Progress Report 2007-2008 - Department of Environment and ...

Criterion 3 – Ecosystem health and vitality
Weeds, feral animals and disease
Indicator 3.1.a: Area and percent of forest affected by processes or agents that may change ecosystem health and vitality
(narrative as interim) (UNE, LNE, Eden, Southern regions)
Indicator 3.1: List of biological factors influencing forest health and vitality, including weeds, feral animals, insects and disease
(Eden region)
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Forests NSW spent approximately $700 000 towards the control of a feral animals and noxious or
environmental weeds in the UNE, LNE, Eden and Southern regions. This was similar to the effort made
the previous year. All FA areas have supplementary weed and feral animal management plans in place
with associated schedules.
During 2007–2008, the PWG of DECC continued to use weed control programs in parks and in
targeted catchment areas, areas where threatened species are vulnerable to weeds and pests, along
roads, and in high-visitation recreation areas. Programs and planning were developed and
implemented in partnership with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, catchment management
authorities (CMAs) and other organisations and landholders.
The effect of feral animals, invasive pests, overabundant native species and weeds on ecosystem
health on public lands is a continuing concern for land managers. The problem requires sustained,
long-term management. Feral animals, animal pests, and noxious or environmental weeds can cause
financial losses to agriculture and other industries and can damage areas of environmental and cultural
significance.
To maintain and improve biodiversity and productive capacity, DECC and Forests NSW continue to
carry out efforts to control noxious weeds, feral animals (including introduced predators), pests and
diseases. Control programs often take place in cooperation with other land management agencies and
neighbours.
Forests NSW and PWG do not have data on the area and percentage of native forest affected by
negative agents. Forests NSW continues to provide information for this indicator by reporting
expenditure for targeted weed and feral animal species across its estate. PWG continues to provide
information for this indicator by providing case studies of pest and weed control programs in regions.
In addition, every three years, PWG assesses how weeds and pest animals are being managed
across the DECC reserve system, and how effective that management has been at reducing their
negative impacts.
In 2007–2008, Forests NSW directed approximately $700 000 towards the control of a range of
negative agents across more than 1.6 million ha of State forest in the UNE, LNE, Eden and Southern
regions. Of the total amount spent, 37% was on controlling pest animals, introduced predators and
feral animals and 63% on weed control.
Pest animal management is integrated into Forests NSW ESFM Plans, which were published in 2005.
Supplementary Pest Animal Management Plans have been produced for UNE and Southern regions
for 2006–2011. The supplementary plans contain details of objectives, strategies, actions and
cooperative arrangements with other government agencies, land managers and neighbouring land
NSW FOREST AGREEMENTS AND INTEGRATED FORESTRY OPERATIONS APPROVALS