Supporting groups to manage pests and weeds
Supporting groups to manage pests and weeds
Group support and coordination critical to helping control pests and weeds!
Taking Action -
LLCI003-008
The issue
An increase in pest animal and weed management issues within the Central Tablelands Local Land Services (CTLLS) region was identified. A number of local groups had been established over time but the opportunity for CTLLS to take a novel approach in supporting these groups and facilitating the establishment of new groups was identified. Together with Landcare networks across the region, Watershed Landcare became part of the Pest Engagement project which engaged four part-time coordinator (PEC's). Our coordinator is Beth Greenfield, who has extensive experience in pest management and is also a local landholder.
The focus of the project was to facilitate the development of local pest management plans and coordinate pest management activities in key areas of the central tablelands region by working as part of a team that will include Local Land Services, NPWS, State Forests, NSW DPI, wild dog and pest management groups and land managers across all tenures.
The solution
By working with local CTLLS staff, the PEC role could focus on strengthening relationships between landholders, government agencies to better coordinate and target activities. As a member of the community and a landholder, Beth has a strong appreciation of the challenges and stigma that is faced when tackling the impact of wild dogs and other pest animals.
Supporting local groups and attending their meetings to understand the issues in local areas has been a priority for Beth. Effort has been made to assist the groups to function effectively through governance training as well as communication tools to get their message out. There are five pest groups within the Watershed Landcare area, these being the Hargraves Hill End Wild Dog Group, Ilford Running Stream Pest Group, Rylstone District Wild Dog Association, Munghorn Wild Dog Group and the newly formed Piambong Yarrabin Pest Group.
The impact
These groups are volunteer run and strive to support landholders and residents within their areas to manage wild dogs and other pest animals. While three of these groups have been active for more than 15 years, like a lot of volunteer run, community groups, struggle with membership and getting landholders to be involved in programmes.
A key achievement since the creation of the role, is getting full coverage of pest groups in the Watershed Region. There was a lack of clarity about where existing group boundaries lay; these have now been mapped, and stretched where there were gaps, so every property in our region is now encompassed by one of the five pest groups.
Key facts
- Working together is the key to any pest animal control. Talking with neighbours and sharing experiences is a must.
- Landholders need to be active within their group, as pest animals cross property boundaries.
- Support is available for landholders, through the groups as well as government agencies.