NQ Dry Tropics Beach Scrub BioCondition Report (Site specific extract)
December 2016
Site – Kings Beach #2
Contents: Site Description
2
On-ground Works Prioritisation
5
Discussion
5
Recommendations
6
Weeds on Site
7
Site Specific Actions
8
Treatment Recommendations
9
S13 King’s Beach 02 – BioCondition Assessment Results.
Biocondition Assessment S13 King’s Beach 02 – Landscape view and aerial view.
S13 King’s Beach 02 – view north, centre of plot.
S13 King’s Beach 02 – view east, centre of plot.
S13 King’s Beach 02 – view south, centre of plot. S13 King’s Beach 02 – view west, centre of plot. Attributes Maximum Score Site Score Site-based condition Large Trees 15 5 attributes. Tree Canopy Height 5 4 Recruitment of Canopy Species 5 5 Tree Canopy Cover 5 1.5 Shrub Cover 5 5 Coarse Woody Debris 5 2 Native Plant Species Richness 20 7.5 Non-native Plant Cover 10 5 Native Perennial Grass Cover 5 0 Litter Cover 5 5 Landscape attributes Size of Patch 10 10 (fragmented) Context 5 4 Connection 5 5 Adjusted Total: 90 65.6 BioCondition Class: 2 Site Specific Notes: Site moved around 40m to the southeast to avoid nearby mangrove community.
RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016
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S13 King’s Beach 02 - Site Survey and Management Notes Attending
C. Kahler and J. Rains
Survey Date
14/10/2016
Tenure
State Land
Site Location
0m E 631737
50m E 631738
Regional Ecosystem:
(GMA, GDA94)
0m N 7787606
50m N 7787556
11.2.3
General Description
Semi-evergreen vine thicket. Low tree diversity. Low crowns and large bare patches between trees or scrub clumps; only just above mangrove level, low deflated dunes; sandy soil with little cohesion.
Size of Polygon
18.2 ha
Size of Patch
522.3ha
Connectivity
100%
Context
73% (Remnant), 0.9% (Regrowth)
Canopy Height
Canopy: 8m Sub-canopy: 4.5m
Canopy Species
EDL Species: Acacia oraria, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Diospyros geminata, Mimusops elengi, Pleiogynium timorense, Terminalia arenicola. Sub-dominant: EDL species and includes: Acacia salicina, Alectryon connatus, Alphitonia excelsa, Croton arnhemicus, Drypetes deplanchei, Ficus rubiginosa.
Shrub Species
Includes: Capparis lucida, Capparis sepiaria, Clerodendrum floribundum, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Exocarpos latifolius, Sarcostemma viminale subsp. brunonianum, Tephrosia filipes.
Vines
Deeringia amaranthoides, Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis, Jasminum didymum, Trophis scandens.
Weeds
Catharanthus roseus*, Megathyrsus maximus*, Melinis repens*.
General condition notes
The patch appears to be subject to periodic natural disturbance, presumably from tidal inundation and exposure to strong winds. Many dead or nearly dead large standing trees.
Management Issues
Rubbish: most dumping seen during survey seems to have been from the back of vehicles. Weeds: the exotic grasses Guinea grass and red Natal grass may pose fire risks if stands become dense.
Suggested Actions
Rubbish: remove existing rubbish and install strong gate on access track. Weeds: control if they become too dense. This site is easily accessible for walkers - it could be used for collection activities if seed is needed for revegetation works elsewhere. It is not recommended effort be spent revegetating this site as the periodic disturbance mentioned above seems to keep it in this depauperate and open state.
Action Prioritisation Score
9/13 Despite a high score, works other than grassy weed control and rubbish collection aren’t recommended for this site. It is expected to transition to mangrove, samphire or saltwater couch community over time.
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Table 1 S13 King’s Beach 02 Flora and Fauna Species Lists Family Scientific Name
Common Name
Life Form
Plant Species Mimosaceae
Acacia oraria
a wattle
Mimosaceae
Acacia salicina
Sally wattle
T
Sapindaceae
Alectryon connatus
grey bird's eye
T
Rhamnaceae
Alphitonia excelsa
soap tree
T
Nyctaginaceae
Boerhavia sp.
a tarvine
F
Cyperaceae
Bulbostylis barbata
watergrass
F
Capparaceae
Capparis lucida
coast caper
S
Capparaceae
Capparis sepiaria
wild orange
S
Apocynaceae
Catharanthus roseus*
periwinkle
F
Lamiaceae
Clerodendrum floribundum
lolly bush
S
Euphorbiaceae
Croton arnhemicus
hard cascarilla
T
Sapindaceae
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
tuckeroo
Cyperaceae
Cyperus sp.2
Amaranthaceae
Deeringia amaranthoides
shrubby deeringia
Ebenaceae
Diospyros geminata
grey ebony
Putranjivaceae
Drypetes deplanchei
yellow boxwood
T
Myrtaceae
Eugenia reinwardtiana
Cedar Bay cherry
S
Santalaceae
Exocarpos latifolius
beach cherry
S
Moraceae
Ficus rubiginosa
rusty fig
T
Convolvulaceae
Ipomoea pes-caprae subsp. brasiliensis
goat’s foot convolvulus
V
Oleaceae
Jasminum didymum
native jasmine
V
Poaceae
Megathyrsus maximus*
Guinea grass
G
Poaceae
Melinis repens*
red Natal grass
G
Sapotaceae
Mimusops elengi
red condoo
EDL
Anacardiaceae
Pleiogynium timorense
Burdekin plum
EDL
Apocynaceae
Sarcostemma viminale subsp. brunonianum
bandaid bush
S
Poaceae
Sporobolus virginicus
saltwater couch
G
Fabaceae
Tephrosia filipes
Combretaceae
Terminalia arenicola
brown Damson
Moraceae
Trophis scandens
burny vine
Family
EDL
EDL F V EDL
S
Scientific Name
Common Name
EDL V Class
Fauna Species SCINCIDAE
Unknown
a skink
REPTILIA
NECTARINIIDAE
Dicaeum (Dicaeum) hirundinaceum
mistletoebird
AVES
NECTARINIIDAE
Nectarinia jugularis
olive backed sunbird
AVES
COLUMBIDAE
Geopelia striata
peaceful dove
AVES
Table Note: Life Form categories are as follows; E= epiphyte, F= forb, S- shrub, T= tree, V= vine, EDL= species forms part of the canopy or the Ecologically Dominant Layer, #= species in patch but outside plot, * = introduced/weed. Fauna observations were opportunistic only. RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016
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Recommended Prioritisation of Works Site prioritisation scores are given below in Table 2 (extracted) with sites ranked by site number. Table 3 (extracted) lists the sites by on-ground works prioritisation score and includes BioCondition scores and classes. Table 2: On-Ground Works Prioritisation Scores for each Site – Extract Site Attribute and score 1 S13 King’s Beach 02
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Total
2 1 1 3 0 1 0 0 1 9 Notes: WRC controlled site is public land with seasonal only 2WD access, WRC has a record of success in beach scrub regeneration, scrub extent won’t change as a result of works and they will not build on prior investment; it’s likely more than one group can be involved.
Table Note: scores shown are from a maximum total of 13.
BioCondition scores were calculated from values collected onto field sheets during field survey and are given on individual site sheets in the previous section. The BioCondition scores along with each site’s works prioritisation score are given in the following tables. Table 3: Sites Ranked by On-Ground Prioritisation Score – Extract Site Works BioCondition Prioritisation Score Score S13 King’s Beach 02 9 65.6%
BioCondition Class 2
Previous BioCondition Score (Class) n/a
Note: ‘Previous BioCondition Score’ derived from Woodcock (2008a).
Discussion Condition The beach scrubs surveyed are all in good condition. Those managed by public authorities appeared to be in the best condition. Although it is largely impossible to compare BioCondition scores between this survey event and previous ones, a few differences can be detected through checking text used in describing the sites during 2008 survey. The chief changes in condition relate to cyclone damage sustained in the intervening period. Cyclone Louis seems to have impacted the Cape Upstart Central and South sites. Otherwise, management issues for re-surveyed sites seem to have largely remained as they were during the first survey. It seems as though previous investment has been worthwhile with sites treated previously for weeds or other threats returning high BioCondition scores – the prior investment has paid off in terms of resilience and in terms of current landholders’ awareness of the value of these ecosystems.
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Threats Results of the on-ground BioCondition survey and scoring are given in a site-by-site report (following section) including the BioCondition score break-down, site photos, a small map showing the traversed area within patch, notes on condition and proposed actions as well as a plant species list and a list of any fauna incidentally sighted during the survey. Management issues and suggested actions are also given. A summary of threats to beach scrubs at each site is given in Table 4 (extracted).
Threat
S13 King’s Beach 02
Table 4: Summary of Threats by Site – Extract
Coastal development Tourism and vectors
x
Agriculture Mining Climate change
x
Weed invasion
x
Fire Feral animals Exotic pathogens Other natural disturbances
x
The strongest influences on BioCondition scores appear to be natural disturbances (salt water inundation, strong salt-laden winds, cyclones) although the pressure that represents single greatest potential threat, likely to cause catastrophic and irreversible change is the ever-present likelihood of coastal development. Invasion by transformer weeds and fire are the next most significant onsite threats overall (see Table 4). Weeds, along with inappropriate fire use could severely damage remaining areas. Beach scrub transformer weeds (weeds that can force a significant and perhaps irreversible change in structure and floristics) include rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora*), Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus*) (and other vigorous introduced grasses), lantana (Lantana camara*) and, if infestations are dense enough, corky passion vine (Passiflora suberosa*). Myrtle rust was seen at 2 sites and infected plants were notably lacking in vigour.
Recommendations or Summary Many of the sites surveyed are in good condition (BioCondition class of 1 or 2). Protect these healthier sites from threatening processes, most especially, clearing. The most catastrophic impact on these healthy sites will come from human interaction – clearing for coastal development. High public awareness of their values and TEC listing is most likely the best protection they can be given against this threat. In order to check that beach scrub communities of the NQ Dry Tropics NRM region are maintaining or improving condition it is recommended that this process be repeated in around five to ten years’ time. It should not be necessary to repeat BioCondition immediately following any on-ground works as a way of measuring their success, rather, specific monitoring methods should be devised or used to detect the success or otherwise of any remediation works planned. Wherever it is available, use more current information, particularly on community or landholder willingness to participate, so as to improve the chances of remediation work success. Where it is not at hand, actively seek information from the community to better inform planning and improve the results of on-ground works. Additionally, maintain some planning flexibility so as to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016
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Weeds identified on site include, but are not limited to: Table 5: Prioritised Weeds Priority Order
Scientific Name
Common Name
Life Form
Plant Species
1 (Very High)
Catharanthus roseus*
periwinkle
F
1 (Very High)
Megathyrsus maximus*
Guinea grass
G
Melinis repens*
red Natal grass
G
2 (High)
Table Note: Life Form categories are as follows: E= epiphyte, F= forb, S- shrub, T= tree, V= vine.
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Site Specific Actions S13 Kings Beach #2
Initial Works
Quarter 4 maintenance
Quarter 5 maintenance
Quarter 6 maintenance
Quarter 7 maintenance
Quarter 8 maintenance
Jan-Mar 2017
Apr – Jun 2017
Jul – Sep 2017
Oct – Dec 2017
Jan – Mar 2018
Apr – Jun 2018
Time required o 3 days (estimate) Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc Weed works o Grass control on
Time required o 1 day Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc Check status of
Time required o 1 day Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc Check status of
Time required o 1 day Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc Check status of
Time required o 1 day Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc Check status of
Time required o 1 day Rubbish clean up o Litter, bottles etc Check status of
previously treated
previously treated
previously treated
previously treated
previously treated
perimeter (guinea
weeds, retreat if
weeds, retreat if
weeds, retreat if
weeds, retreat if
weeds, retreat if
and others)
needed
needed
needed
needed
needed
o Others as time permits
Weed works
Weed works
Weed works
Weed works
Weed works
o Grasses
o Grasses
o Grasses
o Grasses
o Grasses
o Others as time
o Others as time
o Others as time
o Others as time
o Others as time
permits
permits
permits
RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016
permits
permits
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Treatment Recommendations All of this information is advisory in nature and not legally binding; the landholder should ensure they follow all governmental and safety regulations when using any weed control methods. Some of these plants are toxic to humans and all care should be taken during their control. Pink or White Periwinkle This is a very toxic and extremely invasive species. It creates runners under the ground making follow up and monitoring vital for successful control. It is also produces large amounts of viable seed so control needs to be done before seed is ripe. Glyphosate at a rate of 36g/10L is recommended. This plant is toxic and the roots have a tendency to break off on continue growing – Hand pulling of this species is not advisable. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Ht ml/catharanthus_roseus.htm http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/medicin al/ingredients.shtml http://www.growmeinstead.com.au/plant/pinkperiwinkle-sub.aspx
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Guinea Grass Guinea grass can be controlled in small outbreaks by hand-pulling or digging out the plants. Larger infestation will need to be brush cut back and clumps sprayed with glyphosate or grass-specific herbicide. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/03030800 -0b07-490a-8d040605030c0f01/media/Html/Megathyrsus_maximus_var. _maximus.htm http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/000 6/67398/IPA-Guinea-Grass-PP82.pdf
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Red Natal Grass Natal grass is best controlled by mowing or brushcutting the plants before the seed has set. Follow up by spot spraying base being careful not to hit desirables with the spray of glyphosate or grass-specific herbicide. http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/0303080 0-0b07-490a-8d040605030c0f01/media/Html/Melinis_repens.htm
RDB40 Action Plan Kings Beach #2 December 2016
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