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| Marg & Merv have been living at Wymbaraku since 1980 and have in conjunction with the National Parks Assoc. (see the voluntary conservation agreement) have kept sections of the property as unspoilt wilderness for future generations. They both enjoy bushwalking and are happy to provide directions or along with friendly pup Sassy will acompany you on a walk where you man see some of the 80 different species of native Australian birds that can be found on Wymbaraku. Marg has created an artists retreat for herself that she is only too happy to share with others containing a pottery wheel, woodturning lathe, lapidary equipment, darkroom for the black & white photographer & water colour painting studio. On this property they happily raised their family of three boys and are now enjoying sharing this wonder of wilderness with others. |
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PLAN OF MANAGEMENT FOR LANDS SUBJECT TO VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES AND
Mervyn & Margaret Prior
2001
1. INTRODUCTION
This Plan of Management (the "Plan") complies with the requirements of the conservation Agreement covering Lot 12. Deposited Plan 604686, Parish of Meldrum Downs, County of Fitzroy. (shown on Annexure A of the Agreement).
The purpose of this Plan is to outline the agreed detailed management practices and provide for the periodic review of these practices.
The words and phrases used in this Plan of Management have the same meaning as defined in the Agreement.
2. COMMENCEMENT
Operation of this Plan commences on the day of execution of the Conservation Agreement.
3.REVIEW OF THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT
This Plan of Management will be reviewed jointly by the Owner and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) when either party requests such a review or within 5 years of the commencement of the Plan.
This Plan shall remain in force until it is reviewed and a new plan adopted by the Owner and the Minister
4. PURPOSE OF THE CONSERVATION AGREEMENT
(i) The Conservation Agreement has been entered into in order to protect and maintain the biodiversity on the conservation area and extend the viability of habitat with benefits to the surrounding area, and in particular 10 protect habitat for the following fauna species listed as Vulnerable and Endangered under Schedule 1 and 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation
Act. 1W5.
Birds
Powerful Owl Xinox strenua
Mammals
Spotted-tailed Quoll Dasyurus maculalus
(ii) The Conservation Agreement has been entered into in order to protect habitat for the following nationally listed rare native plant species (Briggs & Leigh. 1996):
Mountain Laurel Cryptocarya nova-anglica
Mountain Denhamia Denhamia moorei
5.NATURE CONSERVATION VALUES
5.1 Landscape
The conservation area occupies approx 8ha of the property. The property extends from approximately 1100 metres above sea level to 1150 metres above sea level. Soils are fertile krasnozem's derived from basalt. Two gully lines drain through the property to the east and into Bangalow Creek which flows into the Little Murray and then Nymboida Rivers. The property is called "WYMBARAKU" and is bounded to the south by the Waterfall Way and to the west/north by Deervale Road.
Native plants
The vegetation of the conservation area was surveyed by Gilmour. 2000. The species list is annexed to this plan (Annexure C). Two nationally rare flora species were found within the conservation area. These are the Mountain Laural Cryptocarya nova-anglica) 3RCa and Mountain Denhamia 2RC (Denhamia moorei) 3Rca (Briggs & Leigh, 1996).
The vegetation type of the conservation area is cool temperate rainforest as described below:
Cool Temperate Rainforest is a floristically simple forest of one to three common tree species and forms a single or at best a two-layered canopy of dense, even and uniform height. It occurs in cool. reliable moist areas such as along the coastal escarpment where mists are frequent and favour the characteristic development of a dense growth of mosses and lichens on tree trunks and branches as well as a moist ground layer of ferns and tree ferns.
The type of cool temperate rainforest on the conservation area is of the Suballiance No. 47 (Floyd A. 1990) \othofagus-Quintima sieben-Doryphora. This community is found in the cooler, moist, high altitudes from 750 m to 1450 m. Stands of this suballiance include the optimum development of cool temperate rainforest in New South Wales, with examples of this just south of the conservation area in New England National Park. Antarctic Beech (Nolhofagus moorei} is the dominant large tree. with a lower tree layer of Rough Possumwood (Quintinia sieberi) and Sassafras (Doryphora sassafras}. Black Wattle (Acacia melanoxylon) is also common and can be particularly common, if there is history of disturbance as is the case with this conservation area. Messmate (Eucalyptus obiqua) is the also found as an emergent within the conservation area.
Among the vines . Mountain Redberry Vine {Berberidopsis heckleri) and Climbing Panax {Cephalaraliu cephalobotrys) are common. Epiphytes are the orchids Beech Orchid {Dendrohium fulcorostrum} and Dagger Orchid (Dendrobium pugwniforme} found in the canopy. Fieldia auslralis and various filmy ferns conceal the bases of the trees. Ground layer is
dominated by Hard Water Fern (Blechnum wailsii}.
5.3 Fauna
No formal fauna survey of the conservation area has been conducted. The Owners records and NPWS data base records show 79 species of birds. 14species of mammals, 11 species of reptiles and 3 species of amphibians occur or likely to inhabit the conservation area. These records are annexed to this document (Annexure D).
Below is a listing of species recorded on the conservation area which are listed as Vulnerable or Endangered under Schedules 1 and 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation
Act. 1995 with detail of their likely habitat and threats;
Birds
Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) inhabits tall open eucalypt forests and may forage along the forest edge. It is a sedentary species and prefers dense mountain gullies below 1500 m ASL where prey densities are often the highest and the preferred roost trees are common. The open structure of these forests suits the owls' hunting methods. Threats include:
i. timber harvesting activities, such as old growth logging and intensive regrowth
forestry operations reducing the habitat of the species; and
ii. a fire regime which reduces habitat quality by simplifying vegetation structure
and reducing prey numbers
Mammals
Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus muculaia) inhabits wet and dry sclerophyll forest and rainforest where it nests in rock caves, hollow logs or hollow trees. Threats include:
i. grazing by domestic stock.
ii. timber harvesting:
iii. competition by foxes (vulpes vulpes)
6. SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
It is agreed by the Owner and the Director-General that the conservation area will be managed to protect and maintain its inherent nature conservation values. The following management prescriptions are agreed upon in order that the maximum conservation value of the conservation area be attained.
6.1 Biodiversity
Conservation of biodiversity is a primary objective of the Agreement. The NPWS will provide technical advice on the maintenance of habitats for fauna and native plants and the control of exotic flora and exotic fauna.
6.1.1 Native Plants
Clearing
With the exception of that necessary for constructing boundary fences specified in the Agreement, clearing of native plants is not permitted on the conservation area.
Regeneration
Natural regeneration will be allowed to continue on the conservation area.
Fire Management
See section 6.5 of this plan.
Fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides
Fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides other than 1080 based poison baits will not be used in the conservation area.
Pesticides based on "1080" may be used for feral animal control after consultation and endorsement from the local NPWS office and the Rural Lands Protection Board. See also section 6.3 of this plan.
Re-establishment of native plants
There is need for revegetation works at a number of locations around the cool temperate rainforest:
(i) to prevent soil erosion;
(ii) to replace exotic flora when removed and where natural regeneration capabilities have been depleted; and
(iii) in areas deficient of vegetation to promote natural regeneration. For example between the southern boundary of the conservation area and Waterfall Way.
Any plantings shall be raised from local seed sources and be locally indigenous to the conservation area. Suitable species may be selected from Annexure B of this Plan. A list of reference books is included in Annexure A of this Plan.
The cool temperate rainforest habitat of the two nationally rare species (Bnggs & Leigh. 1996). Mountain Laurel [Cry'focaryu nova-anglica) and Mountain Denhamia {Denhamia moorei). will be managed in accordance with this Plan so as to reduce any disturbance to these species. Management is aimed at the prevention of exotic flora infestation on the conservation area. in particular the warm temperate rainforest habitat and control of weed invasion from neighbouring lands. Weed control within the rainforest community of the conservation area shall be in accordance with section 6.4 of this plan. Records will be kept by the Owner of any form of disturbance to these nationally rare and
endangered plant species.
Requirements for fauna
Requirements for fauna includes:
(i) a continuous range of age classes of treescapes. so that as old trees die, others will be developing hollows. Hollows in Eucalypts. which provide valuable nesting sites for species, may begin to develop from between 80 and 100 years. Tree hollows provide for shelter, roost and nest sites and are important for the Powerful Owl (Ninux
strenua which has been recorded in and around the conservation area and is listed as Vulnerable species under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. 1995.
(ii) the Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) is listed as Vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995. Critical habitat of the species is ecotones (transition zone between different plant communities) of closed and open forest, along with trees with hollows, hollow logs or caves for nesting and breeding.
6.1.2 Fauna
The management of fauna on the conservation area is dependent on the maintenance of habitats and will be advantaged by control of exotic flora and exotic fauna. Vegetation management and control of exotic flora and exotic fauna will have due regard to the needs of fauna. Details of this management are contained under sections 6.1.1. 6.3 and 6.4 of this Plan.
Additional management practices for fauna management may be specified from time to time by review of this Plan or as more information becomes available.
6.2 Development
No development other than stock-proof boundary fencing described in Section 6.2.1 of this Plan shall be carried out on the conservation area.
6.6.1 Fencing
Construction
Grazing by livestock is to be excluded from the conservation area. A stock proof boundary fence may be constructed on the perimeter of the conservation area where no fences currently exist. The southern boundary of the conservation area will require fencing and type will depend on stock type. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will provide assistance
with materials and clearance of the fence line.
Maintenance
The Owner shall be responsible for maintenance of fencing around the conservation area.
Roads, tracks and buildings
Roads, tracks, internal fences and buildings are not permitted to be constructed on the conservation area. The Owner shall be permitted, however, to maintain existing road/access tracks on the conservation area in the areas as shown in Annexure A attached to the Agreement and this Plan.
6.3 Control of exotic fauna
Domestic pets
Domestic pets are exotic fauna and are not permitted on the conservation area.
Feral animals
Feral animals are exotic fauna. Feral animals that are likely to be present on the conservation area include cats. foxes, dogs and black rats.
As the conservation area may be part of a wider home range for these species, effective control methods generally require the participation of as many neighbours as possible. Reduction in numbers is desirable to reduce the impact of fauna predation. particularly by cats and foxes. Baiting, trapping and or shooting will be the main source of control for feral animals.
Any feral animal control, including the use of poisonous baits, will be planned in consultation with the Rural Lands Protection Board and the Local District Office of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Baiting shall follow strict procedural guidelines. All methods of feral animal control will be done with minimal impact on fauna and the
surrounding vegetation.
Records will be kept by the Owner of feral animal sightings and any exotic fauna control activities. A monitoring sheet has been attached.
Domestic grazing animals
Grazing by domestic grazing animals creates a range of problems for native habitat. These include eating habitat, spreading weeds, soil compaction and the increase in faeces. Compaction reduces the ability of seedlings to germinate and over larger areas can increase water runoff and water erosion in adjacent areas. Increased faeces and the accompanying increase in nutrients can assist the spread of weeds and damage some vegetation.
Domestic grazing animals such as goats, cattle and sheep (often described as stock or livestock) are exotic fauna and are not permitted on the conservation area. In the event of domestic grazing animals entering the conservation area. the Owner will take steps to have them removed as soon as practicable. Records will be kept by the Owner of any domestic grazing animal activity.
6.4 Control of exotic flora
Weeds and noxious weeds
Weeds and noxious weeds (commonly described as species which are not native to Australia) are exotic flora. The planting of weeds and other exotic flora on the conservation area is prohibited. Removal of weeds will alter the habitat of native vegetation and care should be taken so that the impacts on native vegetation are not significant. Weeds and
other exotic flora should be controlled using appropriate methods which will not adversely impact on fauna and native plants (in particular local indigenous flora).
The main weed infestation of exotic flora in the conservation area is of the small-leaved Privet (Ligustrum sinense) which appears to mainly occur in edge areas. The other weed of concern is Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus}.
When conditions are suitable. Small Leafed Privet (Ligustrum sinense)has the ability to grow quickly and compete successfully with native plants and dominate or degrade native vegetation. Seedlings of privet can also survive and slowly grow in the dense shade under a rainforest canopy. When canopy disturbances such as tree falls occur, privet seedlings
compete strongly with native plant species in the increased light levels resulting.
Mature small Leafed Privet can be treated by cut-stump method using Glyphosate. Young plants can be treated by scrape and paint methods also using Glyphosate. Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus} is an important weed to control because of its vigorous growth, its effective seed distribution by birds and mammals, its ability to propagate vegetatively. and because its prickliness makes it objectionable to most grazing animals.
Blackberry effectively competes with and dominates other vegetation as its dense canopy excludes light from the soil surface. In natural ecosystems blackberry infestations affect plants and animals and the visual aesthetics.
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus) can be controlled using Garlon 600. this chemical has been found to be the best in controlling blackberry on the Dorrigo Plateau and has the minimal long-term impact on surrounding native vegetation. It can be hand sprayed or vehicle based sprayed on an annual basis. The program is best undertaken during late November through to the end of December each year.
Other methods such as complimentary planting of local indigenous overstorey trees to increase shading may also be undertaken. Any trees planted shall be raised from local seed sources and be local indigenous flora.
Any adverse affect on any native species following a control program will be recorded by the Owner and records of any exotic flora control activities will be kept.
Potential for invasion of any other exotic flora onto the conservation area will be monitored during the annual inspections.
6.5 Fire Management
The primary objectives of fire management on the conservation area are to ensure the protection of life and property on this and adjoining land and to maintain natural values within the conservation area.
Use of fire to reduce fuel loads is inappropriate in the rainforest environment found on the conservation area.
The written consent of the Area Manager of the Local Area Office of the NPWS is required prior to the undertaking of any other fire management works (other then non-emergency), including raking, slashing or burning. Slashing will be permitted up to a distance of 5 metres from any of the perimeter fences
Records will be kept by the Owner of any fires and the location and area covered by each fire.
The Dorrigo Plateau Area of the National Parks and Wildlife Service will provide assistance with slashing a fire break along the northern boundary of the conservation area.
6.6 Removal of inorganic or biological material
The removal from the conservation area of any inorganic materials including bushrock. sand and/or soil is not permitted.
The removal from the conservation area of any biological material including fungi, algae and moulds is not permitted. Seed collection by the Owner shall be permitted for the purpose of native plant propagation for revegetation on the conservation area except as permitted in the Agreement, for the purpose of bona fide scientific investigation, education,
monitoring or for the propagation of local indigenous flora.
6.6.1 Firewood
To maintain habitats for fauna, the collection of green wood. standing wood and fallen hollow timber will not be permitted. Fallen, dry. non-hollow timber only may be collected for the sole purpose of heating the Owner's dwelling on DP 604686 Parish of Meldrum Downs. County of Fitzroy.
6.6 Technical Assistance and Advice
Technical advice and assistance is considered an important part of ensuring the efficient implementation of this Plan.
The NPWS will provide technical advice to the Owner on activities undertaken in accordance with this Plan. Advice will be provided by the NPWS. in the first instance through the Local Area Office of the NPWS.
6.7.1 Signs
Advisory signs will be provided and installed by the NPWS at access points on the perimeter of the conservation area. The signs will advise that the property is protected by a Conservation Agreement.
6.8 Visitation
The Owner and the Minister agree that the primary purpose of the Agreement is to conserve the biodiversity of the conservation area.
Visitation will be kept at a level, which does not adversely impact on the habitat values of the area or the amenity of the Owner
For the life of this Plan. visitation will be restricted to:
(i) family, personal friends and guests of the Owner.
(ii) members of Landcare and similar groups for the purpose of activities approved by the Owner and the NPWS;
(iii) other educational and research groups for the purpose of activities approved by the Owner and the NPWS; and
(iv) NPWS Officers.
6.9 Monitoring
The primary objective of monitoring the conservation area is to identify changes in the conservation values of the area over time
An annual inspection of the conservation area will be carried out by the NPWS and where possible the Owner. This will include observation and discussions with the Owner of: (i) any destruction, removal or dieback of native plants or activity which may have occurred;
(i) evidence of exotic flora and exotic fauna;
(ii) any cultural heritage sites;
(iii) effects of visitation levels;
(iv) any evidence of changes in population densities of fauna and native plant species; and
(iv) other matters relevant to the management of the conservation area.
.Any records that the Owner has kept will be inspected during the same visit. Copies of reports on inspections will be held by the Owner and the NPWS.
This Plan of Management has been AGREED to by Mr MERVYN PRIOR& MARG PRIOR:
The MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT adopts this Plan of Management:
Robert John Debus
Minister for the Environment
FLORA LIST OF THE CONSERVATION AREA FOR PORTION 12,DP 604686 PARISH
Of MELDRUM DOWNS, COUNTY OF FITZROY (compiled by P. Gilmore, 2000)
Plant species recorded at
"WYMBARAKU", Portion 95
Parish Meldrum Downs
County Fitzroy
COMMON NAME
sally wattle
lilly pilly
tall groundberry
prickly alyxia
Macleay laurel
mountain wineberry
bird's nest fern
weeping spleenwort
white honeysuckle
mountain redberry vine
gristle fern
fishbone fern
Strap water fern
hard water fern
soft corkwood
climbing panax
orange thorn
Prickly coprosrna
narrow-leaved palm lily
mountain walnut
mountain laurel
rough treefern
beech orchid
dagger orchid
mountain denhamia
blue flax lily
soft treefern
sassafras
orange berry
messmate
wombat berry
fieldia
red-fruit saw sedge
woolly glycine
ringer fern
settler's flax
twining guinea flower
bat's wing fern
common filmy fern
shiny shield fern
trim shield fern
creeping shield fern
small-leaved privet (exotic)
a mat-rush
a mat-rush
common milk vine
fragrant fern
smooth mock olive
Antarctic beech
prickly ash
white dogwood
anchor vine
wonga vine
dwarf sickle fern
petermannia
hairy pittosporum
sweet pittosporum
elkhorn fern
snow grass
elderberry panax
mother shield fern
Victorian Christmas
bush
bracken
rock felt fern
rough possumwood
native gardenia
brush muttonwood
prickly supplejack
green-leaved bramble
austral sarsaparilla
gin's whiskers
chick weed
spreading shield fern
brush pepperbush
Dorrigo pepper
king fern
mountain tree-heath
stinging nettle
southern maraca
ivy-leaved violet
FAUNA FOUND WITHIN Lot 12, DP 604686 PARISH MELDRUM DOWNS, COUNTY OF FITZROY
Yellow-romped Thornbill
Brown Thornbill
Striated Thornbill
Eastern Spinebill
Grey Goshawk
Australian Owlet-nightjar
Green Catbird
Australian King-Parrot
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Little Wattlebird
White-faced Heron
Galah
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Australian Wood Duck
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
White-throated Treecreeper
Grey Shrike-thrush
White-headed Pigeon
Forest Raven
Pied Butcherbird
Grey Butcherbird
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Laughing Kookaburra
Mistletoe bird
Spangled Drongo
Red-browed Firetail
Eastern Yellow Robin
Dollarbird
Brown Falcon
Australian Kestrel
Grey Falcon
Crested Shrike-tit
Australian Magpie Lark
Brown Warbler
Australian Magpie
Little Eagle
Welcome Swallow
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Topknot Pigeon
Brown Cuckoo-Dove
Superb Blue Wren
Variegated Wren
Noisy Miner
Lewin's Honeyeater
Whistling Kite
Black-faced Monarch
Leaden Flycatcher
Scarlet Honeyeater
Red-browed Firetail
Southern Boobook
Powerful Owl
Olive-backed Oriole
Logrunner
Golden Whistler
Striated Pardalote
Spotted Pardalote
Crimson Rosella
Eastern Rosella
Olive Whistler
New Holland Honeyeater
Tawny Frogmouth
Eastern Whipbird
Satin Bowerbird
Grey Fantail
Willy Wagtail
Rufous Fantail
Yellow-throated Scrubwren
Large-billed Scrubwren
White-browed Scrubwren
Speckled Warbler
Figbird
Pied Currawong
Forest Kingfisher
Pale-yellow Robin
Rainbow Lorikeet
Barn Owl
While's Thrush
Bassian Thrush
Silvereve
MAMMALS
Yellow Footed Antechinus
Brown Antechinus
Spotted-tailed Quoll
Cat
Northern Brown Bandicoot
Fawn-footed Melomys
Common Ringtail Possum
Hastings River Mouse
Bush Rat
Black Rat
Short-beaked Echidna
Brushtail Possum
Fox
Swamp Wallaby
REPTILES
Copperhead
Dwarf Crowned Snake
Golden Crowned Snake
Land Mullet
Skink
Black-bellied Swamp Snake
Southern Angle-Headed Dragon
Carpet or Diamond Python
Red-bellied Black Snake
Eastern Small-eyed
Three-toed Skink
Challenger Skink
Rough-scaled Snake
Lace Monitor
FROGS
Fletcher's Frog
Red-eyed Tree Frog
Lesueurs Frog
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