Kerosene Creek Weed control
Bringing the Hartley Vale community together to control woody weeds along Kerosene Creek.
Capacity to Deliver - LEP_035_LLC
The issue
Erosion caused by flooding in the years after the 2019/ 2020 Gospers Mountain bushfire introduced several Priority Weeds into Kerosene Creek valley, Hartley Vale.
Himalayan Honeysuckle and Blackberry had previously not been in the valley in high densities. Landowners were worried about their impacts on native vegetation as they are ecosystem transformative weeds. Particularly in the regenerating post fire vegetation communities, which are vulnerable to weed invasion.
The solution
The community approached Lithgow Oberon Landcare requesting assistance identifying problem weeds, learning how to treat them and coming up with a long-term strategy to remove them from the valley and enhance natural, post fire bushland regeneration.
A field-based workshop was organised for all landowners who live along the river to learn about safe herbicide use, weed identification and treatment and weed control strategies.
Being a field-based workshop gave the group an opportunity to identify target weeds, safe treatment of them with herbicide and to map location and densities. While the group was treating and mapping the weeds, Broom was discovered, another priority weed the group do not want to become dominant.
The impact
Several large patches of Himalayan Honeysuckle, Broom and Blackberry were treated before they had the opportunity to fruit and spread further. Additionally, the group have agreed to further meetings to carry out and discuss weed and erosion control.
Before their next meeting, the Local Landcare Coordinator is working with the group to develop a weed management plan for the valley that will outline weed management strategies, links to erosion control resources and approaches to natural revegetation.
Key facts
- Weed management requires a strategic approach for long term biodiversity outcomes.
- Weed control requires a community of stakeholders to be involved and an understanding of weed ecology in order to manage complex weed infestations.
- Community groups require ongoing support to achieve their weed management plans.