Vegetation Management Plan East Ulverstone Coastal Reserve July 2010

4 Threats and Management Recommendations 4.1 Native vegetation and habitat loss The native vegetation along the coast at most of the sites is extremely narrow, and cannot afford to become any narrower. Narrow coastal vegetation is very vulnerable to dieback and erosion, so that incremental degradation of vegetation here (such as by clearing and excessive tracks) can lead to substantial losses in the end. Loss of coastal vegetation removes habitat, and exposes the coast to wind and risk of dune erosion, with possible impacts on infrastructure. Coastal vegetation is essential for protection of the dune and adjacent natural areas. The bushland in Dial Street Reserve and the coastal vegetation at Fish Pond were identified as the areas of best condition vegetation with highest diversity and few weeds. The scrub between the Surf Club and west Buttons Creek picnic area is also in significantly better condition than the rest of the Buttons Beach vegetation. Loss of native vegetation has occurred in the past and very recently, as a result of: • clearing and mowing – Buttons Beach West and East • weed invasion – entire site affected; and weed hotspots at Buttons Creek and eastern end of Buttons Beach • informal access development – especially Caravan Park and West Buttons Beach opposite the Skatepark • removal of vegetation for views – Buttons Beach West, including opposite Oz Rock Inn • “tidying up” of dead trees and fallen branches – Buttons Beach West, including opposite Oz Rock Inn • random burning – Fish Pond, Dial Street Reserve and Buttons Beach East • encroachment onto the coastal reserve at the eastern end of Buttons beach and near Fishpond by replacement of native vegetation with garden plants (“creeping backyards”) and informal vehicle and foot access • erosion – west of Surf Club, and increases at eastern end of Buttons Beach • rabbits – high numbers browse native seedlings and other plants, with noticeable impacts at Dial St Reserve. These issues are specifically addressed in following sections. A primary aim for coastal vegetation management should be to maintain a mix of canopy species and understorey cover and diversity, thereby providing habitat niches and structural integrity. •

Retain existing native vegetation and avoid damage.

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Leave fallen branches and logs and dead standing trees as important wildlife habitat.

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Maximise width and connectivity of vegetation wherever possible, by reducing mowing and cutting, and by active revegetation.

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Maintain the good condition areas (Dial St Reserve, Fish Pond, sections between Surf Club and west Buttons Creek) as a first priority. Work out from these to the surrounding areas, and reinforce poor areas. Protect these good areas from degrading impacts such as weed invasions, informal track development and other impacts

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Council could implement a rabbit control program, especially in Dial St Reserve.

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Revegetation should focus on replacing vegetation in mown areas, informal access points, gaps in the native vegetation and weedy areas, and on widening vegetation where possible.

Revegetation can be used to address vegetation and habitat loss, and is discussed in section 5.2. Areas are recommended in Chapter 5 for revegetation in all management zones. Local native plants should be used (see Appendix 2). Bushways Environmental Services Tasmania 18