Appendix E Feral Animal Management Sub-Plan Offset Delivery Plan

Transcription

1 Offset Delivery Plan Prepared for ACTEW Corporation April 2012

2 DOCUMENT TRACKING ITEM Project Name Project Number File location DETAIL Appendix E Feral Animal Management Sub-Plan 11CANECO-0010 Z:\Synergy\Projects\11CANECO\11CANECO-0010 M2G Ecological Monitoring Matthew Dowle Project Manager Level 2, 11 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT 2601 Prepared by Matt Dowle Approved by Matthew Jones Status FINAL Version Number 1 Last saved on 3 rd April 2012 Cover photo Offset Site. Andrew Palmer-Brodie, November 2012 This report should be cited as Eco Logical Australia Appendix E Feral Animal Management Sub-Plan. Prepared for ACTEW Corporation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This document has been prepared by Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd with support from Bulk Water Alliance and ACTEW Corporation. Disclaimer This document may only be used for the purpose for which it was commissioned and in accordance with the contract between Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd and ACTEW Corporation. The scope of services was defined in consultation with ACTEW Corporation, by time and budgetary constraints imposed by the client, and the availability of reports and other data on the subject area. Changes to available information, legislation and schedules are made on an ongoing basis and readers should obtain up to date information. Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report and its supporting material by any third party. Information provided is not intended to be a substitute for site specific assessment or legal advice in relation to any matter. Unauthorised use of this report in any form is prohibited i

3 Contents 1 Executive Summary Introduction Background Purpose of Document Study Area Feral Animal Management Sub-Plan Objectives Target Species Feasibility Potential Management Actions Outcomes Monitoring and Reporting Monitoring Reporting Adaptive Management Actions Stakeholders References List of Figures Figure 1: Study area... 5 List of Tables Table 1: Targeted species management options... 9 ii

4 1 Executive Summary The compensatory offset habitat located on the M2G Williamsdale Property, also known as the offset site, requires a Feral Animal Management Sub-Plan to maintain feral animal threats at an acceptable level. At the current stage, it is not considered that active feral animal management is required within the offset site. As such, this sub-plan details monitoring and reporting activities as well as exploring potential options for feral animal control in the future. Future management or control actions, if required, will be targeted to meet the overall objective to maintain and improve natural ecological values of the site, as well as being co-ordinated with regional pest management programs. The key issues for pest animal management at the offset site are: Effective control of some pest animals requires co-ordination between land managers in the local region. Property level control may be ineffective because new animals quickly recolonise the property after control and/or individuals range over a much greater area than just one property. The cost of control may outweigh the benefits. The Draft ACT Pest Animal Management Strategy , Appendix 1 (ACT Government 2011) outlines management options and issues and was used as a guide to determine the feasibility of control for each pest animal on the M2G offset site. If feral animal control and/or management are required, potential actions could include: Fence revegetation works, to prevent grazing on new seedlings and promote the establishment of rehabilitated areas. Co-ordinated rabbit control and fox control programs. Monitoring of the site for incursions by pest animals including high abundances of kangaroos. Reporting the presence of goats, pigs, deer, wild dogs and excessive populations of kangaroos on the site to ACT Parks and Conservation. The degree of feral animal invasion within the offset site will be monitored by ACTEW biannually. If feral animal control is identified as being required, a detailed works plan will be developed to outline the management actions to be undertaken. 3

5 2 Introduction 2.1 BACKGROUND Eco Logical Australia (ELA) was commissioned by ACTEW Corporation (ACTEW) to deliver terrestrial ecology services as required by the environmental approval process for the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer Project (M2G). The M2G project falls under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth (Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities), NSW (Department of Planning), and ACT (ACT Planning and Land Authority) Governments and has been subject to environmental assessment and approval processes under all three jurisdictions. Project approval has been attained from all three governments, with a considerable number of approval conditions and commitments applied. Under the environmental approvals process, ACTEW is required to identify and provide habitat to offset or compensate for vegetation and habitat losses predicted to arise from the construction activities associated with the M2G pipeline. Development of an Offset Delivery Plan (ODP) is a regulatory requirement to provide and manage the habitat identified for compensatory offset purposes. The scope of the ODP relates solely to the establishment and on-going management of the offset site at Williamsdale in the ACT and provides a framework to deliver best practice biodiversity outcomes and fulfil the requirements of the environmental approvals under each legislative jurisdiction. This objective is to be achieved through the preparation and implementation of a number of themed management subplans incorporated as Appendices within the ODP. 2.2 PURPOSE OF DOCUMENT The purpose of this document (Appendix E Feral Animal Management Sub-Plan) is to provide a highlevel plan of management for the monitoring and management of feral animals within the offset site. This plan is to include management actions, monitoring and reporting requirements. 2.3 STUDY AREA ACTEW own a land parcel in the southern ACT (Block 1675), known here as the Williamsdale property (or the property ). The property is located just south of Williamsdale and is bounded by the Monaro Highway to the east; the NSW border to the south; Angle Crossing Road to the north; and the Murrumbidgee River corridor to the west (Figure 1). The property has historically been used for moderate to light stock grazing. The property currently supports conservation areas set aside for offset habitat and a number of essential utility infrastructure facilities, including power transmission lines (ActewAGL); a portion of the M2G pipeline; and a power sub-station (Transgrid). The study area contains the M2G compensatory offset habitat (offset site) of approximately 110 hectares, which is wholly contained within the Williamsdale property. The offset site has been set aside for conservation due to its high biodiversity value; including EPBC Act listed Box-Gum Woodland, threatened flora and fauna species and/or threatened species habitat. The majority of the offset site is dominated by a rich diversity of native understorey species with an overstorey mixture of old growth and rejuvenating Eucalyptus species. Rocky outcrops are widespread throughout the study area and contain habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard (Aprasia parapulchella). 4

6 Figure 1: Study area 5

7 3 Feral Animal Management Feral animal management at the M2G offset site will take a strategic approach to ensure that costeffective and enduring benefits are achieved. In some circumstance feral animal management is required to be considered on a regional or landscape scale. Therefore, management actions or investigations outlined in this plan may need to incorporate the Williamsdale property, neighbouring properties and the ACT Government. At the current stage, it is not considered that active feral animal management is required within the offset site. As such, this Feral Animal Management Sub-Plan details monitoring and reporting activities as well as exploring potential options for feral animal control in the future. 3.1 SUB-PLAN OBJECTIVES The objective of the Feral Animal Management Sub-Plan is to explore options of feral animal control within the offset site based on details outlined in this sub-plan. Feral animal management or control actions, if required in the future, will be targeted to meet the overall objective to maintain and improve natural ecological values of the site, as well as being co-ordinated with regional pest management programs. 3.2 TARGET SPECIES Pest animals that have been observed on the offset site include the European red fox, the European rabbit, the European hare and occasionally feral goats (ACTEW and The Territory, 2010 and ELA, 2010). Potential pest animals that are cryptic, or have been observed in the local region include the feral pig, feral cat, wild dog, feral deer, Indian myna, common starling and European wasp (ACTEW and The Territory, 2010 and ACT Government, 2011). The principle threats that pest animals present to the natural ecological values of the site can be categorised into herbivory, predation and competition (they can also present a threat to neighbouring rural enterprises) (Table 1). Herbivory (including grazing and browsing) influences the structure and composition of vegetation and presents the greatest threat to the natural ecological values of the site. High levels of herbivory are a threat to Box-Gum Woodland, Swainsona recta (Small Purple-pea), S. Sericea (Silky Swainson-pea) and the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard in particular. Control of rabbits, hares, pigs and goats may be a requirement to recover Box-Gum Woodlands in some habitats (NSW OEH Threatened Species website, 2011). Grazing pressure should also be reduced where possible to recover populations of Swainsona recta and S. Sericea and to recover populations of the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard management should not allow heavy or prolonged grazing (NSW OEH Threatened Species website, 2011). Predation by pest animals is unlikely to be a key concern for the Pink-tailed Worm Lizard due to its burrowing habits; however Box-Gum Woodland fauna in general may be impacted upon by pest animal 6

8 predation. Competition from pest animals does not appear to be a current concern at the offset site, but competition for tree hollows could occur if Indian mynas or starlings move into the area. Based on the threats that pest animals present to the natural values of the site, priorities of pest animal management are: Minimise grazing and browsing pressure from pest animals. Minimise predator pressure from pest animals. Minimise competition for tree hollows from pest animals. 3.3 FEASIBILITY A major consideration is whether suitable management options are available to achieve a reduction in damage from pest animals. In some cases integrating several options achieves the greatest results. The most common options for management include exclusion barriers (including fences), biological control, habitat manipulation and culling. The feasibility of control options for each species is site dependent and influenced by the biology and behaviour of the species. The key issues for pest animal management at the offset site are: Effective control of some pest animals requires co-ordination between land managers in the local region. Property level control may be ineffective because new animals quickly recolonise the property after control and/or individuals range over a much greater area than just one property. For some species, notably feral cats, effective control techniques are not currently available. The cost of control may outweigh the benefits. The Draft ACT Pest Animal Management Strategy , Appendix 1 (ACT Government 2011) outlines management options and issues and was used as a guide to determine the feasibility of control for each pest animal on the M2G offset site. 3.4 POTENTIAL MANAGEMENT ACTIONS If feral animal control and/or management are required at the offset site in the future, potential actions could include: Fence revegetation works, to prevent grazing on new seedlings and promote the establishment of rehabilitated areas. Rabbit control: Control of rabbits is most effective when it is co-ordinated with neighbours. In the absence of a co-ordinated program; o Determine the location, number and activity of rabbit warrens and feasibility of reducing the long term impact of rabbits through warren destruction. o Investigate and implement a 1080 baiting and warren ripping program during the autumn months, and if feasible following humane pest animal control guidelines (Sharp and Saunders 2005). 7

9 Fox control: Participate in co-ordinated fox control programs (none currently in operation). Monitoring: Inspections of the site for incursions by pest animals including abundance of rabbits and kangaroos as part of the general site monitoring program and revegetation works (grazing monitoring activities outlined in Appendix G Grazing Management Sub-Plan). o o Report presence of goats, pigs, deer, wild dogs and excessive populations of kangaroos on the site to ACT Parks and Conservation. If Indian mynas, common starlings or European wasps are present, then assess the feasibility of suitable control programs. 3.5 OUTCOMES In consideration of the conservation management priorities for the offset site and the feasibility of site specific feral animal control options, the pest animal management objectives are: Exclude herbivorous pest animals from revegetation works. Reduce long term impact of rabbits through a program of warren control/elimination. Reduce the impact of foxes through participation in co-ordinated fox control programs. Where possible, prevent the establishment of new pest animals on the property. 8

10 Table 1: Targeted species management options SPECIES PRESENCE THREAT Predation of medium-sized native mammals CO-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT FEASIBLE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS European Red Fox Present Possible predation on bird populations and some threatened species Involvement in coordinated baiting programs when they operate Impact on lambing success for neighbouring properties European Rabbit Present Reduced seedling recruitment by browsing Soil disturbance at warrens promotes erosion and weed invasion Supports elevated populations of feral cats and foxes Involvement in coordinated management programs when they operate Fence revegetation works Baiting and warren ripping may be feasible Brown Hare Present Browsing destroys planted seedlings in revegetation projects Fencing revegetation works May limit natural regeneration Feral Goat Occasional Selective browsing of native shrubs Damage to fences If observed, notify ACT Government 9

11 SPECIES PRESENCE THREAT CO-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT FEASIBLE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS Ground rooting creates disturbed soil which promotes weed invasion Feral Pig Potential Reduced abundance of favoured tuberous native plants If observed, notify ACT Government Damage to fences Impact on lambing success for neighbouring properties Deer (Fallow, Red & Sambar) Potential Selective browsing of preferred species Damage to trees from antler rubbing If observed, notify ACT Government Feral Cats Unknown Predation of small mammals, reptiles and birds Dingo/ Dogs Wild Unknown Impact on neighbouring sheep and cattle enterprises Play a role in suppressing lower order predators (foxes and cats) If observed, notify ACT government Indian Myna Potential Aggressively competes with native species for tree hollows Trapping if observed to be competing with native species may be feasible Common Starling Potential Competes with native species for tree hollows Spread environmental weeds Trapping if observed to be competing with native species may be feasible 10

12 SPECIES PRESENCE THREAT CO-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT FEASIBLE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS European Wasp Potential Attack and sting animals Public health risk Nest treatment and removal by qualified pest controller *Adapted from Draft ACT Pest Animal Strategy

13 4 Monitoring and Reporting 4.1 MONITORING Feral animal monitoring of the offset site will be the critical component to ensure current and potential pest animal threats are maintained at an acceptable level. Monitoring will be undertaken biannually in autumn and spring, in conjunction with other monitoring activities outlined in ODP. Monitoring surveys will locate key sites of feral animal activity, such as rabbit warrens. These key sites will be inspected to determine the presence or absence of resident animals. Opportunistic observations will also be undertaken while on site for other activities and will be actively incorporated into monitoring surveys and reporting mechanisms. 4.2 REPORTING A feral animal monitoring report will be developed for each monitoring survey. However, the autumn monitoring survey report will form an attachment to the yearly (spring) monitoring survey report. The yearly feral animal monitoring report will either be provided as a stand-alone document, or as an attachment to the overall yearly ODP monitoring report, which is likely to include all aspects of the ODP monitoring requirements and associated management actions outlined by the sub-plans. The rehabilitation monitoring report will include: A description of the survey methodology. Detailed monitoring results, including location of feral animal sightings and likely presence. A description of any actions and recommendations resulting from the previous monitoring survery. Suggested management actions based on an adaptive management philosophy or pest animal control programs (if required). 4.3 ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT ACTIONS The degree of feral animal invasion within the offset site will be monitored, and if any current management actions are observed to be ineffective, or observed to be having a detrimental effect, a review of the management actions will be undertaken. If feral animal control is identified as being required, a detailed works plan will be developed to outline the management actions to be undertaken. 4.4 STAKEHOLDERS A key component of feral animal management in the offset site is the liaison and incorporation of stakeholders (neighbouring properties, local ranger, etc) into control or management actions. As such, ACTEW will liaise regularly with neighbouring properties and the local ACT Ranger (TAMS), to monitor feral animal activity in the broader area and obtain pest animal control advice. Regular liaison with stakeholders will also be critical in the development and implementation of feral animal control programs, on a local and regional scale. 12

14 References ACT Government (2011). Draft ACT Pest Animal Management Strategy ACT Government, Environment and Sustainable Development. data/assets/pdf_file/0010/229879/pams_ _web.pdf Accessed 23 November ACTEW and The Territory (2010). Land Management Agreement for Block 1675 The Angle. Monaro Highway, Williamsdale. ELA (Eco Logical Australia) (2010). Murrumbidgee to Googong Pipeline Offset and Rehabilitation Management Plan. Prepared for ACTEW Corporation December NSW OEH (Office of Environment and Heritage)(2011). Threatened Species website. (Accessed 15 November 2011). Sharp and Saunders (2005). Humane Pest Animal Control: Code of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures. NSW Department of Primary Industries. Accessed 23 November

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