Greetings. There has been some
discussion on the list about the tree replacement program on
Dunrossil Drive and its possible
impact on the birdlife.
The National Capital Authority has lots of
information about this project at its website
https://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2524&Itemid=917
.
I have discussed it with one of the
arboriculturalist (who is also a skilled birder) responsible
for the tree assessments and their possible environmental
impacts. He advises that the needs of the birdlife were
certainly taken into account in the assessments.
I have received the
following advice from the Project Manager in the National
Capital Authority responsible for this work, as follows:
commences
The National Capital Authority (NCA) is undertaking a tree
replacement program along Dunrossil Drive. The removal of
pine trees is necessary to protect public safety. Many of
the trees are dead or dying, resulting in weakened or
falling trees and branches. The removal of trees in blocks
over several years will reduce the risk in the highest
public use areas first while retaining mature trees nearby
with the benefits they provide. Replanting trees will
enhance the area and provide a healthy tree population for
future generations to enjoy.
Planning for the tree replacement
commenced in 2009 when the NCA prepared a referral under
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 for the removal of trees on
National land, which included Dunrossil Drive.
In 2010 the NCA undertook a
community consultation session to discuss the trees on
Dunrossil Drive and surrounding lands and the development
of a draft replacement strategy, which involved replacing
blocks of trees.
In September 2010 a report on the
Potential Heritage and Ecological Impacts from tree
removal on National Lands was prepared. This independent
report was not limited to Dunrossil Drive, but the greater
NCA tree replacement program. It assessed the impact of
tree removal on
threatened species and identified no significant
impact in Dunrossil Drive.
In 2010 a Heritage Impact
Statement found that the tree removal and replacement
program was to have slight or no impact on the areas
affected and was consistent or broadly consistent with the
relevant heritage management plans.
In 2011 the Department of
Sustainability Environment Water Populations and
Communities (DEWSPaC) approved the referral for tree
removal on National land and requested that a tree
replacement strategy for Dunrossil Drive be completed. The
approval included the condition that the tree replacement
was not to be undertaken in Dunrossil Drive between
October and January to reduce the impact on the Golden Sun
Moth.
A tree replacement strategy was
prepared in consultation with adjacent land holders and
subsequently approved by DSEWPaC in 2012.
Replanting
of this first stage is expected to commence 12-18 months
after the remediation is complete.
ends
For information - David
--
David McDonald
Canberra Ornithologists Group email lists manager
1004 Norton Road, Wamboin, NSW 2620, Australia
Tel: (02) 6238 3706
Fax: (02) 9475 4274
Mobile: 0416 231 890
E-mail: m("canberrabirds.org.au","coglists-owner");">
