Action 1.1 Develop baseline information

on landscape

function

• Soil mapping (1:100,000) completed (2015)1. Vegetation

• mapping completed for the Kowen plateau, Murrumbidgee Valley, and Namadgi National Park (1:25,000) by 20151

• Native vegetation condition indicators to be agreed nationally by 2014. Monitoring systems in place (2016)1. These will build on existing monitoring programs and expand to new representative vegetation communities as funding becomes available

• Migratory Species Action Plan fi alised (2014)1

• Habitat connectivity mapping for wildlife incorporated into connectivity GIS layer on ACTMAPi (2014)1

• Hydrogeological Landscape Framework completed (2017)2

• Additional funding will be sought to fi vegetation mapping of urban areas east of the Murrumbidgee.

NCP NCP

NCP

NCP NCP

NCP NCP

Action 1.2 Undertake fine scale planning for habitat connectivity

• Fine scale planning for grassy woodland ecosystems completed (2013)1

• Further planning will be informed by recommendations from published plans and reports (ongoing), and new environmental data sets as they become available1

• Implement key actions from the Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach Implementation Plan, depending upon funding2 (see Action 2.5)

NCP/PaCS NCP

NCP/PaCS

Action 1.3 Enhance regional connectivity

• Regional Corridor Links identifi and agreed with regional partners by 20131

• Collaborate with partners to submit funding bids to the Commonwealth Biodiversity Fund for on ground restoration activities to support regional corridors (2013 – 2017)1

NCP NCP

Action 1.4 Assess conservation investment opportunities

across public and privately managed lands in the ACT

• Develop a climate change risk impacts statement for the ACT’s

• New soil data uploaded to ACTMAPi and Spatial Data Management System (SDMS) by 20151, and Hydrogeological Landscape Framework by 20172

• Develop a dynamic NRM planning framework to be used to plan for climate change adaptation (2013-2017)2

biodiversity1

NCP

NCP NCP

Action 1.5

Fund priority

landscape actions

• Deliver at least 2000 hectares of revegetation and restoration in lowland grassy woodland ecosystems, and 15,000 hectares of invasive species control in these ecosystems by June 20171

• Finalise current fish habitat works in the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee Rivers (2014)1

• Seek funding opportunities through the Commonwealth, and ACT Governments (2013-2018), and deliver activities on ground2

NCP/PaCS

NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS

Action 2.1 Implement ACT Weed Strategy (2009-2019)

• Pest Plant Management Plans for critical weed species developed (2017)1, pending a proposed review of ACT biosecurity legislation

• Weed alert system developed for the ACT (2014)1

• Mapping of serious and widespread weeds completed (2018)2

• ACT and region web-based weeds portal on the Atlas of Living Australia developed to support improved mapping and monitoring (2014)2

• Programs to reduce new weed problems will be developed and implemented (2014-2017)2

NCP/PaCS

NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS

NCP

NCP/PaCS

Action 2.2 Implement ACT Pest Animal Management Strategy 2012-

2022

• Develop effective identifi ation, surveillance, response and reporting

• Rabbit Pest Animal Management Plan fi (2013)1

• The schedules to the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005 updated (2015)1

• Priority pest animal management programs implemented, focusing on assisting wildlife corridor restoration (annual)1

• Guidelines developed for controlled native species management plans for damage reduction (2014)1

• Continued investment in the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre to 20171 to access national research and best practice outcomes

• Pest Animal Management Plans for additional priority species such as wild dogs, pigs, and deer (as agreed with TAMSD) (2014-2018)2

strategies for new pest animal species1

NCP/PaCS

NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS PaCS

NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS

Action 2.3 Manage total grazing pressure on ecosystem function in reserves

• Reserve Operational Plans (RoPs) developed for 14 reserves (2014). Remaining RoPs developed (2018)1

• Rabbit Pest Animal Management Plan implemented (2014 ongoing)1

• Biomass Management Plans developed for grassland reserves (2014)1. Implementation for all plans dependent upon further funding2

• Annual monitoring of kangaroo populations in selected reserves. Research on kangaroo population monitoring funded until 20141. This is a high priority activity2

PaCS

PaCS PaCS

NCP

Action 2.4 Establish and implement ecologically appropriate fire regimes

• ACT Strategic Bushfi e Management Plan revised by the end of 20141

• Post fi e recovery monitoring of vegetation to continue until 20141. Further monitoring dependent upon additional funding1

• Ecological fi e management guidelines updated in 2014 and implemented through the TAMS Bushfi e Operational Plan1. Fuel and Fire Suppression Guidelines for ACT Declared Threatened Species and Endangered Ecological Communities updated by 2015 for high priority species2

• Subject to resourcing, long-term monitoring undertaken of prescribed burning of high conservation value nature reserves or on specifi fl a and fauna. This is a high priority activity2

ESA/NCP/ PaCS

NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS

NCP/PaCS

Action 2.5 Implement improved catchment management to support aquatic ecosystems

• Cod balls in place in Molonglo River and Yerrabi pond, and fi usage of the structures (2014) monitored on an ongoing basis. Tharwa Fish

• Determine the effi acy of the Casuarina Sands fi way to allow fi to pass using passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging technology (2014)1

• Determine the best method to monitor Murray Crayfi and the condition of the crayfi population within the ACT at selected sites (2014)1

• Annually stock the larger lakes in Canberra with native fi species to reduce angling pressure on the natural river populati and improve the ecological functioning of the artifi urban lakes. This is a high priority activity2

• Implement key actions in the Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach Implementation Plan (2013–2018)2

• Finalise Catchment Management Plan and fi st implementation for the ACT and region (2014), and seek funding for implementation through Murray Darling Basin Reform Agreement2

Habitat structures constructed, and fi usage and changes to the river geomorphic profi monitored (2013)1

NCP

NCP

NCP

NCP

CAW/NCP/ PaCS

Action 3.1 Manage the protected area estate

• Reserve Operational Plans (RoPs) developed for 14 reserves (2014). Remaining RoPs developed (2018)1

• Canberra Nature Park Plan of Management reviewed (2015). Production of a revised plan and implementation dependent upon funding.

• Complete Molonglo River Corridor Plan of Management (2014)1

• Commence preparation of a Lower Cotter Catchment Plan of Management (2013)1

• Progressive implementation of actions in Plans of Management and Threatened Species and Ecological Communities Action Plans (ongoing)1

• Trails Strategy fi alised and implementation commenced (2014)1

• Restoration of degraded areas within Canberra Nature Park (2013-2018)1

PaCS

NCP/PaCS PaCS

NCP

PaCS PaCS

NCP/PaCS

Action 3.2 Develop, implement and review Action Plans for threatened species and communities

• Action Plans will continue to be developed to identify and manage threats to declared species and communities (ongoing)1

• Action Plans will be reviewed, and updated where necessary to ensure they remain current (ongoing)1

NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS

Action 3.3 Restore and manage priority landscapes

• Implement woodland restorati activities and invasive species control within priority lowland woodland areas across priority ‘focal’ landscapes (2017)1

• One Million Trees program fi alised in Murrumbidgee River Corridor (2018)1

• Finalise monitoring and restoration of alpine bogs affected by the 2003 fi es, and commencement of long term monitoring (2014)1

• Priority activities delivered from the Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach Implementation Plan (2013 – 2018)2

See also milestones under Actions 4.2 – 4.4 relating to the urban landscape

NCP/PaCS

PaCS NCP/PaCS

PaCS

Action 3.4 Identify biodiversity refugia under drought and climate change

• Develop criteria and principles for identifying and managing refugia (2013)1

• Identify refugia in the ACT and region using NSW and ACT Region Climate Model (NARCLiM)data and other data sets (see also Activity 1.1) (2015)1

• Manage at least one identifi site for refugia values (2018)2

NCP NCP

NCP/PaCS

Action 3.5 Monitor five priority ecosystems

most vulnerable

to threats

• Monitoring of fi e ecosystems- native temperate grasslands, grassy box-gum woodlands, alpine bogs, montane forests, and Murrumbidgee-Cotter River system (2013–2018)2. This is a high priority activity. Current resources will

• Monitoring of riverine ecosystems to date focuses on in stream biodiversity, primarily fi . Additional resourcing will be required to properly undertake riparian monitoring. This is a high priority activity2

be utilised and new funding sought for consistency between ecosystems and to extend into those ecosystems not currently funded2

NCP

NCP

Action 3.6 Implement captive breeding programs and translocation programs

• Captive breeding program for the Corroboree Frog to be continued (ongoing)1

• Reintroduction of the Macquarie Perch in the enlarged Cotter reservoir (in partnership with ACTEW)1

• Translocation programs will continue to be undertaken in the Mulligans Flat sanctuary consistent with the aims of the ecological research project (ongoing)1

• The methodology for translocating golden sun moth will continue to be developed and will lead to the production of translocation guidelines (2015)1

• Programs for the Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby and Bettongs to be continued and expanded, including translocation of Bettongs outside Mulligans Flat Sanctuary (ongoing)2

NCP/PaCS NCP

NCP/PaCS NCP

NCP/PaCS

Action 3.7 Propagate and translocate threatened plants

• Propagation and translocation programs for Tuggeranong Lignum, Button Wrinklewort, Small Purple Pea and Ginninderra Peppercress developed and underway if technically possible and resources available (2016)2

• Subject to community interest, a community plant rescue program will be developed and implemented (2016)2

NCP/PaCS

NCP/PaCS

Action 3.8 Establish seed banks and seed orchards

• Development, management and use of seed banks and seed orchards (ongoing)1

• Seed collection policy released (2014)1

NCP/PaCS

NCP

Action 4.1 Manage impacts of urban development on biodiversity

• Manage impacts of urban development on signifi ant biodiversity assets through Environmental Impact Statement processes and Strategic Environmental Assessments (ongoing)1

• Accreditation of ACT environmental assessment processes through a revised Bilateral Assessment process (2014)1

• Development and fi alisation of the approach to environmental offsets in the ACT (2013-2018)1

NCP/SP

NCP/PaCS NCP

Action 4.2 Manage urban open space

• Policies to improve biodiversity outcomes from landscaping developed (2015)1

• TAMS revised guidelines (‘Tree Selector’) used to plant appropriate species in urban parks and open space to enhance biodiversity and climate change adaptation (2013–2018)1

• Key areas mapped where environmental plantings can enhance connectivity and biodiversity outcomes in urban areas (2014)1 and deliver plantings through the urban component of the One Million Trees program.

• Continue to stock lakes with native fi species annually (see also Action 2.5)1

• Encourage native plantings and retention of mature / hollow bearing trees across urban areas, or any other areas that require more native vegetation coverage, ensuring fi e fuel management responsibilities (ongoing)1,2

CS/SP

CS

CS/NCP

NCP SCC/CS/SP

Action 4.3 Enhance connectivity through urban areas

• One Million Trees urban component fi alised (2018) and lessons learnt incorporated into connectivity planning (ongoing)1

• Implementation of education and incentive programs to encourage more native plantings in backyards close to reserves and urban fringe areas commenced (2014) (refer also to Action 5.3)2

CS

CS/PaCS

Action 4.4 Manage the urban edge

• ACT Trails Strategy completed (2014)1

• The ACT Government to continue, commitment to pet containment, waste management, recreational use, fi e management (ongoing), the spread

• Implement education program on the impacts of escaped domestic animals (pets such as fi , dogs, cats etc)2

of invasive plants into bushland and support for the current Bush on the Boundaries (BoB) program1,2

PaCS CS/PaCS

NCP/CS/ PaCS

Action 4.5 Support Urban Landcare

and ParkCare activities

• Continue to support urban landcare and ParkCare groups (ongoing)1

• Work with existi g urban landcare and ParkCare groups to identify key areas of weed infestation and incorporate this knowledge into proposed weed mapping targets (2013–2018)1

• Showcase and promote the research undertaken and knowledge held by Urban Landcare and ParkCare groups as examples of community driven, urban based nature conservation initiatives (2013–2018)1

• Provide training opportunities for urban landcare and ParkCare groups in biodiversity research techniques and mapping (2013–2018)2

• Create and support new Urban Landcare and ParkCare groups that capture urban open space and roadsides and other green areas (2013–2018).

CS/PaCS CS/PaCS

CS/PaCS

CS/PaCS CS/PaCS

Action 4.6 Assess urban areas, manage and enhance

green assets and infrastructure

• Assess urban areas to determine the need and suitability for additional tree coverage to mitigate potential heat island effect (by 2016)1

• Strategy for the maintenance and management of the ACT’s green assets and infrastructure developed (2018)2

CS/SP/SCC

SCC/CAW/

CS

Action 5.1 Support greater community involvement through volunteering

• Continue support for ParkCare, urban landcare and catchment management groups (refer to Action 4.5)1

• Provide support to community events related to woodland restorati (2013–2017)1

PaCS NCP/PaCS

Action 5.2 Enhance and promote the use of citizen science projects

• Continue to provide support to community groups to provide critical monitoring of the ACT’s biodiversity (ongoing)1

• Update ACTMAPi with new conservation related data layers and analysis (ongoing)1

• Annual environment grants- Community groups will be supported through grants and provision of equipment and training (ongoing)1

PaCS

NCP NCP

Action 5.3 Implement targeted community education campaigns on priority issues

• Education / outreach activities with anglers on responsible fi ing (2013–2018)1

• Campaigns delivered: understanding the importance of box-gum woodlands and native grasslands (2013)1; implications of climate change on biodiversity in the ACT and region (2014)1; managing the impacts of pets roaming from the suburbs (2015)2; managing backyards for biodiversity (2016)2; and greater awareness about managing the urban/bushland edge (2017)2

• Biennial forum on nature reserves to promote information exchange, community education and awareness and planning (2014)2

See also Action 4.3

NCP NCP/SP

NCP

Action 5.4

Build indigenous engagement in the management of natural resources

• Involve indigenous people in woodland restoration (2013- 17)1

• Continuation of the Indigenous Ranger Program1

• Support Murrumbung Yurung Mara indigenous group in ACT Government to engage with the aboriginal community on NRM issues (2013–2018)1

• Continue to employ an Indigenous Natural Resource

Management Facilitator2

NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS

NCP

Action 5.5 Encourage the involvement of youth in nature conservation

• Five areas adopted by 20181

• Develop and implement a program to encourage and support educational institutions to ‘adopt’ an area of conservation signifi ance as places for nature-based education (mid 2015)1,2

PaCS NCP/PaCS

Action 5.6. Support appropriate recreational and tourism use of natural areas

• Finalise and implement the ACT Tracks and Trails Strategy1

• Finalise the ACT Mountain Bike Strategy1

PaCS PaCS

Action 5.7 Enhance key partnerships across government, community and the private sector

• Continued support of Mulligan’s Flat Goorooyarroo Woodland experiment (currently funded until 2015)1

• Work with rural landholders, Rural Landholders Association and institutional landholders on woodland restoration works (2013–2017)1

• Formalise engagement with national networks focused on biodiversity and climate change by the end of 20131

• Work with NSW partners to identify regional wildlife corridors (2013)1

• Work with research partners to develop a dynamic ACT Natural Resource Management framework that is ‘climate change ready’ (2016)2

NCP/PaCS NCP/PaCS

NCP

NCP NCP

Target 1 -

The overall extent of lowland native vegetation across the ACT will be

maintained, and the condition of lowland native vegetation communities will be improved

Extent of lowland native vegetation (broad measure in overall hectares, to be monitored by vegetation community from 2013 when

the revised ACT vegetation communities map is complete)

NCP

• Periodic mapping of change in vegetation extent against the vegetation community map (when complete)

Condition of lowland native vegetation (standard indicators

to be developed nationally under the Australian Native Vegetation Framework by 2015)

NCP

• Uti nati standard condition indicators to report on change in condition of priority ecosystems (grasslands, woodlands, forests and bogs) (inclusion of riparian ecosystems dependent on funding)

Target 2 -

A measurable increase in connectivity between patches of native vegetation,

non-native vegetation in urban areas, and along riparian areas

Spatial links habitat connectivity score is above a certain measure, as verified by 10 yearly on- ground assessments

NCP

• Will collect information based on the monitoring protocol prepared by CSIRO under the Functional Connectivity project, and update into the ACT connectivity layer

Riverine connectivity measure (e.g. number of in-stream barriers)

NCP

• Map of anthropogenic in stream barriers and qualitative comments provided on the impact of these barriers and possible remediation measures. Funding would be required to conduct this mapping

Target 3 -

A reduction in threats to biodiversity from weeds, pest animals and inappropriate fire regimes

Abundance and distribution of priority environmental ACT weeds (‘high’, ‘very high’ and ‘extreme’ danger ratings) in reserves

Natural Resource Protection (TAMSD) / NCP

• Collected through standard operations

/ reporting on the Environmental Weeds Operation Plan (eWoP)

Abundance and distribution of significant pest animals;

significance and levels of damage

from pest animals

Natural Resource Protection (TAMSD)

• Collected through standard operations

• Fish data collected through routine monitoring work by EPD

/ reporting on annual pest animal management activities

Prescribed burning in high conservation areas to be informed by ecological guidelines and ecological fire thresholds.

Monitoring undertaken to ensure

consistency

Forestry and Fire Management (TAMSD) / NCP

• TAMSD annual Bushfire Operation Plan (BoP) assessed against ecological guidelines

• Monitoring of prescribed burning undertaken of some high conservation areas (subject to on-going funding)

Target 4 -

Impacts from threatening processes, and climate change refugia in the ACT are better understood and appropriately managed

Number of refugia identified and appropriately managed (maintained or enhanced)

NCP

• Number of refugia identifi and appropriately managed, and measured by management effort (eg funding and activities)

Monitoring programs established in five ACT priority ecosystems considered to be most sensitive to threats including: native grasslands, woodlands; alpine bogs, montane forests, and the

Murrumbidgee-Cotter River system

NCP

• Data collected as part of routine monitoring of threatened species and ecological communities

• Additional funding will be required to properly monitor in stream biodiversity

Target 5 -

An increase in the area of land under volunteer effort (ParkCare,

‘Friends of’ or other volunteer groups) in management of the Canberra Nature Park

Total number of groups

Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)

• Collected through standard operations

Total number of ‘community work hours’ devoted to management of reserves and other natural areas

Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)

• Collected through standard operations

Total area treated by volunteers in

hectares

Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)

• Collected through standard operations

Target 6 -

Ten areas of conservation significance (including areas outside reserves) ‘adopted’ by ACT schools or higher learning institutions as sites for nature based education

Number of reserves or other natural areas adopted and actively used by schools or higher learning institutions

Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)/NCP

• Collected through standard operations

Number of students involved in learning activities in these sites

Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)/NCP

• Collected through standard operations

Target 7 -

Increased community

understanding of, and support for, the

protection of the ACT’s biodiversity

Number of education campaigns delivered

NCP

• Count of number of campaigns delivered

Community surveys and consultation

Community and Visitor Program (TAMSD)/NCP

• Community surveys designed and delivered by EPD and TAMSD

• Community consultations run by EPD and

TAMSD

1. The overall extent of lowland native vegetation across the ACT will be maintained, and the condition of lowland native vegetation communities will be improved

2. A measurable increase in connectivity between patches of native vegetation, non- native vegetation in urban areas, and riverine systems

3. A reduction in threats to biodiversity from

inappropriate fi e regimes, weeds, pest animals and urban development

4. Impacts from threatening processes, and climate change refugia in the ACT are better understood and appropriately managed

1. An increase in the area of land under volunteer effort (Parkcare, ‘Friends of’ or other volunteer groups) in management of the Canberra Nature Park

2. NCP Ten areas of conservation signifi ance (including areas outside reserves) ‘adopted’ by ACT schools or higher learning institutions as sites for nature based education

3. Increased community understanding of, and support for, the protection of the ACT’s biodiversity

1. Develop baseline

2. Undertake fine scale planning for habitat connectivity

3. Enhance regional

information on landscape function

connectivity

1. Assess conservation investment opportunities across public and privately managed lands in the ACT

2. Fund priority landscape actions

1. Implement ACT Weed Strategy (2009–19)

2. Implement Pest Animal Management Strategy (2012–22)

3. Manage total grazing pressure on ecosystem function in reserves

1. Establish and implement ecologically appropriate fire regimes

2. Implement improved catchment management to support aquatic ecosystems

3. Develop and implement a migratory species action plan

4. Develop and implement an ACT soils Policy

1. Manage the protected area estate

2. Develop, implement and review Action Plans for threatened species and communities

3. Restore and manage priority landscapes

1. Identify biodiversity refugia under drought and climate change

2. Monitor

3. Implement captive breeding programs and translocation programs

4. Propagate and translocate threatened plants

5. Establish seed banks and seed orchards

five priority ecosystems most vulnerable to threats

1. Manage impacts of urban development on biodiversity

2. Manage urban space

3. Enhance connectivity through urban areas

1. Manage the

2. Support Urban Landcare

3. Manage and enhance green assets and infrastructure

urban edge

and ParkCare activities

1. Support greater community involvement through volunteering

2. Enhance and promote the use of citizen science

3. Implement targeted community education campaigns on priority issues

1. Build Indigenous engagement in the management of natural resources

2. Encourage the involvement of youth in nature conservation

3. Enhance key partnerships across government, community and the private sector