Concluding Comments: “FoGL stresses a fire ecology strategy needs to be developed and implemented that protects and enhances our biodiversity and is based on the best-available scientific evidence.” … ” We feel that a public awareness campaign needs to be mounted that challenges, with scientific evidence, the belief that planned burns protect communities and do no harm to wildlife and biodiversity.”
FoGL Submission to the Inspector General for Emergency Management
After FoGL’s successful removal of the invasive weed sea spurge Euphorbia paralias l from Barrier Landing and a part of Rigby Island last year, a follow up weed removal event took place on October 10, 2013. This was done in conjunction with Parks Victoria and the Lakes Entrance Community Landcare Group.
Two areas were targeted. The first was the area around Barrier Landing that was worked on last year. The second was a part of Rigby Island frequented by Little Terns and Fairy Terns. These birds require an open sandy area on which to build their nests and lay their eggs but sea spurge growth has reduced the available nesting area. These migratory birds are due back in the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park soon.
Two FoGL members, 7 Landcare members, 2 Parks Victoria Rangers and Little Tern expert Faye Bedford (DEPI) were able to successfully weed both areas. In the previously weeded Barrier Landing area, there has been a substantial reduction in flowering plants, and the small seedlings which regrew were easily removed. With ongoing work on these sites, this invasive weed is very likely to be kept under control.
Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge of the Bairnsdale area Jeremy Tscharke expressed how pleased he was with the turn out, and was amazed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guide Jim Reside. The Macleod Morass is an exciting and diverse freshwater environment. Community field trips such as this one help the public to better understand the values that Parks Victoria work to preserve.
Prep site 27th August
Planting 8th October
(bbq on Planting Day 1230-1315)
Thanks to Coastcare Victoria (for the funding) and Parks Victoria (for the invaluable assistance), FoGL planted a 3000 sqm area alongside Macleod Morass on Saturday 8th October.
Our hard-working members who did attend got the site planted out and Hughy rewarded our hard slog with a follow-up rain the next day.
Thanks Rob and Jeremy (Parks Victoria), Richard Vuat (Wildseed), Cinnamon, Connor and Torin (all from Bairnsdale Scouts), Jim Reside (Wildlife Unlimited) and Trevor, Nancy, Geoff, Wendy, Bill C, Bill B, Margaret, Anne, Gayle, Jenny, David, Maurice (all from FoGL).
View FoGL MM Planting Area in a larger map
