Projects - Rainforest Regeneration ...making a difference
 
RAINFOREST REGENERATION AND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
TUCKOMBIL LANDCARE INC. by Ian Hotson

BACKGROUND

A committee within Tuckombil Landcare has prepared an outline of a Catchment Management Plan, defining the steps necessary to improve the environmental health of areas of Tuckombil (initially those covered by the properties of TLC members) with tributaries flowing to Maguires Creek.The plan covers several specific activities, including:

  • Identifying individual property catchments and work required on each one
  • Identification and propagation of local vegetation species
  • Regeneration of existing rainforest areas
  • Establishing riparian plantings
  • Control of weed species, particularly camphor laurel
  • Control of carp in waterways
  • Encouraging awareness of sustainable land management practices
  • Monitoring water quality
TLC members enjoy social time after rainforest regeneration activities.
  • The plan provides a framework for administrative aspects, including:
  • Priorities and timing for catchment work activities on member properties
  • Applications for funding to provide professional advice on catchment management techniques and for training of TLC members
  • A program for monitoring progress of the management plan activities
  • Extension of information on the project and its progress, via the TLC website and by written publications.
  • Exploring the potential to extend the program to properties of non-members within the TLC area and to cooperate with neighbouring groups working towards the same long term objectives of sustainable catchment management practices.

The above is a background and outline of the Tuckombil Landcare Inc. Catchment Management Plan. Management Plans for individual member properties have been developed for progressive inclusion in the plan.

PROGRESS TO JUNE 2002

MEMBER TRAINING

  • Catchment characteristics: Discussions and farm walks with Peter Boyd, DLWC
  • Plant identification: Sessions with Wetlandcare Australia and Greening Australia
  • Bush Regeneration: Several TLC members to NPWS-sponsored course at NSW TAFE during 2001. Regular monthly meetings with EnviTE (Mike Delaney) for group training in regen techniques, commenced in July 2001. In 2005 members were given the opportunity to gain training in rainforest regeneration from EnviTe professional regenerators Saul Hondo and Lisa Bennett.
  • Plant propagation: Seed collection by members and use of local member nursery for supply of some rainforest trees for planting

TLC members receive training in rainforest regeneration techniques.

 

REGENERATION PLANNING, PLANTING AND MONITORING

  • Monthly field meetings: Work with Mike Delaney (EnviTE) to prepare individual member planting plans
  • Funding applications: Grant from NHT/NPWS for trees for planting autumn 2002. Additional NHT/NPWS funding awarded in April 2002 for plantings autumn 2003. Both funding grants include a commitment of equal or greater 'in-kind' contribution by members for all items except supply of trees.
  • Sourcing materials: Supply of trees, fencing, mulch, fertilizer for member sites
  • Site preparation: Arranging contractors, labour, equipment for site preparation
  • Planting: Plantings on six member properties were completed in March-April 2002, with a total of over 6,000 trees of approx. 80 local species.
  • Monitoring and recording: Written and photographic recording of planting performance has been completed, using forms supplied by Richmond Landcare Inc. Regular reporting of monitoring and maintenance work will be carried out for twelve months after planting.


FUTURE FUNDING

  • NHT/NPWS: Planning is in progress for plantings in autumn 2003.
  • Envirofund: Tuckombil Landcare is signatory to an application for an Envirofund grant through Richmond Landcare Inc., designed to extend catchment management work to neighbouring Landcare groups and increase community awareness and capacity for undertaking natural resource management activities.