Operational Plan

Friends of Lake McLarty

Introduction The Lake McLarty Nature Reserve is located on the Swan Coastal Plain of Western Australia, approximately 90 km South of Perth and is 219 ha in area (see Figure 1 in Appendix). Lake McLarty is a seasonal freshwater lake occupying up to 163 ha of the reserve, and is part of the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar Site.

"The Peel Harvey Estuary and surrounding Peel Yalgorup Ramsar Sites are internationally significant assets of economic, environmental and cultural importance.....We have not even begun to understand the value of these areas." (Foreword Science Strategy for the Peel-Harvey Estuary. May 2011). The ecological significance of Lake McLarty as a critically important habitat is well documented and summarised below. 1 Biodiversity:

Central to biodiversity conservation is the aim of retaining an adequate representation of the original extent of the ecological community present across the landscape. Research indicates that at least 30% of each ecological community strategically located across a landscape is required to maintain sustainable levels of biodiversity. The trend appears to be that the loss of biodiversity caused by habitat fragmentation is significantly greater once a community type falls below 30% of its pre-European extent. On the Swan Coastal Plain over 80% of wetlands have disappeared or are severely degraded. Consequently the preservation and restoration of Lake McLarty to it natural state is vital for the conservation of the Biodiversity of Australia, as well as its own survival as a viable ecosystem.

2 Bird refuge and habitat: The area regularly supports or has supported over 1% of Australian, and East Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF) populations of some shorebirds, with over 30,000 birds regularly being recorded on the lake. It is used for breeding, feeding and protection by water birds, including moulting species, and migratory shorebirds. On arrival (September /October) shorebirds need rest and recuperation (having flown up to 12,000 km), food and fresh water. Pre-migration (March/April), Lake McLarty is a significant location for shorebirds to fatten up to provide fuel for their northern migration (another 12,000 km).

3 As a fresh water lake: It is important for birds feeding in the nearby and predominantly saline Peel-Harvey Estuary, that need fresh water regularly. In addition it hosts or has hosted a wide variety

of macro-invertebrates and aquatic plants that are a vital food source for the numerous species of birds that inhabit or have inhabited the lake.

4 International and national agreements and treaties, and legislation:Australia is signatory to three Migratory Bird Agreements with China (China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, (CAMBA), Japan (JAMBA) and The Republic of Korea (ROKAMBA). Up to 30 species listed in these agreements have been recorded at Lake McLarty. It is also included in Birdlife Australia's Important Birding Areas (IBA). The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act) is the federal legislation for the protection of native flora and fauna with regards to international treaties and agreements. There are a number of other State Acts protecting Reserves and Flora and Fauna, including the Conservation and Land Management Act.

In summary Lake McLarty is a vitally important seasonal fresh water lake, and is recognised as such national and international.

Friends of Lake McLartyIn Jan/Feb 2014, a group of local residents, other environmentally concerned individuals [including Peel Preservation Group (PPG) members], Birding enthusiasts (Birdlife Australia members) and staff from the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) formed the Friends of Lake McLarty (FoLM) with a Mission Statement as follows:

Mission Statement"The FoLM recognise that Aboriginal people are the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of Lake McLarty, and we welcome their contribution to our group activities.The FoLM group is committed to preserving the natural qualities of Lake McLarty, and ensuring the biodiversity and integrity of the Lake is preserved. In addition, the group is interested in promoting public awareness of the importance of the Lake and its flora and fauna. To this end the Friends of Lake McLarty endorses the Lake McLarty Nature Reserve 2008 Management Plan No. 60, and is committed to assisting in the implementation of the plan in any way possible."

Activities or potential activities of the group Monitor and advise on pest status of reserve - e.g. Cotton Bush, Typha, other weeds

and pasture species, animals especially foxes, cats, dogs, horses and rabbits.

Monitor and report on bird population throughout the year and relate composition and numbers to water levels and quality, and terrestrial vegetation composition, density and distribution in relation to the water body.

Monitor and report on status of infrastructure.

Monitor and report on misuse of area including dumping of rubbish and inappropriate use of aquifer water.

Conduct educational tours or host Schools, and possible Open Days.

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Carry out planting and rehabilitation in-line with planned improvements, including consultation with, and advice and assistance from indigenous groups.

Collect seed for direct seeding and propagation of native species.

Survey fauna and flora. Check for vulnerable or threatened flora (Marion Timms, renowned botanist, environmental advocate and FoLM member will conduct and coordinate) and fauna to include, waterbirds, species, numbers and breeding status; small marsupials and invertebrates, aquatic and terrestrial and possibly conduct a Night Stalk.

Apply for funding for research, environmental enhancement or rehabilitation as dictated by current scientific knowledge or results of targeted research, and to implement infrastructure projects.

Possible areas of research to provide information that will help ensure the future of the lake are:

a. In depth study of geomorphology and hydrology of the lake and surrounding areas, including historic and contemporary information on water levels, water quality and relationship with bird populations and the health of wetland system.

b. Biology/ecology of the macro invertebrates and microorganisms, populations, flux and sensitivity to water/climate/weather conditions and bird populations.

c. Weed and vegetation condition mapping and the establishment of bird survey plots.

Monitor lake water quality and levels

Liaise with government, specifically Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW), Department of Water (DoW), Shire of Murray, and liaise and seek support from other agencies e.g. Peel Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC), Peel Preservation Group (PPG), Peel Development Commission (PDC), Local Land Conservation District Committee (LCDC), and Indigenous groups (Murray Group and Binjareb custodians).

Conduct working bees for specific activities such as planting of suitable native plant species, weed control, rubbish pick up, and repair and maintenance of infrastructure.

Although members carry out many of these activities on a voluntary basis, money is needed to fund such activities as research, pest and weed control, infrastructure development and environmental monitoring.

As a part of the Peel-Yalgorup Ramsar site, activities at Lake McLarty are designed to augment/complement catchment wide actions such as those contained in the PHCC Natural Resource Management Strategy "Binjareb Boodja Landscapes 2025". In addition all activities come within the scope of DPaW's Lake McLarty Nature Reserve Management Plan 2008. The upcoming review of this (DPaW's) 10-year plan should reflect any change in requirements for the management of the Lake that the implementation of the FoLM plan may highlight. That is, FoLM would appreciate having input into future planning for the management of the lake. The management of Lake McLarty Nature Reserve is vested in DPaW, and they are the prime provider of environmental enhancement services for the reserve, FoLM augment and encourage DPaW's involvement, and all actions require their approval.

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Threats to the lake and hence to the biodiversity of the area a. Climate Change - projections show less rainfall, more hot days and increased

evaporation, exacerbating the current poor health of the system.

b Population increases forecast for the Peel Region in general, and the current residential development occurring in the immediate locality specifically. It is well recognised that population growth and associated development, along with climate change are significant drivers for changing the condition of aquatic systems. For example:

the Forrest Highway may interrupt the flow of surface water, and cause the ongoing pollution of that water

misuse of area including dumping of rubbish and inappropriate and increased use of groundwater.

c. Apparent (observational) decline in water levels of the lake compared to anecdotal historic levels. For example:

indigenous leaders have indicated that the traditional uses of the area are no longer possible due to lower water levels

FoLM members and others with recollections of the lake for more than 20 years report that water levels were regularly much higher.

d. Previous and current agricultural use, i.e. clearing, drainage, and animals. For example:

the introduction of pests, including invasive weed species, feral and domestic animals, and the introduction of non-native pasture species, particularly grasses such as ryegrass and brome-grass and other tall dense species that make the exposed mud flats unsuitable for small and medium shorebird foraging, despite water levels being in the desired range

cattle were used as a management tool to maintain suitable foraging habitat for shorebirds. The efficacy of this tool is equivocal as it may have contributed to the problem as much as alleviate it. This practice probably needs proper evaluation.

e. Rising salinity and increased nutrient levels especially phosphate in the lake.

f. Potential acid sulphate soil that may activate with lower water levels or prolonged periods of drying out, lowering the pH of the water and damaging the ecology of the lake.

g. Fire and the introduction of disease, particularly dieback. Typha orientalis and tall dense annual plant species constitute a fire risk. Fire would be damaging to the ecology of the lake, as it was probably not historically subject to a periodic fire regime, and present a risk to local residents.

These threats are both current and historical in nature and past actions have impacted unfavourably on the health of the lake and Peel-Harvey system as a whole. For example, drainage of the area at various times since settlement up until the 1970's when the practice was discontinued. Drains were installed throughout much of the Swan Coastal Plain and particularly in the Peel-Harvey catchment to drain the extensive system of wetlands to provide land for agriculture. The use fertilisers particularly superphosphate, ultimately lead to eutrophication of the Peel-Harvey Estuary and waterways through leaching and run off into the drains.

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Other practices such as grazing, the introducing improved pastures and inadvertently pests plants and animals have also occurred since settlement. The ecological balance of the lake and its surrounds has changed markedly in response to these practises.

Protecting Wildlife and BiodiversityOf the various methodologies documented for protecting wildlife and biodiversity, the "ecosystem approach" is favoured for Lake McLarty as it aims to preserve balanced populations of species in their native habitats, establish legally protected areas and reserves, and eliminate or reduce the populations of non-native species. Biologists consider protecting ecosystems to be the best way to preserve biological diversity and ecological integrity.

After considering the above threats and consulting with the local resident members of the FoLM, indigenous groups, DPaW, Peel Harvey Catchment Council, Birdlife Australia, assessing numerous reports and studies and discussing roles for the FoLM among members the following purpose, objectives, strategies, actions, and outcomes were agreed on.

Purpose of Plan and Outcomes ExpectedOverall the purpose of this plan is:

Ensuring that the biodiversity of the Lake McLarty Nature Reserve is protected and enhanced and that public access to, and education about, the natural history and indigenous heritage of the lake is developed to an international standard, along with conformity with the Ramsar conventions requirement of "wise use" of the natural recourses of the area.

The most critical requirement for the health of the lake and maintaining its environmental, economic and cultural significance is the level of water in the lake.

When dry the lake is devoid of the bird populations for which it is recognised internationally, nationally and locally. If the lake is to maintain its significance as a valuable bird habitat it needs to have a water level at least 200 mm in depth at the end of April. This level of water in the lake is becoming increasingly rare and the lake is frequently dry in January. However without the control and elimination of the tall dense weeds around the margins of the water the habitat is still not suitable to a number of feeding species. Hence the success of any action taken by the FoLM will be measured by its affects on long-term water levels in the lake and returning the margins to a habitat suitable for foraging shorebirds.

The prime outcomes required are therefore:

At least 200 mm of water in the lake at the end of April, with water quality being maintained or improved.

The restoration and maintenance of shorebird feeding habitat, i.e. mudflats with herbage conducive to small/medium shorebirds such as Red-necked Stints, Red-capped Plovers and Sharp-tailed Sandpipers being able to feed there and attain pre-migration body-weight sufficient to sustain them on their northern migration.

Key Objectives Long Term1. To restore and protect the ecological balance of the area, and provide the most useful

habitat possible for small to medium shorebirds particularly, and other desired flora and fauna, aquatic and terrestrial.

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Short Term and Ongoing2. Develop collaborative partnership with groups or agencies with similar or

complementary philosophies, including indigenous and other local groups, e.g. Binjareb custodians, local shire and land conservation group, to build capacity and knowledge, and create new solutions.

3. To ensure the Lake McLarty Nature Reserve, has the infrastructure, access and public profile that encourages; tourism, recreational use by the public, educational activities, and bird enthusiasts; and that infrastructure is of an internationally acceptable standard and is maintained at that standard.

Strategic Plan and activities Key Objective 1 To restore and protect the ecological balance of the area, and provide the most useful habitat possible for small to medium shorebirds particularly, and the other desired flora and fauna, aquatic and terrestrial.

Strategic Objectives To determine and implement best practice for improving and maintaining the health of the lake where understood, and support, fund or highlight the need for research in areas where information is lacking or incomplete.

To assess knowledge, scientific and anecdotal, of factors impinging on the health of the lake, and to monitor and evaluate changes. The state of the lake in the past, including water levels, nutrient and salt levels, bird populations, vegetation and use of the lake as far back as white settlement if possible, otherwise within living memory should be assessed.

To approach local industry, businesses, other organisation and known funding bodies (e.g. Lotterywest) to determine if they will support research or other activities of the group.

To develop research strategies and projects to a stage where they can be submitted for funding by May 2016 to coincide with current funding opportunities. Consult and discuss with scientific advisors, university researchers and other stakeholders to prioritise the research needs of the area.

Actiona. Continue consultations and discussions with scientific advisors, university researchers

and other stakeholders on the needs of the area.

b. Develop guidelines for, and commission, a two-part study of the Geomorphology and Hydrology of the lake and its wider catchment to ensure any management procedures implemented enhance the water levels and quality.

A desktop study of historical information from all sources where documentation exists, to compile a comprehensive report on the change in the environment and ecology of lake over time and what level of restoration of the original conditions would or should be acceptable, particularly in relation to water levels and quality.

A practical study of options, and to make recommendations, for intervention or otherwise to restore and maintain the lake in the above mentioned acceptable condition and achieve the prime outcomes in relation to water levels and quality.

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c. Commission a study of the biology/ecology of the macro-invertebrates and microorganisms, populations, flux and sensitivity to water/climate/weather conditions and bird populations.

d. Source funding and support for research and biodiversity conservation activities. Develop applications in consultation with funding bodies, and integrate with other applications. On going, but attempt to obtain funding for 2017/18.

e. Measure and facilitate the measurement of key biotic components to enable the identification of long-term trends in response to shifts in conditions, and interventions.

f. Support the continuation of current measures to control Typha orientalis, future weed control measures and planting of agreed species around the lake's periphery.

g Support the a more exhaustive weed and vegetation condition mapping programme to ensure targeted control measures and evaluate efficacy.

h. Canvas local industry, businesses and other organisation to determine if they will support research or other activities of the group.

i. Evaluate the use of grazing and other procedures such as slashing, flooding or fire as management tools to maintain suitable foraging habitat for shorebirds.

Key Objective 2Develop collaborative partnership with groups or agencies with similar or complementary philosophies, including indigenous and other local groups, e.g. Binjareb custodians, local shire and land conservation group, to build capacity and knowledge, and create new solutions.

Strategic ObjectivesTo establish links with the following if not already in existence, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Department of Water (DoW), Shire of Murray, Peel Harvey Catchment Council (PHCC), Peel Preservation Group (PPG), Peel Development Commission (PDC), Local Land Conservation District Committee (LCDC), Indigenous groups (Murray Group and Binjareb custodians), South West Land and Sea Council, and Restoring Connections.

Actiona. With the assistance of the PHCC contact and arrange a meeting with Indigenous

Elders of the area, to discuss the proposed activities at Lake McLarty and obtain their collaboration and support.

b Invite Indigenous Elders to meetings and activities, in particular open days and the commissioning of signage and interpretive material.

c Explore the establishment of a Technical Sub-committee for Lake McLarty, involving Government bodies, scientists and scientific community, and representatives of the FoLM.

Key Objective 3To ensure the Lake McLarty Nature Reserve, has the infrastructure, access and public profile that encourages; tourism, recreational use by the public, educational activities, and bird enthusiasts; and that infrastructure is of an internationally acceptable standard and is maintained at that standard.

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Strategic ObjectivesTo develop guidelines for the development of an environmental services centre (which may include an observation platform, interpretive centre and walkways) and its integration with cultural heritage trail suggested by the Binjareb custodians in the Peel Cultural Landscape Project: Phase 5 Management Plan.

To monitor and report to DPaW, the state of infrastructure, e.g. fences, tracks and environmental services centre once established.

Actiona. Carry out maintenance or repairs if of a minor nature.

b. Carry out rubbish clean-ups and weeding where feasible e.g. around public use and educational areas.

c. Produce a newsletter for direct distribution to local residents educational institutes, and all agencies (Government, educational, service, environmental, business) and stakeholders with established links.

d. Prepare items for the local press to promote and inform the public about the progress on the rehabilitation of the lake and its environmental importance.

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Appendix

Funding and work undertaken to date. Two grants of $5000 from Alcoa, for signage and revegetation.

Typha orientalis slashing and spraying, contributions from PHCC $10,000 and DPaW in-kind.

Revegetation - two planting days - planting in excess of 5,000 shrubs trees and sedges

Repairs and maintenance of fencing and gates $10,500 - DPaW

Weeding and clean-up of tree guards from previous plantings, three working bees

Bird Surveys at various intervals

Alliance with the Coolup LCDC - developed a letter of agreement, signed by both parties, for them to act as our sponsor for funding applications.

Water quality monitoring at various intervals

Advocacy for the health of the lake with PHCC, DPaW, DoW, PDC and the Shire of Murray

Value of members volunteered time - estimates - 2015 only

Meetings, planning and funding applications

250 hrs @ $30.00/hr (nominal rate) $7500

Five Working Bees

150 hrs @ $30.00/hr $4,500

Total 400 hrs @ $30.00/hr $12,000

This is a very conservative estimate.

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Figure 1: Map showing Location Lake McLarty Nature Reserve

From: Lake McLarty Nature Reserve 2008 Management Plan No 60.

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