Updates on Major Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (BCS) Achievements: April to June 2009
Biodiversity Extension Service
Landscape of Changing Ecology seminar
Bank erosion near Sherry's bridge Main Arm Road - one othe issues landholders accessing the Extension Service want advice on how to manage
- Conducted four Extension Service visits with landholders on properties in Tyagarah, Myocum, WIlsons Creek and Main Arm
- Presented “Frog and Toad seminar” at West Byron Cane Toad muster
- Developed and presented “Landscape of Changing Ecology” seminar as part of Living Landscapes program for World Environment Day Celebrations
- Meet with consultants implementing PAS project and Landcare CSO to facilitate Shire landholders gaining access to program.
- Commenced development of Authority Register for managing database of Land for Wildlife client information
- Liaised with Environmental Communications Officer to develop landholder package and to be tailored to suit individual clients needs and e-newsletter
- Attended illegal clearing workshop as BSC NR rep
- Provided input into Indian Myna draft regional plan
Bush Regeneration Team
Weed identification stall for World Environment Day
- Assisted in post storm/flood clean up at regeneration sites and beach access points.
- Control of key environmental weeds on Council land including: Bitou bush, Morning glory, and Winter senna.
- Participated in planning, preparation and training for Bitou Bush aerial spraying.
- Contributed ideas, planning and implementation of BSC activities for World Environment Day 09 Living Landscapes.
- Distributed letters to key residents near reserves regarding the impacts of dumping garden waster in bushland.
- Co-ordinated with Environmental Communications Officer to promote Bush Regeneration Team activities to the public.
- Attended Cat's Claw Creeper workshop. Included information regarding biological control, which will be used at priority sites in spring 2009.
World Environment Day 2009 - Living Landscapes
World Environment Day logo
The inaugural Living Landscapes event was held in Byron Shire from Friday 5 June to Sunday 7 June 2009 in celebration of World Environment Day. More than 1100 people participated in 28 environmental activities coordinated for the event. Guided bush walks, mountain biking, kayaking, wildlife tours and indigenous cultural tours were provided at low or no cost to the community as an opportunity to directly experience the environment. Related activities including an art exhibition, outdoor movie, tree planting, local musicians concert and community recognition awards also occurred as part of the event program.
The event showcased both the unique environment of Byron Shire and its community through the incorporation of activities provided by both community and commercial individuals and organisations.
The event was extremely well received with many activities booking out and all activities well attended.
Feedback from participants supported the event as an excellent opportunity to celebrate the environmental values of the area and recognise the diversity of local activities available.
The event was funded by The Great Eastern Ranges Initiative, Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Byron Shire Council, with support from community and commercial activity providers.
Significant media coverage was gained for the event and the outcomes are published on a World Environment Day webpage on Council's website. This includes an image gallery and a 5 minute DVD that was produced as part of the event (to be loaded shortly).