STRATEGIC CONTROL OF PRIORITY ENVIRONMENTAL WEEDS IN BREMER BAY

Funding Source: State NRM

Project Coordinator: Therese Bell

Timeframe: January 2020 to January 2021

SUMMARY

This project will focus on control of a number of environmental weeds in Bremer Bay, including two weeds of national significance: boxthorn and bridal creeper. Weeding bees will focus on high priority areas and target species identified as being of greatest concern by local residents, including (but not limited to) African Lovegrass and Polygala, in addition to the weeds of national significance. Victorian Tea Tree control will be carried out  in another associated project.

Activities will include:

• Removal of several significant infestations of boxthorn from strategic (high priority) bush remnants.

• Training workshop to upskill more local volunteers to distribute bridal creeper rust and conduct long-term monitoring.

• Busy bees to distribute bridal creeper rust.

• Regular busy bees in high priority native bush to remove other weeds of highest concern using volunteers from different sectors of the community including FBG subgroups, local residents, schools, tourists.

• Establishment of a demonstration site in a high visibility area to promote awareness of

weed issue, encourage community ownership and engagement and monitor change.

• Community awareness program targeting local residents, businesses, schools, tourists

• Ongoing liaison between stakeholders.