Local Biodiversity Strategy: - Shire of Kalamunda

In recognition of the ecological function of waterways, a target for waterways has
been drafted. This target is detailed in Box 8.
Box 8: Preferred Target for Rivers, creeklines and other channel waterways
Retain and protect riparian vegetation and upland vegetation in moderate or
better condition associated with rivers, creeklines, other channel waterways
and floodplain areas. Retain sufficient buffer distance to maintain the
ecological function of the watercourse. Where practicable, enhance natural
areas containing waterways to maintain and improve biodiversity values.
8.3 Maintaining Ecological Processes
8.3.1 Ecological Linkages
Ecological linkages are non-contiguous, natural areas that connect larger natural
areas by forming stepping stones that allow the movement, over time, of organisms
between larger areas. Habitat fragmentation is a key threatening process leading to
the loss of biodiversity (refer to Section 4.4). Survival of species within natural
areas will depend on well planned and managed ecological linkages.
Regional ecological linkages link protected Regionally Significant Natural Areas
(RSNAs) by retaining the best condition LNAs available between them that can act as
stepping stones for flora and fauna. This increases the long-term viability of the
RSNAs as well as the LNAs in the link. To be effective the linkages should incorporate
the major variation in plant communities and fauna habitat typical of the region so
that the widest range of flora and fauna possible can use the links.
Regional ecological linkages have been identified by PBP with input from DEC and
DPI. It is proposed that the Regional Ecological Linkages identified by PBP are
accepted for inclusion into the Local Biodiversity Strategy. On-ground assessment
will however be required prior to making planning decisions enforcing the proposed
linkage target.
Local ecological linkages are an important part of improving the viability of natural
areas that may be too small or in too poor shape or condition to be viable on their
own if isolated. The Shire of Kalamunda identified a number of local ecological
linkages as part of the development of the Wildlife Corridors Strategy 1998.
Local ecological linkages should aim to link protected Locally Significant Natural
Areas (LSNAs) to other LSNAs, protected regionally significant natural areas and
Regional Ecological Linkages. The linkages recognised in the Wildlife Corridors
Strategy should be assessed to ensure that these linkages meet current criteria for
local ecological linkages. Regional ecological linkages and wildlife corridors are
detailed in Figure 5.
Local Biodiversity Strategy Page 45