Flora and Fauna Habitat Assessment...Flora and Fauna Habitat Assessment North Barker Ecosystem Services 6 5/11/2015 ILM004 Flora of Conservation Significance In total, 80 species of

Andrew North [email protected] Philip Barker [email protected]

163 Campbell Street Hobart TAS 7000 Telephone 03. 6231 9788 Facsimile 03. 6231 9877

Forcett House Quarry

Lewisham Road, Forcett

Flora and Fauna Habitat Assessment

5th November 2015 For Tinning Earthmoving Pty Ltd

ILM004

Andrew North [email protected] Philip Barker [email protected]

163 Campbell Street Hobart TAS 7000 Telephone 03. 6231 9788 Facsimile 03. 6231 9877

Forcett House Quarry Flora and Fauna Habitat Assessment

North Barker Ecosystem Services 5/11/2015 ILM004 1

Introduction

Date of Survey – 22nd October 2015

Project Management – Andrew North (NBES)

Surveyor – Andrew North (NBES)

Report - Andrew North (NBES)

Mapping – Sue Jungalwalla (NBES)

Consultation – Damion Blackwell, Senior Assessments Officer, EPA Division, DPIPWE

Background: A Notice of Intent has been submitted for the extension of an existing quarry located on the north side of Forcett Lake reservoir1. The EPA have set out the report guidelines for an Environmental Effects Report being prepared by ILM. This report specifically addresses part C 1. Potential Environmental effects - Flora and fauna.

Methods: The lease area plus buffer of approximately 50m along with the a 10m corridor surrounding the access road was surveyed on foot. A vascular plant species list was collected from within each vegetation community (TASVEG 32). Observations of habitat suitability for fauna as well as direct or indirect indicators of presence (i.e. scats, tracks, dens, etc.) were made concurrently.

Observations of threatened species (Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and/ or the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 19993), threatened species habitats, and environmental and ‘declared’4 weeds were recorded with a handheld GPS.

Botanical nomenclature follows the current census of Tasmanian plants5.

Limitations: The survey was undertaken in spring. This time was deliberately chosen to coincide with the flowering time of an ephemeral orchid (fleshy greenhood Pterostylis wapstrarum) specifically referenced in the Guidelines. There may be some herb, orchid and graminoid species present which flower at other times of the year that may have been overlooked during the survey. However, all threatened plant species known from the area have been considered in light of habitat suitability noted on site.

1 Integrated Land Management and Planning 28 July 2015 2 Harris , S & Kitchener, A. 2014 3 Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995; Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 4 Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 5 Baker & de Salas 2014



Site Description

The major part of the study area is characterised by an existing quarry and so is made up of exposed bedrock and stockpiles of graded gravels and topsoil. This is surrounded on three sides by long improved pasture which has been entirely subject to ploughing and pasture establishment. To the south is open water, part of a large freshwater impoundment.

The land is moderately flat with a shallow depression that acts as a dam overflow in the far western end of the study area. Further to the west the land slopes down for approximately 10m to a fringing coastal margin of saltmarsh.

Figure 1: The location of Forcett House quarry



Biological values

Vegetation

The vegetation mapping shown on the TASVEG version 3 layer includes Water with emerging white gums (OAQEV), the trees presumably on the margins, and Agricultural land with emerging white gums (FAGEV). The mapping is generally correct within the greater portion of the lease area although the existing quarry and associated impacts would be correctly labelled as Extra-urban Miscellanies (FUM). None of these classifications have any conservation significance.

The reference to white gums is odd as there are very few emergent trees in this area although to the west of the lease area is a straight row of planted white gums (Eucalyptus viminalis).

General view of the pasture surrounding the existing operations

Further beyond this line of trees following the change of slope is a narrow band of native grassland, a remnant of the original pre European vegetation in the area. This is dominated by native grasses such as kangaroo grass Themeda triandra and spear grasses Austrostipa spp. This corresponds to the TASVEG classification Lowland Themeda triandra grassland (GTL). This is not listed on the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the extent of occurrence is too small to qualify as the nationally listed ecological community Native Lowland Grassland of Tasmania.

There is a narrow fringe of native wetland herbs that occupy the receding margins of the dam. Above the water level this is dominated by mudwort Limosella australis and in the water by lake watermilfoil Myriophyllum salsugineum. This community accords with the TASVEG classification Freshwater Aquatic herbland (AHF) and occupies the margins



throughout the waterbody including the section through the lease area although much of this has been modified by quarrying operations.

Freshwater Aquatic herbland along with a range of other communities collectively are included in the Wetland classification which is listed as threatened on the Nature Conservation Act 2002. The example here however should be seen for what it is, which is an entirely derived community that is established on the margins of a man made reservoir. The species diversity is moderately low and does not capture the range that can be found in more typical native situations.

Freshwater aquatic herbland with aquatic macrophytes dominated by lake watermilfoil

Freshwater aquatic herbland with emergent spike rush and pin rushes



Modified water margins in vicinity of existing operations

Rock barrier separating quarry operations from the rest of the lake



Flora of Conservation Significance

In total, 80 species of vascular plant were recorded during the ground survey (Appendix 1). 43 introduced species were recorded.

A search of the Natural Values Atlas (DPIPWE database6) registered no threatened flora species previously recorded within a 500m radius of the study area and 12 species within 5km.

One species of flora listed as threatened under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBCA).

Five species of flora listed as threatened under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 (TSPA) were recorded on site.

Four of the threatened species including the one nationally listed species are associated with Themeda grassland that occupies the sloped ground west of the lease area above the saltmarsh.

The four grassland species that were recorded were:

Austrostipa nodosa – knotty spear grass. Rare (TSPA). More abundant and widespread than once thought this species has been recommended for delisting by the TSPA Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

Austrostipa scabra -rough spear grass. Rare (TSPA).

Vittadinia muelleri – narrowleaf new-holland daisy. Rare (TSPA).

Dianella amoena – pale flaxlily. Rare (TSPA), endangered (EPBCA).

There is no habitat within the mine lease area and none of these species were recorded within it. This habitat was inspected as it provided the only potential habitat for the nationally endangered orchid fleshy greenhood Pterostylis wapstrarum specifically mentioned in the Environment Effects Report Guidelines. However there was no evidence of this species.

The fifth threatened species recorded is:

Juncus amabilis - gentle rush. Rare (TSPA). More abundant and widespread than once thought this species has been recommended for delisting by the TSPA Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC).

Juncus amabilis occurs in a low lying swale that acts as the dam overflow and as such provides the environmental conditions that are well suited to this species. Approximately 180 plants occur in this site which is outside the lease area. A single outlying plant occurs closer to the dam at a location within the lease area. The shores of the dam support habitat for rushes although these are predominantly dominated by a different species Juncus sarophorus and no other plants of J. amabilis occur within the lease area.

6 Natural Values Report, DPIPWE



Figure 2: Vegetation and fauna habitat



Juncus amabilis gentle rush in dam overflow

J. amabilis close up

Vittadinia muelleri

Dianella amoena

Threatened Fauna Habitat Values

The study area provides limited fauna habitat values within the Mining Lease area other than the aquatic habitat associated with the large dam.

Of the 15 threatened species recorded from the Natural Values Atlas within a 5km vicinity two are associated with freshwater aquatic habitats.

The only likely species is the green and gold frog Litoria raniformis. Although there are a number of historic records, the last from 5km vicinity is 1979; there have been no observations of this species anywhere in southern Tasmania in recent years so the likelihood of occurrence is remote.

The records for great crested grebe are from the Sorell causeway where individual birds are regularly seen. There are no known breeding sites in the region.



Introduced Plants

Large African boxthorn near dam overflow

Extensive infestation of african boxthorn on dam wall

African boxthorn in lease area

Fennel

43 introduced plant species were recorded mostly composed of herbaceous plants and weeds expected of pasture and a quarry with stockpiles of topsoil, subsoil and base fill.

Few species of significance were recorded with four listed as declared weeds’ under the Weed Management Act 1999.

African boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum – scattered plants in the lease area and occasional close to the access track. There are significant infestations in the area such as on the dam wall and under the white gums where they have no doubt been introduced by roosting birds that have fed on the fruits.

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare – only recorded at one site

Horehound Marrubium vulgare – Occasional in pasture

Creeping thistle Cirsium arvense – single infestation



Impacts and mitigation

There are no significant impacts anticipated from the provision of the mining lease.

Vegetation

Significant vegetation is limited in the area of the Mining lease. Native grassland and adjoining saltmarsh occur well outside the lease boundary to the west.

The freshwater wetland vegetation occurs around most of the margins of the dam. Although this is a derived community, having colonised a constructed reservoir, it has some values. The current quarrying operation does not appear to have had any indirect impacts through water contamination although there is some direct losses. A sediment retention basin maintained with a retained rock wall separating it from the reservoir appears to have been effective.

No mitigation measures are therefore needed to protect the values identified.

Threatened Flora

Most of the threatened plant species occur outside the lease area to the west. One single individual of gentle rush Juncus amabilis is present. In the context of the 180 plants outside the lease area the loss of one individual is insignificant. It is also worth noting that the status of this species is such that it is no longer considered worth listing as a threatened species. The Minister has approved the delisting which still requires public notification plus an order for gazettal to be prepared by Parliamentary Council. There is no timeframe for this process.

No mitigation is necessary although the location of the core population could be defined on site to avoid inadvertent impact.

Threatened Fauna

No impact to threatened fauna is anticipated and so no mitigation measures are necessary.

Weeds

Quarries are potentially significant source for weeds that get dispersed around the district due to the nature and quantity of vehicles and machinery utilising the area. Quarry hygiene is critical to address this issue.

The quarry is generally very clean and weeds free with only occasional infestations. African boxthorn is the most significant weed and warrants some targeted control. The management of this species will be ongoing as there is a significant infestation nearby. Long term management of African boxthorn in the region requires a strategic cross agency approach.

Recommendations

1. Operation in the far north west corner of the lease area may necessitate a permit under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. Monitoring progress of the delisting of Juncus amabilis is advised before determining the need for a permit.

2. Implement targeted weed removal within the lease area with annual follow up and consider a broader property-wide management for African boxthorn.



References Baker, M.L. & de Salas, M.F. (2014). A Census of the Vascular Plants of Tasmania & Index

to the Student's Flora of Tasmania and Flora of Tasmania Online. Tasmanian Herbarium, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

Commonwealth of Australia (1999). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. No. 91, 1999.

Harris , S & Kitchener, A. (2005). From Forest to Fjaeldmark: Descriptions of Tasmania’s Vegetation. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Printing Authority of Tasmania, Hobart.

Integrated Land Management & Planning (20150. Forcett House Quarry Notice of Intent. 28 July 2015.

Peters, D. & Thackway, R. (1998). A New Biogeographic Regionalisation for Tasmania. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, Hobart.

Tasmanian State Government (1995). Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. No.83 of 1995. Government Printer, Hobart, Tasmania

Tasmanian State Government (1999). Weed Management Act 1999. No.105 of 1999. Government Printer, Hobart, Tasmania.

Tasmanian State Government (2002). Nature Conservation Act 2002. No.63 of 2002. Government Printer, Hobart, Tasmania.

Tasmanian State Government (2006). Nature Conservation Amendment (Threatened Native Vegetation Communities) Act 2006. Government Printer, Hobart, Tasmania.



Appendix 1 - Vascular Plant Species List

Status codes: ORIGIN NATIONAL SCHEDULE STATE SCHEDULE i - introduced EPBC Act 1999 TSP Act 1995 d - declared weed WM Act CR - critically endangered e - endangered en - endemic to Tasmania EN - endangered v - vulnerable t - within Australia, occurs only in Tas. VU - vulnerable r - rare

Sites: 1 Quarry site - E549350, N5260850 22/10/2015 Andrew J. North 2 wetland - E549250, N5260880 22/10/2015 Andrew J. North 3 Themeda grassland - E549190, N5260930 22/10/2015 Andrew J. North

Site Name Common name Status

DICOTYLEDONAE APIACEAE 1 Foeniculum vulgare fennel d ASTERACEAE 1 Arctotheca calendula capeweed i 1 Cirsium arvense var. arvense Californian thistle d 1 Cirsium vulgare spear thistle i 1 2 Cotula coronopifolia water buttons i 1 Helminthotheca echioides bristly oxtongue i 1 Leontodon saxatilis hairy hawkbit i 1 Senecio minimus shrubby fireweed 1 Senecio quadridentatus cotton fireweed 1 Senecio vulgaris common groundsel i 1 Silybum marianum variegated thistle i 1 Sonchus asper prickly sowthistle i 1 Vellereophyton dealbatum white cudweed i 3 Vittadinia muelleri narrowleaf new-holland-daisy r BRASSICACEAE 1 Lepidium africanum common peppercress i 1 Lepidium didymum lesser swinecress i 1 Sisymbrium officinale hedge-mustard i 1 Sisymbrium orientale indian hedge-mustard i CAMPANULACEAE 2 Lobelia anceps angled lobelia CARYOPHYLLACEAE 1 Polycarpon tetraphyllum fourleaf allseed i 1 Spergularia marina lesser seaspurrey i CHENOPODIACEAE 1 Chenopodium album fat hen i 1 Chenopodium glaucum pale goosefoot i 1 Einadia nutans subsp. nutans climbing saltbush CONVOLVULACEAE 3 Convolvulus angustissimus subsp. angustissimus blushing bindweed 3 Dichondra repens kidneyweed CRASSULACEAE 2 Crassula helmsii swamp stonecrop 1 Crassula sieberiana stone-crop FABACEAE 1 Medicago polymorpha burr medick i 1 Trifolium fragiferum strawberry clover i 1 Trifolium ornithopodioides birdsfoot clover i 1 Trifolium subterraneum subterranean clover i



FUMARIACEAE 1 Fumaria sp. fumitory i GERANIACEAE 1 Erodium cicutarium common heronsbill i HALORAGACEAE 2 Myriophyllum salsugineum lake watermilfoil LAMIACEAE 1 Marrubium vulgare white horehound d LYTHRACEAE 1 Lythrum hyssopifolia small loosestrife ONAGRACEAE 2 Epilobium billardierianum subsp. intermedium marsh willowherb 1 Epilobium hirtigerum hairy willowherb PLANTAGINACEAE 1 Plantago coronopus buckshorn plantain i 1 Plantago lanceolata ribwort plantain i POLYGONACEAE 1 Acetosella vulgaris sheep sorrel i 2 Persicaria prostrata creeping waterpepper 1 Polygonum aviculare creeping wireweed i 2 Rumex brownii slender dock 1 2 Rumex crispus curled dock i PRIMULACEAE 1 Lysimachia arvensis scarlet pimpernel i RESEDACEAE 1 Reseda luteola weld i ROSACEAE 1 Rosa rubiginosa sweet briar i SCROPHULARIACEAE 2 Limosella australis mudwort SOLANACEAE 1 Lycium ferocissimum african boxthorn d THYMELAEACEAE 3 Pimelea humilis dwarf riceflower URTICACEAE 1 Urtica urens stinging nettle i

MONOCOTYLEDONAE CYPERACEAE 2 Carex sp. sedge 1 2 Carex tereticaulis hollow sedge 1 2 Eleocharis acuta common spikesedge 2 Isolepis platycarpa flatfruit clubsedge 2 Schoenoplectus pungens sharp clubsedge JUNCACEAE 1 Juncus amabilis gentle rush r 1 Juncus bufonius toad rush 1 Juncus filicaulis thread rush 2 Juncus pallidus pale rush 2 Juncus sarophorus broom rush JUNCAGINACEAE 2 Cycnogeton alcockiae southern waterribbons



LILIACEAE 3 Dianella amoena grassland flaxlily EN r POACEAE 1 Anthosachne scabra rough wheatgrass 3 Austrostipa nodosa knotty speargrass r 3 Austrostipa scabra rough spear grass r 3 Austrostipa stuposa corkscrew speargrass 1 Bromus catharticus prairie grass i 1 Bromus diandrus great brome i 1 Bromus hordeaceus soft brome i 1 Dactylis glomerata cocksfoot i 2 Lachnagrostis billardierei subsp. billardierei coast blowngrass 1 Lolium perenne perennial ryegrass i 1 Phalaris minor lesser canarygrass i 1 Poa annua winter grass i 1 Rytidosperma geniculatum kneed wallabygrass 1 Rytidosperma racemosum var. racemosum stiped wallabygrass 3 Themeda triandra kangaroo grass

Flora and Fauna Habitat Assessment...Flora and Fauna Habitat Assessment North Barker Ecosystem Services 6 5/11/2015 ILM004 Flora of Conservation Significance In total, 80 species of

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