Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve Interim Management Statement

INTERIM MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

The following management arrangements are considered necessary to maintain the existing conservation values of the site in the short to medium term. The intention is to develop on-going programs to enhance the conservation values of the site and to develop a framework for an ecological research and monitoring program aimed at determining whether key management objectives are being achieved.

OVERALL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
The main aim of vegetation management at Balmattum Reserve is to increase the complexity, health and diversity of the vegetation. Management should therefore promote a mosaic of different grassy woodland habitats across the site with some areas of relatively dense woodlands, and other areas of open woodland, wetlands and open grassy areas. Achieving this aim is fundamental to the protection and enhancement of woodland fauna habitat at the Reserve.
Woodland fauna depends upon sympathetic management of the Reserve to ensure that habitat requirements of a range of target species are met (i.e. by promoting structural and floristic diversity, removing or controlling threats). However, effective management of woodland fauna also requires a strategic local and regional approach to ensure that sufficient interconnected habitat is available (Bennett et al 1998; Lunt & Bennett 1999).
The adoption of adaptive management principles in the management of the Balmattum Reserve will emphasise that learning from management outcomes is a specific objective of conservation management. The following approach recommended by Lunt and Morgan (1998) will be adopted.

1. 
   Retain pre-existing management as the primary management tool, so that the impacts of alternative management regimes can be compared against the status quo;
   
2. 
   Implement a small number of different management regimes in a consistent manner;
   
3. 
   Fully document all management activities within each treatment; and
   
4. 
   Establish monitoring regimes that will explicitly compare the outcomes of the different management regimes.
   

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT ZONES
The Reserve will be divided into three zones for the purposes of vegetation management (Map 5). These zones broadly reflect the vegetation ‘classes’ identified in section 6, but are not equivalent to them. For example some Relatively Intact vegetation is included within VMZ2, whereas some Moderately Disturbed vegetation is included within VMZ1.
The purpose of the different zones is to allow for different management regimes that are both sympathetic to existing values in the various parts of the Reserve and that will further the aim of promoting habitat diversity across the Reserve. This approach will also allow for the development of meaningful monitoring and research programs.


VMZ1

This Zone is based on Relatively Intact areas of Plains Grassy Woodland and Plains Grassy Woodland/Gilgai Wetland Mosaic and includes woodlands dominated by either Eucalyptus

camaldulensis or Eucalyptus microcarpa that have active tree regeneration and a relatively rich

understorey. The natural shrub layer is absent. Treecover has been thinned and many of the trees are very large and old.

It is assumed that the relatively open ground cover and successful recent regeneration of overstorey species will continue. There is no general requirement for biomass reduction in this Zone.

Map 5. Vegetation Management Zones





VMZ1

VMZ1




VMZ2

VMZ3

VMZ1

VMZ1

VMZ3

VMZ2

VMZ1

VMZ2

VMZ1

Boundary

Proposed Internal Fencing Proposed Access Track
0 200m 400m 600m 800m

Areas^*

Adjoining Old Euroa Road and eastern boundary (20ha), large patches in centre of Reserve (25ha), in southeast corner (10ha), on eastern boundary (10ha) and on northern boundary (15ha). (80ha total)

Management Objectives

• 
  Control weeds,
  
• 
  Protect and promote structural diversity through both natural regeneration and active restoration programs.
  
• 
  Protect large, old trees.
  

Proposed Management

• 
  Fence areas to protect from stock grazing. Priority should be given to the central area and strips along the eastern and western boundaries.
  
• 
  Control priority weeds, especially *Phalaris aquatica and *Carthamus lanatus.
  
• 
  Instigate revegetation programs to restore shrub layer.
  
• 
  Monitor understorey for structure, diversity and cover of native and weed species.
  
• 
  Monitor effects of kangaroo grazing.
  

VMZ2

This Zone is based on woodland areas that have had most or all of the overstorey removed including areas on heavy soils. There is a high cover of grasses (both native and introduced) and moderate flora

and fauna values. Native forbs may be locally common and some ‘microwetlands’ in these areas are in good condition. There is little, if any, tree regeneration and the natural shrub layer is absent. Treecover

has been thinned or even totally removed. Remaining trees may be very large and old.

Biomass reduction is required in this zone.
Areas

Throughout Reserve (120ha total).

Management Objectives

• 
  Control weeds and the potential for weed invasion.
  
• 
  Maintain and improve existing flora and fauna values through biomass control.
  
• 
  Allow for natural regeneration of native understorey species.
  

Proposed Management

• 
  Control priority weeds.
  
• 
  ‘Crash’ graze once with cattle in late summer to reduce biomass.
  
• 
  Commence seasonal grazing with sheep to maintain low open, ground cover.
  
• 
  Monitor and if necessary protect ‘microwetlands’.
  
• 
  Monitor understorey for structure, diversity and cover of native and weed species.
  
• 
  Monitor effects of all grazing.