Cameras detecting native fauna and wild dogs are part of the arsenal being used in a project to protect the iconic Mt Breckin landform just north of Vacy from weeds and pests.
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Fifteen landholders have joined the project since it started in late 2018 working in partnership with Hunter Local Land Services to recognise and protect the significant biodiversity values of the mountain.
The Mt Breckin Project aims to assist local landholders with weed and pest animal control, small scale erosion issues and revegetation.
The project is also gathering important biodiversity data via motion detection cameras on what other types of wildlife, like koalas occupy this significant remnant vegetation site.
The project is being supported by a NSW Environmental Trust grant together with contributions from Hunter Local Land Services. Dungog Shire Council is also a contributing partner, completing some adjoining roadside weed control surrounding Mt Breckin.
To date, weed control work has focused on African Olive and Lantana - both of which impact on biodiversity and land accessibility and are priority weeds for control in our region. More than 80ha of weed control has been undertaken so far across nine properties.
"The main focus on these two dominant weed species at Mt Breckin is to assist in regaining the integrity of the remnant bushland present on the mountain," Lorna Adlem, Hunter LLS Land Services Officer said.
"African Olive infestations are very concentrated on the eastern side of the mountain with Lantana being present in varying degrees throughout the area."
Local contractors have been engaged by Hunter LLS to assist with weed control.
"We have two contractors undertaking weed treatment work to help break the back of these infestations.
Doing this will get some infestations down to a more manageable level alongside the routine weed control landholders are undertaking themselves to better maintain these areas into the future."
As well as the dominant weeds, pest animals such as wild dogs, foxes and rabbits are also being targeted.
Footage of these animals, as well as native fauna, has been captured via remote detection cameras which have been in place on various properties over the last 10 months.
Five wild dogs have been trapped and destroyed so far and if monitored dog activity increases a second round of trapping may occur and/or some strategic baiting in order to help protect native species like koalas.
A rabbit control program using the calicivirus is looking to be rolled out in late spring/summer.
Anyone wanting further details about the Mt Breckin Project, can contact Senior Land Services Officer, Lorna Adlem on 0437 967 311 or by email: Lorna.Adlem@lls.nsw.gov.au
