pine grove ncr management statement 2005 - parkweb.vic.gov.au€¦ · web viewthis management...

Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve

Management Statement

Land Stewardship & Biodiversity Department of Sustainability and Environment

August 2005

This Management Statement has been written by Hugh Robertson and James Fitzsimons for the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria.

This Statement fulfils obligations by the State of Victoria to the Commonwealth of Australia, which provided financial assistance for the purchase of this reserve under the National Reserve System program of the Natural Heritage Trust.

©The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005

This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

ISBN 1 74152 312 5

Disclaimer:This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and itsemployees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Cover:Plains Grassland dominated by Wallaby Grasses Austrodanthonia spp., Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve (Photo: Hugh Robertson).


1

ObjectivesThis Management Statement for the Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserveoutlines the reserve’s natural values and the directions for its management in the short to long term.

The overall operational management objective is:Maintain, and enhance where appropriate, the condition of the reserve while allowing natural processes of regeneration, disturbance and succession to occur and actively initiating these processes where required.

Background and ContextReason for purchaseSince the implementation of the National Reserve System Program (NRS) in 1992, all Australian states and territories have been working toward the development of a comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) system of protected areas.

In a systematic process to increase the reservation levels of Victoria’s most threatened ecosystems, particularly native grasslands and grassy woodlands, the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s conservation land purchase program aims to acquire areas of private land containing high quality samples of such ecosystems for addition to the reserve system.

A strategic assessment of high quality sites containing grassy ecosystems on the Victorian Riverina bioregion was completed in 1999 (Todd 1999). Among a number of sites identified as suitable for voluntary purchase and addition to the protected area estate, the Pine Grove grasslands were purchased due to their good condition.

The purchase was assisted with funding from the National Reserve System Program of the Commonwealth Government’s Natural Heritage Trust (Project No. N440).

LocationThe Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve (Pine Grove NCR) of 36.18 ha islocated on Echuca-Mitiamo Road, 20 km east of Mitiamo (Figure 1). It consists of: Crown Allotment 2001, Parish of Turrumberry.

The Pine Grove grasslands fall within the Riverina IBRA 5.1 bioregion, Victorian Riverina subregion (Environment Australia 2000) and the Terrick Local Landscape Zone (Wierzbowski et al. 2002).

Reservation and ManagementThe purchase of the Pine Grove grasslands was completed on 19 October 2001. Theland was transferred to the Crown on 29 October 2001 and assigned to Parks Victoria for management on 9 May 2002 (Park Reserve ID 4196).

The Pine Grove NCR is temporarily reserved for the “preservation of an


2

area of ecological significance” under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and managed as a Nature Conservation Reserve.


3

The generic management objectives for Nature Conservation Reserves as defined by Parks Victoria (2003) are:Nature conservation reserves a) conserve and protect species, communities and habitats of indigenous plants, animals and other organisms; b) provide for research and study of the natural environment of the reserve where this is consistent with a) and there is minimal impact on the reserve; c) provide opportunities for appropriate enjoyment and recreation and education by the public where this does not conflict with a); d) protect Aboriginal cultural sites and places; and e) protect historic features in specific reserves where noted.

Nature conservation reserves are consistent with IUCN Protected Area Category Ia: Strict Nature Reserve (NRE 1996).

As the purchased land was originally freehold, no Land Conservation Council (LCC), Environment Conservation Council (ECC) or Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) recommendations apply.

The Crown Land (Reserves) (Nature Conservation Reserve) Regulations 2004 regulate activities in this reserve.

Natural Values and ConditionRefer to Figure 2 for the location of threatened species recorded in the Atlas ofVictorian Wildlife and Flora Information System1.

Vegetation TypesPlains Grassland is the main Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) represented in thereserve (Figure 2). Plains Grassland is considered endangered in the Victorian Riverina bioregion and patches of the quality present in Pine Grove NCR are of high priority for conservation (Todd 1999). Only around 6% (approximately 17,000 ha) of the original extent of Plains Grassland remains in the Victorian Riverina, with 1,745 ha occurring in protected areas (DSE 2004). The Northern Plains Grassland Community is listed as a threatened ecological community in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. An Action Statement (#182) for the conservation of this community has been prepared (Craigie & Moorrees 2003).

The varied soil types in the Victorian Riverina influences the floristic and structural diversity of native grassland vegetation. The two soil types commonly observed at sites retaining native grassland on the Northern Plains are ‘red soils’ (red-brown sodic duplex soils), and ‘grey soils’ (grey and grey-brown calcareous sodic uniform clays) (LCC 1983). Two vegetation sub-communities have been identified in Pine Grove NCR associated with the different soil types (wet grassland and grazed annual grassland (Webster 2001)). The wet grassland sub-community dominated by Plump Spear-grass Austrostipa aristiglumis is found on the heavier grey soils (often gilgaied),

1 Note this does not necessarily represent records for all threatened species on the


4

reserve. Only those recorded in the DSE flora and fauna databases are displayed.


5

which typically form in areas more prone to waterlogging such as drainage lines and depressions. The grazed annual grassland sub-community dominated by Wallaby Grasses Austrodanthonia spp. is found on the hard red soils at slightly higher elevations, which are more freely drained and support more open and sparse vegetation (Webster 2001, M. Tscharke pers. comm. 2004).

The topography within the Pine Grove NCR is generally flat, although there is some minor relief associated with drainage lines (Webster 2001).

Ecological Management of Northern Plains GrasslandsControl of biomass, particularly of exotic pasture grass species, may be considereddesirable for flora and fauna species requiring inter-tussock spaces for habitat (Diez& Foreman 1996). Management of vegetation to provide suitable habitat for threatened species should also be considered, particularly the nationally significant Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus, which prefers sparse native grasslands (approximately 50% bare-ground) (Maher & Baker-Gabb 1993). This may be achieved via a number of management options:- Grazing: Sheep grazing has been used as a management tool on a

number of reserves containing Plains Grasslands on the Victorian Riverina. Sheep and cattle have grazed Pine Grove NCR in the past. Strategic grazing by sheep has been recommended to maintain the conservation values of the reserve (Webster 2001). If grazing is utilised, stocking rates will need to be adjusted depending on the cover abundance of extant vegetation and seasonal conditions (i.e. rainfall). Grazing over autumn and winter is preferred to allow native grassland plants to regenerate and set seed during spring and summer (Diez & Foreman 1996). Vegetation growing on red soils is often preferred by sheep for grazing (M. Tscharke pers. comm. 2004). The availability of water for sheep is a key consideration for implementing grazing programs. A number of reserves including Pine Grove NCR are connected to the local Dam Fill Scheme. Parks Victoria is developing specific guidelines for the site-scale management of Northern Plains Grasslands located in conservation reserves. These guidelines will provide information to aid in the assessment of native grassland structure and quality, including descriptions of habitat quality for ground-dwelling fauna, together with details of potential site-specific management regimes (e.g. grazing management options). In addition, grazing exclusion areas may be used to monitor the impacts of grazing on the grassland vegetation.

- Ecological Burning: Fire may be used as a management tool both to control exotic pasture species and to promote the regeneration of indigenous flora species reliant on the creation of inter-tussock spaces and regular burning. However, the long-term effects of burning on grassland vegetation of the Northern Plains are not yet fully understood (Diez & Foreman 1996).

Management objectives and targets (short-long term)- Actively manage the grasslands, using some of the management options

described above, to maintain species diversity, richness and structural heterogeneity of the vegetation - utilising the specific guidelines being


6

developed by Parks Victoria for the management of Northern Plains Grasslands.


7

- Monitor and research outcomes of management actions and adapt management regimes as the need arises.

- Encourage ongoing research by universities and other scientific institutions into optimal management techniques for maintaining and enhancing grassland biodiversity.

FloraPine Grove NCR supports high quality grassland (including grazed annual grasslandand wet grassland floristic sub-communities) that is structurally and floristically dominated by native species, particularly Wallaby Grasses Austrodanthonia spp. and Spear Grasses Austrostipa spp. (Webster 2001).

A number of significant plants have been recorded at sites nearby (200 m-1.5 km) including the nationally vulnerable Red Swainson-pea Swainsona plagiotropis, Silky Swainson-pea Swainsona sericea (vulnerable in Victoria), and Rye Beetle-grass Tripogon loliiformis and Southern Swainson-pea Swainsona behriana (both rare in Victoria)2. One Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii (listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988) is also found in the reserve.

Notably, a number of the significant Swainsona species occur on sites nearby Pine Grove NCR (Figure 2). The Action Statement for Swainsona species (#126) identifies open vegetation structure and low competition from plants as important for the conservation of these species (Earl et al. 2003).

A small section at the southwestern corner of Pine Grove NCR contains a mixture of planted trees of unknown provenance, and there is one Buloke Allocasuarina luehmannii in the centre of the reserve.

Refer to Appendix 1 for flora recorded in Pine Grove NCR.

Management objectives and targets (short-medium term)- Investigate the suitability of retaining the small area of trees in the

southwesterncorner of Pine Grove NCR.

- Record flora in the Parks Victoria Environmental Information System and DSE Flora Information System (FIS), and encourage seasonal surveys.

FaunaPine Grove NCR contains extensive areas of native grassland that provide diversehabitat for ground-dwelling fauna. Pine Grove NCR is an area of known habitat for the Fat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata (near-threatened in Victoria). Other significant fauna recorded nearby includes Bush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius, and Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri.

The Pine Grove grasslands were identified as an area of potential habitat for the critically endangered Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus in northern Victoria


8

2 Threat status for flora and fauna follows DSE (2003, 2005)


9

(Webster 2001). An Action Statement for Plains-wanderer in Victoria has been prepared (#66, Baker-Gabb 1995), identifying the conservation of native grasslands which provide suitable habitat as a high priority.

The enhancement of habitat for fauna by re-establishing ground refuges, such as the artificial placement of logs, has proven successful at nearby grasslands (Michael et al. 2004). Establishment of ground habitat may also enhance the conservation value of Pine Grove NCR.

Refer to Appendix 2 for fauna records from Pine Grove NCR and adjoining areas.

Management objectives and targets (short-medium term)- Actively manage the vegetation structure to provide suitable

habitat for threatened fauna, particularly Plains-wanderer, using techniques previously outlined for the management of Northern Plains Grasslands.

- Record fauna in the Parks Victoria Environmental Information System and Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, and encourage seasonal survey programs.

Biosites3

Two Biosites are recorded in close proximity to Pine Grove NCR, these are:- Site # 5618 ‘Grassland’ (Located approximately 2.2 km southwest of

Pine Grove NCR)- Site # 5449 ‘Yellowbox Grassland’ (Located approximately 2.7 km

southwest ofPine Grove NCR)

Refer to Appendix 3 for further details.

Landscape contextPine Grove NCR represents a high quality grassland reserve in the VictorianRiverina. The reserve also provides ecological linkages between other significant native grassland sites on public and private land in the district. Pine Grove NCR is bordered Echuca-Mitiamo Road to the south and on other boundaries by private land used for grazing (Figure 1).

Other nearby conservation reserves include Terrick Terrick National Park, five Nature Conservation Reserves (NCR) also containing Plains Grassland and recently purchased through the National Reserve System Program (Wanurp, Roslynmead, Kotta, Tomara Gilgais and Terrick Terrick East NCRs) and The Meadows Wildlife Reserve (Figure 3).

Dryland grazing is the predominant land use in the area but more intensive agriculture, such as cropping, is becoming increasingly prevalent.

3 ‘Biosites’ are sites of biological conservation significance and their location and details are maintained on a register by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.


10

Threatening ProcessesPest PlantsPest plants are one of the main threats to the conservation values of the Pine GroveNCR. Pest plants have the ability to alter the structure of the grasslands and pose a threat to species reliant on the ecosystem. Site inspection during November 2004 identified some areas in the reserve contain a high biomass pest plants including Rye Grass Lolium spp., Barley Grass Hordeum spp., Oats Avena spp. and thistles. The abundance of pest plants is often greater in areas of the grassland where grey soils occur (M. Tscharke pers. comm. 2004). African Box-thorn Lycium ferocissimum, Bathurst Burr Xanthium spinosum, Spanish Artichoke Cynara cardunculus and Saffron Thistle Carthamus lanatus also occur in the reserve.

Management objectives and targets (short-long term)- Monitor and control the establishment and spread of pest plants in Pine

GroveNCR, particularly introduced pasture grasses, through grazing or burning and encourage the establishment of native grasses in their place (see ‘Ecological Management of Northern Plains Grasslands’).

- Liaise with the Shire of Campaspe to ensure control of pest plants that occur along roadsides adjoining Pine Grove NCR, to prevent their spread into the reserve.

Pest animalsFoxes are present throughout the district, but the impact of predation on nativefauna in the reserve is unknown. However, they may pose a significant threat to ground nesting or feeding birds (including the Plains-wanderer), small mammals (including Fat-tailed Dunnart), and reptiles. Rabbits and hares have also been observed in the local area but their impact on the grassland is undetermined.

Management objectives and targets (short-long term)- Control foxes to maintain habitat values of the reserve for birds

(including Plains- wanderer), small mammals and other ground-dwelling fauna.

- Maintain rabbit and hare numbers at less than 5 per spotlight km.

Physical AssetsTwo dams occur on Pine Grove NCR, one of which is connected to the local Dam FillScheme via a surface drainage line. The other dam only receives water from local runoff and is usually dry (Figure 1). Boundary fencing at the reserve is in good condition, and there are no internal fences.

Management objectives and targets (short-medium term)- Maintain dams and surface drainage channels required for stock water.- Liaise with adjoining landowners to ensure boundary fences are

maintained in a stock-proof condition.

Heritage Values, Condition and RiskThere are no recorded places of heritage value and there is no evidence of places with heritage value in Pine Grove NCR.


11

Management objectives and targets (short-medium term)- If sites of heritage value are identified, assess their condition

and establish management objectives.

Indigenous Values, Condition and RiskThere are no recorded archaeological sites and no identified sites or features, and potential for sites of indigenous value is considered to be low.

Management objectives and targets (short-long term)- Reflect the Traditional Owners’ cultural lore, and interests and

aspirations in thearea in managing the reserve, and work with them and the scheduled local Aboriginal community in accordance with relevant legislation and Parks Victoria’s operational policies.

- Work with the Traditional Owners and consult the scheduled local Aboriginal community in survey of the reserve to identify the location of significant indigenous sites, places and objects.

- If sites, places and objectives are identified, seek guidance from the Traditional Owners on their future management and assessing their condition.

Visitor Services, Condition and RiskThere is currently no level of visitor services for Pine Grove NCR (classified as “Very Basic”). The provisional future level of service will be “Very Basic” (no facilities). Access is restricted to pedestrian access off Echuca-Mitiamo Road (Figure 1). While there is no data available, visitor numbers to the Pine Grove NCR are likely to be low (0-5000 p.a.), because the reserve has been purchased only recently.

Management objectives and targets (short-long term)- Retain ‘Very Basic’ level of service; i.e. do not provide built facilities or

accessroads accessible by the general public.

- Maintain existing internal Management Vehicle Only (MVO) tracks where required. These MVO tracks will not be accessible for public vehicular access.

Signage: Provide locality signage for the reserve within two years and maintain it.

ConsultationThis Management Statement has been prepared in consultation with Mark Tscharke and Simon Casanelia (Parks Victoria).

References and Further ReadingBaker-Gabb D., Benshemesh J.S. & Maher P.N. (1990) A revision of the distribution,

status and management of the Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus. Emu 90, 161-168.

Baker-Gabb, D. (1995) Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement No. 66.


12

Department of Natural Resources & Environment, East Melbourne.


13

Craigie, V. & Moorrees, A. (2003) Central Gippsland Plains Grassland, Forest Red Gum Grassy Woodland, Northern Plains Grassland, South Gippsland Plains Grassland & Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland. Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement No. 182. Department of Sustainability & Environment, East Melbourne.

DCE (1992) Draft Conservation Program for Native Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands in Victoria. Department of Conservation & Environment, East Melbourne.

Diez, S. & Foreman, P. (1996) Practical Guidelines for the Management of Native Grasslands on the Riverine Plain of South-Eastern Australia. Draft Report, Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bendigo.

DSE (2003) Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2003. Department of Sustainability & Environment, Melbourne.

DSE (2004) Victorian Bioregional Conservation Status of EVCs Area Statement.

Department of Sustainability and Environment (Revised 28 September 2004).

DSE (2005) Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria - 2005. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne.

Earl, G., Barlow, T. & Moorrees, A. (2003) Twelve threatened Swainson-peas and Darling-peas (Swainsona species). Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action Statement No. 126. Department of Sustainability & Environment, East Melbourne.

Environment Australia (2000) Revision of the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) and Development of Version 5.1 Summary Report. Environment Australia, Canberra. http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/nrs/ibra/version5-1/summary-report/index.html

Fitzsimons, J.A. & Ashe, C. (2003) Some recent strategic additions to Victoria’s protected area system 1997-2002. The Victorian Naturalist 120, 98-108.

LCC (1983) Report on the Murray Valley Area. Land Conservation Council, Victoria, Melbourne.

Lunt, I.D. (1991) Management of remnant lowland grasslands and grassy woodlands for nature conservation: a review. Victorian Naturalist 108, 56-66.

Maher, P.N. & Baker-Gabb, D.J. (1993) Surveys and conservation of the Plains- wanderer in northern Victoria. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 131. Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, East Melbourne.


14

Michael D.R., Lunt I.D. & Robinson W.A. (2003) Terrestrial vertebrate fauna of grasslands and grassy woodlands in Terrick Terrick National Park, northern Victoria. Victorian Naturalist 120, 164-171.

Michael D.R., Lunt I.D. & Robinson W.A. (2004) Enhancing fauna habitat in grazed native grasslands and woodlands: use of artificially-placed log refuges by fauna. Wildlife Research 31, 65-71.

NRE (1996) IUCN Categories and Other Key Data for Parks and Conservation Reserves in Victoria. National Parks and Reserves Branch, National Parks Service, Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Melbourne.

Parks Victoria (2003) Conservation Reserves Management Strategy. Parks Victoria, Melbourne.

Todd, J.A. (1999) Identification of Priority Areas for Protection and Establishment of Protected Areas - Riverina Bioregion, Victoria. Report for Parks, Flora and Fauna, Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Melbourne.

Tscharke, M. (2001) Experiences managing Terrick Terrick National Park. Our Valuable Native Grasslands, Better Pastures Naturally: Proceedings of the Second National Conference of the Native Grasses Association. 24-25 August 2001, Melbourne. Available: http://www.regional.org.au/au/stipa/papers/

Webster, R. (2001) Assessment of Grassland Property - 6km West of Kotta.Unpublished report prepared for Department of Natural Resources &Environment, Bendigo. Ecosystems Pty Ltd, Deniliquin, NSW.

Wierzbowski, P., Lowe, K.W., Handley, K., Berwick, S., Robinson, D. & Ahern L.D. (2002) Biodiversity Action Planning Strategic Overview for the Victorian Riverina Bioregion (Revised 22 November 2002). Department of Natural Resources & Environment, Victoria


15

Appendix 1. Provisional list of vascular flora recorded at Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve.Taxon Common Name Sou

rc

1 2

e

3 Vic

Stat

us

FFG

EPB

C

Native speciesBuloke +

+ +

LAllocasuarina luehmanniiAtriplex semibaccata Berry Saltbush +Austrodanthonia setacea Bristly Wallaby-grass +Austrodanthonia spp. Wallaby Grass +Austrostipa arisitglumis Plump Spear-grass +Austrostipa bigeniculata Kneed Spear-grass +Austrostipa scabra Rough Spear-grass +Austrostipa spp. Spear Grass + +Centipeda cunninghamii Common Sneezeweed +Chamaesyce drummondii Flat Spurge +Chenopodium desertorum Frosted Goosefoot +Chloris truncata Windmill Grass +Convolvulus erubescens spp. agg.

Pink Bindweed +Enteropogon acicularis Spider Grass +Juncus spp. Rush +Maireana decalvans Black Cotton-bush +Maireana humillima Dwarf Bluebush +Maireana pentagona Hairy Bluebush +Rumex brownii Slender Dock +Salsola tragus Prickly Saltwort +Sclerolaena muricata Black Roly-poly +Sida corrugata Variable Sida +Solanum esuriale Quena +Teucrium racemosum s.l. Grey Germander +Vittadinia spp. New Holland Daisy +Wahlenbergia spp. Bluebell +

Introduced speciesAvena spp. Oat +Carthamus lanatus Saffron Thistle +Cynara cardunculus Spanish Artichoke +Hordeum spp. Barley Grass +Lolium spp. Rye Grass +Lycium ferocissimum African Box-thorn +Xanthium spinosum Bathurst Burr + +Key: L (listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988). Threat status follows DSE (2005).

Source:1 - Victorian Flora Site Database (FIS): S15037, Date: 6 March 2001, Collector: JKA & SD 2 - Assessment Pine Grove grassland. Observer: R. Webster (Webster 2001)3 - Pine Grove NCR site inspection 5 November 2004. Observer: H. Robertson, DSE

FIS site is located in Pine Grove NCR. Refer to Figure 2 for location of threatened flora.


16

Appendix 2. Provisional list of fauna recorded at Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve and adjoining areas.

Common Name Scientific Name Source Vict. Statu

FFG EPBC

Native SpeciesnFat-tailed Dunnart Sminthopsis crassicaudata 1

White-striped Freetail Bat Tadarida australis 1Unidentified Eptesicus Eptesicus sp. 1Barking Marsh Frog Limnodynastes fletcheri 1 dAustralian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen 2,3,4Australian Raven Corvus coronoides 2,3,4Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides 4Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca 3,4Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata 2,3,4Banded Lapwing Vanellus tricolor 1Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae 2Brown Falcon Falco berigora 2,3Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus 2 nBush Stone-curlew Burhinus grallarius 5 e LCockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus 2Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes 2,3,4Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus 2Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius 2,3,4Galah Cacatua roseicapilla 2,3,4,6Grey Teal Anas gracilis 3,4Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae 2Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca 2,3,4Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles 2,3,4Musk Lorikeet Glossopsitta concinna 2Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 4Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 3 nPacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa 2,4,6Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis 2Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 4 nRed Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata 2Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus 4Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus 2,3,4Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta 2,3,4Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae 1,4Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica 1Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae 3Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis 3,4Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis 1,2,3,4Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus 2,3,4Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena 2,4White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis 2White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae 3,4White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos 2,4Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys 2,3,4,6Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana 4Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata 2,3,4

Intrroduced SpeciesCommon Blackbird Turdus merula 2,3,4Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 2,3,4


17

Common Name Scientific Name Source Vict. FFG EPBCStatus

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2,3,4House Sparrow Passer domesticus 2,3,4Skylark Alauda arvensis 2,3

Key: d (data deficient in Victoria), n (near threatened in Victoria), e (endangered in Victoria), L (listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988). Threat status follows DSE (2003).

Source:1- Assessment Pine Grove grassland. Observer: R. Webster (Webster 2001)2- Victorian Fauna Site Database (VFD) Ref: A3023642, Date: 20 November 1999 3 - Victorian Fauna Site Database Ref: A3023643, Date: 31 January 19994 - Victorian Fauna Site Database Ref: A3028398, Date: 21 June 1999 5 - Victorian Fauna Site Database Ref: A3034649, Date: 19 July 19996 - Pine Grove NCR site inspection 5 November 2004. Observer: J. Fitzsimons, DSE

All VFD sites located 0.1 km from Pine Grove NCR, except site A3034649, which is 1.8 km SSE of Pine Grove NCR. Refer to Figure 2 for location of threatened fauna.


18

Appendix 3. Biosites listed near to the Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve.(Database accessed 30 December 2004)

Site # 5618 Grassland (Located approximately 2.2 km southwest of Pine Grove NCR)· Significance Level: Regional· Bioregion: Victorian Riverina· Map References: Echuca-Mitiamo Rd, Pine Grove.· Boundary Derivation: Site boundary not mapped on DSE GIS· Area (Ha): 100· Longitude: 36° 12' 42", Latitude: 144° 25' 53"· Species Asset: Spurred Spear-grass Austrostipa gibbosa· Floristic Community: Grassland· EVC Description: Grassland

Site # 5449 Yellowbox Grassland (Located approximately 2.7 km southwest of Pine Grove NCR)· Significance Level: Regional· Bioregion: Victorian Riverina· Boundary Derivation: Site boundary not mapped on DSE GIS· Area (Ha): 35· Map References: North of Echuca/Mitiamo Road, Pine Grove.· Longitude: 36° 12' 28", Latitude: 144° 25' 20"· Species Assets: Rye Beetle-grass Tripogon loliiformis, Frosted

Goosefoot Chenopodium desertorum, Spurred Spear-grass Austrostipa gibbosa, Buloke Mistletoe Amyema linophylla ssp. orientale, White Cypress-pine Callitris glaucophylla

· Floristic Community: Grassland, Grassy Woodland· EVC Description: Grassland, Grassy Woodland· Other Asset: High degree of naturalness

Drain

O'B

rien

Roa

d

Pine Grove NCR

Hydrology

(1:25,000)

Figure 1. Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve - Boundaries,

Hydrologyand Physical Assets

Roads

Major road sealed

Major road unsealed

Vehicular track

LOCALITY

#

Echuca-Mitiamo Road

Trees(fenced) #

Dam Dam #Gate

December 2004Base Data from DSE GIS Corporate Library

© Department of Sustainability and Environment The State of Victoria, 2004. Disclaimer:

This map is made using the best available information. The creators of this map do not warrant that it is freeof error and do not accept liability for loss arising

from use of this product beyond its original purpose.

1.2 0 0.2 Kilometres N

Figure 2. Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve - Theatened Species, Biosites and Ecological Vegetation Classes

LOCALITY

#

Brown Treecreeper Pied

Cormorant Nankeen Night Heron

#

Buloke#

Pine Grove NCR

● Southern Swainson-peaRed Swainson-pea # #

Silky Swainson-pea

● Silky Swainson-pea

##

Red Swainson-pea Rye Beetle-grass

● Threatened flora

● Threatened fauna

■ Biosites

Ecological Vegetation Classes

(104) Lignum Wetland

Biosite# 5449

#%

(132) Plains Grassland

(803) Plains Woodland

(990) Non Vegetation

Red Swainson-pea

#

Biosite

#% #

5618

December 2004Base Data from DSE GIS Corporate Library© Department of Sustainability and Environment The State of Victoria, 2004.

Disclaimer:This map is made using the best available information. The creators of this map do not warrant that it is free

of error and do not accept liability for loss arisingfrom use of this product beyond its original purpose.

N1.2 0 0.2 0.4 Kilometres

Bush Stone-curlew

#

● BALD ROCK

Parks and Reserves

National Parks

Nature Conservation Reserves

Natural Features Reserves

Other Public Land

Roads (1:100,000)

Highway

Major road sealed

Major road unsealed

Vehicular track

Minor road sealed

Minor road unsealed

Figure 3. Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve - Landscape context

Cane Grass Swamp NCR (proposed)

Terrick Terrick East NCR

TORRUMBARRY#

MurphySwamp WR

● Towns

Hydrology (1:100,000) Roslynmead NCR

NCR Nature Conservation

Reserve WR Wildlife Reserve

Note: The proposed Pipit, Cane Grass Swamp and Little Kotta NCRs are currently categorsied as Natural Features Reserve, Uncategorised Crown Land and Bushland Reserve, respectively.

Tomara Gilgais NCR The Meadows

WR

Pipit NCR (proposed)

Kotta NCR

#ROSLYNMEAD

Terrick Terrick National Park Glassons Grassland

Reserve (Trust for Nature)

Little Kotta NCR (proposed)

LOCALITY

# MITIAMO#

Wanurp NCR


#KOTTA

December 2004Base Data from DSE GIS Corporate Library© Department of Sustainability and Environment The State of Victoria, 2004.

Disclaimer:This map is made using the best available information. The creators of this map do not warrant that it is freeof error and do not accept liability for loss arisingfrom use of this product beyond its original purpose.

1 0 1 2 3 Kilometres N

Figure 4: Aerial photograph o£ Pine Grove Nature Conservation Reserve (1999).

pine grove ncr management statement 2005 - parkweb.vic.gov.au€¦ · web viewthis management...

Documents