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Central West Region Pest Management Strategy 2003 - 2006 NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, 2003. This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from NPWS. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220 Telephone: 02 9585 6444 www.npws.nsw.gov.au For further information contact: Pest Management Officer Central West Region, Western Directorate NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Level 2, 203 – 209 Russell St Bathurst NSW 2795 Telephone: 02 6332 9488 Cover image: Central West Region staff trapping feral pigs with staff from Molong Rural Lands Protection Board at Mount Canobolas SRA. Photograph by Steve Woodhall (NSW NPWS). This plan should be cited as follows: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (2003). Central West Region Pest Management Strategy 2003-2006. NPWS, Hurstville, NSW. ISBN 0 7313 6693 X Regional Pest Management Strategies Foreword Pest animals and weeds are the targets of the five regional pest management strategies for central and western NSW. The strategies are an initiative of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and have been released by the Western Directorate for public information. The release of the pest management strategies follows a two-month public exhibition of draft strategies during August and September 2002, which provided an opportunity for the community to have their say in how they were developed. These strategies recognise that pest species are a problem across the landscape and they aim to maximise the effectiveness of pest control programs, particularly through cooperative programs with neighbours and others. The NPWS is committed to a regional approach to pest management where the programs are developed and often undertaken in collaboration with neighbours, other government agencies, rural lands protection boards, local government councils, regional pest committees, CSIRO, universities and community groups such as Landcare, and Bushcare volunteers. These documents identify the major pest populations within the regions, and establish priority control programs. The aim is to apply best practice, humane, cost effective methods, which will have minimal impacts on the environment. In general this requires careful planning, to ensure an integrated approach is adopted using a range of techniques at critical times of the year, and often, the targeting of more than one species. The pest management strategies establish direction for pest management activities within the NPWS' western regions until 2006. The year to year focus of control activities will vary with climatic conditions and available funding. The annual work programs will be set out in Regional operation plans. For further information on these details I encourage you to contact the Regional Manager in your Region. TERRY KORN DIRECTOR WESTERN Table of Contents 1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................1 1.2 Central West Region ..................................................................................................1 1.3 Legislation and Policy .................................................................................................3 1.3.1 1.3.2 1.3.3 1.3.4 1.3.5 1.3.6 1.3.7 National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) Act 1974 ................................................................... 3 Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995 ......................................................... 3 Rural Lands Protection (RLP) Act 1998 ........................................................................... 3 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 ................................................................................................. 4 Wild Dog Destruction (WDD) Act 1921 ............................................................................ 4 Other Relevant Legislation ............................................................................................... 4 NPWS Field Management Policies .................................................................................. 4 2 Management Strategy ...................................................................................................... 5 3 Objectives of Pest Control Programs ............................................................................. 5 4 Pest Programs and Threatened Species ........................................................................ 6 4.1 Past Pest Management ..............................................................................................6 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.2 5 6 Pest animals..................................................................................................................... 6 Weeds .............................................................................................................................. 8 Threatened Species....................................................................................................9 Regional Priorities .......................................................................................................... 10 5.1 Criteria for Prioritising Pest Species Programs ........................................................10 5.2 Regional Assessment...............................................................................................11 Programs ......................................................................................................................... 13 6.1 Pest Animal Species.................................................................................................13 6.1.1 6.1.2 6.1.3 6.1.4 6.1.5 6.1.6 6.1.7 6.2 European Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes................................................................................ 13 Feral Pig - Sus scrofa..................................................................................................... 14 Feral Goat – Capra hircus .............................................................................................. 15 European Wild Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus .............................................................. 15 Wild Dogs – Canis familiaris .......................................................................................... 16 Feral Cat - Felis catus .................................................................................................... 16 Feral Deer species ......................................................................................................... 17 Weed Species ..........................................................................................................18 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 St John’s Wort – Hypercium perforatum ........................................................................ 18 Blackberry – Rubus fruiticosus ....................................................................................... 18 Serrated Tussock – Nassella trichotoma........................................................................ 19 7 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 20 8 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ 20 9 Further Reading and References .................................................................................. 21 Index of Figures Figure 1: Map of Central West Region. ................................................................................2 Index of Tables Table 1: Distribution of pest animal species in Central West Region. .............................7 Table 2: Distribution of weed species in Central West Region. ........................................9 Table 3: Threatened species protection programs in Central West Region. .................10 Table 4: Priority classes for pest species..........................................................................11 Table 5: Priority classification of pest animal control in Central West Region. ............12 Table 6: Priority classification of noxious weed control in Central West Region. ........12 Appendices Appendix 1: Timing of Weed Control Programs………………………………………..…....23 Appendix 2: Timing of Pest Animal Control Programs…………………………………......23 Appendix 3: Noxious Weeds of Central West Region ......................................................24 Appendix 4: Emerging Pest Issues ....................................................................................25 This Pest Management Strategy outlines how the NPWS manages pest species. In this strategy, the term “pest species” refers to introduced species of weeds and pest animals. 1 Background 1.1 Introduction Introduced pest species can seriously impact upon the biodiversity of reserved areas by modifying species richness, abundance, and ecosystem function. They can also have significant impacts on the economic and social values of neighbouring areas. 1.2 Central West Region The Central West Region covers a 58,061 square kilometre area, including 98,131 hectares of estate managed by the NPWS. This consists of 12 nature reserves (NR), four national parks (NP), three historic sites (HS) and two state recreation areas (SRA). The operational management of the Region is undertaken by two Areas: Lachlan Area and Macquarie Area, based at Forbes and Bathurst, respectively. The Region encompasses 13 Local Government Areas and six State electorates (Rigby 2000). This Pest Management Strategy is a review of the 1997 Bathurst District Pest Management Plan and establishes the strategic direction for pest management activities within lands managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in the Central West Region over the period 2003 - 2006. Priorities and programs for recent additions to the NPWS estate are still being finalised and will be included in subsequent revisions of the strategies. The landform types and associated vegetation of the Region fall into three main groupings: the sandstone complex (which has its western boundary in the region of Lithgow); the Central Tablelands portion (the Bathurst-OrangeCarcoar-Portland area); and the Central Western Slopes to the west. In addition, a small area falls within the Central Western Plains of the state (Cardale 1987). This strategy incorporates further information collated from weed mapping, neighbour liaison, field survey work and information received from key stakeholders. The strategy also includes pest planning for the recent new additions to NPWS managed lands and the changes to the Regional boundaries. The Central West is one of the most disturbed regions in Australia. It has a long history of European agriculture, with settlement commencing in 1815. This history, combined with the undulating landform, has allowed extensive clearing and development. Land clearing has accounted for a 50% loss of vegetation in the Central Tablelands, 86% loss in the Central Western Slopes, and 82% loss in the Central Western Plains. The aim of this strategy is to maximise the effectiveness of pest control programs, and identify the major pest species populations within the Region, and establishes criteria for prioritising control programs. The strategy provides a brief summary of control programs to be undertaken. Specific details of individual programs are addressed in operational pest control plans. Thus settlement intensification brought extensive permanent changes to the natural environment. Feral species, along with cultivation, fertilizers and extensive use of fire for pasture improvement led to reduced diversity, extent and quality of habitats, and the reduction or It is envisaged that this review of the strategy will continue to improve the development, coordination and implementation of pest species management within Central West Region. 1 extermination of (Goldney 1987). indigenous the importance of both on and off park conservation. It is recognised that the impacts from pest species can significantly threaten the conservation values of smaller fragmented reserves. species The Central West can therefore be considered a disturbed natural ecosystem with agriculture being the principle industry. The Region has been described as “an archipelago of woodland and forest islands in a sea of agriculture” (Goldney 1987). Consequently, the limited areas of remnant vegetation are extremely important for the continued conservation of biodiversity in the Central West. Hill End Historic Site and Mount Canobolas SRA attract over 100,000 visitors annually and are major regional features, providing important outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities to the Central West and Sydney area. The largest protected area in the Region is the 42,000 hectare Goobang National Park, which presents significant challenges in fire and pest management. This extensive clearing has created a park system comprising a mosaic of fragmented and isolated reserves, which emphasises Figure 1: Map of Central West Region. The NPWS Macquarie Area incorporates the Dubbo, Wellington, Blayney, Evans, Bathurst and Orange Local Government Areas (LGAs). Narromine, Parkes, Lachlan, Forbes and Weddin LGAs comprise the Lachlan Area. Cabonne LGA is split between the two Areas. 2 control processes under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Thus, proponents are required to assess the likely impact of a development or activity on threatened species, populations or ecological communities or their habitats. 1.3 Legislation and Policy The NPWS has a number of statutory responsibilities in relation to pest species management, and has also established a number of related policies. 1.3.1 1.3.3 The pest animal provisions of the RLP Act commenced on 28 September 2001. The RLP Act sets out the conditions under which “animals, birds and insects” can become "declared" pests and provides for the control of such pest species. National Parks and Wildlife (NPW) Act 1974 This Act vests the care, control and management of National Parks, Nature Reserves, Historic Sites and Aboriginal Areas with the Director-General of the NPWS. Key management objectives include conservation, provision of appropriate scientific and educational opportunities, and management of fire and pest species. These are achieved through the preparation and implementation of Plans of Management for each reserve, which identify pest species present, control strategies and priorities for that reserve. This Pest Management Strategy incorporates actions identified in Plans of Management that have been completed within the Central West Region. 1.3.2 Rural Lands Protection (RLP) Act 1998 Gazettal of pest species occurs through Pest Control Orders [s.143] which allow the Minister for Agriculture to specify which species are pests, either on a statewide or local basis, and the conditions or factors that apply to the control of each pest. Rabbits, wild Dogs and feral Pigs have been declared pest animals throughout NSW. The RLP Act binds the Crown for the control of pest animals declared under the Act [s.142]. Public land managers such as the NPWS are required to eradicate (continuously suppress and destroy) pest animals "…to the extent necessary to minimise the risk of the pest causing damage to any land" using any lawful method or, if the Order specifies a method to be used, by the method specified [s.156(1)]. The Minister for Agriculture must consult with the Service before making a Pest Control Order that applies to lands managed by the NPWS [s.147]. Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995 The main objective of the TSC Act is to conserve biological diversity. The Act provides for the listing of threatened species, populations and ecological communities. The Act also provides for the preparation and implementation of recovery plans for threatened species, populations and ecological communities and the designation of areas as habitat critical to the survival of those listed as endangered. The Act provides for the identification of key threatening processes, and the amelioration of these through the preparation and implementation of threat abatement plans. Fauna listed under Schedule 1 or 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 cannot be declared as pests [s.143(5)]. The Minister for the Environment must be consulted before any native fauna is declared a pest [s.144(2)]. The Pest Control Order for wild Dogs, gazetted on 2 October 2001, provides for the general destruction obligation for lands listed in Schedule 2 of the Order One of the major features of the Act is the integration of the conservation of threatened species into the development 3 Ø Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 will be satisfied through a wild dog management plan [s.156(4)] that addresses both control and conservation objectives and has been approved by the relevant RLP Board for that District. Schedule 2 lists 254 reserves considered to contain high quality Dingo habitat on lands managed by the NPWS, State Forests of NSW, Sydney Catchment Authority and unoccupied Crown land managed by the Department of Land and Water Conservation. 1.3.4 Ø Environmental Planning Assessment Act 1979 Ø Firearms Act 1996 and the Firearms (General Regulation) 1997 Ø Heritage Act Ø Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 Ø Pesticides Act 1999 Noxious Weeds Act 1993 Ø Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 Under this Act the Minister for Agriculture has the power to make Orders declaring plants as “noxious weeds” (listed in Schedule 1 of the Act). Weeds can be declared “noxious” if they pose a threat to agriculture, the environment or community health, and there is a public benefit from such declaration. A number of environmental weeds have now been declared under this Act, for example, bitou bush in all coastal councils and gorse in a number of tablelands and coastal councils. Noxious weeds are classified into four categories with different control requirements. 1.3.5 Ø Wilderness Act 1987 Ø Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997 1.3.7 Policy 1.9 Exotic Plant Species gives priority for control programs to exotic plants that are increasing in abundance and distribution, or displacing native flora and fauna, or where Service estate adjoins uninfested or agricultural land. Programs that are practical and involve techniques with little harmful or residual environmental impact have preference. Wild Dog Destruction (WDD) Act 1921 Policy 2.3 states that Introduced Animals (with limited exceptions) shall not be allowed to remain on Service estate as they may prey on native fauna or have other adverse impacts on vegetation, soils and water quality. Other Relevant Legislation Ø Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Policy 2.6 Wild Dogs acknowledges the complexities inherent in the need to conserve dingoes together with the need to control wild dogs. Baiting programs are only undertaken on Service estate where there is adequate evidence of wild dogs coming from Service estate and killing or Ø Biological Controls Act 1985 Ø Agricultural and Chemicals Code Act NPWS Field Management Policies A number of Field Management Policies are relevant to this strategy. The WWD Act requires landholders and occupiers in the Western Division to destroy all wild dogs upon such land and for the maintenance of the wild dog fence along the north-western parts of the NSW/Queensland and NSW/South Australian borders. The WDD Act does not bind the Crown. 1.3.6 and Veterinary 4 references for weeds (see Further Reading list). maiming stock. Within Central West Region there are no wild dog management issues. The Service employs a large number of specialist staff to develop and implement effective pest management programs. The aim is to apply best practice, cost-effective methods that will have minimal impacts on the environment. In general, this requires careful planning to ensure an integrated approach is adopted using a range of techniques at critical times of the year, and often, the targeting of more than one species (e.g. foxes and wild dogs). The Firearms Policy sets out procedures to ensure firearms are safely managed and used by NPWS staff in accordance with the relevant legislation. 2 Management Strategy The National Parks & Wildlife Service is committed to a regional/catchment approach to pest management where the programs are developed and often undertaken in collaboration with neighbours, other government agencies, rural lands protection boards, local government councils, regional pest committees, CSIRO, universities and community groups such as Landcare, Bushcare and Green Corp volunteers, and local Aboriginal Land Councils. Integrated pest management is likely to result in the most effective long-term reduction in pest populations and avoid selection for bait shy pest animals, or herbicide resistant weeds. Biological control is incorporated into programs where effective agents are available, but in most cases biocontrol must be supplemented with conventional control techniques. The pest management approach adopted by the Service reflects a balance between the desire to use the most effective control technique (such as 1080 baiting for many animal pests) with a requirement to minimise non-target impacts and animal suffering. The Service aims to manage populations of pest animals and weeds to minimise their adverse impacts. Many of the Service’s weed control programs focus on environmental weeds because of the need to reduce the adverse impacts of these species on biodiversity conservation. However, to protect neighbouring properties, the NPWS also undertakes numerous programs targeting noxious agricultural weeds e.g. Serrated Tussock, Bathurst Burr, Noogoora Burr, Johnson Grass, Giant Parramatta Grass and Scotch Thistle. There is a clear recognition that the eradication of introduced pests over large areas is rarely, if ever, possible and resources must be directed to those species/localities where the benefits of control are likely to be greatest. As the lead conservation agency in NSW the Service has a duty to ensure its own activities comply with the law and are environmentally sound. All pest control activities proposed on NPWS land require an appropriate level of assessment of their environmental impacts. The level of assessment undertaken relates to the probable degree of impact and can range from an initial analysis, to a Review of Environmental Factors, to an Environmental Impact Statement. 3 Objectives of Pest Control Programs Wherever possible a strategic approach to pest management is adopted and the reader is referred to the pest management publications by the Bureau of Resource Sciences for greater detail on pest animals (see Further Reading list) or to various The overriding objective of NPWS pest control programs is to conserve biodiversity and cultural heritage. 5 Ø Weed management in select high conservation areas, principally Blackberry infestations encroaching on stakeholders’ boundaries; Programs also have the following specific goals: • Increase community understanding of the adverse impacts of pests on biodiversity and Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage • Manage pest populations to minimise their movement into NPWS estate, or onto adjoining properties where they impact on agricultural production • Satisfy legislative responsibilities e.g. Rural Lands Protection Act 1998, Noxious Weeds Act 1993 and Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 • Support cooperative approaches to pest management with other agencies and the community • Ø Limited fox management. With the initiation of a state-wide resource package in 1994/1995 the Region was able to develop strategic pest management strategies based on justification criteria and service an expanded spectrum of stakeholders. The Region now has a large number of strategically defined pest management programs that incorporate participation by multi-agency consultative pest management committees and the involvement of local RLPB staff in many on-ground operations. Since that time, Central West Region has adopted a more strategic approach to pest control management incorporating programs that were identified as high priorities in the 1995 Pest Strategy. This includes weed mapping, integrated control techniques, the development of short- and long-term coordinated strategies, environmental assessment, and monitoring and evaluation. The Central West Region has been able to implement noxious weed and pest animal program within the majority of reserves. It has also increased the number of cooperative neighbour pest programs, such as the successful cooperative pest animal control programs in and around Goobang National Park. Foster community support. 4 Pest Programs and Threatened Species 4.1 Past Pest Management Prior to 1995, pest programs in Central West Region occurred with limited coordination or other agency consultation. Pest management was approached with a less strategic emphasis and program priority was determined primarily by stakeholder concerns and allocation of an extremely limited budget. The Region was able to implement some programs with stakeholders, such as the cooperative baiting program with neighbours and other agencies for feral dogs at Winburndale Nature Reserve. Pest management programs undertaken prior to 1995 included: Pest management priorities and programs for recent additions to the NPWS estate are still being finalised and will be included in subsequent revisions of this strategy. 4.1.1 Pest animals As with many other agricultural landscapes, the Central West Region has a suite of pest species that threaten the conservation integrity of the Region’s protected area system and biodiversity. Ø Annual aerial culling programs in a limited number of reserves to manage populations of feral goats and occasionally feral pigs; 6 Many of the pest species identified for control by NPWS in the Central West Region are also regarded as pests by the agricultural community in this region. Such species compromise the core business of both groups. number of pest animals for control within the protected area system (Table 1). Of these identified pest animals foxes are one of the higher priorities for management. The Region considers the fox to be a regional priority and has focused on priority reserves where the highest conservation outcomes can be achieved. The Central West Region has identified a Reserve Name Area (ha) Pest Animal Fox Barton Nature Reserve Conimbla National Park Coolbaggie Nature Reserve Copperhannia Nature Reserve Dapper Nature Reserve Eugowra Nature Reserve Freemantle Nature Reserve Girralang Nature Reserve Goobang National Park Hill End Historic Site Mount Canobolas SRA Mullion Range SRA Nangar National Park Tollingo Nature Reserve Wambool Nature Reserve Weddin Mountains National Park Winburndale Nature Reserve Woggoon Nature Reserve Wongarbon Nature Reserve Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave HS 529 7 590 1 793 3 494 999 120 361 640 42 080 130 1 673 1 025 9 196 3 232 194 8 361 10 048 6 565 99 2 Feral Pig Feral Goat ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Rabbit Deer Feral Cat ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ *Wild Dog ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Table 1: Distribution of pest animal species on NPWS estate in Central West Region. *Wild Dog - in this circumstance the definition departs from the common working definition the NPWS have adopted. In reference to the Central West Region the issue of “wild dog’ relates to the issue of illegal and deliberate hunting activities using dogs within identified conservation reserves of the Region. This problem relates to the associated abandonment or loss of dogs during the hunting process and the damage that results from these hunting animals cause to the environment and agriculture. 7 Fire Ants Other regional pest species include feral goats and feral pigs, both of which cause significant environmental damage. Although management of these species is currently of a lower priority than that of foxes, the Region nevertheless commits to the active management of these species through ground based and aerial control techniques. One issue that complicates the management of feral pigs within the protected area system of the Central West Region is the illegal activities on park, of hunting and live transportation of these animals. To address this issue the Region will continue liaison with NSW Agriculture and local Rural Lands Protection Boards. Red Imported Fire Ants are not recorded in NSW, however there are several areas of concern in the state including urban areas such as Sydney, the Central Coast and the Lower Hunter. These are areas where there is a large volume of goods being imported from south-eastern Queensland and also from countries where the fire ant is established. Major transport routes leading into NSW from southeastern Queensland, such as the Newell Highway, are also of concern. Fire ants pose a major threat to the environment, as well as agriculture, tourism and human health. The National Consultative Committee for Exotic Pests and Diseases is coordinating a national response to the ants. Rabbit management is confined to the Lachlan Area of the Region with major commitments at Goobang and Nangar National Parks. Rabbit management is increasing within the Region to compliment the spread of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD) throughout the Central West. Fire ants have the potential to spread throughout much of NSW and the NPWS is working closely with NSW Agriculture and the Queensland Department of Primary Industries to identify and monitor high risk areas where they could become established and provide awareness training as required. Many of these pest animals have wide distributions and fluctuating populations within the Central West, which makes the implementation of control challenging. Through cooperative management with key stakeholders the Region can implement effective broad-based control programs. 4.1.2 Weeds There are over 2 800 introduced plant species that are now naturalised in Australia and it is estimated that approximately 25% of these are significant or potentially significant weeds. It is impossible to undertake control programs for all weeds that occur in protected areas, hence priorities need to be developed. The priority weed species in NPWS Central West Region are St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Blackberry (Rubus fruiticosus) and Serrated Tussock (Nassella trichotoma). St John’s Wort is by far the most widespread weed throughout the Region. To an extent Blackberry and Serrated Tussock are confined to the Macquarie Area. However, significant infestations occur within a number of reserves. Coordinated strategic pest animal management is important in the Central West Region given the number of external land management issues, and the number and diversity of adjoining land tenures. Relevant issues include the control of immigration, emigration and recruitment between the surrounding agricultural landscape and conservation reserves. The Region will continue to endeavour to facilitate community-orientated control strategies for the control of pest animals in conjunction with its stakeholders. 8 The Region has committed substantial funds to establish zones of containment within infested areas and has addressed areas of heavy infestation in many areas. Reserve Name Barton Nature Reserve Conimbla National Park Coolbaggie Nature Reserve Copperhannia Nature Reserve Dapper Nature Reserve Eugowra Nature Reserve Freemantle Nature Reserve Girralang Nature Reserve Goobang National Park Hill End Historic Site Mount Canobolas SRA Mullion Range SRA Nangar National Park Tollingo Nature Reserve Wambool Nature Reserve Weddin Mountains National Park Winburndale Nature Reserve Woggoon Nature Reserve Wongarbon Nature Reserve Yuranigh’s Aboriginal Grave Historic Site Opportunistic control of other important weed species is undertaken within the Region whenever possible. Area (ha) 529 Weed Species St John’s Wort Blackberry Serrated Tussock ✔ ✔ ✔ Willow spp. Other weeds ✔ 7 590 ✔ 1 793 ✔ 3 494 ✔ ✔ ✔ 999 ✔ 120 361 640 42 080 130 1 673 1 025 9 196 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 8 361 10 048 ✔ ✔ 3 232 194 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ 6 565 ✔ ✔ ✔ 99 ✔ 2 ✔ Table 2: Distribution of weed species in Central West Region. management programs within the Central West Region, on and off park. 4.2 Threatened Species The conservation of threatened species is of the upmost importance when considering pest management programs. Every effort is made to minimise any disturbance to species, populations and communities when planning pest Pest control programs are undertaken in the Central West Region by NPWS to protect those threatened species listed in Table 3. 9 In NSW, the threat abatement planning process is an excellent mechanism for delivering strategic statewide initiatives to protect threatened species. To date, a threat abatement plan has been finalised for foxes, with others in preparation, e.g. feral cats, bitou bush and plague minnow. Threatened species Pest/s Program Purple Copperwing Butterfly Eucalyptus canobolensis Malleefowl Grassy White Box communities Blackberry Goat Fox Weed invasion Y Y Y Y Reserve Winburndale NR Mt Canobolas SRA Coolbaggie NR Central West Region Table 3: Threatened species protection programs in Central West Region. those pests for which state or regional management strategies have been developed, or where there is support for a collaborative program. 5 Regional Priorities 5.1 Criteria for Prioritising Pest Species Programs E. A pest which threatens conservation, cultural heritage recreational values of an area. the or F. A pest population of limited distribution, but known to be an important problem in other parks, or in other states or overseas. The following criteria reflect the key responsibilities and impacts that are considered by the NPWS when setting regional priorities for pest management. The availability of suitable technology and resources (financial, human and physical) also influences which programs are implemented. G. A pest for which continued management is necessary to maintain benefits gained from previous control programs. A. A pest for which a national or state emergency control program has been developed (e.g. feral animals implicated in any exotic disease outbreak). H. A pest for which a window of opportunity occurs to undertake control activities (e.g. where an effective biocontrol agent is available, or feral pig control during floods or droughts). B. Any relevant action specified in a threat abatement plan developed for a pest species which has been listed as a key threatening process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. I. A pest which must be controlled/contained to allow another high priority management program to be effective. C. Actions identified in recovery plans for threatened species. J. D. A pest that the community has identified as a high priority for action (this includes, but is not restricted to pests declared under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 or the Rural Lands Protection Act 1998). Priority will generally be given to 10 Other factors: For weeds, location of the infestation (ie. within a water catchment or ease of access) and the potential of an area to regenerate naturally, will influence the priority given to a program (natural regeneration is more cost effective, reduces maintenance and maintains the genetic integrity of plant communities). 5.2 Regional Assessment Table 4 illustrates how the criteria and probability of success are cross-referenced in order to group pest species into three priority classes. The pest species in Central West Region are prioritised for control based on the extent to which they satisfy the above criteria, and on the probability of practical success of a control operation. The latter is determined by: Probability of success Table 4: Priority classes for pest species. Ø the existence of an effective means of controlling the pest species; Ø the availability of resources undertake effective control; Extent to which criteria satisfied High Med Low High 2 1 1 Med 2 3 1 Low 2 3 3 Tables 5 and 6 show the application of the criteria to reserves and pest species in Central West Region, and the resultant priority classes. to Ø the likely availability of resources in the medium to long-term to maintain control efforts. The appropriate timing for pest control activities is given in Appendices 1 & 2. Three of the above criteria tend to dominate the process of prioritising pest management programs: Although the focus of NPWS pest management is the priority pest species, monitoring for emerging pest problems is undertaken on an ongoing basis. NPWS will continue to work with the Pest Animal Council, NSW Agriculture, RLPBs and local councils to address problems as they arise (e.g. outbreaks of Category W1 weeds). Appendix 4 lists emerging pest species for the Central West Region. Ø where an endangered species is threatened by the presence of a pest species, Ø where infestations (principally weeds) are susceptible to an eradication program, Ø where legislative responsibility requires a program to be implemented. 11 Table 5: Priority classification of pest animal control in Central West Region. Reserve Pest animal Species Criteria A Regional management issue Winburndale NR Mount Canobolas SRA Goobang NP Regional management issue Goobang NP Mount Canobolas SRA Winburndale NR Tollingo NR Goobang NP Nangar NP Regional management Issue Winburndale NR Copperhannia NR Weddin Mts NP B ✔ C ✔ D ✔ E ✔ F G ✔ H I ✔ Probability of success Priority High 1 Medium/Low 3 Medium/Low 3 Medium/Low High/ Medium 3 1 High Medium 1 2 Medium Medium High/Medium Medium Low 2 3 1 2 3 Low Low Low 3 3 3 J Fox Wild dog (ie. domestic/ hunting context) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Feral pig ✔ ✔ Rabbit ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Feral cat ✔ ✔ Feral deer ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Feral goat ✔ ✔ ✔ Table 6: Priority classification of major noxious weed control in Central West Region (see Appendix 3 for comprehensive list of noxious weeds in this Region). Reserve Weed Species Criteria A ✔ ✔ ✔ Medium/Low 2 Serrated Tussock Gorse ✔ ✔ ✔ Medium 2 ✔ ✔ Medium 2 Tree of Heaven ✔ ✔ Medium/Low 2/3 Willow spp. ✔ ✔ Low 3 Other weeds of opportunity ✔ ✔ Medium/Low 2 12 G ✔ H I 2 St John’s Wort Macquarie Area Regional management issue F Medium E ✔ Blackberry C ✔ Priority D ✔ Regional management issue Regional management issue Macquarie Area Winburndale NR Lachlan Area B Probability of success J Ø trapping; and 6 Programs Ø opportunistic shooting endorsed shooting plans). The following sections summarise the control programs to be undertaken in Central West Region, based on the priorities established in Section 5. Management Strategy A Review of Environmental Factors has been completed to facilitate the active and strategic management of foxes within high priority conservation reserves of the Region. Fox management will occur in accordance with management models proposed within the Fox Threat Abatement Plan (NSW NPWS 2001). 6.1 Pest Animal Species HIGH PRIORITY 6.1.1 (under European Red Fox - Vulpes vulpes 1. Investigate and identify populations Region-wide. Distribution Widespread throughout NPWS managed lands in Central West Region. fox 2. Undertake fox control in conjunction with other pest control programs within identified priority areas (Coolbaggie NR, Weddin Mtns NP, Goobang NP and Winburndale NR and Goonoo SF). Impacts Fox predation is a major threat to native animal populations, including threatened species. They are a particular problem for Malleefowl (Goonoo SF & Coolbaggie NR), several possum species and grounddwelling native birds such as the Lyrebird (e.g. Winburndale NR). Foxes are an agent for the dispersal of noxious weeds (notably Blackberry and St John’s Wort) and are a potential carrier of disease. 3. Undertake coordinated programs in cooperation with other agencies and immediate neighbours/stakeholders to protect threatened and other native species (as per Threat Abatement Plan, NSW NPWS 2001). 4. Undertake monitoring in areas where foxes are likely to have a high impact on threatened species such as Coolbaggie Nature Reserve and Goonoo State Forest. Predation on farm livestock can be serious. Control Methods Performance Measures Fox control should be undertaken in the peak dispersal period (Autumn) but more frequently in relation to predation on threatened species (NSW NPWS 2001). Control within the Central West Region should also compliment existing “Out Fox the Fox” programs administered by NSW Agriculture. 1. Increased recovery of threatened species as identified in the monitoring program in the Fox Threat Abatement Plan. 2. Short term reduction in fox numbers as measured by bait uptake. Available methods include: 3. Comments from neighbours. Ø ground baiting following best practice guidelines; Ø den fumigation; 13 6.1.2 damage cereal crops and introduced pastures, and damage fences. Feral Pig - Sus scrofa Distribution Pigs are a major potential host of a number of exotic diseases such as Foot and Mouth, African Swine Fever and Rinderpest, as well as viruses to which humans are susceptible, such as Murray Valley Encephalitis and Ross River Fever. Widespread throughout the Central West in varying population sizes. A Regional management issue with priority given to Winburndale Nature Reserve, Mt Canobolas SRA and Goobang National Park. The deliberate release of piglets and juveniles in rural areas and adjacent to settled areas is common in some areas, and is resulting in increased illegal access on and damage to Service estate by recreational hunters. Illegal hunting and seeding of new areas with young pigs (e.g. Weddin Mountains NP and Nangar NP) remain difficult problems to manage as this interference considerably reduces the effectiveness of coordinated control. Control Methods Pigs are also known to occur in small populations in adjoining lands throughout the Region’s protected area system. Control methods include: Ø strategic coordinated 1080 baiting; Impacts Ø strategic live panel trapping; Feral pigs can cause severe environmental degradation by: Ø selective feeding communities; on Ø strategic aerial control programs. Management Strategy plant A REF has been completed to allow Regional staff to undertake active pig management in identified priority reserves. Management activities include: Ø creation of drainage channels in swamps; Ø soil erosion and fouling of watering points by their habit of wallowing and rooting; 1. Investigate pig distributions and populations on NPWS managed lands, using ground inspections. Ø direct predation on frogs, reptiles, ground-nesting birds and small mammals; 2. Evaluate and review current control techniques. Ø aggressive competition for resources with some species; and 3. Continue with and expand on existing planned strategic trapping/poisoning/ aerial shooting programs. Ø as an agent for the spread of weeds, particularly Blackberry and St John’s Wort. 4. Maintain and improve cooperation and communication with adjoining landholders undertaking feral pig control. Feral Pigs can kill and eat lambs under two weeks of age and as such can have an adverse impact on sheep breeding enterprises. They also compete with domestic livestock for pasture forbs, 5. Establish a monitoring program that evaluates the effectiveness and migration rates post control in identified priority reserves. 14 where control activities are being undertaken. 6. Prepare a coordinated region-wide management strategy for pigs. Performance Measures Performance Measures Reductions in the evidence of feral pig activity both on NPWS lands and neighbouring lands. Reduced goat populations, as indicated by monitoring programs. 6.1.3 Visual vegetation assessments indicating regeneration of native plant species susceptible to grazing by feral goats. Feral Goat – Capra hircus Distribution Comments from neighbours and visitors regarding feral goat sightings. 1. Feral goats occur throughout the entire Central West Region, particularly in the Lachlan Area. High profile areas for continued feral goat control include Conimbla, Goobang, Nangar and Weddin Mountains National Parks. Priority areas also include Winburndale NR and Mt Canobolas SRA. MEDIUM PRIORITY 6.1.4 European Wild Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Distribution Rabbits occur in scattered populations throughout the Region. Rabbit populations vary throughout all NPWS managed lands and are more common in areas of disturbance or on areas adjacent to agricultural lands (e.g Goobang and Nangar National Parks). Impacts Impacts include overgrazing of native vegetation, which can substantially impact on vegetation structure, competition with native species and livestock for water, shelter and through grazing, soil erosion/compaction, and the potential to spread disease, especially Footrot and Ovine Johnes Disease (OJD). They can also cause considerable damage to Aboriginal heritage sites and art work. Impacts Rabbits cause environmental damage in the following ways: Ø soil erosion (land degradation); Control Methods Ø grazing of native vegetation and reducing regeneration; Due to the complexity of topography and land tenures, the only appropriate control method in Central West Region is a strategically planned aerial culling program. Ø competition with native animals for suitable habitat; and Ø impacts on historic sites through foundation disturbance. Management Strategy Control Methods 1. Evaluate and review current control techniques. Rabbit control uses a combination of control techniques, mainly warren destruction and fumigation, but also including baiting, fencing, trapping, shooting and biological controls. 2. Undertake planned strategic aerial control programs. 3. Monitor goat populations (visual assessments of vegetation) in areas 15 Ø fencing. Programs also make use of natural outbreaks of myxomatosis and calicivirus to further suppress populations. Effective wild dog control requires timely and targeted cooperative control with neighbours. Prompt notification of the local RLPBs of an issue can result in the development of a coordinated program to address particular concerns. Management Strategy 1. Undertake ground inspections to identify, map and monitor rabbit activity (e.g. impact levels, warren activity) in NPWS reserves. Management Strategy 2. Continue to control rabbit populations as part of coordinated programs with neighbours in priority reserves such as Goobang NP. 1. Increase community awareness of responsible dog ownership in urban areas in conjunction with local government. Performance Measures 2. Improve communication and cooperation with adjoining landholders. A reduction in rabbit populations and the visible damage they cause. 3. Promote strategic feral pig management techniques that avoid the use of hunting dogs. LOW PRIORITY 6.1.5 Wild Dogs – Canis familiaris 4. Undertake strategic responses (e.g. 1080 poisoning program) to mitigate damage following reports of wild dog attacks on livestock. Distribution The Central West is predominantly not a wild dog area, despite its proximity to the Dingo Conservation Areas of the Blue Mountains region, and the prevalence of hunting activities that utilise dogs. Isolated and sporadic incursions occur within Winburndale NR, Mt Canobolas SRA and Goobang NP. The majority of wild dog experiences in this region can be attributed to hybridised domestic dogs that have been lost or abandoned. Performance Measures Increased neighbour participation in identifying where wild dogs are observed. Increased neighbour participation in strategic feral pig management and regular involvement in fox/wild dog control programs. Reduced incidence of wild dog problems in key regional areas (like Winburndale NR), as indicated by a reduction in the number of reports/complaints. Impacts Wild dogs prey on domestic stock and native fauna. They can act as a vector of diseases to native fauna. (LOW PRIORITY, NOT EFFECTIVE) Control Methods 6.1.6 Feral Cat - Felis catus Wild dog control methods include: Distribution Ø 1080 baiting; Known to occur throughout the Region but abundance unknown. Ø trapping; Ø shooting; and 16 Weddin Mountains NP. It is possible that these animals escaped or were released from farming enterprises close to conservation and remnant vegetation areas, particularly during the 1990s crash of the deer farming industry. Impacts Feral cats predate on native reptiles, frogs, small mammals and bird species, compete for food and act as a reservoir for diseases and parasites which can be transferred to native fauna, domestic stock and humans. Ecological significance of these impacts is not quantified (however, see Dickman 1996). Impacts Impacts include competition through grazing, overgrazing and trampling of native vegetation, ringbarking, soil erosion/compaction, fouling of water holes, and as a potential vector in the spread of livestock disease. Control Methods There are currently no pesticides registered for use on feral cats. The only control methods available are trapping and opportunistic shooting, but these are largely ineffective. Feral cats are a difficult pest to control and major advances in their control will depend on further progress with the cat-specific toxin and baiting system currently being developed. Control Methods Opportunistic aerial culling as individual animals are observed within the remote areas of these nominated reserves. Animals are rarely observed in this way. Management Strategy Management Strategy 1. Develop a database of deer sightings. 1. Record the distribution/abundance of feral cats on NPWS reserves. 2. Liaise with neighbours to identify land degradation issues so that control efforts can be focused where necessary. 2. Increase community awareness of responsible cat ownership in conjunction with local government, NPWS newsletters etc. 3. Undertake collaborative control efforts with relevant neighbours and RLPBs. 3. Undertake opportunistic cat trapping and strategic shooting when required for emergent problem cats. 4. Opportunistic control of individual animals during scheduled aerial management programs for feral goats and pigs. Performance Measures Increased community awareness as indicated by community contribution to the cat sightings database. Performance Measures Better understanding of abundance and distribution of deer and their impacts on reserves. Better understanding of abundance and distribution of cats. 6.1.7 Reduced deer populations, as indicated by frequency of sightings and comments from neighbours. Feral Deer species Distribution Isolated sporadic sightings (by neighbours), of individual animals near Copperhannia and Winburndale NRs and 17 approaching the pre-budding stage and are actively growing. 6.2 Weed Species HIGH 6.2.1 Ø Physical removal of isolated plants can also be employed. St John’s Wort – Hypercium perforatum Management Strategy Distribution 1. Treat St John’s Wort in highly accessible and/or recreational areas in all identified reserves. This weed is widespread and common. All Local Government Areas of the Central West have identified it to be of high priority for treatment. 2. Implement control and strategic herbicide application to isolated infestations in coordination with other weed management control projects as they are identified. The majority of reserves within the Region have infestations of this weed, as do the adjoining agricultural lands and lands managed by other agencies. 3. Continue existing programs for all infestation areas within the Region’s protected area system and liaise with Local Control Authorities and NSW Agriculture. Active control programs for the management of St John’s Wort occur within 13 of the Region’s 21 reserves. Impacts 4. Investigate the potential effectiveness and the practicality for strategic release of biological control agents throughout the Region subject to appropriate approval and environmental impact determination process. Invades disturbed areas with the capacity to move into open forest and along creeklines. It is considered to be a serious agricultural and environmental weed. This noxious weed is poisonous to stock and native fauna, and can cause exposed skin to become photosensitive in many species. It also has the potential to cause irritation to humans. Performance Measures Ground inspections indicating a reduction in the degree of infestation, both in area and plant density, within identified reserves. Containment of the present infestations is the minimum acceptable performance level. St John’s Wort competes with other plant species for light and nutrients throughout the year, and can outcompete almost all other understorey plant species. It spreads by seeds and lateral roots, and can form dense infestations of up to 250 stems per square metre. 6.2.2 Blackberry – Rubus fruiticosus Control Methods Distribution Ø Effective biological control agents (e.g. Chrysolina insect) are available subject to approval. Extensive infestations occur in the Macquarie Area of the Region, principally within Winburndale NR and Mt Canobolas SRA where the infestations are well-established and more complex. At most other sites this weed tends to occur in watercourses and throughout the adjoining catchment areas. Ø Strategic use of herbicides. The optimum stage of growth for spraying occurs in early spring when plants are 18 Primary treatment began on infestations in 1994 across the Region. Performance Measures Treatment is aimed at containment of the present infestations in all areas. Reduction in the degree of infestation, both in area and plant density will be a slow, incremental process. Impacts A highly visible and invasive species which rapidly invades disturbed land by forming dense thickets from underground suckers. It has the capacity to move into open forest and along creeklines. 6.2.3 It covers large areas with a dense canopy that excludes light from the soil surface. It is therefore able to outcompete most native plant species, and can seriously impede the regeneration of native plants. At one site Blackberry thickets impinge upon and threaten the habitat of the endangered Purple Copper Butterfly. Serrated Tussock – Nassella trichotoma Distribution Occurs predominantly within the Macquarie Area, within which it is widely distributed. This species does not grow well in shaded sites. Infestations within reserves are of light to medium densities, scattered over cleared (non-canopy cover) areas. This plant can also provide shelter and foraging habitats for feral animals. Impacts Control Methods Serrated Tussock forms thick mats, thereby providing little opportunity for other plants to establish underneath. In this way it greatly decreases plant diversity once established. This grass has little nutritional value and is of little pastoral value to stock or native grazing species. Ø Strategic herbicide application is the most effective, efficient and costeffective method to control infestations of Blackberry. Ø A biological control agent, Rust Fungus, exists. Cold temperatures limit effectiveness of this fungus, thus its success has been variable within the Macquarie Area. Control Methods Ø Strategic ground-applied herbicide techniques are the most effective, efficient and cost-effective method to control infestations. Management Strategy Identify and map Blackberry infestation on NPWS managed lands. Management Strategy Treat and follow up previously untreated infestations annually. Priority reserves are those with high visitation levels, such as Mt Canobolas SRA and Hill End Historic Site. Isolated infestations are of particularly high priority. 1. Identify and map Serrated Tussock infestation on NPWS managed lands. 2. Treat in highly accessible and/or recreational areas. Other priority sites include exposed seed sources (although treatment is limited to more accessible locations). Annual monitoring of treatment sites for regeneration. 3. Implement control and strategic herbicide application to isolated infestations in coordination with other 19 weed management control projects as they are identified. reserves have been prepared or require preparation as companions to this strategy. 4. Continue existing programs for all infestation areas, and liaise with Local Control Authorities and NSW Agriculture for the continued management of Serrated Tussock in accordance with the national strategy. The Central West Region Pest Species Management Plan will be reviewed annually. 5. Annual monitoring of treatment sites, and follow-up treatment where necessary. The following National Parks and Wildlife Service staff provided assistance in the preparation of this plan: Peter Myler (Area Manager Macquarie) and Gavin Newton (Ranger). Additional information was prepared by Andrew Leys (Pest Management Coordinator) and Dani Ayers (Western Directorate OSCU support Officer). 8 Acknowledgements Performance Measures Reduction in the degree of infestation, both in area and plant density, within identified reserves, as indicated by annual monitoring. Report Prepared by: 7 Conclusion Jason W. Neville Pest management programs have been undertaken throughout Central West Region based on priorities and recommendations in the previous regional plan. This review of the 1998 Pest Management Strategy will assist in the continuation of works programs for 20032006 and highlight planning needs. Pest Management Officer Central West Region. Setting priorities is only the beginning of pest management. Once regional priorities are established, the planning, implementation of programs, monitoring and evaluation begins. Successful pest management takes time. Programs are successful if they are well planned ensuring the appropriate control techniques are used and follow-up is undertaken. Programs are also more effective if neighbours are encouraged to become actively involved in the overall implementation of the programs across the landscape. This management strategy is only a tool to establish pest priorities and establish broad management guidelines. More detailed plans for individual pests or 20 Bureau of Rural Sciences, Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra. 9 Further Reading and References Goldney, D. C. (1987). History of the central west region. pp. 31-57 in Goldney, D. C. and Bowie, I. J. S. (eds). National Trust of Australia, NSW Scenic and scientific survey of the central west region. A report to the Australian heritage commission. Vol 1. Mitchell College of Advanced Educaation, Bathurst. Beukers, P. (1995). DRAFT: Options for Conserving Biodiversity in Bathurst District. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Blood, K. (2001). Environmental weeds: a field guide for SE Australia. CRC Weed Management Systems. CH Jerram & Associates – Science Publishers, Mt Waverley. Harden, B. (1997). A Survey of Vertebrate Pests in the Service Estate. Biodiversity. Survey and Research Division, National Parks and Wildlife Service. Braysher, M. (1993). Managing Vertebrate Pests: Principles and Strategies. Bureau of Resource Sciences, Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra. Hone, J., O’Grady, J. and Pedersen, H. (1980). Decisions in the Control of Feral Pig Damage. NSW Department of Agriculture. AG Bulletin. Breckwoldt, R. (1983). Wildlife in the Home Paddock, Nature conservation for Australian farmers. Angus & Robertson Publishers. Howling, G. M. (1997). Remnant Vegetation in the Central West Catchment - Issues and Options for the Future. Central West Catchment Committee. Cardale, S. 1987. The natural environment: vegetation. pp. 111-136 in Goldney, D. C. and Bowie, I. J. S. (eds). National Trust of Australia, NSW Scenic and scientific survey of the central west region. A report to the Australian heritage commission. Vol 1. Mitchell College of Advanced Educaation, Bathurst. Kirkpatrick, J. (1994). A Continent Transformed - Human Impact on the Natural Vegetation of Australia. Oxford University Press. Low, T. (2000). Feral Future – the untold story of Australia’s Exotic Invaders. Viking. Choquenot, D., McIlroy, J. and Korn, T. (1996). Managing Vertebrate Pests: Feral Pigs. Bureau of Resource Sciences, Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra. Norton, G. A. and Pech, R. P. (1988). Vertebrate Pest Management in Australia. CSIRO Division of Wildlife & Ecology. NSW Agriculture. (1993). NSW Noxious Weed Legislation. Agnote. Dickman, C. R. 1996. Overview of the impacts of feral cats on Australian native fauna. Prepared for the Australian Nature Conservation Agency. NSW Agriculture. (1996). Vertebrate Pest Control Manual. NSW Agriculture, Orange. Ensbey, R. (ed). (2001). Noxious and environmental weed control handbook – 2001/2002. NSW Agriculture: Orange. NSW Agriculture. (Sept 1999). NSW Noxious weeds List. Agnote. Fleming, P., Corbett, L., Harden, R. and Thomson, P. (2001). Managing the Impacts of Dingoes and Other Wild Dogs. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. (2001). Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). 21 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Hurstville. Rigby, N. (2000). Central West Region Operation Plan 2000/2004. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Olsen, P. (1998). Australia's Pest Animals: New Solutions to Old Problems. Bureau of Resource Sciences and Kangaroo Press: East Roseville. Saunders, G., Coman, B., Kinnear, J. and Braysher, M. (1995). Managing vertebrate Pests: Foxes. Bureau of Resource Sciences. Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra. Pandit, R. (1995). Impacts of Major Vertebrate Pests on Conservation Reserves in NPWS Central and Metropolitan Regions. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Sindel, B. M. (ed). (2000) Australian Weed Management Systems. (R. G. and F. J. Richardson, Melbourne). 506pp. Parkes, J., Henzell, R. and Pickles, G. (1996). Managing Vertebrate Pests: Feral Goats. Bureau of Resource Science. Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra. Williams, K., Parer, I., Coman, J.B., Burley, J. and Braysher, M. (1995). Managing Vertebrate Pests: Rabbits. Bureau of Resource Science. Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra. Parsons, W. T. and Cuthbertson, E. G. (1992). Noxious Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press: Melbourne. Recher, H. F. Lunney, D. and Dunn, I. (1995). A Natural Legacy - Ecology in Australia. 2nd edition. SNP Printing. 22 Appendix 1: Timing of Weed Control Programs The NPWS tries to adopt a strategic approach to weed control, whilst also allowing sufficient flexibility to capitalise on windows of opportunity which arise, (e.g. control of mass germinations following flooding or local rainfall events). Timing of control activities varies with the method used. Factors that determine timing of herbicide application include growth stage of the plant, time of year, herbicide used, mode of application and weather conditions. The following table outlines the best time for control of key weeds using herbicide treatment only, within each Area of the Central West Region. Species Blackberry Macquarie Lachlan Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun St John’s Wort Macquarie Lachlan Serrated Tussock Macquarie Weeds of opportunity Macquarie Lachlan Appendix 2: Timing of Pest Animal Control Programs The NPWS undertakes pest animal control with a similar approach to that taken for weed control (see Appendix 1). Many programs are developed strategically well in advance of the on-ground program control activities. Others are organised at short notice to capitalise on windows of opportunity, (such as floods, droughts or fire). Timing of control activities also varies with the method used. The following table outlines the best time for control of key pest species in the Central West Region. The timings are approximate and are influenced by factors such as varying seasonal conditions. Species Fox Goat Pig Rabbit Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov 23 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Appendix 3: Noxious Weeds of the Central West Region Within the Central West Region, the Upper Macquarie County Council has the most comprehensive register of noxious weeds. This list also incorporates those noxious weeds present in all Local Government Areas and Local Control Authorities within Central West Region, and the majority of weeds occurring with the larger Central West and Mid Lachlan Catchment Planning areas. Common name Scientific name Upper Macquarie County Council W2 W3 W1 W2 W2 W2 W2 W1 W3 W1 W4 W2 African Boxthorn African Lovegrass Alligator Weed Bathurst Burr Noogoora Burr Californian Burrs Cockle Burr Black Knapweed Blackberry Broomrape Cabomba Columbus Grass Dodder Cuscuta Lycium ferocissimum Eragrostis curvula Alternanthera philoxeroides Xanthium spinosum Xanthium occidentale Xanthium spp. Xanthium spp. Centaurea nigra Rubus fruticosus (agg. spp.) Orobanche spp. Cabomba spp. Sorghum x almum Cuscuta campestris Gorse Green Cestrum Harrisia Cactus Hawkweed Hemlock Horsetail Johnson Grass Karroo Thorn Kochia Lagarosiphon Longstyle Feather Grass Mexican Feather Grass Miconia Nodding Thistle Pampas Grass Parthenium Weed Prickly Pears Ulex europaeus Cestrum parqui Harrisia spp. Hieracium spp. Conium maculatum Equisetum spp. Sorghum halepense Acacia karroo Kochia scoparia Lagarosiphon major Pennisetum villosum Nassella tenuissima syn Stipa tenuissima Miconia spp. Carduus nutans Cortaderia spp. Parthenium hysterophorus Opuntia spp. W2 W2 W2 W4f W1 W2 W1 W2 W1 W1 W1 W2 W1 W1 W3 W2 W1 W4f Privet - broadleaf Privet - narrowleaf Rhus Tree Salvinia Scotch Broom English Broom Scotch Thistle Illyrian Thistle Stemless Thistles Senegal Tea Plant Serrated Tussock Siam Weed Silverleaf Nightshade Ligustrum lucidum Ligustrum sinense Toxicodendron succedaneum Salvinia molesta Cytisus scoparius Cytisus scoparius Onopordum spp. Onopordum spp. Onopordum spp. Gymnocoronis spilanthoides Nassella trichotoma Chromolaena odorata Solanum elaeagnifolium W4b W4b W2 W1 W2 W2 W3 W3 W3 W1 W3 W1 W2 24 Common name Spiny Burrgrass Spiny Burrgrass Spotted Knapweed St John's Wort Star Thistle Sweet Briar Tree of Heaven Water Hyacinth Water Lettuce Wild Radish Willows Scientific name Cenchrus incertus Cenchrus longispinus Centaurea maculosa Hypericum perforatum Centaurea calcitrapa Rosa rubiginosa Ailanthus altissima Eichhornia crassipes Pistia stratiotes Raphanus raphanistrum Salix spp. Upper Macquarie County Council W2 W2 W1 W3 W2 W3 W2 W1 W1 W2 W4g Table of Explanation: W1 The presence of the weed on land must be notified to the local control authority, and the weed must be fully and continually suppressed and destroyed. W2 The weed must be fully & continually suppressed and destroyed. W3 The weed must be prevented from spreading & its numbers and distribution reduced. W4 Various actions according to the following categories: (f) The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. Any biological control or other control program directed by a local control authority must be implemented. (g) The weed must not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed. Appendix 4: Emerging Pest Issues Weed or pest animals which currently either do not occur or are suspected to occur on NPWS managed lands in Central West Region and are a known problem in other natural areas. These species will be monitored and removed from NPWS lands where possible. Pest Locations Feral Deer species Isolated sporadic sightings of individual animals near Copperhannia and Winburndale NRs and Weddin Mountains NP. Fire Ants Not known from Central West Region. Current NPWS management is focused on preventing the spread and establishment of this species, such as through the participation in community awareness programs. Vigilance is maintained within conservation areas, with regular observations undertaken for this species. Parthenium Weed All estate. Localised infestations have been found on major roads in NSW. Continual vigilance is required by all land managers to prevent spread of new outbreaks. 25 NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE 43 Bridge Street Hurstville 2220 (02) 9585 6444