar-flow

Little Lorikeet Regular visitor to White Box in Reserve

Tolerant Moderately sensitive:< 2 km gaps

Nectar, lerps Hollows in large, live eucalypts.

Box woodland with diversity of eucalypts to provide food in all seasons; dense overstorey cover

White Box; mature trees for foraging & nesting.

Australian Owlet-nightjar Probably resident. Seen during only spotlighting session.

> 30 ha Sensitive:< 1 km gaps

Ground- dwelling invertebrates

Small hollows in live trees, stags or stumps

Multiple hollows; abundant fallen timber, short grass-cover for prey visibility & capture; moderate canopy cover; perches close toground.

Cat & fox control.

Bush Stone-curlew Previously resident- not recorded in last 5 years.


Ground- dwellinginvertebrates

Open site on the ground

Open woodland with abundant fallen timber & short grass cover

Fox control; fallen timber; grass cover <20 cm high.

Southern Whiteface Not recorded. Known alongrailway line east of Reserve.


Seeds & invertebrateson the ground

Small hollows in live trees, stags,stumps or logs

Open woodland with clumps of understorey or Buloke; fallentimber; very short grass or bare ground

Clumps of understorey & access to almost bare ground;overstorey not critical; Noisy Miner control

Fuscous Honeyeater Not recorded. Recorded 5km east in Yellow Gum

> 10 ha Moderately sensitive:< 2 km gaps

Invertebrates, nectar & lerps from canopy & understorey

Canopy foliage Dense canopy cover; understorey; nectar supply

White Box; patches of dense canopy cover; Noisy Miner control

Black-chinned Honeyeater Not recorded. Resident on Riggs Creek, < 2 km west.


Invertebrates, nectar & lerps from canopy &understorey

Canopy foliage Dense canopy cover; understorey; nectar supply; often along River Red Gum creeklines

White Box; patches of dense canopy cover; Noisy Miner control; broad vegetated links tonearby creeks

Brown-headed Honeyeater Not recorded. Recorded to southon Old Euroa Road& on Riggs Ck.


Invertebrates, nectar & lerpsfrom canopy & understorey

Canopy foliage Dense canopy cover; understorey; nectar supply

patches of dense canopy cover; Noisy Miner control; broadvegetated links to nearby creeks


Jacky Winter Not recorded. Occasional winter visitor along RiggsCreek.


Invertebrates from ground, foliage, air

Canopy branches Edge species requiring patches of dense treecover & open ground; understorey; perches close toground; fallen timber; ground cover<10cm.

Short ground cover; Noisy Miner control; fox & cat control

Grey-crowned Babbler One group currently using Reserve along Maher’s Rd. Previous records intwo other sections of Reserve.


Invertebrates from ground & from bark of mature box

Understorey Edge species preferring mosaic of patches of trees, open ground & clumps of understorey; mature trees; short ground cover; abundantlitter & fallen timber.

Patches with > 40 mature trees; short (< 10 cm) ground cover; understorey & patches of Buloke; Noisy Miner control; fox& cat control

Varied Sittella Not recorded. Recorded to southon Old Euroa Road. Likely to use site.


Invertebrates from bark

Dead branches, canopy branches

Box woodland; dense tree cover; mature trees; understorey.

Noisy Miner control; dense patches of tree cover

Crested Shrike-tit Not recorded. Resident along Riggs Creek.


Invertebrates from peeling bark & foliage

Canopy branches Box woodland & red gum creeklines; dense tree cover; many mature trees; understorey of eucalypts & wattles

Noisy Miner control; dense patches of tree & understorey cover

Restless Flycatcher Not recorded. Recorded at various sites within twokilometres.


Invertebrates from ground, foliage, air

Canopy branches Edge species requiring patches of dense tree cover & open ground; understorey; perches close toground; ground cover <20 cm.

Dense patches of tree & understorey cover

Dusky Woodswallow Not recorded. Regular summervisitor to nearby creeks

> 2 ha Tolerant Invertebrates from air,ground.

Cavities in stumps or bark crevices

Edge species preferring patches of dense treecover & open ground;perches close to ground, abundant stumps & other fallen timber; short ground cover.

Noisy Miner control; dense patches of treecover

Brown Treecreeper Not recorded. Resident along nearby creeks.

> 20 ha < 2 km Invertebrates from bark, fallen timber,ground

Small hollows in live or dead trees, stumps, logs

Box woodland & red gum wetlands or creeklines; mature trees; abundant fallen timber; patches ofvery short ground cover

Dense patches of tree cover; short ground cover; broad vegetated links to nearby creeks.


APPENDIX 5: GRAZING MANAGEMENT

Grazing will be implemented under an agreement tied to this Interim Management Statement and terminating with the development of a full management plan for the grassland. The licence should include the following aspects.

1. Stock Stock will principally be sheep and be wethers of any breed. Cattle will be used for initial grazing only.

2. Quarantine New stock from outside the region should be newly shorn and cleaned out before being introduced to the reserve.

3. Stocking Rate Stocking rates for all areas available for grazing (ie. excluding areas fenced for revegetation or other purposes) shall not exceed 5 dse per hectare. The maximum stocking rate and total stock numbers shall be reviewed each year.

4. Timing Grazing will generally be maintained from January to August this will be at the discretion of the manager. The manager may exclude stock from a part or all of the Reserve during periods of abnormal climatic conditions or for specific management purposes.

5. Records Accurate records of stock numbers, types and movements will be kept by the licensee and made available to the manager on request and at the end of each licence period.

6. Feed Hay and other feed may be provided only in VMZ3 areas. Source of hay to be determined in consultation with managers. Stock supplements must not be given except with the prior permission of the manager.

7. Fertilisers and Pasture There will be no fertiliser use or sowing of pasture seed on any part of the grassland.

8. Cultivation There will be no cultivation, tillage or other mechanical soil disturbance.

9. Irrigation There will be no irrigation development except to provide off-dam watering for stock.

10. Vehicles All normal vehicle movements shall be confined to existing tracks. Vehicles may leave tracks when engaged in fire management but should aim to minimise soil disturbance at all times.

11. Access Vehicle access to the grassland is restricted to management vehicles only (including vehicles for the necessary management of stock). All access gates will be padlocked to prevent unauthorised entry).

12. Costs All water, fuel, electricity, veterinary and other costs related to stock management will be borne by the licensee.

13. Resource Use The licensee must not remove or allow to be removed any hay, seeds, native animals, plants, wood, stone, soil or gravel from the Reserve.

14. Pest Plants and Animals Control of pest plants and animals will be the responsibility of Parks Victoria.

15. Fire The licensee will not undertake any burning on the property nor allow any fire to burn unchecked. All fire precautions are the responsibility of Parks Victoria. The licensee recognises that fire as a technique for the management of the Reserve will be under trial during the period of the licence.

16. Research The licensee recognises that the management of the Reserve for nature conservation will require the establishment and maintenance of infrastructure and the conduct of surveys and trials. The licensee will cooperate with all reasonable requests in relation to such research including the provision of stock for assessing grazing impacts.

17. Visitation The licensee accepts that the reserve is public property and that visitation from the general public is allowed and to be expected.

18. Liaison The manager will designate a single contact person for the administration of the licence.The licensee will maintain regular contact with this person and will not take any new or unusual management action without first consulting with that person.

19. Review The licence will be reviewed on an annual basis including stock numbers and areas available for grazing. The licence as a whole will be reviewed in the development of a management plan for the grassland.


APPENDIX 6: REPORT ON HERITAGE FEATURES

Shearing shedThe shearing shed is a corrugated iron clad building, 6.4m x 9.8m, with standard sawn timber stud framed construction. The general appearance of the construction and roof pitch is consistent with a c1930's or 40's building. Some parts of the building however are much older than this suggesting thatthey have been recycled from an earlier 19th c building. These parts include two 6 pane window sashes and the ledged and battened doors. The walls also have been clad in secondhand corrugated iron. The condition of the iron on the roof is very good and has possibly been replaced at some stage. At the north end of the building there are two posts in the ground adjacent to a set of double doors and these may be all that remains of a small landing or loading platform. Internally the timber framed shearing pens and gates are intact. There is no machinery or furniture remaining but there are several old empty branding fluid and oil cans on shelving in the building.

The condition of the building is generally very good. Although there are some inactive termite galleries on one stump in the southwest corner there does not appear to have been any significant damage apart from the end of one bearer under the west wall. The timbers beneath the door at the south end of the west wall have been damaged by water possibly from the overflow of the roof gutter above. The roof gutter on the east side is missing and the west side is rusted out.

Shearing shed siteFeatures around the shearing shed include a brick and concrete sheep dip and the remains of yards. Some parts of the yards are fenced with closely spaced hardwood timber staves and twisted wire (anolder style of fencing also found at Day's Mill). There are termite galleries on many of thestaves and active termites were found on one. Termite damage to date however appears to have been only minor. The more recent yards are to the south west of the shed and are constructedof hardwood timber and steel mesh.

HayshedThe hayshed is a simple timber framed open sided corrugated iron roofed building about 10m x 10m in area. The posts are round bush poles and the roof framing is sawn hardwood. A timber rail fixed to theoutside of the posts at about 1m high surrounds the perimeter of the building supporting a chain mesh or wire netting barrier. The main structure is an east-west gabled roof that is extended by a skillion roof tothe south.

The condition of the building is only fair and not as good as the shearing shed. The structure is not braced in any way and relies on the strength of the posts in the ground. It is leaning to the west and the bases of some posts may have rotted.

CommentsShearing sheds like this one are a common or typical building type in this area and country Victoria generally. There are at least 3 or 4 similar corrugated iron sheds visible from the road between the blockand Euroa. My preliminary view is that the building is not likely to be of more than local historic interest but it may have some value in interpreting the past land use of the site and it could be argued that itcontributes to the rural landscape character of the area. Its relatively good condition and attractive sitingcould make it suitable for a new use on the site if appropriate. I think the hay shed is of considerably less interest and value.

Chris Smith Heritage Planner Parks Victoria.Central Region Office Brimbank Park Keilor


APPENDIX 7: INDIGENOUS HERITAGE – INITIAL REPORT

SummaryOn the 6th April 2001 Brian Nelson (Indigenous Team Leader, Central Region), accompanied by Julie Flack (Ranger, Murray Central District), conducted a visual inspection of Balmattum NatureConservation Reserve. The aim of the inspection was to note and record any visible evidence of prior use of the area by indigenous people. The inspection covered approximately 2/3rd of the Reserve. The inspection found four scar trees within the area inspected and a grafted ring tree on the adjoining roadside frontage.

MethodologyTransects were walked ad hoc in roughly north-east and south-west directions, commencing in the western corner of the Reserve, adjacent to the shearing shed, and running for the length of the Reserve. Every potential scar tree (based on a diameter of greater than 1.5 metres at 1.5 metres above groundlevel) was inspected for visible scars. Ground was also visually checked, however the grass cover wasvery thick and long, with percentage of visible bare ground <1% - negating the likelihood of finding artefacts. Approximately 2/3rd of the Reserve was covered using this methodology, to a line running north-east from the two bulokes located on the southern boundary.

OutcomesDuring the inspection a total of four scar trees, comprising one coolamon scar and three shield scars were located. Two of the shield scar trees and the coolamon scar tree are located in the dense stand oftrees near the shearing shed. The third shield scar tree is located approximately geographically centrallywithin the Reserve.

Additionally, a grafted ring tree was located on the opposite side of the Old Euroa Road from the Reserve, within the roadside reserve, towards the northwest corner of the Reserve.

Given the size of the trees, there is high potential for further scar trees in the 1/3rd of the Reserve not inspected. This part of the Reserve also has potential for scattered artefacts, a work site or campsite given the slightly higher and stonier (hence drier) characteristics.

Future Works & ProtectionA more thorough survey should be conducted, especially in the 1/3rd not yet inspected. However this survey should be postponed until the grass cover is removed to a level where a detailed ground surveycan also be conducted. If grazing, rather than burning, is to be used to reduce biomass, the uninspected section could be broken into two sections (using electric fencing) and grazed out prior to survey. Prior tocommencing any further survey, the Traditional Owners and appropriate Aboriginal Council should bedetermined, and notified of and invited to attend the survey.

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria is yet to be notified of the scar trees and grafted ring tree. It is recommended that notification does not occur until after grass mass is reduced. Notification would involve a site visit with AAV and would probably occur during additional survey work. Following full survey work, all Aboriginal archaeological and cultural sites recorded, will come under the protection of the Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (C’wlth).

The biggest threats to the site and the scar trees and possible artefacts are from fire and illegal wood (including firewood) removal. To mitigate the possibility of wood removal the Reserve must be securely fenced and clearly signed as a Nature Conservation Reserve. In the event of fire, controlled or otherwise, trees must be protected by applying foam and raking around the base.

Individual scar trees must not be signed or otherwise specially marked.

The Shire Council responsible for managing the roadside reserve should be notified of the grafted ring tree. It is located well away from the road edge and should be safe from mechanical disturbance. In the event of fire, the tree should be foamed down and/or raked around.

Brian NelsonIndigenous Team Leader Central Region


APPENDIX 8: ADJOINING LANDHOLDERS

Name Address Adjoins Reserve

G.J. & P.M. Belcher “Elmslea” RMB 1430Euroa 3666

Southeast

R. & I.M. Pitman 7 Pinelodge Court Templestowe 3106

South

I.C. & J.H.M. Chanter “Lamingunyah”RMB 4018Violet Town 3669

Southwest

K.S.E. Dean 13 Graham Street Euroa 3666

Southwest West

Ector Pty Ltd 2 Frederick Street Doncaster 3108

West Northwest

N.C. Chanter RMB 4019Violet Town 3669

Northwest North

A.L. & J.H. Haygarth “Larapinta”Violet Town 3669

Northeast

Yandea Pty Ltd 11 Graham Street Euroa 3666

East

Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve Interim Management ... Web view45Balmattum Nature Conservation...

Documents

Transcript of Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve Interim Management ... Web view45Balmattum Nature Conservation...