Giant Freshwater Crayfish Field Tour

Fiona Marshall, Project Coordinator with Cradle Coast Authority discussing riverbank vegetation and buffer zones on the Inglis River.

It was great weather for the Giant Freshwater Crayfish, but not so pleasant for the participants that braved the storms on 24 March to look at a couple of properties that have undertaken or are about to start river rehabilitation works in our priority crayfish project catchments.

The first property we visited had undertaken fencing and revegetation back in 2007, creating a great vegetated buffer between the Inglis River and their cattle enterprise. We heard from the landholder about the challenges and benefits.

There were also presentations including live animals from crayfish expert, Todd Walsh and we heard of the benefits of conservation covenants from Dr Helen Morgan from Tasmanian Land Conservancy. It was great to see such good recovery with a change in land management and the presence of dead logs and timber in the River, protecting the toe of banks and providing food and habitat for the Giant Freshwater Crayfish.

Todd Walsh discussing habitat requirements for the Giant Freshwater Crayfish on site at Lapoinya.

Todd Walsh discussing the life cycle of a mature crayfish at Moorleah Hall.

At the second site at Lapoinya, we discussed the proposed fencing and revegetation works planned for the site. We looked at the importance of the right sort of bed material in the stream and the need to limit erosion and sedimentation to protect the Giant Freshwater Crayfish.

The morning finished up at the Moorleah Hall with lunch and discussion about crayfish and their environmental needs. A further Giant Freshwater Crayfish Field Day is planned for 2022.

This project is supported by CCA through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

You can find out more about the Giant Freshwater Crayfish project here: www.cradlecoast.com/giant _ freshwater _ cray fish _ recovery/

Central Coast cropping farmers covering up

Following on from recent “Across the Paddock” sessions, a team of Central Coast cropping farmers have jumped on board to road test a “keep it simple” program that fits nicely between cash crops, to reduce the risk of soil erosion during Autumn.

Through the Protecting our Productive Soils program, a variety of commercial-scale paddock demonstration trails have been established to fine-tune a four species cover crop mix, providing fast root development that penetrates and spreads within days of germination. These root systems not only hold the topsoil but some produce nodules that fix nitrogen, one of the many positive outcomes gained that improve soil health.

Timing is everything! Working with contractors, agronomists and farmers, we have developed a guide explaining the best times for different activities.

Timing is everything!

It’s best to establish the cover by Easter (April), and remove it to prepare for the next cash crop soon after tax time (July). This allows plenty of lead time for the cropping rotation, and allows for unexpected weather, breakdowns, or a much-needed holiday. It is wise to not let your cover crop grow above knee height, and remove before flowering.

Discussions with contractors who are on the front line confirm that soil structure has notably improved where cover crops have been used. Also, there is more even moisture infiltration, which is ideal should a major rainfall event occur. Working the soil is also easier, so machinery does not have to work so hard - a fuel saving. And there is more… contact Ali on adugand@cradlecost.com for the latest, and to get involved.

This project is supported by CCA through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.