Watershed Landcare is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from landholders in our region for funding to conduct on-ground works to protect mature hollow bearing paddock trees through stock proof fencing.

This project aims to increase habitat for threatened species in our region by protecting mature, hollow bearing trees through stock proof fencing as well as increasing the connectivity of these mature trees to other isolated paddock trees and clusters.

Paddock trees and other small patches of native vegetation are critically important to the conservation of native fauna by providing resources for foraging, shelter, roosting and nesting.

Mature, hollow bearing trees are particularly important for those species of animals, including many threatened species, which specifically require such hollows for shelter and nesting. These ‘hollow-dependent’ animals require hollows as a key component of their habitat, either on a daily or seasonal basis.

The availability of hollow-bearing trees across the landscape is a key limiting factor to the on-going survival of these species and the loss of tree hollows has been listed as a Key Threatening Process (Final Determination) by the NSW Scientific Committee.

Watershed Landcare is seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from landholders in our region for funding to conduct on-ground works to protect mature hollow bearing paddock trees through stock proof fencing.

Total funding of $7,000 is available to contribute to materials and/or labour for fencing around mature, hollow bearing trees, clusters and paddock corners (funding for boundary fencing is not eligible under this project). Applicants will be required to provide a 30% in-kind contribution (labour or materials) to the project.

Project Requirements

Remnant Trees

• Species protected must form part of a White Box, Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Box Woodland endangered ecological community (contact us if you’re not sure – we’re happy to help!).
• The project focus is large, isolated paddock trees, however, remnant areas that have large trees will also be eligible for fencing and grazing exclusion.
• The project area must enclose large mature trees that contain habitat hollows.

Stock-proof fencing

• Species protected must form part of a White Box, Yellow Box, Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Box Woodland endangered ecological community (contact us if you’re not sure – we’re happy to help!).
• The project focus is large, isolated paddock trees, however, remnant areas that have large trees will also be eligible for fencing and grazing exclusion. The project area must enclose large mature trees that contain habitat hollows.
• Areas for the protection of single remnant trees are to be a minimum of 30 m x 30 m.
• Fencing must be constructed with new materials and managed in a stock-proof condition for the duration of contract.
• Conventional fencing must be a minimum of 6 lines, electric fencing a minimum of 3 lines. You should avoid using barbed wire where possible and replace it with plain wire for the top two and lowest strands (this is to ensure safe passage for native wildlife).
• Fencing is to be outside the drip line of the existing trees to prevent damage to the root system of the tree and to limit damage to fences from falling limbs.
• Grazing is to be excluded for a minimum of 4 years, total exclusion is encouraged.

Other / additional requirements

• Additional tree tubestock is not required to be planted where it is considered large remnant trees will naturally regenerate once grazing and stock camp pressure is removed, however enhancement with shrubs and groundcover is encouraged where possible.
• Bush rock, dead standing and fallen timber are required to be retained as they are important habitat features. Movement of fallen timber within the site is permitted if it presents a hazard but it should not be destroyed.
• Pest animals and exotic plants on the project site must be controlled for the duration of the agreement.
• Works funded under this project will result in the native vegetation within the project area being classified as ‘Category 2 – Sensitive regulated’ under the Local Land Services Regulation 2014. Clearing of native vegetation will be restricted within the project area.
• Project sites must be made available for scientific monitoring activities if required.
• All relevant permits and approvals for works that trigger State Government legislation must be obtained from or approved by appropriate government agencies.
• You must be aware of and comply with all legal responsibilities under legislation relevant to the project. This includes the application and use of chemicals and poisons for exotic plant and pest animal control.

Selection Criteria

EOIs will be assessed by a selection panel against the following criteria:

• Projects ability to protect and enhance mature, hollow bearing paddock trees
• Number of mature, hollow bearing paddock trees protected
• Value of site from a biodiversity or landscape function perspective
• Connectivity to remnant vegetation
• Innovation and creativity in design
• Value for money
• Area of project site

Key Dates

15 February 2019 – EOI to be submitted to Watershed Landcare Inc

22 February 2018 – Successful applicants decided on by selection panel

March 2018 – Signed contract/funding agreement returned to WLI (on-ground works can commence on receipt of signed contract)

March 2019 – 70% of funding distributed

10 May 2019 – On-ground works to be completed

10 May 2019 – Final report and photos to Watershed Landcare

May 2019 – Final 30% of funding distributed on receipt of final report

Eligibility for funding

• Current financial member of Watershed Landcare.
• You must own the land, or have written permission from the owner of the land, on which the project is to be conducted.
• Provide 30% in-kind contribution to the project. This can include materials or labour.
• Complete work and provide final report and photographs to Watershed Landcare by 10 May 2019.

How to apply

Submit a completed Paddock Trees project Expression of Interest (EOI) form together with 4 photos of the proposed project site to Watershed Landcare by 15 February 2019.

If your application is successful you will be notified in March 2019 and required to sign a Project Management Agreement before funding is distributed and work can commence.

If you require any further information, or have any questions, contact Agness Knapik on 0435 055 493 or email: info@watershedlandcare.com.au.

The Watershed Landcare ‘Home Among the Gum Trees’ Project is supported by Local Land Services through funding from the Australian Government and is a component of the Driving Corridor Connectivity Project funded through NLP2: