Managing and rehabilitating riparian vegetation
Contents
- Theme: Managing and rehabilitating riparian vegetation
- Case study 1: Natural regeneration of riparian vegetation in Western Australia
- Case study 2: Floodplain vegetation in Cooper Creek
- Getting a Grip: Notes from the field
- Local government focus
- Case study 3: Riparian vegetation in Tasmania
- Case study 4: Fire management on tropical savannas
- New publication: Riparian Land Management Technical Guidelines
- It's a Wrap: News from around Australia
Managing and rehabilitating riparian vegetation
The condition and extent of native riparian vegetation along Australia's rivers and streams varies greatly. There are extensive areas dominated by native riparian vegetation, but there are also large tracts that have been cleared, where the vegetation is fragmented, or where the vegetation has been largely replaced by introduced species. Where remnant native riparian vegetation occurs in agricultural regions, it is often confined to narrow strips, or is part of 'bush run' country used for grazing. Whilst much attention has been given to rehabilitating the badly degraded areas, remnant riparian vegetation has generally been left to look after itself. In many cases, it is gradually being degraded through overgrazing, high fire frequencies and weed invasion.
From the Editor
Welcome to another edition of RipRap. This edition is focusing on managing and rehabilitating the riparian zone, a topic that is highly relevant for those groups getting ready to submit projects for Natural Heritage Trust funding. Practical information is provided on the steps that need to be followed in developing a riparian zone rehabilitation plan, with important elements such as weed maintenance and implementing an ongoing monitoring strategy highlighted. The advantages and disadvantages of different revegetation strategies are provided in an easy to read format that groups can use to select the strategy most suited to their situation.
In addition, four case studies featuring new research findings on riparian zone vegetation are included, with issues such as fire management, flooding, and the factors affecting recruitment and regeneration of native riparian species discussed. I hope you enjoy this edition and welcome any feedback and comments you might have on future themes for RipRap.
Download Adobe Acrobat version of Managing and rehabilitating riparian vegetation (riprap14.pdf 2.8Mb)
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