Action plan for vine weeds
Action plan for vine weeds
An Action Plan for the management of vine weeds in the greater Macleay catchment has been prepared to identify key actions for the strategic management of these weeds.
Taking Action -
LLCI033-095
The issue
The vine weeds Cats Claw Creeper and Madeira Vine are well established in the Macleay Valley, and pose a major threat to natural vegetation. The rampageous growth of these vine weeds ends up smothering native trees that struggle to survive under their dense canopy.
Landcare Officer Andy Vinter said “the problem is that these weeds are already widespread in the valley which makes them difficult to control, and yet we can’t afford to just let them go. If we turn our back on this all the trees growing along the Macleay River are at risk”, he said.
The solution
In response to this situation the Landcare group has drafted an Action Plan for the management of vine weeds in the greater Macleay catchment. The Action Plan was developed at a stakeholder workshop and identifies key actions for the strategic management of these weeds in the Macleay Valley. Key components of the plan include mapping, biological control, and selecting the best control methods at strategic locations in the catchment. The Action Plan is available for viewing and comment at the Landcare Office in the Kempsey Showgrounds on Sea St West Kempsey, or by email to office.macleaylandcare@gmail.com.
The impact
The Macleay Landcare Network has been actively supporting the control of these weeds. In partnership with the NSW Environmental Trust and the New England Weeds Authority weed control works have been undertaken along 17.5km of the upper Macleay River. The next step is to secure more funding to implement the Action Plan and continue the good fight against this weed menace.
Learnings
Investment in well established and widespread weeds is generally only available for asset protection purposes. Where the asset is widespread, such as for river riparian zones, the need for investment considerably increases, as does the consequences of inaction.
Riparian environmental weeds are usually found at the 'wrong end' of the model weed management curve due to the high investment required to effect control at a population level. Competition for investment dollars allocated to weed management rarely extends to weeds at this end of the curve.
The development of a strategic weed management program is essential when faced with these challenges.
Key facts
- Vine weeds pose a major threat to natural vegetation along the Macleay River.
- Well established and widespread weeds pose an investment challenge.
- The development of a strategic weed management program is required to identify investment priorities.