Managing threats to high country wetlands
Summary
Over the next four years, the Australian Government will provide up to $1.75 million through the Natural Heritage Trust to restore habitat and vegetation in high country bogs and associated fens. It will particularly focus on the Ginini Flats Wetland Complex Ramsar site. The project focuses on feral animal control, weed management, and improvement of sphagnum establishment.
Background
The ACT Bogs and Fens is listed as endangered on the ACT’s Threatened Ecological Communities List to align with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Commonwealth) (EPBC Act). The 2020 Orroral bushfire significantly impacted the high-country bogs and fens in Namadgi National Park, except for the Ginini Flats Wetland Complex.
This was the second major fire in 20 years, leading to a dramatic reduction in sphagnum cover, which is crucial for maintaining moisture levels in these wetlands. Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens are critical for biodiversity, water regulation, and climate resilience as they support a range of threatened species and ecological communities.
Project goals
The project aims to address threats through a combination of habitat restoration, feral animal control, weed management, and community engagement. Project goals include:
- improving water retention and sphagnum establishment through the installation of leaky weirs and sphagnum transplantation
- reducing the impact of deer and pigs on the wetlands
- reducing exotic plant threats and preventing the spread of invasive weeds from access roads and surrounding areas
- increasing public awareness about the ecological value of these wetlands.
Project details
The funding will support:
- reducing impacts from feral herbivores and protecting sites from weed invasion
- conducting weed distribution surveys and applying control measures to reduce weed density
- installing leaky weirs and transplanting sphagnum to improve sphagnum establishment and water holding capacity
- production of events and communication materials to increase public awareness about the ecological value of bogs and fens
- engaging First Nations people in restoration activities and assisting them in building capacity in managing threats and restoring ecological communities.
Project partners / funding information
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by ACT Natural Resource Management (NRM), a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
ACT NRM delivers this project in partnership with ACT Parks and Conservation Service, National Parks Associations ACT, First Nations community members, and land holders.
What you can do
The high country bogs and associated fens are important because they provide critical refuge and habitat for some endemic and threatened animal species. Bogs and fens also play an important role in protecting water quality in the ACT’s water catchment. To protect and restore the high country bogs and fens, you can:
- follow guidelines to minimise disturbance to wildlife and habitats when visiting wetlands. Stick to designated paths and avoid trampling vegetation
- participate in community events and workshops to learn more about wetland ecosystems and conservation efforts.