Current Projects
King Island Landcare Group (KILG, formerly KI Natural Resource Management Group) undertakes a number of projects each year, as funds and human resources allow – see the following list.
KILG Strategy Consultation –
We are developing a 10 year Strategy and Implementation plan to guide our activities over the next 10 years. Download the King-Island-Natural-Resource-Management-Strategy-2023-to-2033-Draft-Consultation-V8 or email kingisland@landcaretas.org.au for a copy.
Call Wynta Noseda, 0478 672 774 or email your input.
This project is supported by Cradle Coast NRM and is an opportunity for CCA and KILG to work together to improve natural resource management outcomes for the region.
Time to tackle Asparagus fern –
Asparagus fern FIELD DAY. See our Asparagus fern control trials. Learn, teach, do. Friday 6th October 2023, 10 am, at Carmen and James’ Frogshack Nursery, 1049 Grassy Rd. Look for the sign on the roadside. RSVP for catering: Eve 0447805286
Check our current maps and please contact Eve if you know of other incursions.
The problem- Asparagus scandens, aka Asparagus fern, has completely covered large areas of our waterways, particularly Fraser River, and along Grassy Rd. It is also rampant around Grassy and Grassy River, and is increasing in density in many of our precious forest areas. It has the ability to completely smother all the medium and ground level native plants in areas it invades. Asparagus fern will invade and destroy all of our native vegetation if we allow it to continue spreading.The Birds of King Island group and visiting ecologists have grave concerns about the impact Asparagus fern is having, and will have in the future as it spreads further, on the habitat (home) of our native animals, particularly our critically endangered birds, the King Island Scrubtit and King Island Brown Thornbill, both little birds that are unique to King Island. We also have landholders who are very concerned about the impact of Asparagus fern on the essential natural areas of their properties.
King Island Landcare project – King Island Landcare is embarking on a long-term effort to control this weed once and for all. It will take many years and will rely on a whole of community effort, but the cost of doing nothing will be far greater than the cost and time to strategically control it.
We have a 1 year project running until June 2024, involving some hand removal and chemical trials, and a Management Plan to inform future activity and leverage funding.
Mapping – The most important part of the Management Plan is to update the mapping we have. Do you know of Asparagus fern outside of the areas shown on the map? Close up maps are available on King Island Landcare Facebook page, and hard copies will also be available at both Elders and the Post Office, which you can draw on if you know of Asparagus fern that we haven’t mapped yet (Please put your name next to your markings so we can follow up with you). Alternatively, we can send out hard copies of maps, or email to you upon request, or you can come into the office and show us in person, or come along to the Field Day and do it there!
Management Plan – We will then prioritise areas for control, and develop an action plan in conjunction with King Islander’s ínput.
The Plan will also contain plenty of information about how to control and what’s been achieved elsewhere, as well as references to further information, and flagging of who is responsible for the activities.
Please let us know any thoughts and input you have on management of Asparagus fern on King Island.
Contact – Eve Woolmore, Landcare crew coordinator (relief). 0447805286. Email eve41013@gmail.com
Or drop into the office at KIRDO, George St, Currie
Supported through funding from the Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund, a $5 million Tasmanian Government initiative funded until 2024. The funds provided by the Tasmanian Government will be invested with landholders, land managers, and other organisations to tackle weeds that are impacting valuable agricultural and environmental assets.
‘Wings on King project’
Spring 2023 surveys are on 9th – 11th November, 2023 !! Anyone interested in birds, both experienced or otherwise, are invited to come along and give us a hand. Register for surveys here.
Feral Cat Population Control –
there is a renewed interest amongst the community and business to work together to control numbers of feral cats on the island.
Amendments to the Cat Management Act 2009 , effective 1 March 2022, changed the way cats are cared for and managed in Tasmania and should stop recharge to the feral cat population from domestic cats. Download this fact sheet for further information on the changes.
KILG plans to continue working on this project, with a multi-faceted approach similar to activities over many years.
Since 2006 KILG facilitated programs achievements include:
- o Population data gathered and added to database: community sightings recorded; camera monitoring; sandpits were used to estimate the abundance and distribution of cats across the island.
o Cat tracks were recorded in every habitat surveyed during the project including coastal environments.
o Determined significant feral cat population has stemmed from the domestic cat population
o Subsidized de-sexing program- over 156 domestic cats de-sexed and microchipped,
o Over 377 feral cats were trapped across the island under these programs, further trapping has continued by community, PWS, and business
o Dietary analysis and bait trials
o Community awareness raised, householder and media
o Community review 134/136 surveyed supported program
- o Population data gathered and added to database: community sightings recorded; camera monitoring; sandpits were used to estimate the abundance and distribution of cats across the island.
Eradication of Serrated Tussock
Eradication from King Island of this highly invasive weed was within our sights after many years mapping and control of an infestation next to Colliers Swamp. In addition the Landcare crew conducted fee for service work for several adjoining landholders. Serrated tussock is a serious weed of pastures and native grasslands, a declared weed under the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999, and a Weed of National Significance (WONS). Unfortunately, a new incursion has been discovered so a renewed effort by KILG will go into this area, whilst surveillance of the original area continues. PLEASE keep an eye out for this weed when in the area between Colliers Swamp and Gentle Annie. Supported by the Tasmanian Government.
Building community capacity to restore native vegetation and monitor impacts of restoration effort
The aims of the project are to
1) build the understanding and capacity of the King Island community to restore and expand King Island’s native vegetation,
2) establish a method to measure, record, and analyse progress and outcomes of native vegetation restoration effort
3) facilitate adaptation of future effort based on monitoring results.
Monitoring tools are currently being tested by the On-ground Landcare Crew. Field days will be held in October – keep an eye out on facebook or register your interest now with Nathalia. KILG acknowledge the support of “ANZ & Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal”.
Threatened Birds Recovery Plan for King Island Scrubtit and King Island Brown Thornbill –
Extensive searches to ascertain the abundance and distribution of both species and habitat information has been updated. Results are available in this report: Defining and mapping habitat requirements to support the survival of King Island threatened birds January 2023 prepared by Phil Bell and Matt Webb, Biodiversity Maintenance Australia.Key information on the endangered King Island birds: King Island Scrubtit and Brown Thornbill Survey Results March 2019 report prepared by Matt Webb and Dr Ross Crates
Actions from the Conservation Action Plan for both the King Island Scrubtit (Acanthornis magnus greenianus) and King Island Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza apical Archibaldi) continue. A Recovery Team with members from all stakeholders including the KILG was formed in 2019 under BirdLife Australia’s Preventing Extinctions Program. More information is available at Birds of King Island website. Supported by BirdLife Australia, www.birdlife.org.au
Enhancing King Island Brown Thornbill habitat for future corridor –
Stage 2 2023-24 planning is under way, with sites mapped for native re-vegetation by direct seeding pasture areas and regeneration of degraded vegetation with tubestock over-planting. A major challenge is to gather sufficient local provenance seed. Stage 1 2022-23 worked with landholders near Pegarah State Forest, completed April 2023, supported by Cradle Coast Authority, through funding from the Australian Government. It aids the recovery of the endemic and critically endangered King Island Brown Thornbill (KIBT) via protection and restoration of native vegetation through stock exclusion, improved wallaby and weed management.The King Island Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla magnirostris) is endemic to King Island, meaning it occurs nowhere else in the world. It is currently classed as a subspecies of the Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla) that also occurs in other parts of Australia. However, current genetic studies may reveal that the King Island Brown Thornbill has evolved into a separate species. Previously it was discovered that A. pusilla magnirostris specimen have longer bills than their close relatives and that they have developed a distinguishing call frequency. Find further information about the King Island Brown Thornbill here.
Approved sightings of A. pusilla magnirostris have been rare within the last decades and little is known about the small birds’ life cycle. It is only assumed that they may have a similar lifestyle to their more studied relatives. In 2019 not even 50 individuals were found during bird surveys on King Island. Most of the 35 coordinates the birds were found at are in Pegarah State Forest and some are further south near Yarra Creek. Later in 2020 a survey found slightly more individuals remaining in suitable habitat on the island.
Habitat for A. pusilla magnirostris seems to be forest that predominantly includes larger Eucalypt trees. Unfortunately, this type of habitat has been decimated since the early European settlement, and only a few small suitable habitat patches remain for the critically endangered bird on the island now. It is estimated that there are no more than 250 individuals of the King Island Brown Thornbill remaining in the wild, and those remaining populations are further threatened by fire events and land clearing.
This Landcare project therefore aims to aid the remaining populations of birds by initiating a future vegetation corridor that allows genetic flow between potentially isolated populations and enhances new habitat for population recovery. The project is conducted as a milestone of the King Island Threatened Species Conservation Action Plan.
Within this project we encourage King Island Landholders to work together with King Island Landcare and Cradle Coast NRM to allow regeneration of native vegetation, especially along valuable freshwater bodies that eventually will shape a vegetation corridor between Pegarah State Forest and Yarra Creek. Exclusion of stock from vulnerable riparian edges, improved weed management and wallaby control are some of the goals to achieve by the funding. This is thought to bring a brighter future to King Island’s unique, little, insectivorous bird. And with further challenges that the world is facing we hope to create a greener, fertile, and more sustainable future for King Island.
King Island native plant nursery –
a community run nursery will support landholders to use King Island endemic flora for native revegetation and regeneration activities, which will improve habitat and reconnect threatened bird populations. The Nursery Facilitator, Renae, will work with landholders and volunteers to ensure supply of seed for both direct seeding and propagation into seedlings ready for planting. Renae can be contacted by email. Supported by BirdLife Australia www.birdlife.org.au
Native seed collection and Propagation of King Island Native Trees –
the project will involve the green team, a King Island District High school student led group, with propagation of KI native trees activities at the local nursery. A continuing project is planned, where we can educate students from seed collection, propagation, and planting through participation in King Island Landcare revegetation projects and community projects. Supported by KIDHS teaching staff and with funding from King Island Council Community Assistance Program 2023-24
King Island Herbarium
27 samples of the Herbarium collection have been framed to allow for public display . The Herbarium has been collected by Ken Baker, Margaret and Graeme Batey – often at Field Naturalists outings – and is a valuable collection of pressed KI plants housed by KILG. Identification of plants is confirmed with the Tasmanian Herbarium and Margaret often sends samples for the State collection. It is planned to display the collection, in both temporary and permanent spaces. Supported by KI Council Community Assistance Program 2022-23
Currie Wharf Bush Restoration Project
The area is a great example of King Island coastal bushland, including peaceful gullies and lookout spots. It was overrun by weeds and most of it was very difficult to access, but plantings and natural regeneration have turned this area into a thriving, diverse coastal habitat. An old track used many years ago by Currie Lighthouse keepers has been resurrected and again links the lighthouse and museum with the harbour. Regular field days have been held with funding from the Australian Government Communities Environment Program, CCNRM and KI Council and TasPorts.
Currie Wharf field days will now be organised by volunteers and will be held occasionally. These are popular events with volunteers planting native tree seedlings and managing weeds, and will continue as possible. The KILG on-ground work crew will contribute to this project whenever funding allows. Everyone is welcome to help with planting, weeding and other maintenance of the wharf area. Please contact us on 64621825 if you would like to contribute.
Photos from Field Day 25 July 2021:
Inkweed Survey and Eradication –
(Phytolacca octandra). Inkweed has been found on King Island around Fraser Road, North Pegarah and Pegarah Forest. This is a NEW INCURSION on King Island, the only known location in Tasmania. We need your help! If you have seen this weed and know of its location, please contact us ASAP. Phone 6462 1825 or email Eve. King Island Landcare Group was funded in 2021 to start an Inkweed control program to eradicate this weed from King Island. The project is further funded by Northern Tasmanian NRM, supported through funding from the Tasmanian Weeds Action Fund, a $5 million Tasmanian Government initiative funded until 2024. The funds provided by the Tasmanian Government will be invested with landholders, land managers, and other organisations to tackle weeds that are impacting valuable agricultural and environmental assets.
Protecting Boggy Creek Geoheritage Site and KI Coastal Complex
KILG are advocating for improved protection of these rare and wonderful formations. Sea spurge control to protect sensitive parts of the coastal complex around the tufa terraces will be continued whenever funding allows, or when there are volunteers willing to help with weed control.
Rehabilitation of the Lower reaches of Porky Creek.
Originally funded through Tasmanian Landcare Association grants 2011-2012 and Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, this project has had a great deal of volunteer input. The project includes: initial clearing of boxthorn and other weeds; planting native trees; seedling maintenance; on-going weed follow-up by KILG Weed Crew as funding allows and the adjoining landowner.
Invasive Species control
KILG liaises with King Island Council, DPIPWE (especially Biosecurity and Parks and Wildlife) to promote management of weeds, feral cats, deer, and wallaby.
Landcare and sustainable agriculture
KILG promotes Landcare and sustainable agriculture to farmers and land managers on King Island. Until June 2018 KINRM employed a Regional Landcare Facilitator but this position is no longer funded. The Cradle Coast Authority NRM Sustainable Agriculture team works to protect and improve our productive landscapes by ensuring a sustainable balance between economic, environmental and social values. They frequently offer training and networking opportunities for landholders, and occasionally have funding available for special projects.
Funding our Activities
KILG are now able to accept tax deductible donations. DONATE TO KING ISLAND LANDCARE GROUP
Thanks to Landcare Tasmania for their support to use their Deductible Gift Recipient facility
The Moonbird Festival | King Island, Tasmania
April 2023 was a feast of music, art, food & wine. Founded and directed by the Bowerbird Collective, this event brought together some of Australia’s finest musicians for a series of spellbinding concerts. KILG are so thankful for the donations from so many artists and businesses for our fundraising events and to the small army of volunteers supporting the Moonbird Festival. We are hoping this festival can become an annual event and are looking for ideas from anyone interested in supporting Moonbird Festival 2024.
Last Updated on 15 September 2023