Conservation Management Plan User Manual
Contents
1. a weed has been removed or is not yet present but likely to invade and would involve actions such as surveillance for and treatment of all new infestations Eliminate A nice way of saying kill For example eliminate all isolated infestations eliminate a particular infestation or eliminate all plants within a particular area Even if a weed is eliminated it is likely there will be a soil seed bank a small number of remaining undetected plants and or ongoing dispersal from outside the site Thus ongoing maintenance works will probably be required Reduce A reduction in the cover of a weed extent of a weed infestation or level of soil seed bank Remove Use a remove goal to relate to the protection of a particular biodiversity asset For example remove all plants from around a significant species or for a climbing weed remove all aerial parts from native plants Engage For example Engage adjacent land holders to treat their infestations of a particular weed Eradicate Don t use the word eradicate unless dealing with a small infestation of a high threat new and emerging weed such as a state controlled weed as it is defined as complete and permanent removal of a weed For most weeds even once all plants are eliminated seeds or propagules will remain in the soil or will be able to enter the site from nearby populations Containment How you contain a weed infestation will depend on the2. animals known to occur on site including rabbits foxes feral pigs feral cais etc Describe potential densities and impact of animals on the site Using the data you collected during the Site Assessment prepare and insert a map which shows the location of pest animal burrows dens or harbour within the reserve 5 3 4 Tree decline Describe and discuss any issues relating to tree decline across the site 5 3 5 Erosion and sediment control Describe and discuss any issues relating to erosion and sediment control across the site 5 3 6 Direct human impacts Describe and discuss any issues relating to direct human impacts on the site This may include rubbish recreation timber cutting removal of firewood and debris lf required you may provide a map showing the locations of any issues that you mapped during the site assessment 5 3 7 Drainage stormwater lf applicable describe and discuss any negative drainage or stormwater impacts the reserve might be experiencing some sites may have Waterwatch monitoring data for them This information can be found at http www vic waterwatch org au monitoring and data 1065 To interpret the data there is a manual here http Anww vic waterwatch org au monitoring and data 1011 5 4 Altered fire regime lf applicable describe and discuss the impacts of altered fire regime s on the reserve Is the lack of fire affecting the vegetation communities and suitable habitat at the site What s
3. ecology of the weed and its current extent If the level of service is to contain and or prevent spread the specific goals may include Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 34 a NILLUM BI K THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Eliminate all plants within a defined distance of a biodiversity asset Eliminate isolated infestations Eliminate recruiting individuals Reduce the extent of a core infestation Prevent a core infestation from seeding e g by quick spraying slashing or deadheading 6 2 2 Setting Actions Input based actions Unlike a goal which is outcome based actions should be input based relating to what you want done on or for the site Outcomes are difficult to measure over a single year due to environmental variability and variable responses of weeds to control Input based actions make it clear what you want done make it easier for contractors to cost works and can be measured in the short term Wording actions Writing clear unambiguous actions is important to provide a clear line of communication with contractors and allow you to assess if the action is completed Use words like treat systematically search map and engage Treat Use the word treat to represent any control activities the specific method can be included in the control method column Specify the lifeform and location for example Treat all mature sweet pittosporum in the rehabilitation area Systematically search For ex
4. plants Cleared or degraded areas are often heavily invaded by weeds and may provide a source of weeds to other areas don t regenerate easily after control works and are therefore subject to reinvasion by weeds Weed control has limited benefits except to manage source infestations that may spread into higher quality areas Weed control will probably require a significant change in associated land management e g restrict disturbance and manage nutrient inputs e g exclude stock amp rabbits Cleared or degraded areas provide a potential for revegetation of native species to buffer or link core habitat areas Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 20 j NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Od ae DO DM ae ee LJ erica Weed Management Areas Biodiversity Hotspot Core Habitat Rehabilitation Area Degraded Area Scale 1 5 172 Figure 4 Example of establishing management zones Bulwidj Reserve 4 2 Fuel Management Zones Fire Prevention Works within Council s bushland and wetland reserves adopt a risk based prioritisation approach to preventing fires starting within Council s reserves and spreading to adjoining properties This approach is outlined in the Environmental Works Fuel Modification Methodology However at the reserve scale Fuel Management Zones FMZs can be used as a tool to determine a range of activities that can eliminate or reduce the incidence severity or impact of fire even
5. processes Describe and discuss the key threatening processes to the site and recommend management actions for each in relation to native vegetation management for the site The Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 25 mt 49 eee NIiLLU M Bia THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE headings within the CMP are only given as an indication of the types of threats you may encounter delete or modify to suit your particular needs 5 3 1 Habitat destruction modification and fragmentation Describe and discuss issues relating to habitat destruction modification or fragmentation within the reserve 5 3 2 Pest plants Describe and discuss distribution and density of weed species across the site Complete Appendix C Weed List Discuss the negative or positive impacts of the weeds Using the data you collected during the Site Assessment prepare and insert a map which shows the high threat weed species present within the reserve Wetland Waterway major Waterway minor Council Reserve Parks Victoria Crown Land Melbourne Water Property Boundary Weed Species Agapanthus O Blackberry O Boneseed O Cape ivy Chilean Needle Grass O Other O Patersons Curse O Pittosporum Prunus O Smilax O Sola O St Johns Wort Figure 7 Example of a Weed Map at Brown s Lane Reserve Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 26 mt MA NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 5 3 3 Pest animals Describe pest
6. values EW develops yearly works programs for a number of the bushland reserves Historically yearly works programs have been developed in response to a number of factors including e Community expectations and pressures Presence of rare or threatened species or communities Presence of threatening processes Conservation value of the reserve Presence of an active Friends Group On going historic management of the reserves To provide a holistic and strategic approach to managing Council s bushland and wetland reserves all reserves will have an individual Conservation Management Plan CMP developed which outlines the values threats and management objectives for that reserve To implement the CMPs EW will also develop a five year works objective The works objective will detail the actions required to achieve the management objectives specified in the CMP It also provides a tool for communicating with contractors and reporting on progress and achievements Works objectives may specify actions up to five years however they will be translated into annual works programs for contractors The purpose of this manual is to provide staff within EW guidelines for how to develop a CMP how to develop works objectives and an annual works plan and how to monitor and review works within reserves The process for developing CMPs and works plans follows the process outlined in the Environmental Works Reserves Prioritisation and Planning Guidelines Fig
7. Assessment Sheet and the EVC benchmarks to undertake the assessments Step 1 Identify Habitat Zones within the Reserve Step 2 Identify Ecological Vegetation Classes for each Habitat Zone Step 3 Undertake a Vegetation Quality Assessment for each identified Habitat Zone Once you have completed the Vegetation Quality Assessment for the reserve you will need to input the data into Appendix D of the Conservation Management Plan as well as updating the Habitat Zones table in MapInfo see 4 3 Habitat Zones 3 4 Weed Threats Mapping Using Council s PDA map and record information on weeds or other threatening processes observed These may include e Weeds e Pest Animals e Erosion e Rubbish e Encroachments e Drainage stormwater The Environmental Works Mapping Data Fields document outlines the fields within the PDA that need to be collected Administration Policies Procedures GIS Environmental Works mapping data fields docx 3 5 Fuel Hazard Assessments By undertaking an Overall Fuel Hazard Assessment you can e Make a rapid visual assessment of fuel arrangement and e Gain an understanding of how this will affect the changes of controlling a bushfire Using the PDA and the Overall Fuel Hazard Assessment Guide undertake a number of representative fuel hazard assessments across the reserve 3 6 Significant Species Use the PDA to map and record the presence of any significant flora and fauna species that you might encou
8. Dei WOOCTAN Occ ccrcceraccerssecececexeatcecereaecaateactsaceeencsuccuaceenstesaecuceroaenesnxcancacarantaaqreees 25 o a 0 a ee ee ee eee O eee ee eee eee E ee eee eee eee 25 Deo ME i218 Ke G2 6 2 eee eee eee ee eee eee eee eee ee 25 5 3 Threatening processes cccccccsececeecceeeeneeeseeeseueeseeeseeeseueeeeeesseeseeeeeeeeseeeseeeeeneens 25 5 3 1 Habitat destruction modification and fragmentation ii 26 De PSST DIAS eaa ae sd aid ca do maldade sai bira nie eed eee ie 26 5 3 3 Pestanimals eee rena ren era ra e ree era na na nee acre a rena 21 IA Free OCCIIN saquei en SE Eae SE gaia 21 So ESON ANA Sedme COMMU sas ce once n 27 5 3 0 DIFCCL NUMAN IMDACIS casusansasisasnas assess sas gas yee 21 So Brando SION MW ACN esac cane E 21 5 4 Altered fire regime eee eeeren cera er ea er en rea arranca aan er ana re nana 21 5 4 1 Altered browsing grazing regime eee aerea 21 5 4 2 Altered water quality and flOWS eee 28 5 5 Management ZONES jusscasaaisaaatas atadas id dada cia dedicada ideia dee da 28 dd Manage ZO CS sans gigas rd a a a 28 do TUCLIMANAdEmenZONES au nadas para niario ria asiiaa AES 28 6 Works planning and reporting eee eere erre ree aerea mae aee aee aanaeado 29 Cul VVORCING MAM COMI AIC TO pacrsienai desta qi disicid adia aid donald iai di dar a id isi add diana ida tiene 29 6 2 Develop a works plan eee ee
9. Environmental Works Conservation Management Plan User Manual S Date Prepared November 2012 Coco 00009 E Table of contents 1 Introduction PPS DD A 4 2 RESEN PANNID Eai gaga E E a 7 Bel DESKIOD ASSOC CMC I e 7 2 2 Collecting and collating the Site Overview information cccccseseeeeseeeeeeneeeeeeees 8 o Ole AS COSMIC ea 13 3 1 Pre visit Preparation een ore eee era r encena nene n renan 13 de INeCONNAISANCO again UU SD aaa aa da a EC UP id 13 3 3 Vegetation Quality Assessment ii eterna erereea aeee 13 3 4 Weed ThreatS Mapping erre erere eee ee ancora aerea eee a renan 14 So FURZATA SE S SINC INS wins oa SO pd a 14 So ICING AI SC CS Sarasa ccc cscs ace E EE RC ASR EO n ACE SEND dot ends Sa Sica ias 14 Sell AAS IC O sspuisamanaganeg anais diam EE da jo EEREN 15 39 CMC ISSUES aid aa dada iii ia 15 So F MOLODOIN NONON eere 15 4 Management Zones e eerreeree acer aerea rea re aaa aerea cena aan een ca na rendo 19 Al Mando MEREZONES cccacccenseatcocaetsacancesaasoraatenaoneeeeeanzeceoucanaaeaacontecateeaaeeeccosacosacaneates 19 4 2 Fuel Management Zones e ereeeeeer aeee eee arena ea aa eea een cr anne a nao 21 RS FADI ZONE PRP RR RD RR 24 5 Developing the CMP eee eeere errar rre na cre acre acre na cee eae aaa 25 5 1 Site Overview nn ae Een EEEE aerea area arena rea anna aerea aerea rea EENE EEN 25 de WAC and ASSOS a a O a O 25
10. Printed maps with previous photopoints shown 3 Relocate your photopoint using previous photos and the PDA 4 Line up the photo to match the previous photo and take the photo At the computer 5 Download photos and place in the Reserve Folder under Photos 6 Create a folder in the reserves Photo Photopoints folder named with the date you took the photos The date on the folder should be in YYYYMMDD format Download the photos into this folder For easily comparing the photos you could number your photos Photopoints date Table 1 Data fields for recording photopoints Field Field Type Field Options Field Description AssetID Character Automatic Unique identifier for each parcel of 1 100 land AssetlD InspectionlD Integer Automatic Unique identification code ID that 2 provides a reference to a particular record Inspection D Inspector Drop down Automatic Name of people person doing the 3 Character based on login monitoring list of names Inpsector 100 Automatic InspectDate Date Time Automatic Date record taken 4 InspectDat e Organisatio Drop down Automatically Name of the organisation doing the 5 n Nillumbik monitoring Character o o 100 Shire Council Organisati Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 17 NILLUM BIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Field Field Type Field Options Field Description Form Character 100 Vegetation Monitori
11. ails Action The action s you plan to undertake for that weed threat or activity in that year For weed control include treatment of weeds mapping weed surveillance landholder engagement and management of threatening process causing weeds to establish and spread You can set multiple actions for a specific weed at a specific location within a single cell by pressing CTL Enter to create a new line Number goals for clarity See followingfor guidance on setting actions Control The planned control method s for the weed e g cut and paint drill and fill hand Method s pull etc You may need different control methods for different age classes and or for areas with more sensitive vegetation Budget Hide the budget column If you haven t divided the budget by different weeds threats or if you are asking for a quote List the total budget next to the worksheet tile To hide the column right click the column heading and select Hide When planning works consider any specific issues or risks arising from works and how they will be managed For example contractor safety public safety such as pine trees falling after being drilled and filled birds or people eating sprayed blackberries untested control methods cultural heritage damage to native vegetation removal of habitat weed reinvasion following removal waterway pollution by herbicide runoff Phytophthora cinnamomi infection erosion and fire hazards lf a control method has n
12. ample systematically search an area of a reserve and treat all infestations found This builds surveillance into your action and gives you some certainty that areas are weed free Map Sometimes mapping is required to plan and prioritise future actions see Section 3 4 and the Contractor Reporting Procedure Engage You may wish to specify how you want to engage a landholder although as a different department or organisation than the land manger you often delivers programs available to assist landholders you may wish to leave the action vague and provide details in the comments section at the end of the year Dividing up actions over the length of a project Consider the sequence of actions required to achieve your goals Consider budget and resource availability For revegetation consider Ordering plants Preparing the site Planting Watering Follow up weed control Removing guards For weeds consider the ecology of the weed For example Boneseed s seed can remain viable in the soil for up to 10 years It reaches maturity at 18 24 months flowers in autumn fruits in winter spring and seeds are mostly dispersed locally Therefore a systematic Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 35 a NILLOMBAR THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE search and treatment of all plants every 2 years in autumn when the plant is flowering should reduce the seed bank to negligible levels within 10 years how the weeds wil
13. being collected The number of photopoints you set up will depend on the variation in the vegetation and your ability to repeat photos In general take photos in spring and repeat once a year There are also many internet resources that provide advice on where to place photopoints how to use them and how to take the photos in particular DSE s Land for Wildlife Note 43 Photopoint monitoring and BushTender Information Sheet 17 Photopoint monitoring EW have 2 PDAs and a tablet set up to record the location and details of photopoints using Crest Data collected on the units feeds directly into Nillumbik s Environmental Monitoring database Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 15 NIiLLU M Bia THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE po E A 3 Mb Figure 3 Example a photopoint growth of grassy weeds before and after a wet year To set up the initial photopoint In the field overcast days are best 1 Bring Tablet PDA Camera make sure camera date setting is correct Compass Optional Pegs star pickets markers spray paint mallet Optional Printed maps useful if marked with potential photopoint locations 2 Choose appropriate locations to set up photopoinis such as locations that are representative of the site Show a significant weed threat represent the most significant vegetation at greatest risk areas where you are going to do works and want to see the impact 3 Take the photo If possi
14. bitat provide refuge for native plants and animals to live reproduce and flourish Protecting improving and connecting core habitat areas is the highest priority for nature conservation to maintain ecological function at a landscape scale Within these Core Habitat areas may be hotspots of biodiversity Biodiversity Hotspots Biodiversity Hotspots provide important habitat for the most sensitive species and or contain a particularly high diversity native plants and animals The presence of sensitive species and or habitat means that even low numbers of weeds may significantly impact these areas Core habitat has most of the following attributes Structurally intact contains under storey mid storey and canopy species with a broad age class distribution depending on the vegetation type Support a high diversity of native plants and animals Old growth hollow bearing trees although much high quality bushland in Nillumbik has no or few old growth trees due to extensive logging in the past Contribute to healthy creeks and rivers when present Large and connected to other bushland by wide gt 50m corridors of vegetation Support threatened and significant plants and animals Note Very little bushland in Victoria meets all these criteria so consider an area to be core habitat if it contains most of these attributes Because these areas are largely intact they are resilient to most weed invasion and regenerate easily after cont
15. ble keep the camera on automatic settings and no zoom so It is easy to take a second similar photo at a later date If possible face the photo south east and show as little skyline as possible 4 Record the location on the PDA using the Environmental Monitoring fields as listed in Table 1 5 If the point will be hard to relocate mark the location with a durable marker e g a peg a star picket or by spray painting a fencepost or tree At the computer 6 Download your Tablet PDA data 7 Create a folder in the reserves Photo folder called Photopoints and then within this folder create another folder named the date you took the photos The date on the folder should be in YYYYMMDD format Download the photos into this folder For easily comparing the photos you could number your photos you can also include the number of the point in the GIS data 8 Optional Insert a hyperlink to the photopoints folder in the Maplnfo table file as per Table 1 If the photo is within a reserve it will be obvious where the photos are located so this isn t necessary Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 16 me MA a NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE To take subsequent photos at the photopoint In the field 1 If possible take the photo in the same conditions as the previous photo 2 Bring Tablet PDA with previous photopoints loaded Camera make sure camera date setting is correct Compass Previous photos Optional
16. cover of 2 10 considered present if g o gt 150 of benchmark cover the ite form at least 1056 of benchmark cover For lhe forms with benchmark ower of lt 10 then considered 2 50 of LAPA of benchmark cover substantially modified the lite form has either Tree canopy b defined as those canopy tree species reaching 2 80 of mature lt 50 of the benchmark species diversity or height see EV benchmark desoiption Modified no regroductivehy mature specimens are observed Eshmate proportion of an enacted healthy canopy cower that is present apply oniy For life forms wth benchmark cover of 2 10 then considered Le mot missing due to tree death or decline or mistietoe infestation where Ife substantially modified f the ite form has ether form amp 2 8086 of bemark cover or present e lt 50 of benchmark species diversity or Za 2 S08 of benchmark cover due large to immature canopy specimens but the of reproductveh mature specimens Lack of Weeds Score ie lt 10 of the benchmark ower amp Category amp Description Underst Sc Category amp Description 25 50 cover of week All Strata and Life forms effectively absent D 5 25 cower of weeds 11 9 E Up to 50 of life Forms present lt 5 cover of weeds 50 to 90 of Life forms of those present 50 m proportion of weed cover due to high threat weeds sme EVO benchmark for guide present Substan
17. e 11 Put together a list of all significant fauna species likely to be present at the site Put together a list of all significant flora species that are likely or are known to be present at the site Provide a description of the reserve s location within the landscape and its role in landscape connectivity e ls the reserve part of an existing habitat corridor or is there potential for it to be part of a new habitat corridor e What is the proximity of the reserve to other patches of native vegetation Discuss the details of any Friends or Community Groups currently or previously Known to work on the site Is the group active or is activity diminishing Category Item What Information Where to find it Use the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas Use a 2km radius to determine species likely to occur within the area reduce the list based on if the species is likely to be present Augment the list with local Knowledge of species or from fauna reports from the area Use the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas Augment the list with local Knowledge of species or from flora reports from the area Use aerial photos to determine the location of the reserve within the landscape Refer to Strategic Documents such as the Biodiversity Strategy 2012 or the NEROC Report to determine if the reserve is part of an existing habitat corridor Use DSE s Biodiversity Interactive Map to assist in determining Landscape Context and Connectiv
18. ed and or rabbit control and when specified in the Works Plan map locations of uncontrolled infestations 4 Report against the Works Plan Invoicing and 5 With each invoice send the land manager the most up to date Works Plan Reporting with a record of completed weed control works mico aii 6 With the final invoice for the current financial year s budget send the land and Data manager the completed Works Plan any records of weed and rabbit control Submission works locations and all associated mapping data 6 2 Develop a works plan The Works Plan template and an example is located at G Environmental WorksiAdministrationiPolicies Procedures Environmental Works Toolkit Set up a works plan for your reserve using the Excel template Enter the name of the reserve in the title of the worksheet You may choose to have separate works plans for different contractors or management zones within a site See Section 6 5 for guidance on naming and managing Work Plan files List all the weeds and other threats you plan to manage and activities you plan to undertake For each complete sections 1 and 2 of the Work Plan template See Figure 9 and Table 5 for details Note You can develop a works plan in stages by first planning actions for one year and set a five year goal and actions for subsequent years as you improve your knowledge of the site Provide the Works Plan to the contractor and ask them to fill in section 3 Only provide
19. ee era ree arena ea eea cena anne ana 31 BZ Sema GOA aa ea ea ere 33 6 2 2 Selngq CIONS eee saosaas ta nip ceu ndad nero asadnoapenGEs au peadno GE susTes eae 35 6 3 Report actions end of the financial year eee 36 6 4 Review the plan end of financial year erre 37 do File MANaGSMENt Ol WOKS PIAS erreseina e e E AAE RER EiS 37 Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 2 NIiILLOMEAN THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE AOPEN A VOL Fiel Sie Cl assassinas ada cs E aaa Da E naa Ed ads a it Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 3 mt MA NILLOS EIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 1 Introduction Nillumbik Shire Council is responsible for the management of 99 environmentally significant reserves covering an area of 495 hectares on both Council freehold land and as the Committee of Management for Crown Land The primary purpose of these reserves is for the conservation of natural values however they are also important from a social cultural and historical perspective These reserves are home to an array of native plants and animals and often provide the last remaining refuges for threatened and endangered species in a fragmented landscape Councils Environmental Works EW Team actively manages these reserves by undertaking a range of works such as weed and rabbit control soecies conservation fencing trail maintenance and fuel reduction works to protect and enhance their biodiversity and community
20. ervation Management Plan User Manual Page 6 mt N PODS NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 2 Reserve Planning 2 1 Desktop Assessment The first step when developing a Conservation Management Plan for a reserve is to collect as much background information relating to the reserve and surrounding as possible This will assist you in formulating and developing the context of the reserve and the management of the reserve to date This information will include e Site Information o Location of the reserve Street location address Catchment location Landscape location Area hectares Land management arrangements o Level of Service as specified by the Reserves Prioritisation and Planning Guidelines e Planning and policies o Planning overlays or zones ESO WMO PCRZ o Previous studies Vegetation Management Plans Fire Management Plans Streamflow Management Plans e Historical land uses o Indigenous cultural heritage sites o European usage if known e Physical environment o Topography o Soils Geology o Hydrology Streams Wetlands e Level of significance e Landscape context connectivity e Community values e Stakeholders This information will be used to inform the Site Overview section of the Conservation Management Plan The Site Overview section provides s background and introduction to the site It discusses the environmental and landscape context of the site as well as presenting broad overview background of
21. es Use the J to measure distances to nearest patch of vegetation townships or other significant landscape features Using the Conservation Management Planning Workspace go to Map gt gt Options Set the Map Units gt gt Area Units to hectares Click Ok and then double click the arrow on your reserve This will generate the reserve area NILLUMBIARK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Land Management Arrangements Level of Service Planning Overlays and Zones Previous Studies Historical Land Use Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 9 Provide a description of the management arrangements for the reserve Is the reserve owned by Council or is it under a Committee of Management Use the Reserves Prioritisation and Planning Guidelines to provide a description of the Level of Service for the reserve Provide an outline of what Planning Overlays and Zones might affect the reserve These might include Environmental Significance Overlays Wildfire Management Overlays or Public Conservation Resource Zone A number of Council s bushland and wetland reserves have previous studies such as flora and fauna reports fire management plans or net gain assessments This information will be useful in forming a view of management required Provide an overview of any sites of Indigenous Cultural Significance either within your reserve or surrounding areas Category Item What Information Where to find it e U
22. her weeds that are controlled together e g woody weeds or bulbous weeds and have the same goals and actions However consider the type of information you want to collect Two weed species may have the same control methods but may have different spread patterns or cause different environmental impacis Location The specific location of works Include for clarity and if not applicable or the goals and actions are for the whole site leave blank Depending on your project and site characteristics you might break up control of a specific weed by reserve zones within a reserve or by weed infestations When deciding on the best scale to set goals and actions consider the scale at which the area is managed and at which you require reporting For most instances a budget will be set at a reserve scale and a single contractor will manage that reserve If in doubt keep the plan as simple as possible Five year goal Goal for each weed threat or activity Although the column heading is five year goal change this to suit your project and or existing management plans You can set multiple goals for a specific weed at a specific location within a single cell by pressing CTL Enter to create a new line Number multiple goals for clarity See following for guidance on setting goals Section 2 Annual Works Plan Complete for each year Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 32 mt 49 PES NILLUM BI K THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Field Det
23. ity Scores Use the Conservation Management Planning Workspace to identify if a Friends Group is active at your site The Friends Group Manual may also provide useful information _ FF n NILE Si THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Category Item What Information Where to find it Discuss and describe the recreational e Contact Leisure Services to determine use of the reserve Is it currently used recreational use of reserves Recreational Use for passive or active forms of recreation Are there recreational trails through the reserve Discuss the involvement of other 5 stakeholders in the management of the Other Agencies site If there is a waterway is Melbourne Water undertaking works e Using the Conservation Management Planning Stakeholders Discuss the details of adjoining property Workspace you can use the tool to select owners Are there any existing properties around the reserve and view the Neighbours relationships or arrangements with the Surrounding property owners details neighbours e The reserve folder may also contain relevant information about pre existing arrangements with surrounding landowners ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee oe ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee oe ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee oe ee ee ee ee oe Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 12 mt Fh DERN gs NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 3 Site assessment The next
24. ity of bushfires This zone complements the APZ in that the use of fuel reduction techniques in the BMZ is designed to protect nearby assets particularly from ember spotting during a bushfire Bushfire Moderation pene Where practicable the BMZ will aim to achieve ecological outcomes by seeking to manage for ecologically desirable fire regimes provided bushfire protection objectives can still be met This may include using a range of fuel management methods Within this zone planned burning will be used for three broad aims e bushfire protection outcomes by reducing the overall fuel and bushfire hazard in the landscape e ecological resilience through appropriate fire regimes Landscape Management Zone e management of the land for particular values including forest regeneration and protection of water catchments at a landscape level Other fuel reduction methods will be used within this zone as appropriate Planned Burning This zone excludes the use of planned burning or fuel Exclusion Zone reduction techniques in areas intolerant to fire eeeo ee ee ee e e e e ee eceg eeCcfpeeceee ed gee ed e e ege eed eme emoemWmemC lt C Be e WUlmwmWmceecewUlUCcaictCUCcaUitCwWClcatWlce tClcetClCcetlUCcrictClCcetClCcecetClUCctWlcetClCcetClCceitlCecetlUCctCClUcwVCW et eg t 8 o Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 22 mt MN E e NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Ecological Outcomes Risk Mitigation Outco
25. l respond to other actions such as rabbit control weed control or ecological and fuel reduction burns what plants may grow in the spaces created by treated weeds Think about how you can stagger works or change control methods to prevent re infestations of the treated weed or infestations by new weeds how weeds may spread if you don t do a particular action Plan the actions first that protect a biodiversity asset or prevent a situation worsening that sometimes a big push in the early years particularly if there are lots of mature seeding plants can allow you to get ahead of a weed that in more degraded areas staggered removal of weeds is often desirable to allow natural regeneration of native species Staggered removal may also be appropriate in more intact areas to make sure you don t impact too heavily on fauna populations that might be using weeds for habitat that it may take treatment of the same area over several years to exhaust a seed bank consider the length of time seed remains viable in the soil Even once you reach your goal you will probably still need to systematically search for and treat new infestations and emerging seedlings Build flexibility into your actions considering unexpected weather conditions weed growth or wildfire 6 3 Report actions end of the financial year Keeping a good record of actual works completed allows you to develop a site history and cost and plan future works This informa
26. mes Figure 5 Fuel Management Zones Using a hard copy map define FMZs for the reserve Once you have determined the zones on the hard copy map transfer the information to the appropriate Fuel Management Zones table in MapInfo Use the Conservation Management Planning MapInfo Workspace and edit the Fuel Management Zones table 1 jg Wiese a Py ee ll E Br E PA E ai ERA i Figure 6 Example of Fuel Management Zones at Brown s Lane Reserve Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 23 NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 4 3 Habitat Zones Using the Habitat Zones determined during the Vegetation Quality Assessment Habitat Hectares transfer the zones and data to the Habitat Zones table in MapInfo Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 24 mt MA Eee NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 5 Developing the CMP Now that you have collected and collated all of that useful information it s time to put together the Conservation Management Plan Using the Conservation Management Plan Template start to put the information you have collected into the document 5 1 Site Overview The Site Overview section provides background and introduction to the site It discusses the environmental and landscape context of the site as well as presenting broad overview background of the management of the bushland at the site to date Include a map of the reserve which shows the locati
27. nd Manager Develop a Works Plan goals and actions Provide contractor with a draft Works Plan maps and other resources Contribute to the Works Plan in Support and approve contractor contributions to the Works Plan consultation with the land manager Provide an approved version of the Works Plan to the contractor Undertake works Report issues to the land manager when they occur Keep a record of environmental works Map invasive species locations if Support and provide advice to the requested contractor Report on works completed in the Works Plan Provide the land manger with invoice mapping and reporting Assess the effectiveness of invasive species control methods joint responsibility Confirm works have occurred as recorded Pay invoice Compile and distribute mapping data Report on achievements Review develop objectives and actions for the next financial year Figure 8 Works planning mapping and reporting procedure for contractors Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 30 e NILLUMBIAK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Table 4 Contractor data management requirements Works 1 Prior to starting on ground works work with the land manager to develop a Planning Works Plan for the year 2 Return the Works Plan to the land manager for approval Note You are authorised to start works once the land manager provides you with the approved Works Plan and a purchase order WEE 3 Record and map we
28. ng Plot Trail Monitoring Point Hollow Habitat Tile Direction P Drop down Direction the photographer faces 7 hotopoint Eharaci t for photopoints 30 Photopoint Direction Comments Character Results location of monitoring 8 254 point description of monitoring duration of monitoring description Comments of photo camera settings camera used weather conditions etc Data_Locati Character File location of monitoring data Not on enter monitoring type in Comments Type Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 18 mt 49 Cpe NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIR 4 Management Zones When putting together the final CMP it is important to define a range of Zones which will assist in the on going management of the reserve 4 1 Management Zones Using a hard copy map define management zones for the reserve Management zones will be used to group areas of the reserve that have similar management maintenance requirements These zones may be very site specific i e Wetland Zone Glycine Zone Revegetation Zone or may use the categories outlined in the table below Once you have determined the zones on the hard copy map transfer the information to the appropriate Management Zones table in MapInfo Use the Conservation Management Planning MapInfo Workspace and edit the Management Zones table Table 2 Management Zones descriptions Core Habitat amp Biodiversity Hotspots Areas of Core Ha
29. nter during the site assessment This data will be used to augment the list you have previously generated using the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife and the Flora Information System Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 14 mt 49 PEt NILLU SM BIR THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 3 7 Infrastructure Use the PDA to map and record any infrastructure that might occur in the reserve This may include infrastructure such as e Signs e Seats e Fences e Erosion control structure e Gates 3 8 Other Issues Use the PDA to map and record other issues that you might observe within the reserve Other issues may include but are not limited to e Cubby Houses e Vandalism e Mines e Illegal trails e Graffiti e Historically significant sites 3 9 Photopoint monitoring Photopoints are permanent or semi permanent sites from where you can take a series of photographs which can be used to provide a visual record of changes over time EW uses photopoinis to demonstrate how issues such as vegetation condition and weed cover change The following section provides a description of how to set up photopoints and manage the associated data The pictures for comparison are taken at the same location with the same direction angle focus points and preferably camera settings Photographic records provide a permanent visual record of change without reliance on memory or taking physical measurements and are used to support other monitoring efforts where data is
30. on of the reserve in relation to Nillumbik Shire Council s boundaries and includes aerial photography property boundaries reserve boundaries contours and the location of waterways or wetlands 5 2 Values and Assets The Values and Assets section of the CMP allows you to describe and discuss the values and assets existing within the reserve or surrounding the reserve 5 2 1 Vegetation In this section you should provide a description of the extent quality and significance of the indigenous vegetation at the site as well as discussing and describing the Ecological Vegetation Classes and providing a summary of the Vegetation Quality Assessment You will need to complete Appendices A and D of the CMP Template The EVC Benchmarks may provide you with useful information in completing this section 5 2 2 Fauna In this section you should provide a description of the fauna occurring within or surrounding the reserve You should discuss any significant species recorded within or near the reserve levels of significance i e National State Regional Local of particular Species and any management requirements of the species You will need to complete Appendix B of the CMP Template 5 2 3 Habitat Values In this section you will need to provide a description of any particular habitat values of the site Here you may discuss the presence or absence of Large Old Trees LOTs hollow bearing trees logs or other habitat features 5 3 Threatening
31. ort of fire regime would have been expected here What species species composition is it affecting You may wish to use the CFA s Fire Ecology Guidelines 5 4 1 Altered browsing grazing regime lf applicable describe and discuss the impacts of altered browsing and grazing regimes on the reserve What sort of grazing regime would have been expected here e g small browsing mammals which now aren t present What species species composition is it affecting Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 27 NILLU SM BIR THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 5 4 2 Altered water quality and flows lf applicable describe and discuss the impacts of altered water quality and flows on the reserve Is this area on the floodplain What is the expected flood regime How is drainage affecting the site 5 5 Management Zones In this section of the CMP you will be required to discuss and present the different Management Zones within the reserve 5 5 1 Management Zones Referring back to the Management Zones you mapped in Section 4 of this manual provide detailed descriptions on each of the Management Zones you have mapped Include the following information e Name of the Zone e Values assets present in that zone e Threats to the zone e Management actions required for the zone Prepare and insert a thematic map of the reserve which shows all of the Management Zones 5 5 2 Fuel Management Zones Referring back to the Fuel Management Zones tha
32. ot been proven or there are specific risks e g off target damage discuss with the contractor how the effectiveness of the control method will be assessed 6 2 1 Setting Goals Outcome based goals Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 33 me MA E NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE When setting goals consider the level of service for your reserve Reserves Prioritisation and Planning Guidelines and the biosecurity approach Set goals that are S M A R T Specific Measurable Achievable Relevant and Time bound Goals should reflect the outcomes you want to achieve You may vary your goals from the level of service depending on the natural values to be protected weed or pest animals ecology vegetation type ease of control slope accessibility level of threat your ability to control external weed current availability of resources time sources pest animals and threatening processes Make sure you have a good understanding of the ecology of a weed or pest animal before setting control goals Wording goals The language used when setting goals is very important because they provide a benchmark to monitor the success of your project Goals need to make it very clear what you intend to achieve and where For weed control use words such as Maintain Eliminate Reduce Remove or Engage Maintain For example maintain an area free of a weed species A maintain goal may apply to an area in which
33. provides a method for creating a Works Plan recording works and reviewing the Works Plan 6 1 Working with contractors The system is designed to set up a conversation between land mangers you and environmental contractors It helps you set goals for management plan actions allocate budgets and report to funding bodies It allows contractors to understand their responsibilities provide input into planning share their knowledge of reserves report on works and provide accurate invoicing Collectively it allows land managers and contractors to record a history of a reserve and to share intentions and actions See Figure 8 and Table 4 When working with contractors provide them with the following resources available in G Environmental_ Works Administration Policies ProceduresiEnvironmental Works Toolkit Contractor Reporting Procedure Works Plan with works plan weed record and rabbit record worksheets Excel spreadsheet Weed and Rabbit Field recording sheets if required A template for recording details of weed control works and weed mapping in Apple Numbers format for collecting data in the field using an iPhone or an iPad if required Quick references for collecting weed and rabbit control and mapping data Reserve maps if required Existing weed rabbit threat mapping data if available required Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 29 NIiLLU M Bia THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Contractor La
34. quote from a contractor Create a version of the Works Plan from the master works plan if available which only contains the actions you want quoted Include the words quote request in the title of the works plan Naming convention WP Quote Request Reserve name or project name _ Year eg 12 13 Short description contractor name to distinguish between different plans Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 38 NIiLLU M Bia THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Appendix A VQA Field Sheet Vegetation Quality Field Assessment Sheet Sustamabil rn Version 1 3 October 2004 Environment Site NHame No meee meee meee eeaeee Mi is aom ae DE RenEsIDRSEEE oh eat eee ow SN enie Sree eee ASSESSES meteram Map HamejHo ABG j HGA asas asas Toe omm O PP I PRP gt O bo 20 of the benchmark number of large trees ha gt Ah to 49 of the benchmark number of lange trees ha gt 296 to 70 of the benchmark number of lange trees ha gt 70 to 10086 of the benchmark number of lange trees ha Larpe trees are defined by diameter at breast height ah E a a O RR ape EVO benchmark rr O O A o Esimate proportion of e nected healthy canopy that is present qua mot adada dun to tree death or declan gr mischioe bilegation E O O O E O RE O Tree Cannpy Cover Ce OO F E For life forms weth benchmark ower of lt 10 considered present if any specimens are ciserved For life forms with benchenark
35. r goals to determine what steps you need to take to achieve them 6 5 File management of Works Plans The following section provides guidance to naming and working with Work Plan files to prevent confusion or data loss Master works plan Create a single master Works Plan for each reserve or project if appropriate Include the name of the reserve or project At the end of the financial year copy all changes and additions into this file Also make changes to future years actions in this file when reviewing the plan Naming convention WP Master Reserve name or project name Contractor works plans From the master Works Plan create a version to give to each contractor working on the site you may only have one Remove all actions that are not Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 37 a E SliLiw amp ei THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE the responsibility of that contractor Delete or hide all columns in subsequent years except the action and control method columns decide if you want to disclose future budgets Include the year and a short description in the title of the works plan to make the version clear Naming convention WP Reserve name or project name Year eg 12 13 Work order number Short description contractor name to distinguish between different plans Proposed And once the Works Plan is approved change the word proposed to approved Quote requests You can use the works plan format to request a
36. rol works Weed control has immediate and long term benefits Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 19 CT NILE NMN EIS THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE q gt o CG o l Rehabilitation Areas Rehabilitation areas are areas of lower quality bushland compared to core habitat These areas may Be missing important structural elements e g under storey mid storey or canopy species Have a moderate or low diversity of native species Be isolated within an agricultural or urban landscape Have been subject to significant disturbance in the past Although degraded these areas may provide a buffer to weed and pest animal invasion between cleared areas and core habitat provide corridors for movement of animals between areas of core habitat provide habitat for the more common native plants and animals Rehabilitation areas are prone to weed invasion and may provide a source of weeds to core habitat don t regenerate easily after control works and are therefore subject to reinvasion by weeds Weed control has limited benefits in the short term except to protect surrounding core habitat and prevent further degradation Inthe long term concerted effort in these areas provide the greatest opportunity to expand the areas of core habitat and improve ecological function at a landscape scale Cleared degraded areas Cleared or degraded areas are areas that support mostly exotic and few native
37. se the Conservation Management Planning Workspace to check Crown Land Use the property information to get landowners details Refer to Council s List of CoM Reserves Prioritisation and Planning Guidelines docx Using the CMP Workspace go to the Layer Control and open the Overlays and Zones folder Select all the layers Use the to get information relating to the zones and overlays Using Windows Explorer navigate to the particular reserves folder Open the folder relating to Reports Explore folder to see if there are any existing reports Check the EW cupboard to see if hard copies exist Check DPCD Areas of Cultural Sensitivity Maps Select the Ringwood map to see if any areas have particular cultural sensitivity Use the CMP Workspace Aboriginal Sites Grid to determine particular sites of significance _ FF n NILE Si THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Category Item What Information Where to find it Topography Soils Geology Hydrology Significance of the site Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 10 Provide an overview of post European Settlement land use if known Provide a description of the topography of the site including steepness aspect form and elevations If Known provide a brief overview of the soil type and geology of the site Provide a description of the hydrology of the site Are waterways or gullies present on the site Are there any wetlands presen
38. step in the development of the Conservation Management Plan and Works Plan is to undertake a site assessment of the reserve 3 1 Pre visit Preparation To undertake the site assessment of the reserve you will need to take the following items e Clipboard and Pencil e PDA Tablet e Camera e Diameter Tape e Field Sheeis o Treeless Vegetation Quality Assessment Sheet o VQA Life form recording sheet e Maps o EVC and Bioregion Maps determine the EVCs likely to be present at the site prior to visiting o Aerial Photograph o Directions e EVC Benchmarks e OH amp S Equipment e Overall Fuel Hazard Assessment Guide e Pegs Equipment to set up photopoints e VQA Manual 3 2 Reconnaissance Walk and drive around the site to formulate an idea of the e Spatial distribution of the vegetation e Remnant patches e Identification and distribution of EVCs e Quality differences within EVCs e Presence absence of high threat weeds e Presences absence of feral animals e Adjoining land management practices e Other potential issues threats or features of note 3 3 Vegetation Quality Assessment Note This section will be updated once the new Habitat Hectare methodology has been finalised Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 13 NIiLLU M Bia THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Undertake a Vegetation Quality Assessment of the site using the Habitat Hectares Approach Use the Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual the Vegetation Quality
39. t Discuss the level of significance of the site Is the site listed as a DSE Biosite Is it listed under NEROC as a site of significance or part of a habitat corridor e Post European historical land use may be difficult to determine but may be available in existing reports relating to the reserve From the Field Assessment you may be able to infer past landuse practices such as vegetation clearance or the presence of fences or mines Use the contours layer in the CMP Workspace to determine steepness aspect Use the o tool to select the contours and determine height above sea level DSDPI Earth Resources Online website has PDF geological maps at various scales Some of these maps have been saved as PDFs within the CMP folder Use the contours and waterways layers in the CMP Workspace to determine the presence of gullies or waterways Aerial photos may also show changes in vegetation to indicate wetter or drier areas In the CMP Workspace use open the Level of Significance layers to view both NEROC and DSE Biosite Information For further information relating Biosites click here DSE Biosites in Nillumbik For further information relating to NEROC sites obtain an electronic copy of the NEROC Report _ FF n NILE Si THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Significant Fauna Significant Flora Landscape Context and Connectivity Friends Group Community Interest Conservation Management Plan User Manual Pag
40. t you mapped in Section 4 of this manual you will need to describe and discuss each FMZ You may wish to cover topics such as e Overall Fuel Hazard Assessment results e Key fuel management issues i e bark Kunzea etc e Assets potentially at risk i e nearby houses LOTs logs e Areas to be exempt from burning e Potential areas for ecological prescribed burning Prepare and insert a thematic map of the reserve which shows the Fuel Management Zones as well as the Overall Fuel Hazard Assessment resulis Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 28 NILLUNBIAR THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 6 Works planning and reporting A Works Plan is an Excel spreadsheet that turns a Conservation Management Plan and its goals into on ground actions The best works plans constantly evolve based on the outcome of works and change to the threatening process through a cycle of plan do and review Figure 2 The Works Plan provides space to include the 5 year goals from the Conservation Management Plan annual works for the current financial year and reporting of works done and final costs Develop a Works Plan for each reserve where works you are contracting works Depending on the level of planning that has occurred for the reserve it may include a 5 year goals as well as annual actions and budgets When a Works Plan precedes the Conservation Management Plan you can hide the goals section until you have developed them The following section
41. the contractor with the actions for which they are responsible Note You can use the work plan in this way to get a quote from a contractor Review the contractors suggested changes and costs and make changes to the plan as appropriate This may involve a discussion with the contractor Hide the Budget and Suggested changes columns select the columns right click the selected area and select Hide Raise a purchase order Enter the works in Rapid Asset Add the word approved and the work order number in the Works Plan file name and send the approved Works Plan back to the contractor so they can commence work Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 31 mt 49 ee e NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Figure 9 Planning component of Works Plan Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section4 Works DO ea coe que ea works Contractor planning cost and time works Actual Worksplan llC OC Works Year 1 Location Five year goal Table 5 Works Plan Details Field Details Section 1 Overall Works Plan Works ID Number your works so contractors can reference them when mapping A simple way to number works is Asset ID or Reserve ID sequential numbering 001 002 003 etc Weed Threat Weed species or other threatening process e g rabbit control or erosion you Activity are going to manage or activity you are going to undertake e g revegetation or fencing You can group toget
42. the management of the bushland at the site to date Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 7 mt 49 p NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE 2 2 Collecting and collating the Site Overview information Category Item What Information Where to find it e Open the Conservation Management Planning Reserve Location Site Information Area hectares and shape 3 3 amp Ee amp r2 e D es 8 8 D A o S D G o 8 Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 8 Property address or physical boundaries such as roads or waterways Describe the location of the reserve within the catchment i e is the reserve part of the Yarra or Plenty River catchments is it located at the headwaters or at the confluence Described the location of the reserve within the landscape Is it close toa township or is it Surrounded by farms Provide a description of the area of the reserve in hectares and also the shape of the reserve i e long and thin rectangular square MapInfo Workspace Navigate to your reserve Use the to get information about the property address Information relating to catchment location can be obtained from Melbourne Water s Healthy Waterways Strategy draft Refer to Melbourne Water s Regional River Health Strategy 2008 2013 Use the Conservation Management Planning MapInfo Workspace to locate the reserve Review aerial photos to determine surrounding land us
43. tially modified themat wee genes are defined as those introduced incduding gc eran is a Heat ari qdo dra phe parei 5 D E E A a ce current site characteristics and disturbance regime The EV benchoark lists typical weed species for the EV in the bioregion and provides an estimate of their invasiveness and impact In gerera those wend species considered to have a fig impact are considered Aug iven regardless total weed cover is negligible lt 1 and high threst weed spedes are present then soore 13 Conservation Management Plan User Manual _ MA NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE
44. tion is also very useful when reporting to funding agencies 1 Atthe end of each year ask the contractor to complete section 4 of the Works Plan as per Figure 10 and Table 6 and return it to you 2 If you have works from several contractors and or works completed in house compile the separate Works Plans reporting into one document Figure 10 Reporting component of the Works Plan Year 1 Progress Comments Suggested follow Actual Cost Invoice up works exGST number s Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 36 NILLU SM BIR THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Table 6 Details of the reporting component of the Works Plan Field Details 6 4 Review the plan end of financial year An important step in planning weed management is checking back with your works plan to see how far you ve progressed and how you can adapt and improve the plan for future weed management The continuous cycle of plan do review see Figure 2 Plan Do and Review will not only enable you to carry out considered and strategic weed management but allow you to adapt to changing environmental conditions and budgets respond to emerging issues and improve your management over time 1 Review the plan each year based on the actions achieved and changes in weed and pest animal presence priorities threats cover and abundance Use the suggested follow up and comments responses provided by the contractor Always reflect back to your five yea
45. ts that may impact surrounding residents and the community The DSE Code of Practice for Bushfire Management on Public Land 2012 outlines four revised FMZs The four Fire Management Zones are e Asset Protection Zone e Bushfire Moderation Zone e Landscape Management Zone e Planned Burning Exclusion Zone Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 21 mt Sh NILLUMBIK THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE FMZ placement is determined through analysis conducted in the development of strategic bushfire management plans with input from stakeholders Considerations include risk to human life and property and community infrastructure practical and achievable burning outcomes appropriate fire regimes for vegetation types maximum overall fuel hazard ratings topographical alignments and bushfire behaviour Table 3 Fuel Management Zones adapted from DSE Code of Practice for Bushfire Management on Public Land 2012 Fuel Management Zone Zone Description Using intensive fuel treatment the Asset Protection Zone APZ aims to provide the highest level of localised protection to human life and property and key community assets The Asset Protection Zone goal of fuel treatment in the APZ is to reduce radiant heat and ember attack in the event of a fire Fuel treatment will be carried out in the APZ through a combination of methods such as mowing slashing vegetation removal or burning This zone aims to reduce the speed and intens
46. ure 1 Conservation Management Plan User Manual Page 4 NILLO amp M Sis THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE ion t loritisa Reserve Pr DSRS Se alah IEA Management ion Planning Conservat MATS A JBI S Works Planning SERA DAS S vearly review Works Implementation Po TAL SC aw ety Sy NSE AUCH LETTE Annual review Review Monitoring amp Figure 1 Environmental works cycle Key O Environmental Works Unit O Environmental Works Officer O Contractor Conservation Management Plan User Manual 4 NILLOMBEAR THE GREEN WEDGE SHIRE Planning is essential for on ground environmental works Good plans enable land managers to manage works over several years and or over large areas The best plans constantly evolve based on the outcome of control works and changes in environmental condition through a cycle of plan do and review see Figure 2 e Identify and prioritise biodiversity agricultural and amenity values and assets to protect from threats e Map priority weeds and pest animals e Monitor biodiversity e Set up photopoints e Develop a plan including goals and actions e Brief contractors Do Works e Do works e Keep a record of works e Update weed and pest animal mapping e Retake photos at photopoints e Monitor biodiversity e Evaluate progress towards goals e Review plan Evaluate and Review Figure 2 Plan Do and Review Cons
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