What is the Grassy Ecosystems Management Kit?

Managing grassy ecosystems

Grassy ecosystems in Australia have been changed and greatly reduced in area. If grassy ecosystems are to be conserved or managed for the future, it is important that government and community work in partnership. This kit is designed to help people manage grassy ecosystems on their land. It will also help the land manager understand grassy ecosystems and what is important about them. The kit comprises a workbook with a set of steps that can be used to develop a conservation management plan and work program. Because landholders already have experience in managing their land and have insights into the unique features of their sites, the processes outlined in the Management Kit can easily be modified to suit the site and individual needs. Little or no biological knowledge is required to use the kit to develop a plan. The kit also contains background information on management guidelines, information on resources and contacts and additional recording sheets.

Value of the management kit

The processes outlined in the kit show that:

• conservation can complement existing and proposed land uses;
• a more complete picture of a site can result in a plan and layout that is in tune with the land. This can help with ongoing management; and
• thoughtful management can contribute to the recovery of grassy ecosystems.

Approach

This kit is designed for the assessment of grassy vegetation and habitat at all scales. As a result it is suitable for use by regional planning groups, Landcare groups and individual landholders or land managers. The focus is on implementing the best management practices to maximise the natural functioning of the remnant ecosystem.

Objectives of the management kit

1. Identify and document basic physical and biological information that will assist the landholder or land manager develop a management plan that conserves grassy ecosystems on their land.
2. Provide background that identifies management activities that will result in the conservation of grassy sites.
3. Identify useful resources and reference material.
4. Increase landholder knowledge about biodiversity and conservation management.

Management plan workbook

The workbook contains step-by-step activities that are used to develop a conservation management plan. They are designed to answer the following questions:

• What are the features of the site?
• What management aims are necessary to conserve grassy ecosystems on the site?
• What activities are likely to fulfil these aims?
• When will these activities occur?
• Have the management activities produced the expected results?