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Whitecliffs to Camerons Bight Committee of Management

Flora Survey & Management Strategies.

Cameron Cross, Kylie & Travis Robertson

Seeds Bushland Restoration & Environmental Education

2010.

SEEDS

Bushland Restoration & Environmental Education

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Contents

No.

Introduction

3

Study Area

4

Methods

5

Ecological Vegetation Classes

6

Vegetation Quality

8

Orchid Populations

9

Indigenous Species

11

Significant Trees

11

Exotic Species

11

Tracks

12

Discussion & Management Recommendations

12

Key Management Strategies

14

Summary of Management Strategies, Actions & Locations

17

Using DropBox

Using Google Earth

References

Appendices

- Indigenous Plant Species List

- Exotic Plant Species List

- Google Earth Pro Maps

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Introduction

Whitecliffs to Camerons Bight Foreshore Reserve was extensively surveyed from June through to

November 2009 to identify and map (GPS) orchid populations, ecological significant/rare or threatened

species, EVCs and vegetation quality. A species list was compiled for all indigenous, native and exotic

plants found on site, and species of significance (both Indigenous and exotic) were referenced and

mapped. Orchid populations included Pink Fairies (Caladenia latifolia), Slender Onion orchids

(Microtis parviflora), Maroon Hoods (Pterosylis pedunculata), and Large Gnat Orchids (Cyrtosylis

robusta) were also identified and referenced.

EVC boundaries and vegetation quality according to Retention (Highest quality; less than 30% weed

cover) Restoration (Reasonable quality 30-50%, & Rehabilitation (Poor Quality – highly modified)

were also mapped. Although much of the coastal foreshore is severely inundated by exotic species,

described by Cropper as being ‘semi-native vegetation,’ (Cropper, 2001) there are a number of areas

that are still in excellent condition and classified as high quality retention areas requiring careful skilled

management.

Pre European settlement it is believed Moonah Woodland may have 12,500 Ha on the Mornington

Peninsula, whilst today only covers 1000Ha, most of which is currently degraded (Tonkinson, et al,

2002). Moonah Woodland is now considered threatened and listed on the Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act

1988. Only two individual plants of the endangered species Adriana quadripartita (Rare Bitter-bush)

were recorded in the study area, one of which was planted at Blairgowrie. Also the apparently rare

coastal wattle Acacia retinoides ssp uncifolia (Wirilda) is abundant throughout the area and appears to

be is successfully regenerating.

Based on analysis of historical accounts it is believed that vegetation of Nepean Peninsula was once a

lot more open than existing vegetation that remains today, undoubtedly fire played an important role

(Moxham et.al, 2009). Allocasuarina verticillata (Dooping Sheoke) was once far more prominent in

open grassy woodlands settings however much was harvested to fuel the lime kilns of the mid 19th

Century. It is believed that the extent and distribution of Leptospermun laevigatum (Coastal Tea-tree)

has increased substantially since colonization in response disturbance regimes that regulate vegetation

dynamics, such as fire and grazing (Moxham, et al. 2009).

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Study Area

The study area is an approximately 5 km stretch of foreshore reserve aligning Port Phillip Bay on the

Southern Mornington Peninsula from Whitecliffs in Rye to Cameron’s Bight Sorrento in the west,

comprising 13.3 hectares in total. The area of concern is dissected into various land-use zones

including revegetation and restoration areas, BBQs and picnic areas, Stringers and Tyrone Foreshore

Camping areas, numerous carparks, boat ramps and the Blairgowrie Marina. The study area was broken

up into four sections for ease of management, with separate species list checked for each. Listed below

is the break down of these sections:

- Section 1: Whitecliffs west to Tyrone Camping area (2.3 ha).

- Section 2: Western end of Tyrone Camping Area to toilet block car park west of Flinders Street

(1.4 ha).

- Section 3: Toilet block car park to Mackie Court Blairgowrie (4.8 ha).

- Section 4: Mackie Court Blairgowrie to Legatt way Sorrento (4.8 ha).

Much of the existing vegetation is in relatively poor condition, with dense mats of exotic scramblers

such as Blue Periwinkle (Vinca major) and Cape Ivy (Delairea odorata) and Dolichos Pea (Dipogon

lignosus) smothering the understorey and small shrub layer. Woody weeds (African Boxthorn,

Cotoneaster, Polygala and Pittosporum) continue to persist despite evidence of some recent control

measures undertaken and will require immediate action to prevent future seeding.

Despite this however there are some relatively high quality areas having minimal weed coverage and

high diversity of indigenous species, providing model sites for future restoration activities.

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Methods

The study area was extensively surveyed from July through to November 2009. Firstly, a species list of

both indigenous native and exotic plants was also collated for each of the four sections within the study

area. Orchid colonies, significant species (Adriana, Wirilda and wildflowers), significant Moonahs, and

exotic/weed species were also identified and GPS referenced. This data was later transferred into

Google Earth Pro from which the maps were interpreted. Information was then sorted into separate

folders so that you can view one particular feature, such as orchids, or a range of features, eg. If you

overlay/open Orchids, vegetation quality and exotic species folders all at once, you can assess potential

threats to orchid colonies and develop appropriate management recommendations.

Based on the information, in particular orchid colonies, significant species and exotic species present,

Vegetation Quality was assessed and later finalized on the ground. EVC Boundaries, walking tracks

and unofficial paths throughout the foreshore were also mapped on the ground, GPS referenced and

later imported into Google Earth Pro.

It is envisage that this report, maps and works recommendations/schedule provide not only a useful

reference for the continued on-ground management of the Foreshore Reserve, but it provides an

opportunity for contractors and/or the foreshore committee to regularly update maps and work

schedules as tasks are completed or new species are discovered.

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Ecological Vegetation Classes

The study area encompasses four terrestrial EVCs as listed below:

i) Berm Grassy Shrubland /Coastal Grassland - Spinifex sericeus/hirsutus (Coast

Spinifex) Open Herbfield (≈0.84 ha) confined to the primary dune beach sand just above

the high tide level. Species include:

Coast Spinifex (Spinifex sericeus/hirsutus)

Knobby Club rush/sedge Ficinia nodosa;

Coast Thistle (Actites megalocarpa)

Small Leaved Clematis (Clematis microhylla)

Karkalla (Caprobrotus rossii)

Coast Groundsel (Senecio spathulatus)

ii) Coastal Scrub/Primary Dune Scrub/ Leptospermum laevigatum (Coast Tea-tree) –

Myoporum insulare (Common Boobialla) Tall Shrubland (≈6.2 ha). Typical species

include:

Coast Tea-tree (Leptospermun laevigatum)

Coast Beard Heath (Leucopogon parviflorus)

Coast Wattle (Acacia sophorae)

Sea-berry Saltbush (Rhagodia candolleana)

Bower Spinach (Tetragonia implexicoma)

Common Boobialla (Myoporum insulare)

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iii) Coastal Alkaline Scrub/ Moonah/Sheoke Coastal Woodland (≈6.27 ha) – Dominated

structurally by Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata) 3-10 m high and Drooping Sheoke

(Allocasuarina verticillata) typically on higher ground. Associated species include:

Slender Bush Pea (Pultenaea tenuifolia)

Wirilda (Acacia retinoides var uncifolia)

Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa var macrophylla)

Coast Beard Heath (Leucopogon parviflorus)

Thyme Rice Flower (Pimelea serpyllifolia)

Coast Swainson-pea (Swainsona lessertifolia)

Native Elderberry (Sambucus gaudichaudiana)

Coast Sword Sedge (Lepidosperma gladiatum)

iv) Coastal Banksia Woodland (≈ 0.03 ha) – A number of Coastal Banksias (Banksia

integrifolia) are present along the Blairgowrie foreshore though it appears these may have

been planted. Associated species include:

Coast Wattle (Acacia sophorae)

Coast Tea-tree (Leptospermun laevigatum)

Drooping Sheoke (Allocasuarina verticillata)

Bower Spinach (Tetragonia implexicoma)

Coast Sword Sedge (Lepidosperma gladiatum)

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Vegetation Quality

Vegetation quality was classified using the Retention, Restoration, and Rehabilitation (RRR) rating

system. Our system involves determining a large overview of vegetation quality then identifying areas

of differing quality throughout. These include:

1. RETENTION – High quality vegetation with a high level of diversity and low levels of weed

invasion and disturbance, less than 30% weed cover. Retention areas offer the greatest potential

in terms of ecological diversity and stability, and are highly valued as both reference sources of

seeds and propagation material. Retention areas require small amounts of highly

qualified/experienced specialist labour.

2. RESTORATION – Moderately fragmented or degraded ecosystems still with a high quality

level of vegetation and diversity capable of natural regeneration. Low to moderate levels of

weed invasion and disturbance with 30-70% weed cover, requiring hand weeding, some

mechanical knock down (brushcutting & chainsawing) and careful chemical application. The

majority, 52% of the study area has been classified as Restoration with particular attention and

priority given to restoration areas bordering Retention Zones.

3. REHABILITATION – Highly modified ecosystems with some indigenous species still present

and high levels of weed invasion. There are a number of areas within the study area which have

been classified as Rehabilitation. These include a section of Whitecliffs which has a good

canopy of Moonahs, however the understorey is completely smothered with Vinca, and a

section of the Blairgowrie Foreshore opposite the shops, where considerable revegetation works

have already been undertaken.

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Orchid Populations

Four species of orchids were identified through out the study area, these include; Caladenia latifolia

(Pink Fairies), Cyrostylis robusta (Large Knat Orchid), Microtis parviflora (Slender Onion Orchid),

and Pterosylis pedunculata (Maroonhood). Orchids were generally found in understurbed mossy areas

in association with Dichodra repens (Kidney weed), and Hydrocotle laxiflora (Stinking Pennywort).

- Orchid colonies were present in three of the four Sections of the study area.

- Highest concentration and diversity of orchid species found in section 4 west of the Blairgowrie

shops through to the Sorrento border.

- The majority of colonies were found in coastal Tea Tree Scrub with some colonies under Moonah

Woodland.

- These are generally high quality retention areas.

* Caladenia latifolia (Pink Fairies) is a small terrestrial orchid with a broad, bright green, hairy leaf to

20 cm. One to four bright pink, 3-3.5 cm, flowers on a wiry scape to 40 cm tall from September to

October (Jone, D. & B, 2000).

- Thirty-five colonies identified which was by far the most common orchid in the study area

- Majority of colonies identified in Coastal scrub with a few colonies under Moonah woodland

- Were present through out the study area with the exception of section 3.

- Distribution ranging from small isolated patches with less than a hundred individuals through to

large patches of in excess of five hundred individuals.

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* Cyrostylis robusta (Large Knat Orchid) is a small terrestrial orchid with a ground hugging, heart

shaped leaf, 4 cm x 4 cm, bright green with silvery underside. Flowers are pale reddish-brown, 1.4 cm

long from June to August, carried on this scapes to 25cm tall (Jone, D. & B, 2000)

- Seven colonies were identified, all of which were in Section 4. Six colonies located just west of the

Blairgowrie Yacht club and one in the Cameron’s Bight section (near Sorrento border).

- Majority of colonies identified in Coastal scrub with a few colonies under Moonah woodland,

* Micotis parviflora (Slender Onion Orchid) is a slender terrestrial orchid with a hallow, green, onion-

like leaf, to 35 cm long. Numerous, crowded inconspicuous yellowish green flowers in a spire-like

spike to 40 cm tall from October through to December.

- Only three small isolated patches were identified, all of which were in section 4.

- Colonies range in size from isolated patches of a few individuals to colonies of approximately 100.

* Pterostylis pedunculata (Maroonhood) is a terrestrial orchid with a basal rosete of 4-6 dark green

stalked leaves. A central scape bears a single dark reddish-brown or purplish-brown flower from

August to October.

- Five colonies identified exclusive to site 4

- Colonies range in size from isolated patches of a few individuals to colonies of approximately 200.

- All colonies were located in Moonah Woodland

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Indigenous Species

Although much attention was focused on orchid colonies, species of significance such as the

endangered species Adriana quadripartita (Rare Bitter-bush) or the rare coastal wattle Acacia

retinoides ssp uncifolia (Wirilda) were also mapped. Areas of high quality with high diversity were

noted and provided useful information for assessing Vegetation Quality. Other significant species

mapped include: Stackhousia, Hibbertias, Zygophyllum, Kennedia and Swainsonia as well as trees

such as Bursaria, Boobialla, Coastal Banksia’s and Allocasuarinas.

Significant Trees

The Significance of trees was based on observation of form, height, basal trunk diameter as well as

presence in the landscape. The majority of significant trees were Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonahs),

however some Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksias), Allocasuarina verticillata (Drooping Sheokes),

Myoporum insulare (Boobialla) and Acacia retinoides ssp uncifolia Wirilda’s were also included.

Large old Moonahs provide valuable habitat for micro bats, nectar for possums as well as a whole

range of insects that play an important role in the ecosystem.

Exotic species

Exotic species that pose a high potential threat to natural vegetation were referenced and mapped.

These include

- large/mature woody weeds, such as Boxthorn, Pittosporum, Mirror Bush, and Cotoneaster

- Out breaks of scramblers & Vines such as Vinca, Dolichos, Cape and English Ivy

- Groundflora such as Annual and Panic Veldt grass, Great Brome, Wild oats, Gazanias, and

Agapantha’s etc.

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Tracks

Tracks were carefully mapped as they play an important role in management decisions regarding access

and disturbance of a particular area. The main walking track running through sections of the foreshore

reserve, all tracks that lead from Nepean Hwy through to the beach, as well as any unofficial tracks

running through the vegetation, like as seen at Whitecliffs, were all marked on the map.

Discussion & Management Recommendations

Key issues were identified for each section followed by an overall of key management considerations

are discussed below:

SECTION 1

Much of the section is in relatively poor condition, with the exception of a small section of high quality

Alkaline Scrub at the base of the dune supporting numerous orchid (Caladenia latifolia) colonies. A

large section of Moonah Woodland at the top of the hill alongside Point Nepean Rd is highly infested

with Vinca major (Blue Periwinkle) and thick Polygala regeneration smothering much of the

understorey, hence has been classified as Rehabilitation. It is recommended that the edge be maintained

to prevent further encroachment and future control when resources are available.

The coastal scrub toward the eastern end of the site contains numerous young to middle aged

Pittosporums, cotoneasters, boneseed, and some boxthorn. This small area should be high on priority

list to reduce potential burden of seed set when mature. Along the top of the dune there are numerous

very large Boxthorn, which need immediate attention to reduce further regeneration. Any material to be

cut down can be laid across tracks on steep sections of the dune face to prevent future traffic, collect

organic matter and stabilize the dune. However the bulk of the material should be left standing as

protected nesting sites.

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SECTION 2

The majority of this section is high quality restoration with scramblers’, vines, groundcovers and

grasses posing major threat. There is a small patch of high quality Retention area from the eastern end

of the section west of the lookout. Immediate threats include a large patch of Vinca and Cape Ivy,

Erharta, Couch and Kikuyu encroaching in on orchid populations. Plantain, Ehrharta, and Bromus are

all widespread and prominent through out this area. The coastal grassland community that is extensive

throughout this section is under serious threat from invasive exotics including Marram grass, Barrel

medic, Kikuyu, and Bladder campion. There is also a large patch of Dolichos Pea that requires

immediate attention just east of the Flinders street Car park.

SECTION 3

The vegetation in this section consists of coastal grassland, alkaline scrub and Moonah woodland.

Much of this section is classified as high quality Restoration with the exception of a large strip of tall

moonah woodland classified as Retention. Woody weeds dotted throughout this section include

Polygala, Boxthorn, Cotoneaster, Buckthorn and Pittosporum. A number of large boxthorns have been

been cut and painted however will need to be revisited as the kill rate has not been 100% successful.

Vinca, Cape Ivy and exotic grasses (in particular Buffalo grass, Kikuyu, and Ehrharta) pose significant

threat to the quality of vegetation, and habitat value.

SECTION 4

The vegetation of this section includes alkaline scrub and Moonah woodland and several coastal

banksia’s, though it is hard to determine whether these were planted or remnants of coastal banksia

woodland. This section has the greatest area of high quality vegetation, including some dense orchid

colonies, many significant Moonahs and contains the only specimen of the endangered Adriana

quadripartita (Rare Bitterbush). There is a large patch of Vinca in the south eastern corner of this

section, of which some has already been treated. Boxthorn, Cotoneaster, Buckthorn, Pittosporum,

Coprosma and Polygala are all present throughout this section, with polygala forming dense thickets in

some locations. Common scramblers include Dolichos, Cape Ivy, English Ivy and Bridal creeper,

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whilst common groundcovers and grasses include Ehrharta, Bromus, Lagoris, Briza, Plantain,

Schoenus, Bladder Campion, Fleabane pose significant threat.

Key Management Strategies

1. Protect & enhance high quality retention areas and orchid colonies

The number one priority recommended based on our extensive field surveying and mapping

analysis is to protect and enhance high quality retention areas as a means of protecting biodiversity

and orchid colonies. These retention areas provide us with the best source of information as to what

we are working towards in any future rehabilitation efforts. They also provide valuable education

resources for future conservation workers and land managers, as reference sites of intact EVCs by

which comparisons can be made. They provide valuable seed banks for not only natural

regeneration in the immediate vicinity but also collection for future rehabilitation works in highly

degraded areas. These areas require small teams of highly skilled professionals to managed,

maintain, and with time expand upon.

2. Protect and enhance the rare Moonah Woodland and endangered Adriana and rare

Wirilda

According to historical data much of the southern Mornington Peninsula was believed to be

covered by open Moonah woodland, managed by the indigenous population for ease of travel and

hunting (Moxham et.al, 2009). Much of the Moonah and associated Drooping Sheokes were cleared

to fuel Limestone furnaces of the mid nineteenth century, making way for the proliferation of

Coastal tea tree and a dramatically altered vegetation (Moxham et.al, 2009).. Today significant

stands of Moonah occur along the foreshore with some trees presumed to be in excess of 600 years

old (pers. comm. P. Jensen). These old growth Moonahs provide excellent habitat for micro-bats as

well as a seasonal nectar source for ringtail possums.

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Much of the reserve to the south side of the highway also contains moonah woodland generally in

very poor condition, as little attempt has been made to manage this vegetation. A possible strategy

may be to engage local residents through education material or a seminar series and seeking

volunteer assistance, development of a friends group or monetary donations to help restore the

southern section of foreshore reserve which remains in poor condition.

Only one Adriana quadripartita(Rare Bitterbush), with the exception of one planted in a

Blairgowrie garden bed, was identified throughout the whole study area. There are numerous large

Wirildas coming to the end of their relatively short life, however it appears to be naturally

regenerating freely within the study area. Future revegetation efforts should focus on reestablishing

these species along with Drooping Sheokes on higher ground.

3. Target highly invasive weeds

Trees and Shrubs

Polygala myrtifolia (Myrtle-leaf Milkwort) is possibly the most abundant and invasive woody weed

and widespread throughout the whole foreshore reserve. At whitecliffs it forms an impenetrable

thicket under Moonah woodland, and in many areas young seedlings provide a dense groundcover.

Other mature woody weeds of high priority requiring immediate attention dotted throughout the

foreshore include Boneseed, Mirror Bush, Cotoneaster, Box-thorn and Pittosporum.

Scramblers & Vines

One of the biggest threats to understorey diversity through-out both Moonah Woodland and Coastal

Alkaline Scrub is the highly invasive Vinca major (Blue periwinkle). Large patches throughout the

study area are rapidly on the move and require urgent attention. It is evident that this some work is

currently been undertaken and will require follow up control. These areas may potentially require

some revegetation should the soil seedbank not regenerate. Where funding does not permit a

complete control program, focus should be on maintaining the edge and preventing further

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encroachment, especially in section 2 opposite Centre Dr, where it poses an immediate threat to

orchid populations.

Cape ivy and Bridal Creeper are both widespread throughout all sites, though the bridal creeper

appears to be affected by the rust fungus. Isolated patches of Asparagus fern, English Ivy and

Dolichos pea require immediate treatment to reduce their potential to spread.

Groundcovers & Grasses

Panic Veldt grass and Great Brome is widespread throughout study area and considerable threat to

native grasses recolonising disturbed areas. Stoloniferous grasses such as couch, kikuyu and buffalo

grass are all considered to be threatening as they outcompete native groundcovers and grasses and

require careful chemical treatment. Marram grass and Black medic pose significant threat to

Coastal Spinifex Grassland. Common Sow thistle, Chickweed, Vetch, Bladder campion, Soursob

and Smooth cats ear are all prevalent weeds especially along the edge of tracks or highly disturbed

areas. Montbretia is common throughout the tall Moonah Woodland in section 3.

4. Upgrading Vegetation Quality ratings: Restoration and Rehabilitation

As restoration work in high quality Retention areas becomes relatively under control contractors

should be advised to gradually extend these areas. In some restoration areas upgrade to retention

can be achieved relatively simply by controlling cape ivy and grassy weeds. Other areas of lesser

quality restoration may take much more work to upgrade their quality rating. Such is the case of

Rehabilitation areas that require considerable investment, follow up control and potentially future

Revegetation works to achieve a quality upgrade..

As works are carried out and Vegetation Quality is improved maps can then be updated by simply

taking way points at intervals around the area to be upgraded, upload them into Google Earth Pro,

then making the necessary adjustments.

Summary of Management Strategies, Actions and Locations

Strategy Management action Priority Locations

1.1 Management of High

Quality Vegetation/Retention

Areas & Orchid Populations

- Groundflora Weed Control -Handweed

- Cut & Paint any woody weeds to prevent soil

disturbance

- Maintain the edge and prevent scramblers such as

Vinca encroaching on Retention areas (Section 2

opposite Centre Dr)

- provide appropriate signage

Section 1: Whitecliffs bayside

Section 2: Opposite Centre Drive

Section 3: Between Canterbury Jetty

Rd and Tyrone Ave

Section 4: Sevilles Lookout

1.2.Woody Weed Control

- Frill/kill and cut/paint large Boxthorn,

Pittosporums, Cotoneaster and boneseed throughout

- Handweed polygala seedlings in high quality areas

- Knapsack large patches of polygala seedlings where

no indigenous plants occur

- Follow up program. Map, managed and maintain

future outbreaks

Section 1: Large Boxthorns,

Cotoneaster and Pittosporums

throughout

Section 2: Mature Boneseed between

Centre Dr & Neville Dr

Section 3: A number of Pittosporums

in area opposite Canterbury Jetty Rd.

Section 4: Throughout Rehabilitation

areas in particular Roadside of

Camping ground & between Hughes

Rd & Langdon Ave.

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Strategy Management action Priority Locations

1.3.Control of Scramblers &

Vines

- Maintaining edge of Vinca to prevent spreading

- Brushcut/Spray edge of Vinca to prevent further

encroachment into Restoration areas

- Cut and Paint Dolichos

- Rake Cape Ivy off vegetation & Spray in weedy

patches or spray with Lontrel

- Spray Bridal Creeper, English Ivy

Section 1: Large patch of Vinca

Throughout Rehabilitation area.

Section 2: Large Patch of Vinca

opposite Centre Drive.

Section 3: Large Vinca patch in

Rehabilitation area, Dolichos, Cape

Ivy & English Ivy throughout.

Section 4: Dolichos, Cape Ivy, English

Ivy and Bridal Creeper throughout.

1.4.Ground Flora Weed

Control

- Handweed amongst sensitive vegetation,

- Spot spray in open areas

- Brushcut annual weeds along tracks to prevent seed

set

Throughout Retention Areas and along

tracks

1.5. Rehabilitation

- Revegetation of understorey components should

natural regeneration not occur after Vinca control

- Restrict access along steep slopes and lay branches

(boxthorn or tea tree) across contours to

accumulate organic matter and to reduce erosion

Throughout Rehabilitation areas

Section 1: Whitecliffs steep slopes

1.6. Track maintenance

- Fence off and rehabilitate established bush tracks

- Install steeps at steeper beach access tracks at

Sorrento end to prevent further erosion

Section 1: Throughout Whitecliffs

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Strategy Management action Priority Locations

1.7. Vermin Control

- Undertake/continue vermin control program

Throughout whole area

1.8. Community Education &

Awareness

- Engaging local residents to get involved and form a

friends group

- Work alongside Foreshore Committee and

contractors to assist manage restoration section

- Provide education evening so that Friends groups

and local residents are well informed about the

threats to the foreshore and what they can do about

help.

South of Point Nepean Rd

Using Drop Box

Drop Box is an online data storage and sharing facility. It allows users to back up files and share them

with colleagues to work collaboratively on files. SEEDS has stored all files associated with the

production of this report in a Dropbox folder online to share with the Management Committee. This

means that not only are the files stored securely online at all times but anyone asked by the

Management Committee to update files whether they be management plans or Google earth maps can

do this and files can be keep current and accessible to all required. When changes are made to the files

in this folder they are saved online. An email will be sent with an invitation to join this shared folder,

just follow the links. Or check out www.dropbox.com

Using Google Earth Pro

Google Earth Pro provides a simple and effective mapping tool capable of displaying a great deal of

information. Having a basic understanding of how to operate this program makes updating maps and

monitoring vegetation quality, orchid populations, and weed infestations relatively simple and cost

effective means of directing management priorities. This means that this record can stay current and

provide a history of works undertaken with minimal effort. Listed below is a very basic run down of

the procedures and applications that may be of use if you want to use and update information as works

are complete or for future monitoring purposes.

1. Once you have opened the Google Earth Pro, open the Whitecliffs – Camerons Bight Folder

2. Below you will find a number of sub folders.

3. To open, double click on the desired folder, which will give you a list of all its contents or

waypoints. If you then click on the box beside the folder these will appear on the map. For

example if you open the Orchids folder all the known orchid colonies identified within the

study area will appear. You can then overlay vegetation quality which will show you in what

vegetation quality these orchid populations occur.

4. If you then close the Vegetation Quality Folder folder and open the EVC folder you will see

what EVC orchid populations.You can also overlay Indigenous species, Exotic species,

Significant trees, Tracks & Site Boundaries and so forth.

5.

6. If you then want to upload further information or waypoints as it becomes available or works

are complete, simply plug in GPS into USB port, select Tools then GPS, select the relevant

device, then import.

7. To update information as works are carried out, for example large Boxthorn is controlled

throughout Section 1. Left hand click on the relevant icon on the map, then go down to

properties and open. You can then update the name by adding TREATED and put a description

including technique, date and the contractor or person who completed the task.

References:

Calder, W. (1986) Peninsula Perspectives. Vegetation on the Mornington Peninsula. Jimaringle

Publication.

Cropper, S. (2001) White Cliffs to Camerons Bight Foreshore Management Plan, Robyn

Crocker & Associates, Melbourne, Unpublished.

Jensen, P. (2009) Sevilles Lookout Species List.

Jones, B. & D. (2000) A Field Guide to Native Orchids of Southern Australia. Bloomings

Books, Melbourne.

Tonkinson, D. Taranto, M. & Kefford, G. (2002) Mapping and Condition Assessment of

Coastal Moonah Woodland remnants on the Mornington Peninsula. Report to the Mornington

Peninsula Shire. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Melbourne.

Moxham, C. Sinclair, S. Walker, G. & Douglas, I. (2009) The vegetation of the Nepean

Peninsula, Victoria – an historical perspective. Cunninghamia. Botanic Gardens Trust.

Walker, G. & Greening, J. (1996) Tyrone Foreshore Reserve Vegetation Survey & Weed

Eradication Strategy