What we’re doing
In the summer of 2019-20 about 73% (1006ha) of the reserve burnt in the Clear Range bushfire. Around 84% of the native grasslands were affected and more than 50% of the reserve's woodlands burnt at such a high intensity the native seed bank was destroyed.
Grassland Seed Production Sites (fenced half hectare plots developed to enrich the diversity of the reserve’s grassland flora) are more important now than ever before. Following the fires staff worked tirelessly collecting native grassland seeds for restoration.
“It is so important that we do everything we can in the year following the fire. There's so much bare ground and ash beds ripe for the taking," said Scottsdale Reserve Manager Phil Palmer.
Ecologist Mat Appleby with Reserve manager Phil Palmer examining new growth in burnt grasslands. Photo Amelia Caddy.
“We've focused on the pioneer species such as Redgrass (Bothriochloa macra) and New Holland Daisy (Vittadinia muelleri) to quickly establish a native cover.”
The Grassland Seed Production Sites funded by a Restoration and Rehabilitation grant from the NSW Environmental Trust have struggled with the low rainfall but staff and volunteers alike have rallied to ensure they're in the best possible condition.
We're incredibly thankful to US philanthropic groups Earth Alliance and Global Wildlife Conservation for a multi-million dollar donation to further our bushfire recovery efforts, as well as Volkswagen Australia who donated an incredible $1 million to support our work following the Black Summer bushfires.
Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach (UMDR)
A baby Platypus rescued from a sinkhole by UMDR volunteers controlling willows. Photo Richard Swain.
The UMDR has been established to demonstrate ways of supporting the recovery of native fish. Amongst its projects are carp control research and willow reduction measures.
Carp control
Carp are one of the world's most invasive species and research we're involved in has the potential to inform targeted carp removal on a much broader scale.
Not much is known about their movements and where they aggregate in the context of this upland riverine system. The project involves tagging fish and tracking their movements with acoustic telemetry. They'll also be lured, trapped and removed from a section of the river to learn more about their population structure.
Local anglers will be engaged to support the work by reporting carp sightings and catches using the Feral Fish Scan app.
Reducing the impact of willow trees
Willow infestation is a major issue for native fish habitats – it can block out native plants, alter stream flows, cause flooding and reduce water quality. The UMDR works to control young emerging willows with volunteers in kayaks cutting back and removing the plants before they can establish.
UMDR Project facilitator Antia Brademann has described how they can block waterflow as well as produce a fibrous root mass that tends to affect habitats on the bank and make burrowing difficult for Platypus.