Published on Monday, 17 April 2023 at 3:38:45 PM
The Shire of Denmark and the Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee (WICC) are continuing to address the effects of illegal native vegetation clearing by continuing a revegetation program at several sites along the Wilson Inlet foreshore this year.
The collaboration will see 7440 native seedlings planted across eight sites in Autumn and Winter 2023, with community members to join in for the family friendly planting days.
This year’s revegetation program is a continuation of the effort which commenced in 2022, when more than 30 community volunteers of all ages got their hands dirty to dig in 7800 young plants.
Shire of Denmark Sustainability Officer Yvette Caruso said the ongoing revegetation collaboration is important for the health of the Wilson Inlet and is in-line with community priorities.
“These plantings are essential to not only maintain the visual amenity of the foreshore but also to minimise erosion and helping to mitigate excess nutrients from entering the inlet,” Ms Caruso said.
“The seed for these species was collected at or near the sites which are being revegetated and by using a variety of species, we can return the sites to their near natural state.”
The sites are being prepared for the revegetation program by a combination of hand weeding and targeted herbicide control to ensure the new native seedlings can outcompete weeds and establish well.
“WICC and its contractors are strategic in their application of herbicide near waterways,” WICC Executive Officer Shaun Ossinger said.
Native vegetation clearing on Shire tenure is prohibited under the Shire of Denmark Local Property Law and Wilson Inlet Foreshore Policy. Unlawful clearing of native vegetation carries a maximum penalty of $250,000 under the Environmental Protection Act (1986).
Community members interested in participating in community planting days or other revegetation activities should get in touch with Shire of Denmark Sustainability Officer Yvette Caruso on (08) 9848 0300 or enquiries@denmark.wa.gov.au
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