Youth involvement at Lake Cargelligo

Youth program Down The Track continues its involvement with ecological monitoring during an overnight trip in autumn 2022

Youth involvement at Lake Cargelligo

Youth program Down The Track continues its involvement with ecological monitoring during an overnight trip in autumn 2022

Collaborations -

LP049-004

The issue

Despite being a large and significant wetland in the mid-Lachlan, the biology and ecology of Lake Cargelligo was poorly known until the current project commenced in late 2019. The on-going ecology project aims to continue to measure the vegetation, bird and fish communities of the Lake through time. 

The solution

The Down The Track biological survey project commenced in late 2019 and is a co-operative monitoring project between Down The Track, NSW DPE, University of Canberra, Lake Cargelligo Landcare and other local groups and businesses. The overall aim is to build a comprehensive database of local biological/ecological information that can be used to manage the Lake and the wider Lachlan catchment.

The impact

Whenever a Down The Track biological survey weekend occurs, there are both scientific and social outcomes. In March 2022, staff from the University of Canberra showed the Down The Track participants how to measure vegetation using quadrats and transects, and they also learnt how to fly a drone. They then learnt how to set and retrieve fyke nets at four locations around Lake Cargelligo in order to safely sample aquatic animals such as fish and turtles.  

Learnings

Down The Track biological survey trips continue to be a great way to introduce young, often-disadvantaged youth to ideas relating to land and water management and scientific process in the local area. The fact that past-participants are often keen to come along demonstrates the value of the project, and having them along builds succession into the project as they become mentors for younger participants.

Key facts

  • Down The Track participants learnt skills associated with vegetation and aquatic surveying.
  • Down The Track participants worked with academic staff from University of Canberra.
  • Down The Track participants learnt skills associated with camping and living outdoors.
  • Data from the March surveys has been incorporated in larger data-sets and reports that assist with management of Lake Cargelligo and the Lachlan catchment.