Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Guidelines and trials to tackle Wheel Cactus
Until recently it was thought little could be done to remove Wheel Cactus from South Australia's Murray Darling Basin region.
Wheel Cactus, a relative of the highly invasive Prickly Pear, grows densely to form an impenetrable barrier that can reduce native plant growth, particularly small shrubs. It has been steadily spreading in the State and is a particular problem around the cliffs and islands of the Murray River and Murray Plains creeks.
Funding
But the cactus could soon be a thing of the past thanks to an innovative project by the SA Murray Darling Basin's Local Action Planning Groups and $140,000 in funding from the Australian Government.
Activities
Jem Tesoriero from the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association (LAPA) said Learning on the Run was triggered by requests for assistance from people doing on-ground work in the area.
"People managing natural resources are constantly facing new issues, threats and opportunities," Jem said.
"In response to this they regularly try out new management techniques and compare different options."
Learning on the Run produced a set of guidelines and set-up a range of demonstration trials to promote trials and experimentation in natural resource management. The project is aimed at activities like replanting, pest control and sustainable agriculture.
Kym Haebich, acting team leader with the Natural Resource Management Board, used the guidelines to set up the trial on control options for Wheel Cactus.
"The trial identified a number of weed control methods that are much more effective, easier and less destructive than traditional techniques. The small amount of extra effort involved with following the guidelines has been well rewarded because we now have confidence in our results.
"The guidelines help ensure trials are correctly planned, designed and put in place so the results can be used with confidence to help those facing similar problems."
More information
- Jem Tesoriero, Goolwa to Wellington LAPA: (08) 8582 5262
- Goolwa to Wellington LAPA
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