The last Stepping Stone to a Resilient River The Maclaughlin River was previously considered a “blue ribbon” fishing stream however stresses imposed on the river by invasion of willows & blackberry have progressively degraded the river. Willows have reduced flows and lowered water quality; and the invasion of the riparian zone by blackberries has had critical impacts on native flora & fauna in and around the river. Maclaughlin River Landcare group members are working together to undertake a long term project to restore their river. This project involves removal of willows, blackberry control and reduction of the flow of sediment into the river. Remnant vegetation is being managed by creating fenced out “stepping stones” for natural revegetation and wildlife migration along the river corridor. Fencing “islands” of remnant vegetation gives you many of the benefits of biodiversity conservation and connectivity without having to fence out the whole river channel. These […]
Daily archives: 14/12/2011
This project aims to protect the agricultural asset and the environmental values of the Natural Temperate Grasslands of the MacLaughlin River landscape by reducing the critical threat of Serrated Tussock invasion. A targeted spray program will strengthen established containment zones and reduce core infestation of serrated tussock, a perennial grassy weed, that has the capacity to outcompete perennial native grasses. As the tussock causes a loss of species over the long term, it will dominate the landscape and reduce biodiversity in plant species. Additionally the Landcare group will benchmark the condition of the High Conservation Value Natural Temperate Grasslands (NTG) in the project area and study the impact of comparative grazing systems. The individual land managers will develop property plans that include specific management considerations for HCV grasslands. Through peer learning activities such as paddock walks the different methods of control will be evaluated. In this way the MacLaughlin River Landcare group […]