Participating in Research Partnerships
Participating in Research Partnerships
Upper Clarence Combined Landcare (UCCL) is rural and remote, but has established valuable partnerships with Universities and researchers
Collaborations -
LP022-018
The issue
The Upper Clarence is rural and remote. Centres of education and research are not readily accessible. UCCL has however, based on its local knowledge engaged with Macquarie and Southern Cross Universities on two separate NRM research projects.
BMAD - Bell Myna Associated Dieback is a key threatening process impacting Forests of the NSW coastal hinterland and their habitat values. Research has identified factors that correlate with BMAD, but no causation factor has been identified. The issue is only partially understood and the identification of appropriate management strategies has been hindered.
Cadaghi a tree native to northern Queensland was introduced to the NSW North Coast. It was attractive to birds and bees, and was a prolific seeder. New seedlings spread, and it was noted that the sticky nature of the trees created problems for native bees. The species is now recognised as an environmental weed in SE Qld and the NSW North Coast. Southern Cross University (SCU) researchers interested in the potential of Cadaghi to hybridise with Spotted Gum, a highly regarded local timber species..approached UCCL seeking research sites where hybridisation could be occurring. The crossbreeding potential was of concern, as the timber quality of the resulting offspring was much lower than that of spotted gum.
The solution
UCCL responded to a call from Macquarie University to support a funding application to the NSW Environmental Trust to look at the role soil factors may play in BMAD. The proposal was funded, and UCCL has shared its local BMAD experience with researchers and assisted them to locate suitable research sites. UCCL will continue to liaise with the researchers as the project progresses.
UCCL introduced the SCU researchers to the Bonalbo Common as a site where Cadaghi planted in village backyards could be hybridising with the naturally occurring spotted gum. Genetic research confirmed crossbreeding in up to three generations of seedlings, raising concern for the potential impact on the forest timber resource; and the weed potential of the crosses which have increased adaptability to drier forest areas.
The impact
The readiness of UCCL to share its local knowledge and experience with researchers has resulted in increased knowledge in areas of NRM that are of concern locally, but also across much of NSW. It is hoped the increased knowledge will support new management strategies that can be widely applied.
Key facts
- The local knowledge acquired by Landcare is a valuable resource.
- This knowledge can be the basis of valuable and relevant partnerships.