Natural Area Management Program

The City has recently been awarded funding from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) for restoration works at Tranby Reserve. This funding has come from the Swan Canning Riverpark Urban Forest (SCRUF) program, which is a non-competitive grant aimed at allowing DBCA to deliver priority projects that improve ecosystem health, amenity value and use of the Riverpark and connected landscapes.

For this project the City will be undertaking weed control and planting within Tranby Reserve. The grant will cover weed control at the site, the removal of existing turf, planting of approximately 11,000 tubestock including 250 trees, with works commencing in December 2024 and finishing in July 2025.

Please follow this feed as progress will be updated during the course of the project.

The tiny beetle native to Southeast Asia has become a very large concern in WA. It threatens many species of flora including our precious natives that we work so hard to preserve. There has been a need to remove many trees that have been alive longer than many of us and that are woven into our lives. Trees that have formed precious memories in our hearts and minds through countless wedding pictures, childhood picnics and simple walks with people we love.

It is important that we all have a better understanding of how to identify this problem so reports can be made to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Therefore, an information night is to be held at the Civic center with guest speaker, Katelyn Fox, Public Information officer from DPIRD.

It is open to all members of the community, particularly those that are active in care of our natural areas throughout the City of Bayswater. The session will be held at 6pm on Wednesday the 30th of October and will run for approximately 1 hour.

Please pass this on to all you may think will benefit from the knowledge that will be presented during the evening session.

It would be appreciated if an email could be sent to the address below if you wish to attend. This will give an indication of seating requirements for the evening.

Thank you

matthew.moore@bayswater.wa.gov.au

Wednesday 30th October

61 Broun Ave, Morley

6-7pm

The City of Bayswater has prepared a revegetation plan to restore the bushland around Maylands Lakes over the next ten years. Non-endemic species have grown to become detrimental to the natural balance of the ecosystem within the region. Many years ago, during development of the Lakes, these were planted without the knowledge of their effects on the environment that we understand today. In order to rectify this, ongoing clearing of smaller introduced trees will occur around the entire area. Clearing of large stands of trees will take place as a staged process, as seen on the map, allowing the new vegetation to establish, providing habitat for the various species of fauna around the lakes and attract those that have not been present for many years due to the loss of natural habitat.

City of Bayswater (CoB) has undertaken fox and cat trapping at numerous reserves from March to April 2023. A second round of trapping for fox only occurred in June 2023. All works undertaken are in accordance with relevant codes of practices, laws, and best practice (Poisons Act 1964, Animal Welfare Act 2002, Animal Welfare Regulations 2003, Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, Health Act, Firearms Ac.

Cat Trapping

Trapping commenced on the 27th of March and continued until all traps were removed on the 5th of April. Traps were cage traps and were set each afternoon and were checked early each morning. The number of traps set in the reserves varied over the course of the trapping period depending on the location of cat activity. Generally, about 20 cage traps were set each afternoon.

Fox Trapping

Traps were rubber-jawed foot-hold traps and once set, they remained set for the duration of the program. Traps were checked early each morning.

Reserves

1. Baigup Wetlands 2. Bardon Park 3. Berringa Park 4. Claughton Reserve 5. Eric Singleton 6. Lightning Swamp

Results

One cat was caught at Baigup Wetlands and another at Claughton Reserve.

One fox (female 5.1kg) was caught at Claughton Reserve.

One fox (male 6.3kg) was caught at Lightning Swamp Reserve.

The next round of fox trapping will occur in February 2024 as this will coincide with the peak dispersal of sub-adult foxes.

The next round of cat trapping will occur in April 2024.

Results - Fox Trapping 5-16th February 2024

One fox (female 4.4kg) was caught at Eric Singleton

One fox (male4.2kg) was caught at Lightning Swamp Reserve

Results - Cat Trapping 2-12th April 2024

One cat (male) was caught at Baigup Wetlands

One cat (male) was caught at Claughton Reserve

Results - Fox Trapping 17-24th June 2024

One fox (female 5.3kg) was caught at Berringa

One fox (female 4.1kg) was caught at Lightning Swamp

One fox (male 4.3kg) was caught at Claughton

The site has been revegetated with numerous species native to the location, providing biodiversity and therefore excellent repair to the natural environment. It is necessary to maintain the natural equilibrium and ensure it does not become degraded and prevent any threats to this.

The Eucalyptus grandis (E. grandis), has grown to become such a threat. This is due to the amount of leaf litter and bark that it sheds which is vast, creating a major fire hazard that will have devastating consequences to the surrounding wetland. It also prevents native species from self-seeding under its canopy. In order to prevent this and restore balance, it is imperative that the trees be topped.

We shall engage the services from a commercial arborist for the topping of the E. grandis and the removal of two. This will ensure best practice and safety requirements are met due to their professional understanding of the task and the importance of preserving the current, native bushland.

There are currently nesting boxes in the lower section of three trees. The E. grandis shall be topped to a point just above these and a selection of limbs retained to leave a natural look and to be utilized by the various birds and wildlife. This coincides with the tree line of the current vegetation, providing ample shade and protection as the native trees continue to mature. The E. grandis shall be ringbarked to prevent regrowth and if necessary, a chemical application applied. This is followed by removal of excess leaf and bark litter to further reduce the risk of fire. Some of the wood shall be retained for the intention of repurposing.

Once the trees and the majority of material is removed, this will allow for the planting of native species back into the area without the risk of smothering. It will also open up ground, allowing for the natural self-seeding of the current species in that location. This will drive the continuation of a healthy and sustained biodiverse system within Bardon Park.