Key Facts:
- Trust for Nature and Wimmera Catchment Management Authority are working with Wimmera landholders to protect and manage wetlands on private land
- 240 ha have already been protected through the program
- The project aims to protect another seven wetlands
- Over 90% of the Wimmera's wetlands are located on private land
Unique wetlands in Victoria's Wimmera are getting a helping hand thanks to the local community.
Conservation organisation Trust for Nature, supported by the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the Victorian Government, is working with landholders to protect and manage wetlands on their properties.
Last financial year, 240 ha of wetlands were protected with conservation covenants, safeguarding important habitat for threatened species like Brolgas. Over the next two years the project aims to protect another seven wetlands on private property.
"Wetlands are incredibly important habitat for wildlife, including threatened species like Brolgas," said Laura McLean, Project Manager at Trust for Nature.
"We need to work with landholders to preserve the wetlands. They provide such important connectivity across the landscape," says Luke Austin, Operational Delivery Manager at Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.
The Wimmera is home to over 3,000 wetlands, a quarter of non-flowing wetlands in Victoria. Over 90 per cent are found on private land. They include different plant communities such as Red Gum swamps, sedge and herbland, and lignum scrub.
Many of the wetlands periodically dry out. Even dry, they provide important habitat for other species of plants and animals.
Wetlands are threatened by draining and clearing for cropping, modifying water flow, livestock grazing and weeds.
The CMA is supporting landholders to enhance wetlands through 10-year management agreements.
"Having the right land management is really important," says Laura. "Managing growth of vegetation through strategic grazing and ecological burning can help maintain diversity. Keeping weeds under control is also really important."
Where suitable, properties are protected forever with conservation covenants through Trust for Nature. These agreements restrict threats such as clearing and intensive farming. Registered on a property's title, the conservation covenant continues to protect habitat when the property is sold.
Wimmera farmer Sue Close and her family are protecting 220 ha of wetlands on their property through the project.
"I think it's really highlighting the importance of the vulnerability of a fragile landscape," Sue says. "It will encourage better management, and add value to the property. I hope that people can look over the fence and say, 'That area is being managed differently'. It adds to production, it doesn't take away from it."
Trust for Nature is seeking expressions of interest from landholders interested in protecting wetlands, and other habitats, on their properties. To make an expression of interest, please go to trustfornature.org.au/what-we-do/conservation-covenants/
About us:
Trust for Nature is one of Australia's oldest conservation organisations, established to protect habitat on private land. It relies on the generosity of supporters to help protect Victoria's biodiversity.
