Helping 19 private landowners ensure the long-term protection and conservation of significant natural treasures found on their properties is the aim of work being undertaken by South West NRM’s environmental experts.
A large percentage of Australia’s significant natural heritage – including endangered species of flora and fauna – are located on private land, making partnerships with landowners for its ongoing protection a critical part of conservation work.
South West NRM’s environmental scientists visit the landowners to conduct a site assessment to identify ecological condition, threatened or priority species and conservation priorities.
A Bushland Management Plan is then developed for implementation by the landowner, with site monitoring continuing over time to assess progress toward priorities.
As a result of the work, a combined area of more than 1,118 hectares of bushland is being preserved, contributing to increasing protected habitats, species resilience and maintaining landscape connectivity.
All of the participating landowners have a voluntary undertaking with the National Trust of Western Australia to work in partnership towards conservation under the National Trust’s Conservation Covenant and Stewardship Program.
South West NRM has been appointed by the National Trust, with funding support from Lotterywest, to undertake the work.
South West NRM Sustainability and Environment Lead Linda Metz said the team had located a few new populations of Priority listed flora during their site visits which added to the positive outcomes of the project.
“This is a critical program of works to enable the continued support of landowners who are doing their bit to protect and enhance natural heritage assets on their properties,” Ms Metz said.
“We applaud landowners for making this contribution to conservation outcomes through the covenanting program under National Trust.”
