|
Hello!
We are an active group of Candelo area residents, supported by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources in Bega. Some of us are long time residents and others (like me) are new to the area. As a group, we have a diverse experience/skill base and we are eager to put it to good use to improve the appearance and functioning of our local environment.
We are currently working on a clean up of Candelo Creek in the centre of Candelo. It is infested with Willows, making it visually unappealing, lacking in biodiversity and unable to perform ecosystem services such as water filtration and bank stability. It is also a source of Willow seed and cuttings to areas downstream.
We hope to get on top of the Willows, using different techniques to see what works best. We have started pulling out the saplings by hand and painting Roundup on larger cut trunks (not spraying in the Creek!). In autumn we will begin revegetation of the bench with native species, such as bottle-brush. In later stages we may also address improving the aquatic habitat using in-stream structures.
We hope that these activities will improve the amenity and functioning of the riparian ecosystem, increasing bank stability, water quality, habitat potential and the recreational value of the creek to our community.
Another project is looking at an African love grass infested area of Council land. We have proposed a number of trials to see if we can reduce the degree of infestation. Again, the approach is to try different methods to see what works best.
Both Willow and African love grass are highly invasive species in the Bega Valley region. If you have any suggestions that might help us get on top of them, why not email us! Also, if you are in the area and would like to help with planning activities or on working bees, why not get in touch. We are very friendly and open to all ideas.
You could contact Mr. David Barton by phone: 02 6493 2184
or our Landcare Co-ordinator at DIPNR, Mr. Andrew Taylor by phone: 02 6491 6204 or email: ajtaylor(at)dlwc.nsw.gov.au
The next meeting is on 1st December, 7pm at the Candelo Pub.
The next working bees are on the 6th and 13th of Decenber, 9am-12pm at Candelo Creek, near the bridge.
Stay tuned and I will try to get some before and after shots up here.
Cheers, Brooke Marshall (temporary Treasurer)
|
Submitting your vote...
