Aboriginal burning explains the historical distribution of native grasslands, and burning rather than grazing may be an efficient long-term way to restore the quality of these grasslands.
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With insects declining around the world, studies on the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation in agricultural landscapes provide an explanation for the decline and suggest implications for restoration.
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Grassy woodlands and woodland species are under threat but there are many ways we can transform our grassy woodlands to states that are richer and more resilient to change.
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The behaviour of nectar-eating flying foxes and birds is telling us an important story and we need to listen and respond to their message. Dr Eby says we must protect, restore and reconnect habitat over vast distances – scaling- up our local efforts in a coordinated and strategic fashion.
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Our 2040 vision - The heath of Central Victoria’s natural environment is being restored and its species are no longer in decline.
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Read the key issues people voiced around - River frontage restoration - Leaky landscapes - Managing spring soaks, bogs and wetlands - Environmental and cultural water
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Jim’s summary brought together four themes from the Symposium. Connectivity has many dimensions in aquatic systems: along streams and across floodplains, between surface and groundwater, across time and across cultures. Resilience and resistance are features of the biological systems and the people who care for them. Solutions are available and local solutions all count in the larger landscape. And finally, we have choices about the future of our landscapes – but need to think big.
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Inka's recently completed PhD showed how important clusters of connected wetlands were for brolga chicks before they fledged and how wetland connectivity is important for the large scale movements between south western Victoria and South Australia.
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One legacy of the gold mining era was the massive amounts of tailings (sludge) that swept across many floodplains and was a big issue for farmers in Victoria. The original braided floodplains and chains of ponds, and the pastures and crops on this most fertile land, were replaced by infertile sludge that filled in the valleys then rapidly eroded into incised creeks with water tables well below the surface.
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Land and water are the core of all spirituality and fundamental to the cultural heritage and wellbeing of Aboriginal people. Barringgi Gadyin is the Wergaia name for the whole Wimmera River system. The Barengi Gadjin Land Council represents the Traditional Owners related to apical ancestors with links to the River. Together, the stories of the Traditional Owners and research by archaeologist along the river are expanding our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and the ways we can work together to value and care for this country.
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Groundwater-dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) are those ecosystems where any part of the lifecycle of anything involves groundwater. GDEs are ecotones with persistent groundwater supplies. In 2004, GDEs were formally recognised and an atlas developed. Aboriginal stories have been included in this mapping. Threats include groundwater extraction, urbanisation affecting recharge, and climate change. Now, any Environmental Impact Statements for development must address the impact on GDEs.
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Michelle spoke about the many seasonal wetlands scattered across south-western Victoria. Agriculture is having a growing impact on the connectivity and biodiversity of these wetlands. But her studies have also shown that wetlands are adapted to cycles and, thanks to persistent seed banks, can come back from moderate and short-term disturbance, with grazing as an important management tool.
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Agricultural intensification is having a big impact on biodiversity. Don described three projects looking at the behaviour of frogs in various agricultural environments. Frogs in the study used a variety of habitats to live and traverse but remnant condition and proximity to water were most important. And the three studies failed to detect many species that are more sensitive to the impacts of agriculture.
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Nick spoke of the impact of small dams in the upper catchments on the persistence of stream flows and waterholes of many streams across Victoria in dry times. Loss of continuity along streams threatens the survival and breeding of many fish and other aquatic animals. Protection of high-quality habitat is critical for conservation but there are also solutions that can improve flows from small dams.
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Connecting habitat over large scales is not a pipe dream. Hear about his experiences in Africa and the US and how we can re-connect fragmented habitats across central Victoria.
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Building biolinks using marketing instruments. Paul Dettman and Jeroen van Veen
Biodiversity and carbon markets and conservation-focussed agriculture are restoring and connecting habitat in Victoria.
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The GOANNA Project - Landscape restoration on a Landcare budget and partnering for the future. James Nelsson
GOANNA - "Group Organising Activity Nurturing Natural Assets" - how partnering is acheving ecological outcomes.
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Biolinks: the Cobaw Forest to Tooborac Forest Connection. Peter Sanders
The story of how a community have established a large wildlife corridor
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Pollen Pathways: A project to reconnect Matted Flax-lily populations along the Merri Creek. Brian Bainbridge
Lily flowers, buzz pollination by bees - a fascinating talk that neatly illustrates how important ecological connectivity is for plants.
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North Central Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Plan Rohan Hogan
An assessment of the vulnerability of central Victoria's natural assets to climate change and ways to help them adapt.
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