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Capel RiverAction Plan

1999

GeoCatch

Soil and LandConservation

CouncilWestern Australia

Natural HeritageTrust

Capel RiverAction Plan

1999

Prepared for Geographe Catchment Council - GeoCatch

and the Capel Land Conservation District Committee

by

Kirrily White and Sarah Comer

in association with

Evangelisti & Associates

Funded by the Natural Heritage Trust and

the Water and Rivers Commission

ISBN: 0-7309-7390-5

How to use this river action plan

i

Read the text at the front of the report. This will provide background information regarding riverprocesses, water quality and heritage issues which relate specifically to the Capel River.

The Capel River was broken into seven sections according to the primary management issues (orproblems). Use the location map (page 3) to find the section of the Capel River that your property lies within.

Turn to the description of the relevant river section. This will provide a summary of the state of theCapel River throughout that section.

Find the map containing your property by searching for your location number or lot number by usinglocal landmarks.

Use the foldout legend (at the back of all of the maps) to understand the detail contained on the mapreferring to your property.

Each map has a table facing it which gives general rehabilitation and management advice. The tableswill refer you to more specific advice relating to erosion management, weed management andrehabilitation advice, including appropriate species to replant on your property. The table will identifya specific management advice point (a number). Refer to Chapter eight of the report for the details.

Use a combination of the section descriptions, the table, and the specific management advice points, todetermine what recommendations have been made for your property.

This river action plan was developed inconsultation with the Capel Land ConservationDistrict Committee (LCDC). The authors wishto thank the members of the LCDC for theirextensive time and effort in assisting with thedevelopment of this plan. The Capel LCDC hasbeen closely involved in monitoring waterquality within the Capel River, and activelyencouraging private landowners to fence andrehabilitate the river for some time. It is hopedthat this plan will assist them with future effortsin this area.

We also wish to thank members of the Capelcommunity who participated with theassessment of the river foreshore and providedanecdotal information about changes that haveoccurred along the Capel River over the past fewdecades:

Tom Hutton Neville TuckerDiane Howard Kim TuckerCraig Scott Faye HarrisPat Sharpe Gary HarrisKen Sharpe Doug PayneRoseanne Sharpe Barbara PayneThomas Gee Douglas ‘Eddie’ Yates(Ketero Holdings) Jackie YatesRoss Jamieson Linda YatesNeil Yates John LindsayPhil Kelly Michael TichbonMoira KellyMark Haggarty

A special thanks is also due to Candy Mackaywho researched much of the Aboriginal heritagevalues of the Capel River, and to CherylCampbell who provided editorial comments forthis section of the report.

Felicity Pascoe provided artwork for figuresillustrating vegetation communities of the CapelRiver and terminology used to describe the rivervalley form. Nigel Anderson from the Shire ofCapel provided information on reserves andvesting.

Brendan Kelly of the Water & RiversCommission, Bunbury, provided valuabledocumentation regarding historical water qualityissues associated with the Capel River. His fieldassistance and the provision of a boat to accessthe lower reaches of the Capel River were alsogreatly appreciated. Brett Harrison of BanksiaEnvironmental Mapping prepared the mapspresented in this report.

Claire Thorstensen, Anthony Sutton and CarolynSwitzer of GeoCatch are also acknowledged fortheir continued support, advice and editorialcomments throughout the production of thisdocument.

Acknowledgments

ii

This report presents a summary of theenvironmental status of the Capel Riverforeshore, the issues associated with its use andmanagement, and recommendations relating tothe future management of the foreshore reserve.The report and associated maps are collectivelyreferred to as a ‘river action plan’. This actionplan aims to provide landholders and the widercommunity of Capel with a tool to guide the useof limited resources available for weed control,erosion control and replanting of nativevegetation along the foreshore reserve.

A primary focus of the study was to ensure thatthe local community had an opportunity tocontribute information to the action plan and to raise issues of concern that related to theCapel River and its management. Manylandholders adjacent to the Capel Riverparticipated in assessing the foreshore, as well as providing historical anecdotal information andidentifying individual concerns associated withthe Capel River.

An assessment of the river foreshore wasundertaken between the mouth of the CapelRiver and the Capel Shire boundary. Theforeshore assessment involved rating thecondition of the foreshore with respect to thelevel of erosion and weed invasion (using thePen-Scott evaluation technique); recording thevegetation species (both native and exotic) alongthe foreshore reserve; and recording the type ofvegetative cover present along each sectionsurveyed. The results of the survey have beenmapped along with other important features ofthe Capel River. These maps are intended toassist landowners, the Capel LCDC and theCapel community to prioritise resources forrestorative action along the Capel River.

A summary of the foreshore condition ratingsalong the Capel River is presented in Table ibelow. Table ii presents the length of river thatwas fenced and unfenced and the length offencing recommended for each bank.

Summary of content, issues and recommendations

iii

Total Length Total % Total Length Total %

A 0.9 km 3% 0.0 km 0%

B 6.3 km 21% 6.8 km 23%

C 23.2 km 75% 23.2 km 75%

D 0.4 km 1% 0.9 km 2%

Table i: Summary of foreshore condition rating of the Capel River

Condition Rating North Bank South Bank

Length % of Length Fencing Fencing % ofFenced Length Unfenced Length Required Length

North Bank 14.3 km 46% 16.7 km 54% 8.4 km 27%

South Bank 12.6 km 41% 18.4 km 59% 9.9 km 32%

Table ii: Length of fenced and unfenced areas on the Capel River with length of fencing required

Length % of Length % of Fencing % ofFenced Length Unfenced Length Required Length

The most prominent issues of concern along theCapel River were:

• Weed invasion - isolated areas of the foreshorewere suffering from serious invasion by avariety of exotic species. Bridal creeper, fruittrees, blackberry, arum lily and blue periwinklewere particularly problematic in some sections.

• Scouring of the riverbanks - in some cases thiswas resulting in bank incision and subsidence,which add to water quality problems and leadto alterations in the river course.

• Loss of native vegetation - while some goodquality reserves exist, in general theunderstorey along the margins of the CapelRiver was highly degraded.

In response to these issues, generalrecommendations to improve the condition ofthe Capel River are as follows:

• Protect existing native fringing vegetationalong the length of the Capel River.

• Increase the amount and diversity of fringingvegetation along the Capel River byrevegetating the river valley.

• Fence some remaining sections of the CapelRiver where stock need to be excluded fromthe river valley.

• Control a variety of weeds which are currentlyflourishing along much of the Capel River.

• Assist with the stabilisation of the riverbankswhere severe bank subsidence andundercutting is occurring.

• A similar foreshore survey and action planshould be prepared for the upper portion ofthe Capel River (flowing through theDonnybrook Shire). Flow pattern and thespread of invasive weeds in this section of theriver are likely to impact upon management ofthe river within the Capel Shire.

iv

1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................11.1 Background ........................................................................................................................................11.2 Study Aims .........................................................................................................................................11.3 Plan Development ..............................................................................................................................1

2. STUDY AREA ......................................................................................................................................22.1 Capel River and its catchment ...........................................................................................................22.2 Climate ...............................................................................................................................................22.3 Aboriginal heritage.............................................................................................................................22.4 European heritage ..............................................................................................................................42.5 Land use, tenure and vesting .............................................................................................................5

2.5.1 Reserves: tenure and vesting ........................................................................................................5

3. CAPEL RIVER WATER QUALITY .....................................................................................................63.1 Impetus for monitoring......................................................................................................................63.2 Water quality data ..............................................................................................................................6

3.2.1Flow.............................................................................................................................................63.2.2 Conductivity................................................................................................................................63.2.3 pH...............................................................................................................................................73.2.4 Turbidity .....................................................................................................................................73.2.5 Nutrients.....................................................................................................................................8

4. ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES INFLUENCING THE CAPEL RIVER .........................................94.1 Catchment processes..........................................................................................................................94.2 River form, functions and processes..................................................................................................94.3 Value of riparian vegetation in catchment management .................................................................114.4 River valley degradation: from river to drain ..................................................................................12

5. FORESHORE ASSESSMENT METHODS ........................................................................................145.1 Vegetation assessment ......................................................................................................................145.2 River foreshore condition assessment..............................................................................................14

6. VEGETATION COMMUNITIES .......................................................................................................16

7. MANAGEMENT ISSUES ALONG THE CAPEL RIVER FORESHORE ..........................................207.1 Loss of native riparian vegetation....................................................................................................207.2 Erosion and siltation ........................................................................................................................207.3 Weed invasion ..................................................................................................................................217.4 Access ...............................................................................................................................................21

7.4.1 Stock access ..............................................................................................................................217.4.2 Community access.....................................................................................................................21

7.5 Water quality....................................................................................................................................21

8. CAPEL RIVER RESTORATION PRINCIPLES .................................................................................228.1 Weed management ...........................................................................................................................22

8.1.1 General information on management of weeds ..........................................................................228.1.2 Specific weed management advice .............................................................................................22

8.2 Revegetation .....................................................................................................................................268.3 Erosion control.................................................................................................................................338.4 Fencing.............................................................................................................................................35

page v

Contents

page vi

9. CAPEL RIVER FORESHORE CONDITION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT ................................................................................38

10. REFERENCES .................................................................................................................................88

LIST OF TABLESTable i: Summary of foreshore condition rating of the Capel River.......................................................iiiTable ii: Length of fenced and unfenced areas on the Capel River with length of fencing required.....iiiTable 2.1: Vesting and purpose of Capel River foreshore reserves ..........................................................5Table 8.1: Species which can be used for revegetation of the Capel River............................................28Table 9.1: Sections of the Capel River Action Plan ...............................................................................38Table 9.2: Management priorities for the Capel River foreshore...........................................................38

LIST OF FIGURESFigure 2.1: Location of the Capel River and sections of the Capel River Action Plan............................3Figure 4.2: Terms used to describe the river valley form ......................................................................10Figure 5.2: Four stages of river foreshore condition following the generalised

processes of river degradation.............................................................................................15Figure 6.1: Vegetation of the Capel River ..............................................................................................19Figure 8.3.1: Outside bend bank erosion ..............................................................................................33Figure 8.3.2: The use of structural works, such as a rock toe,

will prevent the process of undercutting .........................................................................34Figure 8.3.3: The process of bank slumping caused by excessive weight and lack of support. ...........34Figure 8.3.4: Repositioning large woody debris ....................................................................................35Figure 8.4: The correct placement of fences in relation to the river valley ..........................................36

LIST OF APPENDICESAppendix A: Reserves on the Capel River .............................................................................................91Appendix B: Water quality monitoring graphs......................................................................................92Appendix C: Matrix of vegetation species, section and community type. ............................................96Appendix D: Plant species of the Capel River. ......................................................................................97Appendix E: Useful references for vegetation identification, revegetation and weed control. ...........101

LIST OF PLATESPlate 1: Riparian vegetation of reserve 3802............................................................................................5Plate 2: Roots of vegetation provide some anchorage even when scoured ...........................................11Plate 3: Uncontrolled stock access leads to a degraded river foreshore ................................................12Plate 4: Subsidence or slumping of the river bank................................................................................13Plate 5: A vegetated meander showing point bar formation .................................................................13Plate 6: Swamp peppermint in the river channel ..................................................................................17Plate 7: A paperbark (Melaleuca sp.) swamp backwater .......................................................................18Plate 8: The Capel River Mouth and reserve 24653 ..............................................................................18Plate 9: Loss of fence-lines due to subsidence.......................................................................................21Plate 10: Close up of fence-line and subsidence ...................................................................................21Plate 11: The lower Capel foreshore with Typha and Kikuyu...............................................................39Plate 12: Severe gully erosion on the Capel River .................................................................................63

page vii

1.1 Background

The Capel LCDC was gazetted in 1993, largely inresponse to the concerns of Capel residentsregarding the health of the Capel River and itscatchment. The philosophy of integratedcatchment management is supported by theCapel LCDC as a means to promote the goodhealth of the Capel River.

Initial sampling of salinity, temperature anddissolved oxygen initiated by the Capel LCDCindicated that the river was healthy upstream ofthe Capel townsite, but downstream there weresome problems. Erosion of the riverbanks was anotable problem, and some sections of the riverhave changed course over the past thirty years.Because of these issues, a plan to report on thestate of the river, and provide a prioritised planof action to address degradation of the CapelRiver was instigated by the GeographeCatchment Council. The project was fundedthrough the National Rivercare component of theNatural Heritage Trust (NHT) and by the Waterand Rivers Commission.

1.2 Study Aims

The primary aims of the Capel River Action Planare as follows:

• To provide a benchmark against which thelocal community’s future work to protect andrehabilitate the river can be gauged.

• To provide a tool to better guide the limitedresources available for weed control, erosioncontrol, tree planting and rehabilitation.

• To provide a sound technical basis for futurefunding or project submissions.

• To produce a description of the state of theCapel River and a river action plan whichprovides a prioritised plan of action throughwhich riverine degradation can be addressed.

1.3 Plan Development

The river action plan was developed in closeconsultation with the Capel LCDC, landownersadjacent to the Capel River, and othercommunity members. The length of the CapelRiver foreshore between the mouth of the riverand the Capel Shire boundary was walked tosystematically assess and map foreshorecondition (using the Pen-Scott method); erosionand weed infestation; requirement and existenceof fencing; and the type and cover of vegetationpresent. Individual landowners were approachedto take part in the assessment of their property,and many also contributed valuable anecdotalinformation to the study.

A series of public meetings were held to informthe local community about the action plan; toreport results of field assessments; and to obtainlocal contribution to the prioritisation of therecommendations presented within the plan.

The resultant river action plan includesrecommendations on priorities and approachesto restorative work accompanied by detailedmaps of the river foreshore which identify thelocations of sites which require restorative worksuch as weed control, fencing or erosion control.These maps were designed for use by individuallandowners, or members of the Capel LCDC andthe wider Capel community wishing toundertake restorative action at particularlocations.

1. Introduction

This river action plan includes the foreshore ofthe Capel River from the river mouth to theboundary of the Capel Shire. The location of thestudy area is presented in Figure 2.1 overleaf.Background information in relation to the CapelRiver is discussed below.

2.1 Capel River and its catchment

The Capel River is the largest river in theGeographe Bay catchment, and has a catchmentarea of approximately 653 km2 (Campagna,1997; Water Resources Branch, 1984). The CapelRiver rises on the edge of the Darling Scarp, andflows across the northern part of the BlackwoodPlateau and the Swan Coastal Plain beforedischarging into the Indian Ocean (Olsen &Skitmore, 1991). The river flows through boththe Donnybrook and the Capel Shires.

The Stirling wetlands are located at the mouth ofthe Capel River, approximately 5 km NW ofCapel. These saline wetlands lie between tuart(Eucalyptus gomphocephala) dominated TamalaLimestone ridges to the east and peppermint(Agonis flexuosa) covered primary and secondarydune fields to the west. The low lying areas aredominated by estuarine silts and calcareous sandsheets.

The mouth of the Capel River was onceconnected to the Stirling wetland system andwater flowing down the Capel River eventuallypassed into the Vasse-Wonnerup estuary throughthe chain of connected wetlands. In 1880 anartificial river mouth was cut through the coastalsand dunes allowing the river water to flow intoGeographe Bay (Campbell, pers. comm., 1998).A number of difficulties were experiencedfollowing the formation of the cut, primarilyrelated to sea water entering the wetlands at hightide, and the high maintenance that was requiredto keep the sand bar open. Near the turn of thecentury, the Capel River was isolated from theStirling wetlands when high banks were built oneither side of the river to prevent sea water fromentering the Stirling wetland system (Campbell,

pers. Comm., 1999). Today a sand bar formsacross the mouth of the river during the summermonths when flow from the river is low, and thisis broken seasonally under high flow conditions.

2.2 Climate

The Capel region experiences a Mediterraneanclimate, which is characterised by a hot drysummer period (November to April) and mildwet winters (June to September). The averageannual rainfall is 881 mm, normally receivedbetween April and November. Rainfall variesfrom the coast (Capel 840 mm) to theheadwaters (Kirup 990 mm), with approximately90% falling between April and October.

The prevailing winds are related to the positionof high and low-pressure systems travelling east.Winter periods are associated with intermittentstorms with winds from the northwest, west andsouthwest. During summer, winds arecontrolled by the sea breeze / land breeze system.Summer afternoons are typified by southwestwinds.

2.3 Aboriginal heritage

Information compiled from the oral history ofthe southwest Aboriginal communities(collectively known as the Nyungar people)indicates that rivers, estuaries and wetlandsgenerally were very important to thesecommunities, in both a practical and a spiritualsense (O’Conner, Quartermaine & Yates, 1995).Early European settlers recorded manyobservations of Aboriginal communities usingthe southwest waterways during summer forfish, while they appeared to move further inlandduring the winter to hunt kangaroo and othermarsupials (O’Conner et al., 1995). The groupof Nyungar people that occupied the coastal areaof the Geographe Bay catchment were known asthe Wardandi people ‘the people that lived by theocean and followed the forest paths’ (‘Wardan’meaning ‘ocean’) (Collard, 1994).

2. Study area

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Figure 2.1: Location of the Capel River and sections of the Capel River Action Plan.

From the records of artifacts lodged with theAboriginal Affairs Department, it appears thatthe Capel River was frequently used by localNyungar communities. Stone artifacts foundscattered in the area suggest that campinggrounds were located near the river (Reynolds,pers. comm., 1998). Anecdotal evidence fromdescendants of Nyungars in the Busselton areasuggests that the Capel Aboriginal communitycomprised about thirty to forty members, andthat the river was a traditional tribal boundarybetween local clan groups.

The shores of the lower Capel River haveparticular Aboriginal historical significance (Hill,pers. comm., 1998). They were once used as aburial ground for the local groups, but thispractice ceased following a massacre thatoccurred there in 1841. A Wonnerup settlernamed George Layman was drawn into anargument over flour between some local settlersand a group of Aborigines. During the argumentLayman shook the beard of the group’s leader,Gayware; the enraged Gayware who took offenceat the action responded by spearing Layman whosubsequently died from the injuries (Shann,cited in Chase & Krantz, 1995). Help wassought from the Bussells’ residence CattleChosen, and John Bussell (Justice of the Peace atVasse) and the Vasse Magistrate, Molloy, led agroup in pursuit. This party opened fire near theford over the Capel River, killing at least fiveinnocent people. Gayware escaped but was latercaptured and killed (Chase & Krantz, 1995).Apparently the skeletons of those killed at themassacre were left on the dunes and the placewas avoided by local Aborigines thereafter(Chase & Krantz, 1995). The massacre site is onthe north side of the Capel River (Hill, pers.comm, 1998)

Scattered skeletal bones have been discovered onthe dunes over the years since Europeansettlement, and some are now covered byresidential housing developments. In January1997 the full skeletal remains of a fifteen yearold Aboriginal girl were found in a shallow graveon M’Courts Farm, Peppermint Beach. Theremains have not been carbon dated, yet it iswidely believed the young girl may have diedduring the early or pre-European settlement

years. The remains were re-buried traditionallyin October 1997 in a ceremony held by localWardandi elders. The plaque that marks the siteof reburial bears the following epitaph:

The sun will shine ever so peaceful and ‘Walgur’the eagle will soar silently overhead watchingthe grave of our little ‘Wardandi’ girl where shewill find rest in peace forever by the Lakes andwaters of ‘Dunan’ Capel. (by Vilma Webb).

Traditional names of places along the CapelRiver also give some indication as to theimportance of the area to these people. Forexample, Mallokup, the area where the riveronce emptied into the Stirling wetlands means‘place of swans’, also the estuary was known asKooroobunup, meaning ‘place of many goodthings’ (Campbell, pers. com., 1998). The CapelRiver is just one of many waterways in thesouthwest that hold great historical and culturalsignificance for Aboriginal people.

2.4 European heritage

The first Europeans to arrive in the Capel areawere the French explorers on board theGeographe for the Baudin expedition. TheFrench arrived at Minninup in 1801 (Horwitz &Wardell-Johnson, 1996). They failed to identifythe Capel River behind the sand dunes anddecided to travel farther, thus missing thediscovery of a plentiful supply of fresh water(Chase & Krantz, 1995). Later, in 1827,Governor Stirling explored the coast ofGeographe Bay in the Success, noting areas ofgood quality soils and freshwater.

The Capel River was officially recorded by H.W.Bunbury, who was exploring the countrybetween Pinjarrup and the Vasse in 1837.Although the river was recorded by Bunbury, itwas named by John Bussell who called it theCapel after his English cousin Capel Carter. It isthought that this indicates that Bussell had priorknowledge of the river, and Bunburyacknowledged this by allowing Bussell to name it(Chase & Krantz, 1995).

It was not until 1843 that the first Europeansettlers arrived in the Capel area, accompaniedby military protection (Horwitz & Wardell -

Johnson, 1996). James Child, Samuel Rose andW.J. Roberts settled Minninup, Dougup andNorth Capel Farm respectively in 1843. Thearea was attractive for settlers due to thepermanent supply of water. In 1851 GeorgePayne built Payne’s water driven flourmill, whichbecame a focal point for a small village. Abridge was built near the mill to allow thetransport of grain for milling (Horwitz &Wardell - Johnson, 1996).

2.5 Land use, tenure and vesting

Historically the river valley was used for grazinghorses and cattle. Crops grew well, with theabundance of good water and fertile river soils(Chase & Krantz, 1995). Land use in the CapelRiver catchment today is predominantlyhorticultural and agricultural, including dairyand beef farming, fruit orchards and viticulture.

The majority of the Capel River foreshore isvested with the Water Corporation; while manyprivate property boundaries once extended intothe river, many of these have since beenreclaimed into public land. A small number oflots still have the traditional ‘old title’ whichextends into the river. These lots are mainlylocated upstream of the town of Capel andinclude lots 28, 19, 166, 30, 5, 91, 619, 164, 84, and 83.

2.5.1 Reserves: tenure and vesting

Several foreshore reserves are situated on theCapel River, and of these the Ironstone GullyFalls and some Capel River foreshore reserves(particularly 3802) were found to havesignificant conservation value (Masters, 1995).Management plans have been prepared for someof the foreshore reserves. These examine various

management issues including foreshoreprotection, weed control and management offlora and fauna. Vesting of reserves issummarised in Table 2.1.

With respect to the river action plan a few of thereserves on the Capel River provide some cluesas to the type and structure of original riparianvegetation. In particular reserve 3802 (Plate 1,page 5) could provide a valuable source ofprovenance seed for revegetation projects, as thisreserve contains an excellent representation ofthe vegetation of the riparian zone. Commentson the values of reserves on the Capel River arepresented in Appendix A.

2850 9 Unvested ‘C’ class Grazing lease

3802 12 Unvested Public utility

8934 5 Unvested Excepted from sale occupation

11797 17/18 Shire of Capel ‘A’ classreserve

15550 1 Water Corporation Drainage

24563 1 Shire of Capel Recreation/camping

25516 5 Shire of Capel Recreation

Table 2.1: Vesting and purpose of Capel River foreshore reserves

Reserve Map Number Vesting Purpose

Plate 1: Riparian vegetation of reserve 3802.

3.1 Impetus for monitoring

The Capel LCDC instigated water qualitymonitoring in 1993 in response to growingconcern over water quality problems, particularlyin the lower Capel River. A major impetus forthe monitoring program was a variety of pointsources of effluent along the Capel River.Accordingly, two monitoring stations wereinstalled, one at Yate’s farms and one at therailway bridge.

In 1994 and 1995, the LCDC monitoringprogram revealed an organic growth referred toas ‘sewerage fungus’ downstream from localindustry (Chemistry Centre WA, 1994).Improvements in local industry effluentmanagement since that time have been aimed atreducing odour problems and removing nitrogenand phosphorus from the wastewater.

Algal blooms have been recorded at several sitesalong the Capel River. In April 1994 the CapelRiver was reported to have turned black atseveral of the Capel LCDC’s monitoring sites. It was surmised that the cooler night timeconditions which followed an extended warmsummer period resulted in a temperature-induced inversion. Seasonal conditions thatresult in temperature differences between thesurface and bottom water can cause the water inriver pools to invert. As surface water cools, itbecomes denser than the warmer water on thebottom, resulting in the cooler water sinking tothe bottom and the warmer water rising to thesurface. As the warm water rises to the surface itcan bring fine particles of sediment and organicooze to the surface, which often causes the riverto turn temporarily black. An inversion is oftenaccompanied by a release of gases from thesediments, often hydrogen sulfide, which is toxicto fish. Temperature inversions are notuncommon in rivers with little or no flow in latesummer/autumn.

3.2 Water quality data

Water quality data from the Water & RiversCommission was analysed and compared tocriteria established by the Swan River Trust forwaterways on the Swan Coastal Plain.

Interpretations and results of the data analysisare presented below.

3.2.1 Flow

Daily discharge, or flow, from the Capel Riverwas measured at the railway bridge using an‘automatic logger’. A graph of the flow datashows the variations in flow that occurredbetween 1994 and 1998 (Appendix B, Figure1A). 1995 was a ‘wet’ year, with discharge of upto 300,000 m3/day recorded during the peakwinter period, while 1994 was a reasonably ‘dry’year with a maximum discharge of about110,000 m3/day recorded. The minimumdischarge recorded over the sampling period was3230 m3/day.

The seasonal pattern of discharge for all of theyears recorded is presented in Appendix B,Figure 1B. This figure shows all of the datapoints plotted on a single graph of discharge vs.day of the year (i.e. 1 to 365). Very low flowwas recorded from January to May for all of theyears sampled. This was followed by a rapidincrease in flow, reaching peaks in July beforedecreasing slowly over the next 3 months.

This pattern of flow reflects the seasonalMediterranean rainfall experienced in thesouthwest region. The seasonal variability isrelated to this annual pattern and seemsrelatively predictable, while variability betweenyears is related to rainfall cycles. The high andlow flow years depicted by the graphs reflect‘short term’ rainfall cycles.

3.2.2 Conductivity

Daily measurements of conductivity for theCapel River were taken at the railway bridgebetween 1995 and 1998. Conductivity is ameasure of a range of dissolved salts, the mostcommon being sodium chloride. It is the levelof sodium chloride that is referred to as ‘salinity’.Figures 2A and 2B in Appendix B depict the timeseries and seasonal graphs of daily conductivityrespectively. The criteria for ‘fresh’, ‘moderatelybrackish’ and ‘highly brackish’ water are markedon the graph. For much of each year sampled,the Capel River water at the railway bridge was

3. Capel River water quality

moderately brackish, although at the end of eachwinter when dilution from seasonal rainfall tendsto be at its peak, the water was fresh.

The seasonal plot clearly shows the changes inconductivity that occurred in the Capel Riverthroughout each year sampled. The patternobserved is common to many southwestwaterways. At the start of the year the water ismoderately brackish; this becomes increasinglybrackish with the onset of the first winter rainswhich ‘flush’ accumulated salt from the soilprofile. Conductivity then decreases over thecourse of the winter as salts are diluted by freshrainwater. From spring to the end of the yearconductivity steadily increases in response toevaporation which concentrates existing salts inthe water column.

The Swan River Trust recommends carefulmonitoring of waterways with moderatelybrackish water. Many waterways flowing fromthe Darling Scarp fall within this criterion. Forfresh waterways no action is required, these aretypically rivers flowing through forestedcatchments. Should the salinity of the CapelRiver approach the highly brackish criteria, itrecommended that a search for the sources of theproblem be undertaken and managementpossibilities discussed with the local community.While the data set analysed for this project didnot indicate a severe salinity problem at the sitesmonitored, previous investigations haveidentified potential salinity problems in thelower Capel River area. The background to theseproblems is discussed in more detail below.

3.2.3 pH

The pH of a waterbody is a measurement of itsrelative acidity or alkalinity. The pH scalesranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline) with thevalue of 7 indicating neutral conditions such asthose of distilled water. The natural pH of awaterbody is dependent on the predominantlandforms and soil types present. For examplefor waterways flowing through a predominantlylimestone catchment, a neutral to alkaline pHwould be expected. For those flowing through acatchment without limestone and with humussoils, a slightly acidic pH would be expected.

For all waterways, a pH of less than 4 or greaterthan 9 would indicate potential pollutionproblems. Normally such extreme values areonly recorded in very urbanised catchmentswhere pollution from road surfaces iscontributing to surface runoff.

The pH measurements recorded for the CapelRiver at Yate’s farm and the railway bridgebetween 1996 and 1998 are presented in Figures3A and 3B of Appendix B respectively. Resultsfor both sites are within acceptable criteria,although Yate’s farm recorded slightly lower pHin early 1998. The levels recorded were not lowenough to be of concern, and may be related todifferences in soil type present in the upperCapel River catchment.

3.2.4 Turbidity

Turbidity is a measurement of the level ofsuspended solids such as inorganic and organicmatter. The measurement is made by passinglight through a tube of the water sample and theassociated measurement units are referred to asNTUs, (Nephelometric Turbidity Units). Theturbidity of a waterbody changes seasonally inresponse to flow pattern. During summer, when flow is minimal, particles tend to settle tothe river floor, creating reasonably clearconditions. Turbidity usually increases after astorm or when water flow is very high, causingturbulent conditions in the water which re-suspend material as well as adding more materialto the flow.

Turbidity measurements recorded for the CapelRiver between 1997 and 1998 are presented inFigures 4A and 4B of Appendix B. For much ofperiod sampled, the turbidity was low tomoderate, reflecting relatively stable conditionsin the water. The only winter period monitoredwas in 1997. The peak in the graphs at July1997 clearly shows the extreme turbiditymeasurements recorded at that time (values ofover 160 NTU were recorded in the Capel Riverat both monitoring stations, indicating a seriouserosion problem). The Swan River Trustrecommends that for waterways with turbiditymeasurements exceeding 45 NTU, urgent action should be taken to reduce erosion.

3.2.5 Nutrients

Total phosphorus and total nitrogenmeasurements were recorded at both monitoringstations on the Capel River between 1996 and1998. Elevated levels of phosphorus andnitrogen have been found to contribute to theproliferation of nuisance algal blooms in manysouthwest waterways, and for this reason thesenutrients are routinely included in most waterquality monitoring programs.

For the majority of the sampling period, totalphosphorus levels in the Capel River were withinacceptable criteria (Appendix B, Figures 6A and6B). On a number of occasions values exceedingthe acceptable criteria were recorded at bothmonitoring stations. Given the isolatedoccurrences and intermittent timing of theseevents, it is not possible to ascertain the causesof the elevated levels.

There are no established criteria for nitrogenlevels in southwest waterways since naturallevels are often highly varied. The levels of totalnitrogen measured in the Capel River during thesampling period appear to be strongly related tothe flow (discharge) pattern (Appendix B,Figures 1A and 1B). As for conductivity, there isa strong seasonality in the data, with nitrogenlevels increasing rapidly during the early winterrainfall period (‘first flush’), then decreasing aswinter flow continues to dilute theconcentration.

4.1 Catchment processes

The characteristic dry summers and wet wintersin the Capel region are particularly significantfor the way in which water moves across thelandscape. These processes in turn can influencethe susceptibility of the Capel River todegradation such as scouring and nutrientpollution.

Prior to European development in southwestcatchments, the hydrological balance wasmaintained via a number of bufferingmechanisms. Natural vegetation aidedinfiltration by redistributing water within thecanopy and on the soil surface, while chains ofwetlands served as intermediate drainage basinsthus slowing the transfer of water from the landto river systems (McFarlane et al., 1993).Removal of vegetation and alteration of thesewetlands has resulted in a reduced ability of thelandscape to absorb rainfall, causing water toflow more uniformly over the land. This processgreatly increases both the velocity and volume ofoverland flow, leading to higher levels of nutrientleaching from the soil profile, and greatervelocities of water flow in drainage lines (Ralph, 1993).

In areas of cleared land, the absence of anorganic crust has also left the soil surfaceunprotected thus increasing the risk of erosionand transporting phosphate bound sedimentparticles to streamflow (McFarlane et al., 1993).As a result of these processes, the relationshipbetween catchment clearing and phosphorusremoval is nearly exponential, that is, it escalatesrapidly following 70% removal of nativevegetation for agricultural development (Bott, 1993).

4.2 River form, functions andprocesses

The form, functions and processes which impacton rivers in the southwest of Western Australiaand the values of riparian vegetation have beendescribed in detail by Dr Luke Pen (APACEGreen Skills and Pen, 1995). A brief summary ofthese factors as they relate to the Capel River isincluded below. They are also illustrated inFigure 4.2.

The Capel River is an excellent example of thetypical river form in the southwest of WesternAustralia. In this area a river typically consistsof a floodway which lies within a river valley.Within the floodway is a central channel whichcontains the main, flowing body of water (Figure4.2). The central channel meanders along thefloodway, and, in the case of the Capel River,does not reflect the cadastral (land title)boundaries.

The floodplain

The floodplain tends to support a diverseriparian vegetation, which may extend up thevalley banks. The frictional effects of watermovement in the channel tend to restrictvegetation growing in this area.

Floodway

As the floodway meanders along the floodplain,three distinct zones occur: long narrowmeandering channels, broad shallow riffle zonesand deep pools.

Channels, riffles and pools

Channels meander along the floodplain, and areoften fairly narrow compared to the width of thefloodplain. Riffle zones are broad, shallow areaswhere water passes over stones, rocks or throughdense sedges or trees. Deep pools are scatteredalong the river length, and usually retain waterthroughout the year. Pools are an importantrefuge for aquatic animals in times of drought.

In cleared catchments, such as the Capel Rivercatchment, the river channels are oftensusceptible to widening caused by scouring fromthe increased volume and velocity of waterentering the system. The widening of thesechannels is a symptom of the alteredhydrological regime caused by the clearing ofnative vegetation within the catchment, and thisin turn also affects the natural processes whichoccur within the floodplain.

4. Environmental processes influencing the Capel River

River flow

Ultimately the flow of water within a riverchannel is derived from rain. At any point intime, however, the river flow is derived from a

combination of surface water, soil water andgroundwater input. Various factors determinehow rainfall reaches the river channel, includingclimate, geology, topography, soil type andvegetation (Poff et al., 1997).

Figure 4.2: Terms used to describe the river valley form.

4.3 Value of riparian vegetation incatchment management

The rich soils of a river valley generally supporta diverse flora including trees, shrubs, sedges,rushes and herbs. This vegetation, known asriparian vegetation, acts to support the soil ofthe stream bank, helping to prevent erosion andsubsidence. In addition riparian vegetationprovides important habitat for native fauna, andcan decrease the amount of soil and nutrientsmoving from the catchment into the riversystem. The values of riparian vegetation arediscussed in more detail below.

Preventing erosion

Large roots of trees and shrubs anchor the riverembankments in place (Plate 2, page 11). Thefiner roots of shrubs, sedges and rusheseffectively stabilise the riverbanks by reinforcingthe river embankments. Well vegetated streambanks are less likely to suffer from undercuttingand slumping.

Dissipating flow

Riparian vegetation increases the roughness ofthe riverbanks, which serves to dissipate theenergy of running water thereby reducing theerosive capacity of the flow. The type ofvegetation present determines the extent towhich water velocity is decreased. Widelyspaced trees are not as effective in reducingvelocity as grasses.

Stabilising sediments

Riparian vegetation acts in several ways to holdsediments (soil particles) and reduce nutrientrunoff into river systems. Vegetation slowsoverland movement of water resulting insediments and nutrients being deposited on landprior to reaching the river channel. Nutrientuptake by vegetation also results in absorption ofsome nutrients before reaching the river channel.This effect is known as buffering.

Preventing bank collapse

Most riverbanks will collapse when saturatedwith water. By using and dissipating most of theavailable water in the soil, riparian vegetationeffectively improves drainage. This stabilises theriverbank and reduces the risk of sudden bankcollapse (Thorne, 1990; Riding & Carter, 1992).

Improving water quality

Riparian vegetation influences water quality inseveral ways. Shade provided by overhangingtrees and shrubs assists in maintaining low watertemperatures. Many native plants and animalscan only survive in cooler conditions. Theshading effect also decreases the amount of lightavailable for nuisance plant and algal growths.

Enhancing ecological values

Riparian vegetation provides an excellent rangeof habitats for many species of flora and fauna.

Plate 2: Roots of vegetation provide some anchorage even when scoured.

In particular biota which is restricted to themoist cooler zones on river foreshores isdependent on riparian zone vegetation. Forexample, during the Capel River study manyspecies of waterbirds were observed on thestream banks.

Aquatic plants and animals are reliant on the leaflitter, insects and organic debris provided byriparian vegetation. Many of these are foodsources, for example some native fish feedexclusively on insects which fall into rivers fromnative vegetation. Limbs or branches of treeswhich fall into rivers can provide microhabitatswithin the river channel. These often act toslow the water flow, thereby creating poolswhich are suited to particular aquatic species’habitats.

Habitat network

Riparian vegetation is also important on a largescale within the catchment, as it often formscorridors which link bushland remnants.Corridors allow plant and animal species tomove between remnants or along the riverbank.The ultimate effect of this can be to createsustainable regional networks of corridors,which allows movement of species throughout alarger area (Arthrington et al., 1993; Saunders et al., 1987). Through linkages with otherremnants, riparian vegetation can provide acritical habitat refuge which maintains speciesduring crisis situations, such as drought or fire.

4.4 River valley degradation: fromriver to drain

Pen (1995) recognised a pattern of degradationthat can be used to describe the state of riversystems in the southwest of Western Australia.This pattern is applicable to the Capel River, andthe Pen-Scott Foreshore Assessment was used todetail the condition of the Capel River foreshore.

A healthy river valley

Native vegetation dominates a healthy rivervalley, and acts in several ways to providestability to the river valley substrate as discussedabove. The root system, or matrix, may form amesh up to 3 m deep. This mesh stabilises thebanks and holds soil particles in place.

A degrading river valley

Normally the first sign of a degrading rivervalley is invasion of weeds. Points ofdisturbance from feral animals, vehicles or stocktrampling allow weed species to dominate.Altering the natural fire regime also allows someweed species to out-compete native vegetation.

The degradation of a river valley continues whenstock access becomes more regular. Understoreyspecies are trampled or eaten, exotic weeds arespread more prolifically. Localised soil exposuremay also lead to the risk of erosion. An exampleof uncontrolled stock access on the Capel Riverforeshore is illustrated in Plate 3 (page 12).

Plate 3: Uncontrolled access leads to a degraded river foreshore.

An eroding river valley

When stock access to the river foreshore occursregularly, the river valley may become prone tosevere erosion. The continued trampling ofnative vegetation and the gradual replacement ofthe understorey with exotic perennial speciesleaves the banks of the river without the strongprotective root structures of native shrubs,sedges and grasses.

The soil between roots of trees and shrubs maybe washed away and surface flow can scour thebanks, effectively widening the river channel andisolating water flow from the natural floodplain.

Where trees and shrubs are absent from thebanks, sodden soil may become too heavy to besupported by the bare bank and subside into theriver (Plate 4, page 13).

The lack of native vegetation to dissipate flowenergy may allow more sediment to be removedfrom the riverbanks and carried downstream.Here it may accumulate into point bars whichdeflect flow onto the opposite bank creating anew erosion point, or cause upstream floodingby retarding flow under shallow conditions(Plate 5, page 13).

Plate 5: A vegetated meander showingpoint bar formation.

Plate 4: Subsidence or slumping of the river bank.

5. Foreshore assessment methods

5.1 Vegetation assessment

The vegetation communities of the Capel Riverwere assessed during the field survey work.Although detailed floristic surveys were notcompleted for this project, descriptions ofspecies present on each site were recorded, andfrom these it was apparent that a number ofvegetation communities were likely to be foundon the Capel River foreshore.

A list of native and weed species found on eachsection of the foreshore was compiled during thesurvey work. A brief description of thevegetation community type was also completedfor each section. Native and exotic plant specieswere identified and are listed in Appendix C.This list is not exhaustive, and it is highly likelythat it will be added to in the future.

5.2 River foreshore conditionassessment

The Pen-Scott method of riparian zoneassessment was used (Pen & Scott, 1995). Thissystem provides a graded description of the riverforeshore that runs from pristine (A grade)through to completely degraded (D grade).

A summary of the grades of the Pen-Scott systemfollows. These are also illustrated in Figure 5.2.

• A grade foreshore

A1: Pristine

The river embankments and/or channel areentirely vegetated with native species and thereis no evidence of human presence, or livestockdamage. This category, if it exists at all, wouldbe found only in the middle of largeconservation reserves where the impact ofhuman activities has been negligible.

A2: Near pristine

Native vegetation dominates but introducedweeds are occasionally present in theunderstorey, though not to the extent that theydisplace native species. Otherwise there is nohuman impact. A river valley in this condition isabout as good as can be found today.

A3: Slightly disturbed

Here there are areas of localised humandisturbance where the soil may be exposed andweed density is relatively heavy, such as alongwalking or vehicle tracks. Otherwise, nativeplants dominate and would quickly recolonisedisturbed areas should human activity decline.

• B grade foreshore

B1: Degraded - weed infested

In this stage, weeds have become a significantcomponent of the understorey vegetation.Although native species remain dominant, a fewhave probably been replaced or are beingreplaced by weeds.

B2: Degraded - heavily weed infested

In the understorey, weeds are about as abundantas native species. The regeneration of some treeand large shrub species may have declined.

B3: Degraded - weed dominated

Weeds dominate the understorey, but manynative species remain. Some tree and large shrubspecies may have declined or have disappeared.

• C grade foreshore

C1: Erosion prone

While trees remain, possibly with some largeshrubs or grass trees, the understorey consistsentirely of weeds, mainly annual grasses. Mostof the trees will be of only a few resilient orlong-lived species and their regeneration will be mostly negligible. In this state, where the soil is supported by short-lived weeds, a smallincrease in physical disturbance will expose thesoil and render the river valley vulnerable toserious erosion.

C2: Soil exposed

Here, the annual grasses and weeds have beenremoved through heavy livestock damage andgrazing, or as a result of recreational activities.Low level soil erosion has begun, by the actionof either wind or water.

C3: Eroded

Soil is being washed away from between treeroots, trees are being undermined andunsupported embankments are subsiding intothe river valley.

• D grade foreshore

D1: Ditch - eroding

Fringing vegetation no longer acts to controlerosion. Some trees and shrubs remain and actto retard erosion in certain spots, but all aredoomed to be undermined eventually.

D2: Ditch - freely eroding

No significant fringing vegetation remains, and erosion is completely out of control.Undermined and subsided embankments arecommon, as are large sediment plumes along theriver channel.

D3: Drain - weed dominated

The highly eroded river valley has been fencedoff enabling colonisation by perennial weeds.The river has become a simple drain, similar ifnot identical to the typical major urban drain.

Figure 5.2: Four stages of river foreshore condition following the generalisedprocesses of river degradation (from A — pristine to D — ditch).

6. Vegetation communitiesThe native vegetation of the Capel River riparianzone was generally limited to medium and largeshrubs, and larger trees. Native herbs and smallshrubs were restricted to areas of little or nodisturbance. The nature of disturbance to theCapel River foreshore has resulted in themodification of the original riparian vegetationalong much of the area surveyed. In many areasthe low diversity of native species, in particularlow shrubs and herbs, appeared to be the directresult of grazing pressures and weed invasion.There were, however, some areas (mentioned insection descriptions) which were relativelyundisturbed, and these were used as indicatorsof the types of vegetation likely to haveoriginally occurred on the Capel River1. Aschematic representation of native vegetation asit may have once looked in the Capel Rivervalley is contained in Figure 6.1.

Although detailed surveys were not completedfor this project, descriptions of species presenton each site were recorded. From thesedescriptions and those compiled by Smith(1974), at least four distinct vegetationcommunities2 are likely to be found on the CapelRiver foreshore reserve. A matrix of the nativeplant species for each section of the river ispresented in Appendix C and brief descriptionsof these are included below. This informationcan be used as a guide for revegetation ofparticular sections. A list of all plant species ispresented in Appendix D.

COMMUNITY TYPE 1Flooded gum Eucalyptus rudis woodland overAstartea fascicularis, swamp peppermint Agonislinearifolia scrub.

This community type was restricted to theriparian fringe, and low lying areas. It wasreasonably continuous on the riparian fringe inSections 6 and 7, with a more patchydistribution in Section 5. A few examples of thiscommunity type were observed in Sections 3 and4. In Sections 6 and 7 the understorey of thistype was generally dominated by Astarteafascicularis and swamp peppermint Agonis

linearifolia, with only a few areas containing alarger representation of understorey species (e.g. Ironstone Gully Reserve) (Plate 6, page 17).In Sections 4 and 5 there were several isolatedstands of this community type with a muchhigher diversity of understorey species observed.

The dominant species were flooded gumEucalyptus rudis, Astartea fascicularis and swamppeppermint Agonis linearifolia. BlackbuttEucalyptus patens, Banksia seminuda, pricklyMoses Acacia pulchella and Bossiaea rufa werefound less frequently in this community type.The common maidenhair fern Adiantumaethiopicum was prolific in some areas. Sedgesand rushes associated with this community typeincluded species such as pale rush Juncuspallidus, marsh club-rush Bolboschoenuscaldwellii, angle sword-sedge Lepidospermatetraquetum and spreading sword-sedgeLepidosperma effusum.

COMMUNITY TYPE 2Marri Corymbia calophylla (previously Eucalyptus calophylla) forest over soapbushTrymalium floribundum, heart-leaf poisonGastrolobium bilobum scrub, and sword-sedgesLepidosperma spp.

This community type was found a marginaldistance from the riparian fringe in Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7, often bordering or contiguous withcommunity type 1. Other species associatedwith this community type were flooded gumEucalyptus rudis, blackbutt Eucalyptus patens,jarrah Eucalyptus marginata, Cape Leeuwinwattle Paraserianthes lophantha, Callistachyslanceolata, prickly Moses Acacia pulchella, andClematis pubescens, and native wisteriaHardenbergia comptoniana. Angle sword-sedgeLepidosperma tetraquetum, spreading sword-sedgeL. effusum and pale rush Juncus pallidus werecommonly occurring sedges and rushes in thiscommunity. In relatively undisturbed areas tail-leaved acacia Acacia urophylla, river peaOxylobium lineare, holly-leaved flame peaChorizema ilicifolium, Sollya heterophylla andswamp kangaroo paw Anigozanthos viridis were

1 It is recommended that detailed floristic surveys of one or all of these sites are completed. This will enable the list of

species suitable for revegetation of the Capel River foreshore to be increased.

2 A plant community (or vegetation association) is an assembly of plants which grow together in response to soil, water,

light and temperature. A community describes the structure of the plant life forms, the area plant forms cover and the

floristics or species present in the community. Vegetation communities appear as a natural pattern of plants in the

landscape; when factors which influence them change, so do the communities (Keighery, 1994).

found. Tail — leaved acacia Acacia urophylla,wonnich Callistachys lanceolata and river peaOxylobium lineare were uncommon species inthis community type. It is likely that detailedbotanical surveys of this vegetation type wouldresult in it being split into two distinctcommunity types, with the Cape Leeuwin wattle Paraserianthes lophantha, soap bushTrymalium floribundum understorey distinct from the Acacia spp. scrub.

COMMUNITY TYPE 3Peppermint Agonis flexuosa, marri Corymbiacalophylla woodland.

This community type was found in the lowermiddle and lower reaches of the Capel River,predominantly in Sections 3 and 4. Thedominance of the peppermint Agonis flexuosacharacterised this community type. MarriCorymbia calophylla was a co-dominant tree, andscattered flooded gum E. rudis were observed.Very few areas were undisturbed by stock orweeds, resulting in a highly degradedunderstorey. Understorey species which wereregularly observed include prickly Moses Acaciapulchella, swamp peppermint Agonis linearifoliaand spreading sword-sedge Lepidospermaeffusum. In undisturbed areas swamp kangaroopaw Anigozanthos viridis, holly-leaved flame peaChorizema ilicifolium, and Leucopogon propinquuswere found, but few other species were noted.

COMMUNITY TYPE 4Freshwater paperbark Melaleucarhaphiophylla, flooded gum Eucalyptus rudisopen woodland.

This vegetation community was highly disturbedalong most of the lower reaches of the CapelRiver (Sections 1 and 2). The trees are thedominant species in this community type. Inseveral areas Astartea fascicularis and modongMelaleuca preissiana were observed. Pale rushJuncus pallidus, jointed twig-rush Baumeaarticulata, common sword-sedge Lepidospermalongitudinale, marsh club-rush Bolboschoenuscaldwellii were observed in this communitytype. In a few areas the backwaters supported areasonably diverse flora, however even thesewere infested with weeds, in particular Typhaand arum lily (Plate 7, page 18). Detailedsurveys of these areas were not completed.

Flora of reserve 24653

This reserve has been subjected to a high level ofunderstorey disturbance, and was relatively poorin species diversity. However, a detailedcommunity description for this area wasprepared by Smith (1974), and this could beconsulted for possible revegetation species. Thelocation of this reserve with respect to the CapelRiver mouth is illustrated in (Plate 8, page 18).

Plate 6: Swamp peppermint in the river channel.

Plate 7: A paperbark (Melaleuca sp.) swamp backwater.

Plate 8: The Capel River mouth and reserve 24653.

Figure 6.1: Vegetation of the Capel River

7. Management issues along the Capel River foreshore

7.1 Loss of native riparian vegetation

Three major threats to the Capel River wereidentified by the foreshore assessment. Theseincluded the loss of native riparian vegetation,erosion and siltation of the river channel, andinvasion of exotic weed species. These threethreats are common to most southwest rivers.As discussed in Chapter four, these threats areintrinsically linked, and form a cycle of riverinedegradation when they are not appropriatelymanaged.

The riparian vegetation along the section of the Capel River surveyed was, in most areas,represented by a healthy layer of canopy trees.In many areas the native understorey wasdegraded to highly degraded, with grazing andcompetition from weeds the most obvious causes.

The role of native understorey in themanagement of river systems cannot beunderstated. Where native shrubs, sedges andrushes provide a dense soil-root matrix ariverbank is afforded some protection from thescouring and erosive forces of water movement.In areas where annual grasses and weed speciesdominate the understorey the soil-root matrixaffords little protection against the erosive forcesof water movement.

The loss of native riparian vegetation is alsoimportant with respect to the value of riparianhabitat for native fauna. Introduced species donot provide a full range of habitat requirementsfor native species. On the other handproblematic species such as the rabbit arefavoured by the disturbed conditions wherenative vegetation has been cleared. BetweenSection 4 and Section 7, there was evidence ofinhabitation by native mammals, such as thering-tailed possum and bandicoot, and birdssuch as the golden whistler, fantail, westernthornbill and splendid wren. Habitat for thesespecies could be improved within this sectionwith management and regeneration of the nativevegetation within the foreshore reserve.

Riparian vegetation also has an important role toplay in the dynamics of the food webs withinrivers. The leaf litter (leaves, branches and bark)from native vegetation is an important energysource for specialised aquatic fauna, termedshredders, within the river system. Maintaininga balanced quota of functional feeding groups iscrucial to the healthy functioning of riverecosystems (Lake, 1994; Davies & Christidis,1997).

7.2 Erosion and siltation

Erosion of the river channel was a notableproblem along much of the surveyed area of theCapel River. A combination of physicaldisturbance from historical stock access andchanges to the hydrological balance fromclearing of the native vegetation within thecatchment has led to the erosion problem.While some level of erosion and deposition isnatural within any riverine system, theacceleration of these processes can causemanagement problems. Of particular concern isthe cycle of erosion and deposition which canoccur when eroded sediment accumulatesdownstream to form point bars which deflectflow onto the opposite bank thus creating a newpoint of erosion (Plate 5, page 13).Environmental issues associated with erosionproblems include:

• A reduction in aquatic habitat diversity as deeppools used by a number of macroinvertebratesand larger aquatic fauna, including marron andfish, are slowly filled with sediment.

• Poor water quality resulting from increasedturbidity and nutrients.

• Potential downstream impacts on estuarine ormarine environments resulting from poorquality flow.

• Further loss of native riparian vegetation assevere erosion problems cause subsidence.

• Alterations to the natural hydrological regimeas the river channel widens, thus isolatingwinter flow from the floodplain. This cancause a reduction in vegetation diversity withresultant adverse impacts on native fauna.

In addition to these, social issues of concerninclude the loss of fences as the river coursedeviates (Plates 9 and 10, page 21); the loss ofvaluable soil; reduced visual amenity associatedwith the river; and a potential for the limitationof beneficial uses, such as fishing, marroning andwater supply, as water quality deteriorates.

7.3 Weed invasion

Numerous species of weeds were encounteredduring the field survey of the Capel River. Dueto the large number of weed species only thoseconsidered to be of a high priority for control areidentified on the maps. There is, however, aneed to acknowledge the invasive nature of allweed species.

7.4 Access

7.4.1 Stock access

The majority of properties with stock along theCapel River have been fenced; however,uncontrolled stock access in some sections iscontributing to the loss of native riparianvegetation through trampling or consumption ofunderstorey species; spreading of weeds; anderosion of the foreshore from physical disturbance(Plate 3, page 12). Continuation of this practicehas the potential to frustrate management effortsin other sections of the river, primarily through thecycle of erosion and deposition described above.

7.4.2 Community access

Public access to the Capel River was a notablecommunity issue raised throughout the course ofthe field assessments and public consultationprocess. Access to the river is very difficultwithout going through private property. A fewreserves on the Capel River are also surroundedby private property. During the summer months,the Capel River is a popular site for picnickingand marroning. This sometimes causes conflictbetween visitors to the river and landholderswhose properties abut the river foreshore. Whilethe resolution of this problem is outside thescope of this study, it should be recognised as anissue that requires attention.

7.5 Water quality

Water quality problems have been a prominentissue in the Capel area for some time. Recentimprovements to dairy effluent managementpractices have led to a reduction in severe waterquality problems within the river. Recentmonitoring data has, however, indicatedpotential nutrient management problems. Thecontinuation of water quality monitoring andriver foreshore restoration action should ensurethat this potential problem does not becomeunmanageable.

Plate 9: Loss of fence-lines due to subsidence.

Plate 10: Close up of fence-line and subsidence.

8. Capel River restoration principles

8.1 Weed management

8.1.1 General information on management of weeds

There has been much debate over the definitionof a weed in Australia. A weed is generallyclassified as a plant which is growing where it isnot wanted. This assumes that a human beinghas made a decision about whether the plant iswanted, or not, and hence may be accepted atone location but may be considered a weedelsewhere (Hussey, et al., 1997).

In foreshore areas removal or control of weedsmust be completed with great care. In theriparian zone the erosive power of water requiresconsideration when planning a weed strategy.Clearing weeds in an unplanned manner couldresult in an increase in the erosive capability ofwater in the river channel. Bradley (1988)supports three principles which have been foundto be successful in the management of weedspecies:

I Work outwards from good patches of bushtowards areas with weed infestations

II Minimise disturbance to the soil andsurrounding environment

III Let the rate of native plant regenerationdictate the rate of weed removal

The impact of weeds on the foreshore reserve isnot limited to their invasive nature andcompetitive advantages which they may haveover native vegetation. Weeds increase theflammability of existing remnant vegetation onthe foreshore reserve (Dodd et al., 1993),increasing the risk of loss of riparian habitat. Thegreater the disturbance in an area - the greaterthe degree of weed invasion. Disturbance maybe the result of fire, changing water regime,grazing, changes in nutrient availability, orbaring of soil (Buchanan, 1989). Conversely, if

the natural community maintains a high level ofdiversity, weeds find it more difficult to invade.

Generally weed strategies which have welldefined objectives are more likely to succeed. Inthe case of the Capel River foreshore reservestrategies for weed control could include:

• preventing invasion where possible bypreventing disturbances which create sites forweed invasion. This includes controllingvermin and restricting stock access;

• controlling weed species in reserves andworking out from good areas (low infestation)to bad (high infestation);

• investigating the possible use of chemicalfirebreaks on properties, which can assist inpreventing weed establishment on fence lines(Dodd et al., 1993).

Further information on methods and techniquesof weed control can be found in some of thepublications listed in Appendix E.

Chemical control of weeds on waterwaysrequires careful consideration. Issues whichmust be considered prior to any type of chemicalcontrol include the effects of the herbicides onnative flora and fauna and the impact on waterquality. It is beyond the scope of this report toadvise on specific control methods for theproblematic species identified. However, asummary of the principal pest species, theircharacteristics, and non-chemical methods ofcontrol is included below.

8.1.2 Specific weed management advice3

The weeds listed here have been identified aspriority species for control on the Capel River.They are either listed as Declared Plants or PestPlants, or were observed to be invasive orproblematic during the survey work4.

3 These notes were compiled using information from Dixon & Keighery, 1995; Hussey et al., 1997; Piggot et al., 1993;

Pierce, 1998; Scott & Wykes, 1997; Harley & Forno, 1992; Dodd et al., 1993; Department of Environmental Protection

& Swan River Trust, 1995 and Buchanan, 1989. More specific information on weed control can be obtained by

contacting AgWA, Streamlining Officers or landcare technicians working in the Capel area.

4 Agriculture Western Australian administers the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act 1976

[the Act] under which plants may be declared by the Agriculture Protection Board. If a plant is declared

(DP), landowners are obliged to control that plant on their properties (Pierce, 1998). Local government

authorities administer the pest plant (PP) provisions of the Act, and Shire Councils are authorised

to enforce control of a particular plant within their boundaries.

The management of the serious environmentalweeds found on the Capel River foreshoreshould be tackled on a catchment scale. Inparticular, the control of blackberry, figs andother fruit trees needs to be addressed fromupstream down, and within the DonnybrookShire.

1. Apple of Sodom DP, PP Solanum linnaeanum

A shrub which grows to 2 m or more in heightand width, apple of Sodom is a native of SouthAfrica. Its yellow berry is toxic to stock andhumans. The leaves are distinctive, with deeplobes and shrub prickle on both surfaces. Theflowers are purple and have a prominent yellowstamen. Small plants can be grubbed out byhand, taking care not to leave any root behind toregrow. Larger plants can be cut, and the stumppainted with an appropriate herbicide. Seedsneed to be disposed of with care.

2. Arum lily DPZantedeschia aethiopica

Arum lily is a widespread tuberous perennialherb which is native to South Africa. The leavesare toxic to stock. Flowering is mainly in springto early summer, although occasionally bloomscan be found throughout the year. Arum lily isspread by birds, water and vegetativereproduction. The threat to waterways is high,as arum lily can impede water flow. Continuouscutting and removal of all leaf matter willeventually kill arum lilies. Spraying withappropriate herbicide may be undertakenbetween June and October, prior to flowering.

3. Blackberry DPRubus sp.

Blackberry was originally introduced fromEurope as a fruit crop. This perennial plant isspread by birds, other animals and vegetatively.It is a serious threat to the Capel River due to itsinvasiveness, ease of spread and its potential toclog up the river bed. It is possible, withprotective clothing such as gloves, to hand pull

small infestations. Larger infestations requiretreatment with chemicals or, in suitablesituations, removal by mechanical means. Brushcut/burn. Treat regrowth with the appropriatechemical from December to April. Follow-uptreatment of blackberry is usually necessary.

4. Blue periwinkleVinca major

This climbing perennial is a native of theMediterranean area. A garden escapee, itfavours shady spots and smothers vegetationalong much of the Capel River. The largeblue/purple flowers seed in winter and spring.The stems of this plant take root where theycome into contact with the ground. This weeddoes not appear to be palatable to stock, as itwas untouched in many areas which wereheavily grazed. Periwinkle is difficult to dig out,but stolons can be removed by hand. Sprayingwith an appropriate herbicide should occurwhen the plant is actively growing, at four weekintervals. Periwinkle is difficult to kill, andfollow-up treatment will be required.

5. Bridal creeperAsparagus asparagoides

The perennial bridal creeper was introducedfrom South Africa as a garden plant, and hasbecome one of the most serious environmentalweeds in WA. It is an extremely invasive weed,which can smother native vegetation in a shortperiod of time. Bridal creeper also has thepotential to create a fire hazard as it dies backduring the summer and increases the fuel loadwithin severely invaded areas. Birds are fond ofthe fleshy fruits, and spread the seed considerabledistances in their droppings. Bridal creeper alsospreads vegetatively. Control is difficult. Handweeding in small areas of infestation is possible.More established plants or infestations can bewiped or sprayed with an appropriate herbicide.Mats of controlled plants should be rolled upand destroyed. Follow-up treatment will benecessary.

6. Californian poppiesEschscholzia californica

This garden escapee was only found in a smallarea of the Capel River. An annual, theCalifornian poppy flowers in spring andsubsequently produces large amounts of seed ina narrow, cylindrical seed capsule. If uncheckedthis species can spread rapidly into adjacentbush. This aspect of their growth is of particularsignificance as the Ironstone Gully Reserve isnear the worst area of infestation. Removal ofthe plants prior to flowering is effective, they areeasy to pull by hand. Follow-up may benecessary as the seed can remain dormant forseveral years.

7. Castor oil plantRicinus communis

This tall, perennial shrub grows up to 4 m andoriginated in tropical Africa and Asia. Its fruitsresemble burrs, and the branches are tingedgreen-red. The male flowers are yellow, thefemale red. The seeds are highly poisonous.

It is easily spread by flowing water and animals.The seeds remain dormant until the parent plantis removed, so follow-up treatment isrecommended. Small plants can easily beremoved by hand. Larger plants can be cutdown and the stumps painted with anappropriate herbicide, or alternatively the stemsmay be injected with a herbicide.

8. Cotton bush DPGomphocarpus fruticosus

This South African native forms a shrub up to 2 m high which favours moist sites. A gardenescapee, it has formed dense thickets in at leastone area on the Capel River. Other plantsobserved were single specimens. Cotton bushcan be pulled from damp soils (up to lateOctober/November). Alternatively it can be cutat or just below ground level. The plant seldomregrows following removal. Seed heads must beremoved for this method to be effective. Thisweed contains cardiac glycosides5 and gloves

must be worn and contact with sap avoidedwhen undertaking control. Infestations shouldbe sprayed between September and Decemberwith an appropriate herbicide.

9. Double gee DPEmex australis

This annual weed is native to South Africa andwas introduced as a salad vegetable. The woodyfruit has three spines, and the green flowers areborne in winter. Small populations can beremoved by hand, and great care should be takento destroy the plants with seeds. Spraying withan appropriate herbicide should be carried out inwinter and spring.

10. Fig Ficus carica

The fig is believed to be a native of theMediterranean and Middle East, and displacesnative species on the Capel River banks. Thedistinctive leaves are large and lobed, and thegreen or purple fleshy pear shaped fruits appearin early summer. Evidence of spread of fig fromcuttings and branches washed downstream in theriver flow was found along the middle reaches ofthe Capel River. Some control had beenundertaken in places, but regeneration wascommon as backup control had not occurred.The cut-stump method, using an appropriateherbicide, can be used to control figs. Follow-uptreatment will be necessary.

11. Oyster plantTragopogon porrifolius

A short lived perenial or annual which grows upto 1.5 m. A tall hollow stalk carries lilaccoloured flower heads which are ejected from theparent plant. This garden escapee is native tonorthern Africa and Europe. On the Capel Riverit was confined to a small patch in Section 4.Prompt control will prevent further spread.

5 Cardiac glycosides are plant glycosides (chemical compounds) that have stimulatory effects on vertebrate

(especially human) hearts and are therefore highly toxic.

12. Fruit treesPrunus spp

These orchard escapees were found mainly onthe upper sections of the Capel River study area.Some control had been undertaken in places, butregeneration was common as backup control hadnot occurred. The cut-stump method, using anappropriate herbicide, can be used to controlfruit trees. Follow-up treatment will benecessary.

13. Snail creeperPhaseolus curricula

Snail creeper is a climbing plant with clusters of pink, snail like flowers in summer. Thisgarden escapee has established several vigorouspopulations on the Capel River foreshore. It climbs and eventually smothers nativevegetation, and forms dense mats on the ground in cleared areas.

14. SnowflakeLeucojum aestivum

Snowflakes are garden escapees which grow frombulbs. Flowering is in spring, and the plants dieback during summer. They are particularly welladapted to the fertile moist soil of the rivervalley. Small populations can be removed bycareful digging, ensuring that all bulbs areremoved. Larger infestations should be treatedwith the appropriate herbicide prior toflowering.

15. Sweet PittosporumPittosporum undulatum

A tree which grows to about 9 m, Pittosporum isnative to the eastern states. In areas invaded bysweet Pittosporum the understorey consisted ofabundant low shrubs, grasses and herbs with fewsedges. The seed is dispersed by birds, and seedswill germinate best between 18 and 21˚ C. Oneof the concerns with Pittosporum in the riparianfringe is the litter fall. Compared with the litterfall of eucalypts (around 0.9 tonnes per hectareper year) the litter fall of Pittosporum is heavy(around 2.6 tonnes per hectare per year). The

nutrient content of the Pittosporum litter ismuch higher in calcium and magnesium thaneucalypt litter.

16. ThistleCardus sp.

Thistles are native to Europe, Asia and NorthAfrica, but several have naturalised in WA.Insufficient material was available to identify thisspecimen to species level. Flowers were purple,and appeared early in summer. The seeds arewind borne, carried on a parachute of hairs.Small populations can be weeded by hand priorto seed set. If herbicides are to be used theyshould be applied before flowering, when theplant is actively growing.

17. BulrushTypha orientalis

This is a perennial emergent aquatic plant whichis native to the eastern states. It is considered tobe a major threat to waterways of WesternAustralia, as it outcompetes many local sedgesand rushes and can clog waterways. It isimportant to correctly identify the Typha species.The native Typha, T. domingensis or cumbingi , isreadily confused with T. orientalis. Seed isspread by animals, water and wind. Bulrush canbe controlled by cutting the stems below thesummer water level, which results in the plantsrotting. It is important to ensure that flowerheads are removed from the area.

18. Watsonia PPWatsonia spp.

Watsonia is a herb, native to South Africa,growing from a corm6 and with the aboveground parts of the plant renewed annually. Allspecies are garden escapees. Watsonia is a higlyinvasive weed, and a serious threat where anydisturbance exists. Corms are difficult to removeby hand, but can be sieved out of soil wheresmall infestations are found. For largerinfestations treatment with an appropriateherbicide just prior to flowering can be effective.

6 A corm is an underground stem, like a bulb yet more solid.

19. Rose Rosa sp.

Roses were cultivated in China, Europe and theMiddle East for at least 5000 years. Of thecultivars brought into Western Australia, onlythose nearest in character to the original wildspecies appear to have spread out of cultivation.The habit is dense, with thorny thickets formedat various sites along the Capel River. Smallseedlings can be pulled by hand, gloves arerecommended. Mature plants can be cut downor spot sprayed with an appropriate herbicide.Regrowth will need to be controlled.

20. Giant reed (bamboo)Arundo donax

A small localised section of bamboo was locatedin the upper Capel River (Section 7). Anecdotalevidence suggests that this species has notspread in recent years, however it has thepotential to become a serious weed in wetlandareas. Burn down or cut clumps. Sprayregrowth between 0.5 and 1 metre high with anappropriate herbicide. Follow-up treatment maybe necessary.

8.2 Revegetation

Throughout Australia there is an ever increasingeffort being devoted to methodologies behind therevegetation, or restoration of native plantcommunities in river valleys. The informationsummarised here is obtained from severalpublications, including Raine & Gardiner, 1995;Hussey & Wallace, 1993; Bradley, 1988;Buchanan, 1989; and Fielder, 1996.

Strategies

For revegetation efforts to succeed it is importantto spend time planning. Factors which are oftencrucial to the success of a project include theamount of labour available, the amount offunding available (which will dictate the areawhich can be covered), and the long term goalsof the community with an interest in the project.With a working revegetation plan in place,specific modifications can be made to adapt

techniques to the Capel River foreshore. Forexample, some revegetation efforts may need tobe modified to suit stream flow; successfultechniques in a particular area can be usedelsewhere; and unsuccessful techniques can bemodified and retried.

The value of planting a diverse suite of species(including trees, shrubs, sedges, rushes, herbsand native grasses) has been discussedpreviously.

Revegetation principles and methods

Bradley’s three principles of weed controloutlined at the beginning of this chapter, applyto all revegetation efforts. Areas where this ispossible should be considered as priority areas,as natural regeneration from the ‘undisturbed’bush will complement other efforts.

The potential for native species to be washedaway, damaged, or covered by sediments beforethey have successfully established is high.Techniques and species used for revegetation ofthe river foreshore vary, depending on thesection being planted. The toe of the bank, orchannel embankment, is subject to seasonalflooding. This area should be planted withspecies which can withstand high velocity flow,including sedges and rushes.

The floodfringe should be planted in a wideband with a mixture of deep rooted trees andshrubs. A diverse suite of species should beplanted. This not only improves the habitatvalue of the foreshore reserve, but also providesa suite of different root structures which willassist in erosion control. Species suitable forrevegetation of specific areas of the Capel Riverforeshore are listed, by community type, in Table 8.1.

Methods of planting include direct seeding,brushing with woody natives containing seed,planting of tube stock. Direct seeding has a fewdistinct advantages over other methods:

• it is less time consuming and requires lesslabour than planting tube stock;

• a mixture of trees, shrubs, sedges and groundcovers can be planted at the same time,resulting in a plant community with a naturallook;

• it is less expensive than providing tube stock,and on the Capel River several areas have beenidentified as having good potential for thecollection of local provenance7 seed; and

• the natural root development of seedlingsgrown from seed usually results in plantsdeveloping deep taproots, requiring lessfollow-up care.

However, direct seeding can be less reliable thandirect planting, due to predation, specificgermination requirements not being met, andpoor conditions for direct seeding.

Direct seeding may not be possible when highwinds or strong water flow is present. In thesecases nursery tube stock is ideally supplied fromlocal provenance seed. Plants should betransplanted when they are actively growing; thesurrounding soil is moist and follow-up rain islikely (usually between May and July). Careshould be taken to ensure that specimens are notroot bound, and that minimal damage to theroots occurs when removing from pots.

Alternately brush matting, with cut stems fromwoody plants, is a technique which can be usedto spread seed and assist with erosion control

simultaneously. Species suitable for thistechnique are those which retain seed on theplant, but shed it when the plant dries out. Onthe Capel River this includes Melaleuca spp. andEucalyptus spp.

Bradley (1998) suggests that spot regenerationshould occur from the top flood level to thecreek bed. A very small wedge shaped openingis made in the upper part of the bank, with theapex facing towards the river. Weed control,followed by spot regeneration, is carried outfrom the top flood level toward the creek bed.This process will be slow, but as the nativevegetation spreads towards the riverbank thevisible effects of roots holding the banks anddisplacing weeds will become apparent.

Site preparation and timing

Good site preparation is often crucial to thesuccessful revegetation. Areas which need to beconsidered are weed removal, soil ameliorationand preparation of the soil surface for directseeding or planting. Pest control and ongoingcontrol of weeds also need to be factored into theproject. Planting and sowing at the right time ofyear, and at the appropriate depth will alsoinfluence the success of the revegetation effort.

7 The term provenance is used to identify the geographic origin of seeds or parent plant. Often genetically

distinct local forms or varieties of a plant have evolved to suit a specific range of conditions, including soil,

climate and water regimes. Direct seeding with local provenance seed ensures that the resulting plants

will be suited to the localised environmental conditions and maintain the ecological integrity of

existing native plant communities.

HABIT SPECIES PROPAGATION FLOWERING NOTESTIME

Table 8.1: Species which can be used for revegetation of the Capel River, community in which they werefound, and revegetation advice (Water & Rivers Commission, 1997; APACE, 1995; Chambers et al., 1995;Powell, 1990). Notes: Some of these notes involve technical procedures such as tissue propagation. This isincluded for information purposes only.

COMMUNITY TYPE 1: Flooded gum Eucalyptus rudis woodland over Astartea fascicularis, swamppeppermint Agonis linearifolia scrub.

Tall shrub Acacia pulchella Seed Winter to spring Scarify or soak seed before sowing

Fern Adiantum Divisionaethiopicum

Tall shrub Agonis linearifolia Seed or cuttings, or Throughout the year Collect seed capsulessuitable for direct between March and seeding. May

Shrub Astartea fascicularis Direct seed or Spring and summer Collect seed fromcuttings taken in mature capsules inautumn winter and early spring

Tree Banksia seminuda From seed Late summer to Favours slightlywinter acidic or neutral soils

Rush Bolboschoenus Seed germination Spring Germinate seedcaldwellii immediately after

collection

Shrub Bossiaea rufa Summer

Tree Eucalyptus patens Seed or direct Spring to summerseeding

Tree Eucalyptus rudis Seed planted in Autumn to spring Seed can be collectedspring, direct seed throughout the year,or seedling plant in early spring

Rush Juncus pallidus Seed Spring Seed will germinate any time of year, but do not cover as they require light for germination. Does not transplant well

Sedge Lepidosperma Tissue culture from Spring There has only been effusum seed some success with the

method mentioned

Sedge Lepidosperma Tissue culture Mid-winter to Seeds mature in springtetraquetum summer and early summer


COMMUNITY TYPE 2: Marri Corymbia calophylla forest over soapbush Trymalium floribundum,Gastrolobium bilobum scrub, and Lepidosperma spp. sedges.


Tall shrub Acacia urophylla Seed Autumn to spring Scarify or soak seed before sowing

Tree Agonis flexuosa Seed sown in Spring and early Striking hormone willautumn or spring. summer. assist propagation of Direct seed, plant as cuttingsseedling or growfrom cuttings.

Shrub Anigozanthos viridis Seed/division Summer

Rush Baumea articulata Seed or division Spring to early Readily establishedsummer through rhizome

transplantation. Best results in winter

Tall shrub Callistachys Seed Spring and early Scarify seeds or lanceolata summer immerse in hot water

Shrub Chorizema Seedilicifolium

Creeper Clematis pubescens Seed/cuttings Winter to late Fresh seed requiredspring for successful

germination

Tree Corymbia calophylla Seed or direct Summer to spring Collect seed fromseeding February to March.

Tree Eucalyptus marginata Seed or direct Spring Collect seed allseeding year round

Tree Eucalyptus patens Seed or direct Spring to summer Collect seed all seeding year round

Tree Eucalyptus rudis Seed direct seed or Autumn to spring Plant seed in springseedling

Creeper Hardenbergia Seed Winter to springcomptoniana

Rush Isolepis nodosa Direct seeding Spring to late Seed matures in latesummer summer to early

autumn

Rush Juncus pallidus Seed Spring Seed will germinate any time of year, but do not cover as they require light for germination. Does not transplant well.

Creeper Kennedia coccinea Seed Spring to early summer


Sedge Lepidosperma Tissue culture from Spring There has only beeneffusum seed some success with the

method mentioned

Sedge Lepidosperma Rhizome Winter 10 mm sections oflongitudinale transplantation rhizome with intact

root mass and healthy leaves are recommended. Spacing at 0.5 m and toa depth of 30 cm in winter and spring is also advised

Shrub Leucopogon Possibly from seed Late summer to Can be difficultpropinquis winter to propagate

Tall shrub Oxylobium lineare Seed Spring to Scarify seed ormid-summer immerse in hot water

Tree Paraserianthes Grow from seed Winter and early Collect seed pods earlylophantha spring to mid-summer.

Scarify seed or immersein hot water

Herb Patersonia Seed Spring to earlyoccidentalis summer

Tall shrub Persoonia longifolia Seed Late spring to Difficult to propagate,summer collect drupes June

to July

Shrub Phyllanthus calycinus Seed

Shrub Sollya heterophylla Seed or seedling Spring to summer

Tall shrub Trymalium Spring No information onfloribundum propagation found

Shrub Xanthorrhoea preissii Seed, transplant Summer to winter Extract seeds from capsules with tweezers


COMMUNITY TYPE 3: Agonis flexuosa, Corymbia calophylla, woodland.


Tree Agonis flexuosa Seed sown in Spring and early Striking hormone will autumn or spring summer assist propagation ofDirect seed, plant cuttingsas seedling or grow from cuttings

Shrub Anigozanthos viridis Seed/division Summer


collection

Shrub Chorizema ilicifolium Seed Spring to early summer

Creeper Clematis pubescens Seed/cuttings Winter to late spring Fresh seed required for successful germination

Tree Corymbia calophylla Seed or direct Summer to springseeding

Tree Eucalyptus rudis Seed, direct seed Autumn to spring Plant seed in springor seedling



autumn

Rush Juncus pallidus Seed Spring Germinate seed throughout the year, but do not cover as light is required for germination. Does not transplant well

Sedge Lepidosperma Tissue culture Spring There has only been effusum from seed some success with the

method mentioned

Sedge Lepidosperma Tissue culture Mid-winter to Seeds mature in springtetraquetum summer and early summer

Shrub Leucopogon Possibly from seed Late summer to Can be difficult topropinquis winter propagate


COMMUNITY TYPE 4: Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, Flooded gum Eucalyptus rudis open woodland.

Tall shrub Agonis linearifolia Seed or cuttings, or Throughout the year Collect seed capsules suitable for direct between Marchseeding and May

Shrub Astartea fascicularis Direct seed or Spring and summer Collect seed fromcuttings taken in mature capsules inautumn winter and early spring

Rush Baumea articulata Seed or division Spring to early Readily establishedsummer through rhizome

transplantation. Best results in winter


collection

Tree Eucalyptus rudis Seed planted in Autumn to spring Collect seed all yearspring, direct seed round, plant in springor seedling



autumn

Rush Juncus pallidus Seed Spring Seed will germinate any time of year, but do not cover as they require light for germination. Does not transplant well

Sedge Lepidosperma Rhizome Winter 10 mm sections oflongitudinale transplantation rhizome with intact

root mass and healthy leaves are recommended. Spacing at 0.5 m and to a depth of 30 cm in winter and spring is also advised

Tree Melaleuca preissiana Seed Summer Collect seed all year round

Tree Melaleuca Seed planted in Spring to summer It has been suggestedrhaphiophylla autumn and spring that if the seed is

Direct seed, thrown onto the waterseedlings or cuttings then they will be

placed at the right height on the bank for successful germination

8.3 Erosion control

Control of erosion is a primary managementrequirement within the Capel River foreshore,with many areas showing signs of severeundercutting and bank slumpage. As for manyother rivers in Australia, the cause ofthe erosion is related to an imbalance inthe natural hydrological cycle, whichhas resulted from catchment andchannel clearing. Once a river is out ofequilibrium, there is little point inrevegetating the banks without firstattending to the characteristics of the channelflow. The hard work that is put into sitepreparation and planting may be lost with thenext winter flow if this basic principle is ignored.

It is possible that the Capel River could bebrought back to a more natural state with theuse of a number of restoration principles such asthe use of small rock structures to restore a pooland riffle sequence in the river. A number ofthese approaches are discussed below. It shouldbe noted however that a detailed river geometrysurvey and a variety of calculations are usuallyrequired for the correct design of restorativeworks. It is also important to remember thatrivers are part of a dynamic system, that is, theyare in a constant state of change. Care shouldtherefore be taken when attempting to predictthe outcome of alterations to flow regimes insuch circumstances. Site specific technicalsupport should be obtained prior to commencingany form of physical modification to the riverchannel.

1. Point bars

Once a riverbank becomes disturbed to the pointwhere it is actively eroding, there is largepotential for this erosion to create furthererosion downstream through the formation ofpoint bars. Currents remove material from theoutside banks of meanders and deposit it on theinside banks, where water moves more slowly,forming a point bar (Raine & Gardiner, 1995).Over time these sand bars trap more sedimentand continue to accumulate, they may even startto support in-channel vegetation growth. Somepoint bars are located and shaped in such a waythat they actually divert the river flow on to theopposite bank further downstream, thus creatinga new erosion point on the next outside bend.

This cycle of erosion and deposition oftencontinues downstream, and is the classicsymptom of a river in which the hydrologicalbalance has been disturbed (Figure 8.3.1).

Figure 8.3.1: Outside bend bank erosion - Arrowsmark the direction of flow showing that outsidebends have the greatest erosion potential, so themeanders migrate downstream (Raine & Gardiner,1995).

Removal of point bars may sometimes be neededin order to halt the progression of the erosiondownstream. Generally, this should beundertaken in conjunction with other forms ofrestoration and care must be taken not toexacerbate the disturbance to the river channel.As discussed previously, a detailed rivergeometry survey of the localised problem areas isrequired before this type of restorationprocedure should be contemplated.

2. Undercutting

Undercutting often occurs in conjunction withthe formation of point bars (above). Material isscoured from the toe of the bank, resulting inloss of bank support; this often results insubsidence as illustrated in Figure 8.3.2 (Raine& Gardiner, 1995). Previous experience hasshown that undercutting can be prevented bysupporting and protecting the toe of the bank.Generally undercutting will occur where there isa meander. If this is the case only the outsidebends need to be supported as the flow velocityon the inside bend is much lower. Once anoutside bend is stabilised, the correspondinginside bend will usually adjust its width to cater for the change in flow.

Material desposited onthe point-bar wherevelocities are lower.

Eroding bank

Eroding outside bend

Flow

Figure 8.3.2: The use of structural works, such as arock toe, will prevent the process of undercutting(adapted from Raine & Gardiner, 1995).

3. Bank slumping

Bank slumping can occur when poorly drainedmaterial within the bank becomes heavy withsaturation and collapses into the river channel(Figure 8.3.3). This can occur without priorundercutting. It will often occur in response tothe loss of native deep rooted vegetation toimprove bank support. The best way to managethis problem is to exclude stock with fencing setwell back from the river channel, and revegetatethe foreshore with suitable species. Raine &Gardiner (1995) provide the following advice onthis process:

• Replant the toe with species that canwithstand high flow velocities (e.g. nativesedges). This replanting should be dense withspaces between plantings of less than 1 metre.

• Replant the middle to upper bank areas withfast growing, deep rooted trees. These willhold the bank together, enhance drainage andremove excess moisture through transpiration.

• Vary the species which are planted to ensurediffering root structures.

• Extend plantings from the toe to thefloodplain. If a narrow band of trees isplanted, this may serve only to add to theweight of the bank without providing thenecessary network of root support.

Figure 8.3.3: The process of bank slumping causedby excessive weight and lack of support (adaptedfrom Raine & Gardiner, 1995).

4. Large woody debris

Snags, or large woody debris, are a naturalcomponent of the river system. They play animportant role in the river ecology, by providinga range of flow conditions within the channeland by providing habitat for aquatic life forms.

Figure 8.3.4: Repositioning large woody debris (Gippel et al, 1998).

Occasionally snags can divert the flow onto thebank and subsequently cause erosion in areaswhich lack support from native vegetation.While de-snagging rivers has been a commonpractice in the past, the current managementemphasis is to leave as much woody debris aspossible in order to provide habitat for aquaticplants and animals. Rather than removing largewoody debris from the channel, the offendingobject should be repositioned at an angle 20˚ -40˚ to the stream bank (Figure 8.3.4). Thisaction will minimise the effect of the snag on theflow levels and direction, while maintaining thehabitat available for plants and animals thatbenefit from low flow conditions.

8.4 Fencing

APACE Green Skills & Pen (1995) provide somegood advice with regard to the placement offences alongside waterways. This advice isdetailed below.

‘Ideally, fences should be placed above the rivervalley (Figure 8.4). Depending on the steepnessof the embankment, the fence should be placed 5 m to 20 m back from the edge of the rivervalley (Figure 8.4 A). Five metres is sufficientfor a shallow valley a couple of metres deep buta broader zone, greater than ten metres, isrequired for valleys deeper than five metres. Thepurpose of fencing off the shoulders of the riveris to enable trees on the upper part of theembankment and those above the river valley to

anchor the adjacent land, and thereby preventsubsidence.

In the case of shallow river valleys, there is littlechance that embankments will subside.Nevertheless, fence-lines should be located abovethe river valley (Figure 8.4 B). This is becausefences and firebreaks located within the rivervalley will be damaged and eroded byfloodwaters. When they occur, firebreakwashouts can be severe and contribute largequantities of sediment to the river system.

If the river valley is particularly broad andfloodplains have been cleared for grazing,fencing them off may mean sacrificing goodfarmland. In this case it is necessary that onlythose areas that are prone to water erosion orstock damage, such as embankments andsecondary river channels which only flowstrongly at times of flood, need to be fenced off(Figure 8.4 C). Some of these fence-lines will beprone to flood damage, but this can beminimised if fences run, as much as possible,parallel to the direction of floodwaters.

In the flatter and broader valleys it may beacceptable to use fences to control the level ofgrazing rather than to exclude it altogether. A careful watch would need to be kept to ensure that the grazing is sustainable and is not so heavy as to prevent the regeneration of native trees, shrubs and sedges.’

Figure 8.4: The correct placement of fences in relation to the river valley: (A) the deep river valley, (B) theshallow river valley and (C) the broad river valley with broad flood-plain (APACE Green Skills & Pen,1995).

Detailed description of the

condition and rehabilitationneeds of

Capel River

This chapter presents the results of the foreshoreassessment in a series of eighteen maps, eachaccompanied by a table of environmental issuesand management advice. The Capel River hasbeen divided into seven sections, based onmanagement issues and vegetation communities.Each section starts with a summary of thecommon issues.

Disclaimer: The maps presented in this reporthave been produced at a scale equal to that ofavailable digital mapping information. Somediscrepancies may occur in the locations offeatures marked on the maps and their actuallocations. Comments from the readers, whichwould refine or improve these maps for futurepublications, are welcomed by the authors. Inrelation to fencing, the authors have notrecommended that foreshore areas should befenced at sites where there are currently no stockto exclude (such as foreshore adjacent to

orchards). If land use in these areas shouldchange in the future, these recommendationsmay need to be reviewed. For unfenced andunstocked areas adjacent to the river foreshore, itis recommended that some form of marker beerected to ensure that the foreshore boundary iswell demarcated for the purposes of revegetationand remnant bushland management.

Specific management priorities for each sectionare identified in Table 9.2 below. A communityworkshop held in January 1999 also identifiedthat a number of local residents were keen to seethe coastal reserve at the river mouth (in Section1) rehabilitated and protected from stockdamage. A further priority was that a similarforeshore survey should be undertaken for theupper reaches of the Capel River that flowsthrough the Donnybrook Shire; and that anIntegrated Catchment Management Plan shouldbe prepared for the Capel River catchment.

TIME

Table 9.1: Sections of the Capel River Action Plan.

Section1 Capel River mouth to Gynudup Brook

Section 2 Capel River at Gynudup Brook to Capel town road bridge

Section 3 Capel town bridge to Jamieson footbridge

Section 4 Jamieson footbridge to the upper boundary of the marron farm

Section 5 The marron farm to the lower end of Lot 934 (upper catchment)

Section 6 From lower lot 934 to lower lot 828 (upper catchment)

Section 7 From lower lot 828 to the Capel Shire boundary (upper catchment)

Table 9.2: Management priorities for the Capel River foreshore.

SECTION PRIORITIES

Fencing Rehabilitation Weed Control Erosion Control

1 ✓ ✓ ✓

2 ✓ ✓ ✓

3 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

4 ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

5 ✓ ✓ ✓

6 ✓ ✓

7 ✓ ✓

page 38

9. Capel River foreshore condition and recommendations for management

page 39

Map North Bank South Bank

1 B2 C1 B2-B3 C1

2 C1 B3 C1

3 C1 B2 C1

Section 1 - DescriptionCapel River mouth to Gynudup Brook.

Condition Rating

Section 1 extends from the mouth of the CapelRiver to the Gynudup Brook convergence. Thisarea was characterised by coastal low lands and apredominantly cleared foreshore with occasionalremnant trees and patches of native sedges. Inmost areas large expanses of Kikuyu, currentlygrazed, stretched down to the river edge (Plate 11, page 40).

This section is associated with a high use bywaterbirds, particularly during the summermonths. The coastal section acts as a floodplainduring winter and this precludes rehabilitation ofthe foreshore area. The coastal dune areas areinteresting as the river was once connected tothe Stirling wetlands. Rehabilitation of thesedunes is in process, and fencing of the waterwaywould complement this project.

A significant amount of the introduced bulrushTypha orientalis (Plate 11, page 40) was recordedin the middle and upper reaches of this section.This particular weed is regarded as a pest speciesin waterways and should be controlled as it alsotends to out-compete native species, whichunbalances the system ecology.

Large patches of arum lily were also recordedalong this stretch of the river. This is anotorious weed within the Geographe Baycatchment, although it appeared to have beenwell controlled in most other sections of theCapel River. A variety of other weed species werealso recorded including apple of Sodom and wildrose. While not yet out of control, all of theseweed species can create seemingly‘unmanageable’ problems if left unchecked.

The majority of this section was unfenced and,although there was no obvious erosion recorded,there were many sites where stock had directaccess to the river foreshore. While erosion wasnot an immediate management issue in thissection, exclusion of stock from the foreshore byfencing is recommended prior to replanting.Revegetation of the river foreshore would addsignificantly to the existing visual amenity of thisarea, as well as enhancing habitat for waterbirds.This section was also easily accessible by boat,offering potential for recreational uses whichwould benefit from an enhancement of the visualamenity.

Vegetation community type 4 (freshwaterpaperbark Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, flooded gumEucalyptus rudis open woodland) was most likelyonce wide spread in this section. Although mostof the vegetation had been cleared, several areaswith high species diversity were locatedupstream of the Malokup Bridge. The GynudupBrook also had some good stands of thisvegetation type. Invasive weeds threaten theecological integrity of these sites.

Plate 11: The lower Capel foreshore with Typha and Kikuyu.

North South

Reserve 5233, reserve 24563, and lot 76 Reserve 15550, and lots 3, 4, 88 and 89 (setback)

Map 1

Issues Comments Management Advice

Management and rehabilitation advice to landowners

General River mouth and coastal dunes are well N/Aforeshore vegetated though degraded (channel to river condition mouth is artificial with a raised embankment).

The reserve is grazed on both sides.

Fencing The lower section has been fenced although Fencing is required to excludethe fencing is now in poor condition, and is set horses and cattle on the northwell back from the river bank. It is possible that bank. Length of fencingstock may still have access to these areas. recommended: ~ 900 m.The upper section is not fenced.

Erosion N/A

Revegetation The Capel River acts as a flood channel in N/Arequirement this section, thus precluding the area from

revegetation.

Weed invasion Reserve 24563: thistles and Pelargonium Refer to Specific weedobserved (not on foreshore). management advice Chapter

8.1.2 point 16 (page 25).

Other The foreshore area is dominated by Kikuyu, N/Acomments yet this is stabilising the banks.

CAPEL

99

88

Reserve 15550

5233

Reserve 25037258

Reserve 24563

89

Reserve 15550

255

258

76

254

253

252

92

3

4

0

5233

4

531

180

VCL160

86

77

99

88

Reserve 15550

5233

87

89

Reserve 15550

258

76

254

253

252

92

3

4

5233

4

531

180

VCL160

86

77

Geographe

Bay

Beach sand

RIVER

Rabbits andrabbit warrens

100 100 200 3000

Metres

Capel River Map 1

North South

Lots 243, 242, 61 & 148 Reserve 15550, lots 89, 91, 90, 122,

181, 182 and 183

Map 2



General This section of the foreshore was very N/Aforeshore homogenous, resembling parkland (withcondition virtually no understorey). A small section of

good quality riparian vegetation was recorded at the upper south margin; this site had also been rehabilitated in the past.

Fencing Some isolated areas have been fenced, yet Fencing is recommended onfencing is set well back from the foreshore both sides of the river in theand it is possible that stock have access section. Length of fencingto these areas. The upper section is obviously recommended: north bankgrazed to the edge of the foreshore. ~ 1300 m; south bank ~ 900 m.

Erosion N/A

Revegetation Understorey is particularly sparse in this area Revegetation with understoreyrequirement a narrow band of flooded gums lined the and sedge species, and widening

foreshore and isolated areas of dense rushes and the band of trees would improvesedges also occurred. Kikuyu dominated much the quality of the foreshore.of the foreshore. Select species from community

type 4, Table 8.1 (page 32).

Weed invasion Typha orientalis was common in this area, Refer to Specific weed particularly in the upper section. Arum lily and management advice Chapter wild rose were also recorded in this area. 8.1.2 points 2, 17 and 19

(page 23 - 26).

Other The club-rush Bolboschoenus caldwellii was Monitor spread of this rush.comments recorded in this section. B. caldwellii can congest

waterways, and is invasive in disturbed areas.

CAPE

L

CHAPEL

174

173

170

175

172

171

181

182

183

VCL

122

Closed Road61

178

177

1

176

2

203

168

159

167

207

5233

252

92

59

91

163

164

243

162

166

242

165

161

90

74

246

61

244

62

64

245

247

63

65

66

77

78

5233

252

92

77

typha

arum lily

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

ROAD

ROAD

wild rose

Capel River Map 2

North South

Lots 148 & 153 Lots 122, 181, 182, 183, 123, & 1

Map 3



General The higher ground resembled cleared parkland N/Aforeshore (with virtually no understorey). A smallcondition section of good quality riparian vegetation was

recorded at the lower south margin; this site had previously been rehabilitated.

Fencing The area was not fenced close to the foreshore, N/Aalthough it appeared that stock had been excluded from the area. The smaller lots in the lower section were not stocked.

Erosion N/A

Revegetation Understorey was particularly sparse in this area. Revegetation with understoreyrequirement A narrow band of flooded gums lined the and sedge species, and

foreshore and isolated areas of dense rushes and widening the band of vegetationsedges also occurred. Kikuyu dominated much would improve the quality ofof the foreshore. the foreshore. Select species

from community type 3 & 4, Table 8.1 (pages 31 & 32).

Weed invasion Typha and arum lily were common in Refer to Specific weed this section. management advice Chapter

8.1.2 points 2 & 17 (pages 23 & 25).

Other The club-rush Bolboschoenus caldwellii Monitor spread of this rush.management was recorded in this section. B. caldwelliicomments can congest waterways, and is invasive in

disturbed areas.

123

181

182

183

1

153

256

46

48

45

148

VCL

2

typha

arum lily

arum lily

arum lily

arum lily

arum lily

typha

CAPEL

100 100 200 3000

Metres

Broo

k

Gyn

udup

typha

typha

typha

typha

RIVER

Capel River Map 3


4 C1 C1

Section 2 - DescriptionGynudup Brook to Capel town road bridge

Condition Rating

This section comprised a series of small lots thatwere predominantly unfenced. The land useincluded a mixture of hobby farms, agricultureand semi-rural residential developments. Theriver foreshore was particularly narrow in manysections, and some landowners had developedbelow the high water mark.

The river channel was very straight in thissection, and uniform in width. The surroundingland was just starting to rise out of thefloodplain flats, with gentle undulations on thenorth bank. Public access to the river foreshoreis difficult owing to the absence of reserves andthe resulting need to pass through privateproperty to reach the river. Boat access to thissection is possible in the lower reaches, yet thisis limited in the upper reaches by a large amountof woody debris. Although these snags restrictrecreational use of the upper portion, it isrecommended that they are left in the riverchannel as they provide important habitat foraquatic plants and animals.

While many of the properties were not stockedduring the period of the foreshore survey, thepresence of grazed pasture indicated that thissection was stocked at some time. It is therefore

recommended that these sections are fenced toprevent stock access to the river foreshore.Exclusion of stock and widening the foreshorereserve would allow natural regeneration tooccur with some management assistance such asweed control.

Some Typha and arum lilies were recorded in thelower section. Arum lily and Typha canpotentially become ‘unmanageable’ if leftunchecked. Both of these weed species should,therefore, be controlled. A number of willowswere also recorded throughout this section.Unlike peppermint trees, willows are not nativeto Western Australia, and their deciduous naturemeans that dropping of leaf litter during winterhas potential to contribute nutrients to thesystem. It is therefore suggested thatconsideration be given to removing thesewillows, and rehabilitating the foreshore withnative species.

The condition of remnant vegetation in thissection was generally poor, with little of theoriginal structure remaining. From thestructural composition of the remnants it isprobable that vegetation types 1 (flooded gumEucalyptus rudis woodland) and 4 (Melaleucarhaphiophylla, flooded gum Eucalyptus rudisopen woodland) were found in this area. As forSection 1, native understorey was virtuallyabsent from this section, and the foreshorevegetation consisted of a narrow band of floodedgums. Revegetation of this section is required torestore the understorey and ensure sufficientbank stabilisation is provided.

North South

Lots 153, 46, 53, 52, 42, 20, 19 & 18 Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 & 17

Map 4



General Narrow foreshore, isolated trees, little or noforeshore understorey.condition

Fencing Some sections were fenced close to the Fencing is recommended alongforeshore, in other areas fencing was absent sections of the north and southor set well back from the foreshore. The bank. Length of fencingsmaller lots in the upper section were not recommended: south bankstocked at the time of survey. ~1000 m, north bank ~ 600 m.

Erosion N/A

Revegetation Understorey is particularly sparse in this Revegetation with understoreyrequirement area, a narrow band of flooded gum lined the and sedge species is

foreshore, with isolated clumps of rushes recommended. This shouldand sedges. include widening the riparian

buffer zone to allow natural regeneration to occur. Select species for replanting from community types 1 & 4, Table 8.1 (pages 28 & 32).

Weed invasion Typha was common in the lower section. Treat arum lily and Typha;Large willows were recorded in the middle consider removing willows andreaches of this section. Occasional arum replacing with native trees suchlilies were also recorded as flooded gum, or peppermint.

Refer to Specific weed management advice Chapter 8.1.2 points 2 and 17 (page 23 & 25).

7

8

13

6

9

VCL

12

52

10

11

43

42

17

20

19

18

38

VCL

2

3

250

1

2

249

4

3251

5

46

53

47

48

45

49

1

50

156

1

replanted

arum lily

arum lily

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

Gyn

udup

Broo

k

willow

willow

Capel River Map 4


5 B3 D1 C3 D1

Section 3 - DescriptionCapel town bridge to Jamieson footbridge

Condition Rating

Section 3 passes through a central section of theCapel town site and is the most publicly visiblesection of the Capel River. A footbridge crossesthe river here and leads directly to the CapelPrimary School. These aspects offer an excellentopportunity for river restoration to bedemonstrated. The visual amenity of this areacould be substantially improved with intensiveweed control and rehabilitation of the nativevegetation communities.

The river meanders considerably within thissection, and the surrounding landforms changefrom gentle undulations on the north bank tosharp rises. The south bank remains relativelyflat.

The remnant vegetation in this section wasgenerally degraded by weeds. Vegetation types 1(flooded gum Eucalyptus rudis woodland), 3(peppermint Agonis flexuosa, flooded gumEucalyptus rudis woodland) and 4 (freshwaterpaperbark Melaleuca rhaphiophylla, flooded gumEucalyptus rudis open woodland) were found inthis area.

This section contains a number of reserves thatare severely degraded with highly invasiveweeds, yet these have the potential to be of valuefor conservation if rehabilitated. Many of theweeds found in this section are garden escapees,such as leek and Watsonia. These appear tohave been spread by the dumping of gardenwaste, which, judging from recent refuseobserved at the site, may be an ongoing event.Raising local awareness of the spread of weedswhich results from this practice could help toencourage individuals to dispose of waste in aresponsible manner.

The dairy site offers some potential for recreationopportunities, with the landholder activelyencouraging public use of the foreshore. Horseshave been allowed to graze to the river’s edgethroughout this section, with the owners intenton ensuring public access to the river by keepingthe grass down. Exclusion of stock from thisarea, and the use of an alternative means tomaintain the lawn (such as mowing) wouldenable the parkland style use of this area withoutfurther damage to the river foreshore.

Following rehabilitation of the foreshore reserve8934, a formal path system could beincorporated into the foreshore to optimisepublic appreciation of the native reserves.

North South

Lots 20, 19, 18, 31, 36, 30, Lots 19, 166 (Reserve 8934), 133, 36

Lots 17, 34, 232, Lots 36, 16, 28, 165, VCL, 30, 77.

Map 5



General The foreshore in this section was generallyforeshore degraded, with little or no understorey,condition many sites of erosion and scouring, and severe

weed invasion.

Fencing There was no fencing of the foreshore in this Fencing recommended alongsection. However, exclusion of stock from the both sides of the foreshore inforeshore reserve would limit the need for this section. Length offencing in much of this section. fencing recommended:

North bank ~ 2300 m; south bank ~ 2000 m.

Erosion Several sites of severe scouring were noted Refer to Erosion controlin this section. Chapter 8.3 — points 1 & 2

(page 33 ).

Revegetation Understorey is particularly sparse in this area, Revegetation with understoreyrequirement a narrow band of flooded gum lined the nd sedge species is


buffer zone to allow natural regeneration to occur. Select species from community type 1 & 3, Table 8.1 (pages 28 & 31).

Weed invasion Arum lily, wild rose, bridal creeper, blue Refer to Specific weedperiwinkle, figs, apple of Sodom, double gees all management advice Chapterrecorded in this section. In addition, wild 8.1.2 points 2, 19, 5, 4, 10, 1,grapes, wild garlic and easter lilies are and 9 (pages 23 -26). Also treat problematic in this area. wild grapes, wild garlic and

easter lilies.

Other Due to its proximity and high visibility to PRIORITY ACTION SITEmanagement the town of Capel this section could be used Monitor spread of this rush.comments as a priority site for restoration action.

Bolboschoenus caldwellii recorded in this section. B. caldwelli readily invades disturbed areas and can clog waterways.

70 10 9

38

1

39

2

40

3

6

4

77

5

VCL

36

37

Reserve 35985Reserve 35984

240

28

12

13

6

5

4

3

2

18

8

19

9 10 11

VCL

165

165

232

VCL

29

18

224

30

144

133

143

235

3132

20

13

1918

33 32

17

31

16

29

7

30

27

28

23 24

6

25

26

10

11

12

5

13

1423

2

22

3

6

25 26

4

28

27

Reserve 757423 2

Reserve 462178

4

1 3

22

167

168Reserve 39769

24

26

28

169

170

171

172

29

27

30

Reserve 22203

174

175

176

3

27

27

Reserve 10044

178

1

2

207208

209215

216

217

218

218

44

45

46

56

57

1

58

210

Reserve 1907Reserve 1907

59

211

44

60

212

48

52

49

53

Reserve 9208

5061

62

55

201 202

Reserve 3262

203 204 205

Reserve 22516

Reserve 27833

Reserve 27833

2061

180

134

18

133

19

5373

132131

173

35

148149

150151

152

153

154

155

166

160

156

159

157

158

1

169

170

147

34

0 173 172 171

21

174

22

17217127

2

32

2829

30

31

5

678

Reserve 967313

15

17

18

22

19

123

16

20

23

27

2425

26

4

28

5

VCL

17

20

19

18

21

23

25

27

22

24

26

28

36

35

47

32

4

45

1

33 34

26

27

28

29

3

2

25

24

23

22

53

101

5458

57

49

50

51

52

1

56

55

180

183

185

187

186

188

181

184

13

12111098

26

14

25

15

24

2221201918

16

23

17

7

147

149

151

153

155

157

159

161

163

6 5

164

162

160

158

156

154

152

150

4 3 2 1

34

232

1

31

VCL37

Reserve 9515

36

36

Reserve 48621

15

1

2

3

4 5

292

30

6

7

8

9 10

291

11

12 13

1

14 16

Reserve 25516

0

27

36

33

16

28

Reserve 2704931

29 30

166

arum lily

arum lily

arum lily

arum lily and figs

arum lily

thistle

flame treearum lily

arum lily

blackberryarum lily

blackberry, arum lilybridal creeper

bridal creeperarum lily

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

CAPEL

fruit tree

castor oil(sprayed)

castor oil

castor oil

figs

figs

bridal creepergladioli

bridal creeper

double gees

arum lilywatsonia

arum lily

wild leeks

apple of Sodom

Capel River Map 5


6 B3 D1 B3 D1

7 B3 C3 C1 C3

8 A3 C3 B3 C1

Section 4 - Description:Jamieson footbridge to the marron farm.

Condition Rating

This section of the river is highly degraded witherosion of the river channel the most notableproblem. The majority of this section has notbeen fenced and stock have had access to bothsides of the river in some areas.

Vegetation types 2 (Corymbia calophylla, E. rudisforest) and 3 (Agonis flexuosa, marri Corymbiacallophylla woodland) were found in this area,with the latter the dominant vegetation type. Inmany areas the understorey was grazed and thenative understorey diversity was very low.

Weeds are also a notable problem, particularlybridal creeper, fig, arum lily and blue periwinkle.In particular blue periwinkle is well establishedon the southern bank, and forms dense mats thatexclude native species and restrict regeneration.No evidence of stock grazing of this plant wasfound in this section. There were several smallpopulations of apple of Sodom in this section.

In a few areas in the lower reaches of this sectionthe native sedge Bolboschoenus caldwellii isestablishing large thickets within the river bed.These need to be monitored, as this sedge canclog the waterways if left unchecked.

The area appears to be a sediment deposit areaand numerous point bars seem to beexacerbating the erosion problem by redirectingflow directly onto banks that are alreadyunstable. Control of stock would assist inreducing bank erosion in this section, yet it islikely that physical restoration may be requiredto reduce the impact of the point bars. Theaction should be undertaken in conjunction withmanagement of large woody debris.

North South

Reserve 166, Lots 133, 130, 43, VCL, 36, 91, 164, 84, 83

Lots 30, 5, 77, 1360, 2426

Map 6



General The foreshore in this section was generallyforeshore degraded, with little or no understorey, manycondition sites of erosion and scouring, and severe

weed invasion.

Fencing Fencing of the foreshore was absent or set well Fencing recommended alongback from the foreshore, and not both sides of the foreshore inexcluding stock. this section. Length of fencing

recommended: north bank ~ 1650 m; south bank ~ 1550 m.

Erosion Severe scouring was recorded at many sites Refer to Erosion controlin this section. Chapter 8.3, points 1, 2 and 4

(pages 33 & 34).

Revegetation Understorey is particularly sparse in this area, Revegetation with understoreyrequirement a narrow band of flooded gum lined the and sedge species is

foreshore, with isolated clumps of rushes and recommended. This shouldsedges. include widening the riparian

buffer zone to allow natural regeneration to occur. Select species primarily from community type 3, and some type 2, Table 8.1 (pages 29 - 31).

Weed invasion Arum lily, wild rose, bridal creeper, blue Refer to Specific weedperiwinkle, figs, all recorded in this section. management advice points

2, 19, 5, 4, and 10 (pages 23 - 26).

Other Due to its proximity and high visibility B. caldwellii can congest management to the town of Capel this section could be waterways Monitor spread of comments be used as a priority site for restoration action. this rush.

Bolboschoenus caldwellii recorded in this section.

104

102

100

98

96

94

92

90

88

105

103

101

99

97

95

93

91

89

1 122

120

118

116

114

112

110

108

106

123

121

119

117

115

113

111

109

107

930

4422

2563

1

2426

1

1360

619

VCL

91

164

84

4206

83

2562

2

40

3

6

4

77

5

5VCL

36

37Reserve 35985

Reserve 35984

240

37

43

38

70

68

66

64

62

60

58

56

71

69

67

65

63

61

59

57

86

84

82

80

78

76

74

72

87

85

83

81

79

77

75

73

165

232

VCL

29

18

224

30

144

145

133

143

146

130

142

132

130

141

140

131

139

138

129

128

128

137

136

127

126

135

134

125

124

61

62

55

166

arum lily bridal creeper

arum lily

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

arum lily

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

periwinkle

periwinkle

periwinkle

periwinkle,arum lily,

bridal creeper

periwinkle

periwinklearum lilynasturtiumsoyster plants

bridal creeper

periwinklebridal creeper

periwinklebridal creeper

blackberryfigsarum lilybridal creeper


Capel River Map 6

North South

Lots 84, 83, 72, 265, 3281 Lots 2426, 929, 125, 266, 163, 210

Map 7



General The foreshore in this section was generallyforeshore degraded, with little or no understorey, manycondition sites of erosion and scouring, and severe

weed invasion.

Fencing Fencing of the foreshore was absent or set well Length of fencing back from the foreshore, and not excluding stock. recommended:

south bank ~ 1100 mnorth bank ~ 1265 m.

Erosion Severe scouring was recorded at many sites Refer to Erosion controlin this section. Chapter 8.3, points 1, and 2

(page 33).

Revegetation Understorey is particularly sparse in this area, Revegetation with understoreyrequirement a narrow band of flooded gum lined the and sedge species is


buffer zone to allow natural regeneration to occur. Select species from community type 2and 3, Table 8.1 (pages 29 - 31).

Weed invasion A variety of invasive weeds were recorded in Refer to Specific weed this section, including blue periwinkle, bridal management advice Chaptercreeper, arum lily, apple of Sodom, and 8.1.2 points 1, 2, 4, and 5 garlic weed. (page 23).

Other management comments

JAMIESON

2426

929

266

125

84

72

83

265

210

163

3281

VCL

1203

bridal creeper

bridal creeper


bridal creeper


bridal creeper

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

bridal creeperCAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

ROAD

periwinklegarlic weed

periwinkle

periwinkle

periwinkle

periwinkle

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

a lw

a l

w

arum lily

watsonia

apple of Sodom

apple of Sodom

Capel River Map 7

North South

Lots 3281, 2908, 2, 4421 Lots 210, 584, 3366

Map 8



General foreshore condition

Fencing Fencing recommended along much of the Length of fencing recommended:southern foreshore of this section. Fence south bank ~ 1300 mtoo close to the riverbank on some sections of the northern foreshore.

Erosion Frequent sites of scouring along this section. Refer to Erosion controlAlso, two small areas of sheet erosion noted on Chapter 8.3, points 1 and 2the southern bank. Some severe gully erosion (page 33).and sheet erosion on the southern foreshore of this section.

Revegetation Revegetation of understorey species Select species from communityrequirement recommended along much of this section. type 2 & 3, Table 8.1

(pages 29 - 31).

Weed invasion Bridal creeper, blackberry, apple of Sodom, Refer Specific weed managementperiwinkle, figs and thistles. advice Chapter 8.1.2 points

1, 5, 3, 4, 10, and 16 (pages 23 - 25).

Other Small area of excellent vegetation on northern Complete detailed vegetationmanagement foreshore could be used as potential seed source survey of this area.comments for revegetation.

1

3783

584

Closed Road

584

2908

2

4421

4370

4421

4421

fence tooclose

bridal creeper

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

JAMIESON

ROAD

periwinkleperiwinkle

blackberry

blue periwinkle

blackberry

blackberry

thistle

severegully

erosion

apple of Sodom

Capel River Map 8


9 A3 C3 B2 C2

10 B3 C3 C2 D1

11 B2 C3 C1 D1

12 A2 C2 A2 C2

13 B2 C1 B3 C2

Section 5 - Description:Marron farm to lot 934

Condition Rating

The majority of this section of the river has beenfenced for some time, yet scouring of the riverchannel remains a notable problem. It isprobable that the topography is such that flowvelocity increases over this section, making itmore susceptible to scouring. The main riverchannel consists predominantly of open water,which also suggests that flow velocity is likely tobe high (since there has been little colonisationwithin the channel).

In several areas of this section the existingfencelines have been placed too close to the riverchannel. At several of these sites the existingfenceline actually passes over areas which havebeen severely scoured (Plate 9 and 10, page 21).Fences should be placed well back fromfloodway, preferably outside the floodplain toensure that sufficient space is provided forregeneration of a wide band of native vegetation.This vegetation should assist in preventingsevere channel scouring and thus reduce the costinvolved in re-locating fencelines when they arelost to a river meander.

One site of very severe gully erosion was alsorecorded in the lower stretch of this section(Plate 12 page 64). This gully erosion isbelieved to have been caused by inappropriatepipe drainage design. Remediation for thiserosion is considered urgent. Initial steps havebeen taken to address this problem.

Vegetation type 1 (flooded gum Eucalytpus rudiswoodland) was prominent on the riparian fringein this section, while type 2 (marri Corymbiacalophylla, flooded gum E. rudis forest)dominated the valley flat. There were some goodpockets of remnant vegetation in this section,and with much of the river foreshore fenced,good regeneration has occurred in many areas.

However, in some areas of the foreshore reservebracken dominates the understorey, in particularwhere stock have had no access for long periodsof time. Bracken fern has the potential to restrictregeneration of other native vegetation and mayneed to be controlled in some cases.

Reserve 3802 (Map 12), which spans the northand south banks, has good stands of remnantvegetation. A detailed floristic survey of thisreserve is recommended. This reserve has goodpotential both as a source of seed forrevegetation projects, and as a potential startingpoint for rehabilitation and weed control.

Invasive weeds have been controlled in the lowerpart of this section, with isolated occurrences ofa few problem species needing control. Theseinclude arum lily, bridal creeper, snowflake, snailcreeper and double gees. The upper section hassome weed problems, notably fig, periwinkle andbridal creeper.

Fruit trees are establishing thickets in the upperreaches of this section. Prompt control isrecommended to restrict further spreaddownstream. In the upper reaches of thissection there were some untended orchards.Regular firebreak maintenance and control ofweeds within these sites will assist in controllingthe spread of weed species in the foreshore reserve.

Plate 12: Severe gully erosion on the Capel River.

North South

Lots 4421, 711, 3350 Lots 3366, 3246, Reserve 2850, lot 2432-1

Map 9



General Most of the eastern part of this section is inforeshore reasonable condition, weeds and scouring morecondition significant on the western foreshore of

this section.

Fencing Two small sections of fencing recommended on Length of fencingthe southern foreshore. Fence too close to river recommended:in some areas on northern foreshore. Otherwise south bank ~ 750 m.all fences in good condition.

Erosion Frequent sites of scouring along this section. Refer to Erosion controlAlso, two small areas of sheet erosion noted on Chapter 8.3, points 1, 2 and 3 the southern bank. One site of severe gully (pages 33 & 34).erosion was recorded. Seek specialist engineering

advice for remediation of gully erosion problem.

Revegetation Revegetate with understorey species, especially Select species from communityrequirement on north banks. In some areas bracken fern has type 1 on the riparian fringe &

dominated the understorey, to the detriment of 2 of the floodplain, Table 8.1 regeneration of other native species. (pages 28 & 29).

Control bracken fern in areas where regeneration of understorey is restricted.

Weed Periwinkle, snowdrops and snail creeper. Refer to Specific weedinvasion management advice Chapter

8.1.2 points 4, 14 and 13 (pages 23 & 25).

Other Good source of seed for revegetation around Complete detailed vegetationmanagement soaks on reserve 2850. survey of vegetation comments surrounding the soak on

reserve 2850.

VCL

3366

2034

4421

3246

711

Reserve 2850

3350

2504

1

lupin

CAPELRIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

WEST

ROAD

periwinklesnail creeper,

fence tooclose

Capel River Map 9

North South

Lots 3350, 3141, 3097, 4210 Lots 2432-1, 2432, 3299, 3096, 440

Map 10



General Much of this foreshore was reasonably foreshore homogeneous, with the exception of thecondition extremely degraded area on the

southeastern foreshore.

Fencing A small section of fencing recommended on the Length of fencingsoutheastern foreshore. Otherwise all fences in recommended: south bank good condition. ~ 300 m

Erosion Frequent sites of scouring along this section. Refer to Erosion controlAlso, two small areas of sheet erosion noted on Chapter 8.3, points 1 and 2the southern bank. (page 33).

Revegetation Encourage revegetation with local species. Select species from communityrequirement Bracken dominates understorey in areas where type 1 on the riparian fringe &

stock have been restricted for some time. the floodplain, Table 8.1 (page 28). Control bracken fernin areas where regeneration of understorey is restricted.

Weed invasion Weeds along much of this section well controlled. Refer to Specific weedBridal creeper, arum lily and double gees in management advice Chaptersections on northern banks. 8.1.2 points 5, 2 and 9

(pages 23 & 24).

Other Some restoration/bunding attempted.management comments

3350

1

2432

3141

3299

3097

440

4210

arum lily

bridal creeper

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

double gees

Capel River Map 10

North South

Lots 4210, 1095, 1089, 888 Lots 440, 96, 504, 832, 833

Map 11



General Areas in this section are severely degraded. Action to control stock foreshore access is a priority.condition

Fencing Fencing to restrict access of livestock Approximately 850 m of recommended on the southwestern foreshore of fencing is recommended on this section. the south bank of this section.

Erosion Frequent severe scouring was noted on this Refer to Erosion controlsection. In some cases this was exacerbated by Chapter 8.3, 1 and 2 unrestricted livestock access. (page 33), and implement

recommendations related to stock access points and fencing.

Revegetation Some areas in this section require extensive Select species from communityrequirement revegetation, others require revegetation of type 1 on the riparian fringe &

understorey species to increase diversity. 2 on the floodplain, Table 8.1 (pages 28 - 31).

Weed Occasional outbreaks of bridal creeper and Refer to Specific weedinvasion arum lily in this section. management advice Chapter

8.1.2 points 2 and 5 (page 23).

Other Areas rated D1 require priority action. All management advice withmanagement respect to fencing, restorationcomments and revegetation is appropriate.

for this section.

504

Reserve 12211

832

VCL

3761

1089

888

2393

440

4210

1095

96

arum lily

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

RO

ADD

OYLE

watsonia

arum lily

bridal creeper

Capel River Map 11

North South

Lots 888, 1088, 4527, Reserve 3802, lot 987 Lots 833, 1088, Reserve 3802, lots 4528, 882

Map 12



General Some of the foreshore in this section was in A comprehensive floristic foreshore excellent condition (A2-A3). survey of the vegetation ofcondition reserve 3802 is recommended.

Fencing Some fencing recommended on the southern Length of fencingbank of this section. recommended: south bank

~ 400 m.

Erosion Some sites of severe scouring observed at the Refer to Erosion controlwestern end of this section, on both sides Chapter 8.3, 1 and 2 (page 33).of the river.

Revegetation Good remnant vegetation remains in areas of Select species from communityrequirement this section. Reserve 3802 on the north bank type 1 on the riparian fringe &

provides an excellent opportunity to act as a 2 on the floodplain, Table 8.1.starting point for revegetation on both the (pages 28 & 29).north and south banks, and also provides a good source of provenance seed for revegetation in other areas.

Weed Some arum lily and bridal creeper, occasional Refer to Specific weedinvasion Pittosporum and patches of figs found in management advice Chapter

this section. 8.1.2 points 2, 5, 10 and 15 (pages 23 - 25).

Other Stock access point needs maintenance to limit Complete a detailed vegetationmanagement area of access on foreshore. Reserve 3802 survey of reserve 3802.comments contains good quality remnant vegetation.

CAPEL

DONNYBROOK

VCL

888

833

833

1088

1088

4527

Reserve 3802

4528

Reserve 3802

987

3812

bridal creeper bridal creeper

ROAD

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

GOODWOOD

ROAD

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

882

figs

Capel River Map 12

North South

Lots 987, 1262, 933, 1350 Lots 882, 1044, 934, 3239

Map 13



General While all of this section has been fenced and theforeshore lower section has reasonable vegetation cover,condition channel erosion remains a notable problem in

the upper section and a variety of weed species were also prolific.

Fencing N/A

Erosion Frequent sites of scouring occurred along Refer to Erosion controlthis section. Chapter 8.3, 1 and 2 (page 33).

Revegetation Some areas in this section require extensive Select species from communityrequirement revegetation, others require revegetation of type 1 on the riparian fringe &

understorey species to increase diversity. 2 on the floodplain, Table 8.1 (pages 28 & 29).

Weed Bridal creeper, figs, fruit trees, Pittosporum, Control weeds where possible.invasion periwinkle and snail creeper all found on Refer to Specific weed

this section. management advice Chapter 8.1.2 points 5, 10, 12, 15, 4 and 13 (pages 23 - 25).


ROAD

CAPEL

1

Reserve 20291

VCL

3

1262

1044

934

1350

5096

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

ROAD

DONNYBROOK

GOODWOOD

periwinkle figs fruit trees

fruit trees

figs

figs

figs

bridal creeper

blue periwinkle

figs

fruit trees

Capel River Map 13


14 B3 C1 B2 C1

15 B3 C1 B2 C1

16 B3 C1 B3 C1

Section 6 - Description:Lower lot 934 to lower lot 828.

Condition Rating

This section was characterised by apredominantly closed water channel, i.e. themain river channel was well vegetated withAgonis linearifolia. (Plate 6 & page 17). Themajority of this section has been well fenced. Inmost cases where fencing is lacking, the land isused for orchards, hence there are no stock toexclude.

Erosion was not noted as a management concernin this area. This may be related to the land useof the area (i.e. there does not seem to be ahistory of stock access). The banks of the riverwere not as steep as some erosion prone areasdownstream.

Weeds are the main issue of concern in thissection with blackberry and fruit trees the majorproblem. The weed infestations are particularlybad in the upper stretches of this section.

Vegetation type 1 (flooded gum Eucalytpus rudiswoodland) was prominent on the riparian fringein this section, while type 2 (marri Corymbiacalophylla, flooded gum E. rudis forest) wasobserved in isolated pockets on the valley floor.There were some good pockets of remnantvegetation in this section.

North South

Lots 1350, 933, 2153, 2077 Lots 3239, 1743, 3316

Map 14



General Some good areas of remnant vegetation remain N/Aforeshore on the southeastern foreshore in this section.condition

Fencing Much of this section either fenced or does not Length of fencingrequire fences due to nature of land use. recommended 200 m

on north bank.

Erosion N/A

Revegetation Revegetation with understorey species would Select species from community requirement increase diversity and improve vegetation type 1 on the riparian fringe &

structure in areas on this map. On the south- 2 on the floodplain, Table 8.1west section of this map some canopy species (pages 28 - 30).could be planted.

Weed Fruit trees, wild rose, arum lily, bridal creeper, Control weeds whereinvasion and cotton bush found on this section. possible.

Refer to Specific weed management advice Chapter 8.1.2 points 12, 19, 2, 5 and 8(pages 23 - 26).


Reserve 21313

933

3239

1350

Closed Road

State Forrest No. 27

State Forrest5097

State Forrest

1743

933

2153

3316

fruit trees

rose

CAPELRIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

Capel River Map 14

North South

Lots 2077 & 2926 Lots 800, 2330, 1564

Map 15



General Some good areas of remnant vegetation remain N/Aforeshore on the northwestern foreshore in this section.condition

Fencing Only a short section of fencing recommended on Length of fencingthe southeastern bank of this section. recommended ~ 200 m

on southern bank.

Erosion N/A

Revegetation Understorey species lack diversity along much Revegetate with understoreyrequirement of this map. species, and sedges and rushes.

Select species from community type 1 on the riparian fringe & 2 on the floodplain, Table 8.1.(pages 28 & 29)

Weed Bridal creeper, blackberry and double gees Control weeds where possible.invasion found on this section. Refer to Specific weed

management advice Chapter 8.1.2 points 5, 3, and 9 (pages 23 & 24).

Other Previous control of blackberry requiresmanagement follow-up as regeneration was observed.

comments

1564

State Forrest2918

State Forrest870

3747

VCL

2077

800

2926

2330

1564

bridal creeper

bridal creeper

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

replanting

blackberry

double gees

Capel River Map 15

North South

Lots 801, 1004, 3370, 85, 165 Lots 1003, 828, 3202

Map 16



General Riparian vegetation was relatively narrow in thisforeshore section, though some sections of good condition understorey were recorded. Weed invasion from

fruit trees and blackberry was the primary management concern.

Fencing Some fencing required on the southern bank Length of fencingin this section. recommended: south bank

~ 1150 m.

Erosion One site of severe scouring was recorded in the Refer to Erosion controlmiddle part of this section. Chapter 8.3, point 2 (page 33).

Revegetation Understorey requires revegetation on southern Revegetate with understoreyrequirement end of this section, in other areas regeneration species, and sedges and rushes.

should occur following weed control Select species from community type 1 on the riparian fringe & 2 on the floodplain, Table 8.1.(pages 28 - 30)

Weed Blackberry, fig, bamboo and plums all found Control weeds where possible.invasion on this section. Refer to Specific weed

management advice Chapter 8.1.2 points 3, 10, 12, and 20 (pages 23 - 26).

Other Previous control of blackberry requires management follow-up.comments

1003

828

VCL

3202

3370

85

165

801

1004

1003

801

1004

blackberry

bambooblackberry

blackberry

fruit tree

blackberryfigblackberry

plum

figfig, plum

plum

plum

plum

fig

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

crossing

Capel River Map 16


17 C1 C1

18 C1 B3 D1

Section 7 - Description:From lower lot 828 to the Capel Shire boundary.

Condition Rating

This section is largely fenced with somereasonable areas of remnant vegetation.Vegetation type 1 (Flooded gum Eucalyptus rudiswoodland) was prominent on the riparian fringein this section and type 2 (Corymbia calophylla,E. rudis forest). However, in many areas the levelof disturbance has severely impinged on nativevegetation, and diversity is low along much ofthe foreshore, Agonis linearifolia dominating thechannel. Fruit trees and blackberry are the main

management issues, with a variety of self-seededfruit trees growing within the river channel andon the foreshore. Control of the fruit trees wasattempted recently yet the lack of follow-uptreatment has allowed most of the trees to re-sprout. Similarly, blackberry infestation is severein a few areas, and lack of follow-up treatmenthas resulted in re-sprouting.

Ironstone Gully Reserve is within this section.Although a large amount of the riparian fringe ofthis reserve is badly infested with weeds, there isconsiderable scope for revegetation efforts to bedirected at removing these. The reserve ispopular, and is one of the few in the areasurveyed to have good access from GoodwoodRoad.

North South

Lots 85,165,869 Lots 3202,155,438,3767,11797

Map 17



General Much of the southern bank limited to trees withforeshore grassy weeds in the understorey. condition

Fencing The majority of this section was fenced, although Length of fencingstock have access to the river shore at a few recommended, north bankproperties. ~ 1350 m, south bank ~ 450 m.

Erosion N/A

Revegetation Understorey species absent or lacking diversity Revegetate with understoreyrequirement along much of this section. species, and sedges and rushes.

Select species from community type 1, Table 8.1 (page 28).

Weed Plum, fig, periwinkle and wild rose. Refer to Specific weedinvasion management advice Chapter

8.1.2 points 12, 10, 4 and 19 (pages 23 - 26).

Other Fencing only recommended where stock access management obviously a problem - much of this section was comments orchard. Issues which might be relevant to the

river include use of chemical sprays. Old stock crossing on lot 3767 has been stabilised

Maidenhair

1

3202

85

165

103

3744

155

869

438

3767

Reserve 117972816

869

VCL

plum

figfig, plum

fig

fruit trees

fig fruit treesfruit treeswild rose

wild rose

CAPEL

RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

Gully

periwinkle / plum

periwinkle

snail creeper

wild rose

Capel River Map 17


page 86

North South

Lots 722, 3358, 170, 721 Reserve 11797, lots 1012 & 829

Map 18


General Varying foreshore condition. Weeds and lack of N/Aforeshore understorey is biggest problem on this stretch.condition

Fencing Most unfenced areas were orchards and stock Fencing of stock accessaccess minimal. point required to restrict the

area of access; ~ 300 m on southern bank.

Erosion One site of severe scouring was recorded in Refer to Erosion control this section. Chapter 8.3, point 2 (page 33).

Revegetation In some areas understorey requires replanting, Reserve 11797 could act asrequirement also transplanting of sedges and rushes. Grassed potential seed source for

areas require planting with canopy species. revegetation of this area. Revegetate with understorey species, and sedges and rushes. Select species for from community type 1, Table 8.1(page 28).

Weed Fruit trees, blackberry, California poppies and Refer to Specific weedinvasion periwinkle all require control in this section. management advice Chapter

8.1.2 points 12, 3, 6 and 4 (pages 23 - 25).

Other Some control of blackberry and fruit trees Bracken will also requiremanagement during summer of 1997-98. This requires control in some areas to allow comments follow-up for effectiveness. diverse range of native

understorey species to regenerate.

Reserve 117975284

722

2741

3358

1012

170

721

723

bracken ferndominant

fruit treessprayed blackberry

CAPEL RIVER

100 100 200 3000

Metres

Shire

of C

apel

Shire

of D

onny

broo

k - B

alin

gup

fruit treesperiwinkle

bridal creeperpoppies

periwinkle

occasionalfruit tree

blackberries sprayed,fruit trees

blackberries sprayed,fruit trees

Capel River Map 18

10. References

APACE Green Skills and Pen, L. (1997)Condition of the Denmark and Hay RiverForeshores. A Report prepared for the WilsonInlet Management Authority. WaterwaysCommission Report No. 60.

APACE Green Skill and Pen, L. (1997) Survey ofRiver Foreshores in the Oyster HarbourCatchment. Water & Rivers CommissionReport WRT 17. Water & Rivers Commission,Perth, Western Australia.

Arthington, A.H., Bunn, S.E., & Catterall, C. P.(1993) The Ecological Roles of RiparianVegetation. In: The Role of Buffer Strips in theManagement of Waterway Pollution from DiffuseUrban and Rural Source. WorkshopProceedings. Woodfull, J., Finlayson, B. &McMahon, T (eds). Occasional Paper No.01/93 Land and Water Resources Research andDevelopment Corporation. pp 93 - 102.

Bott, G.M. (1993) Relationship Between the Extentof Conventional Broadscale Agriculture andStream Phosphorus Export in South-west WesternAustralia. Western Australian Office ofCatchment Management. Report No. 2.

Buchanan, R.A. (1989) Bush Regeneration:Recovering Australian Landscapes. TAFE OpenTraining and Education Network. Strathfield,NSW.

Campagna, V.S. (1997) Biological Survey of theCapel River: February 1997-April 1997. Reportprepared for the Capel LCDC. Capel, WesternAustralia.

Chambers and Galloway & Associates (undated).Capel Bushland Project: Reserve Number 8934on the Capel River (Draft). Margaret River,Western Australia.

Chambers, J.M., Fletcher, N.L. & McComb, A.J.(1995) A Guide to the Emergent Wetland Plantsof South-Western Australia. Marine andFreshwater Research Laboratory.Environmental Science, Murdoch University.Murdoch, Western Australia.

Chase, D. & Krantz, V. (1995) Just a Horse RideAway: A History of the Shire of Capel and itsPeople. Shire of Capel. Capel, WesternAustralia.

Chemistry Centre WA (1994) Unpublishedreport of sample examination; 1 sample oforganic growth from the Capel River. Report tothe Shire of Capel, WA.

Collard, L. (1994) A Nyungar interpretation ofEllensbrook and Wonnerup homesteads. Mapprepared for the National Trust of WA.

CSIRO (1992) Toward Healthy Rivers - SeekingSolutions. Consulting Report No. 92/44.

Davies, J. & Christidis, F. (1997) A Guide toWetland Invertebrates of Southwestern Australia.Western Australian Museum. Perth, WesternAustralia.

Department of Environmental Protection & TheSwan River Trust (1995) Controlling Weeds inWaterways and Wetlands. Poster Presentation.

Dixon, B. & Keighery, G. (1995) Suggestedmethods to control weeds. In: ManagingPerth’s Bushlands, Scheltema, M. & Harris, J.(eds). Greening Western Australia. Perth.WA.

Dodd, J., Martin, R.J. & Howes, K.M. (1993)Management of Agricultural Weeds in WesternAustralia. Department of Agriculture, Bulletin4243. Perth, Western Australia.

Fielder, D. (1996) Riparian Zone ManagementManual. Condamine Catchment ManagementAssociation Inc.

Green, J. W. (1985) Census of the Vascular Plantsof Western Australia. Western AustralianHerbarium. Perth, WA.

Gippel, C., Finlayson. B. & O’Neill, I. (1998)Managing Snags in Rivers. Riparian Management 7.Land & Water Resources Research &Development Corporation. Canberra.

Harley, K.L.S. & Forno, I.W. (1992) BiologicalControl of Weeds: a Handbook for Practitionersand Students. CSIRO Division of Entomology.Brisbane, Australia.

Horwitz, P. & Wardell-Johnson, A. (1996)Historical Associations of Wetlands and Rivers inthe Busselton-Walpole Region. Water and RiversCommission Report WRT2. Perth, WesternAustralia.

Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Cousens, R.D.,Dodd, J. & Lloyd, S.G. (1997) Western Weeds:

A Guide to the Weeds of Western Australia. PlantProtection Society of Western Australia.Victoria Park, Western Australia.

Jennings, A. & Pearce, D. (undated) DraftManagement Plant for Ironstone Gully Fallsand Gibson Road Reserves. Unpublishedreport for Capel LCDC. Brunswick, WA.

Kelly, B. (1995) Capel River Monitoring 1994/95.Unpublished summary report to the CapelLCDC.

Lake, P.S. (1994) Understanding the Ecology ofAustralian Running Waters: An Assessment ofCurrent Endeavours and of Future Priorities.Land & Water Resources Research andDevelopment Corporation. Occasional PaperSeries No. 13/94.

Land & Water Resources Research andDevelopment Corporation (1996) RiparianManagement Fact Sheets 1-7. LWRRDC.Canberra, ACT.

Masters, B.K. & Associates (1995) Survey ofReserves Within the Shire of Capel. Report forthe Capel Land Conservation DistrictCommittee and the Shire of Capel.

McFarlane, D.J., George, R.J., Farrington, P.(1993) Changes in the hydrologic balance. In:Reintegrating Fragmented Landscapes. R.J Hobbsand D.A. Saunders (eds) Springer Verlag, NewYork.

O’Conner, R., Quartermaine, G. & Yates, A.(1995) An Investigation into the AboriginalSignificance of Wetlands and Rivers in theBusselton-Walpole Region. Water Authority,Perth, Western Australia.

Olsen, G. & Skitmore, E. (1991) The State of theRivers of the South-west of Western Australia.Western Australian Water Resources Council.Perth, Western Australia.

Pen, L.J. & Scott, M. (1995) Stream ForeshoreAssessment in Farming Areas. BlackwoodCatchment Coordinating Group. WesternAustralia.

Pen, L.J. (1997) A Systematic Overview ofEnvironmental Values of the Wetlands, Rivers andEstuaries of the Busselton-Walpole Region. Waterand Rivers Commission Report WRAP 7. EastPerth, Western Australia.

Pierce, J. (1998) Declared Plant Control Handbook:Recommendations for the Control of DeclaredPlants in Western Australia. Agriculture WesternAustralia. Miscellaneous publication 4/98.

Pigott, J.P., Lamont, D. & Keighery, G. (1993)Bridal creeper symposium: Proceedings of asymposium held at the Department ofConservation and Land Management, Como,Western Australia. Plant Protection Quarterly11 (2) 1996 and 8(3) 1993.

Poff, N.L., Allan, J.D., Bain, M.B., Karr, J.R.,Prestegaard, K.L., Richter, B.D., Sparks R.E. &Stromber, J.C. (1997) The natural flow regime:

A paradigm for river conservation andrestoration. Bioscience 47(11): 769-784.

Powell, R. (1990) Leaf and Branch: Trees and TallShrubs of Perth. Department of Conservationand Land Management. Perth, WesternAustralia.

Raine, A.W. & Gardiner, J.N. (1995) Rivercare —Guidelines for Ecologically SustainableManagement of Rivers and Riparian Vegetation.Land and Water Research and DevelopmentCorporation. Canberra.

Ralph, W. (1993) Managing within rangelandcycles. Rural Research. Vol.160 pp. 5-10.Water Resources Branch.

Riding, T. & Carter, R. (1992) The Importance ofthe Riparian Zone in Water ResourceManagement. Water Resources. Canberra.

Saunders, D.A., Arnold, G.W., Burbidge, A.A. &Hopkins, A.J.M. (eds) (1987) NatureConservation: the Role of Remnants of NaturalVegetation. Surrey Beatty & Sons. ChippingNorton, NSW.

Scott, J.K & Wykes, B.J. (1997) Proceedings of aWorkshop on Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopia).CRC for Weed Management Systems. Adelaide, Australia.

Shire of Capel (1997) Capel Shire Land UseStrategy. Capel, Western Australia.

Smith, F.G. (1974) Vegetation Survey of WesternAustralia. 1:250000 Series. 1973 Busselton &Augusta. W.A. Dept. of Agriculture.

Thorne, C.R. (1990) Effects of vegetation onriverbank erosion and stability. In: Vegetationand Erosion. Thorne, C. R (ed.) Wiley & Sons.Pp 125-143.

Water and Rivers Commission and Departmentof Conservation and Land Management (1997)Native Vegetation of Freshwater Rivers andCreeks in South Western Australia. Water andRivers Commission. East Perth, WesternAustralia.

Reserve Comments (Masters & Chambers et al.) Updated comments

page 91

Appendix A: Reserves on the Capel River

This information is based on the reports of Masters (1995) and Chambers et al. (undated) andobservations that were made during the field assessment of the foreshore reserves.

3802 Spans both banks of the Capel River, about Good example of undisturbed remnant 12 km south of Capel. Dense cover of vegetation, amongst the best remnantsmarri/flooded gum/peppermint with observed whilst surveying themoderately diverse understorey. Capel River foreshore.

8934 South of Austin Rd, Capel, on northern bank Bad weed infestations, including bridalof Capel River. Good tree cover with some creeper, figs and other invasive species.dense understorey, especially along edge of Could be a significant reserve forriver. Excellent views of river (Masters, 1995). restoration due to its proximity to theLevel of weed infestation in understorey is town centre. high. Valuable resource for recreational use (Chambers et al., undated).

11797 Ironstone Gully Falls, Goodwood Road, Good representation of ironstone riparianPaynedale. High quality bushland with high community types, although weed scenic and recreational value. infestations on the foreshore are

impinging on the remnant native vegetation. Species of note which require control include fruit trees, figs and blackberry.

25516 Recreation reserve off Capel Drive on east Understorey badly infested by weeds.bank of Capel River downstream from Capel This reserve offers a good opportunityBridge. Many large flooded gums to 20 m, but for demonstration of rehabilitationlittle understorey. Main value is aesthetic techniques due to its location adjacentvalue of trees in an urban area. to the Capel Bridge.

25037 Main Stirling Flats drain running west from Weed infestation is significant, alsothe Capel River. Has some dense areas of livestock access an issue. While thefringing wetland vegetation. High usage by drain channel needs to be kept clear wewaterbirds. could suggest revegetation of the levy

banks to provide habitat/corridor value.

24563 Recreation and camping reserve next to Capel This reserve offers an excellent River near the cut. Peppermint woodland with opportunity to demonstrate rehabilitationTypha swamp on inland edge. Could form techniques on a secondary dunepart of a walking trail along the Capel River. system. In addition it could be a valuable

recreational reserve for Capel residents.

Appendix B: Water quality monitoring

Appendix C : Matrix of Vegetation Species, Section and Community Type.

Section Community Type

Species 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4

Acacia pulchella * * * * * ✓ ✓ ✓

Acacia urophylla * * * * ✓

Adiantum aethiopicum * * * * * ✓

Agonis flexuosa * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Agonis linearifolia * * * * * * * ✓ ✓ ✓

Anigozanthos viridis * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Astartea fascicularis * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Banksia seminuda * * * * * ✓

Baumea articulata * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Bolboschoenus caldwellii * * * * * * * ✓ ✓ ✓

Bossiaea rufa * * * * * ✓

Burchardia umbellata * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Callistachys lanceolata * * * * ✓

Carex appressa * * * * * ✓

Chorizema ilicifolium * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Clematis pubescens * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Corymbia calophylla * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Eucalyptus marginata * * * * ✓

Eucalyptus patens * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Eucalyptus rudis * * * * * * * ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Gastrolobium bilobum * * * * ✓

Grevillea diversifolia * * * * ✓

Hakea lissocarpha * * * * ✓

Hardenbergia comptoniana * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Isolepis nodosa * * * * * * * ✓ ✓ ✓

Juncus pallidus * * * * * * * ✓ ✓ ✓

Kennedia coccinea * * * * ✓

Lepidosperma effusum * * * * * * * ✓ ✓ ✓

Lepidosperma longitudinale * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Lepidosperma tetraquetum * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Leucopogon propinquus * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Melaleuca preissiana * * * ✓

Melaleuca rhaphiophylla * * * ✓

Mesomelaena stygia * * * * ✓

Mirbelia dilatata * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Oxylobium lineare * * * * ✓

Paraserianthes lophantha * * * * ✓

Patersonia occidentalis * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Persoonia longifolia * * * * ✓

Phyllanthus calycinus * * * * ✓

Sollya heterophylla * * * * * * * ✓ ✓

Tetraria octandra * * * * ✓

Trymalium floribundum * * * * ✓

Xanthorrhoea preissii * * * * ✓

Appendix D: Plant species of the Capel River

✕ - Indicates exotic/weedDP - Indicates declared plantPP - Indicates pest plant

Botanical Names Common Names

Ferns

ADIANTACEAEAdiantum aethiopicum Common maidenhair fern

DENNSTAEDTIACEAEPteridium aquilinum1 Bracken

CYCADSMacrozamia reidlei Zamia palm

Monocotyledons

ALLIACEAE✕ Allium triquetrum Three-cornered garlic✕ Allium sp. Wild leek

AMARYLLIDACEAE✕ Leucojum aestivum Snowflake

ANTHERICACEAESowerbaea laxiflora Tassel flowerThysanotus manglesianus Twining fringe lilyChamaescilla corymbosa

ARACEAE✕ Zantedeschia aethiopica DP Arum lily

ASCLEPIADACEAE✕ Gomphocarpus fruticosus DP Narrowleaf cotton bush

ASPARAGACEAE✕ Asparagus asparagoides Bridal creeper, florists’ smilax

ASPHODELACEAE✕ Trachyandra divaricata Strapweed, dune onion weed

ASTERACEAE✕ Arctotheca calendula Capeweed✕ Carthamus sp. DP Thistle

COLCHICACEAEBurchardia umbellata Milkmaids

CYPERACEAEBaumea articulata Jointed twig-rushBaumea juncea Bare twig-rushBolboschoenus caldwellii Marsh club-rushIsolepis nodosa Knotted club-rushLepidosperma longitudinale Common sword-sedgeLepidosperma tetraquetum Angle sword-sedge

1 Although bracken is a West Australian native it can be a serious weed, especially in areas where

disturbance has allowed it to dominate understorey areas. This is particularly relevant along some of

the Capel River foreshore reserve, especially where livestock have had access but are now

restricted by fencing.

Lepidosperma effusum Spreading sword-sedgeMesomelaena stygia Semaphore sedgeTetraria octandra

HAEMODORACEAEAnigozanthos viridis Swamp kangaroo paw

HYDROCHARITACEAE✕ Vallisneria americana Ribbon weedIRIDACEAE✕ Babiana stricta Baboon flower✕ Chasmanthe floribunda African cornflag✕ Freesia sp. FreesiaPatersonia occidentalis Purple flag✕ Romulea rosea Guilford grass, onion grass✕ Watsonia bulbillifera Bulbil watsonia

JUNCACEAEJuncus pallidus Pale rush

POACEAE✕ Avena barbata Bearded oat✕ Briza maxima Blowfly grass✕ Briza minor Shivery grass✕ Bromus diandrus Brome grass✕ Cynodon dactylon Couch✕ Ehrharta calycina Perennial veldt grass✕ Ehrharta longiflora Annual veldt grass✕ Hordeum spp Barley grasses✕ Lolium spp Rye grasses✕ Paspalum dilatatum Paspalum✕ Paspalum distichum (=P. paspaloides) Water couch✕ Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu✕ Phalaris sp. Canary grass✕ Poa annua Winter grass✕ Secale cereale Rye✕ Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo grass✕ Vulpia myuros Silver grass, rat’s tail fescue

TYPHACEAE✕ Typha orientalis Bulrush, cumbungi

XANTHORRHOEACEAEXanthorrhoea preissii Balga, blackboy

Dicotyledons

APOCYNACEAE✕ Vinca major Blue periwinkle

ASCLEPIADACEAE✕ Gomphocarpus fruticosus DP Narrowleaf cotton bush, swan plant

ASTERACEAE✕ Arctotheca calendula Capeweed✕ Aster sp. Starwort✕ Carduus sp. Thistle✕ Crepis sp. Hawksbeard✕ Hypochaeris radicata Flatweed

✕ Senecio sp. Ragwort

BRASSICACEAE✕ Raphanus raphanistrum Wild radish

DROSERACEAEDrosera sp. Sundew

EPACRIDACEAELeucopogon propinquis

EUPHORBIACEAEPhyllanthus calycinus False Boronia✕ Ricinus communis Castor oil plant

FUMARIACEAE✕ Fumaria capreolata White fumitory

GERANIACEAE✕ Pelargonium capitatum Rose pelargonium

MALVACEAEMalva parviflora Small flowered mallow

MIMOSACEAEAcacia pulchella Prickly MosesAcacia urophylla Tail-leaved AcaciaParaserianthes lophantha Cape Leeuwin Wattle

MORACACEAEFicus caricaEdible fig

MYRTACEAEAgonis flexuosa Peppermint, Willow myrtleAgonis linearifolia Swamp peppermintAstartea fascicularisEucalyptus (Corymbia) calophylla MarriEucalyptus marginata JarrahEucalyptus patens Yarri, blackbuttEucalyptus rudis Moitch, flooded gumMelaleuca preissiana Modong, stout paperbarkMelaleuca rhaphiophylla Freshwater paperbark

OROBANCHE✕ Orobanche minor Lesser broomrape

OXALIDACEAE✕ Oxalis pes-caprae DP Soursob

PAPAVERACEAE✕ Eschscholzia californica Californian poppy

PAPILIONACEAEBossiaea rufaCallistachys lanceolata Wonnich, Native WillowChorizema ilicifoliumGastrolobium bilobum Heart-leaf poisonHardenbergia comptonianaKennedia coccineaMirbelia dilatata Prickly mirbeliaOxylobium lineare River pea✕ Phaseolus curricula Snail creeper

✕ Trifolium spp. Clovers✕ Vicia sativa Common vetch

PITTOPSPORACEAESollya heterophylla✕ Pittosporum undulatum Sweet PittosporumPLANTAGINACEAE✕ Plantago lanceolata Ribwort plantain

POLYGONACEAE✕ Emex australis DP, PP Double gee, spiny emex✕ Rumex acetosella PP Sorrel, sheep’s sorrel✕ Rumex crispus Curled dock

PRIMULACEAE✕ Anagallis arvensis var. caerulea Pimpernel

PROTEACEAEBanksia seminuda River banksiaGrevillea diversifolia Valley GrevilleaHakea lissocarpha Honey bushPersoonia longifolia Upright snottygobble

RANUNCULACEAEClematis pubescens

RHAMNACEAETrymalium floribundum Soap bush

ROSACEAE✕ Eriobotrya japonica Loquat✕ Prunus sp. Plum✕ Rosa ?canina Dog rose✕ Rubus sp.DP, PP Blackberry, bramble

SALICACEAE✕ Salix babylonica Weeping willow

SOLANEACEAE✕ Solanum nigrum Blackberry nightshade✕ Solanum linnaeanum DP, PP Apple of Sodom

Appendix E: Useful references forvegetation indentification, revegetationand weed control

Buchanan, R.A. (1989). Bush Regeneration:Recovering Australian Landscapes. TAFE OpenTraining and Education Network. Strathfield, NSW.

Bradley, J. (1988). Bringing Back the Bush: TheBradley Method of Bush Regeneration.Landsdowne Press, Sydney.

Chambers, J.M., Fletcher, N.L. & McComb, A.J.(1995). A Guide to the Emergent Wetland Plantsof South-Western Australia. Marine andFreshwater Research Laboratory. EnvironmentalScience, Murdoch University. Murdoch,Western Australia.

Department of Environmental Protection &Swan River Trust (1995). Controlling Weeds inWaterways and Wetlands. Poster Presentation.

Dixon, B. & Keighery, G. (1995). Suggestedmethods to control weeds. In: Managing Perth’sBushlands, Scheltema, M. & Harris, J. (eds).Greening Western Australia. Perth, WA.

Dodd, J., Martin, R.J. & Howes, K.M. (1993).Management of Agricultural Weeds in WesternAustralia. Department of Agriculture, WesternAustralia. Bulletin 4243.

Fielder, D. (1996). Riparian Zone ManagementManual. Condamine Catchment ManagementAssociation Inc.

Harley, K.L.S. & Forno, I.W. (1992). BiologicalControl of Weeds: a Handbook for Practitionersand Students. CSIRO Division of Entomology.Brisbane, Australia.

Hussey, B.M.J. & Wallace, K.J. (1993). ManagingYour Bushland. Department of Conservationand Land Management. Como, WesternAustralia.

Peirce, J. (1998). Declared Plant ControlHandbook: Recommendations for the Control of Declared Plants in Western Australia.Agriculture Western Australia. MiscellaneousPublication 4/98.

Powell, R. (1990). Leaf and Branch: Trees andTall Shrubs of Perth. Department ofConservation and Land Management. Perth,Western Australia.

Raine, A.W. & Gardiner, J.N. (1995). Rivercare -Guidelines for Ecologically SustainableManagement of Rivers and Riparian Vegetation.Land and Water Research and DevelopmentCorporation. Canberra.

Scheltema, M. (1993). Direct Seeding of Trees andShrubs. Greening Western Australia. Perth,Western Australia.

Smith, F.G. (1974). Vegetation Survey of WesternAustralia. 1:250000 Series. 1974 Busselton &Augusta. W.A. Dept. of Agriculture.

Water and Rivers Commission (1997). NativeVegetation of Freshwater Rivers and Creeks inSouth Western Australia. Water and RiversCommission. East Perth, Western Australia.

Wright, P. (ed) (1991). Bush Regenerators’Handbook. The National Trust of Australia(NSW).

Topographic and cadastral data supplied by Department of Land Administration

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