Practical Applications of Adaptive Management Lori Gould GA ACT & SE NSW. Case Study Bidgee Banks

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1 Practical Applications of Adaptive Management Lori Gould GA ACT & SE NSW Case Study Bidgee Banks

2 Recent Projects ACT Land Keepers Program ACT Bushfire Recovery National River Recovery / Riverways Greensweep / GreenGrid Vegetation Investment Project Bidgee Banks Saltshaker Wine For Life Gundaroo Gaps Road Runner Birdwatch / Bringing Birds Back GoodWood Riparian Willows You re Never Too Old To Grow

3 Bidgee Banks Protected & Rehabilitated Sites

4 Properties involved: 262 Projects: 23 River Rehabilitation: 263 km / 134 ha [127 km / 683 ha] Remnant Vegetation Protected / Enhanced: 698 ha [118ha] Vegetation Established: 642 ha [58 ha]

5 Commitment Inspired by environmental issues (water quality and loss of native riparian vegetation) and need for implementation of works on a large scale (Small scale projects was the norm at the time - 2) Partnership between DLWC (State Gov) and GA On ground solutions were well known Addressing issues on a large scale was more complex Broad plans and strategies - MCAP Scientific involvement - small research projects nothing large scale. Community Engagement NEEDED TO CONNECT ALL THE ELEMENTS

6 Planning Identified : - broad objectives - secondary objectives - area of operation - major stakeholders (undertook consultation) - resources required including costs - communications strategy - monitoring and evaluation requirements Funding application went in to NHT - devolved grant most appropriate for the scale of works Adaptive plan was essential

7 Implementation Steering committee GA, DLWC, community members (Landholders, Landcare, UMCCC, mid and upper catchments)

8 Project Funding Fencing: ($12/km) Tubestock Direct Seeding Alternate Stock Water Structural Works Limited Willow control and site preparation Incentives Community Contribution Materials over project funding All labour Site preparation Site maintenance

9 Prioritisation Targeted Hot Spots Strategic assessment Incorporation of ecological, social, economic, educational, research and promotional values

10 Site visits Site Assessment Process Strategic scaled to priority Minimal administration for participants - Riparian Management Agreements Quick turn around time for funding Supply of tubestock, seeding service Accountable database, GIS mapping, field visits, follow up compliance activities, M & E Ongoing support Promotion, education

11 Monitoring Universities and in-house Baseline ecological data On ground outputs and accounting Social monitoring

12 Review and Communication SWOT analysis Findings of M & E Formal report Case study at CSU

13 Social M & E Findings How People got involved Word of mouth: Mid 46% Upper 34% (GA survey 28%) Landcare / GA coordinator: Mid 18% Upper 47% (GA survey 16%) Newspaper: Mid 14% Upper 3% (GA survey14%, website 1%) Field Day: Mid 7% Unsure: Upper 16% Benefits of project delivery (multiple answers) Less paperwork 39% Less rigid criteria 21% Outside Landcare network 18% Individual assessments, one on one 11% Quick turnover 11% (75% said quick turnaround of assessment to funding was important) Is government funding important? Very important Mid 93% Upper 97% Moderately important Mid 7% Upper 3% Would you have undertaken work without program? Yes but not soon Mid 43% Upper 34% No Mid 32% Upper 47% Yes Mid and Upper 19%. 1% said they were willing to do some follow up m & e

14 Involvement with Bidgee Banks has: Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree Increased understanding of waterway management 18% 74% 8% Improved waterway management on farm 56% 44% Increased understanding of riverine areas in environment 4% 15% 7% 11% Confidence to adjust farming practises 44% 41% 15% Heightened awareness of sustainable farming 44% 44% 12%

15 Catalytic Effect Bidgee Banks Sites in the Bedulluck/ Hall district N Bidgee Banks Sites Main Creeks & Rivers Main Roads LGA 4 Ki lometers

16 Steering committee Elements of Success Mixture of targeted sites and response to community interest Comprehensive package of incentives funding, advice, ongoing support Personal contact Flexible process low admin for participants, short waiting times, advice, support Accountable (assessment, recording) Sizable budget Government / NGO partnership Strong media campaign, education activities eg field days, pamphlets etc Catalytic effects neighbours, other works on properties

17 Improvements to Model Budget for longer term project follow up ongoing support, m & e and compliance checking. Site Assessments scoring system Better ways to link outcomes with intervention eg. m & e put in place as part of initial site visits instead of after works go ahead Flexible incentives (not nessesarily 5 / 5) More time catalyse high interest from neighbours, drought / climate management, time for site preparation and on ground planning Focus high funding in priority catchment areas while still accommodating smaller projects in non priority areas eg BB budget in smaller area bigger outcomes Research into prioritisation at large scale

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