Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve - Office of Environment and … · Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve...
35
Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve Plan of Management
Transcript of Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve - Office of Environment and … · Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve...
Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve Plan of Management
CLARENCE ESTUARY NATURE RESERVE
PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Part of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water February 2011
This plan of management was adopted by the Minister for Climate Change and the Environment on 21
st February 2011.
Acknowledgments This plan of management is based on a draft plan prepared by staff of the North Coast Region of NPWS. Valuable information and comments were provided by NPWS specialists, the North Coast Regional Advisory Committee and members of the public. Cover photographs, of part of the reserve and of a pied oyster catcher, by Steve Hodgson, NPWS. Inquiries about this reserve or this plan of management of Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve should be directed to the Ranger at the NPWS North Coast Regional Office, Level 3, 49 Victoria Street, Grafton or by telephone on (02) 6641 1500. © Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (NSW) 2011: Use permitted with appropriate acknowledgment ISBN 978 1 74293 224 8 DECCW 2011/0256
FOREWORD Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve is located adjacent to the town of Yamba on the NSW North Coast and has an area of 130 hectares. Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve protects a small remnant of the Clarence estuary foreshore. It contains a high diversity of plant species, including an area of saltmarsh, which provides significant habitat for a range of native animals. These include at least 30 listed migratory species, some of which are also listed as threatened under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve also contains areas that are of significance to the Yaegl Aboriginal people who have had a continuing connection to the land since pre-European times. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 requires that a plan of management be prepared for each nature reserve. A draft plan of management for Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve was placed on public exhibition from 5
th October
2007 until 21st January 2008. The submissions received were carefully considered
before adopting this plan. The plan contains a number of actions to achieve the State Plan priority to “Protect native vegetation, biodiversity, land, rivers and coastal waterways”, including undertaking surveys for threatened plant and animal species, preparation of a pest species management strategy for the reserve, and rehabilitation of cleared and disturbed areas, particularly disturbed riverbanks. This plan of management establishes the scheme of operations for Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve. In accordance with section 73B of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, this plan of management is hereby adopted.
Frank Sartor MP Minister for Climate Change and the Environment
1
1 CLARENCE ESTUARY NATURE RESERVE 1.1 LOCATION, GAZETTAL AND REGIONAL SETTING
Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve (referred to as “the reserve”) was gazetted on
5th
March 1999. It is located adjacent to the town of Yamba (29°26.4'S, 153°21'E) on the NSW North Coast. It lies within the Clarence Valley Local Government Area and the boundaries of the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.
The reserve comprises five separate areas of land, all formerly Crown land, on the foreshores of the estuary of the Clarence River, covering a combined total area of approximately 130 hectares (see map, centre pages).
The northern four sections of the reserve (see inset in map) include two parts adjacent to residential areas (referred to as the Shores Drive section and the Melaleuca Drive section in this plan) as well as Rabbit Island and part of Dart Island. The southern section is in a rural setting and borders an inactive prawn farm, the Micalo Channel and Wooloweyah Lagoon (referred to as the Micalo Island section in this plan).
In the original sections of the reserve (namely the Micalo Island, Melaleuca Drive and Shores Drive sections), the gazetted area includes the intertidal zone to mean low water mark. The 2005 additions to the reserve on Rabbit Island and Dart Island are to mean high water mark.
The reserve has been set aside to protect a small remnant of the Clarence estuary foreshore in a landscape that has largely been modified for urban development. The reserve contains a high diversity of plant species, which provides significant habitat for a range of native animals. Coastal wetland environments in the reserve are of particular significance with each section of the reserve supporting wetland areas. The tidal mudflats in the Clarence River estuary constitute one of the major foraging habitats for migratory waders in NSW. Coastal wetland environments also provide important breeding habitat for fish species.
The Clarence estuary is listed on the Register of National Estate and on the National Directory of Important Wetlands (Environment Australia 2001).
The reserve also includes areas that are of immense significance to the Yaegl Aboriginal people who have had a continuing connection to the land since pre-European times.
This management plan is consistent with the NSW Coastal Policy (DUAP 1997), which seeks to facilitate and promote better management of the NSW coastal zone. It is also consistent with actions in the Clarence Estuary Management Plan (Umwelt 2003).
2
2 MANAGEMENT CONTEXT
2.1 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
The management of nature reserves in NSW is in the context of a legislative and policy framework, primarily the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act), the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and the policies of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The policies arise from the legislative background, the NPW Regulations and internationally accepted principles of park management. They relate to nature conservation, Aboriginal and historic heritage conservation, recreation, commercial use, research and communication.
Other legislation, international agreements and charters may also apply to the management of the area. In particular, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) may require the assessment and mitigation of environmental impacts of works proposed in this plan. In addition, the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) relates to the protection of matters of National Environmental Significance, such as the protection of migratory species listed under international agreements. These include three specifically for the protection of migratory birds:
• The Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment (JAMBA);
• The Agreement between the Government of Australia and the People’s Republic of China for the Protection of Migratory Birds and their Environment (CAMBA); and
• The Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the Protection of Migratory Birds (ROKAMBA).
A plan of management is a statutory document under the NPW Act. Once the Minister has adopted a plan, no operations may be undertaken within Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve except in accordance with the plan. The plan will also apply to any future additions to the reserve. Where management strategies or works are proposed for the reserve or any additions that are not consistent with the plan, an amendment to the plan will be required.
2.2 MANAGEMENT PURPOSES AND PRINCIPLES
Nature reserves are reserved under the NPW Act to protect and conserve areas containing outstanding, unique or representative ecosystems, species, communities or natural phenomena.
Under the Act, nature reserves are managed to:
• conserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem functions, and protect geological and geomorphological features and natural phenomena;
• conserve places, objects, features and landscapes of cultural value;
• promote public appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of the reserve’s natural and cultural values; and
• provide for appropriate research and monitoring.
2.3 LANDSCAPE CONTEXT
Natural and cultural heritage and previous and existing landuse are often strongly inter-related and together form the landscape of an area. Much of the Australian
3
environment has been influenced by past land use practices. Human activities continue to influence the landscape through development, recreational use, cultural practices, introduction of non-native plants and animals and in some cases the generation of air and water pollution.
The landscape of the planning area and its surrounds has been modified by past and present activities which include building of the river’s training walls and dredging, development for agriculture and aquaculture, and more recently development for residential housing, recreation and tourism. For example, it is reported that much of the littoral rainforest around Yamba was cleared for cedar and other rainforest timbers within 20 years of European settlement (Maclean Shire Council 2002). Today only small, isolated remnant patches of native vegetation provide examples of the pre-European environment.
An assessment of Crown land in the Yamba Bay area by the former Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC 1998) recommended that suitable uses for the Shores Drive section of Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve included environmental protection, nature conservation and low-intensity natural recreation. The report further recommended that consultation with the local Yaegl tribe was essential when considering future management options. As a result of this report, the area was reserved as a nature reserve.
The former Maclean Shire Council (2002) reported that “celebrations and gatherings on Crown Reserves have been important social and economic events that have been common throughout the history of settlement in Maclean Shire”. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people place cultural values on natural areas, including aesthetic, social, spiritual, recreational and other values. Cultural values may be attached to the landscape as a whole or to individual components, for example to plant and animal species used by Aboriginal people. This plan of management aims to conserve both natural and cultural values. For reasons of clarity and document usefulness natural and cultural heritage, non-human threats and on-going use are dealt with individually, but their inter-relationships are recognised.
2.4 MANAGEMENT DIRECTIONS
The management objectives for the Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve are to:
• manage the reserve as part of a regionally important system of protected areas;
• conserve and rehabilitate the diversity of habitat types occurring naturally within the reserve, with particular emphasis on the protection of littoral rainforest and coastal wetlands, including saltmarsh;
• protect habitat for significant plant and animal species, particularly species and communities that are:
− listed under the TSC Act or the EPBC Act, or
− endemic or regionally significant.
• identify, protect and conserve Aboriginal sites and places of cultural significance in partnership with the Aboriginal community;
• provide opportunities for self-reliant, nature-based recreation only;
• restrict further non-NPWS infrastructure in the reserve and remove existing illegal structures; and
• continue to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with reserve neighbours and stakeholders.
4
3 DESCRIPTION OF THE RESERVE 3.1 NATURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE 3.1.1 Landform, Geology and Soils
The reserve is part of the lower estuary of the Clarence River, a network of extensive fluvial-deltaic plains (DLWC 2003). Located on the southern side of the Clarence River, the reserve is within the larger Clarence Moreton Basin geological formation comprised mainly of unfolded fluvial sediments (DLWC 1998). The southern section (Micalo Island section) of the reserve is an estuarine alluvial flat adjoining Wooloweyah Lagoon.
The dynamics of the estuary have played and continue to play a significant role in shaping the reserve. The alluvial soils of the reserve were formed by the erosion of sedimentary rocks and periods of deposition along the floodplain (DLWC 1998). Vegetation removal in foreshore areas has exposed these alluvial soils to run-off, tide and wave action, and increased erosion (DLWC 1998). The river, however, also deposits sediments on the shores of the reserve.
Tulau (1999) predicts that sedimentation at Wooloweyah Lagoon will continue until a freshwater swamp is formed, which will change the dynamics of the Micalo Island section of the reserve over time. Local activities, such as the dredging of Micalo Channel, manipulation of the Clarence estuary for urban canal development (as has occurred adjacent to the Melaleuca and Shores Drive section of the reserve) and the presence of Middle Wall add to the hydrological changes affecting the reserve.
Acid sulphate soils are found underlying many coastal floodplains, but remain relatively harmless unless disturbed or drained (Tulau 1999). While the greater Clarence estuary is identified as a priority area for acid sulphate soil management by Tulau (1999), the sections of the reserve differ in their potential to contain acid sulphate soils. The Shores Drive and Melaleuca Drive sections, as well as Rabbit and Dart Islands, were identified by DLWC (1998) as low risk as they are located on an elevated alluvial plain dominated by fluvial sediments. The low elevation of the Micalo Island section of the reserve indicates it falls into a higher risk category (Tulau 1999), with Micalo Island identified as containing potential and actual acid sulphate soils. 3.1.2 Native Plants
Umwelt (2002) estimates that only four per cent of the original coastal floodplain wetland or native forest vegetation types remain in the lower Clarence estuary. The reserve protects an important remnant of this vegetation. Of particular significance is the diversity of communities and species present within such a small area, plus the representation of successional stages of plant communities from the estuarine environment, through to swamps, and then to open and closed forest associations (Dodkin 1989).
The alienation of this area by roads and housing development has seen the frequency of fire reduced. The absence of fire most likely explains why the reserve has a well developed structure and high biodiversity values from the ground layer to the canopy. This has also allowed the development of littoral rainforest with individual rainforest elements scattered through the other forest sections (Dodkin 1989).
Over 100 native plant species have been recorded in the reserve. Of the littoral rainforest species, two are recorded at their southern limit. These are Polyalthia nitidissimi (a low tree) and the broad-leaved lilly pilly (Acmena hemilampra). Both species are common in Iluka Nature Reserve, but this is the only known record south of
5
the Clarence River (Dodkin 1989). The reserve contains other species close to their southern limit and two threatened plant species (refer to Table 1). Littoral rainforest is listed as an endangered ecological community under the TSC Act and as a critically endangered ecological community under the EPBC Act.
Intertidal estuarine communities consist of grey mangrove (Avicennia marina), river mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum) and saltmarsh. Swamp oak forest (Casuarina glauca) and sand cypress (Callitris columellaris) adjoin the mangrove community. Swamp sclerophyll forest of paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) also occurs within the reserve (NPWS 1989). Coastal saltmarsh on the NSW North Coast, and swamp oak and swamp sclerophyll forests on coastal floodplains on the NSW North Coast are listed as Endangered Ecological Communities under the TSC Act. Table 1 Threatened and significant plant species known to occur in the reserve
Common Name Scientific name Significance
white-flowered wax plant Cynanchum elegans #Endangered arrow-head vine Tinospora tinosporoides #Vulnerable
broad-leaved lilly pilly Acmena hemilampra subsp. hemilampra southern limit polyalthia Polyalthia nitidissima southern limit sand cypress Callitris columellaris close to southern limit umbrella cheese tree Glochidion sumatranum close to southern limit blunt-leaved passionfruit Passiflora aurantia close to southern limit corky milk vine Secamone elliptica close to southern limit
# Listed under both the TSC Act and EPBC Act
3.1.3 Native Animals
The reserve provides important habitat for protected and threatened animal species. Approximately 412 animal species have been recorded within the broader Clarence estuary area. Ten threatened animal species have been recorded from the reserve, and it is likely that others may occur (Table 2).
Habitat within the reserve provides foraging, roosting and nesting sites for a variety of birds of prey including the white-bellied sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) and the threatened eastern osprey (Pandion cristatus). An artificial roost site has been provided by Country Energy on the edge of the reserve on Shores Drive and is being used by ospreys.
Seven threatened bat species have been recorded in the area surrounding the reserve. The diversity of bat species is most likely due to the rich source of pollen and nectar supplied by nearby coastal heaths and forests, which provide food for nectivorous bats and flying foxes, and also the large numbers of insects which are the prey of insectivorous species, and the proximity of these areas to water (Churchill 1998). Mangroves in the reserve are often a preferred site for flying fox camps.
The area is also of international importance for migratory wading birds (refer section 2.1). The reserve provides habitat for a significant population of at least thirty listed migratory species including some, such as the lesser sand plover (Charadrius mongolus) and the Terek sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), which are also listed as vulnerable under the TSC Act.
The NSW Wader Study Group undertakes biennial shorebird counts along the coastline of NSW including parts of reserve. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has also undertaken a shorebird monitoring project in the Clarence estuary.
6
Table 2 Threatened animal species known or likely to occur within Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve
Common Name Scientific Name Status under TSC Act
Status under EPBC Act
Species known to occur within the reserve
great knot Calidris tenuirostris Vulnerable Migratory greater sand plover Charadrius leschenaultii Vulnerable Migratory lesser sand plover Charadrius mongolus Vulnerable Migratory beach stone-curlew Esacus magnirostris Endangered pied oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris Endangered broad-billed sandpiper Limicola falcinellus Vulnerable Migratory black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa Vulnerable Migratory eastern osprey Pandion cristatus Vulnerable greater broad-nosed bat Scoteanax rueppellii Vulnerable terek sandpiper Xenus cinereus Vulnerable Migratory
Species considered likely to occur within the reserve
Birds
sanderling Calidris alba Vulnerable Migratory glossy black-cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Vulnerable barred cuckoo-shrike Coracina lineata Vulnerable black-necked stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Endangered black bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis Vulnerable mangrove honeyeater Lichenostomus fasciogularis Vulnerable square-tailed kite Lophoictinia isura Vulnerable Migratory white-eared monarch Carternornis leucotis Vulnerable powerful owl Ninox strenua Vulnerable eastern ground parrot Pezoporus wallicus Vulnerable red-tailed tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda Vulnerable rose-crowned fruit-dove Ptilinopus regina Vulnerable grass owl Tyto longimembris Vulnerable masked owl Tyto novaehollandiae Vulnerable
Mammals
hoary wattled bat Chalinolobus nigrogriseus Vulnerable little bent-wing bat Miniopterus australis Vulnerable large-footed myotis Myotis macropus Vulnerable eastern long-eared bat Nyctophilus bifax Vulnerable common planigale Planigale maculata Vulnerable grey-headed flying-fox Pteropus poliocephalus Vulnerable Vulnerable common blossom-bat Syconycteris australis Vulnerable
Amphibians
wallum froglet Crinia tinnula Vulnerable wallum sedge frog Litoria olongburensis Vulnerable Vulnerable
Source: NPWS fauna modelling database 1998, NPWS Atlas 2007
3.1.4 Aboriginal Heritage
Aboriginal communities have an association and connection to the land. The land and water biodiversity values within a landscape are central to Aboriginal spirituality and contribute to Aboriginal identity. Aboriginal communities associate natural resources with the use and enjoyment of foods and medicines, caring for the land, passing on cultural knowledge and strengthening social bonds. Aboriginal heritage and nature are
7
inseparable from each other and need to be managed in an integrated manner across the landscape.
The reserve falls within the boundaries of the Birrigan Gargle and Yaegl local Aboriginal land councils, which represent the local Yaegl Aboriginal community and the Lower Clarence Aboriginal Elders Committee, Wdjri Myiral.
The abundance of food and other natural resources in the Clarence estuary has contributed to a long history of intensive Aboriginal use in the area. The surrounding locality contains various sites of Aboriginal occupation, including middens, campsites, ceremonial grounds, artefact scatters and burial sites. An interpretative sign has been installed on the council park adjacent to the reserve at the end of Shores Drive, highlighting the importance of the area to Aboriginal people. The Shores Drive section of the reserve includes the site of the Reedy Creek Aboriginal camp, which was established in 1935 when families moved off Ulgundahi Island Aboriginal Mission. Very little of this camp remains now, and the campsite is now overgrown.
No formal cultural heritage study has been undertaken in the reserve. The Clarence Estuary Management Plan recommends surveys in this and other reserves (Umwelt 2003). 3.1.5 Historic Heritage
Prior to European settlement the Clarence estuary was fringed with significant stands of rainforest vegetation. The area around Yamba initially had valuable stands of cedar and by the end of the 1830s there were numerous camps of cedar getters along the river. The cedar industry was only short lived and by the 1860s shipments of cedar ceased. As grazing, agriculture and dairying developed, river traffic increased and the value of the river as a transport route grew in economic significance.
The construction of the training walls, to facilitate safe shipping at the Clarence River entrance, commenced in 1862. Outside the reserve, just off the end of Rabbit Island and at the end of Shores Drive, there are the remains of large wooden piles, remnants of the viaduct that transported rock for the construction of Middle Wall during the 1890s and early 1900s. A tramline also existed along Shores Drive to transport rock and materials from quarries at Angourie for the training walls. No remains of these structures are known to occur in the reserve.
The Shores Drive section of the reserve contained a night soil depot, which was dedicated as a reserve for sanitary purposes in 1926. It only became a Crown Reserve for Public Recreation in 1982. 3.2 ACCESS AND VISITOR USE
Some of the reserve’s boundaries are accessible from public roads while, for other parts, the only access is by boat. At low tide, Dart Island can be accessible by wading from Hickey Island. Except for boundary asset protection zones, which are accessible to management vehicles, there are no roads, trails or recreational facilities within the reserve. Access to the Micalo section of the reserve is by a public Crown road reserve. This road runs through a private property (an inactive prawn farm) and is broken by drains on the reserve boundary.
A number of parks and reserves in close proximity to the reserve provide a range of recreational opportunities, including facilities for camping, picnicking and fishing. The Clarence Valley Council provides picnic facilities on the Clarence River at the end of Shores Drive, which is known as Peninsula Park. There are two other small parks
8
managed by Clarence Valley Council adjoining the reserve: Reedy Creek Park (on Melaleuca Drive) and Westringia Park (on Westringia Place). Camping is currently available at the caravan park which lies adjacent to the south-eastern boundary of the Shores Drive section (see inset to map). The foreshore in the vicinity of the caravan park forms part of the Yamba Bay Foreshore Reserve, which is managed by Clarence Valley Council as trustee.
The reserve is used for activities such as bird watching and fishing. These activities are considered consistent with the principles of a nature reserve. Given the significance of the reserve’s natural attributes and the high level of development in close proximity, the preservation of these natural attributes will take precedence over the development of visitor infrastructure. 3.3 OTHER USES
On the northern foreshore of Dart Island there is a navigational beacon maintained by NSW Maritime. The beacon provides a roosting spot for birds, in particular ospreys.
There are oyster lease markers in the Shores Drive section of the reserve. These mark the boundary of oyster leases between Shores Drive section and Dart Island. The terms of the oyster leases do not permit access through the reserve or storage of equipment or dumping of waste in the reserve. The waters surrounding the reserve are also used for commercial estuary hauling and mesh netting. All fishing activities in NSW waters are regulated under Fisheries Management Act 1994. Both commercial and recreational fishing must be in accordance with licence conditions specified by Industry & Investment NSW. Gazettal of sections of Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve to the mean low water mark has not changed this authority and fishing operations will continue to be managed by Industry & Investment NSW. However, the concurrence of the Minister administering the NPW Act will be required before new oyster leases may be granted in the reserve, or before leases may be transferred. 3.4 THREATS TO RESERVE VALUES 3.4.1 Soil Erosion and Acid Sulphate Soils
The floodplain alluvials are generally considered to be stable except when vegetation has been removed. This has occurred in some areas along the reserve’s foreshore, exposing these soils to run-off, tides, boat wash and wave action, all of which have increased the extent of erosion.
At present there are no acid sulphate soils exposed in or next to the reserve. However, as a result of various activities the water table has lowered and acid sulphate soils have been exposed to the air elsewhere in the Clarence estuary. The oxidation of iron pyrite in the soil then produces sulphuric acid, which is washed into the drains and ground water during high rainfall events. This can lead to very acidic conditions with levels as low as pH 2-3; little aquatic life survives such events with the exception perhaps of eels (Sammut 1996).
9
3.4.2 Introduced Plants and Animals
Introduced plants are generally the result of disturbance to natural ecosystems from past land uses. These plants have the potential to impact on the viability and biodiversity of native vegetation communities.
Significant areas of the reserve are impacted by weed invasion, with the margins of the reserve the most heavily infested. Many weed species have been introduced through the unauthorised dumping of rubbish and garden waste. Lantana (Lantana camara), bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera), smooth tree pear (Opuntia monacantha (syn. Opuntia vulgaris)) and ground asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus) are the main weeds found in the reserve and a variety of other weeds, such as exotic vines and garden escapees, also occur. Street plantings of exotic species (e.g. hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii) occur along Melaleuca Drive. Lantana, bitou bush and smooth tree pear are listed as noxious in the Clarence Valley. Invasion of native plant communities by bitou bush, and invasion and establishment of exotic vines and scramblers, have been listed as key threatening processes under the TSC Act. Establishment of escaped exotic garden plants has been proposed to be listed as a key threatening process.
There have been reports of cane toads (Bufo marinus) occurring in the reserve. The diet of the cane toad includes insects, principally beetles, but several species of small snakes, lizards, frogs and even small marsupials are also reputedly eaten. Additionally, cane toads are toxic to species preying on them, which may include birds, native lizards and snakes.
The European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has been recorded in the reserve. Feral cats (Felis catus) may also be present. These pests prey on native species and can significantly reduce species diversity. Straying pet cats and dogs can similarly have major impacts on the reserve’s wildlife populations.
Cattle (Bos taurus) occasionally enter the Micalo Island section of the reserve. Extensive pads and ground disturbance are evident in the riparian areas frequented by cattle. Hard-hoofed animals such as cattle impact on park values by trampling vegetation, selectively grazing native plants, fouling springs and waterways, eroding and compacting soils, and spreading weeds. 3.4.3 Urban stormwater and drainage
Urban stormwater is a major transporter of various types of pollutants (including rubbish, animal faeces, soaps, pesticides and oils) from roads, gardens and buildings. There are five stormwater discharge points in the Shores Drive section of the reserve, as well as a channel located along Shores Drive which drains into the reserve. Two stormwater drains flow into the Melaleuca Drive section of the reserve from The Mainbrace and four from Melaleuca Drive.
A drainage channel currently delineates the practical boundary between the caravan park and the Shores Drive section of the reserve. There is another earthen channel on the edge of the reserve along Yamba Road, continuing along Shores Drive. These drains trap litter, especially plastics, which can be flushed out into the estuary and cause a threat to marine and shorebird species.
10
3.4.4 Urban Encroachment
Along the urban interface there are several encroachments from residential properties into the reserve. Several neighbours use the reserve, and adjacent council parks, for vehicular access to their backyards. Sections of the reserve are also used for storage of boats and other equipment, as well as recreation and views.
Several domestic jetty, mooring and seating structures occur within the reserve. These structures were built before the reserve’s gazettal. However, most were constructed without an approval or a licence under the Crown Lands Act 1989 and so do not constitute an existing interest under the NPW Act. Examples of these structures can be seen on the reserve foreshore west of Westringia Park and adjacent to Melaleuca Drive. Unlicensed structures are illegal, often not conforming to building codes and can pose a potential liability to the NPWS. They also compromise reserve values by encouraging boat launching in sensitive mangrove vegetation. Public facilities for boat launching are provided nearby at Witonga Drive, Shores Drive and along Yamba Road.
A small section of the reserve west of Westringia Park (approximately 0.15 ha) has been substantially modified and has limited conservation value. The foreshore of this area is currently receding due to the removal of the native vegetation (primarily mangrove and swamp oak communities). Some adjacent landholders have indicated that they will not support the stabilisation of the foreshore by regeneration of native species. A number of ad hoc erosion control measures, such as the construction of concrete tyre walls, have been implemented in this area which pre-date gazettal of the nature reserve. The area has negligible value as a nature reserve and constitutes a significant liability for NPWS. 3.4.5 Inappropriate recreational use
A number of unauthorised recreational activities and uses occur in the reserve. Informal walking tracks have been created in the reserve in the vicinity of the tavern and from Westringia Park across the saltmarsh to the river. Erosion and compaction associated with the track behind Westringia Park, particularly its use by bikes, is causing unacceptable impacts to the saltmarsh which is part of an endangered ecological community. In addition, the collection of bait from the intertidal zone (including the practice of yabby pumping) may impact on the food resources of migratory wading species. 3.4.6 Isolation and Fragmentation
Clearing of vegetation on the Clarence floodplain has resulted in a high loss of biodiversity and fragmentation of habitat. Long term conservation of biodiversity depends upon the protection, enhancement and connection of remaining habitat across the landscape, incorporating vegetation remnants on both public and private lands.
There has been a high degree of isolation and fragmentation of native bushland in the Yamba area. Nearby vegetated areas contribute to the habitat values of the reserve and provide ecological corridors to other surrounding forested areas. Maintaining the integrity of the remaining habitat within the reserve and, where possible, linking this to adjacent areas of bushland to facilitate wildlife corridors is important in ensuring long term viability of the reserve’s values.
11
3.4.7 Fire
The NPWS regards fire as a natural feature of the landscape and recognises that it is essential to the survival of some plant communities. It is one of the continuing physical factors influencing the Australian environment. However, inappropriate fire regimes have been identified as a key threatening process affecting the biological diversity of NSW.
The NPWS is a fire authority under the Rural Fires Act 1997 and is required to implement the provisions of district fire management plans. Management of NPWS estate is in accordance with the NPWS Strategy for Fire Management (NPWS 2003).
NPWS regards cooperative fire management as essential for the protection of life and surrounding property, as well as for protection of the natural and cultural heritage of the reserve. Important aspects of fire management for the NPWS include participation as a member of the Clarence Valley Bush Fire Management Committee and the preparation of a district bushfire risk management plan for the area covered by this committee. It is considered that the reserve constitutes a very low bushfire risk to community assets and low risk to environmental assets.
The NPWS approach to fire planning is based on the level of complexity involved. In regard to the reserve, the NPWS considers that fire management issues are not complex and that it is appropriate to include the specific fire management strategies for the reserve in this plan of management.
Generally, the vegetation types of the planning area, particularly rainforest and estuarine vegetation communities, are not conducive to supporting wildfire. These communities, which account for a large proportion of the vegetation in the reserve, are largely intolerant of fire and are present as a result of the low fire frequency. In contrast, swamp sclerophyll (mainly paperbark) forest can carry intense fire under hot dry conditions, and this vegetation type may require active management where it occurs in close proximity to residential areas.
Research into fire ecology has established some general principles about fire regimes and the conservation of biodiversity. That is, groups of plants and animals respond similarly to fire according to characteristics of their life history. Therefore it is not necessary to individually specify fire regimes for the conservation of every species. Requirements for most plant species can be summarised on the basis of vegetation communities and there is a threshold in fire regime variability that marks a critical change from high species diversity to low species diversity. For the vegetation types present in the reserve, these thresholds are given in Table 3. Table 3 Suggested fire regimes for defined vegetation communities
Community Suggested Fire Regimes Littoral rainforest Exclude all fire Saline wetland (saltmarsh/mangrove) Exclude all fire Swamp sclerophyll forest Min. interval 7 years/ Max. interval 35 years
Source: Bradstock et al. 2003.
The suggested fire intervals are used as a guide and are broadly applicable for each vegetation type. Variability of fire interval should occur within them and should be ultimately constrained by the ability of the flora to recover between fires.
Clarence River
Dart Island
RabbitIsland
.
Melaleuca Dr
The Mainbr a ce
Westring
ia Pl
Reedy Cre e k"
Crystal Waters
"
"
©
Yamba Bay
Middle Wall
Yamba Rd
The Link
Shores Dr
0 200 400 600 Metres
Inset: Detail of Northern Sections
Other national parks/ nature reserves
Clarence Estuary Nature Reserve
Water and shoreline
Oyster lease
Major roads
Other roads
Drainage lines and creeks
Council park"
Caravan Park.Tavern©
Navigation beaconS
N
EW
Legend
YambaIluka
Maclean
Grafton
PACI
FIC HWY
C larenc
e River
Clarence Estuary NR
Coral
Sea
Locality (not to scale)
Oyster Cha nnel
Clarence River
Micalo Island
Wooloweyah Lagoon
Dart Island
Hickey IslandYamba Bay
Thorny Island
Sleeper Island
RabbitIsland
.
Carrs
Rd
Angourie Rd to Angourie and Wooleweyah ->
Yamba Rd
Middle Wall
Clarence Estuary NR
ClarenceEstuary
NR
Iluka NR
Yuraygir NP
<-- to Ma c le an
©
ILUKA
YAMBA
Palmers Island Freeburn Island
Joss Island
See Inset Map
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 Kilometres
Purchased additions to reserve
12
The NPWS uses a system of fire management zones which is compatible with the local district bushfire risk management plan. The reserve is zoned into a series of Asset Protection Zones (APZ) and Land Management Zones (LMZ).
The primary fire management objectives for APZ are to protect human life and to protect identified high-risk assets such as residential areas. Where possible, the width of the APZ and the standard for fuel maintenance should be consistent with the publication ‘Planning for Bushfire Protection’ (RFS 2001). Recognising that the protection of life and property is of paramount importance, APZs are in place on the northern boundary of the Caravan Park, along Shores Drive and Melaleuca Drive, and behind housing on Melaleuca Drive, The Mainbrace and Westringia Place. In some places, these APZs overlap other tenures, being on the reserve and neighbouring Crown and Council reserves.
The primary fire management objectives of LMZ are to promote fire regimes which meet the ecological requirements of species that are known to occur naturally within the reserve, and to protect culturally significant sites. Given the small size of the reserve and significance of the vegetation types present, plus the low bushfire risk to community assets, the majority of the reserve is zoned LMZ. 3.4.8 Climate Change
Climate change may significantly affect biodiversity by changing population size and distribution of species, modifying species composition, and altering the geographical extent of habitats and ecosystems. Anthropogenic climate change has been listed as a key threatening process under the TSC Act.
Sea-level rise is one of the projected outcomes of climate change. A sea-level rise of more than 90cm by 2100 is expected (DECC 2009). This will result in: increased intensity and frequency of storm surges; increased shore erosion; impacts on coastal ecosystems (including the loss of important coastal wetlands and mangroves); and impacts on human settlements and infrastructure (CSIRO 2004). These impacts will be exacerbated by the expected increased frequency of extreme storm events.
While the potential impact of climate change is difficult to assess, since it depends on the compounding effects of other pressures, for the reserve the most direct impact would be a loss of coastal wetlands, including saltmarsh and swamp forests, affecting the whole vegetation complex of the reserve. These wetland communities are already under threat from a range of pressures and are listed as endangered ecological communities under the TSC Act.
4
MA
NA
GE
ME
NT
ST
RA
TE
GIE
S
13
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.1
So
il a
nd
wa
ter
co
ns
erv
ati
on
Sto
rmw
ate
r d
rain
s
flo
w
into
th
e
Me
lale
uca
D
rive
a
nd
S
ho
res
Drive
se
ctio
ns
of
the
re
se
rve
. T
he
se
tr
an
sp
ort
ru
bb
ish
a
nd
p
ollu
tan
ts i
nto
th
e r
ese
rve
, w
hic
h m
ay i
mp
act
on
ha
bita
t a
nd
wa
ter
qu
alit
y.
Th
ere
is n
o s
ign
ific
an
t e
rosio
n i
n t
he
re
se
rve
e
xce
pt
for
ba
nk
ero
sio
n
fro
m
wa
ve
a
ctio
n
wh
ere
ve
ge
tatio
n
ha
s
be
en
cle
are
d
we
st
of
We
str
ingia
P
ark
. T
he
re
ha
s
be
en
a
n
un
au
tho
rise
d a
tte
mp
t to
sta
bili
se
th
is in
p
art
u
sin
g
a
co
ncre
te
tyre
w
all,
w
hic
h
wa
s
co
nstr
ucte
d b
efo
re t
he
re
se
rve
’s g
aze
tta
l.
Po
ten
tia
l a
cid
su
lph
ate
so
ils
occu
r in
a
nd
a
rou
nd
th
e
rese
rve
. If
e
xp
ose
d
to
air,
acid
su
lph
ate
so
ils m
ay h
ave
d
etr
ime
nta
l im
pa
cts
o
n a
qu
atic a
nim
als
an
d h
ab
ita
ts.
T
he
dyn
am
ics o
f th
e e
stu
ary
co
ntin
ue
to
sh
ap
e
the
sh
ore
line
o
f th
e
rese
rve
. W
ith
th
e
de
po
sitio
n o
f silt
, n
ew
la
nd
are
as a
re f
orm
ed
o
uts
ide
th
e
ga
ze
tte
d
bo
un
da
rie
s
of
the
re
se
rve
, p
rovid
ing
ha
bita
t fo
r a
ra
nge
o
f m
igra
tory
an
d t
hre
ate
ne
d b
ird
sp
ecie
s.
Wa
ter
qu
alit
y in
th
e
rese
rve
(in
clu
din
g t
he
tid
al zo
ne
) is
im
pro
ve
d.
Riv
erb
an
ks a
re
sta
bili
se
d t
o m
inim
ise
so
il e
rosio
n u
sin
g n
on
-e
ngin
ee
rin
g b
ase
d
tech
niq
ue
s.
Po
ten
tia
l a
cid
su
lph
ate
so
ils in
th
e r
ese
rve
re
ma
in u
nd
istu
rbe
d.
Ga
ze
tte
d r
ese
rve
b
ou
nd
arie
s a
re
pra
ctica
l, r
efle
ct
the
re
alit
y o
f a
dyn
am
ic
lan
dsca
pe
an
d
co
nse
rve
th
e h
ab
ita
t o
f th
rea
ten
ed
sp
ecie
s.
4.1
.1 L
iais
e
with
C
lare
nce
V
alle
y
Co
un
cil
to
insta
ll
an
d
ma
inta
in
rub
bis
h
tra
ps
on
sto
rmw
ate
r d
rain
s t
ha
t e
nte
r th
e r
ese
rve
. 4
.1.2
Un
de
rta
ke
a
nd
u
se
e
xis
tin
g ca
mp
aig
ns w
ith
in
the
lo
ca
l co
mm
un
ity (e
.g.
Cle
an
U
p A
ustr
alia
D
ay)
to
rais
e
aw
are
ne
ss
of
imp
acts
o
f sto
rmw
ate
r d
rain
age
a
nd
ru
bb
ish
o
n
na
tive
h
ab
ita
t a
nd
wa
ter
qu
alit
y.
4.1
.3 L
iais
e
with
N
SW
M
aritim
e
to
ide
ntify
a
nd
e
sta
blis
h
no
-wa
sh
zo
ne
s
ad
jace
nt
to
rese
rve
b
ou
nd
arie
s t
o p
rote
ct
se
nsitiv
e v
ege
tatio
n a
nd
e
rod
ing b
an
ks.
4.1
.4 W
ork
with
th
e a
pp
rop
ria
te a
uth
oritie
s a
nd
pa
rk
ne
igh
bo
urs
to
im
ple
me
nt
su
ita
ble
me
asu
res t
o
co
ntr
ol b
an
k e
rosio
n.
4.1
.5 E
nsu
re so
ils in
th
e r
ese
rve
, p
art
icu
larly i
n t
he
so
uth
ern
se
ctio
n
are
n
ot
dis
turb
ed
, o
r a
ny
dis
turb
an
ce
is
su
bje
ct
to
en
viro
nm
en
tal
asse
ssm
en
t a
nd
mitig
atio
n m
ea
su
res.
4
.1.6
Lia
ise
w
ith
C
lare
nce
V
alle
y C
ou
ncil
an
d o
the
r a
uth
oritie
s t
o e
nsu
re t
ha
t d
eve
lop
me
nt
ad
jace
nt
to t
he
re
se
rve
is u
nd
ert
ake
n in
acco
rda
nce
with
a
cid
su
lph
ate
so
il m
an
age
me
nt
prin
cip
les.
4.1
.7 S
ee
k t
he
ga
ze
tta
l o
f a
dja
ce
nt
accre
ted
la
nd
s a
s
ad
ditio
ns t
o t
he
re
se
rve
.
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
14
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.2
Na
tive
pla
nt
an
d a
nim
al
co
ns
erv
ati
on
A v
ege
tatio
n s
urv
ey h
as b
ee
n u
nd
ert
ake
n a
nd
tw
o
thre
ate
ne
d
pla
nt
sp
ecie
s
are
kn
ow
n
to
occu
r in
th
e r
ese
rve
. T
he
re
se
rve
is i
mp
ort
an
t fo
r a
nu
mb
er
of
mig
rato
ry b
ird
sp
ecie
s a
nd
th
e
NS
W
Wa
de
r G
rou
p
un
de
rta
ke
s
an
nu
al
sh
ore
bird
co
un
ts
in
pa
rts
of
the
re
se
rve
. In
co
ntr
ast
the
re h
ave
be
en
lim
ite
d m
am
ma
l a
nd
re
ptile
su
rve
ys.
Alth
ou
gh
te
n
thre
ate
ne
d
an
ima
l sp
ecie
s
ha
ve
b
ee
n
reco
rde
d,
ma
ny
oth
ers
are
pre
dic
ted
to
occu
r.
Th
rea
ten
ed
sp
ecie
s
an
d
co
mm
un
itie
s
in
the
re
se
rve
ma
y b
e a
dve
rse
ly a
ffe
cte
d b
y f
requ
en
t fire
s,
fera
l a
nim
als
, w
ee
ds,
risin
g
se
a le
ve
ls
an
d u
rba
n e
ncro
ach
me
nts
.
Ve
ge
tatio
n
on
a
djo
inin
g
lan
ds
is
fra
gm
en
ted
a
nd
in
ma
ny i
nsta
nce
s m
od
ifie
d o
r d
egra
de
d.
Th
e lo
ng t
erm
eco
logic
al via
bili
ty o
f th
e r
ese
rve
w
ou
ld b
e e
nh
an
ce
d i
f th
e e
stu
arin
e v
ege
tatio
n
co
mm
un
itie
s o
n n
ea
rby t
en
ure
s a
re m
an
age
d
to
pro
vid
e
co
rrid
ors
fo
r n
ative
p
lan
ts
an
d
an
ima
ls.
Un
de
rsta
nd
ing a
nd
kn
ow
led
ge
of
the
e
co
logic
al fu
nctio
ns
an
d c
ha
racte
ristics o
f th
e r
ese
rve
are
im
pro
ve
d.
En
da
nge
red
eco
logic
al
co
mm
un
itie
s a
nd
p
op
ula
tio
ns o
f sig
nific
an
t n
ative
p
lan
ts a
nd
an
ima
ls a
re
ma
inta
ine
d.
Ad
join
ing n
ative
ve
ge
tatio
n is p
rote
cte
d
to m
ain
tain
wild
life
co
rrid
ors
an
d e
nh
an
ce
e
co
logic
al via
bili
ty o
f th
e r
ese
rve
. C
lea
red
an
d d
istu
rbe
d
are
as n
ot
requ
ire
d f
or
ma
na
ge
me
nt
pu
rpo
se
s
are
re
ha
bili
tate
d t
o
ma
xim
ise
co
nse
rva
tio
n
va
lue
s a
nd
re
se
rve
a
rea
.
4.2
.1 U
nd
ert
ake
or
en
co
ura
ge
su
rve
ys f
or
thre
ate
ne
d
pla
nt
an
d a
nim
al sp
ecie
s.
4
.2.2
Su
pp
ort
co
ntin
ue
d
mo
nito
rin
g
of
sh
ore
bird
p
op
ula
tio
ns.
4.2
.3 I
mp
lem
en
t o
the
r re
leva
nt
me
asu
res i
nclu
de
d i
n
the
P
rio
ritie
s A
ctio
n S
tate
me
nt
for
thre
ate
ne
d
sp
ecie
s o
ccu
rrin
g in
th
e r
ese
rve
. 4
.2.4
Wo
rk
with
n
eig
hb
ou
rs
an
d
Cla
ren
ce
V
alle
y
Co
un
cil
to e
nco
ura
ge
co
nse
rva
tio
n o
f re
mn
an
t n
ative
ve
ge
tatio
n a
dja
ce
nt
to t
he
re
se
rve
. 4
.2.5
Re
ha
bili
tate
cle
are
d
an
d
dis
turb
ed
a
rea
s
(in
p
art
icu
lar
dis
turb
ed
rive
rba
nks)
with
n
ative
ve
ge
tatio
n,
in c
oo
pe
ratio
n w
ith
ne
igh
bo
urs
an
d
oth
ers
, su
ch
as L
an
dca
re g
rou
ps.
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
Hig
h
15
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.3
Cu
ltu
ral
he
rita
ge
Th
e r
ese
rve
is k
no
wn
to
co
nta
in a
n i
mp
ort
an
t fo
rme
r ca
mp
site
. N
o o
the
r h
erita
ge
ite
ms h
ave
b
ee
n r
eco
rde
d i
n t
he
re
se
rve
, a
lth
ou
gh
so
me
a
re
kn
ow
n
imm
ed
iate
ly
ou
tsid
e
the
re
se
rve
b
ou
nd
arie
s.
Th
e
lack
of
de
taile
d
Ab
origin
al
cu
ltu
ral
he
rita
ge
su
rve
ys h
as b
ee
n h
igh
ligh
ted
a
s
an
is
su
e
in
the
C
lare
nce
E
stu
ary
M
an
age
me
nt
Pla
n (
Um
we
lt 2
00
3).
It
is
imp
ort
an
t th
at
the
lo
ca
l A
bo
rigin
al
co
mm
un
ity i
s i
nvo
lve
d i
n t
he
pro
tectio
n o
f th
e
cu
ltu
ral
va
lue
s i
n t
he
re
se
rve
. M
em
be
rs o
f th
e
loca
l A
bo
rigin
al
co
mm
un
ity h
ave
an
in
tere
st
in
ma
na
ge
me
nt
of
the
re
se
rve
a
nd
th
e
NP
WS
a
ims t
o s
up
po
rt t
his
in
tere
st.
Cu
ltu
ral h
erita
ge
fe
atu
res a
re id
en
tifie
d,
co
nse
rve
d a
nd
m
an
age
d in
a
cco
rda
nce
with
th
eir
sig
nific
an
ce
. U
nd
ers
tan
din
g o
f th
e
cu
ltu
ral h
erita
ge
sig
nific
an
ce
of
the
re
se
rve
is im
pro
ve
d.
A
bo
rigin
al h
erita
ge
va
lue
s a
re p
rote
cte
d in
p
art
ne
rsh
ip w
ith
th
e
loca
l A
bo
rigin
al
co
mm
un
ity.
4.3
.1 C
on
su
lt
an
d
invo
lve
th
e
Birriga
n
Ga
rgle
a
nd
Y
ae
gl L
oca
l A
bo
rigin
al L
an
d C
ou
ncils
, th
e W
djri
Myira
l E
lde
rs
gro
up
a
nd
o
the
r re
leva
nt
Ab
origin
al
co
mm
un
ity
me
mb
ers
in
re
latio
n
to
un
de
rsta
nd
ing
pa
st
use
o
f th
e
are
a,
an
d
inte
rpre
tatio
n
an
d
ma
na
ge
me
nt
of
Ab
origin
al
site
s,
pla
ce
s a
nd
va
lue
s.
4.3
.2 U
nd
ert
ake
fu
rth
er
rese
arc
h
into
th
e
cu
ltu
ral
he
rita
ge
va
lue
s o
f th
e r
ese
rve
.
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
16
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.4
In
tro
du
ce
d s
pe
cie
s
Th
e m
ost
pre
va
len
t w
ee
ds f
ou
nd
in
th
e r
ese
rve
a
re la
nta
na
, b
ito
u b
ush
, gro
un
d a
sp
ara
gu
s f
ern
a
nd
sm
oo
th
tre
e
pe
ar.
M
ost
of
the
se
h
ave
p
rob
ab
ly b
ee
n in
tro
du
ce
d b
y ille
ga
l d
um
pin
g o
f w
aste
a
nd
ga
rde
n re
fuse
. W
ee
d co
ntr
ol
ha
s
be
en
un
de
rta
ke
n in
th
e S
ho
res D
rive
se
ctio
n o
f th
e
rese
rve
b
y
NP
WS
a
nd
th
e
Ya
mb
a
La
nd
ca
re
gro
up
. T
he
P
ort
o
f Y
am
ba
Y
ach
t C
lub
La
nd
ca
re G
rou
p i
s c
on
tro
llin
g b
ito
u b
ush
a
nd
o
the
r w
ee
ds
on
D
art
Is
lan
d.
Wh
ile
no
t id
en
tifie
d
as
a
prio
rity
site
fo
r b
ito
u
co
ntr
ol
un
de
r th
e T
hre
at
Ab
ate
me
nt
Pla
n,
the
re i
s a
n
ee
d f
or
on
go
ing b
ito
u c
on
tro
l o
n D
art
Isla
nd
.
Fo
x
po
pu
latio
ns
are
p
rese
nt
in
the
re
se
rve
.
Giv
en
th
e
sig
nific
an
ce
o
f th
e
rese
rve
a
s
an
im
po
rta
nt
ha
bita
t fo
r w
ad
ers
a
nd
sh
ore
bird
sp
ecie
s,
the
are
a h
as b
ee
n i
de
ntifie
d a
s a
ke
y
are
a f
or
the
im
ple
me
nta
tio
n o
f th
e F
ox T
hre
at
Ab
ate
me
nt
Pla
n
(NP
WS
2
00
1).
F
ox
co
ntr
ol
wo
rk c
om
me
nce
d o
n D
art
Isla
nd
in
20
03
an
d
will
co
ntin
ue
to
b
e
a
ma
na
ge
me
nt
focu
s
in
co
op
era
tio
n w
ith
oth
er
au
tho
ritie
s.
Str
ayin
g p
ets
are
a c
on
tin
uin
g p
rob
lem
in
th
e
rese
rve
; le
gis
latio
n p
roh
ibits d
og w
alk
ing in
th
e
rese
rve
. T
he
re
ha
ve
b
ee
n
rep
ort
s
of
ca
ne
to
ad
s in
th
e r
ese
rve
.
Ca
ttle
a
re
occa
sio
na
lly
fou
nd
gra
zin
g
in
the
M
ica
lo I
sla
nd
se
ctio
n o
f th
e r
ese
rve
. E
xte
nsiv
e
pa
ds,
gro
un
d d
istu
rba
nce
an
d a
sso
cia
ted
so
il e
rosio
n
is
evid
en
t in
th
e
rip
aria
n
are
as
fre
qu
en
ted
by c
att
le.
NP
WS
h
as
pre
pa
red
a
R
egio
na
l P
est
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Str
ate
gy
for
the
N
ort
h
Co
ast
Re
gio
n (
DE
CC
20
08
).
Pe
st
ma
na
ge
me
nt
is
co
nsis
ten
t w
ith
th
e
NP
WS
No
rth
Co
ast
Re
gio
n P
est
Ma
na
ge
-m
en
t S
tra
tegy.
T
he
im
pa
ct
of
intr
od
uce
d s
pe
cie
s o
n
na
tive
sp
ecie
s w
ith
in
the
re
se
rve
an
d
ne
igh
bo
urin
g la
nd
s is
min
imis
ed
. T
he
co
ntr
ol o
f in
tro
du
ce
d s
pe
cie
s h
as
min
ima
l im
pa
ct
on
n
ative
sp
ecie
s.
Th
e p
ote
ntia
l fo
r in
tro
du
ctio
n o
f e
nviro
nm
en
tal w
ee
ds
to t
he
re
se
rve
is
red
uce
d.
Ca
ttle
are
exclu
de
d
fro
m t
he
re
se
rve
.
4.4
.1 P
rep
are
a
nd
im
ple
me
nt
a
pe
st
sp
ecie
s
ma
na
ge
me
nt
str
ate
gy f
or
the
re
se
rve
. C
urr
en
t p
rio
ritie
s f
or
co
ntr
ol a
re la
nta
na
, b
ito
u b
ush
an
d
fox p
op
ula
tio
ns.
4.4
.2 M
on
ito
r th
e
resu
lts
of
pe
st
sp
ecie
s
ma
na
ge
me
nt
an
d r
egu
larly i
nsp
ect
the
re
se
rve
fo
r o
utb
rea
ks o
f a
ny n
ew
pe
st
sp
ecie
s.
4.4
.3 L
iais
e w
ith
Cla
ren
ce
Va
lley C
ou
ncil
to p
rom
ote
p
ub
lic
aw
are
ne
ss
on
a
pp
rop
ria
te
me
tho
ds
of
ga
rde
n
refu
se
d
isp
osa
l a
nd
re
sp
on
sib
le
do
me
stic a
nim
al co
ntr
ol.
4.4
.4 S
up
po
rt a
nd
en
co
ura
ge
lo
ca
l vo
lun
tee
r gro
up
s,
ne
igh
bo
urs
a
nd
o
the
r a
uth
oritie
s to
u
nd
ert
ake
w
ee
d
an
d
pe
st
an
ima
l co
ntr
ol
in
pa
rtn
ers
hip
w
ith
NP
WS
. 4
.4.5
Co
ntin
ue
to
u
nd
ert
ake
m
on
ito
rin
g
for
ca
ne
to
ad
s in
th
e r
ese
rve
. 4
.4.6
In
a
cco
rda
nce
w
ith
th
e N
PW
S fe
ncin
g p
olic
y,
en
co
ura
ge
m
ain
ten
an
ce
a
nd
e
rectio
n
of
eff
ective
fe
ncin
g
with
a
djo
inin
g
priva
te
pro
pe
rtie
s to
p
reve
nt
do
me
stic sto
ck e
nte
rin
g
the
re
se
rve
.
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Hig
h
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Hig
h
17
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.5
Fir
e m
an
ag
em
en
t
Urb
an
de
ve
lop
me
nt,
su
ch
as s
ea
led
ro
ad
s a
nd
h
ou
sin
g d
eve
lop
me
nt,
an
d t
he
Cla
ren
ce
Riv
er
bo
un
d t
he
ma
jority
of
rese
rve
. T
he
re
se
rve
is
co
nsid
ere
d t
o h
ave
a v
ery
lo
w r
isk o
f b
ush
fire
. F
ire
his
tory
prio
r to
ga
ze
tta
l is
un
kn
ow
n,
bu
t it
is lik
ely
th
at
the
iso
latio
n o
f p
art
s o
f th
e r
ese
rve
b
y r
oa
ds a
nd
ho
usin
g d
eve
lop
me
nt
ha
s s
ee
n
the
fre
qu
en
cy o
f fire
re
du
ce
d.
Ve
ge
tatio
n
co
mm
un
itie
s
in
the
re
se
rve
a
re
litto
ral
rain
fore
st,
sa
line
w
etla
nd
s a
nd
sw
am
p
scle
rop
hyll
fore
st.
Fire
in
terv
als
fo
r th
e s
wa
mp
scle
rop
hyll
fore
st
sh
ou
ld g
en
era
lly b
e w
ith
in 7
to
35
ye
ars
, w
hils
t fire
sh
ou
ld b
e e
xclu
de
d f
rom
th
e s
alin
e w
etla
nd
s a
nd
th
e litto
ral ra
info
rest.
Th
e p
roxim
ity o
f th
e re
se
rve
to
u
rba
n a
rea
s
ma
y
incre
ase
th
e
po
ten
tia
l fo
r a
rso
n
an
d
un
sch
ed
ule
d f
ire
with
in t
he
re
se
rve
. H
ow
eve
r,
the
re
se
rve
is a
lso
lo
ca
ted
clo
se
to
em
erg
en
cy
se
rvic
es su
ch
a
s th
e N
SW
F
ire
B
riga
de
a
nd
th
e
NP
WS
S
altw
ate
r d
ep
ot,
a
nd
so
fire
su
pp
ressio
n r
esp
on
se
ca
n b
e r
ap
id.
Asse
t P
rote
ctio
n Z
on
es (
AP
Zs)
on
NP
WS
an
d
co
un
cil
ten
ure
a
re
in
pla
ce
. N
o
fire
m
an
age
me
nt
tra
ils
exis
t w
ith
in
the
re
se
rve
, h
ow
eve
r it is in
ten
de
d t
o m
ain
tain
th
e A
PZ
s s
o
the
y a
re a
cce
ssib
le b
y m
an
age
me
nt
ve
hic
les.
A m
ou
nd
alo
ng t
he
le
ngth
of
the
Ca
rava
n P
ark
A
PZ
re
qu
ire
s l
eve
llin
g t
o a
llow
acce
ss f
or
fire
a
nd
em
erg
en
cy v
eh
icle
s.
Life
, p
rop
ert
y a
nd
n
atu
ral a
nd
cu
ltu
ral
va
lue
s in
an
d a
dja
ce
nt
to t
he
re
se
rve
are
p
rote
cte
d f
rom
b
ush
fire
. T
he
po
ten
tia
l fo
r sp
rea
d o
f b
ush
fire
s o
n,
fro
m,
or
into
th
e
rese
rve
is lim
ite
d.
Fire
re
gim
es a
re
ap
pro
pria
te f
or
the
co
nse
rva
tio
n o
f n
ative
p
lan
t a
nd
an
ima
l sp
ecie
s a
nd
th
e
en
da
nge
red
eco
logic
al
co
mm
un
itie
s.
4.5
.1 C
on
tin
ue
to
p
art
icip
ate
in
th
e C
lare
nce
V
alle
y
Bu
sh
F
ire
M
an
age
me
nt
Co
mm
itte
e.
Ma
inta
in
co
ord
ina
tio
n
an
d
co
op
era
tio
n
with
th
e
Ru
ral
Fire
Se
rvic
e’s
briga
de
s a
nd
fire
co
ntr
ol
off
ice
rs,
as
we
ll a
s
ne
igh
bo
urs
w
ith
re
ga
rd
to
fue
l m
an
age
me
nt
an
d f
ire
su
pp
ressio
n.
4.5
.2 S
ub
ject
to e
nviro
nm
en
tal
imp
act
asse
ssm
en
t,
imp
rove
e
me
rge
ncy ve
hic
le a
cce
ss a
lon
g th
e
exis
tin
g
Ca
rava
n
Pa
rk
AP
Z
by
leve
llin
g
the
m
ou
nd
of
sp
oil
ne
xt
to t
he
dra
in,
an
d u
nd
ert
ake
sla
sh
ing in
th
e A
PZ
to
min
imis
e f
ue
l lo
ad
s.
4.5
.3 L
iais
e a
nd
wo
rk w
ith
Cla
ren
ce
Va
lley C
ou
ncil
to
co
ntin
ue
exis
tin
g a
rra
nge
me
nts
to
ma
inta
in t
he
A
PZ
s w
ith
in a
nd
ad
jace
nt
to t
he
re
se
rve
. 4
.5.4
Wh
ere
po
ssib
le,
exclu
de
fire
fro
m f
ire
-se
nsitiv
e
ve
ge
tatio
n.
Ma
na
ge
o
the
r ve
ge
tatio
n ty
pe
s in
a
cco
rda
nce
w
ith
th
e
fire
re
gim
e
gu
ide
line
s
sh
ow
n
in
Ta
ble
3
a
nd
va
ry
bu
rn
pa
tte
rns
to
pro
tect
bio
div
ers
ity v
alu
es.
4.5
.5 S
up
pre
ss a
ll u
np
lan
ne
d f
ire
s in
th
e r
ese
rve
. 4
.5.6
Avo
id
the
u
se
o
f h
ea
vy
ma
ch
ine
ry
for
fire
su
pp
ressio
n in
th
e r
ese
rve
. 4
.5.7
If
a f
ire
occu
rs,
initia
te a
mo
nito
rin
g p
rogra
m t
o
asse
ss
the
e
ffe
cts
o
f fire
a
nd
th
e
reco
ve
ry
eco
syste
ms.
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Lo
w
18
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.6
Vis
ito
r u
se
Vis
ito
r u
se
o
f th
e
rese
rve
m
ust
be
ca
refu
lly
ma
na
ge
d giv
en
its sm
all
siz
e a
nd
sig
nific
an
t va
lue
s.
Th
ere
are
no
vis
ito
r fa
cili
tie
s w
ith
in t
he
re
se
rve
. It
is c
on
sid
ere
d t
ha
t a
de
qu
ate
vis
ito
r fa
cili
tie
s
are
pro
vid
ed
on
oth
er
ten
ure
s in
th
e lo
ca
l a
rea
. R
ecre
atio
na
l a
ctivitie
s
ha
ve
th
e
po
ten
tia
l to
d
am
age
re
se
rve
va
lue
s.
Co
mm
un
ity u
nd
ers
tan
din
g a
nd
ap
pre
cia
tio
n o
f th
e c
on
se
rva
tio
n v
alu
es o
f th
e r
ese
rve
are
no
t w
ide
sp
rea
d.
Th
ere
is a
ne
ed
fo
r in
terp
reta
tive
sig
ns o
n t
he
ed
ge
of
the
re
se
rve
.
Ina
pp
rop
ria
te
use
s
tha
t m
ay
de
gra
de
th
e
rese
rve
’s
va
lue
s,
su
ch
a
s
wa
lkin
g
do
me
stic
pe
ts
an
d th
e d
um
pin
g o
f ga
rde
n w
aste
a
nd
ru
bb
ish
, o
ccu
r in
th
e r
ese
rve
.
An
in
form
al
tra
ck
exte
nd
s
fro
m
We
str
ingia
P
ark
a
cro
ss
the
sa
ltm
ars
h
to
the
C
lare
nce
e
stu
ary
fo
resh
ore
. T
his
is
ca
usin
g
un
acce
pta
ble
im
pa
cts
o
n
sa
ltm
ars
h
(an
e
nd
an
ge
red
e
co
logic
al
co
mm
un
ity)
thro
ugh
e
rosio
n a
nd
co
mp
actio
n.
Wh
ile
fish
ing
an
d
mo
st
oth
er
activitie
s
pe
rmitte
d u
nd
er
the
Fis
he
rie
s M
an
age
me
nt
Act
do
no
t p
ose
an
im
pa
ct
on
th
e n
atu
re r
ese
rve
’s
va
lue
s,
the
co
llectio
n o
f b
ait f
rom
th
e i
nte
rtid
al
zo
ne
m
ay
imp
act
on
th
e
foo
d
reso
urc
es
of
mig
rato
ry w
ad
ing s
pe
cie
s.
Re
cre
atio
na
l u
se
of
the
re
se
rve
is lim
ite
d t
o
ap
pro
pria
te n
atu
re-
ba
se
d a
ctivitie
s.
Vis
ito
r u
se
is
eco
logic
ally
su
sta
ina
ble
. E
du
ca
tio
na
l o
pp
ort
un
itie
s a
re
pro
vid
ed
, co
nsis
ten
t w
ith
re
se
rve
va
lue
s
an
d a
cce
ss lim
ita
tio
ns.
Th
e lo
ca
l co
mm
un
ity is
aw
are
of
the
re
se
rve
’s
sig
nific
an
ce
an
d
ma
na
ge
me
nt
pro
gra
ms.
4.6
.1 P
erm
it lo
w-k
ey s
elf-r
elia
nt
activitie
s s
uch
as b
ird
w
atc
hin
g a
nd
fish
ing in
th
e re
se
rve
. V
isita
tio
n
will
no
t b
e p
rom
ote
d.
4.6
.2 N
o r
ecre
atio
na
l fa
cili
tie
s w
ill b
e p
rovid
ed
with
in
the
re
se
rve
. 4
.6.3
Pu
blic
ve
hic
le
acce
ss,
ho
rse
rid
ing,
bic
ycle
rid
ing,
ca
mp
ing
an
d
ca
mp
fire
s
will
n
ot
be
p
erm
itte
d in
th
e r
ese
rve
. 4
.6.4
Mo
nito
r im
pa
cts
o
f vis
ito
r u
se
th
rou
gh
re
gu
lar
pa
tro
ls i
n t
he
re
se
rve
an
d u
nd
ert
ake
me
asu
res
to r
ed
uce
im
pa
cts
wh
ere
th
ey a
re f
ou
nd
to
be
u
na
cce
pta
ble
. 4
.6.5
Wh
ere
ne
ce
ssa
ry,
insta
ll sig
na
ge
, fe
ncin
g a
nd
/ o
r b
olla
rds
to
ma
na
ge
vis
ito
r a
cce
ss
an
d
activitie
s.
In
pa
rtic
ula
r,
clo
se
th
e
info
rma
l w
alk
ing
tra
ck
be
hin
d
We
str
ingia
P
ark
b
y
sig
na
ge
an
d in
sta
llatio
n o
f ch
ain
an
d b
olla
rds.
4.6
.6 O
rga
nis
e m
ed
ia r
ele
ase
s,
ed
uca
tio
na
l m
ate
ria
l a
nd
co
nta
ct
with
n
eig
hb
ou
rs
an
d
co
mm
un
ity
org
an
isa
tio
ns p
rom
otin
g v
alu
es o
f th
e r
ese
rve
. 4
.6.7
In
co
op
era
tio
n
with
C
lare
nce
V
alle
y
Co
un
cil,
in
sta
ll a
n i
nte
rpre
tive
dis
pla
y i
n P
en
insu
la P
ark
o
n S
ho
res D
rive
, fo
cu
sin
g o
n:
−
the
ro
le o
f n
atu
re r
ese
rve
s,
−
the
sig
nific
an
t sp
ecie
s
an
d
co
mm
un
itie
s
occu
rrin
g w
ith
in t
he
re
se
rve
, a
nd
−
the
sig
nific
an
ce
o
f th
e
are
a
to
Ab
origin
al
pe
op
le.
Me
diu
m
Hig
h
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
19
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.6
.8 A
llow
gro
up
e
du
ca
tio
na
l a
ctivitie
s
tha
t a
re
co
nsis
ten
t w
ith
th
e
va
lue
s
of
the
re
se
rve
, su
bje
ct
to
co
nd
itio
ns
on
gro
up
siz
e
(<2
0),
a
ctivitie
s a
nd
lo
ca
tio
n t
o p
rote
ct
rese
rve
va
lue
s
an
d m
inim
ise
co
nflic
t w
ith
ne
igh
bo
urs
. 4
.6.9
Lia
ise
w
ith
In
du
str
y
&
Inve
stm
en
t N
SW
to
e
nco
ura
ge
re
se
arc
h in
to th
e p
ote
ntia
l im
pa
cts
o
f b
ait c
olle
ctio
n i
n t
he
Cla
ren
ce
estu
ary
with
a
vie
w t
o m
an
agin
g a
ny im
pa
cts
to
an
acce
pta
ble
le
ve
l.
Me
diu
m
Hig
h
4.7
Re
se
arc
h
Fu
rth
er
rese
arc
h
will
im
pro
ve
th
e
un
de
rsta
nd
ing
of
the
re
se
rve
’s
na
tura
l a
nd
cu
ltu
ral
he
rita
ge
, th
e
pro
ce
sse
s
tha
t a
ffe
ct
the
m
an
d
the
m
an
age
me
nt
requ
ire
me
nts
o
f p
art
icu
lar
sp
ecie
s.
On
go
ing r
ese
arc
h a
nd
mo
nito
rin
g i
n t
he
are
a
inclu
de
s t
he
Cla
ren
ce
Sh
ore
bird
Co
nse
rva
tio
n
Pro
ject
an
d th
e b
ien
nia
l N
SW
Wa
de
rs S
tud
y
Gro
up
sh
ore
bird
co
un
t.
Re
se
arc
h e
nh
an
ce
s
the
ma
na
ge
me
nt
info
rma
tio
n b
ase
an
d
assis
ts in
be
st
ma
na
ge
me
nt
pra
ctice
.
4.7
.1 E
nco
ura
ge
a
pp
rop
ria
te
rese
arc
h
to
imp
rove
kn
ow
led
ge
a
nd
m
an
age
me
nt
of
na
tura
l a
nd
cu
ltu
ral
he
rita
ge
, w
ith
a f
ocu
s o
n t
he
fo
llow
ing
top
ics:
−
po
pu
latio
n d
yn
am
ics o
f sig
nific
an
t sp
ecie
s;
−
fire
ma
na
ge
me
nt;
−
thre
ate
ne
d s
pe
cie
s m
an
age
me
nt;
an
d
−
pe
st
sp
ecie
s m
an
age
me
nt.
Me
diu
m
20
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.8
Urb
an
en
cro
ac
hm
en
t
Se
ve
ral
do
me
stic
str
uctu
res,
inclu
din
g
mo
orin
gs,
jett
ies a
nd
se
atin
g s
tru
ctu
res,
ha
ve
b
ee
n ill
ega
lly b
uilt
w
ith
in th
e re
se
rve
. T
he
se
str
uctu
res p
ose
a lia
bili
ty r
isk t
o t
he
NP
WS
an
d
co
mp
rom
ise
re
se
rve
va
lue
s.
Pa
rts
of
the
re
se
rve
a
re
als
o
use
d
for
ca
r p
ark
ing a
nd
sto
rage
of
bo
ats
an
d o
the
r p
riva
te
equ
ipm
en
t.
In
pla
ce
s,
un
au
tho
rise
d
ve
hic
le
acce
ss
to
the
re
se
rve
is
o
ccu
rrin
g
thro
ugh
n
eig
hb
ou
rin
g c
ou
ncil
pa
rks.
A s
ma
ll se
ctio
n o
f th
e r
ese
rve
(0
.15
ha
) w
est
of
We
str
ingia
P
ark
h
as
be
en
su
bsta
ntia
lly
mo
difie
d,
an
d is
u
se
d b
y re
se
rve
n
eig
hb
ou
rs
as p
art
o
f th
eir b
ackya
rds a
nd
fo
r fo
resh
ore
a
cce
ss.
It h
as l
imite
d c
on
se
rva
tio
n v
alu
e a
nd
ca
pa
bili
ty
for
reve
ge
tatio
n.
NP
WS
co
nsid
ers
th
e i
nclu
sio
n o
f th
is a
rea
with
in t
he
re
se
rve
as
a
rese
rve
b
ou
nd
ary
e
rro
r.
If
reta
ine
d
in
the
re
se
rve
, th
e
law
ns,
ga
rde
ns
an
d
oth
er
imp
rove
me
nts
will
ne
ed
to
be
re
mo
ve
d.
En
cro
ach
me
nts
on
th
e
rese
rve
do
no
t im
pa
ct
on
re
se
rve
va
lue
s.
4.8
.1 R
em
ove
ill
ega
l m
oo
rin
g
an
d
oth
er
priva
te
str
uctu
res l
oca
ted
with
in t
he
re
se
rve
, a
nd
an
y
equ
ipm
en
t sto
red
in
th
e
rese
rve
. L
iais
e
with
re
se
rve
ne
igh
bo
urs
an
d o
the
rs t
o p
reve
nt
futu
re
en
cro
ach
me
nts
an
d c
lea
rin
g o
f ve
ge
tatio
n.
4
.8.2
Wo
rk w
ith
C
lare
nce
V
alle
y C
ou
ncil
to p
reve
nt
un
au
tho
rise
d
off
-ro
ad
ve
hic
le
acce
ss
to
the
re
se
rve
.
4.8
.3 I
nve
stiga
te a
ll o
ptio
ns f
or
ma
na
gin
g t
he
sm
all,
d
egra
de
d s
ectio
n o
f re
se
rve
we
st
of
We
str
ingia
P
ark
, in
clu
din
g t
he
po
ssib
le r
eve
ge
tatio
n o
f th
e
rive
rba
nk t
o a
ssis
t w
ith
ba
nk s
tab
ilisa
tio
n.
4.8
.4 I
nve
stiga
te
ratio
na
lisa
tio
n
of
the
re
se
rve
’s
bo
un
da
rie
s
to
ma
xim
ise
co
nse
rva
tio
n
ou
tco
me
s.
Hig
h
Hig
h
Me
diu
m
Me
diu
m
21
Cu
rre
nt
Sit
ua
tio
n
De
sir
ed
Ou
tco
me
s
Str
ate
gie
s
Pri
ori
ty
4.9
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
op
era
tio
ns
an
d o
the
r u
se
s
Sig
na
ge
id
en
tify
ing t
he
bo
un
da
ry o
f th
e n
atu
re
rese
rve
is
lo
ca
ted
o
n S
ho
res a
nd
M
ela
leu
ca
D
rive
s.
Th
e
loca
tio
n
of
so
me
p
art
s
of
the
re
se
rve
bo
un
da
ry,
pa
rtic
ula
rly i
n t
he
vic
inity o
f W
estr
ingia
Pla
ce
an
d M
ela
leu
ca
Drive
, is
no
t cle
ar.
Th
ere
is g
oo
d a
cce
ss t
o t
he
bo
un
da
ry o
f th
e
rese
rve
e
xce
pt
for
the
M
ica
lo Is
lan
d se
ctio
n.
Th
e o
nly
pra
ctica
l ve
hic
le a
cce
ss t
o t
he
Mic
alo
Is
lan
d
se
ctio
n
of
the
n
atu
re
rese
rve
is
o
n
ma
na
ge
me
nt
tra
ils t
hro
ugh
th
e i
na
ctive
pra
wn
fa
rm;
dra
ina
ge
lin
es c
ut
the
pu
blic
ro
ad
re
se
rve
a
cce
ssin
g t
his
se
ctio
n o
f th
e r
ese
rve
.
Th
ere
a
re
no
m
an
age
me
nt
tra
ils
on
th
e
rese
rve
, a
lth
ou
gh
th
e A
PZ
s ca
n b
e u
se
d fo
r a
cce
ss in
fire
em
erg
en
cie
s (
se
e s
ectio
n 4
.5).
A
sm
all
pa
rce
l o
f C
row
n la
nd
, m
an
age
d b
y t
he
C
lare
nce
V
alle
y R
ese
rve
T
rust,
is
la
nd
locke
d
be
twe
en
th
e
rese
rve
a
nd
p
riva
te
pro
pe
rty
be
hin
d W
estr
ingia
Pla
ce
.
Oyste
r le
ase
s a
djo
in t
he
Sh
ore
s D
rive
se
ctio
n
of
the
re
se
rve
an
d t
he
re a
re l
ea
se
ma
rke
rs o
n
the
re
se
rve
. T
he
le
ase
s a
re m
an
age
d u
nd
er
the
F
ish
erie
s
Ma
na
ge
me
nt
Act
an
d
do
n
ot
imp
act
up
on
th
e
rese
rve
. T
he
w
ate
rs
su
rro
un
din
g
the
re
se
rve
a
re
als
o
use
d
for
co
mm
erc
ial e
stu
ary
ha
ulin
g a
nd
me
sh
ne
ttin
g.
A n
avig
atio
na
l b
ea
co
n l
oca
ted
on
th
e n
ort
he
rn
fore
sh
ore
of
Da
rt I
sla
nd
is m
ain
tain
ed
by N
SW
M
aritim
e.
Re
se
rve
bo
un
da
rie
s
are
cle
arly d
efin
ed
an
d
ide
ntifie
d.
Ap
pro
pria
te a
cce
ss is
ma
inta
ine
d f
or
ma
na
ge
me
nt
activitie
s.
Activitie
s a
nd
o
pe
ratio
ns o
n
ad
join
ing a
rea
s d
o n
ot
imp
act
on
th
e r
ese
rve
. M
an
age
me
nt
an
d
ma
inte
na
nce
of
the
n
avig
atio
na
l b
ea
co
n
do
es n
ot
imp
act
on
th
e
rese
rve
’s v
alu
es.
4.9
.1 S
urv
ey
the
b
ou
nd
ary
o
f th
e
Me
lale
uca
D
rive
a
nd
Sh
ore
s D
rive
se
ctio
ns o
f th
e r
ese
rve
.
4.9
.2 U
nd
ert
ake
th
e f
ollo
win
g m
an
age
me
nt
activitie
s:
•
rem
ove
ru
bb
ish
an
d u
na
uth
orise
d s
tru
ctu
res
fro
m t
he
re
se
rve
,
•
co
ntr
ol
un
au
tho
rise
d
ve
hic
le
acce
ss
with
in
the
re
se
rve
; a
nd
•
reve
ge
tate
cle
are
d
are
as
with
in
the
re
se
rve
’s b
ou
nd
arie
s th
at
are
n
ot
requ
ire
d
for
ma
na
ge
me
nt
pu
rpo
se
s.
4.9
.3 A
llow
a
cce
ss
by
wo
rkcre
ws
an
d
oth
ers
a
uth
orise
d
by
the
C
lare
nce
V
alle
y
Re
se
rve
T
rust
an
d t
he
La
nd
an
d P
rop
ert
y M
an
age
me
nt
Au
tho
rity
to
th
e C
row
n l
an
d b
eh
ind
We
str
ingia
P
lace
.
4.9
.4 N
ego
tia
te
acce
ss
to
the
re
se
rve
fo
r m
an
age
me
nt
pu
rpo
se
s w
ith
th
e o
wn
ers
of
the
p
raw
n f
arm
. 4
.9.5
Lia
ise
with
In
du
str
y &
In
ve
stm
en
t N
SW
an
d t
he
h
old
ers
of
the
oyste
r le
ase
s t
o e
nsu
re t
he
re i
s
co
mp
lian
ce
w
ith
le
ase
co
nd
itio
ns to
m
inim
ise
im
pa
cts
on
th
e r
ese
rve
.
4.9
.6 L
iais
e w
ith
NS
W M
aritim
e r
ega
rdin
g t
he
be
aco
n
on
Da
rt I
sla
nd
to
en
su
re t
ha
t its m
an
age
me
nt
an
d
ma
inte
na
nce
d
o
no
t im
pa
ct
on
th
e
rese
rve
’s v
alu
es.
Me
diu
m
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
Hig
h
22
GUIDE TO PRIORITIES
High priority activities are those imperative to achievement of the objectives and desired outcomes. They must be undertaken in the near future to avoid significant deterioration in natural, cultural or management resources.
Medium priority activities are those that are necessary to achieve the objectives and desired outcomes but are not urgent.
Low priority activities are desirable to achieve management objectives and desired outcomes but can wait until resources become available.
5. REFERENCES
Bradstock, K, Kenny, B. and Tasker, E. (2003). Guidelines for Ecological Sustainable Management. Final Report for NSW Biodiversity Strategy. Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville.
Churchill, S. (1998). Australian Bats. Reed New Holland (Australia) Pty Ltd.
CSIRO (2004). The Facts: Global Sea Level Rise. Accessed on 22 June 2006 from http://www.marine.csiro.au/LeafletsFolder/45slevel/45.html
DEC (2006). NSW Threat Abatement Plan - Invasion of native plant communities by Chrysanthemoides monilifera (bitou bush and boneseed). Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville.
DECC (2008). NPWS North Coast Region Pest Management Strategy 2008-11. Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, Sydney
DECC (2009). Scientific basis of the 2009 sea level rise benchmark: Draft Technical Note. Urban and Coastal Water Reform Branch, Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, Sydney
DLWC (1998) Assessment of Crown Land at Yamba Bay, North Coast, NSW. . Department of Land and Water Conservation, North Coast Region, Grafton.
DLWC (2003). Integrated Catchment Management Plan for the Upper North Coast Catchment 2002. Department of Land and Water Conservation, North Coast Region, Grafton.
Dodkin, M.J. (1989). Portion 5, 105, 161 and Foreshore Reserves Parish Yamba, County Clarence, Shoreline Drive, Yamba. Unpublished internal NPWS report.
DPI (2005). NSW Oyster Industry Sustainable Aquaculture Strategy. Draft Document for Consultation. NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens.
DUAP (1997). NSW Coastal Policy 1997: A Sustainable Future for the New South Wales Coast. NSW Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, Sydney.
Environment Australia (2001). A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. Third Edition. Environment Australia, Canberra.
Maclean Shire Council (2002). Clarence Coast Reserves Management Strategy. Maclean.
NPWS (1989). Yamba Nature Reserve Proposal. Unpublished report prepared by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for review by other government departments.
23
NPWS (2001). Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
NPWS (2003). The NPWS Approach to Fire Management Planning. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
Randall, D. (1996). Lower Clarence Aboriginal Tourist Site Drive. Brochure
RFS (2001). Planning for Bushfire Protection: A guide for councils, planners, fire authorities, developers and home owners. Produced by the Rural Fire Service in collaboration with Planning NSW. Rural Fire Service, Sydney.
Sammut, J. (1996). Processes and Impacts of Soil and Water Acidification in Tuckean Swamp, Lower Richmond River, Northern NSW. Unpublished report prepared for the Tuckean Land and Water Management Plan.
Tulau, M.J. (1999). Acid Sulphate Soil Management Priority Areas in the Lower Clarence Floodplain. Department of Land and Water Conservation, Sydney.
Unwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd (2002). Draft - Pathways to a Living Estuary – Estuary Management Study for the Clarence Estuary. Unpublished report prepared for the Clarence Estuary Management Committee.
Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd (2003). Pathways to a Living Estuary – Estuary Management Plan. Unpublished report prepared for the Clarence Estuary Management Committee.
