Managers of bushland areas, such as councils and Parks Victoria, need practical, effective plans to guide the protection and improvement of their reserves. Practical Ecology’s Property Management Plans use an expert assessment of the reserve’s ecological values to establish the priorities and techniques required for effective management.
Bushland reserves are subject to many threats, including weed invasion, damage from introduced animals and degradation from inappropriate use (such as poor mowing regimes and trampling). Practical Ecology’s management plans provide a comprehensive picture of a reserve’s ecological heath, allowing previous work to be assessed as well as establishing monitoring techniques to gauge future progress. We work closely with government land managers, community groups and contractors to develop our plans, mindful of identifying appropriate opportunities for strengthening community participation in the management of the reserve. Practical Ecology’s management plans provide a detailed guide on how resources can be deployed for the best ecological outcome.
Our ecologists conduct an initial flora survey, using this information to compile a species list and a vegetation quality map. Fauna, waterways and Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) are also assessed to give a complete ecological picture of the reserve. The site is divided into convenient management zones with the risks and opportunities identified for each zone. Detailed management recommendations are then made, such as a species-by-species guide to weed control and the need for any additional signage or pest control. Practical Ecology’s plans have a focus on encouraging natural regeneration, although revegetation may be prescribed in degraded areas.
Because Practical Ecology are also experienced at completing on-ground works like weed control and native vegetation restoration, we know how to create Property Management Plans that are as realistic as they are effective.
Practical Ecology were contracted to create Property Management Plans for Blackburn Lake, Yarran Dheran and Campbells Croft reserves in the City of Whitehorse.
An initial assessment of reserves’ flora identified the condition of the vegetation, the EVCs present and how the vegetation quality had changed since the previous assessment. The reserves’ vegetation was found to include Valley Heathy Forest and Riparian Forest, regionally threatened EVCs. In Yarran Dheran, for example, 247 flora species were identified, of which 146 were indigenous. A fauna list was compiled from previous studies which found 10 mammal species and 68 species of bird.
Detailed management recommendations included controlling serious environmental weeds in areas of high-quality bushland, maintaining weed control in areas where previous work had already been undertaken, attacking weeds at the most appropriate stage of their life-cycle and methods to encourage more natural regeneration.
By developing strong relationships with the City of Whitehorse and community groups, Practical Ecology were able to produce management plans that achieved conservation objectives while maintaining community access to the reserves.
Map: Vegetation quality map, Yarran Dheran
Practical Ecology created management plans for ten of Ballarat’s bushland reserves, including the 150 hectare Victoria Park and significant roadside vegetation such as the Gillies Roadside Conservation Reserve.
For Victoria Park, an initial assessment determined that the reserve was predominantly open parkland. Three patches of remnant grassland remained, identified as Higher Rainfall Plains Grassy Woodland - a bioregionally endangered EVC.
Habitat Hectare assessments determined the remnant vegetation was highly modified, mostly due to loss of tree cover. Eighty-six plants species were recorded, 55 of which were indigenous. The three grassland areas were mapped and management issues, threats and opportunities were identified, along with specific management goals. The management plan then detailed how to achieve these goals, including a species-by-species guide to weed control, the timing and frequency required for controlled burns, the best species for reintroducing a canopy and how to protect the remaining trees.
Practical Ecology provided the City of Ballarat with ecological advice and a clear works program that enabled them to achieve their long-term conservation objectives.
Photo: Victoria Park grassland, Ballarat
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