Vegetation Management Plan Hobart Rivulet, Guy Fawkes Rivulet and Ross Rivulet FINAL
Client: City of Hobart Prepared by: Dr Nick Fitzgerald and Amber Button November 2021
Vegetation Management Plan – Hobart Rivulet and Guy Fawkes Rivulet
Version date
Revision No.
Sign-off
29th June 2021
First draft for council review – V1.0
Enviro-dynamics – AW
14th September 2021
Final draft for council review – V1.1
Enviro-dynamics – AW
9th December 2021
Seek endorsement from Parks and
City of Hobart
Recreation Committee Seek endorsement from meeting of full Council
City of Hobart
Contents 1
Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1
2
Background .......................................................................................................... 1 Site description ................................................................................................................. 1 2.1.1
Geology ..................................................................................................................... 1
2.1.2
Land Tenure and Use ............................................................................................. 2
Planning and Strategic Context ..................................................................................... 5 Management issues ........................................................................................................ 9
3
2.3.1
Threats to Biodiversity............................................................................................. 9
2.3.2
Social challenges ..................................................................................................... 9
2.3.3
Waterway health and management .................................................................... 10
Methods .............................................................................................................. 11 Desktop analysis ............................................................................................................ 11 Field survey .................................................................................................................... 11 Limitations of the survey ............................................................................................... 12
4
Natural Values .................................................................................................... 12 Native Vegetation .......................................................................................................... 12 4.1.1
Conservation status of the vegetation communities ......................................... 16
Original vegetation of the Hobart Rivulet ................................................................... 16 Native Flora .................................................................................................................... 17 4.3.1
Threatened flora ..................................................................................................... 17
Significant Trees ............................................................................................................ 19 Native Fauna .................................................................................................................. 20 4.5.1
Threatened fauna................................................................................................... 20
4.5.2
Threatened fauna habitat ..................................................................................... 21
4.5.3
Other native fauna ................................................................................................. 21 i Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
5
Environmental Weeds ....................................................................................... 22
6
Weed Management Zones ................................................................................ 26
7
Weed Control...................................................................................................... 38 Weed control methods .................................................................................................. 38 Community engagement............................................................................................... 39 Weed control prioritisation ............................................................................................ 39 Prevention of further weed establishment.................................................................. 41 Biosecurity and disposal of weed material................................................................. 41 Willow control strategy .................................................................................................. 42 Willow control methods ................................................................................................. 43 Willow control by zones ................................................................................................ 43
8
Weed Control Action Plan ...................................................................................... 46
9
Revegetation Guidelines ................................................................................... 59 Revegetation Methodology........................................................................................... 60 9.1.1
Site preparation and planting ............................................................................... 60
9.1.2
Planting.................................................................................................................... 60
9.1.3
Plant protection ...................................................................................................... 61
9.1.4
Watering .................................................................................................................. 62
9.1.5
Maintenance ........................................................................................................... 62
9.1.6
Species selection ................................................................................................... 62
10 Conclusion and Recommendations ................................................................ 66 11 References .......................................................................................................... 67 Appendix 1 – Vascular plant species list ............................................................... 68 Appendix 1 – Management zones figures .............................................................. 74 Appendix 2 – Action plans for high priority zones ............................................... 75
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
1 Introduction This Vegetation Management Plan for the Hobart Rivulet and its major tributaries has been developed to provide a framework for removal of willows and other weeds and the subsequent revegetation with native species to restore natural values. The plan identifies the natural values of these watercourses and outlines the threats to the native biodiversity. Weed density and distribution has been mapped and documented and a plan for strategically addressing their control and restoring native vegetation is presented. Restoring native vegetation will have benefits for water quality, stormwater management, biodiversity and public amenity. In the Review of the Three Rivulet Plans in 2016, the development of an overall vegetation management plan for Hobart Rivulet was identified as a high priority.
2 Background Site description The Hobart Rivulet is a perennial watercourse, travelling 9.5 km from its origin near The Springs on kunanyi/Mount Wellington until its confluence with the Derwent Estuary near the Domain (Bonar, 2011; Cascades Landcare Group, 2000). The rivulet flows naturally throughout most of its length, only changing when it reaches the edge of Hobart’s urban centre, where it is engineered into channels with a base of stone or concrete, often running underground (Bonar, 2011). In its middle reaches, the rivulet provides a popular recreational corridor located in the Hobart Rivulet Park where walkers and cyclists can traverse a recreational shared-use path. This plan considers the vegetation 20 metres either side of the following sections of rivulet (Figure 2):
Hobart Rivulet between the Wellington Park boundary and Molle Street,
Guy Fawkes Rivulet from the Wellington Park boundary to its confluence with Hobart Rivulet
2.1.1
Ross Rivulet from its origin to its intersection with Hobart Rivulet. Geology
The Hobart Rivulet lies on undulating terrain, with variable geology along its length. In the upper section of the catchment, from the boundary of Wellington Park to Cascade Brewery, the geology is constituted of Permian sandstone and mudstone (LISTmap, 2021). Triassic sandstone 1 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
dominates the middle section of the study area, downstream from Cascade Brewery. The lower flatter reaches of the Rivulet are in Tertiary deposits of sand and gravel. 2.1.2
Land Tenure and Use
Land tenure along the Hobart Rivulet is varied. The upper catchment of the study area consists of largely intact native vegetation extending across the foothills of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. This land is owned by the City of Hobart and within Wellington Park. Downstream of Wellington Park, there are riparian sections owned by the Council and sections owned by Cascade Brewery. There are also many private residential lots containing gardens along the rivulets. There are landscaped parklands around Cascade Brewery at Cascade Gardens, managed by the City of Hobart. Downstream of Cascade Gardens, land tenure along the rivulet becomes a complexity of land owned or managed by Council and private freehold parcels in residential lots. Land use along the rivulet in the study area mainly consists of public land used for nature conservation and recreation, and private residential lots. In some sections of the rivulet there is private land along one or both sides of the watercourse. Cascade Brewery is the only industrial use of the Rivulet, in South Hobart (Bonar, 2011). The Hobart Rivulet Park sections of the Rivulet are used by walkers and cyclists for both recreation and commuting, as the park provides a connection between the residential areas of South Hobart and the city.
Figure 1 - Hobart Rivulet Park, note cotoneaster (environmental weed) on left
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
The Hobart Rivulet is also a major stormwater asset for the City of Hobart, draining an area of approximately 2,217 hectares (Bonar, 2011). The majority of the catchment area (approximately 80%) is dominated by native vegetation, mostly within the upper to mid sections. The remaining 20% flows through the urban centre of Hobart and is dominated by impervious surfaces. This lower section of the rivulet is mostly channelised and lined with stone and concrete (Bonar, 2011).
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Figure 2 – Location of Hobart Rivulet survey area and management zones
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Planning and Strategic Context A range of management plans have been developed in the past that relate to the Hobart Rivulet and its tributaries. A summary of relevant plans is provided below with actions relating to the current Vegetation Management Plan outlined. Hobart Rivulet Catchment Management Plan 2011-2016 Hobart City Council The Hobart Rivulet Catchment Management plan was developed to highlight appropriate stormwater management practices and implement actions to improve the overall long-term stormwater quality within the catchment and its sub-catchments. The plan aimed to improve existing stormwater quality within the Hobart Rivulet and in the lower catchment area and implement management practices to reduce stormwater pollution. The plan identified that weeds found throughout the catchment are having significant negative impacts on catchment values and waterways. Although considerable work has been undertaken to remove weeds and revegetate with native species, the weed burden remains high, requiring significant planning and resources to reduce longer-term impacts. Relevant actions identified in this plan include:
Develop a vegetation (including weed survey) strategy for the catchment in collaboration with Council's relevant units.
Investigate funding options to target priority weeds through the catchment, including new and emerging species.
Upper Hobart Rivulet Natural Area Action Plan 2000 Cascades Landcare Group This plan was developed to provide an overview of the state of the upper Hobart Rivulet, identify key management issues in the area and provide practical action plans to address the issues through actions undertaken by the Cascades Landcare Group. The plan also aimed to identify a way to facilitate cooperative action between the Landcare Group and other stakeholders to deal with relevant management issues. Vegetation management was a key issue identified in the plan, particularly degradation of bushland through inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion and soil degradation and erosion resulting from a loss of natural vegetation cover. Cascade Track Environs Vegetation Management Plan 2012 5 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
North Barker Ecosystem Services The Cascade Track Environs Vegetation Management Plan was developed for the Cascade Walking Track following its opening in 2011. The plan identifies the biodiversity and habitat values of the land either side of the track, key management issues impacting on the values, and provides recommended management actions. The plan identifies weed invasion of native vegetation in the area as being of greater concern than the other management issues. Alongside weed invasion, inappropriate fire regimes, track maintenance, garden plantings and boundary encroachment, pest animals and rubbish dumping are identified as key issues. Relevant actions:
Weed management and boundary encroachment including garden plantings by adjacent landowners.
Hobart Rivulet Strategic Master Plan 2011 Inspiring Place The purpose of the Hobart Rivulet Strategic Master Plan is to guide the future development and management of the parkland and open space along the rivulet. The plan focuses primarily on the section of the rivulet park between Molle Street and the Wellington Park boundary, but also addresses the other open space links to the city centre, Knocklofty and West Hobart. The plan recognises that weeds are a ubiquitous occurrence in many sections of the Hobart Rivulet parklands, having significant negative visual and environmental impacts. The plan also recognises that sentimental value has been attached to some weeds, particularly crack willow and hawthorn, by some local residents due to the appeal of their colour, form and role in bank stabilisation along the rivulet. However, except for the willows, there is relatively consistent support for the removal of weed species along the Rivulet and replacement with either native vegetation or appropriate exotic, non-invasive species. As part of the plan’s strategic goal ‘to strive for sustainable management’, a key relevant action
Develop progressive rehabilitation plans for the Hobart Rivulet banks that identify the progressive removal of declared weed species and recognised environmental weeds such as crack willow and sycamore and preparing planting/landscaping plans for revegetation.
City of Hobart Biodiversity Action Plan City of Hobart 6 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
The Biodiversity Action Plan aims to allow Bushland staff within the City of Hobart to plan management actions for bushland reserves holistically, ensuring that the management carried out is in-line with biodiversity principles. In doing so, the plan ensures that reserves are prioritised for management according to biodiversity values, threats that may impact upon them and resources available to achieve the best long-term outcomes. The plan outlines:
Council’s role in biodiversity management as part of a broader natural resource management network,
Identifies the biodiversity values and threats in the City’s bushland reserves
Prioritises biodiversity conservation actions for the City’s bushland reserves
Identifies knowledge gaps in the city’s understanding of biodiversity to inform the prioritisation of future work and improve biodiversity management in the long-term
Defines management priorities through an adaptive management approach
Weed invasion in bushland reserves is identified as a major threat to their floristic values, and reserves are recognised as particularly vulnerable to invasion due to pervasive edge effects at the interface between the reserves and the urban environment, roads, tracks and trails. Due to the large number of introduced plant species and limited resources available to control weeds, the plan recognises a need for prioritisation of weed management. To prioritise, the Weeds at Early Stage of Invasion (WESI) environmental weed risk database was used (Blood et al., 2019). The WESI ranks invasive plants to indicate priority for control, based on the following characteristics:
Invasion potential
Impact on natural systems
Area of potential distribution
Range of susceptible habitat types
Rate of dispersal
The WESI framework is then used to identify high threat weeds within high value biodiversity assets and prioritise them for removal. Other relevant management objectives include:
Prioritise high threat weeds within high biodiversity value environments
Manage weeds cooperatively – involving all agencies, private landholders, other stakeholders. 7 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Ongoing mapping and monitoring of progress of weed control is integral to the evaluation of the success of the control program.
Maintain a GIS dataset of weed infestations as a threat to biodiversity assets. Ensure the City of Hobart weed dataset is shared with the Natural Values Atlas.
Ensure weed data is within the monitoring methodology for vegetation and habitat quality for recording the arrival of new species.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Management issues 2.3.1
Threats to Biodiversity
Willows Willows, particularly crack willow (Salix fragilis) are abundant in the study area, with a large infestation below Tara Street (Bonar, 2011). A Weed of National Significance (WoNS), willows can dominate entire stretches of riverbanks, choking watercourses, consuming large amounts of water, outcompeting native vegetation and changing stream dynamics. Willows produce heavy leaf fall in autumn and winter, negatively affecting native vegetation growth and fauna habitat (The Derwent Catchment Project, 2021). Despite these impacts, there is still a level of sentiment regarding the willows among several local residents, largely due to their colour and form (Inspiring Place, 2015). Further, willows are challenging to remove, requiring specialist contractors and careful control methodology to avoid bank destabilization and minimise impacts on waterway health and ongoing follow-up control of regrowth. Other Weeds Weed invasion of native vegetation has been highlighted as a major management issue in several management plans for the Rivulet (Bonar, 2011; Cascades Landcare Group, 2000; City of Hobart, 2019; North Barker Ecosystem Services, 2012). The weed burden throughout the study area varies from patches of intact native vegetation with sporadic weed occurrence to large sections entirely dominated by exotic plant species. Unlike willows, there is a general consensus among the community that other weeds should be removed and the area revegetated with native species or appropriate, non-invasive plants (Inspiring Place, 2015). However, the high diversity and cover of weeds and finite resources requires prioritisation of weed management (City of Hobart, 2019). Some weeds are also providing ecosystem services (e.g. soil stabilisation) and habitat for native wildlife, particularly in the more degraded urban sections of the rivulet, which is important to consider for management. 2.3.2
Social challenges
There are also numerous social challenges in applying land management works along the rivulet. The Hobart Rivulet Park is a high use area for walkers and cyclists for recreation and commuting, and large sections of the study area adjoin residential properties, resulting in a high level of visibility and scrutiny of any work undertaken on the rivulet.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Several residential properties adjoin the rivulet, making access to some sections for management purposes difficult, particularly with machinery for willow removal. Private land ownership of these sections also significantly limits the influence of council for management, necessitating approval and cooperation of private landowners to undertake some management works. 2.3.3
Waterway health and management
The Hobart Rivulet is a main drainage point for a catchment area of approximately 2,217 hectares, and a key stormwater asset for the City of Hobart (Bonar, 2011). Stormwater is a significant issue for the health and management of the Hobart Rivulet. Urban development in the catchment surrounding the Rivulet has considerably altered local hydrology, particularly the velocity, pattern, volume and quality of flow in the rivulet (Cascades Landcare Group, 2000; Walsh et al., 2012). This is largely due to the increase in impervious surface cover in the catchment, reduced surface roughness and reduced natural storage in the rivulet due to channelisation and engineering (Blacklow, 1995; Cascades Landcare Group, 2000). There is a need to improve the Rivulet’s waterway health while maintaining its function as a stormwater asset. Erosion is a significant issue along the Rivulet, particularly along banks where the riparian area has been disturbed and stabilising vegetation lost. Bank destabilisation and erosion results in sediment movement along the waterway, increasing turbidity and degrading water quality in the stream, affecting the growth of aquatic vegetation.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
3 Methods The development of the vegetation management plan included a site assessment which involved an initial desktop analysis followed by a field survey.
Desktop analysis The desktop analysis involved extracting data from a variety of sources, including:
Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE, 2021)
LIST map
City of Hobart’s Tree Database
City of Hobart’s Botanical Communities mapping
City of Hobart’s Significant Tree Register
Several reports, management plans and strategy documents were consulted during the literature review phase to examine the context and background for this Vegetation Management Plan.
Field survey The field survey was primarily undertaken in May 2021. The survey area defined by CoH is the length of Hobart Rivulet from Strickland Avenue in South Hobart to Molle Street in central Hobart, plus two tributaries: Guy Fawkes Rivulet downstream of the Wellington Park boundary and Ross Rivulet. The survey area is 40 m wide centred on each watercourse or to property boundaries when private land adjoins the Rivulet. The vegetation communities in the survey area were classified (as per the TASVEG 4.0 classification system) and mapped. Vascular plant species were recorded and identified where possible, except for plants in cultivation (in parkland or domestic gardens) that are not considered environmental weeds. Old-growth trees with visible or potential hollows were mapped as important fauna habitat. Environmental weeds were mapped either as points (for single individuals or small patches) or polygons (where weeds extend over a large patch with moderate or high density coverage). Willow trees were mapped individually, with additional details including size and access. Willow size was based on trunk diameter (of the largest trunk) and classed as small (< 10 cm), medium (10–30 cm) or large (> 30 cm). Willows that were resprouting from previously cut trunks were classified on the size of the living regrowth trunk. Where individual willow trees were identified as trees mapped in Council’s tree database, the ID number was recorded to allow cross-referencing between the mapping for this project and the existing database. 11 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Locations of threatened flora, fauna habitat and significant weeds were mapped with a handheld GPS and population data was captured e.g. numbers of individuals, area occupied etc. Geographic datum used was GDA94 Zone 55. Private land other than Cascade land was not surveyed systematically due to access constraints. Occasional opportunistic observations of weeds on private land were recorded where these were visible from adjacent land, e.g. where weed patches extended onto private land or where weeds occurred close to a cadastral boundary the land tenure was uncertain for that observation. Given the limitations of GPS accuracy, some points mapped on a particular land tenure may represent a weed growing within a few metres of that point, which may mean the point is on another land tenure. Taxonomic nomenclature for flora follows the latest Census of Vascular Plants of Tasmania (Baker & de Salas 2021). Classification of vegetation communities is in accordance with Kitchener and Harris (2013) and TASVEG 4.0.
Limitations of the survey Whilst every effort was made to compile a complete list of native vascular plants and weeds for the survey area, a single survey is unlikely to detect all species present due to seasonal/temporal variations. Some plants could not be identified to a species level and some species may have been overlooked due to a lack of fertile material. It is also possible that additional species are present but were dormant at the time of survey e.g. annuals, ephemerals.
4 Natural Values This section outlines the findings of the desktop analysis and field survey, including a description of the vegetation communities, threatened flora, fauna habitat values and weeds.
Native Vegetation The natural vegetation of the survey area is eucalypt-dominated forest. The generally west-east alignment of Guy Fawkes and Hobart rivulets results in a distinct difference in annual solar radiation between the north-facing slopes on the south side of the watercourse and the southfacing slopes on the opposite side of the gully. This is particularly pronounced in the middle reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet where the gully is deeply incised. The vegetation reflects this topography, with wet forest occurring on the south-facing slopes and the riparian zone and dry forest communities on the north-facing slopes. Wet forest communities feature a tall eucalypt canopy and a dense subcanopy of tall broad-leafed shrubs and often ferns and sedges in the 12 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
understorey. Dry forest communities have a more uneven aged canopy and open understorey featuring heathy shrubs. The upper sections of Guy Fawkes Rivulet are largely intact native vegetation. The original vegetation of Hobart Rivulet has been fragmented by urban development, which increases downstream toward the city centre. Much of the remaining native vegetation is on steep southfacing slopes unsuitable for development and such remnants occur even in the lower reaches of the Rivulet. Five native vegetation communities and three modified communities were mapped in the study area, as per the TASVEG 4.0 classification system:
Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on sandstone (DAS)
Eucalyptus globulus dry forest (DGL)
Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest (DOB)
Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WGL)
Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest with broadleaf understorey (WOB)
Agricultural land (FAG)
Urban (FUR)
Weed infestation (FWU)
Vegetation communities are mapped in the collection of figures for each rivulet section and the native vegetation is described briefly below. Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on sandstone (DAS) A very small remnant of this community occurs in the upper reaches of Ross Rivulet. Black peppermint (E. amygdalina) is the dominant tree species, and the understorey is relatively open, with sparse shrubs. This community typically occurs on drier and sunnier sites and in this situation it has some wet forest understorey species, indicating that the vegetation is transitioning to a wet forest community. Eucalyptus globulus dry forest (DGL) This vegetation community occurs on the upper section of Ross Rivulet on the west side of the watercourse. The canopy is dominated by blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus), with several other eucalypt species in smaller numbers, including white gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua) and black peppermint (Eucalyptus amygdalina). The tall shrub layer is sparse
and
includes
sheoak
(Allocasuarina
verticillata),
native
cherry
(Exocarpos
cupressiformis), silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) and prickly box (Bursaria spinosa). The mid shrub 13 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
layer includes viscid daisybush (Olearia viscosa), currant bush (Coprosma quadrifida) and dollybush (Cassinia aculeata). The ground layer is dominated by silver tussockgrass (Poa labillardierei), sagg (Lomandra longifolia) and bracken (Pteridium esculentum). The vegetation intergrades into Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WGL) in the headwaters of the rivulet near Forest Road, due to the appearance of wet forest species such as dogwood (Pomaderris apetala), stinkwood (Zieria arborescens), tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) and shield fern (Polystichum proliferum). Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest (DOB) This forest type is widespread on north-facing slopes in the Hobart Rivulet catchment. In the survey area it is limited to steep rocky mudstone slopes in the middle reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet. Stringybark (E. obliqua) is the dominant tree species and older trees show signs of previous fires. The understory is open and includes a diverse suite of shrubs such as native cherry, prickly box and sunshine wattle (Acacia terminalis).
Figure 3 - Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest upstream from Cascade Brewery on Hobart Rivulet.
Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WGL)
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This vegetation community occurs widely in the survey area on south-facing slopes. The canopy is dominated by blue gum, with white gum and stringybark often present. There is a dense stratum of tall broad-leafed shrubs including blanket leaf (Bedfordia salicina), blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon), musk daisy bush (Olearia argophylla) and dogwood (Pomaderris apetala). The understorey includes small shrubs such as native currant (Coprosma quadrifida) and a typically dense ground cover of ferns and sedges. In drier or more disturbed sites, such as the lower reaches of Hobart Rivulet and near Cascade Brewery, the understorey is more open with a groundcover of grasses and bracken.
Figure 4 - Eucalyptus globulus forest on hillside adjacent to Rivulet Park.
Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest (WOB) This vegetation community occurs widely in the survey area on south-facing slopes, particularly on the lower reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet. The structure and species composition on Guy Fawkes Rivulet is very similar to the WGL forest, differing in the canopy composition which is dominated by stringybark. On Hobart Rivulet upstream of Cascade Brewery, this community is 15 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
transitional between wet and dry forest and consequently has a more open understorey of smaller shrubs such as cheeseberry (Cyathodes glauca) and native daphne (Pultenaea daphnoides).
4.1.1
Conservation status of the vegetation communities
Two vegetation communities listed as threatened under Schedule 3A of the Tasmanian Nature Conservation Act 2002 are present in the area:
Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on sandstone (DAS),
Eucalyptus globulus dry forest (DGL).
These threatened vegetation communities are confined to the upper reaches of Ross Rivulet. Both these communities and the E. globulus wet forest (WGL) are listed as ‘High Priority Biodiversity Value’ under the Biodiversity Code (E10.0) of the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015. No communities listed as threatened under Commonwealth legislation (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) are present in the survey area.
Original vegetation of the Hobart Rivulet The vegetation of Hobart Rivulet below the confluence with Guy Fawkes Rivulet is highly modified, resulting from clearing of native vegetation in the colonial era, around 200 years ago. Remnant native vegetation in the area, combined with observation of similar landscapes with less disturbed vegetation, provides some confidence in predicting the pre-colonial vegetation of the lower reaches of Hobart Rivulet. Modelling of pre-European (c. 1750) vegetation in Tasmania suggests that Eucalyptus amygdalina forest on sandstone was the most extensive community along the lower stretches of Hobart Rivulet. However, remnant vegetation on sandstone near the Rivulet supports E. globulus and E. obliqua, probably because the microclimate is too moist for E. amygdalina. Furthermore, fine-scale geological mapping indicates the riparian zone comprises alluvial deposits, which is likely to support different vegetation from the surrounding geology. The modelling also suggests some occurrence of E. obliqua dry forest, which is consistent with extant vegetation on lower slopes on mudstone. The area would certainly have supported eucalypt forest with a mixture of tree species including E. globulus, E. obliqua and E. viminalis. The intact forest in parts of Hobart Rivulet and Guy Fawkes Rivulet above the Cascade Brewery has historically been subject to logging and has been influenced by changing fire regimes over time. Nevertheless, the forest communities and 16 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
species composition are likely to be largely unchanged. These forest communities, and the riparian zone in particular, provide a good indication of the plant species which would have naturally occurred further downstream along the Hobart Rivulet in presently suburban and urban areas. However, the non-riparian vegetation is more difficult to predict since the remnant vegetation is biased toward steep south-facing slopes which may not represent the alluvial flats where indigenous land management likely contributed to a more open grassy forest community. Even if the surrounding forest was drier and more open than in the foothills of the mountain, the riparian zone would likely have supported wet forest understorey plants, which would have readily migrated from upstream. Riparian areas in south-eastern Tasmania typically have a dense shrubby understorey. The riparian vegetation of Hobart Rivulet is consistent with Community 7 (Eucalyptus viminalis – E. globulus – E. obliqua – E. amygdalina woodland over Beyeria viscosa – Exocarpos cupressiformis sedgy–grassy, ferny or heathy closed- scrub) identified by Daley and Kirkpatrick (2004) in a systematic classification of Tasmanian riparian vegetation. Several shrub and groundcover species observed in the forested parts of the survey area and commonly found in riparian vegetation elsewhere (Daley & Kirkpatrick, 2004) would have been prominent in the riparian zone of the now modified parts of Hobart Rivulet, including Pomaderris apetala, Leptospermum lanigerum, Acacia dealbata, A. melanoxylon, A. verticillata, Coprosma quadrifida, Prostanthera lasianthos, Bursaria spinosa, Exocarpos cupressiformis, Poa labillardierei, Lomandra longifolia, Gahnia grandis, Carex appressa, Dianella tasmanica, Acaena novae-zelandiae, Blechnum nudum, B. minus.
Native Flora A total of 81 Tasmanian native vascular plant species were recorded during the survey. Three species appeared to be planted and not naturally occurring in the area and several others (e.g. Poa labillardieri) occur in both wild and planted situations. 4.3.1
Threatened flora
No threatened flora species listed under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 were recorded during the survey. The threatened flora species previously observed within 500 m of the survey area are all species of dry forests or grasslands, with very limited suitable habitat in the survey area ( 17 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Table 1). The Hobart Rivulet catchment is a critically important location for Corunastylis nudiscapa in Tasmania and supports some of the largest known populations of C. nuda in the state. Observations of Austrostipa bigeniculata and Vittadinia muelleri in the catchment area represent isolated small populations of these species outside of their core habitat.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Table 1 – Threatened flora species recorded within 500 m of the survey area. Species
Status TSPA
Austrostipa bigeniculata
Status EPBCA
rare
-
Native grasslands and open woodlands.
rare
-
Known from a wide range of habitat types in Tasmania. In the Hobart area it occurs in forest on dry north-facing slopes, similar to the habitat of C. nudiscapa.
endangered
-
Dry open forests with a sedgy or heathy understorey on sedimentary geology, typically on north-facing slopes.
rare
-
Native grasslands and open woodlands on relatively fertile dry soils.
doublejointed speargrass Corunastylis nuda tiny midge-orchid
Corunastylis nudiscapa
Habitat preferences1
bare midge-orchid
Vittadinia muelleri narrowleaf new-holland-daisy
Significant Trees Five trees listed on Council’s Significant Tree Register are located within the survey area (Table 2). Table 2 – Trees listed on the HCC Significant Tree Register within the survey area.
1
Ref no.
Location
Species
Common Name
Number of trees
Land tenure
G3
Glen Street (end of road, adjacent to no. 6)
Eucalyptus globulus
Tasmanian blue gum
1
HCC
L31
Linear park (next to rivulet bridge at end of Anglesea Street, on boundary of South Hobart Primary School)
Cedrus deodara
Deodar
3
HCC
01
14 Old Farm Road
Notelaea ligustrina
native olive
1
Private
FPA (2016) and Natural Values Atlas data
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Figure 5 - E. globulus tree on Glen Street, listed on Significant Tree Register.
Native Fauna 4.5.1
Threatened fauna
Two threatened fauna species have been observed in the survey area based on Natural Values Atlas records:
eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii),
grey goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae).
There are records of the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) from nearby and this species would almost certainly occur within the survey area. Other threatened fauna that are likely to visit the area include masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae castanops), swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) and Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). The survey area is likely to have been inhabited by the now extinct Cascade funnel-web spider (Hadronyche pulvinator).
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4.5.2
Threatened fauna habitat
Native forest and urban areas provide suitable foraging habitat for several threatened fauna species, particularly wide-ranging predators such as the masked owl, Tasmanian devil and eastern quoll. There is very limited potential nesting habitat for hollow-nesting species such as the masked owl and swift parrot due to the scarcity of old-growth trees. Potential denning habitat for devils and quolls is present, particularly in dense riparian vegetation and rocky areas along Guy Fawkes Rivulet. Eastern barred bandicoots inhabit the survey area and are known to occur in the Hobart Rivulet Park close to the city. 4.5.3
Other native fauna
The aquatic environment and riparian zone provide suitable habitat for a variety of native wildlife. Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are known to inhabit waterways in the Hobart Rivulet catchment, including urban sections of the Rivulet around the Cascade boulder trap, and have been sighted near the sediment basin at Barrack St, and down as far as the Royal Hobart Hospital on Collins St. The native freshwater crayfish Astacopsis franklinii inhabits the waterways, at least in the upper catchment areas with intact vegetation. Other native wildlife observed within and along the rivulets include the Australian wood duck (Chenonetta jubata), the Tasmanian native hen (Tribonyx mortierii), the Tasmanian pademelon (Thylogale billardierii) and the red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus). Native hens and pademelons are common throughout the area, including in the lower section of the Rivulet Park between Gore Street and Molle Street, where exotic vegetation such as blackberry patches provides shelter. A range of native woodland bird species utilise the riparian vegetation for foraging and nesting. Including species such as the pink robin, fairy wren (Malurus cyaneus), pardalotes (Pardalotus sp.), thornbills (Acanthiza sp.) and honeyeaters. Snake and skink species are also likely to utilise parts of the riparian habitat.
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Figure 6 - Platypus in Guy Fawkes Rivulet near Wellington Park boundary
5 Environmental Weeds Exotic plant species observed during the survey were considered weeds if they are known to be invasive in Tasmania. In most cases, these species are listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan (City of Hobart 2019, Appendix 1 – Priority Weed List). The weed risk score (WESI) and category from the Priority Weed List is used here to rank the weeds recorded during the survey (Table 3). The survey identified 23 weed species classed as ‘very high risk’ under the WESI scheme and 33 species listed as lower, medium, or high risk. Five species listed as Weed of National Significance (WoNS) and 10 declared weeds (as per the Weed Management Act 1999) were recorded. A further 15 species either did not receive a risk rating or were not assessed under the WESI scheme. Table 3 – Environmental weeds observed in project area. Species
Common Name
Declared/ WoNS
WESI
WESI
Score
Category
Hedera helix
English Ivy
No
1
Very high risk
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
WoNS, Declared weed
3
Very high risk
Crocosmia
Montbretia
No
3
Very high risk
Blackberry
WoNS, Declared weed
4
Very high risk
Xcrocosmiiflora Rubus fruticosus
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Species
Common Name
Declared/ WoNS
WESI
WESI
Score
Category
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
No
6
Very high risk
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
Declared weed
10
Very high risk
Pittosporum undulatum
Sweet Pittosporum
No
10
Very high risk
Cotoneaster
Grey-leaved
No
10
Very high risk
glaucophyllus
Cotoneaster
Cotoneaster simonsii
Khasia Berry
No
10
Very high risk
Coprosma robusta
Karamu
Declared weed
10
Very high risk
Leycesteria formosa
Himalayan
No
10
Very high risk
subsp. undulatum
honeysuckle Genista monspessulana
Montpellier broom
WoNS, Declared weed
11
Very high risk
Clematis vitalba
Old Man's Beard
No
11
Very high risk
Acer pseudoplanatus
Sycamore Maple
No
11
Very high risk
Erica lusitanica
Spanish heath
Declared weed
11
Very high risk
Passiflora tarminiana
Banana
No
11
Very high risk
passionfruit Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
No
13
Very high risk
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
No
15
Very high risk
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
WoNS, Declared weed
15
Very high risk
Fuchsia magellanica
Fuchsia
No
19
Very high risk
Myosotis sylvatica
Forget-Me-Not
No
20
Very high risk
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum Lily
No
21
Very high risk
Salix fragilis
Crack willow
WoNS, Declared weed
23
Very high risk
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Species
Common Name
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Sweet Vernal
Declared/ WoNS
WESI
WESI
Score
Category
No
31
High risk
No
39
High risk
Grass Oxalis sp. Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
No
52
High risk
Cyperus eragrostis
Drain flat-sedge
No
53
High risk
Coprosma repens
Mirror bush
No
73
Medium risk
Arum sp.
Cuckoo-pint
No
75
Medium risk
Delairea odorata
Cape Ivy
No
77
Medium risk
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
No
97
Medium risk
Rosa rubiginosa
Briar Rose
No
98
Medium risk
Sambucus nigra
Elberberry Tree
No
100
Medium risk
Prunus laurocerasu
English Laurel
No
101
Medium risk
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly bush
No
102
Medium risk
Conium maculatum
Hemlock
No
104
Medium risk
Cirsium vulgare
Spear Thistle
No
115
Medium risk
Hypericum
Tutsan
No
118
Medium risk
Kniphofia uvaria
Red-hot Poker
No
121
Lower risk
Solanum nigrum
Deadly Nightshade
No
124
Lower risk
Nasturtium officinale
Watercress
No
131
Lower risk
Agapanthus praecox
Agapanthus
No
147
Lower risk
Populus alba
Poplar
No
156
Lower risk
androsaemum
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Species
Common Name
Declared/ WoNS
WESI
WESI
Score
Category
Verbascum thapsus
Mullein
No
176
Lower risk
Verbascum virgatum
Twiggy Mullein
No
176
Lower risk
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove
No
186
Lower risk
Kunzea ericoides
Burgan
No
189
Lower risk
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
Declared weed
212
Lower risk
Fumaria sp.
Fumitory
No
212
Lower risk
Galium aparine
Sticky Weed
No
212
Lower risk
Chamaecytisus
Tree Lucerne
No
213
Lower risk
Cirsium arvense
Californian Thistle
Declared weed
214
Lower risk
Helminthotheca
Bristly Oxtongue
No
214
Lower risk
Narcissus sp.
Daffodil/Jonquil
No
228
Lower risk
Centranthus ruber
Red Valerian
No
236
Lower risk
Euphorbia lathyris
Caper Spurge
No
240
Lower risk
Ribes sanguineum
Currant
No
243
Not assessed
No
243
Not invasive
palmensis
echioides
Pittosporum bicolor X undulatum Pittosporum tenuifolium
Kohuhu
No
423
Not invasive
Grevillea rosmariniifolia
Rosemary
No
243
Not assessed
Grevillea Laurus nobilis
Bay Laurel
No
243
Not assessed
Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax
No
243
Not invasive
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Species
Common Name
Declared/ WoNS
WESI
WESI
Score
Category
Bellis perennis
English daisy
No
NA
NA
Conyza bonariensis
Flaxleaf Fleabane
No
NA
NA
Betula pendula
Silver Birch
No
NA
NA
Arbutus unedo
Strawberry Tree
No
NA
NA
Gunnera maculata
Giant Rhubarb
No
NA
NA
Mentha Xpiperita
Peppermint
No
NA
NA
Cotoneaster dammeri
Bearberry
No
NA
NA
Cotoneaster Brugmansia sp.
Angels Trumpet
No
NA
NA
Physalis peruviana
Cape Gooseberry
No
NA
NA
Some of the exotic species observed in low numbers appeared to be naturalized as local garden escapes but are not known to be invasive in natural vegetation i.e. Betula pendula, Arbutus unedo, Gunnera maculata, Physalis peruviana, Cotoneaster dammeri, Brugmansia sp. These species have been listed here because they appear to have spread and naturalized but are likely to be very low risk. Other garden plants that have not naturalized have not been recorded here. Poplar (Populus alba), like willows, have been planted as ornamental trees in parts of the survey area but do not appear to be highly invasive in the area and pose little threat to native vegetation or riparian values. New Zealand flax (Phormium tenax) is classed as not invasive in the WESI list. However, it is known to be invasive in riparian situations elsewhere in Tasmania such as the Egg Islands in the Huon River.
6 Weed Management Zones The management zones identified here identify sections of the survey area with similar vegetation characteristics and management issues. A brief description of each zone is provided. Weed control and revegetation actions identified in this Vegetation Management Plan are based on these zones. The 17 zones identified include 10 zones along the length of Hobart Rivulet, plus five zones on Guy Fawkes Rivulet and two on Ross Rivulet. 26 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
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The location of the zones is shown in Figure 2. Detailed maps of each zone are presented in Appendix 1. GF1 This zone is in the middle reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet, extending from the Wellington Park boundary 500 m downstream to the bridge over the Rivulet on the Cascade Walking Track. The rivulet has a moderately steep gradient and occupies a well-defined gully with steep slopes. This zone is Cascade land. The riparian zone and surrounding land is entirely native forest, with E. globulus dominant in most situations and E. obliqua becoming dominant on the drier north-facing slopes. The native vegetation is in good condition and subject to minimal disturbance. Weeds are sparse in this zone. The most widespread weed is fuchsia, which occurs as small patches or individual plants in the watercourse or on the streambank. Gorse is limited to the transmission line easement. Several mature radiata pine trees occur at one location at the southern edge of the zone.
Figure 7 - Native riparian vegetation including tree fern in GF1
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GF2 This zone is in the middle reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet, extending from the bridge over the Rivulet on the Cascade Walking Track downstream to the confluence with Myrtle Gully Creek flowing from the northern side of Old Farm Road. The landscape featuring steep slopes is comparable to GF1. This zone is mostly Cascade land and includes a private residential block. The native forest is similar to that in GF1 but is in poorer condition due to more abundant and widespread weeds. The major weeds in this zone are sweet pittosporum and cotoneaster, occurring throughout most of the native forest, particularly on the wetter south-facing slopes. These woody weeds appear to be garden escapes originating from the neighbouring residential properties on Old Farm Road and are now well established in the understorey of the native forest with many mature plants producing bird-dispersed fruit. The declared weeds karamu and holly occur infrequently as immature shrubs. Fuchsia is present in several small riparian patches and blackberry occurs infrequently. The tributary of Guy Fawkes Rivulet was not surveyed for this project but is known to contain weeds including karamu, cotoneaster, gorse, blackberry and hydrangea.
Figure 8 - Fuchsia and blackberry on streambank in GF2.
GF3 This zone is in the lower reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet, where the watercourse gradient becomes less steep. It extends from GF2 to the junction of an unnamed tributary flowing from Jubilee Road in the south. The northern half of this zone is private land which has been cleared. 28 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
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The Cascade land in the southern half of this zone comprises steep rock slopes with dry forest. This forest is in good condition and weeds are mostly absent from the Cascade land in this zone. A few blackberry and fuchsia plants occur along the Rivulet, which is either on the property boundary or on the residential land.
Figure 9 - Native riparian vegetation in GF3
GF4 This large zone is mostly Cascade land, along with Council reserved road and a single residential parcel. Apart from the residential block and Old Farm Road, this zone is entirely native forest dominated by E. obliqua and is generally in poor condition due to the dominance of weeds in the understorey. Wet sclerophyll forest predominated on the south-facing slopes and creek flats. Dry forest occurs on the south side of Old Farm Road. While some areas are almost free of weeds, large parts of this zone feature dense infestations of blackberry and hawthorn, particularly on the rivulet banks and alluvial flats. Two small crack willows are present near the road bridge. Other weeds such as briar rose, cotoneaster, montbretia, fuchsia, gorse and Spanish heath occur infrequently. Another tributary enters from Golden Valley Road to the north and this intermittent watercourse contains blackberry, hawthorn and sweet pittosporum.
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Figure 10 - Dense infestation of blackberry and hawthorn at boundary of GF4 and GF5
GF5 This zone is directly upstream from Cascade Brewery and is Cascade Land. Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest occurs on the north side of the Rivulet. The flat land south of the Rivulet is cleared and maintained as exotic grassland, with some herbaceous weeds such as hemlock. Large willow trees dominate the riparian vegetation in this zone. Other riparian weeds include a single holly, several hawthorn and scattered St John’s wort. The native vegetation on south-facing slopes above the rivulet (on the north side) is in good condition with few weeds. H1 This zone extends from the Strickland Avenue bridge on the Hobart Rivulet downstream to the trash racks and residential properties. The zone is mostly Council land supporting native forest dominated by E. globulus. The south-facing slopes on the northern side of the Rivulet feature intact forest in good condition with few weeds. Forest on the south side of the Rivulet occupies alluvial flats and is in poor condition, with an understorey of scattered shrubs and exotic grasses reflecting a history of disturbance. There is some natural regeneration of native shrubs and some have been planted. Herbaceous weeds such as forget-me-not, mignonette and caper spurge occur throughout this area. Blackberry and montbretia are common in low densities along the rivulet banks. H2
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This zone is largely private residential land. Council land includes a landscaped area of public open space and some narrow riparian strips which are dominated by weeds. A small area of native forest on Council land at the western end of the zone is in poor condition and features a variety of established weeds including sycamore maple and English ivy. Blackberry, montbretia and St John’s wort are common on the creek banks throughout this zone. Weeds that are likely garden escapes from nearby properties include arum lily, Himalayan honeysuckle and cotoneaster. Several medium and large crack willows occur in the eastern half of this zone. An unnamed tributary flowing from upper Strickland Avenue enters the Hobart Rivulet upstream of Woodlyn Court. This tributary was not surveyed but casual observation from Strickland Avenue indicates that the watercourse on private land has extensive infestation of weeds including sycamore maple, blackberry and old man’s beard.
Figure 11 - Mix of native and exotic trees in H2.
H3 This large zone extends from near Avon Road to Cascade Gardens, including the confluence with Guy Fawkes Rivulet and the final section of that watercourse. The Cascade Brewery occupies a significant part of this zone and the section of Hobart Rivulet through this industrial complex is mostly channelized or underground. Native forest is confined to south-facing slopes and is generally dominated by E. obliqua, with E. globulus prominent at the eastern end. Native forest is on Cascade land and Council land and is in poor to moderate condition due to the presence of woody weeds such as cotoneaster, sweet pittosporum and blackberry. Gorse and blackberry occur infrequently on the creek banks. A wide variety of weeds are present in low numbers or local patches, including foxglove, montbretia, St 31 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
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Johns wort, elderberry and banana passionfruit. Weeds are locally dominant in much of the riparian habitat. Medium and large crack willows are present, generally in small patches of a few plants.
Figure 12 - Willow tree in H3.
H4 This zone from Cascade Gardens to Tara Street is largely residential land. The Council-owned Cascade Gardens at the western end of this zone features parkland with the Rivulet between the boulder trap and McRobies Road not landscaped and largely unmanaged. Sycamore maples are invasive in this area and other weeds are abundant including blackberry, montbretia, cotoneaster, periwinkle, cape ivy and St John’s wort. Many of these weeds are likely to have escaped from nearby private gardens. Medium and large crack willow trees are common in this section. Between McRobies Road and Tara Street the rivulet occupies a narrow strip of public land and is dominated by weeds. Several medium and large willow trees are present and a few sycamore maples. Dense patches of blackberry are present. Some weed control and revegetation planting has occurred in parts, likely by local residents. The streambed is mostly in a natural state, while retaining walls have replaced the riverbanks in parts. There is no infrastructure to facilitate public access to the rivulet in this Zone.
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Figure 13 - Native and exotic plants in H4.
H5 This zone from Tara Street and the confluence of the Ross Rivulet to Macfarlane Street features residential properties on the south side of the Rivulet and Council-owned land on the north side. The Council land includes flat parkland backed by steep sandstone slopes and cliffs which support remnant native forest dominated by E. globulus. The Rivulet in this zone has natural geomorphology but is lacking in riparian vegetation. Exotic grasses and herbaceous weeds (e.g. spear thistle, forget-me-not) are prominent along the banks, with some plantings of native species such as blackwood. Apart from small patches of weeds, environmental weeds such as blackberry, gorse, English broom, periwinkle and arum lily are infrequent and in low numbers. Large willows near Macfarlane Street have been removed and consequently this zone is free of willows and largely lacking in woody vegetation. The native forest on steep south-facing slopes is in fair condition, with a largely native understorey and few weeds.
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Figure 14 - Parkland with planted blackwood trees on top of left bank and weeds on right bank in H5
H6 This zone from Macfarlane Street to Anglesea Street is similar to H5 with residential land to the south and flat parkland on the north side of the Rivulet. Council land at the western end is very steep and forested as in H5. Unlike H5, the Rivulet banks are mostly densely vegetated with weeds including some large willows on the southern side. H7 This zone from Anglesea Street to Wynyard Street is mostly Council-managed parkland, with the Rivulet Park on both sides of the Rivulet along most of this zone. The riparian vegetation is comprised of exotic trees and shrubs, with a dense canopy of willows and sycamore maple. Some hawthorn and blackberry are present. The understorey is mostly open due to the dominance of the willows suppressing undergrowth. H8 This zone from Wynyard Street to Mackellar Street includes the Rivulet Park on the north side of the Rivulet and additional Council land on the south side which has no public access and is partly vegetated with large elm trees and partly a dense patch of annual and herbaceous weeds following removal of blackberries. The riparian habitat features a variety of weeds in low abundance, such as gorse, broom and tree lucerne. One large patch of blackberry is present, with smaller patches of Californian thistle and periwinkle. Mature willows have been removed 34 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
from this section and only two small willows are present. Revegetation following weed control near Wynyard Street has successfully established tussocks of Poa labillardieri.
Figure 15 - Revegetation site with Poa tussocks near Wynyard St
H9 This zone, from Mackellar Street to near Ispahan Avenue includes the Rivulet Park on the north side of the Rivulet and residential land on the south side. Willows are common in this zone and there are patches of periwinkle. Other weeds are infrequent, often present as a single plant. H10 This section from Ispahan Avenue to Molle St is the final stretch of waterway before the Rivulet is channelized through the Hobart CBD. The Rivulet Park occupies most of the northern side of the Rivulet, with private land on the south side. Numerous weeds are present along the Rivulet banks in this zone. Patches of blackberry and periwinkle occur in parts, particularly on steep banks. Retaining walls replace the natural riverbanks in places. Several small and medium size willows are present but no large willows.
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Figure 16 - Weedy vegetation along Hobart Rivulet in H10
R1 The upper reaches of Ross Rivulet below Forest Road include a mix of Council land and private land. This zone is mostly native forest, with three different forest communities present. The Ross Rivulet is an ephemeral watercourse with a steep gradient. The uppermost section near Forest Road is in good condition and almost free of weeds. However, weeds are common in the lower half of this zone. Here, the E. globulus forest has an open understorey with woody weeds including gorse and hawthorn, much of which has been controlled in recent years. Three mature willows and a few other weeds occur on the drainage line. A patch of thistles and other herbaceous weeds in a canopy gap next to the Rivulet on Council land has recently been treated. A large dense patch of gorse occurs in a power line easement on private land on the eastern side of the Rivulet and is a seed source for gorse spreading onto Council land. R2 The lower reaches of Ross Rivulet are steep and subject to streambank erosion that has been treated by recent instream stabilization and rock armouring works. This zone is lacking native vegetation, except for E. globulus forest on the lower section which extends into H5. This forest occurs on steep rocky slopes and is not riparian, the Ross Rivulet being diverted into a culvert under Tara Street for the final 100 m before it joins the Hobart Rivulet. The streambanks are mostly exotic pasture. Willows are infrequent and occur on both Council and private land. Gorse and broom occur as scattered individuals in the paddock, with small dense patches present near some remnant E. viminalis trees. The watercourse and surrounding area are in poor condition due to soil erosion, lack of native vegetation and presence of woody weeds. 36 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Figure 17 - Broom and gorse with remnant patch of white gums in lower Ross Rivulet
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7 Weed Control The survey area contains a wide variety of environmental weeds including significant infestations of high threat weeds. Most weed species are disturbance colonisers that benefit from disturbance to native vegetation or soils. Riparian areas are naturally subject to flood disturbance, which promotes establishment of weeds. The urban and peri-urban environment favours weeds due to vegetation fragmentation and disturbance and an abundance of exotic plants species, many of which are invasive.
Weed control methods Choice of weed control methods will be influenced by a wide range of factors including target weed species, extent of weeds, presence of native vegetation, site accessibility, erosion risk, proximity to watercourse, private land and other infrastructure such as bridges and tracks, and so on. Most of the environmental weeds present in the survey area are difficult to control or eradicate because they can regenerate from roots, stem fragments or soil seed bank. Some weeds have seeds dispersed by birds, which allows them to spread from urban gardens into bushland (e.g. sweet pittosporum, karamu and cotoneaster). Water is an effective dispersal mechanism for seeds and other propagules, which are readily distributed downstream. Willows, for example, can grow from twigs or branches transported in floods. Herbicide treatment is the most effective and efficient method for controlling most weeds, particularly in large scale infestations. Choice of herbicide will depend on the target species and application method. Many of the weeds in the survey area are growing in a watercourse on the streambanks and therefore only herbicides and surfactants approved for aquatic use are suitable. Effectiveness of herbicide control and minimization of impacts on non-target (native) species are influenced by application method and seasonal timing. Generally, direct application of herbicide (e.g. cut and paste or drill and fill) is preferable to spraying because less herbicide is required and impacts on non-target species and the environment (e.g. waterways) are minimised. Manual control by slashing/brushcutting, hand pulling or digging out weeds is often effective for initial control prior to herbicide treatment. Where weeds occur in large dense patches, such as blackberry and periwinkle, a useful strategy is to cut the weeds to ground level with a brushcutter and spray the subsequent new growth with herbicide to control regrowth prior to revegetation work. Staging of this work over several years may be useful to reduce soil erosion and streambank instability. It may be preferable to treat individual patches of a few metres of 38 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
streambank at one time rather than entire stretches of the watercourse. Revegetation can proceed in treated patches amongst more extensive weeds.
Community engagement While it is anticipated that Council staff or professional contractors will undertake or at least coordinate much of the weed control and revegetation works, there are significant opportunities for engagement with community volunteers, such as Bushcare groups. Sites suitable for volunteer weed control and/or revegetation will be relatively accessible and without high-risk hazards such as steep slopes. Weed control works involving manual removal, such as hand pulling of small plants or cut and paste application of herbicide, may be suited to volunteers, while works involving machinery or herbicide spraying are not. Revegetation works such as planting tubestock and installing tree guards are generally suited to volunteer work, while site preparation and follow-up maintenance will be the responsibility of Council or private property owners. Refer to Table 4 - Summary of weed control priorities and approach by zones. Table 4 for an indication of zones where volunteer weeding and/or revegetation projects may be appropriate, noting that the suitability of each individual worksite will needed to be assessed prior to commencing a volunteer project.
Weed control prioritisation The aim of weed control varies across the 17 management zones described in Section 6. Zones with few weeds and mostly intact native vegetation are a high priority for weed control and will require relatively little effort to remove weeds and allow natural revegetation to take place. Zones with well-established weeds in native vegetation will require more effort for weed control and active revegetation to restore native bushland. In the more urban zones (e.g. the Rivulet Park), the aim will be to remove weeds and revegetate sites for both fauna habitat, public amenity and stormwater/flood management. These zones are described as ‘parkland’ based on the character of the Rivulet Park, noting that the streambanks in these areas will generally be revegetated with native flora for habitat and erosion control rather than landscaped for public amenity. Early intervention is a high priority because it is much easier to control an emerging weed problem before it becomes established, particularly for weeds that form dense patches (e.g. blackberry, periwinkle, gorse) and tree species that can grow to a large size (e.g. crack willow, sycamore maple). Council needs to review the maintenance currently undertaken on Hobart Rivulet in parkland, and look for opportunities to intervene, for example the existing brush-cutting could be expanded to include cutting out small sycamore maples.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Figure 18 - Dense infestation of blackberry, with willows and other weeds, on Hobart Rivulet adjacent to Cascade Brewery
Table 4 provides a summary of the weed control issues and aims for the 17 zones and a prioritization for works. A summary of willow control is presented in Table 5. Section 8 provides detail for individual weeds within each zone. Table 4 - Summary of weed control priorities and approach by zones. Zone
Weeds extent
Aim
Priority
Future character
Revegetation required
Suitability for volunteers
GF1
few
E
H
Bushland
None
N
GF2
widespread
E
H
Bushland
None
Possibly
GF3
few
E
H
Bushland
None
N
GF4
extensive
C
M
Bushland
Minor
Y
GF5
extensive
C
M
Bushland
Minor
N
H01
widespread
E
M
Bushland
Minor
Y
H02
widespread
C
M
Minor
Y
H03
widespread/ extensive
C
M
Minor
In parts
H04
extensive
C
L
Parkland
Extensive
N
H05
few
E
L
Bushland
Extensive
Y
H06
extensive
C
L
Bushland/ parkland
Extensive
In parts
H07
extensive
E
L
Parkland
Extensive
Y
Bushland/ parkland Bushland/ industrial
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Zone
Weeds extent
Aim
Priority
Future character
Revegetation required
Suitability for volunteers
H08
widespread
C
L
Parkland
Extensive
In parts
H09
widespread
C
L
Parkland
Extensive
Y
H10
extensive
C
L
Parkland
Extensive
In parts
R1
few
E
H
Bushland
Minor
Y
R2
few
E
L
Bushland
Extensive
Y
Prevention of further weed establishment Preventing the introduction and spread of weeds, or early detection and control, is more effective than dealing with an established weed infestation. Vehicle and machinery biosecurity is important when undertaking weed control and revegetation works to reduce the risk of introducing weeds to the site and spreading weeds from the site (see Section 7.5). Domestic gardens and roadsides are major sources of the weeds invading the Rivulet and surrounding bushland. This will be an ongoing threat which will necessitate regular surveillance and weed control in the survey area to detect and control newly established weeds early, particularly in areas where weed control has been successfully undertaken. While private land ownership presents a barrier to more strategic and comprehensive weed management along the Rivulet, there may be opportunities for outreach to specific landowners to promote education and collaboration where private land presents a high risk of spreading weeds onto public land. For example, a campaign to encourage landowners neighbouring bushland to remove specific high-risk weeds (e.g. karamu, Spanish heath, sweet pittosporum and cotoneaster) could reduce the threat to native vegetation. In the riparian environment, weeds will mostly disperse downstream and therefore strategic weed control will generally target upstream weeds first. For example, control of fuchsia and karamu on Guy Fawkes Rivulet in Wellington Park should be undertaken if these weeds are to be controlled downstream of the park boundary.
Biosecurity and disposal of weed material All staff, contractors and volunteers undertaking works should follow Council’s policies and procedures to prevent spread of weeds, including seeds, from and to works sites. This includes vehicle and machinery hygiene measures to minimise the risk of spreading weeds away from the site. In addition to vehicle and machinery hygiene measures, the movement of soil around the 41 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
site and the import and export of soil or gravel should aim to minimise the risk of weed dispersal. Failure to adhere to hygiene guidelines could result in the spread of declared weeds from the site to other areas and is in breach of the Weed Management Act 1999. Weed control methods which involve physical removal of weeds, such as hand pulling or cut and paste, may require disposal of weed debris. Weed material containing seeds should be bagged and removed from the site for disposal in landfill. It may be practical to cut off and dispose of seed heads separate from the remaining weed material, particularly if it is bulky. Weed material that may regrow, such as montbretia corms and any parts of crack willow, should be disposed of carefully, such as removal and composting. Other weed material may be piled and left to decay on site, chipped for use as mulch on site or removed from the site and composted.
Willow control strategy Willow removal has been undertaken at several locations in the survey area. Seven stretches of large mature willows remain. A strategic approach to willow removal will aim to remove willows from entire reaches of the waterway, proceeding downstream. Engagement of private property owners adjacent to council land will be critical for the successful control of willows in the rivulet. The highest priority for control is zone GF4 where two immature willows in native forest can be controlled with minimal effort. The other zones with willows will require more substantial works, typically requiring machinery to remove willows. Willow trees present on private land that are not removed as part of Council works will present an ongoing risk of spreading willows downstream. The negative impacts of invasive willows are well documented, but willows may also have some positive influence on waterway health and biodiversity in degraded systems, particularly in regulating water temperature by providing shade (McInerney et al., 2021). Staging willow removal works by targeting individual reaches of the waterway at different times allows work to be carried out with limited resources and provides some resilience to impacts of floods or heatwaves that may be exacerbated if all willows were removed at once. Planning for willow removal should consider the desired endpoint for restoration of the waterway, which may not be trying to replicate the historical native riparian vegetation due to other factors such as waterway engineering, altered catchment hydrology and climate change (McInerney et al., 2021). In the lower reaches of Hobart Rivulet, the lack of knowledge of the pre-colonial native vegetation and the mosaic of other land uses (e.g. residential, parkland) precludes restoration of an extensive natural ecosystem. However, it is practical to use local native plant species in this section to perform hydrological and ecological roles in this modified environment.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Willow control methods Willow control methods to be used: 1. Drill and fill (with a registered, water-safe herbicide, e.g. Weedmaster DUO) in areas with good native vegetation cover or where machinery access is not possible. The method kills the willows in -situ and does not include felling and removal of the tree. This approach is not recommended in sites accessible from the Rivulet Park, to remove the risk of falling limbs if the public were to climb the dead tree. 2. Machine removal of living willows may be feasible where there is no native vegetation and there is already considerable disturbance of the waterway. Machine removal of living willow will involve removal of the trunk and branches, cut and paste (with a registered, water-safe herbicide) the stem and retention of stumps. Ongoing monitoring and control of willow fragment regrowth is vital with this method. 3. Hand pulling of small plants and fragments and removal of debris. 4. Cut and paste of small saplings and the removal of debris. Herbicide application must be during the growing season, ideally in late spring or summer. Cut trunks and branches will be removed from the site and disposed of.
Willow control by zones Crack willow is a major ecosystem-transforming weed in the catchment. Willow removal requires significant works, typically involving heavy machinery. Willow removal can have short-term negative impacts on streambank stability, instream habitat and site aesthetics. Careful planning and implementation of works and subsequent site restoration are needed to remedy these impacts and ensure willows are replaced with vegetation that provides habitat (instream and riparian), streambank stabilization and visual amenity. The highest priority zones for willow removal are GF4 and R1 (Table 5). Willows have a limited extent on Guy Fawkes Rivulet, the furthest upstream crack willows are near the bridge on Old Farm Road in GF4. Two immature plants are present and can easily be removed, preventing the risk of downstream dispersal into the remainder of the zone, which is presently lacking in willows. The lower reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet (GF5) feature extensive willows with easy access for machinery. On Hobart Rivulet, the furthest upstream willows are located around the trash rack which has machinery access from Strickland Avenue, although the trash rack may be a limitation for machinery access to some of the willow trees. The other willows in H2 are more difficult to access 43 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
due to private land. It may be possible to arrange machinery access via a private driveway at 81 Strickland Avenue onto 36 Avon Road to reach some of the large willow trees in this section. Most of the willows in H3 cannot be reached with machinery and would need to be poisoned and left in situ. This includes a significant number of willows within the Cascade Brewery site and along the northern side of the Brewery. Similarly, in Cascade Gardens and downstream to Tara Street (H4) the Hobart Rivulet is largely inaccessible to machinery. Willow control has been completed in H5 (Figure 19). Most of H6 is accessible for machinery, which may be useful for removing medium-sized willows in this area. Small willows can be removed by hand. The large willows on the south bank of the Rivulet are probably on private land (Collegiate School) and may be out of reach of machinery, but pose no risk to the adjacent school for drill and fill treatment. The extensive large willows in H7, near South Hobart Primary School, can be accessed for mechanical removal on either side of the Rivulet. Willows have been removed in the next section (H8) and manual removal of the two small regrowth willows is an easy option.
Figure 19 - Cut stumps and lack of tree cover following removal of large willow trees near MacFarlane St
Machinery access is possible on the north side of the Rivulet in H9 and H10 and therefore most of the willows in these lower reaches of the Rivulet can be mechanically removed. Some of the small and medium sized willows will require manual removal or can be poisoned and left in situ.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Few willows are present in Ross Rivulet, so eradication will be relatively easy in this area. Machinery access is difficult in the upper reaches (R1), and it is preferable to drill and fill willows and leave them in situ. In R2 there is potential machinery access though the paddock, which allows the mechanical removal of willows there. A resprouting cut stump at Tara Street requires herbicide treatment. Table 5– Willow control approach by management zone. Zone
Distribution
Aim
Priority
Eradication, Control
High, Medium, Low
Control method
GF4
isolated
E
H
Cut and paste, manual removal of material
GF5
extensive
E
M
Mechanical removal
H02
widespread
E
M
H03
widespread
E
M
H04
extensive
E
M
H06
extensive
E
M
H07
extensive
E
M
Mechanical removal
H08
isolated
E
M
Manual removal
H09
extensive
E
M
H10
widespread
C
L
R1
few
E
H
Drill and fill
R2
few
E
M
Mechanical removal
Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access
Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access Mechanical removal where possible, drill and fill where no machinery access
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
8
Weed Control Action Plan
Within each management zone, the distribution of all major weed species has been classified as follows:
Isolated (i) – single individual or up to 3 plants,
Few (f) – small number of plants occurring as scattered individuals or in a small patch,
Widespread (w) – present at numerous locations as individual plants or multiple small patches,
Extensive (e) – large patches of the species covering a significant area.
For each weed in each zone the management aim has been determined as eradicate or control (except for some minor weeds which do not require active management). Eradication (E) is appropriate where a weed is present in low numbers or poses a significant threat to natural values. Control (C) is a practical option where the weed species is well established and eradication is not feasible, or where the threat is of little concern. Control is a broad term that may involve containment, or strategic removal and revegetation depending on the context. Three categories of priority for action are provided. High priority actions are typically cases where high threat weeds occur in native vegetation and can readily be eradicated. These actions offer good value outcomes. Medium priority actions reflect either lower risk threats or high risk threats that are less practical to address, such as long-term labour-intensive works. Low priority actions are low threat weeds or established weeds in degraded areas where the effort required is large and biodiversity benefits are lower. The weed control prioritization for individual weed species is presented in Table 6. Willow control presents some unique challenges and is addressed in more detail in Section 0 and Table 5.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Table 6 – Weed control prioritisation by management zone. Zone
Species name
Common name
WESI Score
WESI Category
Distribution Isolated (i)
Aim
Priority
Eradication, Control
High, Medium, Low
f
E
H
i
E
H
w
C
M
w
C
M
e
C
M
e
C
M
f
E
H
i
E
H
i
E
H
w
C
M
f
E
H
i
E
M
w
C
L
w
C
L
f
E
M
Few (f) Widespread (w) Extensive (e)
GF1
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
6
GF1
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
GF1
Fuchsia magellanica
Fuchsia
19
GF2
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
GF2
Cotoneaster spp.
Cotoneaster
10
GF2
Pittosporum undulatum subsp. undulatum
Sweet Pittosporum
10
GF2
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
10
GF2
Coprosma robusta
Karamu
10
GF2
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
GF2
Fuchsia magellanica
Fuchsia
19
GF2
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum lily
21
GF2
Sorbus aucuparia
Rowan
NA
GF3
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
GF3
Fuchsia magellanica
Fuchsia
19
GF4
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk NA Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 GF4
Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora
Montbretia
3
GF4
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
GF4
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
6
GF4
Cotoneaster spp.
Cotoneaster
10
GF4
Erica lusitanica
Spanish heath
11
GF4
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
13
GF4
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
GF4
Fuchsia magellanica
Fuchsia
19
GF4
Myosotis sp.
Forget-Me-Not
20
GF4
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
GF4
Rosa rubiginosa
Briar Rose
98
GF4
Kunzea ericoides
Burgan
GF4
Pittosporum bicolor X undulatum
GF5
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
10
GF5
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
13
GF5
Myosotis sp.
Forget-Me-Not
20
GF5
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
H01
Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora
Montbretia
3
H01
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
w
C
L
e
C
M
i
E
M
f
E
M
f
E
H
e
C
L
f
C
M
w
C
L
i
E
H
Medium risk
f
E
M
189
Lower risk
f
E
M
243
Not invasive
i i
E
H
f
C
L
e
E
M
w
C
M
w
C
M
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
f
f
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
H01
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
6
H01
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
10
H01
Myosotis sp.
Forget-Me-Not
20
H01
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Sweet Vernal Grass
31
High risk
e
H01
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
97
Medium risk
e
H01
Hypericum androsaemum
Tutsan
118
Medium risk
H01
Kniphofia uvaria
Red-hot Poker
121
H01
Verbascum virgatum
Twiggy Mullein
H01
Euphorbia lathyris
H02
i
E
M
i
E
H
w
C
L
Lower risk
i
E
L
176
Lower risk
f
C
L
Caper Spurge
240
Lower risk
f
C
L
Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora
Montbretia
3
w
C
L
H02
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
w
C
M
H02
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
6
i
E
M
H02
Cotoneaster spp.
Cotoneaster
10
f
C
M
H02
Leycesteria formosa
Himalayan Honeysuckle
10
i
E
H
H02
Acer pseudoplanatus
Sycamore Maple
11
f
E
M
H02
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
13
f
C
M
H02
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
f
E
H
H02
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
15
f
C
M
H02
Myosotis sp.
Forget-Me-Not
20
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
e
w
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H02
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum Lily
21
H02
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
H02
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
High risk
f
H02
Delairea odorata
Cape Ivy
77
Moderate risk
i
H02
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
97
Medium risk
w
H02
Sambucus nigra
Elderberry Tree
100
Medium risk
H02
Hypericum androsaemum
Tutsan
118
Medium risk
H03
Hedera helix
English Ivy
1
H03
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
H03
Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora
Montbretia
3
H03
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
H03
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
6
H03
Cotoneaster spp.
Cotoneaster
10
H03
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
10
H03
Coprosma robusta
Karamu
10
H03
Pittosporum undulatum subsp. undulatum
Sweet Pittosporum
10
H03
Acer pseudoplanatus
Sycamore Maple
11
H03
Erica lusitanica
Spanish heath
11
Very high risk Very high risk
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
i
E
H
w
E
M
C
M
f
C
L
w
C
L
f
C
M
f
E
M
w
C
L
e
C
M
f
E
M
e
C
M
f
E
H
f
E
H
w
C
M
f
E
M
i
E
H
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
H03
Passiflora tarminiana
Banana passionfruit
11
H03
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
13
H03
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
15
H03
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
H03
Myosotis sp.
Forget-Me-Not
20
H03
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
H03
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
High risk
f
H03
Delairea odorata
Cape Ivy
77
Moderate risk
i
H03
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
97
Medium risk
w
H03
Rosa rubiginosa
Briar Rose
98
Medium risk
H03
Sambucus nigra
Elberberry Tree
100
H03
Prunus laurocerasus
English Laurel
H03
Conium maculatum
H03
i
E
H
e
C
M
f
C
M
w
C
M
E
M
C
L
i
C
L
Medium risk
w
C
L
101
Medium risk
w
C
L
Hemlock
104
Medium risk
w
C
L
Hypericum androsaemum
Tutsan
118
Medium risk
w
C
L
H03
Agapanthus praecox
Agapanthus
147
Lower risk
f
E
M
H03
Populus alba
Poplar
156
Lower risk
f
N
H03
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove
186
Lower risk
f
C
L
H03
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
212
Lower risk
f
C
L
H03
Galium aparine
Sticky Weed
212
Lower risk
f
C
L
H03
Chamaecytisus palmensis
Tree Lucerne
213
Lower risk
f
E
L
w w
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H03
Cirsium arvense
Californian Thistle
214
Lower risk
i
C
L
H03
Grevillea spp.
grevillea
243
Not assessed
i
E
L
H03
Gunnera maculata
Giant Rhubarb
NA
NA
i
E
L
H04
Hedera helix
English Ivy
1
f
C
M
H04
Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora
Montbretia
3
f
C
L
H04
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
i
E
H
H04
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
e
C
M
H04
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
6
i
E
M
H04
Cotoneaster spp.
Cotoneaster
10
e
C
M
H04
Leycesteria formosa
Himalayan Honeysuckle
10
i
E
H
H04
Clematis vitalba
Old Man's Beard
11
e
C
M
H04
Acer pseudoplanatus
Sycamore Maple
11
w
E
M
H04
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
13
f
E
M
H04
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
15
w
E
M
H04
Myosotis sp.
Forget-Me-Not
20
H04
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
E
M
H04
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
High risk
f
H04
Delairea odorata
Cape Ivy
77
Moderate risk
f
C
M
H04
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
97
Medium risk
w
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
w e
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H04
Sambucus nigra
Elberberry Tree
100
Medium risk
f
C
L
H04
Prunus laurocerasus
English Laurel
101
Medium risk
f
C
L
H04
Conium maculatum
Hemlock
104
Medium risk
w
C
L
H04
Hypericum androsaemum
Tutsan
118
Medium risk
w
C
L
H04
Nasturtium officinale
Watercress
131
Lower risk
f
H04
Agapanthus praecox
Agapanthus
147
Lower risk
f
E
M
H04
Populus alba
Poplar
156
Lower risk
f
H04
Verbascum thapsus
Mullein
176
Lower risk
i
C
L
H04
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove
186
Lower risk
f
C
L
H04
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
212
Lower risk
f
C
L
H04
Galium aparine
Sticky Weed
212
Lower risk
f
C
L
H04
Fumaria sp.
Fumitory
212
Lower risk
i
C
L
Tree Lucerne
213
Lower risk
w
C
L
Bristly Oxtongue
214
Lower risk
i
C
L
E
L
f
E
M
e
C
M
i
E
M
H04 H04
Chamaecytisus palmensis Helminthotheca echioides
H04
Ribes sanguineum
Currant
243
Not assessed
i
H04
Gunnera maculata
Giant Rhubarb
NA
NA
i
H04
Brugmansia sp.
Angels Trumpet
NA
NA
i
H05
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
H05
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
H05
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
6
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
H05
Clematis vitalba
Old Man's Beard
11
H05
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
H05
Myosotis sp.
Forget-Me-Not
20
H05
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum Lily
21
H05
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
High risk
f
H05
Coprosma repens
Mirror Bush
73
Medium risk
i
H05
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
97
Medium risk
w
H05
Cirsium vulgare
Spear Thistle
115
Medium risk
H05
Kniphofia uvaria
Red-hot Poker
121
H05
Chamaecytisus palmensis
Tree Lucerne
H05
Narcissus sp.
H05
e
C
M
f
E
M
E
H
E
M
f
C
L
Lower risk
i
C
L
213
Lower risk
i
C
L
Daffodil/Jonquil
228
Lower risk
i
Laurus nobilis
Bay Laurel
243
H06
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
f
E
M
H06
Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora
Montbretia
3
f
C
M
H06
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
e
C
M
H06
Acer pseudoplanatus
Sycamore Maple
11
e
C
M
H06
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
e
C
M
H06
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
15
e
C
M
H06
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum Lily
21
i
E
M
Not assessed Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
f i
i
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H06
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
Very high risk
e
H06
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
High risk
f
H06
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly bush
102
Medium risk
i
H06
Conium maculatum
Hemlock
104
Medium risk
f
H06
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove
186
Lower risk
H06
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
212
H06
Euphorbia lathyris
Caper Spurge
H06
Phormium tenax
H06
E
M
f
C
L
Lower risk
i
C
L
240
Lower risk
f
C
L
New Zealand Flax
243
Not invasive
i
C
L
Arbutus unedo
Strawberry Tree
NA
NA
i
H06
Cotoneaster dammeri
Bearberry Cotoneaster
NA
NA
i
H07
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
e
C
M
H07
Acer pseudoplanatus
Sycamore Maple
11
e
C
M
H07
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
13
e
C
M
H07
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
e
C
M
H07
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
e
E
M
H07
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
H07
Vinca major
Periwinkle
15
f
E
M
H08
Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora
Montbretia
3
f
C
M
H08
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
i
E
H
H08
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
e
C
M
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk High risk
f
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H08
Genista monspessulana
Canary Broom
11
H08
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
15
H08
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
H08
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
H08
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
High risk
f
H08
Delairea odorata
Cape Ivy
77
Moderate risk
f
H08
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
97
Medium risk
w
H08
Solanum nigrum
Deadly Nightshade
124
Lower risk
e
H08
Digitalis purpurea
Foxglove
186
Lower risk
f
H08
Galium aparine
Sticky Weed
212
Lower risk
f
H08
Chamaecytisus palmensis
Tree Lucerne
213
Lower risk
H08
Cirsium arvense
Californian Thistle
214
Lower risk
H09
Hedera helix
English Ivy
1
H09
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
H09
Clematis vitalba
Old Man's Beard
11
H09
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
H09
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
High risk
f
H09
Coprosma repens
Mirror Bush
73
Medium risk
i
H09
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
97
Medium risk
w
H09
Populus alba
Poplar
156
Lower risk
f
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
f
E
H
e
C
M
f
E
H
i
E
M
C
M
C
L
f
C
L
f
E
H
e
C
M
f
C
M
e
C
M
e
E
M
E
M
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H09
Kunzea ericoides
Burgan
189
Lower risk
i
E
L
H09
Phormium tenax
New Zealand Flax
243
Not invasive
i
E
L
H10
Hedera helix
English Ivy
1
f
C
L
H10
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
f
E
L
H10
Rubus fruticosus
Blackberry
4
e
C
L
H10
Cotoneaster spp.
Cotoneaster
10
w
C
L
H10
Clematis vitalba
Old Man's Beard
11
e
C
L
H10
Genista monspessulana
Canary Broom
11
f
C
L
H10
Acer pseudoplanatus
Sycamore Maple
11
i
E
L
H10
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
15
e
C
L
H10
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
i
E
M
H10
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
w
C
L
H10
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
52
High risk
f
C
L
H10
Coprosma repens
Mirror Bush
73
Medium risk
f
C
L
H10
Delairea odorata
Cape Ivy
77
Moderate risk
f
C
L
H10
Rosa rubiginosa
Briar Rose
98
Medium risk
i
C
L
H10
Kunzea ericoides
Burgan
189
Lower risk
i
E
L
H10
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel
212
Lower risk
w
C
L
H10
Chamaecytisus palmensis
Tree Lucerne
213
Lower risk
i
C
L
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 H10
Helminthotheca echioides
Bristly Oxtongue
214
Lower risk
i
H10
Centranthus ruber
Red Valerian
236
Lower risk
w
H10
Conyza bonariensis
Flaxleaf Fleabane
NA
NA
f
H10
Physalis peruviana
Cape Gooseberry
NA
NA
i
H2
Hedera helix
English Ivy
1
H2
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
R1
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
R1
Myosotis sp.
Forget-Me-Not
20
R1
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
R1
Conium maculatum
Hemlock
104
R2
Cytisus scoparius
Scotch Broom
3
R2
Cotoneaster spp.
Cotoneaster
10
R2
Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn
13
R2
Ulex europaeus
Gorse
15
R2
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
15
R2
Salix fragilis
Crack Willow
23
R2
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Sweet Vernal Grass
31
High risk
w
R2
Dactylis glomerata
Cocks Foot
97
Medium risk
w
Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Medium risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk Very high risk
w
C
M
f
E
H
e
C
M
f
E
H
f
C
L
e
C
M
i
E
H
i
E
H
e
E
M
i
E
M
f
E
M
f
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
9 Revegetation Guidelines Revegetation will be necessary following weed control in most situations. Revegetation involves establishing native plants on sites lacking vegetation or dominated by weeds. There are several possible aims of revegetation works and the revegetation methods and species choice will be determined by the specific aims:
reduce the regrowth of weeds by providing competition,
stabilize soils and reduce erosion and streambank instability,
restore degraded or lost native vegetation,
assist in the treatment of stormwater,
provide habitat for native fauna,
provide public amenity, such as landscaping.
Choice of species for revegetation plantings will reflect the desired vegetation structure. For restoration of native bushland it is necessary to plant a mix of canopy trees, understorey shrubs and groundcover plants. If there is already a tree canopy present and the understorey is dominated by weeds it will only be necessary to plant understorey species following weed control. For parkland plantings the vegetation structure may vary from natural bushland. It may be desirable to plant only groundcover species to improve visibility and sunlight, for example where taller vegetation would reduce sightlines for walkers and cyclists on the Rivulet Track. Similarly, planting trees and groundcovers with no understorey layer can provide a parkland effect, with some shade and habitat value while improving public safety. Establishing groundcover species is important in most situations because they will help to stabilize soil (especially on streambanks), provide habitat for many native fauna species (e.g. bandicoots, native hens) and help suppress weeds. For bushland restoration, native vegetation in similar situations should be used as a guide – it may be that the natural vegetation has a sparse groundcover layer and a dense shrub layer. However, we need to be mindful of bushfire risk. A sparse shrub layer disconnected from the canopy and the groundcover layer is best. Also, Bandicoots need dense plantings in clumps not sparse plantings.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Figure 20 - Erosion control works and revegetation with grasses and sedges on Ross Rivulet
Revegetation Methodology This section outlines major considerations for revegetation projects including local knowledge and experience of Council staff, professional contractors and experienced volunteers. 9.1.1
Site preparation and planting
Revegetation in this project is primarily for sites following weed control. This should involve both primary removal and at least one follow-up treatment of weed regrowth. In addition to weeds, pasture grasses will need to be suppressed in many revegetation sites. Woody weed debris (excluding willow, weeds with seed material and weeds that grow from fragments) could be mulched to prepare the site for revegetation in some instances. Additional mulch may be required to be imported to the site. Mulching is useful for suppressing weeds and grasses in areas not prone to flooding. Weed matting may be used instead of mulch on steep slopes where erosion is a risk. 9.1.2
Planting
Timing of planting will depend on site conditions. On dry sites, such as north-facing slopes, planting in late autumn or winter (May through August) is ideal. Most of the sites requiring revegetation are in the riparian zone where soil moisture is adequate for planting for much of the year. Planting in winter or early spring is appropriate for sites with good drainage where waterlogging is not a risk. For lower streambanks where there is a risk of flooding or waterlogging 60 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
it is better to plant in spring and time planting to avoid heavy rainfalls. For riparian sites with no tree canopy cover spring planting may be preferable to reduce risk of frost damage to seedlings, although the suggested native species should be frost tolerant if the seedlings have been hardened prior to planting. Planting in summer should generally be avoided. Timing is important if bare ground is exposed and at risk of erosion or weed invasion. Spacing of plants will vary depending on the purpose of the planting and the mature size of the species planted. Tree species (e.g. eucalypts) should be planted 10 m apart. Shrubs should be planted 4–5 m apart for bushland restoration or where a dense understorey is desired. A lower density of shrubs may be appropriate in parkland areas where a more open vegetation is desired. Groundcover plants (grasses, sedges, rushes) should be planted in clusters of 3–5 plants, with density of planting determined by how much bare ground is present. Dense plantings of groundcover species, such as sedges and rushes, may be useful on lower streambanks around stormwater outflows, to reduce erosion and flow rates. 9.1.3
Plant protection
Most plants will be at risk of severe damage from browsing by native mammals. All newly planted trees and shrubs will need to be protected from browsing by native animals using tree guards, except within the zone inundated by regular flooding. The condition of the guards should be monitored and any damaged or missing guards replaced until plants are well established, at which time they should be removed. Temporary fencing may be more practical than tree guards around clusters of groundcover plantings (sedges and tussocks) or shrubs where planting density is high. Grasses and sedges are naturally more resilient to browsing and can be planted without guards, particularly those planted within the waterway and lower streambanks.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Figure 21 - Revegetation site on Hobart Rivulet near Tara St
9.1.4
Watering
Depending on the seasonal weather conditions following plantings, some supplementary watering of plants may be required during dry periods until plants become well established. Given the predominantly sheltered aspect and the riparian location, plantings are unlikely to require watering unless weather conditions are exceptionally dry. 9.1.5
Maintenance
Plantings are to be monitored and maintained on a regular basis. Dead plants are to be replaced and guards and stakes replaced if they deteriorate prior to successful plant establishment. Tree guards should be removed when plants are established (typically after 2–3 years). The control of weeds and pasture around plantings and within guards should be undertaken to ensure plants are not out-competed for nutrients, water and light. Careful spot spraying with herbicide may be useful for control of grasses or weed regrowth around revegetation plantings where mulch or weed matting is not used. Maintenance may be required for up to five years after initial planting until the revegetation is well established. Tussock grass (Poa labillardieri) grows fast but becomes dominated by dead foliage which requires periodic slashing or burning to promote new green foliage in ornamental plantings. 9.1.6
Species selection
Local native plant species representative of the remnant and historical flora of the Hobart Rivulet have been considered for their revegetation potential. Table 7 provides a list of suggested local 62 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
native species suitable for revegetation by planting of seedlings. This list comprises species currently inhabiting the catchment area and likely to have been present in lower sections of the Hobart Rivulet prior to the development of the city. The list is not exhaustive and there are other Tasmanian native species suitable for planting in the area that may be used. Choice of species will depend on site characteristics; revegetation aims and plant availability. Site suitability:
R – riparian (suitable for streambanks),
W – wet forest, damp or shady situations,
D – dry forest.
Utility of plants for specific purposes:
N – native forest restoration following weed control,
P – parkland planting for public amenity.
The aim of revegetation works for each zone is indicated in Table 4, with broad categories of ‘bushland’ and ‘parkland’. Bushland includes areas of existing native vegetation requiring rehabilitation following weed control as well as degraded areas that can be restored to native vegetation. For example, establishing bushland in zone R2 will provide habitat connectivity between Knocklofty and the Hobart Rivulet corridor. All the plants suggested here are local native species. The parkland classification here indicates those native plants that are suitable for more formal or landscaped planting. This assumes that future revegetation plantings will use entirely native flora even if the structure of the vegetation does not seek to recreate a natural vegetation community. It is assumed that landscaped sections of the Rivulet Park containing exotic plants (including mainland Australian species) will continue to be maintained as such. In some situations in the lower reaches of Hobart Rivulet, it may be desirable to plant non-invasive exotic species following weed removal in the riparian zone, in keeping with the landscaping of the Rivulet Park. This would be determined by the City of Hobart.
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Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
Species name
Table 7 - Some suggested native plant species suitable for revegetation Common Name Lifeform Site Utility Notes R – riparian W – wet forest D – dry forest.
N – native restoration P – parkland
Eucalyptus globulus
blue gum
tree (large)
RWD
NP
Eucalyptus obliqua
stringybark
tree (large)
WD
N
Eucalyptus ovata
black gum
tree (large)
RW
P
white gum
tree (large)
WD
NP
blackwood
tree
RWD
NP
varnished wattle
tall shrub
W
NP
sheoak
tall shrub
D
NP
currajong
tall shrub
RW
NP
Banksia marginata
silver banksia
tall shrub
WD
NP
Bedfordia salicina
blanketleaf
tall shrub
RW
N
Dodonaea viscosa
hop-bush
tall shrub
WD
N
Pittosporum bicolor
cheesewood
tall shrub
W
N
dogwood
tall shrub
RW
N
christmas mintbush
tall shrub
RW
NP
Acacia terminalis
sunshine wattle
shrub
D
NP
Acacia verticillata
prickly moses
shrub
RW
N
Bursaria spinosa
hopbush
shrub
D
NP
Correa reflexa var. reflexa
common correa
shrub
D
P
Goodenia ovata
hop nativeprimrose
shrub
RWD
N
Indigofera australis
native indigo
shrub
WD
NP
Leptospermum lanigerum
teatree
shrub
RW
N
Leptospermum scoparium
manuka
shrub
RD
N
Melaleuca pallida
lemon bottlebrush
shrub
WD
NP
Olearia stellulata
daisy bush
shrub
W
P
yellow dogwood
shrub
D
NP
native daphne
shrub
D
N
prickly beauty
shrub
D
N
trigger plant
herb
WD
NP
Eucalyptus viminalis Acacia melanoxylon Acacia leprosa Allocasuarina verticillata Asterotrichion discolor
Pomaderris apetala Prostanthera lasianthos
Pomaderris elliptica Pultenaea daphnoides Pultenaea juniperina Stylidium graminifolium
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Swift parrot habitat
Swift parrot habitat
Bird habitat
Fast growing dense shrub
Bird and invertebrate habitat
Suited to streambank or instream stabilisation
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021 Carex appressa
tall sedge
Dianella tasmanica
tasman flax-lily
Diplarrena moraea
flag iris
Gahnia grandis
cutting grass
Lepidosperma ensiforme Lomandra longifolia
sword sedge sagg
Juncus pallidus
pale rush
Juncus pauciflorus
loose-flower rush
graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (sedge) graminoid (rush) graminoid (rush)
Poa labillardierei
tussockgrass
graminoid (grass)
Polystichum proliferum
mother shield fern
fern
RW
NP
RW
NP
RD
NP
RW
N
RW
N
RW
NP
RW
N
RW
NP
RWD
NP
RW
NP
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Large sedge suited to soil stabilisation
Not typically subject to browsing. Requires trimming in parkland.
Hobart Rivulet Vegetation Management Plan – November 2021
10 Conclusion and Recommendations The Hobart Rivulet is an important natural feature of the city, linking the CBD with the slopes of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. The Rivulet has significance to many residents, who live close to the waterway or use the Rivulet Park for recreation and travel. This Vegetation Management Plan outlines a strategic approach to controlling weeds and revegetating the Hobart Rivulet and its tributaries, Ross Rivulet and Guy Fawkes Rivulet. The Plan identifies opportunities to improve the condition of existing bushland in the upper reaches of the watercourses and to restore native flora in degraded sections where weeds are presently widespread. Restoration of riparian areas aims to improve terrestrial and aquatic habitat for native fauna, erosion control, water quality, and the appearance and enjoyment for residents and visitors. Weed control and revegetation are long-term projects and it will typically take many years to transform a weed infestation into fully restored native bushland or an established planting of trees and other local species. The scale and approach of weed control works varies from removal of emerging weeds in bushland, to treatment of large patches of weeds with follow up control over several years, to using heavy machinery to remove large willow trees. In many cases there are opportunities for volunteer involvement in weed control and revegetation works (e.g. Bushcare volunteers).
Recommendations
Routine park management works on streambanks should include removing new and emerging weeds.
Conduct weed surveys annually in sites where weed control and/or revegetation has been undertaken to detect and control new or regenerating weeds.
Encourage weed control in Wellington Park, where this will benefit the lower reaches of Guy Fawkes Rivulet.
Approach private landowners (as well as Cascade) with willow trees on their property. Negotiate willow removal, with the aim of eradicating willows from the catchment.
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11 References Baker, M.L. & de Salas, M.F. (2021). A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania & Index to the Student’s Flora of Tasmania and Flora of Tasmania Online. Tasmanian Herbarium, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart. Blacklow, S. (1995). A Microbiological Quality Assessment of Stormwater in the Hobart Rivulet. University of Tasmania. Blood, K., James, B., Panetta, F. D., Sheehan, M., Adair, R., & Gold, B. (2019). Early invader manual: Managing early invader environmental weeds in Victoria. Bonar, L. (2011). Hobart Rivulet Catchment Management Plan 2011-2016. Cascades Landcare Group. (2000). Upper Hobart Rivulet Natural Area Action Plan. City of Hobart. (2019). Biodiversity Action Plan - bushland and reserves. Daley, E., & Kirkpatrick, J. (2004). Native riparian vegetation in Tasmania. Cunninghamia : A Journal of Plant Ecology for Eastern Australia, 8(4), 409–430. Department of Primary Industries Parks Water and the Environment. (2021). Natural Values Atlas (3.10.1). Inspiring Place. (2015). Hobart Rivulet Park Strategic Master Plan. April. Kitchener, A., & Harris, S. (2013). From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation. Edition 2. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Land Information System Tasmania. (2021). ListMap - Land Information System Tasmania. McInerney, P. J., Doody, T. M., & Davey, C. D. (2021). Invasive species in the Anthropocene: Help or hindrance? Journal of Environmental Management, 293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112871 Nature Conservation Act 2002. Available at: https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2002-063 North Barker Ecosystem Services. (2012). Cascade Track Environs Vegetation Management Plan 2012. The Derwent Catchment Project. (2021). Willow Control. The Derwent Catchment Project. Walsh, C. J., Fletcher, T. D., & Burns, M. J. (2012). Urban Stormwater Runoff: A New Class of Environmental Flow Problem. PLoS ONE, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0045814 Weed Management Act 1999. Available at; https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1999-105
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Appendix 1 – Vascular plant species list This list documents species recorded during surveys conducted for this project in 2021. All native vascular plant species were recorded, where possible. Introduced plant species were recorded where they appeared to be invasive, e.g. growing in native vegetation or wild populations. Many exotic plant species occur within the survey area in cultivation (e.g. planted in private gardens or public park land). These exotic species have not been recorded unless they are considered to be invasive species. i = introduced species p = Tasmanian native species planted in the survey area D = declared weed W = Weed of National Significance MAGNOLIIDS LAURACEAE Cassytha pubescens
Hairy Dodder-laurel
Laurus nobilis
Bay Laurel
i
Conium maculatum
Hemlock
i
Foeniculum vulgare Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
Fennel Entire-leaf Pennywort
i
Parsonsia brownii
Twining Silkpod
Vinca major
Blue Periwinkle
i
Ilex aquifolium
Holly
i
Hedera helix
English Ivy
i
Bedfordia salicina
Tasmanian Blanket Leaf
Bellis perennis
English daisy
i
Cirsium arvense Cirsium vulgare
Californian Thistle Spear Thistle
i i
Conyza bonariensis Delairea odorata
Flaxleaf Fleabane Cape Ivy
i i
Helminthotheca echioides Olearia argophylla
Bristly Oxtongue Musk
i
Olearia stellulata
Daisy Bush
Olearia viscosa Ozothamnus ferrugineus
Viscid Daisy Bush Tree Everlasting
Senecio linearifolius var. linearifolius
Fireweed
Senecio minimus
Shrubby Fireweed
EUDICOTS APIACEAE D
APOCYNACEAE
AQUIFOLIACEAE D
ARALIACEAE ASTERACEAE
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D
BETULACEAE Betula pendula
Silver Birch
i
Myosotis sylvatica
Forget-Me-Not
i
Nasturtium officinale
Watercress
i
Leycesteria formosa
Himalayan Honeysuckle
i
Sambucus nigra
Elberberry Tree
i
Allocasuarina monilifera
Necklace Sheoak
Hypericum androsaemum
Tutsan
Elatine gratioloides
Waterwort
Arbutus unedo Cyathodes glauca
Strawberry Tree Cheeseberry
Epacris impressa Erica lusitanica
Common Heath Spanish heath
Styphelia humifusa
Native Cranberry
Beyeria viscosa
Pinkwood
Euphorbia lathyris
Caper Spurge
i
Chamaecytisus palmensis Cytisus scoparius
Tree Lucerne Scotch Broom
i i
W, D
Genista monspessulana Pultenaea daphnoides var.
Canary Broom Native Daphne
i
W, D
W, D
BORAGINACEAE BRASSICACEAE
CAPRIFOLIACEAE D
CASUARINACEAE CLUSIACEAE i
ELATINACEAE ERICACEAE i
i
D
EUPHORBIACEAE
FABACEAE
obcordata Pultenaea juniperina Ulex europaeus
Prickly Beauty Gorse
i
Nothofagus cunninghamii
Myrtle Beech
p
Fumaria sp.
Fumitory
i
FAGACEAE FUMARIACEAE GERANIACEAE Geranium potentilloides Geranium sp. GOODENIACEAE Goodenia ovata
Parrot's Food
Ribes sanguineum
Currant
i
Gunnera maculata
Giant Raspberry
i
GROSSULARIACEAE GUNNERACEAE HALORAGACEAE
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Gonocarpus sp. Gonocarpus teucrioides
Raspwort Raspwort
Mentha Xpiperita
Peppermint
Prostanthera lasianthos var. lasianthos
Christmas Mintbush
Asterotrichion discolor
Currajong
Acacia leprosa Acacia longifolia subsp. Sophorae
Varnished wattle Coast Wattle
Acacia mearnsii Acacia melanoxylon
Black Wattle Blackwood
Acacia terminalis
Sunshine Wattle
Acacia verticillata subsp.
Prickly Mimosa
LAMIACEAE i
MALVACEAE MIMOSACEAE
verticillata MYRTACEAE Eucalyptus globulus subsp.
Tasmanian Blue Gum
globulus Eucalyptus obliqua
Stringybark
Eucalyptus tenuiramis Eucalyptus viminalis subsp.
Silver Peppermint Manna Gum
viminalis Kunzea ericoides Leptospermum lanigerum
Burgan Woolly Tea-tree
Notelaea ligustrina
Native Olive
Epilobium sp.
Willowherb
Fuchsia magellanica
Fuchsia
i
OLEACEAE ONAGRACEAE
i
OXALIDACEAE Oxalis sp.
i
PASSIFLORACEAE Passiflora tarminiana
Banana passionfruit
Bursaria spinosa subsp. spinosa
Prickly Box
Pittosporum bicolor
Cheesewood
Pittosporum undulatum subsp. undulatum
Sweet Pittosporum
i
PITTOSPORACEAE
Pittosporum bicolor X undulatum
i i
POLYGONACEAE Muehlenbeckia gunnii
Macquarie Vine
Banksia marginata
Silver Banksia
PROTEACEAE
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Grevillea rosmariniifolia Hakea lissosperma
Needle Bush
Clematis vitalba
Old Man's Beard
Pomaderris apetala subsp.
Dogwood
i
RANUNCULACEAE i
RHAMNACEAE apetala Pomaderris elliptica var. diemenica
Yellow Pomaderris
Acaena novae-zelandiae
Buzzy
Cotoneaster dammeri Cotoneaster glaucophyllus
Bearberry Cotoneaster Grey-leaved Cotoneaster
i i
Cotoneaster simonsii
Khasia Berry
i
Crataegus monogyna Prunus laurocerasus
Hawthorn English Laurel
i i
Rosa rubiginosa Rubus fruticosus
Briar Rose Blackberry
i i
Sorbus aucuparia
Rowan
i
Coprosma quadrifida
Native Currant
Coprosma repens Coprosma robusta
Mirror Bush Karamu
i i
Galium aparine
Sticky Weed
i
Correa reflexa var. reflexa
Common Correa
Populus alba
Poplar
i
Salix fragilis Salix X reichardtii
Crack Willow
i i
Exocarpos cupressiformis
Native Cherry
Exocarpos strictus
Dwarf Cherry
Acer pseudoplanatus
Sycamore Maple
Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata
Hop Bush
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly bush
i
Digitalis purpurea Verbascum thapsus
Foxglove Mullein
i i
Verbascum virgatum
Twiggy Mullein
i
Brugmansia sp. Physalis peruviana
Angels Trumpet Cape Gooseberry
i i
Solanum laciniatum
Kangaroo Apple
ROSACEAE
W, Ds
RUBIACEAE
D
RUTACEAE SALICACEAE
SANTALACEAE
SAPINDACEAE i
SCROPHULARIACEAE
SOLANACEAE
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W, Ds
Solanum nigrum
Deadly Nightshade
Stackhousia monogyna
Candles
Stylidium graminifolium
Trigger Plant
Pimelea drupacea
Cherry Rice-flower
Urtica incisa
Stinging Nettle
Centranthus ruber
Red Valerian
i
Callitris rhomboidea
Oyster Bay Pine
p
Pinus radiata
Monterey Pine
i
Agapanthus praecox
Agapanthus
i
Narcissus sp.
Daffodil/Jonquil
i
Arum sp.
Cuckoo-pint
i
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Arum Lily
i
Lomandra longifolia
Sagg
Kniphofia uvaria
Red-hot Poker
Carex appressa
Common Sedge
Cyperus eragrostis Gahnia grandis
Drain Flat-sedge Cutting Grass
Lepidosperma ensiforme
Sword Sedge
Dianella tasmanica Phormium tenax
Flax lily New Zealand Flax
i
Crocosmia Xcrocosmiiflora
Montbretia
i
Juncus pallidus Juncus pauciflorus
Pale Rush Loose-flower Rush
i
STACKHOUSIACEAE STYLIDIACEAE THYMELAEACEAE URTICACEAE VALERIANACEAE GYMNOSPERMS CUPRESSACEAE PINACEAE MONOCOTS AGAPANTHACEAE AMARYLLIDACEAE ARACEAE
ASPARAGACEAE ASPHODELACEAE i
CYPERACEAE i
HEMEROCALLIDACEAE
IRIDACEAE JUNCACEAE
Juncus sp. POACEAE Anthoxanthum odoratum
Sweet Vernal Grass
i
Dactylis glomerata Deyeuxia sp.
Cocks Foot Bent Grass
i
Holcus lanatus
Fog-grass
i
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Poa labillardierei var. labillardierei Rytidosperma sp.
Tussock Grass Wallaby-grass
Asplenium flabellifolium
Necklace Fern
Blechnum fluviatile
Ray Water-fern
Blechnum minus Blechnum nudum
Soft Water-fern Fishbone Water-fern
Histiopteris incisa
Bat's Wing
Hypolepis rugosula Pteridium esculentum
Ruddy Ground-fern Bracken
Dicksonia antarctica
Tree-fern
Polystichum proliferum Rumohra adiantiformis
Mother Shield Fern Leathery shield-fern
Hymenophyllum rarum
Narrow Filmy-fern
Microsorum pustulatum subsp.
Kangaroo Fern
PTERIDOPHYTES ASPLENIACEAE BLECHNACEAE
DENNSTAEDTIACEAE
DICKSONIACEAE DRYOPTERIDACEAE
HYMENOPHYLLACEAE POLYPODIACEAE
pustulatum
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Appendix 1 – Management zones figures
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Zone GF2 Zone GF1
Survey Zone: GF1 - Wellington Park, GF2 - Old Farm Road/Cascade Trail Survey area Roads Road
Weeds Blackberry Cotoneaster
Track
Fennel
Watercourse
Fuchsia
Habitat tree
Gorse
Cadastral parcels
Hawthorn
Council land
Himalayan honeysuckle
Cascade land
Holly Karamu New Zealand Flax Sweet pi osporum
Weed patches Cotoneaster, Sweet pi osporum
Vegeta on communi es (FUR) Urban areas (WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs Version date: 21-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST City of Hobart
Zone GF3 Zone GF4
Survey Zone: GF3 - Old Farm Rd 2, GF4 - Degraves Bridge Survey area Roads Road
Weeds Blackberry
Montbre a Radiata pine
Vegeta on communi es (DOB) Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest
Briar rose
Spanish heath
(FUR) Urban areas
Track
Broom
Sweet pi osporum
Watercourse
Burgan
Sycamore maple
Cadastral parcels
Significant tree
Cotoneaster Weed patches Fuchsia Blackberry Gorse Cotoneaster, Sweet pi osporum Hawthorn
(WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs
Willows
Holly
Council land Cascade land
Karamu
Version date: 21-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST City of Hobart
Zone GF4
Zone H3 Zone H4 Zone GF5
Survey Zone: GF 5 - Old Farm Rd - Brewery, H3 - Marlyn Rd - Avon Rd - Strickland Ave - North Survey area
Weeds Agapanthus
Giant rhubarb
Radiata pine
Gorse
Weed patches Blackberry Rosemary grevillea
Blackberry
Grevillea hybrid
Spanish heath
Track
Broom
Hawthorn
Sweet pi osporum
Watercourse
Burgan
Hemlock
Sycamore maple
Cadastral parcels
Cherry laurel
Holly
Tree lucerne
Council land
Cotoneaster
Iris
Cascade land
Elderflower
Karamu
Habitat tree
Broom
Cotoneaster
Willows
English ivy
Montbre a
Fuchsia
New Zealand Flax
Roads Road
Mul ple weeds
Version date: 21-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite
Zone H2
Zone H1
Survey Zone: H1 - Lawley Cres, H2 - Woodlyn Ct Survey area Roads Road Track Ar ficial Watercourse
Significant tree
Gorse
Sweet pi osporum
Willows
Hawthorn
Sycamore maple
Weeds Arum lily Blackberry
Himalayan honeysuckle Vegeta on communi es Holly (FUR) Urban areas Karamu (WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest
Watercourse
Briar rose
Montbre a
Cadastral parcels
Broom
Periwinkle
Council land
Cape Ivy
Radiata pine
Cascade land
Cotoneaster
Habitat tree
English ivy
(WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs
Version date: 21-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite
Zone H3
Survey Zone: H3 - Marlyn Rd - Avon Rd - Strickland Ave - South Survey area
English ivy
Periwinkle
Fennel
Radiata pine
Banana passionfruit
Foxglove
Sweet pi osporum
(FUR) Urban areas
Track
Blackberry
Fuchsia
Sycamore maple
Watercourse
Briar rose
Gorse
Tree lucerne
Cadastral parcels
Broom
Hawthorn
(FWU) Weed infesta on (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs
Council land
Californian thistle
Holly
Cascade land
Cape Ivy
Hybrid pi osporum
Habitat tree
Cherry laurel
Karamu
Willows
Cotoneaster
Montbre a
Roads Road
Weeds Agapanthus
Weed patches Blackberry
Mul ple weeds
Vegeta on communi es (DOB) Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest
Version date: 21-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite
Zone R1
Zone H5 Zone H4
Survey Zone: H4 - Cascade Gardens, H5 - Tara St Survey area Roads Road
Weeds Arum lily
Foxglove Gorse
Weed patches Blackberry
Vegeta on communi es (FAG) Agricultural land
Blackberry
Hawthorn
Mul ple weeds
(FUR) Urban areas
Track
Broom
Mirrorbush
Periwinkle
(WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest
Watercourse
Californian thistle
Periwinkle
Broom
Cadastral parcels
Cherry laurel
Radiata pine
Council land
Cotoneaster
Spanish heath
Cascade land
Broom
Sycamore maple
Willows
English ivy
Tree lucerne
Fennel
Version date: 21-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite
Zone H7
Zone H6
Zone H5
Survey Zone: H6 - MacFarlane St Survey area Roads Road
Weeds Arum lily Blackberry
Track
Broom
Watercourse
Buddleja
Cadastral parcels
Fennel
Council land
Gorse
Significant tree
Hawthorn
Willows
Hemlock Mirrorbush
Montbre a Periwinkle Sycamore maple Vegeta on communi es (FUR) Urban areas (WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest
Version date: 21-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite
Zone H7 Zone H8
Survey Zone: H7 - Anglesea St, H8 - Wynyard St Survey area Roads Road
Weeds Blackberry
Weed patches Blackberry
Gorse
Blackberry, Periwinkle
Track
Hawthorn
Gorse
Watercourse
Mirrorbush
Hawthorn
Cadastral parcels
Montpellier broom
Mul ple weeds
Council land
Periwinkle
Periwinkle
Significant tree
Sycamore maple
Sycamore maple
Willows
Tree lucerne
Vegeta on communi es (FUR) Urban areas (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs
Version date: 21-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite
Zone H10
Zone H9
Zone H8
Survey Zones: H9: Gore St, H10: Ispahan St - Molle St Survey area
Willows
Cotoneaster
Weed patches Blackberry
Weeds Blackberry
Mirrorbush Montpellier broom
Blackberry, Periwinkle
Track
Broom
Periwinkle
Periwinkle
Watercourse
Burgan
Sycamore maple
Cadastral parcels
Cotoneaster
Tree lucerne
Council land
Fennel
Significant tree
Gorse
Roads Road
Vegeta on communi es (FUR) Urban areas (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs
Version date: 22-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST City of Hobart
Zone R1
Zone R2
Survey Zone: R1 - Ross Rivulet North, R2 - Ross Rivulet South Survey area
Weeds Blackberry
Weed patches Gorse
Track
Cotoneaster
Watercourse
Broom
Vegeta on communi es (DAS) Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland on sandstone Periwinkle (DGL) Eucalyptus globulus dry forest Broom and woodland (FAG) Agricultural land
Cadastral parcels
Gorse
(FUR) Urban areas
Council land
Hawthorn
(FWU) Weed infesta on
Cascade land
Periwinkle
Habitat tree
Radiata pine
(WGL) Eucalyptus globulus wet forest (WOB) Eucalyptus obliqua forest with broad-leaf shrubs
Roads Road
Willows
Broom
Version date: 07-06-2021
Data sources: TheLIST Google Satellite
Appendix 2 – Action plans for high priority zones Suggested action plans for high priority weeding and revegetation works are presented below. The action plans provide weed control methods and timing for specific weeds. Specific herbicides have not been recommended. Herbicide use should be in accordance with relevant regulations and permits. The action plan indicates which activities are potentially suitable for Bushcare volunteers. Activities in Zones GF1 and GF2 may be suitable for experienced volunteers who are capable of working in bushland on steep slopes. Zones GF4 and H07 are more accessible. Activities involving heavy machinery or herbicide spraying are suitable only for Council staff or professional contractors with relevant experience and qualifications. An action plan for weed control and revegetation on the middle and upper sections of Ross Rivulet has been prepared previously (Enviro-dynamics, 2019) and works are currently in progress.
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Table A1 – Action plan for Zone GF1 (upper Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed
Action
Treatment/Methodology
Outcome
Timing
Priority
Land tenure
Radiata pine
Remove radiata pine
Cut down pine trees and leave felled trees on site
Year 1
High
Cascade
X
Fuchsia
Initial control
Cut and paste fuchsia. Remove all plant material from site for disposal.
Pine trees eradicated from Rivulet Fuchsia biomass reduced
Year 1 Spring / Summer
Medium
Cascade
X
X
Fuchsia
Follow up control
Fuchsia eradicated from zone
Annual for at least 4 years
Medium
Cascade
X
X
Gorse
Initial control
Mature gorse controlled
Cascade
X
X
Follow up control
High
Cascade
X
X
All
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds
Monitor and treat regrowth or seedlings as required
Zone remains free of weeds
Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer Annual for at least 4 years
High
Gorse
Cut and paste any regrowth. Remove all plant material from site for disposal. Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Medium
Cascade
X
Gorse eradicated
Council/ contractor
Bushcare volunteers
Table A2 – Action plan for Zone GF2 (upper Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed
Action
Treatment/Methodology
Outcome
Timing
Priority
Land tenure
Blackberry
Initial control
Blackberry biomass reduced
Follow up control
Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer
Medium
Blackberry
Cut and paste mature plants. Hand pull seedlings. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Medium
Blackberry eradicated from zone
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Council/ contractor
Bushcare volunteers
Cascade
X
X
Cascade
X
X
Fuchsia
Initial control
Cut and paste. Remove all plant material from site for disposal. Cut and paste any regrowth. Remove all plant material from site for disposal. Cut and paste all plants. Remove Himalayan honeysuckle material to prevent vegetative regeneration.
Fuchsia
Follow up control
Karamu, Himalayan honeysuckle, holly
Initial control
Karamu, Himalayan honeysuckle, holly Other woody weeds (gorse, cotoneaster, hawthorn, sweet pittosporum, rowan) Other woody weeds (gorse, cotoneaster, hawthorn, sweet pittosporum, rowan) Arum lily
Follow up control
Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Initial control
Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds.
Follow up control
Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings. Cut and paste any mature plants missed previously.
Initial control
Arum lily
Follow up control
Fuchsia biomass reduced
Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer
Medium
Cascade
X
X
Medium
Cascade
X
X
Year 1 Spring
High
Cascade
X
X
Year 2 Spring
High
Cascade
X
X
Year 1 Spring / Summer
Medium
Cascade
X
X
Woody weeds eradicated
Year 2 Spring / Summer
Medium
Cascade
X
X
Apply herbicide directly to leaves or apply undiluted herbicide by injection into stem base
Arum lily foliage killed and tubers reduced
Year 1 Spring
High
Cascade
X
Apply herbicide directly to leaves or apply undiluted herbicide by injection into stem base
Arum lily tubers killed
Year 2 Spring
High
Cascade
X
Fuchsia controlled not blocking water flows or excluding native plants Karamu, holly and Himalayan honeysuckle controlled, preventing further spread Karamu, holly and Himalayan honeysuckle eradicated Mature plants removed
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All
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds
Monitor and treat regrowth or seedlings as required
Zone remains free of weeds
Annual for at least 4 years
High
Cascade
X
Land tenure
Council/ contractor
Cascade/ private
X
Land tenure
Council/ contractor
Bushcare volunteers X
Table A3 – Action plan for Zone GF3 (upper Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed
Action
Treatment/Methodology
Outcome
Timing
Priority
Blackberry, Fuchsia
None
Weeds are very difficult to access and partly on private land. Requires participation of landowners to be effective.
Weeds remain on creek banks and in watercourse
N/A
Low
Bushcare volunteers
Table A4 – Action plan for Zone GF4 (lower Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed
Action
Treatment/Methodology
Outcome
Timing
Priority
Implement hygiene measures prior to work
As per Guidelines for Herbicide Use and Machinery Hygiene section and CoH policies
Prior to primary weed control works
High
All
X
Crack Willow
Initial control
Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road
X
Follow up control
Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer
High
Crack Willow
Cut and paste. Remove all plant material from site for disposal. Cut and paste any regrowth. Remove all plant material from site for disposal.
Spread of weed seed or debris around the site or away from the site is minimised Willows removed
Willows eradicated
High
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X
Scotch broom, Spanish heath
Initial control
Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Mature Spanish heath removed
Year 1 Spring
High
Scotch broom, Spanish heath
Follow up control
Burgan, briar rose
Initial control
Burgan, briar rose
Spanish heath eradicated
Year 2 Spring
High
Mature plants controlled
Radiata pine
Initial control
Cut down pine tree.
Pine eradicated
Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer Any
Medium
Follow up control
Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Cotoneaster
Initial control
Mature plants removed
Follow up control
Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer
Medium
Cotoneaster
Cut and paste all plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings. Cut and paste any mature plants missed previously.
Blackberry, gorse
Initial control
Cut and paste mature plants. Hand pull seedlings. Target outlying plants.
Year 1 Spring / Summer
Blackberry, gorse
Follow up control
Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Blackberry and gorse biomass reduced, weeds contained to large patches No further expansion of blackberry and gorse
Montbretia
Initial control
Montbretia
Follow up control
Apply herbicide directly to leaves or dig out plant including all underground corms Apply herbicide directly to leaves or dig out plant including all underground corms
Burgan and briar rose eradicated
Cotoneaster eradicated
Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road Cascade/ Council road
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Medium
Year 2 Spring / Summer
Medium
Medium
X
X
X
X
X
Cascade/ Council road
X
X
Medium
Cascade/ Council road
X
X
Year 1 Spring
Low
Cascade/ Council road
X
X
Year 2 Spring / Summer
Low
Cascade/ Council road
X
X
Medium
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Fuchsia, Hawthorn
Initial control
Cut and paste mature plants. Hand pull seedlings. Target outlying plants.
Fuchsia, Hawthorn
Follow up control
Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Forget-Me-Not
Opportunistic control
Hand pull plants opportunistically during other weed control works
All
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds
Monitor and treat regrowth or new infestations
Hawthorn and fuchsia biomass reduced, weeds contained to large patches No further expansion of hawthorn and fuchsia Reduced extent or spread
Year 1 Spring / Summer
Low
Cascade/ Council road
X
X
Year 2 Spring / Summer
Low
Cascade/ Council road
X
X
Any
Low
Cascade/ Council road
X
X
Zone remains free of eradicated weed species and other weeds do not expand
Annual for at least 4 years
Medium
Cascade/ Council road
X
Council/ contractor X
Table A5 – Action plan for Zone GF5 (lower Guy Fawkes Rivulet) Weed
Action
Treatment/Methodology
Outcome
Timing
Priority
Implement hygiene measures prior to work
As per Guidelines for Herbicide Use and Machinery Hygiene section and CoH policies
Prior to primary weed control works
High
Holly
Control
Cut and paste
Spread of weed seed or debris around the site or away from the site is minimised Holly eradicated
Land tenure All
High
Cascade
X
Crack Willow
Initial control
Medium
Cascade
X
Crack Willow
Follow up control
Cut and paste mature willows. Remove trunks and branches using heavy machinery. Cut and paste or drill and fill regrowth
Year 1 Spring Year 2 Spring / Summer Year 2 Spring / Summer
Medium
Cascade
X
Mature willow removed
Willow eradicated
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Bushcare volunteers X
Hawthorn
Initial control
Hawthorn
Follow up control
All
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds Prepare revegetation sites Revegetation
Monitor and treat regrowth or new infestations
Monitor revegetation
Inspect site, replace dead plants and missing guards. Remove guards once plants established.
REVEGETATION
REVEGETATION
REVEGETATION
Cut and paste mature plants, targeting outlying plants. Plant material left on site if no seeds. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Control pasture grass, if necessary Plant tubestock or plugs, install guards for plantings above flood level
Mature hawthorn controlled
Year 1 Spring / Summer
Low
Cascade
X
X
Hawthorn contained to large patches Zone remains free of eradicated weed species and other weeds do not expand Competition from weeds/grasses removed Plants in ground and protected
Year 2 Spring / Summer Annual for at least 4 years
Low
Cascade
X
X
Medium
Cascade
X
Prior to planting
Cascade
X
Winter or Spring following weed removal Annually until plants are established
Cascade
X
Cascade
X
Revegetation successfully established
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X
Figure A1 – Revegetation site plan for Zone GF5 (lower Old Farm Rd).
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Table A6 – Action plan for Zone H07 (lower Hobart Rivulet) Weed
Action
Treatment/Methodology
Outcome
Timing
Priority
Implement hygiene measures prior to work
As per Guidelines for Herbicide Use and Machinery Hygiene section and CoH policies
Prior to primary weed control works
High
Crack willow, sycamore maple
Initial control
Year 1 Spring / Summer
Crack willow, sycamore maple
Follow up control
Cut and paste mature willows and sycamore. Remove trunks and branches using heavy machinery. Cut and paste or drill and fill regrowth
Spread of weed seed or debris around the site or away from the site is minimised Mature willow and sycamore removed
Blackberry, gorse
Initial control
Willow and sycamore eradicated Mature blackberry, gorse and hawthorn removed
Blackberry, gorse
Follow up control
Blackberry, gorse and hawthorn contained
Periwinkle
Initial control
Foliage spray or wipe with herbicide
Above ground growth killed
Periwinkle
Follow up control
Foliage spray or wipe regrowth with herbicide
Periwinkle eradicated
Hawthorn
Initial control
Cut and paste mature plants in riparian zone (south side of walking track).
Hawthorn controlled in riparian zone
Cut and paste mature plants. Slashing with a brushcutter may be useful for initial knock down. Hand pull seedlings. Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
Council/ contractor
Bushcare volunteers
All
X
X
Medium
Council
X
Year 2 Spring / Summer Year 1 Spring / Summer
Medium
Council
X
Medium
Council
X
Year 2 (and ongoing) Spring / Summer Year 1 Spring / Summer Year 2 (and ongoing) Spring / Summer Year 1 Spring / Summer
Medium
Council
X
Medium
Council
X
Medium
Medium
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Land tenure
Council
Council
X
X
Hawthorn
Follow up control
Hand pull or foliage spray regrowth or seedlings
All
Ongoing monitoring and follow-up control of weeds Prepare revegetation sites Revegetation
Monitor and treat regrowth or new infestations
Monitor revegetation
Inspect site, replace dead plants and missing guards. Remove guards once plants established.
REVEGETATION
REVEGETATION
REVEGETATION
Control pasture grass and weeds, if necessary Plant tubestock or plugs, install guards for plantings above flood level
Hawthorn eradicated from riparian zone (hawthorn remains on slope north of track) Zone remains free of eradicated weed species and other weeds do not expand Competition from weeds/grasses removed Plants in ground and protected
Revegetation successfully established
Year 2 Spring / Summer
Medium
Council
X
Annual for at least 4 years
Medium
Council
X
Prior to planting
Medium
Council
X
Winter or Spring following weed removal Annually until plants are established
Medium
Council
X
Council
X
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X
Figure A2 – Revegetation site plan for Zone H08 (Anglesea St to Wynyard St).
85 Enviro-dynamics Pty Ltd – info@enviro-dynamics.com.au