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MIA ENVIROWISE — Vegetation Implementation Project |
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Vegetation Implementation Project Property Vegetation Planning (PVP) is an important component for shareholders completing the FarmWise education program under the MIA EnviroWise initiative with Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI). The aim of the property vegetation plan is to incorporate the principles of biodiversity into farm management practices. Landowners develop the PVP collaboratively with a Biodiversity Officer at MI. To date a small number of landowners within the MIA have undertaken on-ground works and claimed incentives, this low conversion rate is mainly a result of the drought and reduced allocations. MI is exploring options to assist landowners to implement their PVP's. The company's Vegetation Implementation Officer, Cathy Semmler is coordinating an assistance program developed to accelerate the rate of on-ground plantings and fencing for areas of remnant vegetation and new areas for revegetation. The MIA EnviroWise incentives can provide for the cost of the plants, planting costs and fencing requirements, in return for ground preparation, weed control and watering in the plantings, by the landowner. The emphasis will be on revegetating 'clusters' of neighboring properties along native vegetation corridors or natural catchments lines to reconnect the remnant vegetation network within the landscape of the MIA. This will include planting new areas with local native trees and shrubs, as well as plantings to enhance the under storey within current stands of remnant native vegetation. Native vegetation has an important role in sustainable farm systems including interception of groundwater recharge, lowering watertables, reclaiming salinised or eroded areas, providing shade and shelter to stock, enhancing biodiversity, including beneficial birds and insects for improved pest management and increasing property and aesthetic values. A direct seeding trial which involves the seeding of mainly understorey species such as Acacia in and around existing stands of degraded remnant vegetation commenced in June 2006. Four sites were established for seeding encompassing two soil types i.e. sandy loams and grey clays. The results are already evident with several Acacia species germinating even though the drought conditions have been extreme. On going monitoring and evaluation of this trial will result in a targeted strategy for the MIA. Areas allocated to new plantings require soil preparation such as deep ripping and weed control, at least 6 months prior to planting. The optimum planting window for native flora ranges annually from autumn to spring, depending on the area. To assist planning for seedling requirements and planting schedules, landowners are encouraged to contact Cathy Semmler, Vegetation Implementation Officer, or Bonnie Lessels, PVP Officer, at Murrumbidgee Irrigation on 02 6962 0200, Griffith.
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