Dead Trees and The Act

There is a perception that when a native tree dies it loses its value and is no longer protected under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 (the Act).  However dead trees often have an important ecological role to play and in some situations, trees remain protected under the Act even after they are dead.

A dead tree is deemed to be protected native vegetation under the Act where:

• the circumference of the trunk of the tree at 300mm from the base is 2 metres or more, except on Kangaroo Island where it is 1 metre.
• the tree provides or has the potential to provide habitat for animals of a listed threatened species under the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1991.

Fauna species of concern in SA that use dead trees are:

• Red-tailed Black Cockatoo
• Glossy Black Cockatoo
• Regent Parrot of the south east form
• Princess Parrot
• South-eastern Long-eared Bat.

An information sheet explaining the detail with images of the species and their range can be found on the Department website under specific species and circumstances at - http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/Native_vegetation/Managing_native_vegetation/Clearance_guidelines#specific

Heritage Agreement Grant Scheme Reduced

Since 1998 the Native Vegetation Council has supported over 800 projects across the State with ecological on-ground works on Heritage Agreement sites.  Unfortunately with the recent budget efficiency targets of the State Government the money available this financial year has been reduced. 

The Council is now only able to provide assistance for fencing costs to Heritage Agreement landholders. 

Please contact Bea Rogers for an application form via 8303 9304 or NVIP.DEWNR@sa.gov.au More information can be found in the Fencing Guidelines for applicants that can be found via a link called 'fencing assistance' on the following page at http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/managing-natural-resources/Native_vegetation/Managing_native_vegetation/Heritage_Agreement_Scheme

Introducing Bea Rogers

Many of you will know the name Sonia Croft who has been a Native Vegetation Officer within the Native Vegetation Management Unit across many years in many roles.  Sonia has departed our office recently to pursue her passion for field based work.  Her wealth of knowledge and experience has contributed significantly to the development of a great range of resources (some to be launched in the next issue).  Her professionalism and knowledge will be missed.

We introduce you to Bea Rogers who has now taken over Sonia's latest function in the Unit - continuing the administration of the Heritage Agreement Scheme and the range of NVC grants as part of the Native Vegetation Incentives Program.

Bea has extensive ecological expertise with assessments of native vegetation and has been with the Unit since 2002 and hence is quite familiar with Heritage Agreements and also significant environmental benefit offsets that form part of the NVC grants program.  We are fortunate to be able to employ her expertise and knowledge to both the Agreements and the Grants and we know she will be an asset to both programs.  Bea can be contacted via 8303 9304 or NVIP.DEWNR@sa.gov.au

Friends of Private Bushland

If you have not already subscribed to the free newsletter of the Friends of Private Bushland you will be pleased when you do.  The comprehensive electronic publication is suitable for all Heritage Agreement landholders and those who treasure and want to care for their native bushland.

You can subscribe via http://www.friendsofprivatebushland.org.au