Download Weed Management Strategy Document in PDF Format

Vegetation and weeds of Gaagal WanggaanThe flora of Gaagal Wanggaan is relatively simple. There are a limitednumber of vegetation types, none of which are particularly species diverse.There is generally a strong link between vegetation type and landform.For the purposes of creating some context for a considering weedmanagement on the peninsula the vegetation can be described in terms of thefollowing categories:• vegetation of the Forsters Beach foredune• littoral rainforest• estuarine wetlands• dry sclerophyll forest – tall dry heathThe accompanying maps presented on the following pages show thedistribution of each of these vegetation types across the peninsula.In common with the native vegetation weed diversity is low across thepeninsula. To give some perspective, Bitou Bush and Lantana represent 80%and 15% respectively of the plants which make up the standing weed crop.Weed density is also low with the only exception being the Bitou Bushinfestation along the Forsters Beach foredune. This is cause for optimismbecause control of these weeds, ie removal to maintenance level, is physicallypossible and within achievable levels of funding.Because the pattern of weed occurrence is strongly influenced by vegetationtype the weed control recommended in this strategy is broken down intocontrol by vegetation type. Further, this work is prioritised according to:• ecological significance of the vegetation type and culturally significantsites• work from areas of low weed density first• staged control over large areasCaring for our Country Gaagal Wanggaan Weed Management Strategy 13