Upper Snowy Landcare Network tackling dieback

By LISA ASHURST

FUNDING is one thing, but it’s the ongoing work and commitment of groups like the Upper Snowy Landcare Network (USLN) that is vital in ensuring the conservation and continued care of our local landscapes, especially where rehabilitation is needed.

The USLN has been particularly concerned over tree dieback on the Monaro; the main species affected being the majestic species known as the Ribbon, or Manna Gum (Eucalyptus Viminalis) which has perished.

Federal and state government grants were made available to the Network, which allowed the group to focus on the problem.

Since 2016, they have planted 50 plots with approximately 50,000 seedlings scattered throughout the dieback zone (an area the size of the ACT) as one way of reinstalling lost biodiversity.

Other grants have allowed the USLN to direct their energies toward several important projects, such as the Gedegzerick Travelling Stock Reserve rehabilitation project.

Funded by the NSW

Environmental Trust, the grant enabled the installation of wildlife-friendly fencing, extensive planting using different soil treatments, direct seeding, cultural burning and gully erosion control, all of which were shared at an open day held in March this year.

The Network has also done a lot of on-site weed control and run various Biodiversity Conservation Trust events. They have facilitated some deep science efforts such as climate testing, with the ANU, the next generation of trees (1400 seedlings) grown in temperature-controlled houses and planted at Gedegzerick, which is in the heart of the dieback area.

As well as the Gedegzerick TSR project, the USLN has rolled out an extensive NSW Government Bushfire Landcare grant. This has allowed the Network to plant more than 8,000 seedlings across eight private properties inside a protected area of around one 100 hectares.

Another grant in 2022 covered further fencing, and the protection of more than 120 hectares of habitat.

In a move to assist landholders in establishing habitat plots, the USLN has worked with the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife to distribute 12,000 free seedlings over the last two years.

The Network said it is very grateful to Bernie and Michelle McDonald, and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly on this project and also Planting Systems Australia, who contributed to the effort with guards and additives.

Over the last year, the USLN has worked with the NSW Government Koala Strategy to enhance the landscape and gain more knowledge of our Snowy Monaro koalas, which inhabit pockets near

Numeralla and the Snowy River, as well as other areas.

Song meter recorders being deployed to locate the males, as well as on-ground support, is ongoing in an effort to expand their territory.

USLN is asking members of the public to report any koala sightings via the I SPY KOALA app and/or to call their local wildlife expert if they see an animal which appears to be unwell or too near a road.

On top of other projects in the works, are plans for the Berridale region, which includes some plantings at O’Brien Park and Myack Creek, and a focus on highlighting the almost unknown Monaro Golden Daisy.

USLN said the Land for Wildlife property assessments can now be accessed via the two Landcare Networks in the Snowy region. Landowners who would like to participate should contact Lauren (in the South - Upper Snowy Landcare Network) at contact@uppersnowylandcare.org.au or Georgeanna (in the North - Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare) at upper,murrumbidgee@ gmail.com