AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS: Draft management plan for public comment

The Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) has released for public comment the 2011 – 2021 Draft Management Plan.

Highlights of the 2011 – 2021 Draft Management Plan
•A new vision, mission statement and brand for the ANBG
•Strengthened programs in horticultural and conservation research
•Focus on conservation programs of national significance such as alpine and grassy woodland ecosystems
•Emphasis on state-of-the-art practices in biodiversity science and information management, horticulture, education and visitor services
•A range of new development opportunities
•Expanded education programs
•A range of new promotional activities

To view the 2011 – 2021 Draft Management Plan and provide feedback go to the website.
Comments on the plan must be sent by 31 January 2012.

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY: Showcasing native plants in the farming environment

A native plant nursery is to be established at the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga, as part of a demonstration site for sustainable farming practices. The nursery has received $15 000 in funding from the CSU Sustainability Grant Program, administered by CSU Green.

CSU Green communications officer, Ms Nicole Maher, said the grants offer a great opportunity for the CSU community to implement creative and interesting ideas to enhance the sustainability of the University. “By providing material for biodiversity plantings across Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, the native plant nursery will help the University meet its goal of having 20 per cent of all its land used to increase biodiversity by 2015,” she said.
The nursery will also play a key role in research into the potential benefits of native shrubs and herbaceous legumes to farming systems.

For the full article please go to: http://news.csu.edu.au/director/latestnews.cfm?itemID=B8DAC4B2E824A5DBE47E8F57A126F866

NEW ONLINE PUBLICATION: Ticking the Box: Flaws in the Environmental Assessment of Coal Seam Gas Exploration Activities

Produced by the Environmental Defenders Office

The coal seam gas (CSG) industry in NSW is expanding rapidly. At the same time, the community is becoming increasingly concerned that the legal regime that regulates the exploration and extraction of coal seam gas does not ensure a thorough environmental assessment of such activities.

This publication argues that the legal process applying to CSG exploration lacks independence and rigour in terms of the assessment of potential environmental impacts. As a result, the Reviews of Environmental Factors (REFs) provided to comply with this process are of poor quality, and often constitute a fairly generic lists of impacts. The publication outlines the nature of the problem and illustrates, through some case studies, the deficiencies in the legal process. In light of these problems, legal reform to the assessment of CSG exploration is necessary.

To download a free copy, please go to: http://www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/pdf/pubs/ticking_the_box.pdf

SURVEY: Bell Miner Associated Dieback Project

Eucalypt dieback - Bell Miner Associated Dieback (BMAD)

Tree dieback may have various causes, may be natural or human - activity related, and may be of seasonal, short term or long-term duration. This survey form is designed to collect information on the current extent and distribution of tree dieback in the Blue Mountains WHA or nearby areas, in particular where associated with bell miners. Other instances of dieback are also of interest and can be recorded, except that directly related to bushfire. To gain a picture of current patterns of any dieback it is important that observations describe the current condition of trees (i.e. within the current month of recording) separately from longer term conditions and activities.

Identifying where dieback occurs is an important step in improving the management of forests. By identifying the threat, targeted management to improve biodiversity and forest heath, and to mitigate hazards and other possible unwanted outcomes arising from dieback, can be developed and actioned.

To obtain a copy of the survey forms please contact Bryony Horton by email: bryony.horton@environment.nsw.gov.au

Form are to be returned by Friday 23rd December.

EVENT: 25 years of the Australian Alps Program

19 and 20 November

The NSW National Parks are organising an event at Kiandra in Kosciuszko National Park to celebrate 25 years of the Australian Alps Program. ACT Parks are also organising a guided walk along the Alps walking track as part of the same 25th celebrations. Other events at various venues are also planned. These events span locations across the Australian Alps' two states and the ACT, so be sure to come along!

Details for programs can be found here. Please note - bookings are required for some events, and recommended for all of them.

GRANTS: Roadside Vegetation Implementation Project (RVIP)

Applications are now open. The project is designed to assist local councils undertake priority roadside vegetation management works as identified in Roadside Vegetation Management Plans or other equivalent management plans.

Objectives of the RVIP
* to allow for the protection, revegetation and regeneration of large areas of linear reserves across the State;
* to improve environmental condition and enhance ecological corridors in NSW;
* to provide funds to regional councils and help regional economies; and
* to add value to a considerable investment already made by the Environmental Trust which funded councils to prepare RVMPs in 2005.

A total of $1.3 million in funding will be available to NSW local councils. It is strongly recommended that all councils refer closely to the Roadside Vegetation Implementation Project - Guideline for Applicants prior, and during completion of their application form. This document provides details on eligible councils and activities. For more information visit the website.

All applications and supporting documentation should be provided by COB, Friday 2 December 2011 via email to: RVIP@lgsa.org.au
Further information from Kirsty McIntyre Project Manager - Roadside Vegetation Implementation Project, Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW ph: 9242 4055 or kirsty.mcintyre@lgsa.org.au

ANPC: Call for articles for Australasian Plant Conservation Vol. 20 (3)

We are seeking articles for the December 2011 – February 2012 issue of Australasian Plant Conservation (APC), the bulletin of the Australian Network for Plant Conservation (ANPC).

The issue will be on the theme ‘Monitoring and plant conservation’.

Monitoring is an important aspect of plant conservation work, providing data to assess changes over time and allowing people to make informed decisions about management practices, and make changes to those practices if necessary. In this issue we want to look at the objectives of monitoring, what should be monitored and how, and how we can keep monitoring simple but effective. We are particularly interested to receive articles related to specific examples of effective monitoring of the outcomes of on-ground plant conservation activities, monitoring vegetation condition, and long-term monitoring, and to learn of the insights/lessons for those about to embark on their first monitoring program.

General articles not on the theme are also welcome.

Articles generally should not exceed 1200 words and authors are encouraged to submit two or three high resolution images to illustrate their article.

We also welcome:
• book reviews
• titles of interesting recent publications or resources, and where they can be found
• conference, workshop, course and fieldwork announcements
• details of relevant publications, information resources and websites.

Deadline for submissions for the December-February 2012 issue is Friday 11 November 2011.

If you are intending to submit an article or wish to discuss possibilities, please contact the Editor, Selga Harrington as soon as possible. Your final article must be submitted to Selga by email at selga.harrington@gmail.com

Guidelines for authors about the APC style and scope are located on the ANPC website.

ANPC WORKSHOP: Jewels in the Landscape, managing significant native vegetation remnants 3 & 4 November

Conservation workshop offers benefits for all

The Australian Network for Plant Conservation (ANPC) is holding a two day workshop for anyone involved in the management and conservation of Travelling Stock Reserves or managing remnant vegetation such as road easements and adjacent private land.

‘Jewels in the landscape; Managing significant native vegetation remnants’, runs from Thursday 3 November and is designed to assist rangers, landcarers and landholders, catchment groups, government agencies’ staff and all those wishing to improve their knowledge and skills in biodiversity conservation.

Workshop facilitator, ANPC’s Sue Mathams, said remnant vegetation on Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) is the key habitat for a range of threatened species and often contain endangered ecological communities. In many areas they are the only remnant vegetation and provide connectivity and refuge throughout a primarily agricultural landscape.

“The two-day workshop includes a background on TSRs and exploration into the values and threats of the ecological communities they contain. It also provides the opportunity to undertake plant identification in the field at South Guyra TSR and a hands-on session of vegetation monitoring techniques,” she said.

Presenters include Dave Carr of Southern New England Landcare (SNELCC), Department of Primary Industries’ agronomist Clare Edwards and Chris Nadolny from the Office of Environment and Heritage.

“As well as learning from these experts in their field participants, enjoy the benefits of connecting with a range of stakeholders,” Ms Mathams said.

‘Jewels in the Landscape’ is supported by a NSW Environmental Trust grant and workshop fees begin at $170 for ANPC members. A number of places offering a $50 discount to volunteer members of a community, environmental or NRM group are available upon application, sponsored by SNELCC’s HiCUB project.

The two-day workshop runs from 8.30am – 5pm Thursday 3 November and 8am – 4pm Friday 4 November at Guyra Bowling and Recreation Club and includes field trips to a local TSR.

For more information, including to view the full program, or to register please go to the ANPC website or email anpc@anpc.asn.au.

ANPC WORKSHOP: Hurry, places still available

EPBC ACT: Draft Commonwealth biodiversity and offsetting policies for consultation

The federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke MP, has released the government response to the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)as part of a broad package of reforms for Australia 's national environment law. A draft biodiversity policy and draft environmental offsetting policy have also been released for consultation.

The public comment period closes Friday 21 October 2011.

REVIEW: Native Vegetation Regulation under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW)

The Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker MP has announced the start of a statutory review of the Native Vegetation Regulation under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 . The Office of Environment and Heritage, the Department of Primary Industries and the Catchment Management Authorities will guide the review. The review will take up to 12 months and involve three stages:
• Scoping the range of changes with key stakeholders groups including the NSW Farmers' Association, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW and others;
• Preparation of a draft Regulation and accompanying Regulatory Impact Statement;
• Community consultation – exhibition of the draft Regulation
Notably, the media release stated: “the review will drive improved performance and help the Government make informed choices about the need for changes to the principal statutory instrument, i.e. the Native Vegetation Act 2003 .”
Further information is available at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/vegetation . Stakeholders can register to participate by email to native.vegetation@environment.nsw.gov.au.

(Reproduced from Environmental Defender's Office New South Wales (Ltd) Weekly Bulletin – to subscribe click here.

REVIEW: NSW Marine Parks

The NSW Government has announced its Independent Scientific Audit Panel for Marine Parks. The Government's aim is to ensure “the right balance between the sustainable use of the marine environment and the conservation of marine biodiversity.”

Written submissions are invited by Friday 30 September. Further information is available at http://www.marineparksaudit.nsw.gov.au/