Asparagus weeds - Weeds Australia

National managementThe continued spread of asparagus weedsthreatens Australia’s biodiversity, includingendangered coastal and forest ecosystems. TheAsparagus Weeds Strategic Plan (2012–2017) isa national Plan developed under the AustralianWeeds Strategy as part of the Weeds of NationalSignificance initiative. This Plan provides aframework to prevent the spread and reducethe impacts of asparagus weeds. Nationallycoordinated implementation of the Plan, inconjunction with all stakeholders nationally,will allow for better protection of priority assetsby providing tools and information, identifyingmanagement priorities, and fostering partnershipsthat lead to more strategic, collaborativemanagement.The Plan aspires to three goals:1. New asparagus weed infestations are preventedfrom establishing.2. Existing asparagus weed infestations are understrategic management.3. There is increased capability and willingnessto manage asparagus weeds.These goals complement the Australian WeedsStrategy. Like the Australian Weeds Strategy, thePlan fosters a shared approach, and identifiesefficiencies and collaborative actions that helpto ensure existing resources can be allocatedto achieve improved, strategic managementoutcomes. The Plan outlines measurable, targetedactions to allow progress towards its vision ofensuring that: ‘Australia’s environment is betterprotected from the negative impact of asparagusweeds’. The Plan is available at www.weeds.org.au/wons/asparagusweeds.Using this manualWho should use this manual?This manual has been written to assist anyone whoeither wants or needs to manage asparagus weeds,from site managers, community groups, privatelandholders and volunteers to government agencystaff. This manual is intended to help people makedecisions about asparagus weeds management byproviding a comprehensive guide.This manual provides information on:• Asparagus weeds and their impacts.• Habitats invaded and their managementconsiderations.• How to choose an appropriate control method.• How to plan management.• Restoration, revegetation and repairing invadedhabitats.• Monitoring progress.• Legislation and information for volunteers.• Further resources.How to use this manualSections can be read in isolation, or collectivelyif one’s goal is to comprehensively investigatespecific topics. To increase the usability of thismanual, the following have been provided:• A checklist for the planning stage.• A decision matrix – especially for selecting anappropriate control method.• Advantages/disadvantages of each controlmethod.• Important considerations for management.• Case studies.• Contacts and references for more information.vi